Living or visiting the Chelsea area has many major location perks, especially during the (occasionally elusive) ‘British Summertime.’ With multiple parks housing hundreds of different seasonal activities within walking distance of King's Road, summer fun is literally on our doorstep.
We have created a roundup list of the best parks to visit during London’s summer season.
Battersea Park
Just a hop, skip and a jump over the Albert Bridge, and Chelsea dwellers can find themselves in Battersea Park, one of the nearest grassy expanses. This park really comes alive in the summer; for the active among us, there are sports pitches and equipment to hire (fingers crossed you don’t get rained off!), for the hopeless romantics rowboats can be rented and for the culture hungry there are several festivals that take place throughout the summer season (my favourite is the scrumptious Foodies Festival which takes place 17-19 August!) With a gallery and a small zoo to boot, the park has something for people of all ages and interests!
Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park
These adjoining parks are possibly the most popular with tourists, and it is easy to see why. Kensington Gardens, speckled with beautiful floral displays, and lined with avenues of trees, is the pretty spectacular setting for Kensington Palace, which can be explored each day. The gardens also hold seasonal events until September at the Three Sixty theatre (which the Duchess of Cambridge has visited.)
The innovative Serpentine Gallery boarders Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park and boasts free admission. One of the main draws to the gallery is its yearly redesigning of its outdoor pavilion space.
Hyde Park itself is London’s biggest park and therefore has the most space for sun worshipers to soak up the British rays (!). Sun loungers can also be hired daily from the park. One of the best things about Hyde Park in the summer is the festival feel; the park hosts musical concerts and events all summer long.
St James’ Park & Green Park
It has been an amazing few years for the Royal Family; Kate and Wills wedding, the Golden Jubilee and now the Olympics taking place in the UK. St James’ Park and Green Park are the places to be if you want to soak up some right royal action! With both parks boasting postcard perfect views of Buckingham Palace, both lining The Mall and with easy access to events at the Horse Guards Parade, a trip to these parks would put you in the thick of Olympic action.
Regents Park
Usually popular for hosting London Zoo, Regents park has more to offer than lions and tigers and bears (oh my!) During the summer, Regents Park opens the doors to its own outdoor theatre. Open Air Theatre, Regents Park tends to host two different shows a season (May-September). Typically a Shakespeare production will be performed for the more traditional theatregoers which will then alternate performances with a more recent production of the creator’s choice. I think we can all agree that being surrounded by trees, fresh air, sipping on a fruity wine and taking in some live performance is the perfect way to spend a summers evening!
For tickets to the Open Air Theatre, or for London theatre tickets, check out www.cheaptheatretickets.com
Of course all of the fun doesn’t have to stop if you don’t live nearby! If you are visiting London there are plenty of hotels in Hyde Park, Kensington, Green Park and Regents Park from which you can make the most of summer in the parks!
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