With its boating lake, an enormous sports area and four playgrounds, The Regent’s Park is an ideal spot to visit with the whole family. It is one of London’s eight royal parks, introducing a green serenity to the heart of this cosmopolitan city. Bring food and drink for a picnic by the pond, as you relax in these scenic surroundings.
Stroll along the paths that meander through the vast park and admire the colorful flowerbeds. The Queen Mary’s Gardens has more than 12,000 roses, lighting the park in a red glow, while the Avenue Gardens are filled with tiered fountains and seasonal flowers. Rent a rowboat to take out on the lake, where ducks float along idly. Kids will love the cute paddleboats.
Back on land, watch one of the sports games, including soccer matches, at the Hub Sports Centre. Take a break for lunch in The Regent’s Bar & Kitchen or have a snack in The Broad Walk Café. Dramatic performances and musical recitals often grace the stage of the Open Air Theatre in summer.
For a change of terrain, head through the wetland area. Binoculars will help you identify some of the 100 species of birds in these marshes, which are also a popular breeding area for hedgehogs.
The park was named after Prince Regent, who later became King George IV. He lived in the 18th and 19th centuries and is often known as the Playboy Prince.
Find The Regent’s Park between Marylebone and Chalk Farm, in the northwestern corner of central London. Travel by tube or bus to one of the many stations surrounding the park, including the Regent’s Park station at its southern base. Enter the park for free. It opens daily from morning until about dusk.
While in the area, make sure to see nearby sights such as Primrose Hill, the Jewish Museum London and Madame Tussauds London.
