London's one of the greenest capitals in the world. As well as the famous Royal Parks, there are lots of other large London parks where you can lose yourself and get closer to nature.
Kew Gardens
No horticulturalist will want to miss the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, ranked among London's four World Heritage Sites and a former Royal residence. The gardens grow more than 30,000 different types of plants from all over the world, including banana, coffee, breadfruit and paw-paw plants. You can also visit Kew Palace, former home of George III and his family.
Alexandra Palace Park
On a steep hillside in North London, the air doesn't get much fresher than at Alexandra Palace Park! It covers nearly 200 acres of parkland and the views across London are stunning.
Discover the peace and tranquillity of the conservation area - a diverse habitat of wooded parkland, wild scrubland, a pond and meadow. For the energetic amongst you, there's a wide selection of activities including a pitch and putt course, an ice-rink, a boating lake, a children's fun park, an animal park, a skate park and walking trails throughout the parkland.
Battersea Park
On the banks of the Thames, Battersea Park is home to Battersea Children's Zoo, the Japanese Peace Pagoda and 1km (1,100 yards) of riverside vistas. The summer boating lake is also a haven for birds and wildlife. As well as working up a sweat over the tennis courts, bowling green and athletics track you can indulge your creative side with an exhibition at the Pump House Gallery. In the summer, it plays host to many community events and charity races.
Painshill Park
The vision of the Honourable Charles Hamilton, Painshill Park was constructed as an 18th-century pleasure garden full of living pictures.
Near Cobham in Surrey, the 160-acre park has been beautifully restored to its 18th-century glory, with breathtaking buildings and landscapes. Make the trip there to see the Gothic Tower, Temple of Bacchus, Grotto and Gothic Temple. Events take place throughout the year including the dramatic re-enactment of the Battle of Painshill. A picnic area, restaurant and gift shop are also available.
Hampton Court Palace
The gardens at Hampton Court Palace form part of Royal gardening history. Cardinal Wolsey created the first garden in the late 15th century, but much of the layout we see today dates from the time of Henry VIII.
Visit the Lower Orangery for a glimpse of the oldest known vine in the world, still producing grapes each year, and wander around the restored Privy Garden of King William III. And, of course, a visit to Hampton Court wouldn't be complete without getting lost in the maze!
Syon Park
This 200-acre park on the north bank of the river Thames has something for all ages. Syon Park has 40 acres of gardens to explore, landscaped by "Capability" Brown in the mid-18th century. You'll find a renowned collection of rare plants and trees, a lakeside walk and the spectacular Great Conservatory. Built in the 1820s, it is thought to be one of the earliest of its kind in the country.
The park contains a garden centre, an aquatic centre - where endangered species of amphibians and mammals splash around in re-created habitats - and a children's indoor playground.
Thames Barrier Park
These 22 acres of parkland in the borough of Newham were designed following an international competition. Described as a "garden for the 21st century", the Thames Barrier Park offers views of the Thames Barrier and beyond.
As the park is on the banks of the Thames, you can see a great number of river birds here, particularly in winter. Grey herons feed along the shore and teal and shelduck are common sights, as well as the ubiquitous mallards and cormorants.
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