this is a long 2 1/2 acre rectangle of formal, daisy-spotted lawns subdivided with a regular…read morepattern of straight and circular paths. The gardens are within walking distance from Trafalgar Square towards the River Thames (via Northumberland Ave) or the Hungerford or Jubilee Bridges that cross the River Thames. It is just one of the gardens that form the Victoria Embankment Gardens, which were created in 1864 following Sir Joseph Bazalgette's embankment of the Thames. The building that faces the garden provides an architectural backdrop that transports you to the French countryside. This Grade-l listed building is reminiscent of a French Chateau Many people promenade alone or in pairs, or jog, or sit and relax. Neighboring the River Thames and Victoria Embankment Gardens, Whitehall Garden is yet another testimony to London's interesting and magnificent culture. It is the ideal place to relax and enjoy both the incredible monuments and the colorful, blooming flowers.

Stumbled upon this park/garden while roaming the streets of London. It was so beautiful. The flower…read morebeds were the most breathtaking views ever. I've never seen anything like this in the states. Most of the parks I've been to in the states are filled with playgrounds, sports field, hiking trails and just grass; no extravagant or vibrant flowers.

I love walking around in parks all over the world to see how other people enjoy their lovely days…read more This park is quite nice and super safe while walking around. I found a lot of ducks walking around and also beautiful scenery everywhere. The trees are so beautiful here and just walking around the area. Take some time here and just enjoy the scenery!

My absolute favorite park in London. We were visiting Buckingham Palace and arrived early enough to…read morespend a good amount of time wandering St. James Park. The park is easy to navigate around and has beautiful peaceful stops along the path. Although the park had a fair amount of people, it never felt crowded. Just be aware that since the spot is so close to Buckingham Palace there are quite a large number of tourist, myself included, checking out this location. There are tons of spots to sit and rest, either on the plentiful benches or throughout the grass area. The nature throughout the entire park from the birds to the trees to the blooming flowers made you feel like you were in your own little sanctuary nestled in the heart of such a huge city. Londons parks are the perfect place to take a break throughout the day and St James Park is one of the best.

Lincolns Inn Fields is a square that stands between the LSE campus and the Law Chambers. It is…read morequite a large square with benches along the outside path. Half of the square is taken up by a large lawn. In the middle there is some sort of band stand and on the other side there are tennis/netball courts. Additionally, there is an old drinking fountain in the far corner, beside the law courts, that no longer seems to work. It doesn't feel as well-kept as some of the areas other squares and consequently isn't my favourite. Still it is a pleasant enough space. When the weather is good, particularly during spring, it is busy with office workers on lunch and LSE students taking a break, playing Frisbee and sitting on the grass. If you work in the area, or have gotten some takeaway lunch from Holborn or Kingsway Lincolns Inn Fields is a pleasant place to stop.

Great place to relax after visiting Sir John Soane's Museum. The day I was there, a Sunday in Oct,…read moreI was one of only about five people inn the whole park. Of course the Museum is closed on Sunday and Monday but finding the park made up for the journey to Holborn. I had been in the area a few times and never discovered the park before. My next visit to London, I plan on making sure the museum is open and then a takeaway lunch in Lincoln's Inn Fields.

Well, this park and garden is sublime…read more And I would know as I am an expert in outdoor parks in and around Old Street/Barbican/Islington. Why? Because I have a toddler in London, which means I have a toddler in a small flat, which means we MUST get outside or everyone goes crazy. So on this particularly lovely Saturday morning we walked to Kings Square Gardens on our babysitter's recommendation. She has a tendency to exaggerate so I wasn't expecting it to be so great, but it is. When you don't have kids you probably think all parks look the same. I did. Now I don't. There are some parks that standout and some parks that basically suck, and Kings Square is a GEM. First of all -- water and sand. This combination can keep a small person busy for like 15 hours without much else. I blissed out catching some rays as my little guy trounced back and forth back and forth back and forth back and forth between 2 fountains. He was in absolute heaven. Throw in a few curbs and a HUGE sand pit, and wow -- all set. But it gets better -- a great slide built into the side of a hill. Why is this great? Because you don't need to worry about the small kids and a ladder or about them falling off the sides of the slide. This was an activity on repeat for about an hour as well. Genius. Beyond that it's super well cared for, very clean and nice people go here. Police rode through on some horses and waved at the kids. Dogs are welcome and visible from the kid area, but in their own area so things don't get weird. It's green and lush with beautiful trees and grounds. It's peaceful and the kids love it. We shall be regulars, very happy to have found it and I hope it helps someone else along the way as well! People, we need more park reviews! Park features (from the Islington.gov website): play space, large sand pit, climbing frames, swings, slide, play huts, roundabout, grass mound with water pumps, children's toilets, interactive water play feature, bog garden, pergola, planting beds and seating AND mature trees.

