London is mostly flat, which means that you typically have to climb quite high in buildings and head to rooftops to see stunning views across the capital. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any natural viewpoints hidden around the city… Here’s our list of the very best green spaces and parks in London that offer the most amazing views of this glorious city:
1. Primrose Hill
Kicking things off with this hilltop park located north of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill is a staple for stunning views of London. Although you’ll get great views of the skyline at any time of the year, the hill is best visited during the summer when it becomes everyone’s go-to spot to watch the sun come down over the city with a few drinks. A London park guide would simply just not be complete without Primrose Hill on the list.
🚇 Nearest station is Chalk Farm.
2. Greenwich Park
Heading down south of the river is the glorious Greenwich Park. Once a forming hunting ground, the park now offers one of the best sights of the city and a jaw-dropping view of Canary Wharf – which is a stone’s throw away across the Thames. Atop the hill, you can find The Royal Observatory which played a huge role in the history of astronomy and navigation, with the Meridian Line also passing through it. The view at the top of the hill includes the historic buildings across from it which is now the University of Greenwich, formerly the Old Royal Naval College.
🚇 Nearest station is Maze Hill.
3. Alexandra Palace
Known lovingly by some as Ally Pally, Alexandra Park and Palace sits between Muswell Hill and Wood Green and has some truly excellent views of London. Which makes sense, really, since it’s the highest point of the city. At the top of the park is the palace itself which functions as an entertainment and sports venue. It’s known by some as the birthplace of television, as it was where the BBC made their first television transmissions. It’s certainly not a bad spot to take in the glorious view of London. During the warmer months, be sure not to miss the brilliant Ally Pally beer garden either!
🚇 Nearest station is Alexandra Palace.
4. Parliament Hill
Hampstead Heath is a behemoth of a park with a lot of ground to cover, literally, but at the foot of the heath is Parliament Hill which is the best place in the park to catch that picture perfect view. You can glimpse the Houses of Parliament and Canary Wharf from its 98-metre-high viewpoint. If you’re lucky enough to nab the one and only bench at the summit of the hill, you’ll have a really comfy time taking in its glorious sights.
🚇 Nearest station is Hampstead Heath.
5. Sky Garden
Okay okay so it’s not technically a park, but this self-proclaimed garden has views of London that are so stunning that we couldn’t not include it. Right in the heart of London on the 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie building are some seriously stunning panoramic views of the city. Whilst the vegetation doesn’t immediately scream park or garden, with views as stunning as this, we can do some pretending.
🚇 Nearest station is Monument.
6. Richmond Hill
Perhaps the most idyllic entry on our list is the view at the top of Richmond Hill. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the views at Richmond Hill reflect the more tranquil side of Greater London. The view takes in the meandering Thames River with boats, kayakers and paddle boarders coasting along it. Capped off with lush sprawling greenery, it really makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the countryside.
🚇 Nearest station is Richmond.
7. One Tree Hill
No, we aren’t talking about the hit US show One Tree Hill. Instead, we’re discussing the public park in Honor Oak with beautiful views over the city. Within the local nature reserve is a steep hill with open grassland at the top and views of London to be glimpsed over the tops of the trees. It’s a viewpoint that is not as well known as its other hilltop counterparts, but it’s certainly just as stunning.
🚇 Nearest station is Honor Oak Park.