If the warm weather has got you yearning for open space, London parks have plenty to offer. Spread out across the capital, the Royal parks are absolute musts for relaxing in the summer and great for walks and sports during the rest of the year. Take a look at our pick of some of the top parks in London.

Central London Parks

St James’s Park
Located in the very centre of London, St James's Park is the perfect place for a lunchtime stroll if you work nearby. 23 hectares of greenery include Duck Island and The Mall, which is the setting for many historical and ceremonial events in the city.Green Park
A great place for picnics and sunbathing in the summer, Green Park lives up to its name with plenty of greenery and pleasant views. Although it is very close by to St James's Park, Green Park is very different in nature, being less formal and with more mature trees and grassland.Hyde Park
Possibly the most famous of all London parks outside the city, Hyde Park is home to several activities and events throughout the year. Now a hot spot for open air gigs, you can also go horse riding, play tennis, rugby or bowls, and there are several eateries located within it for when you get hungry.Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens are particularly popular for sunbathing and picnics in fine weather. The paths are also used extensively by joggers and runners. The park also houses the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground which is a fantastic adventure park.North London Parks

Regents Park
Another of the London parks which houses more formal gardens, Regents Park is the home to more than 30,000 roses of around 400 different varieties. Plenty of sports are available in the grounds, and the is also the open air theatre in the summer which draws in plenty of sun seeking theatre lovers.South London Parks

Richmond Park
The largest of the London parks and one of the prettiest, Richmond Park is a great spot for feeling like you've taken a trip to the countryside. Woodlands, hills, pastoral land, free roaming deer and the various groups of horse riders that trot through add to the feeling that you have stepped out of the bustle of the city.Bushy Park
Bushy Park is the location for the famous Princess Diana fountain, and also houses around 300 deer to add to the picturesque nature of the location. The park is also very nearby Hampton Court Palace, with beautiful views of the historic surrounds available virtually everywhere you look.Greenwich Park
Home to the Prime Meridian Line and the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park feels like it's right at the centre of London. Look down the hill for views of St Pauls and the Thames, or pop next door to the National Maritime Museum instead.London eventsOutdoor eating and drinking