This park doesn't fitness area. However, it is amazing and suitable for kids and pets.read more

We had some time to kill before our visit to the British Museum, so we went to the nearby Russell…read moreSquare Gardens. Russell Square Gardens is a 2.5 hectare park with a central plaza and water fountain, and plenty of seating. It's a lovely park to take a stroll, people watch, or sit and read a book. However, I didn't notice any washrooms -- maybe I missed them -- but fortunately the cafe in the park, Caffè Tropea, had a washroom we could use. [Yelp collections: Europe 2024; London, England; Parks and Gardens]

I was walking with friends on the way to The British Museum when we cut through the most lovely…read morelittle park. It was lush and green, with lots of areas to sit and enjoy the view. It's small, but lively. Lots of people and dogs, and it seems like a happy place. It's also surrounded by some seriously attractive buildings. I wasn't able to stay long (plus it wasn't particularly warm the day I passed through) but I'd recommend it for those who have the time.

This place is like The Secret Garden!…read more Considering its opening hours are absurdly limited to weekday middays, it's no wonder it's been very nearly deserted on the few occasions I've popped by. That said, it makes for an absolutely brilliant spot to have a quiet outdoor lunch when the weather's cooperative! I'm admittedly a bit loathe to share about this enormous green hideaway, as the peaceful factor is one of the main draws for me. That said, it's honestly just too cool not to brag about. And its convenient location right off Holborn is ideal for mid-work lunch dates, given the number of offices and great takeaways right around there.

Gray's Inn Fields is a little more popular as far as the green spaces around the Inns of Court go,…read morebut I can't really see why, other than owing to its street exposure. I should think this feature would be a blemish on its appeal but apparently I'm wrong. Admittedly it's quite generous in size, and a peaceful space can be found in the end towards Holborn. I don't head out here intentionally, though.

Nice park in Soho that is great for people watching and talking with a friend. You have to be…read moremindful of the pigeons flying low. Treat yourself!

"If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life." - The Importance of Being Earnest…read moreby Oscar Wilde Soho Square is in the heart of SOHO, Westminster, UK. There's really not much here, well err, unless you're an Anglophile and knee deep with the royals. I mean you can hang around King Charles II all day here, or I should say his likeliness in a very old statue that dates to circa 1680. Frankly, I don't know much about Charles except for the fact that he would be a fashion geek in today's world, but again we're talking 1600's fashionista, so I guess his threads and locks has lady's man written all over it. Lady Gilbert restored old Charles and placed it in the square. In fact, I found Lady Gilbert a tad bit more interesting than King Charles II. I mean she did save the old statue and placed it on a small island, on her private lake, for safe keeping. And in her dying will, she made sure Charles was placed back to Soho Square, where he stands proudly today. Smirking at all the Brits and tourists that come flocking to the square to find not much but a very old statue of King Charles II. If you're a history romantic, like I am, I guess you'll enjoy the ambiance. Finally, Between 1778 and 1801 the Square was home to the infamous White House brothel at the Manor House, 21 Soho Square. And that's what it's all about! Ta!

We were walking along the Thames and made a stop off here to get a respite from the heat…read more Beautifully landscaped, lovely flowers and lot of shade. Thank you!a

Beautiful, peaceful, and well maintained. A lovely spotTi relax & take in some nature. A certain…read moremust see & stop when in the area.

Lovely beautiful open space to take a break after a hectic day at the British museum or walking…read morearound Bloomsbury admiring the gorgeous old buildings. There are no kids playgrounds or activities at this park, it's just a nice wide huge open space to stretch your legs and take a few deep breaths. In the afternoons. It's difficult to find a seat, given the number of people who head here to eat their lunch. But evenings are much easier to find a seat. Grab a coffee from Cordon Bleu Cafe or the London Review cafe and settle in with a book.

Pretty urban gardens in the middle of Bloomsbury, surrounded by handsome 18th/19th century…read morebuildings. They are a nice spot to relax after an exhausting visit to the British Museum or to sit and enjoy the weather (if nice!) after work! It has a small central square, lots of benches to seat, a play area for children and a flower garden.

Beautiful playground in London. We came on a weekend on Father's day, so it was a madhouse. I would…read morelove to come check this playground out again when it's not on a holiday weekend. My kids loved the sandpit, mini wooden houses, and pirate ship. Would recommend!

Staying near this playground was the best decision we made in our trip to London! Our 5 year old…read moreloved it and wanted to go every day. He loved the pirate ship, and the many nooks to hide and explore. We loved that the gate is attended and kids can't leave without a parent, so we were very comfortable letting our kid go wherever he wanted out of eyeshot within the playground. There are clean bathrooms and a snack bar. If you have a kid in the 3-8 range this is the best place to bring them in Kensington Gardens.