Editor’s note
London does parks like nowhere else and not just in quantity, but variety. Grand, scrappy, wild or sculpted. But let’s be clear: not every green space is an escape. Some are basically outdoor pubs.
This list isn’t about where to tan or top up your pint. It’s about where to go when the city’s a bit too much. Places that feel quiet, a little hidden. The kind of green that helps you switch off and reset, without leaving the postcode.
Feels like you’ve stumbled onto a country estate. The woodland’s dense, the grass goes forever and there’s a swimming lake with sand - perfect for a dip or some paddle boarding. It’s a hidden gem that opened not long ago, so make the most of it before it gets busier.
Not technically a park, but that’s the appeal. Quiet, gothic, slightly overgrown. Winding paths lead through ivy-draped headstones and wild woodland. Good for a walk that isn’t just about steps. Bring a book, a coffee, maybe a question you need space to think through. No one’s rushing here.
The city falls away fast here. Take the trails through the woods, find a clearing near Kenwood House, or swim in the ponds if you're feeling brave. Best explored solo or with a friend who doesn’t talk too much. Head early for mist, birdsong and finish by Parliament Hill for a skyline view of The Big Smoke.
Feels like you’ve left the city, but you’re still on the Central line. Go deep and you’ll find lakes, fallen trees and trails that don’t loop back. There’s no curation here, just space. Bring walking shoes and switch off. This one’s for full reset mode, not a casual stroll.
Yes, it’s popular. But walk past the cyclists and dog walkers and you’ll find big skies, still woods and wild deer doing their thing. Head to the Isabella Plantation for peak spring energy, or trace the outer paths if you want miles without much company. It’s one to really get lost in.
Feels like a proper South London woodland walk. Narrow trails covered in overgrown foliage with graffitied arches. If you want a place to walk without a plan and not see many faces, this is it. Best in the morning with headphones off.
Stick to the quieter western edge, away from the village, and it’s a completely different place. Woodland trails, duck ponds and a stillness you don’t expect this close to Zone 3. Great for long Sunday walks that start without a plan. Bonus points if you spot a horse at a pegasus crossing.