Severe weather in the parks
Find our guidance on staying safe during severe weather, including advice to protect yourself, other visitors, wildlife and the landscape, as well as information on closures and impacted park services.
Updated: 22 October 2026
Yellow weather warning for strong winds
Visitor safety guidance
Following weather warnings for strong winds associated with Storm Austen, some temporary closures, restricted access areas and service changes may be necessary to help keep visitors safe. We will share the latest updates on this page as conditions develop.
Visitors are reminded that:
- Strong winds can cause branches or entire trees to fall without warning, so visitors should take extra care when walking through wooded areas or around trees
- Temporary park, pathway or gate closures may be implemented where there is a risk from falling trees or debris
- Outdoor events, activities and services may be disrupted or cancelled at short notice
- Cyclists and other road users should take additional care, particularly on exposed routes and near large trees
- Visitors should check weather forecasts and park updates before travelling and follow any safety advice from the Met Office.
Closures and impacted services during severe weather
Check the list of parks below to see how severe weather is affecting park services and whether any facilities or services are currently closed. This section is updated regularly whenever changes to opening times, services, or facilities occur.
The following locations and services will be closed:
- Upper Lodge Water Gardens
- Waterhouse Gardens
- Woodland Gardens.
Please note that the Woodland Gardens will also be closed on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October. Visitors will still be able to access the Pheasantry Café, which remains open as normal.
Visitors should take extra care when walking through other wooded areas that remain open to the public.
The following locations and services will be closed:
- Greenwich Park Flower Garden
- Greenwich Park Playground
- Queen's Orchard
- Royal Observatory Garden.
Visitors should take extra care when walking through wooded areas.
On Sunday 25 October, the following locations and services will be closed:
- Hyde Park playground
- Outdoor gym equipment at The Courts in Hyde Park
Diana Memorial Fountain will remain open but the water will be switched off.
Visitors should take extra care when walking through wooded areas.
On Sunday 25 October, the following locations and services will be closed:
- Buck Hill Playground
- Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
- Kensington Gardens Allotment
- North Flower Walk
- South Flower Walk
Visitors should take extra care when walking through wooded areas.
The following locations and services will be closed:
- Gloucester Gate playground
- Hanover Gate playground
- Marylebone Green playground
- Primrose Hill playground
St John’s Lodge Garden will be closed on both Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October.
Visitors should take extra care when walking through wooded areas.
On Sunday 25 October, the following locations and services will be closed:
- Isabella Plantation
- Pembroke Lodge Gardens
- Woodlands.
While the Pembroke Lodge Gardens are closed, the Café remains open as normal.
Please note that the Richmond Park minibus will only run on the morning of Friday 23 October, and will not operate in the afternoon.
Visitors should take extra care when walking through other wooded areas that remain open to the public.