London has over 35,000 acres of greenery which make it the third greenest city of its size in the world. From royal parks to recreational grounds to heaths and commons, there will always be space to throw down a blanket, have a picnic or drink Sangria on some of the city’s finest lawns.
HYDE PARK
Location: Hyde Park’s 350 acres stretch from Kensington to Mayfair. Underground stations are Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Queensway and Lancaster Gate.
Check it out… Rent a pedal boat and travel along the Serpentine – a beautiful lake created by Queen Caroline in 1728. It was one of the first artificial lakes in England designed to look natural and it divides Kensington Gardens from Hyde Park. Feeling peckish after your pedal? try a tasty wood fired pizza at the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen. And if the sun’s still out, rent a deck chair and sit overlooking the lake or take a dip at the Serpentine Lido.
Parkside property: Like the location? Manors (020 7486 5655, manors.co.uk) are marketing a rare first floor apartment in Hyde Park Square for £5,700,000. This 2,350 sq ft apartment is extremely bright and benefits from a lift, day porter and underground parking space.
REGENT’S PARK
Location: Regent’s Park’s outer circle stretches from Baker Street to Camden Town and covers 395 acres of lavish greenery. Nearest tube stations are Baker Street, Great Portland Street, Camden Town and St John’s Wood.
Al-Fresco-CS-article-2Check it out… The park itself was set out as hunting ground in the 16th century by King Henry VIII and in 1835 the east side opened to the public. Today is the largest grass area for sports in central London and covers a fantastic jogging route. It is known for a great number of attractions including The London Zoo, The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, a boating lake and lovely cafes.
Parkside Property: Like the location? Local estate agency Bargets (020 7402 9494, bargets.co.uk) are marketing a stunning five bedroom house on Cumberland Terrace for £7,500 a week.
Bargets Owner, Neil Stone says: “Not only does Regent’s Park have some of the most iconic architecture in the whole of London, living in one of the Nash Terraces means you have fantastic views and one of London’s biggest gardens on your doorstep. These classic homes are graceful and elegant and you are in close proximity to town”.
HAMPSTEAD HEATH
Location: Hampstead Heath stretches to Hampstead Garden Suburb in the north and Gospel Oak in the south. It’s surrounding tube stations include Hampstead and Golders Green.
Check it out… In contrast to many of London’s manicured parks, Hampstead Heath gives the impression of being in the countryside while in effect, only being six kilometres away from central London. It is rife with wildlife and of course famous for its ponds which are open to swimmers.
Parkside Property: Fancy a piece? Amberden Estates (020 7794 7794 amberden.co.uk) are marketing a stunning family house at £2,850 per week: “ Luxurious Victorian Homes circa 1890 with west facing gardens offer a pond life panorama with a cocktail for the senses,” says Jonathan Bergman, Owner of Amberden Estates.
PADDINGTON RECREATION GROUND:
Location: Adjacent to Maida Vale tube station lie 27 acres of recreational ground.
Check it out… Since 1860 Paddington Recreation Ground has provided a space for relaxation and sport. Today, the site boasts facilities including a running track, tennis courts, a gym and football and hockey pitches.
Parkside property: Local estate agent Goldschmidt & Howland (020 7289 6666, g-h.co.uk) is marketing a magnificent white stucco fronted property built in the 1800’s which backs directly on to the picturesque Randolph Gardens.
PRIMROSE HILL
Location: Picturesque Primrose Hill partly lies on Prince Albert Road which leads all the way to Camden Town.
Check it out… Famous for its panoramic views of London’s skyline, this former meadow where Primrose flowers once grew, has become a fixture of north west London.
Parkside property: Sandfords (020 7722 7997, sandfords.com) are marketing a lovely property on St James’s Terrace for £4,595,000: “The heart of Primrose Hill mainly consists of Victorian terraced houses but there are some hidden gems to be found including architecturally designed houses, artist’s studios and converted warehouses.”
KENWOOD HOUSE
Location: Situated between Hampstead Heath and Highgate, its impressive 112 acres attract visitors from far and wide.
Check it out… This impressive former stately home built in the 1700s has a stunning garden. When visiting the grounds, a cup of tea at the outdoor Brew House is an absolute must.Parkside property: Like the area? If the budget is on the larger scale, Glentree International (020 8458 7311, glentree.co.uk) are marketing Treetops, a stunning property for £28,500,000. Trevor Abrahmsohn of Glentree International says: “In the Kenwood area there is a wonderfully eclectic mix of architecture but, in the main, it tends to be a pastiche of the Georgian theme.”
