British Summertime is the perfect time for a picnic in the park with friends, however, you might want to avoid the overcrowdedness of popular tourist traps like Clapham Common. London is home to numerous secret green spots which are luscious with greenery, there are glorious parks, awestruck scenery, and glorious nature to capture.
These natural reserves promise beauty and a stress-free environment for travelers who desire peace. Here are some lesser-known lush green spaces to enjoy this summer that are slightly more off the beaten track.
Do You Know: There is 40% public green space in London that accounts for 35,000 acres of land, with a total of 3,000 parks in it.
Phoenix Garden
The Phoenix Garden calls itself, “a haven for wildlife and people” and is located just behind Charing Cross station. This community plot was built on a former WW2 bomb site and has been open to the public since 1984. It’s the perfect oasis of calm amid the bustling city and home to wildlife plus more than 15 species of bees, ten birds, and the West End’s only frogs!
This place is present behind Charing Cross Road and is a perfect spot for a picnic with friends. The conservation initiative here is maintained by a ton of volunteers who takes huge care of the wildlife and fauna. Hence, turning this place into a most wanted peaceful wildlife adventure.
Abney Park
Located in Stoke Newington, Abney Park is one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ garden cemeteries of London. There are over 200,000 people laid to rest here, including William and Catherine Booth, founders of the Salvation Army, Welsh nurse Betsi Cadwaladr and the first British woman to make a solo balloon flight, Margaret Graham. The cemetery of William and Catherine Booth is present near the church street entrance.
As well as a woodland memorial park, Abney is also a Local Nature Reserve and has open access to the public all year round so that anyone can enjoy its tranquil atmosphere and fascinating history. The amazing building present here dates back to 1840, which lost its beauty in a 1970s fire. The burned building and the woods here give an eerie look although there is a sense of peaceful atmosphere giving a fabulous vibe.
Barnsbury Wood
At 0.35 hectares, Barnsbury Wood is London’s smallest nature reserve and is tucked away behind a row of Victorian terraces, situated in the north of the city. Home to many species including toads, long-tailed tits, and the lesser stag beetle, it is made up of sycamore, lime, ash, and horse chestnut trees.
Despite its tiny size, it’s the largest area of real woodland in the borough of Islington and this secret garden is the perfect spot to get away from it all. As the wood relies on volunteers, be sure to check out its opening times before you visit.
This place was actually a vicarage garden and was abandoned in 1840 and is currently home to sixteen spot ladybirds. It once belonged to the garden of George Thornhill, who was speculated to have built the surrounding houses in the 1840s.
Queen’s Wood
An ancient woodland, Queen’s Wood dates back to 1600 and it’s thought may even have existed in prehistoric times! A local nature reserve since 1990, it is one of four ancient woodlands in Haringey. The oak and hornbeam trees are home to diverse birdlife including three separate species of woodpecker. This seems like a holy place that surrounds mountains, hills, and species of various animals which makes this place a wonderful tour to have.
This place was awarded the prestigious green flag award in 2015 and has held onto it since. There are toilets and a cafe or you can bring a picnic and enjoy the peace and tranquillity that this place offers, right in the heart of London.
World Peace Garden
As the name spells this generous place is an expansion of a peaceful atmosphere where one can meditate quietly and spend a perfect time in tranquillity. This epic place has three ponds and a wishing well that has promised to be a comfortable place for various residents and traders.
Earlier this place was a waste ground alongside the Hampstead Railway Station. This is a peaceful woodland that has a bunch of hopes and words immortalized in the glass and the ceramic tiles on the garden walls.
Brockwell Park Walled Garden
This is one of the wonderful secret gardens hidden away in the land of lush green London with four unassuming walls. Did you know this used to be the kitchen garden of Brockwell Hall, with a beautiful view of fountains, plants, flowers, and secluded benches?
This is one of the calm and enchanting areas of the city of London which has amazing stone pathways for people to wonder and enjoy a peaceful tour.
Crystal Palace Park Maze
A place that dates back to 1870 and there is a puzzle present near the park’s northern lake. This green pushed lawn is believed to be as old as the dinosaurs with the Crystal Palace dinosaur. It was renovated in the year 2009 to remember the centenary of the Girl Guides.
The interesting thing about this place is that some scenes of the movie “The Italian Job” were shot here.
