We are lucky enough in the UK to have access to 27,000 parks! A free place in which to connect with nature, friends, and simply enjoy life. There is so much to find in London’s Parks.
Most of our parks have services and the sound of children playing, birds singing, and people chatting, which has more than ever been appreciated after the recent time of its absence.
As we celebrate one of our most treasured privileges, we asked the Clinica team to tell us about their favourite London Parks.
Clinica London’s medical director Jane Olver is extremely fond of London’s Hyde Park and enjoys cycle rides and walks there on a regular basis. The park covers 350 acres of land and is one of London’s eight Royal Parks. Jane specifically enjoys the Kensington Gardens Allotment hidden away behind the Serpentine Sackler Gallery. There you can see different fruit and vegetables growing throughout the season, and enjoy a peaceful wander away from the bustle and concerns of the outside world. There are even chickens!
Hampstead Heath is another favourite this time by Jaheed Khan, our Medical Retina & Cataract Surgeon. With over 300 acres of green spaces and spectacular views, the park is favoured by picnic lovers and dog walkers. The park is home to some special residents, such as parakeets and deer, which you may spot if you keep a close eye out. An insider tip if you do visit; take a dip in the park’s very own ponds which are open all year round! Be warned though, the waters are frosty cold even in the summer months.
Regent’s park is Jenny Burrows’s (our patient coordinator) favourite park. Located in the north-west of London, the park covers more than 400 acres of land and is only 100 meters from Clinica London. If you adore animals, then this park is perfect for you! The park sits right next to London zoo and therefore the animal noises can be heard! There are also numerous activities to get the whole family involved in, these include, tennis courts, rowing boat hire, and beautifully smelling rose gardens. One of Jenny’s favourite things to do is visit the Japanese Garden which is jam-packed with ornamental trees and shrubs on winding paths. If you love a good picturesque background for an Instagram post, this park will not let you down!
If you appreciate some history and beautiful significant ruins, Crystal Palace Park is just for you. The name was given by The Crystal Palace itself, and although it may have burnt down to a crisp in the 1930’s, the park still remains as beautiful as it was when it first opened. This park is enjoyed by Michel Michaelides, our retina & inherited retinal disease specialist. Specifically of interest to Michel and his two boys are the five enormous dinosaur sculptures lurking amongst the park, hidden in the trees around the lake. The prehistoric theme continues all over the park with the remains of a grade II, listed abandoned Victorian subway. Although its only open three times each year, it is definitely worth a visit!
This park is one to visit if you feel the need to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy everyday life and put your feet up for a little while. The park also has tennis courts, football pitches, and playgrounds for children. There’s also an outdoor gym and table tennis to enjoy if you’re feeling sporty. Interesting to visit is the dry garden that educates the public on plants that can be home-grown as they only require little water to survive.
Just a stone’s throw away from central London is Richmond Park frequently enjoyed by our Cornea & External Eye Diseases, Cataract & Refractive Surgery Specialist Sajjad Ahmad. If the historical significance of this park is not enough, having been created by Charles I in the 17th century as a deer park, it is now recognized as a top UK site for ancient trees. It has been documented that in 1625, Charles I proceeded to move his court to Richmond Palace in a desperate attempt to escape the deadly plague which was spreading like wildfire in the city at the time. He then went on to create Richmond Park so he could enjoy hunting fallow deer.
Let’s celebrate Love parks Week and keep fit and well!
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