I don’t know about you, but when I think of London I think of a bustling city with buildings on all sides and queues of traffic. But, if you know where to look there are some beautiful green spaces to explore, one of which is Regent’s Park.

The History of Regent’s Park

So, Regent’s Park is one of the Royal Parks, but it only became the property of the crown during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries back in the 1500s. Prior to that it was owned by Barking Abbey.

Since the 1500s more and more areas began to open to the public so that more people could enjoy this beautiful area of London. An example of this was the opening of Queen Mary’s Gardens in the 1930s, which was the first time that the general public could use the inner circle.

Regent’s Park’s history hasn’t all been good, it has actually been the site of several tragedies. In January 1867, 40 people drowned in the lake when the ice collapsed, and in July 1982, seven soldiers died because of an IRA bomb in the bandstand.

Queen Mary’s Gardens

As I previously mentioned, the opening of Queen Mary’s Gardens in the 1930s was the reason that the general public were allowed into the inner circle of Regent’s Park.

The roses are one of the most notable parts of this park, as not only is it the largest collection of roses with 85 single variety beds, but it is also the home of a rose known as the “Royal Parks” rose.

This is a beautiful location to visit with plenty of space for visitors to sit and relax within these stunning surroundings.

Regent’s Parks Open Air Theatre

This award-winning open-air theatre was created in 1932 and has since been the location for many productions, even celebrating its 90^th anniversary recently.

I’m going to have to keep an eye on the social media pages for this theatre, as I would love to watch one of the performances there.

ZSL London Zoo

In April 1828, London Zoo was opened in a portion of Regent’s Park. London Zoo is actually the oldest scientific zoo, not opening to the public until 1847, having solely been used for scientific research in the first 19 years.

The collection of animals here (755 species!) is one of the largest in the UK.

Primrose Hill

If you are like me and love scenic surroundings, Primrose Hill is definitely the place for you to go in Regent’s Park. It is actually one of the highest points in London, allowing visitors a beautiful view of the London Skyline.

There is also a little café here that you can make use of if you would like some refreshments while you’re enjoying your surroundings.

Before this location was open to the public, it was actually owned by Eton College, only becoming part of the royal park in 1841.

The Many Monuments of Regent’s Park

There are several lovely monuments and memorials on display at Regent’s Park.

1. The Boy and Frog Statue – Queen Mary’s Gardens
2. Griffin Tazza (Lion Vase) – Avenue Gardens
3. Holme Green Bandstand – Holme Green
4. Hylas and the Nymph Statue – St John’s Lodge Garden
5. Iolo Morganwg Memorial Plaque – Primrose Hill
6. Jubilee Gates – Queen Mary’s Gardens
7. Ready Money Drinking Fountain – Broad Walk
8. Triton Fountain – Queen Mary’s Gardens

Some, like the Holmes Green Bandstand, commemorate lives that have been lost, others like the Jubilee Gates celebrate happier occasions such as the Silver Jubilee of George V and the opening of Queen Mary’s Gardens.

All of them are beautiful and well maintained by the charity responsible for the park.

Conclusion

If you are in London and looking for somewhere with beautiful surroundings and a slower pace this is the place to go.

I loved spending several hours exploring the peaceful locations that make up Regent’s Park. The only two left to visit are the zoo and open air theatre!