Visiting the Royal Parks of London

Once you've arrived at your accommodation in your Gatwick airport taxi, you'll probably want to get right out and explore this fantastic city. London can be quite overwhelming at times, but it counters that with a host of wonderful green spaces in which you can get some respite.

Believe it or not, there are eight royal parks in Central London – and many of these tranquil spaces will be just a stone’s throw away from where you’re staying. Your Gatwick airport taxi driver will be a great source of information, so get him or her to point out some as you pass by.

Here are some of the largest and most popular Royal Parks of London.

Kensington Gardens

All the royal parks are quite beautiful, but Kensington Gardens is a favourite of many, and is in a class of its own. Encompassing 100 hectares, and designed with formal tree walks and ornamental flowerbeds, it is the site of Kensington Palace, the Diana Memorial Playground with its Peter Pan theme, the Italian Gardens, the stunning Albert Memorial, and the famous Serpentine Gallery.

Regent’s Park

The London Zoo, the Open Air Theatre, a boating lake and the city’s largest outdoor sports area with facilities for football, softball, rugby and cricket are just some of the features that make Regent’s Park one of the most highly visited royal parks in London. You'll almost certainly pass by this on the way to your accommodation in your Gatwick airport taxi. Another of its distinctive attractions is Primrose Hill, and this is a wonderful place to enjoy a panoramic view of the city at sunset.

Hyde Park

Considered one of the greatest city parks in the world, this 142-hectare paradise has at least 4000 trees, countless flower gardens, a lake, a meadow and one of the most amazing winter displays, if you visit between November to January. Among the different activities that can be enjoyed here are swimming, boating, cycling, skating, tennis and horseback riding. You can also enjoy the delights of the famous Speaker’s Corner if you keep an open mind!

Greenwich Park

The oldest enclosed Royal Park and part of the Greenwich World Heritage Site, this is home to a small herd of deer. Located on top of a hill, you’ll be able to take in sweeping views across London and down along Thames.

These are just some of the larger of the royal parks in London – there are also plenty more to choose from. Ask your Gatwick airport taxi driver for a personal recommendation and try to enjoy as many of them as possible during your stay.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for a Gatwick airport taxi, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.