- Discover one of London’s most beautiful parks, with a 140-acre area full of stunning gardens and exciting wildlife.
- Take in some of the best views the capital has to offer at the top of nearby Primrose Hill.
- Interact with amazing animals at the park's resident zoo.
- Engage in some of the incredible events that take place at the park throughout the year, such as the Open Air Theatre.
One of the most beautiful parks in the capital, Regent’s Park has been a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike since it was opened to the public almost 200 years ago. It's the perfect opportunity for a peaceful day out within the hustle and bustle of central London.
Originally an open space used by King Henry VIII as a hunting ground, the park has been home to some of London’s most influential citizens. Many incredible villas can be found in the park, designed by James Nash, the man who also built Buckingham Palace. The villas are now home to the US ambassador to the UK and multiple foreign royal families.
Even if you’re not royalty, there’s plenty to see and do in the grounds of this fantastic park. The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a must-visit for theatre lovers. This London theatre is fully outdoors and shows some of the best productions around from May to September each year. Past and future shows include Evita, Romeo and Juliet and 101 Dalmatians.
The park is also home to some of West London’s most beautiful gardens. This includes the Queen Mary’s Gardens, which is the location of the capital’s largest rose collection, with over 12,000 flowers. The best time to visit the garden is in the first two weeks of June, when the roses are in full bloom.
The zoo at Regent’s Park is another top attraction; the London Zoo is home to almost 20,000 animals and is the oldest scientific zoo in the world, having been opened in 1828. The zoo can be found at the northern edge of the park, just a short walk from Primrose Hill. This area is a great place to visit for some of the most scenic open-air views of London on a clear and sunny day.
What to know before you go
- There are multiple restaurants and cafés in the park. The Regent’s Bar and Kitchen, located in Queen Mary’s Gardens, has outside seating available. Other cafés in the park include the Broad Walk Cafe, the Espresso Bar, and the Boathouse Cafe.
- Regent’s Park opening times differ depending on the time of year. The park is open every day. Typically opening hours range from 5am-9pm.
- There are four different toilet facilities in Regent’s Park. The toilets are open from 8am-7pm each day, and there are also baby changing facilities available.
- There are three playgrounds in Regent’s Park. Marylebone Green Playground, Hanover Gate Playground and Gloucester Gate Playground. The latter is currently being refurbished and should be open again in late 2020.
- The park is buggy and wheelchair-friendly. The paths through the park are tarmacked and there are no steps needed to get into the grounds. Also, skating and cycling are not allowed in the park, which makes for a stress-free stroll for buggy users.
Getting there
- Regent’s Park parking is available at the pay-and-display car park, which is open from 9am-6.30pm every day.
- Parking costs £2.40 per hour from Monday to Saturday, with a 4-hour maximum stay. On Sundays and Bank Holidays, the cost is £1.40 per hour, with no maximum stay.
- The staff at the park recommend taking public transport if possible, as the car park can get full quickly. There are lots of public transport options that can bring you very close to the park as it is in the heart of London.
- Regent’s Park is easily accessible by a number of different Underground stations. Regent’s Park station is on the Bakerloo line and is only a three-minute walk from the park.
- Other Tube stations within walking distance include Great Portland Street (Hammersmith and City, Circle, and Metropolitan lines) and Baker Street (Hammersmith and City, Circle, Metropolitan, Bakerloo, and Jubilee lines).
- There are plenty of bus routes that serve the Regent’s Park area, including the 18, 205, 74, and 88.
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