The Local’s Guide To
Green Park
Living In Green Park
- Royal Proximity
- Open Meadows
- Historic Charm
- Leisure Strolls
- Peaceful Retreat
- Iconic Setting
Green Park, one of London’s smallest Royal Parks, spans just over 40 acres (19 hectares) between Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly. Enclosed in the 17th century by King Charles II, the park was originally called Upper St James’s Park and served as a hunting and leisure ground for the monarchy.
In 1746, it was renamed Green Park. A popular legend says Queen Catherine ordered the removal of all flowers after discovering her husband had picked some for another woman. To this day, the park retains its naturalistic simplicity without formal flowerbeds, making it unique among London’s central parks. Before its royal enclosure, the site was used as a burial ground for lepers from nearby St James’s Hospital.
Design & Layout
Naturalistic Character
Green Park is entirely lawn and mature trees, with no lakes, formal gardens, or buildings, offering an understated, tranquil escape.
Monuments
- Canada Memorial – commemorating Canadian service personnel.
- Diana of the Treetops Fountain – a graceful bronze sculpture.
- RAF Bomber Command Memorial – honoring WWII aircrews.
- Queen’s Meadow – a wildflower area introduced in 2016 to support biodiversity.
Connections
The park forms a green link between St James’s Park and Hyde Park, with The Mall and Constitution Hill bordering it.
Attractions & Amenities
Walking & Cycling
Located on the northern edge, it’s the world-renowned Zoological Society’s home.
Royal Proximity
This charming 1,300-seat theatre in Queen Mary’s Gardens hosts an 18-week season and attracts over 140,000 visitors annually. Esteemed actors like Judi Dench (now its patron), Benedict Cumberbatch, and Vivien Leigh have graced its stage.
Wildlife
Supports a range of bird species and urban wildlife, particularly in the meadow areas.
Recent & Upcoming Highlights
Queen’s Meadow Expansion
Seasonal planting and ongoing biodiversity projects aim to increase pollinator habitats while maintaining the park’s minimalist design.
Becoming A LocalOwning In Green Park
Hyde Park spans over 350 acres and is one of London’s most iconic and historically rich green spaces. Originally established in the 17th century by King Henry VIII as a royal hunting ground, it now stands as a vibrant public park welcoming millions of visitors each year. The park is anchored by the serene Serpentine lake, where visitors can rent paddleboats, dine at the lakeside Lido Café, or simply relax on the grassy banks. Its open lawns and tree-lined paths offer a peaceful escape from the city while still being surrounded by some of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods like Mayfair, Knightsbridge, and Kensington. Cultural landmarks such as the Diana Memorial Fountain, the Holocaust Memorial Gardens, and Apsley House—the home of the Duke of Wellington—add historical depth to the natural setting. Events like British Summer Time concerts, open-air film screenings, and the extravagant Winter Wonderland transform Hyde Park into a seasonal destination for locals and tourists alike, enhancing its reputation as one of London’s most dynamic urban oases.
Life around Hyde Park offers a compelling blend of leisure, culture, and activity that appeals to anyone seeking green serenity within a cosmopolitan city. Fitness enthusiasts take advantage of its wide perimeter for jogging, cycling, and horse riding along the historic Rotten Row bridle path, while others enjoy yoga classes, guided walks, or impromptu picnics. The Serpentine Galleries—located within the park—showcase contemporary art in a tranquil setting, drawing international acclaim. At Speakers’ Corner, near Marble Arch, you’ll encounter a tradition of open public debate that has existed since the 1800s, highlighting Hyde Park’s role in civic engagement. Its close proximity to world-class shopping along Oxford Street, cultural venues like the Royal Albert Hall, and refined dining options around Park Lane makes the area ideal for exploration. Whether you're taking in the beauty of spring blooms, attending a major live event, or simply sipping coffee in the shade, Hyde Park offers an unmatched variety of experiences year-round. This harmony of history, nature, and urban energy makes it a centerpiece of London living.
LEARNING LONDON
