London is known for having an amazing culture, beautiful architecture, and even more stunning gardens. Buckingham Palace is no exception to this, surrounded by the most exquisite gardens and green spaces in the whole of London. Let’s take a look at some of the greenest places and parks around Buckingham Palace that you can visit once you’ve had your fill of trying to spot the Queen from the balcony!

Green Park is one of the first gardens on our list. This park is one of the many Royal Parks that are owned and maintained by the staff of the Royal Park. If you’re looking out for some amazing memorials, fountains, and even Royal Gun Salutes during the correct times, then this park is for you.

You can also take a long leisurely stroll through the park as it’s a massive 40 acres long and will help you relieve stress with this stunning greenery and wildlife in the heart of London.

Although it’s not always accessible (due to regulations), Buckingham Palace Garden is the closest garden to Buckingham Palace, as it is essentially connected to the palace itself. This garden is lined with some of the most amazing flowers and trees as well as massive open spaces for activities or relaxing.

Although this garden is only typically used for events (such as the Duke of Edinburgh awards ceremony), there are times of the year when you can pay a small entrance fee and take a walk around the park. Although not free, if you want to take a look at the reverse of the palace and maybe even catch a glimpse of Lizzie herself, then why not consider visiting here!

St. James’s Park is one of the closest public parks to Buckingham Palace, and is also one of the smallest. This 57-acre park is more of a garden, which is home to some beautiful wildlife and greenery, but also has some “small” landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, and Whitehall at each corner of the garden. Nothing special... right?

St. James’s Park also includes The Mall, and the Horse Guards Parade which happens every few days making it an exciting place to visit even if you don’t want to take a walk. However, if you were to walk around the park, keep your eyes peeled for some Pelicans! Pelicans have been inhabitants of St. James’s Park for nearly 400 years, and were initially brought over as a gift.

Richmond Park is another park on our list that lets you explore the wonders of nature right next to the bustling city of London. This 2500 acre park is the biggest of all the Royal Parks, and has multiple “only-here” attractions. Some of these include ancient trees and rare plants that can only be found here.

There is also a massive array of natural wildlife to spot, such as birds, beetles, bats, and even some deer, if you’re lucky! Richmond Park is so full of rare and beautiful wildlife that it has protected status as an important habitat for wildlife in London. Be sure to check out the wonders of nature here before you leave.

Hyde Park is another park and attraction on our list that is owned and managed by the Royal Parks authority. Again, Hyde Park is one of the biggest gardens and parks owned by the Royal Parks authority coming in at a massive 350 acres. If you are looking for beautiful scenery, a peaceful and relaxing walk or even a nice open-water swim in the Serpentine, then Hyde Park is the place for you.

Within this massive 350-acre park, there are fountains, rivers, lakes, a colossal number of amazing trees and wildlife as well as cafes and activities such as tennis or even horse riding. Dip your toes into Hyde Park and see how tranquil it really is.

Originally part of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens is another colossal garden managed by the Royal Parks. This 265-acre garden is slightly old-fashioned compared to the other gardens, with a concoction of contemporary art and architecture from over the years as well as several memorials and play parks for kids.

You can also visit the park’s allotments, which are home to many fruits and vegetables, and a few chickens, to pick up some tips on how you can do the same once you’re home again, or check out the more scenic and flower-covered spots like the Sunken Gardens. If you want a nice peaceful walk, on top of some rich memories of London, then be sure to visit Kensington Gardens before you leave.

Alexandra Park is another beautiful park that can help you escape city life into a more tranquil, and peaceful setting. This 196-acre park is filled with over 690+ different types of plants, trees, and wildlife which all contribute to this stunning park. If you love the colour green, then you’ll love a walk around Alexandra Park as that’s all you’ll see! This park is one of the friendliest open spaces where you can take yourself or your family to enjoy the serene views from anywhere in the park.

Not only this, but there are also small rivers and lakes along the way, making it a journey for your senses too with beautiful smells and views.

Part of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill is the highest point of this 395-acre green space. This tree-lined path to beautiful greenery and social life is another highlight to visit if you’re wanting to take a stroll around a park near Buckingham Palace. Primrose Hill is one of the more open spaces, with slightly less wildlife, but plenty more social interactions.

When you visit, you will likely find activities such as rowing boats (in the boating lake), a cut-through to London Zoo, or even a walk around Queen Mary’s Garden. Regent’s Park is also home to one of the biggest outdoor sports areas in London, making it a great place to visit if you’re into sports, and there's a massive area for children’s play parks too.

Victoria Tower Gardens is another smaller, and slightly further away garden that you should check out if you’re visiting London. This small, but very open garden celebrates a number of memorials including freedom, the Buxton Memorial, and the French sculptor August Rodin.

Although one of the smallest on our list, this Garden is still open and does make a nice place for a picnic or general walk, but if you’ve got kids then Victoria Tower Gardens may be for you. The Victoria Tower Gardens also include a large sandpit, dance chimes, and a water play park in case the day is beaming with sun. Be sure to check out the Victoria Tower as well while you're here.

If you want to take a walk around a lesser-known garden, then the College Garden outside of Westminster Abbey is another garden that we think you’ll just love! This herb-filled garden is not only one for your nose, with some exquisite smells and sounds, but is also home to plenty of stunning flowers and trees.

The garden is only open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, but during July and August you can also visit and see free band concerts, and even children's workshops. Be sure to check out their timetables for more information about those events.

Holland Park is a garden located a couple of miles away from Buckingham Palace but has some of the most stunning wildlife and leafy displays in London. This 55-acre garden is the largest of the Royal Borough's parks and includes large areas of wildlife and woodland as well as children's play areas, sports areas, cafes and much more to sink your teeth into.

If you want to have a nice stroll through the park and experience a calmer city life, then walking through Holland Park might be ideal for you.

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Overall, London may not seem like the most green and leafy place to experience wildlife, but if you’re visiting Buckingham Palace and want to experience this in and around London, then these gardens and parks are within easy exploring distance. Wet your whistle as you go with our pick of the top pubs near Buckingham Palace, and don’t forget to check out how to make an offer on a hotel room with hoo for a bargain on your next stay, wherever it is. 