19 August 2008

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London's amazing parks

According to William Pitt the parks are the lungs of London; not the most romantic of images admittedly but these verdant expanses are some of London's most treasured possessions. What's more these treasures belong to all of us, and happily there is much to enjoy with lots of events and activities specially scheduled providing an inexpensive and easily accessible source of entertainment for everyone. For full Events in the Park listings click here.

Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital. A simple walk or a picnic in the park; sport; top quality entertainment; community and education projects - all waiting for you. And if it's history and architecture you're after, the Parks have hundreds of buildings, statues, and memorials, giving a fascinating insight into London's heritage.

The Green Park covers 16 hectares and with St James's Park and Hyde Park, forms a chain of open spaces which add so much to life in the capital.

Hyde Park is one of London's finest landscapes and covers 140 hectares (350 acres). Hyde Park provides facilities for many different leisure activities and sports as well as being the focal point for public events of all sizes. There are lots of activities including Park Animal Model Making, Top Hat and Bonnet Making, a Minibeast Safari and Pond Dipping.

St James's Park with its royal, political and literary associations, is at the very heart of London. Bands give concerts twice a day at weekends during the summer. The oldest of the Royal Parks it is surrounded by three palaces. The most ancient is Westminster, which has now become the Houses of Parliament, St James's Palace and of course, the best known, Buckingham Palace. Take a tour of Horse Guards Parade Ground or enjoy a summer programme of Brass, Concert and Military bands.

Kensington Gardens covers 275 acres and is a perfect setting for Kensington Palace. The peace of the Italian Gardens within this park is in sharp contrast to the openess and activity of Hyde Park a short walk away. Find Neverland on a picnic with Peter Pan and friends, find out what's rustling in the bushes on a Nocturnal Ramble or enjoy some of the inspired theatre productions by Gingercat Productions.

Greenwich Park is the oldest enclosed Royal Park. Greenwich Park is situated on a hilltop with impressive views across the River Thames to Docklands and the City of London, between Blackheath and the River Thames. Take a stroll round the park on a Sunday and listen to amongst others the Invicta Concert Band , or the Tilbury Band or the home grown talent of the Greenwich Concert Band.

The Regent's Park is John Nash's masterpiece. Known as the 'jewel in the crown' it is known and loved by thousands of people who flock to the 487 acres which include Primrose Hill.

The Children's Zoo at Battersea Park has recently been refurbished and now includes amongst its highlights a Mouse House, Meerkat Madness and Monkey Mayhem.

Coram's Fields in Guildford Street is only seven acres but includes an under-fives play area, an animal enclosure with goats, sheep and a pig, a paddling pool, playground equipment and café. If you're a grown-up don't try and come in on your own as adults are only admitted if accompanied by a child, and no dogs are allowed.

London holds many secrets and one of its most beautiful is the Chelsea Physic Garden although primarily dedicated to research and education, it is deeply interesting for anyone interested in horticulture.

Clapham Common has 220 acres of green expanse. It is one of the most popular areas for kite flyers, joggers and children alike. The Natural History Museum is not the only place you'll find a dinosaur, the Crystal Palace Park has at its lower end a collection of Dinosaurs, as well as a boating lake, dry ski slope and maze.

Hampstead Heath has much to offer but WO4K has to say that the website is not very helpful with all the events listings being hidden away in downloadable PDF files.

Holland Park is the largest of Kensington and Chelsea's parks and has a variety of facilities including an ecology centre, woodlands and children's play areas.

A truly enjoyable experience at any time of year is a walk through Highgate Woods it's hard to believe that you are right in the middle of North London as you walk through this 70 acre area of ancient woodland.

Did you know there's a country house and estate in the heart of London? Syon House is the Duke of Northumberland's London home, view the magnificent State and Private Apartments and enjoy the spectacular Great Conservatory and 40 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped gardens. The children will enjoy the miniature railway which is in operation each Sunday.

Bushy Park is the second largest of the Royal Parks covering 1,099 acres, with the famous Diana Fountain forming the centrepiece to the equally famous Chestnut Avenue. Summer events include Teddy Bears Picnics and more from the Gingercat Production Company.

Located in the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Brompton Cemetery is the only Crown Cemetery. A haven for wildlife including birds, butterflies, foxes and squirrels who will watch the visitors as they take one of the many guided tours around the cemetery.

Richmond Park gained its name during the reign of Henry VII and provided sanctuary to Charles 1 as he fled the Plague in 1625. as well as playing host to some wonderful wildlife Ariane Hadjilias will tell of legends, myths and sagas, and Splats Circus Workshop gives the children the chance to learn how to plate spin, juggle, balance a feather on their nose or any number of other amazing circus tricks

Osterley Park is one of London's hidden gems. A fine Tudor house transformed into a neo-classical villa in the 18th century by Robert Adam, it is at the heart of a fine estate of woods, lakes and fields.

Queens Park provides a welcome vista of green in a densely populated part of London. A quiet spot just a stone's throw from Kilburn there is a children's playground, pitch and putt course and tennis courts.

Victoria Park, managed by Tower Hamlets Borough Council, is a The East End's loveliest formal park, with a proper lake and a paddling pool for the Summer and deer in enclosures. To the North is increasingly trendy Hackney, complete with galleries and gastro-pubs and to the South is impoverished but diverse Tower Hamlets.

Sydney Waterlow, the former owner of Waterlow Park, dedicated this area as a 'garden for the gardenless'. On its steep slopes are rose gardens, expanses of water and splendid trees. Other features include tennis courts and a dog-free play area for the under-fives. A garden cafe has been created in the 16th century Lauderdale House on Highgate Hill.

Wimbledon Common: Wombles yes, but Windmills? The huge rambling expanse of Wimbledon Common plays host to the Windmill Museum where children can take turns at milling. Not all the events have been confirmed but put a date in your diary for The Pete Guest Memorial Bat Walk. And Parnham's Funfair at Putney Heath.

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