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Top Things to Do in the Royal Parks this Summer

Published Thursday 23 June 2022

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. Bring some culture to your summer in The Regent's Park and Greenwich Park

Audience listening to jazz in the 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

2. Feel proud this summer and volunteer with us

Volunteers

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

3. 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

4. Float your boat in Hyde and The Regent’s Park

Boating on the Serpentine

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.

When: Services are open daily until October.

Hours: 12pm-8pm (Hyde Park) and 11am-7pm (The Regent's Park)

Where: Hyde Park and The Regent's Park

Find out more: boating in Hyde Park and boating in The Regent's Park

5. Register for only £30 (down from £50) for the 2022 Royal Parks Half Marathon

Royal Parks Half Marathon runners

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

6. Entertain the little ones with Play in the Park

Child finger painting 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.

7. Watch an outdoor film in one of the Royal Parks

Luna outdoor cinema

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.



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