London has a lot to offer visitors, thanks to its wide variety of attractions which draw people from all over the world. People staying in 5 star hotels in London can sample world-famous attractions including the Tower of London, Madame Tussauds, and the British Museum and even get into Buckingham Palace, depending on the time of the year.
However, the capital has a lot else to offer visitors who do not have to sacrifice fresh air, nature and wildlife just because they are in one of the greatest concrete jungles in the world. London’s open spaces, including parks and gardens, make the city one of the greenest capitals around, according to Visit London, which states that there are more than 3,000 such places in the city.
These areas are just as exciting as their more famous counterparts and some little gems can be discovered in them. For example, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain can be seen in Hyde Park, which is one of London’s best-loved parks. Easily accessible thanks to its central location, the park has more than 4,000 trees, a lake, a meadow and rose gardens that allow people to relax, enjoy strolls or sunbathe in the summer.
London hotel guests can enjoy theatre and comedy under the stars in Regents Park, which lines up a treat for visitors every summer. The park’s open air theatre normally hosts a season of Shakespeare, comedy, drama and musicals during the warm months, which are particularly ideal for people to revel in its lush green trees. As well as having eye-catching rose gardens, the park has the largest outdoor sports area in London and wildlife including waterfowl and other bird species can be spotted here too.
London’s first public park, Victoria Park, is also worth checking out while staying in 5 star hotels in London. Some of the capital’s biggest events are normally staged at the park, which boasts a number of interesting features such as a pedestrian alcove that can be traced back to the old London Bridge, which was demolished in 1831. Annual events and festivals staged here include Lovebox Weekender and Field Day Festival, as well as outdoor theatre. The park’s canals, ponds, pavilion and sports amenities also make it particularly worth visiting.
Magnificent views of London can be found on Hampstead Heath which, apart from being one of the best places in the city to watch the sunset, has its own claim to fame. The 2006 film Scenes of a Sexual Nature starring Adrian Lester and Ewan McGregor was shot on Hampstead Heath, while Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts also used the park in 1999′s Notting Hill. The heath is particularly suited to supporting kiting and is also the perfect spot for romantic walks or a picnic in the summer.
A visit to Greenwich Park can also be rewarding for those staying in London hotels as the park, which features three cafes, a bandstand and a children’s playground, is located near some notable attractions. As well as having the opportunity to spot fallow and red deer that live in the park, visitors can enjoy arresting views of the city from the Royal Observatory. Commissioned in 1675, the Royal Observatory is renowned as the location of the prime meridian and played a significant role in shaping the history of astronomy and navigation. There is now a museum at the site, which is part of the National Maritime Museum.
Greenwich Park is also the place to relax after checking out nearby attractions including Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where romantic baroque architecture can be seen, the Cutty Sark, which is the only surviving extreme clipper in the world and dates back to 1869 and the former Millennium Dome, now known as the O2 Arena. Firepower – The Royal Artillery Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of tanks, cannons and armoury, and Greenwich Market, which runs from Thursday to Sunday, can also be found here.
Although not centrally located, Richmond Park is the largest of the Royal Parks in London and spans more than 2,000 acres, which have a number of rewarding treats for visitors. Those who make their way to this beautiful area will have an opportunity to spot free roaming deer, which number around 650. The park also boasts breath-taking views of the capital depending on where you are standing, with the world-famous St Paul’s Cathedral visible from King Henry’s Mound. Hotel guests can also get sporty in the park by making use of its cycle paths, riding stables, golf courses and power kiting facilities.
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post.
Photo Credits: Ducks by LindaH
