From today (March 8) some of the lockdown restrictions in England will be eased, meaning a picnic in the local park – with one friend or members of your household – is back on the menu.

In London that might mean striding out into the 5,000 acres of green space that make up the Royal Parks. The parks are free to visit and open every day of the year, providing an escape into nature and a scenic backdrop for your morning coffee.

Here’s a selection of our favourites and, for those keen to move close to the capital’s great outdoors, a look at some of the new residential schemes in the neighbourhood.

Richmond Park 

The largest of London’s Royal Parks covering an area of 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is famed for its Red and Fallow deer, roaming freely since 1637, and the spring fawns make this is a wonderful time to visit. 

Just over a mile from the park are the apartments and houses of Richmond Square. The development, which comes to the market this year with prices from £699,000, has views over the Old Deer Park, north towards Kew Gardens, east towards central London and inwards over terraces and a landscaped courtyard.

Greenwich Park 

This hillside park has views over the Thames and offers a great mix of open space, lovely gardens and historical features dating back to Roman times. Take a walk along London’s longest herbaceous border at 200m and don’t forget to climb to the top of the hill outside the Royal Observatory to enjoy a breathtaking view of London.

The Courtyard at Greenwich Square offers homes some 800m from the 180-acre park with prices from £437,500.

Hyde Park 

Hyde Park extends over 350 acres in the heart of the capital. One of our favourite routes is to enter via Lancaster Gate and walk through the Italian Gardens and down along the Serpentine.

Just a stone’s throw from Hyde Park is 20 Grosvenor Square, a standalone residential building and the flagship Four Seasons Residence in Europe. It benefits from world-leading hotel services, including concierge, security, catering and in-residence dining and housekeeping. The 37 large apartments, of three, four and five bedrooms, have generous light-filled rooms.

Kensington Gardens 

Kensington Gardens is perfect for a morning with children. Visit the Diana Memorial Playground sensory trail and play sculptures inspired by the adventures of Peter Pan. Budding gardeners can get tips on growing fruit and vegetables at the park’s allotment - home to a number of chickens.

21 Young Street is a boutique development less than 500m from the Gardens, with homes starting from £999,950.

Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill 

Regent’s Park covers an area of 395 acres with large open spaces, tree-lined pathways, formal gardens and four children’s playgrounds. Walk beside the boating lake, catch a glimpse of the animals in London Zoo and then make your way up Primrose Hill to be rewarded by beautiful views across the skyline.

Set between Regent’s Park and Portland Place is Regent’s Crescent. Originally built in 1820 for the Prince Regent, later George IV, and designed by famed architect John Nash, Regent's Crescent offers residences of the grandest proportions, situated in one of London's great landmarks. The 67 Grade I listed new build apartments and nine garden villas are the epitome of regal elegance.

Further information

Contact Amy Davis 

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