Best Parks in London with Unique Features and Attractions

Summer has a different flavour in London when you swap the crowded pavements for a patch of green. Sure, everyone knows about Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, but there’s much more hiding in the city’s green spaces than just grass and benches.

Ever wandered through Crystal Palace Park and found yourself face-to-face with a life-sized Victorian dinosaur? The park’s dinosaur sculptures might look a bit odd, but they’ve been here since 1854 and make for a fun, slightly bizarre photo op. If you’re heading out with family or friends, don’t forget to pack a picnic or grab something from Brown & Green Café right nearby. Thames-side parks like Bishop’s Park offer riverside views and a rose garden that beats any supermarket bouquet—and you might even spot a game of Sunday league football going on.

Want some fresh air without feeling like you’ve left Zone 2? Head to Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf. It’s part park, part greenhouse, and totally free. The covered rooftop garden has plants from across the world, tucked away above the city’s hustle. Bring a coffee, grab a bench, and just watch the world go by—it beats fighting for WiFi in a café any day.

• Hidden Wonders and Historical Oddities
• Family Playgrounds and Outdoor Adventures
• Green Spaces with Artistic Flair
• Wildlife and Nature Up Close
• Tips for Making the Most of London’s Parks

Hidden Wonders and Historical Oddities

London’s green spaces have tucked-away surprises that make you do a double take. Crystal Palace Park is a perfect place to start. The life-sized dinosaur models there have confused and entertained since Victorian times. These sculptures aren’t just for fun—they’re Grade I listed, which makes them as protected as Big Ben. The dinosaurs look quirky because they’re not actually accurate. Back in the 1850s, scientists were still figuring things out, so some of these ancient creatures ended up with a few extra toes or a crocodile-ish grin.

Regent’s Park hides Queen Mary’s Gardens, where you’ll find more than 12,000 rose bushes and some truly odd flower combinations you won’t spot in a supermarket bouquet. Fans of hidden history should cut through to the old York Bridge, where the original ironwork from 1826 is still standing. Looking for something stranger? The park also sits above hidden air raid tunnels from WWII, not marked on the maps, but you can sometimes spot ventilation shafts poking up from under the rhododendrons.

Sneak over to Postman’s Park in the Square Mile, a real pocket-sized spot with a touching twist. It’s famous for its Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, with tile plaques remembering everyday Londoners who died saving others. It’s quietly beautiful, especially if you need a breather from the office rush. And if you like stats, the park features 54 different tablets, each with a unique story, dating back as far as 1900.

Here’s a quick roundup of these spots and what makes them stand out:

It’s easy to stroll through London parks and overlook these quirks. Next time you visit, slow down and poke around corners you’d normally walk past. The chance to stumble onto a forgotten bit of history is what sets these parks apart from any old patch of grass.

Family Playgrounds and Outdoor Adventures

If you’re trying to keep the kids entertained in London parks, you’re spoiled for choice. These spaces aren’t just about slides and swings; they pack proper adventure. Start with the Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens—a total classic. The huge pirate ship in the centre is legendary and there are teepees, sandpits, and splash zones. It’s gated and secure, which is a real lifesaver if you’ve got little ones who dart off.

Over in Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill Playground lets kids climb, run, and scramble. Once they burn off their energy, brave parents can hike up Parliament Hill for one of the best skyline views. On weekends, ice-cream vans reliably appear just outside the entrance. If you’re up for something wetter, try the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park. It’s open for family swimming from May to September, and they keep the paddling pool tidy and supervised. For skate fans, Victoria Park in the East End has a proper concrete skatepark where you’ll see talent ranging from brave beginners to pros pulling tricks.

Adventure playgrounds in London are often free or supported by donations, but some small charges or pre-booking may apply, especially at busy times. Here’s a quick rundown of popular parks and what they offer for families:

Before heading out, check the local council website for any changes—some playgrounds close for maintenance, and outdoor pools have set timetables. It’s always a good call to pack sunscreen, as there isn’t always much shade, and bring a change of clothes if water is involved. Food trucks are often parked at big parks on weekends, but a picnic means you don’t have to queue, especially if your kids are suddenly starving after an hour of running around.

Green Spaces with Artistic Flair

If you think parks are just grass and trees, wait until you check out the ones around London that double as open-air galleries. Some green spaces go out of their way to show off local art, making any stroll way more interesting. Hampstead Heath has the Hill Garden and Pergola—a spot that feels like walking through a faded movie set, with old columns and overgrown vines. It’s very popular for engagement shoots, but also just fun to wander.

For something punchier, check out the unique parks London is famous for, like the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. It’s packed with huge sculptures and installations, including the ArcelorMittal Orbit, which you can actually slide down if you’re feeling brave. There are also regular pop-up art shows and light displays—so it’s not just a place for joggers and cyclists.

