Marvelous London is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Places like Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus or Big Ben are packed with tourists, all year-round. But the greatest city of Europe has some of the best parks in the whole world. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet in this amazing city, here are the best idyllic spots for relaxing and unwinding:

5. Battersea Park

On the south side of Thames, in this 200 acre space you can admire the wildlife on the beautiful ponds, rent a boat on the quiet lakes or just walk along the river. The Pump House Gallery is a hot spot for all the art lovers, but you can find many sculptures all over the park, not just there. If you’re in the mood for some sport, keep in mind that in Battersea you can also rent a bike and even play some tennis.

4. Highgate Wood

The park was at one time a part of the ancient forest of Middlesex. The oaks, hollies and hornbeam trees are the home of bats, foxes, grey squirrels and more than 70 species of birds. The park was pronounced in 1886 “an open space forever” and since then its borders remained the same. The famous Bat Walks are organized even nowadays, but you have to pre-book your place.

3. Greenwich Park

The site of the Greenwich Meridian (location of the Longitude 0 and the base point for World Time) is a World Heritage Site, famous for its association with time and space. It is located on the edge of the city, on the top of the hill. From the Observatory one can enjoy amazing views over Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The park is dotted with famous historic buildings and its history stretches back to Roman times.

2. Hampstead Heath

The wildest of London’s park has them all: stretched fields, ancient woods and ponds for swimming. Here, it’s never too hard to find a quiet spot, the Heath being the ideal place in London where you can get back to nature. The Parliament Hill provides the best view of the city and the park is bounded with pubs and inns.

1. Hyde Park

The 350 acres of horse-riding, rollerblading, swimming, boating, tennis, cycling, bowling, cricket, football and rugby are the Londoner’s  favorite place in the warm days. Here you can find the popular Speaker’s Corner and the Serpentine Lake, but also a lido and art gallery.

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