Top things to do in the Royal Parks this summer
Got plans for summer in London?
The Royal Parks are the perfect escape from the city buzz and we’re here to help you make the most of them. Our amazing team of gardeners, wildlife experts and volunteers have been working hard to keep the parks looking their best and feeling welcoming for everyone.
Whether you're up for a guided walk, want to get involved in some citizen science, or feel like some live music, there’s loads going on. Check out our round-up of top things to do in the Royal Parks this summer and find your new favourite way to enjoy these beautiful green spaces.
Family Events
Bring the whole family together for a day of family fun that is packed full of exciting, hands-on events in the Royal Parks. Suitable for all ages.
Nature Roadshows
When: 30 & 31 July
Where: The Regents Park and The Green Park
Register Now: The Regents Park
Play in the Park
When: 10 April - 14 August
Where: Greenwich Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park & Primrose Hill
Discovery Days
When: 5 - 21 August
Where: Hyde Park
Boating & Swimming - Book Online
Cool off this summer and make the most of your day by planning ahead. Pre-book a pedalo or rowboat session on the idyllic Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park, or enjoy a quaint boating experience in the charming Regent’s Park.
Book Online - Hyde Park Boating
Book Online - The Regent's Park Boating
If you're ready to jump right into the water, you can enjoy a swim at one of London's most iconic 'open water' swimming location, The Serpentine Lido.
Ecology-themed walks and workshops
Explore the hidden life of your parks with nature walks and workshops that reveal the rich ecology all around us. From the overlooked beauty of weeds in Wonderful Weeds to the vibrant wildlife of Green Escapes, discover a new side of the city.
Wonderful Weeds Guided Walks & Workshops
Get up close to wonderful weeds in the Royal Parks and learn how beneficial they can be for humans, wildlife and the environment.
Dates: 21 May - 25 June 2025
Where: Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park & Primrose Hill
Green Escapes: An introduction to nature in St. James’s Park
Escape the bustle of central London and join us for a peaceful walk through the green oasis of St. James’s Park.
Dates: 10 May - 17 July 2025 | 30 May - 2 August 2025
Where: St. James's Parks & The Regent's Park & Primrose Hill
Green Escapes: An introduction to nature in The Regent's Park
Dates: 30 May - 2 August 2025
Where: The Regent's Park
Tree ID Workshop
Join Royal Parks Arboricultural Officer Greg Packman for an interactive tree identification workshop in Hyde Park to explore the unique trees.
When: 20 June
Where: Hyde Park
Price: Paid
Hidden Stories Series
Uncover the fascinating layers of history hidden in plain sight with our Hidden Stories walking tour series. From royal intrigue to forgotten cemeteries, these guided walks reveal the surprising pasts of Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, and St. James’s Park.
Hidden Stories of St. James's Park
When: 4 July, 1:15pm - 2:45pm
Hidden Stories of Hyde Park
When: 11 July, 11am - 12:30pm
Hidden Stories of Kensington Gardens
When: 25 July, 11am - 12:30pm
Bandstand Concerts
Join the Friends of Greenwich Park for their annual season of Bandstand Concerts this summer.
When: 6 July – 31 August
Where: Greenwich Park
Price: Free
Join the Friends of Regent's Park and Primrose Hill for their acclaimed summer music festival.
Bandstand performance listings 2025 Lakeside performance listings 2025
When: 21 June - 21 September (Bandstand Series) | 25 July - 2 August (Lakeside Series)
Where: The Regent's Park
Price: Free (Bandstand Series) | £10 - £40 (Lakeside Series)
Big Lunch on the Broad Walk
Join the Friends of Regent's Park and Primrose Hill for an afternoon of celebration at The Big Lunch complete with picnic food, music and dance on the Broad Walk. All are welcome (including dogs), just bring your own picnic.
- swing dance lessons
- face painting and games
- yoga in the grass
Traditional New Orleans Jazz courtesy of the Mardi Gras Jazz Band.
When: Sunday 6 July, 2-4pm
Where: The Regent's Park
Price: £12 per person for a single table place | £60 for a whole table of 6 places
Sunset Sweeps: An Intro to Invertebrates
Join us in The Regent’s Park meadow to take a closer look at the insects and other invertebrates that rely on meadow habitats in the parks.
When: 8 & 9 July
Where: The Regent's Park & Primrose Hill
Price: Free
Albert Memorial Walking Tour
Join us on a fascinating tour of the Albert Memorial which will take you behind the railings of this famous Victorian monument.
When: 18 July
Where: Kensington Gardens
Price: Paid
Moth Mornings
Join us in exploring and protecting urban wildlife in your local Royal Park. We're launching new research on the park’s moths — and we’d love for you to get involved.
When: 9 July - 6 August
Where: The Regent's Park & Primrose Hill
Price: Free
Blooms with a View Walking Tour
Take a closer look at the spectacular bedding plants and trees of St. James’s Park with this guided walking tour. Join Royal Parks Apprentice graduate and writer Fiona Kirkwood for a tour full of fascinating facts and personal stories.
When: 24 July, 11:00am - 12.30pm
Where: St. James's Park
Price: £15
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