The Regent's Park has both open parkland and spectacular formal gardens; a large boating lake and open air theatre. Herons nest on the lake and many other birds and waterfowl can be seen. The Park is also home to London Zoo.

Kensington Gardens has magnificent tree lined avenues and is the setting for Kensington Palace. You can also see the Peter Pan statue and the kids will love The Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Playground.

St James's Park is at the very heart of London. Often used for ceremonial and state occasions, the Park is a fantastic setting for pomp and splendour.

The Green Park is famous for its mature trees and open grassland - if you need a rest from the rush of London life, this park is for you.

Bushy Park is an undiscovered gem. The imposing Diana fountain is approached by magnificent tree lined avenues, the longest of which is a mile long. The woodland garden is on a much more intimate scale, with secluded walks and glades, it is a haven for a variety of wildlife.

With great expanses of rolling grassland and ancient trees, Richmond is the largest Royal Park in London. The Isabella Plantation is home to national collections of azaleas and rhododendrons and has a different character to the main park, where herds of fallow and red deer roam. Richmond Park offers a unique countryside experience so close to central London.

Greenwich Park is perhaps most famous for being bisected by the Greenwich meridian - the line to which time across the globe is referenced. As well as offering large formal parkland, there is also 'the wilderness' an area enclosed for deer. Several historic buildings are actually in the park, including the Old Royal Observatory, the Royal Naval College, the National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House.

At the north east end of Hyde Park is Speakers Corner, the cradle of free speech. Visit on a Sunday and watch speakers delivering their views with passion and gusto! The park also hosts many events in the summer months - check the listings for details.