Little Known London: Parks and Quiet Escapes

The heat has finally made it to London and along with it comes a sweltering Tube, crowded pub gardens and a tidal wave of sweating tourists. As wonderful as London is, sometimes you just need an escape. Here are just a few of the best parks to escape the city without having to actually leave London.

Kyoto Garden, Holland Park

Without tromping out to the airport and facing a long and cramped flight you can venture to Japan at Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. Planted in 1992 by the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce in order to celebrate the Japan Festival, this garden is still stunning 24 years later with its waterfall, koi carp, elegant bridge and wandering peacocks. It is everything you would expect from a Japanese garden, providing welcome moments of tranquility and serenity just moments away from the rush of central London.

Bushy Park, Hampton Wick

Converted from medieval farmland, Bushy Park is the perfect place if you want to encounter a multitude of terrains and habitats other than a concrete jungle. The second largest of the Royal Parks, Bushy Park has a vast variety of flora in its breathtaking landscaped gardens and it’s the closest you will get to a free-roaming deer within London borders. Host to an array of wildlife, including pheasants and swans, it is also home to the architecturally beautiful Diana Fountain and Upper Lodge Gardens.

Epping Forest, Epping

Whether you wish simply to unwind away from the urban sprawl or do something a little more active, Epping Forest is one of the best places to go. An extensive forest, along with areas of grassland and wetland, Epping Forest is one of London’s “Special Areas of Conservation”, areas that have been designated for strict protection under EU regulations. Take a romantic walk at twilight through the towering and inspiring trees or visit one of the historic centres to start a journey you will not soon forget.

Isabella Plantation, Richmond

A 40-acre woodland garden set within a Victorian forest, Isabella Plantation is a sight unlike any other. Stepping into this secret garden is like stepping into a fairytale or something from Alice in Wonderland’s daydreams. The vibrant and stunning colours transport you into another world where you’re surrounded by rare and usual trees and whimsical shrubs and plants. Standing in this paradise it is difficult to believe you’re still under London’s cloud of smoke.

Camley Street Natural Park, Kings Cross

What was once a reserve created from wasteland, Camley Street Natural Park is now a haven of diverse wildlife. Situated between two of London’s busiest railway stations, it’s hard to believe it would be the ideal spot for a wild oasis complete with a rich habitat for birds, butterflies, amphibians, plant life and more.

With the canal banks softened by the installation of islands and aquatic plants, this quiet spot provides a unique nature reserve for so many creatures including workers and locals looking for a unique escape within London.

 

by Natasha MacKenzie­

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