Another favourite is Battersea Park, especially if you’re into quirky statues. The Peace Pagoda stands out for its golden Buddhas and is a peaceful spot if you want a breather with a view of the Thames. There’s even a children’s zoo and often public art dotted around the paths, so you’re always spotting something new.

If you’re after free art outdoors, Regent’s Park’s Frieze Sculpture is worth putting in your calendar. Every autumn, the park hosts a series of bold, modern sculptures for a month or so. You don’t need a ticket or even an arty mindset—just turn up and wander around the lawns. Look out for artists’ names you’d normally only see on gallery walls.

Next time you want to take in some culture but don’t fancy queuing up at a museum, try one of these parks. Bring your camera, and keep your eyes peeled—the art sometimes hides in plain sight.

Wildlife and Nature Up Close

It’s easy to forget just how wild parts of London’s parks really are. Richmond Park is tops when it comes to real wildlife experiences in the city. Over 600 red and fallow deer roam free, and you’ll spot them year-round. You don’t need a zoom lens to get a good look, but don’t try to get too close—keep at least 50 metres away, especially during rutting season, which runs September to November. City of London guides say,

“The deer are integral to the character of Richmond Park and offer a rare chance to see large, free-roaming animals so close to London.”

For bird lovers, Walthamstow Wetlands is where you’ll want to head. It’s Europe’s largest urban wetlands and home to over 200 species, from little egrets to cormorants, and lots of breeding wildfowl. There’s a simple rule here: bring binoculars, or you’ll wish you had. Entry is free, and there’s often a birdwatching event or talk on weekends if you fancy learning tips from regulars. BirdLife International even listed it as a key urban spot for wildlife watching.

Even much smaller green spaces get in on the action. Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden is known for friendly squirrels and colourful koi in its little pond. Clissold Park in Stoke Newington has goats and deer in its mini city farm, and it’s a hit with parents looking for safe, pushchair-friendly paths and a chance for kids to feed the animals (buy feed from the café, it’s safer for the animals).

• London parks with water features are a magnet for ducks and swans—try feeding them oats or peas rather than bread, which is bad for birds.
• Richmond, Bushy, and Greenwich Parks are the best bets for deer sightings any time of year.
• If you want insects and butterflies, head to Hampstead Heath’s meadows in July and August, or check out wildflower patches at Wormwood Scrubs.

Here’s a quick look at where and what you’ll find in some top wildlife-friendly parks:

Most parks have info boards about the wildlife you might spot, or you can check updates on their websites for nature walks and guided tours. Bring snacks, but skip the bread if you’re feeding ducks—try sweetcorn or defrosted peas instead. You’ll help keep the parks’ wildlife healthy and coming back for more.

Tips for Making the Most of London’s Parks

London’s green spaces are always full of surprises, but getting the best out of them comes down to a few insider tricks. Even if you’ve lived in the city forever, there’s a good chance you’ve missed something cool hiding in plain sight. Here’s how you can make your next visit count.

• Pick the right time: Parks like Hampstead Heath get packed on sunny afternoons. Try going early in the morning on weekdays; you’ll have the woodlands, ponds, and city skyline all to yourself.
• Check park events: Many spots run pop-up cinema nights, outdoor theatre, yoga, or even street food markets. For example, Regent’s Park hosts the Open Air Theatre every summer—just bring a jumper, the British weather can flip fast.
• Don’t stick to the main paths: Wander off. Even in Hyde Park, there are quiet corners, hidden statues, and even the Serpentine’s quirky Peter Pan statue waiting to be found.
• Stay prepared for British weather: Bring a waterproof, even on a hot day. The microclimate can surprise you, especially in bigger parks like Richmond Park or Greenwich Park.
• Use local apps: Citymapper and TFL Go are lifesavers for planning your park route, finding toilets, playgrounds, or the nearest ice cream van.
• Bring reusable gear: Most parks have recycling bins, but bringing your own water bottle and a tote bag cuts back on waste—plus, it’s just easier.

If you’re into bird-watching or just want to spot something new, places like Walthamstow Wetlands or London Wetland Centre have guided walks and binocular hire, so you can look like you know what you’re doing even if you’re a beginner.

"London’s parks are more than just green lungs—they’re where city life slows down and unexpected adventures happen," says Mark Rowe, urban nature writer for Time Out London.

Got kids? Make the most of playgrounds like the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, but get there early—it’s a magnet for families on sunny days. And if you’re planning a barbecue (yep, several Southwark parks allow them in designated spots), always check each park’s official rules on open fires first. Nothing ruins a Sunday picnic like an awkward word with a park ranger.

For runners and cyclists, Richmond Park’s 7-mile loop is a classic, but don’t forget Epping Forest’s twisty trails if you want a wilder route. Remember: always respect the wildlife. Those deer at Richmond have zero chill with noisy selfie squads.

There are endless things to discover if you poke around enough—even if it’s just a lunch break away from the office. Next time you’re searching for London parks with a bit of edge, don’t ignore the small local ones tucked between tube stops. You might stumble on your new favourite spot.