Green spaces in London, a short walk from Victoria
Did you know that nearly 20% of London is green space? If you’re looking for some nature within the city, here’s a few of our favourite green spaces in London, all within walking distance of Victoria. Grab a coffee from Notes, a smoothie from Joe & The Juice, or pack an M&S picnic and enjoy the parks.
The Garden, Cardinal Place
Our very own rooftop space, The Garden, is located right in the heart of Victoria. You can find it upstairs in Cardinal Place, just a stone’s throw from the Cardinal Place Underground exit. With seating, Wi-Fi, sheltered huts, and a variety of seasonal plants and flowers, this little escape from the bustle of the city is perfect for a moment of peace.
Accessible by lift and escalator, with baby changing and accessible facilities just downstairs in Cardinal Place, the whole family can enjoy an afternoon in the sun. The Garden is open 7 days a week and it’s free to access. During the summer months, it also plays host to our live Wimbledon screenings, with deck chairs and sun loungers provided for free so our visitors can sit back and watch the action.
Why not grab some nibbles from M&S and settle in for a picnic in the fresh air? Or you can grab a bite to eat at Wagamama or Five Guys for some al fresco dining in their outdoor seating areas.
St James’s Park
10-minute walk
One of London’s Royal Parks, St James’s Park has been home to royal weddings, jubilees, and military parades over the years. And it’s the perfect place to bring the family to stretch those legs and burn off some energy!
There’s a gated playground featuring a sandpit and stone boulders for the little ones, and a climbing wall for the older kids. So there’s plenty to keep them occupied. You can even see the six resident pelicans being fed fresh fish daily between 2:30pm and 3pm – they’ve been living at the park since a Russian ambassador presented them to King Charles II in 1664.
Take advantage of sunny days this summer and pack up a picnic to enjoy in the grounds of the park. You can even hire a deckchair for the ultimate comfort experience!
The Green Park
12-minute walk
The Green Park is the smallest of the Royal Parks at 40 acres, with open parkland and a wildflower Coronation Meadow. Enjoy a stroll along the many walking trails and pathways, or enjoy the cycle paths through the parks.
King Charles II created The Green Park in 1660 so he could walk between Hyde Park and St James Park without leaving royal soil – why don’t you follow in his footsteps? This quiet recluse is the perfect place for taking a moment of mindfulness in your busy day. If you’re planning to spend the afternoon in the park, hire a deckchair for some comfortable sunbathing.
Victoria Tower Gardens South
15-minute walk
A short walk from Victoria, you can find this relaxing green space decorated with important memorials, earning it the name The Garden of Conscience. You’ll be greeted by a sculpture of Emmeline Pankhurst, the incredible woman who led the suffragette movement, and further into the park you’ll see the Buxton Memorial commemorating the passing of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1883.
Learn about history, admire the Gothic architecture, or just sit back and relax amongst the trees. At the south end of the park, you’ll find the Horseferry Playground featuring an interactive water installation reflecting the history of the Thames – perfect for cooling off the little ones on those warmer days.
Hyde Park
27-minute walk
The largest Royal Park in central London, you’ll definitely find something to do at Hyde Park. Hire a boat across the Serpentine Lake, hire a tennis court, or just enjoy a walk through the greenery. The Serpentine Lido is also Britain’s oldest open water swimming club, and you don’t have to be a member to enjoy a dip between May and September.
Take in the spectacular monuments across the gardens, or keep an eye out for all the wildlife visible throughout the park. Stretching across 350 acres, exploring Hyde Park is a great way to spend an afternoon in the outdoors.
Make the most of the summer months and explore all the beautiful green spaces in London and around Victoria. Keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook for more activities for the whole family.
