The Royal Parks will be buzzing all season long with world class music, nature-themed events and the very best that food and drink has to offer. Read on for some great ways to make summer in London one to remember.
1. Help nature thrive with a bird watching tour
We have teamed up with The Urban Birder to inspire a new generation of bird watchers this summer.
We are running free bird watching tours, aimed at beginners but suitable for all bird watchers, across London’s eight beautiful Royal Parks in June and July.
As well as David Lindo, bird watching sessions will be run by Tony Duckett, our Conservation Officer who has worked in the Royal Parks for an incredible 45 years and Julia Holland, a local bird enthusiast.
These tours are part of our ongoing mission to encourage visitors to #KeepWildifeWild in a bid to help nature thrive. The initiative encourages visitors to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, rather than touching or feeding animals.
Join us for a relaxed-paced guided bird walk exploring the varied habitats and birdlife the Royal Parks has to offer. Binoculars will be provided, and tours will last up to two hours.
When: June and July
Where: Various parks
Cost: FREE - Register your interest here
2. Bring some culture to your summer in The Regent's Park and Greenwich Park
Throughout summer, The Regent's Park and Greenwich Park will be playing host to a sensational mix of musical concerts, theatre shows and more.
Every weekend at The Bandstand and The Broad Walk in The Regent's Park you will find a variety of free concerts from local bands, jazz Big Bands and small groups to enjoy, the perfect entertainment for those summer picnics and outings.
You can also look forward to the South London Jazz Orchestra in Greenwich Park or expand your musical horizons with ‘Kiduku Rhythms’, a modern Afro dance style from Tanzania, East Africa.
There will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy, from theatre shows including Beatrix Potter’s best-loved tales to free discovery days filled to the brim with nature-inspired crafts, family story walks and even a giant sea puppet!
You are spoilt for choice with an eclectic mix of concerts and theatre performances this summer.
When: June – September 2022
Where: The Regent's Park and Greenwich Park
Cost: Mostly free, with some prepaid activities - See all events here
3. Get your tickets for the great return of Hyde Park’s British Summer Time festival
The hugely anticipated BST is back and better than ever!
British Summer Time Hyde Park has been an exciting fixture in London’s musical calendar since 2013, bringing the world’s biggest artists to one of the greatest outdoor venues in the world.
This year is no different with unmissable acts including Elton John, Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, Duran Duran and the highly anticipated Adele, who will be performing her latest album to hit the charts.
When: Friday 24th Jun 2022 - Sunday 10th Jul 2022
Where: Hyde Park
Cost: Varied prices - Buy your tickets here
4. Indulge in free festival fun at BST Open House
Bigger than ever before, BST Open House returns with free vibrant live music, Wimbledon screenings, circus skills workshops, Over 60’s Tea Dance, open-air cinema nights, pop up bars and family arts and crafts.
In between the three weekends of legendary music, BST Hyde Park opens its doors to a host of free entertainment across two weeks. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, whether you want to indulge in some delicious street food, find some zen with a free yoga session, catch Wimbledon on the big screens or just take in the long summer evenings with a classic film while the sun sets.
When:
Week 1: Monday 27 - Thursday 30 June
Week 2: Monday 4 - Thursday 7 July
10am - 10pm
Cost: Mostly free, with some paid activities
Find out more
5. Feel proud this summer and volunteer with us
Do you enjoy being outdoors? Do you care about conserving nature or preserving London’s iconic heritage? If so, then why not volunteer with us this summer.
Take some time out while contributing to something meaningful such as managing meadows, improving woodland, enhancing waterbodies, discovering historical artefacts, or even supporting an endangered population of hedgehogs.
Join our wonderful team of volunteers and make new friends, get a nature fix, and do your bit to ensure London’s vital green spaces are preserved for generations to come.
When: All year-round
Where: All parks
Find out more
6. Experience a guided walking tour around the historic Royal Parks
There is something for everyone from an underground river running beneath Hyde Park, a secret Victorian pet cemetery, exclusive access to Duck Island in St James’s Park, or going behind the railings of the Albert Memorial. Join your expert guide and experience the Royal Parks from a whole new perspective.
If you are looking for something the little ones can join in with then come along to one of our Discovery Days which involve nature-inspired activities including pond dipping, bug hunting, painting, sweep netting and more.
When: All year-round
Where: Various parks
Cost: £12 - Click here for more information on walking tours and discovery days
7. Float your boat in Hyde and The Regent’s Park
What better way to splash into summer than with an oarsome boat ride in one of London’s iconic Royal Parks? It is truly one of the best ways to enjoy the warm weather that has finally arrived.
Recognised as one of the most famous boating spots in London, Hyde Park is the perfect place to take in the scenery, enjoy an ice cream and float down the glistening Serpentine in the middle of the park.
Indulge in those long, lazy summer afternoons from July when both Hyde Park and The Regent’s Park reopen their services.
When: Reopening in July
Where: Hyde Park and The Regent's Park
Find out more
8. Register for only £30 (down from £50) for the 2022 Royal Parks Half Marathon
Why not run for The Royal Parks charity? Not only will it give you an immense sense of achievement, but you will also be raising vital funds to support London’s eight Royal Parks.
Going since 2008 and the first half marathon created in central London, the Royal Parks Half Marathon is now a multi-award-winning event and a ‘must do’ race for many runners.
This stunning route takes in the capital’s world-famous landmarks on closed roads, such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. It also passes through four of London’s eight Royal Parks.
If you’re just starting out on your running journey, then 13.1 miles (or 22.1km) can seem daunting. But signing up to a half marathon is one of the best things you could ever do as there are so many physical and mental benefits.
This summer is the perfect time to register and train up for the big day.
Registration deadline: Friday 26 August
Registration fee: £30
Event Date: Sunday 9th October 2022
Register here and for race info, team support and runner perks, click here
9. Entertain the little ones with Play in the Park
In partnership with London Play, we invite you to join our team of playworkers for events and activities jam-packed with fun and creativity.
Come along to one of our free play sessions as we let our imaginations and curiosities lead the way.
When: All year-round
Where: Greenwich Park and The Regent's Park
Cost: Free
Find out more about events at Greenwich Park playground or Gloucester Gate playground.
10. Watch an outdoor film in one of the Royal Parks
With a magical selection of this year’s award-winning Hollywood blockbusters and the very best feel-good classic movies, it’s time to plan your summer. Choose from more than 150 screenings at some of the most beautiful locations in the parks, for a cinematic experience like no other.
For a full list of outdoor films in Greenwich Park and Regent's Park visit thelunacinema.com
For a full list of outdoor films in Hyde Park, Brompton Cemetery and Bushy Park visit whereisthenomad.com
 | Win a set of binoculars!We’ve launched a campaign asking visitors to ‘Help Nature Thrive’ in London’s eight Royal Parks. The campaign has kicked off with a plea to #KeepWildlifeWild by appreciating and observing wildlife in its natural habitat, rather than seeking an up close and personal experience. In keeping with this, we are running a birdwatching photography competition for young and old alike across each of The Royal Parks. Visit the competition page for full details on how to enter, and you could be a winner. |
