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Escape the city buzz and discover West London’s stunning parks and gardens. From sprawling deer parks with roaming deer to hidden botanical gems and riverside walks, this guide will help you find your perfect green retreat. And when you need a comfortable place to call home, Crenns Properties is here to welcome you
So you've just arrived in London and you're ready to dive into the city’s culture, nightlife and endless things to do. It’s exciting, but it can also feel intense – packed streets, busy commutes and constant noise. That’s where West London’s many parks and green spaces come in. They give you room to breathe, relax with friends, go for a run or just sit with a coffee and clear your head.
Whether you’re into long weekend walks, outdoor workouts, sunny picnics or simply finding somewhere peaceful to escape your housemates for an hour, there is a park here for you. From wild, open landscapes to manicured gardens and leafy canal paths, West London has some of the capital’s most beautiful outdoor spots. And when you’re done exploring, you’ll want a cosy, well‑located place to come home to - that’s where Crenns Properties steps in, with friendly, affordable homes close to these green spaces.
Royal Grandeur: Richmond Park
Royal Grandeur: Richmond Park
Richmond Park is the largest of London’s Royal Parks and genuinely feels like countryside, even though you’re still within the capital. Spanning over 2,000 acres of rolling grassland, patches of woodland and peaceful ponds, it offers a real sense of space that’s rare in a big city.
It’s famous for its free‑roaming herds of red and fallow deer, which have been part of the landscape for centuries, and for its ancient oak trees that give the park a timeless, slightly wild character. On clear days you can find viewpoints with wide open vistas back towards central London, including glimpses of landmarks on the skyline, so you get the best of both worlds: big‑sky nature and city views in one place. Whether you’re into long walks, weekend runs, photography or just finding a quiet hill to sit on with a coffee, Richmond Park is the sort of place you’ll return to again and again.
A deer‑filled wilderness
Walk or cycle through sweeping grassland, woodland and ponds and you’ll almost forget you’re in a capital city. The resident deer are wild animals, so it’s important to admire them from a distance, but they add a unique, almost cinematic feel to the park.Recreational activities
Richmond Park is perfect if you enjoy being active outdoors. There are miles of trails for walking, running and cycling, plus designated routes for horse riding. Certain ponds allow fishing with permits, and there are countless spots ideal for picnics, reading or meeting friends.Isabella Plantation
Hidden within the park, the Isabella Plantation is a beautiful woodland garden, especially famous in spring for its colourful azaleas and rhododendrons reflected in still ponds. Carefully managed to support wildlife, it has improved paths and seating, making it easy to explore for most visitors.Pembroke Lodge
For a more traditional treat, head to Pembroke Lodge, a historic Georgian mansion with tearooms and lawns overlooking the Thames valley. It’s a popular place for cream teas, Sunday walks and sunset views, and a lovely reward after a long stroll around the park. .
Serene Beauty: Holland Park
Serene Beauty: Holland Park
Holland Park is one of West London’s most elegant and varied green spaces, tucked between Kensington, Notting Hill and Holland Park Avenue. It blends formal gardens, woodland, sports pitches and cultural attractions in a compact park that feels different in each area you walk through.
The northern part is more natural, with shady trees, wildlife and winding paths, while the central and southern sections offer manicured lawns, flowerbeds and open spaces for relaxing or meeting friends. As you explore, you’ll come across things like the remains of historic Holland House, cosy cafés and even outdoor art and events depending on the time of year. What really makes Holland Park special is how calm it feels despite being so close to some of London’s busiest streets – it’s an easy escape when you want peace and greenery without travelling far.
Kyoto Garden
At the heart of Holland Park is the Kyoto Garden, a tranquil Japanese‑style garden with a waterfall, koi carp pond, stone lanterns and carefully pruned trees. It’s a peaceful spot for quiet reflection, photos and a break from city noise, and feels completely different to most London parks.Leighton House Museum
Just by the park you’ll find Leighton House, the former home of Victorian artist Lord Frederic Leighton. Now a museum, the building is known for its dramatic interior, tiled Arab Hall and art collection. It’s an inspiring visit if you’re interested in art, design or history.Outdoor theatre and events
In the summer months, Holland Park hosts open‑air opera and theatre in a purpose‑built venue. Even if you don’t see a show, the area around the stage feels lively and atmospheric, especially on warm evenings.Space to play and relax
Beyond the gardens, Holland Park has woodland walks, a children’s play area, sports pitches and tennis courts. It’s a great choice if you want somewhere that works for both chilled afternoons and more energetic activities .
Hidden Gems and Local Treasures
Hidden Gems and Local Treasures
Beyond the big, famous parks, West London is full of smaller green spaces that locals quietly rely on for everyday downtime. These hidden gems and local favourites might not always appear on tourist lists, but they’re exactly the kind of places you’ll enjoy if you live or stay nearby.
They’re where people head for a quick walk after work, a coffee on a bench, a game of tennis or a relaxed catch‑up at the weekend. From riverside parks with sweeping Thames views to neighbourhood greens surrounded by independent pubs and cafés, each of these spaces has its own character and regulars. Together, they show a more lived‑in side of West London life – less about ticking off sights, more about actually using the park that’s closest to your home .
Ravenscourt Park
Ravenscourt Park has a friendly, local feel, with tree‑lined paths, tennis courts, a lake and a popular café. In summer there’s a paddling pool and play areas that make it a favourite with families, but there’s still plenty of space for relaxing on the grass or meeting friends after work.Bishop’s Park (Fulham)
Running alongside the Thames near Fulham, Bishop’s Park offers lovely riverside walks, ornamental gardens and sports facilities. There are play areas, a splash pad in summer and wide paths perfect for jogging, dog‑walking or a stroll before or after a match at nearby Craven Cottage.Chiswick House and Gardens
Chiswick House and Gardens combines history and greenery, with an elegant villa surrounded by landscaped grounds, woodland and lakes. You can wander the gardens for free, spotting classical statues, bridges and carefully planned views, and it’s a peaceful place for slow weekend walks.Brook Green
Brook Green is a smaller but charming green space close to Hammersmith. Surrounded by local pubs and cafés, it’s ideal for a quick break outdoors, informal games on the grass or an easy meet‑up point with friends.Kew Gardens
A little further out but absolutely worth the trip, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is one of the world’s most famous botanical gardens. With glasshouses, rare plants, seasonal flower displays and regular events, it’s a brilliant day out if you love nature, photography or just wandering somewhere beautiful. Entry is paid, but there are often discounts for students and advance bookings .
Public Gardens and Green Retreats
Public Gardens and Green Retreats
Not every great outdoor spot in West London is a big, named park – some of the most useful green spaces are smaller gardens, squares and waterside paths tucked between residential streets. These places are perfect when you don’t have time for a big day out but still want a quick blast of fresh air or a change of scenery.
You might pass them on your walk to the Tube, cut through them on the way to the shops or deliberately detour there for a quiet lunch break. Canal towpaths and stretches of the Thames Path also act like long, linear parks, linking neighbourhoods together with trees, benches and ever‑changing views over the water. They’re ideal if you enjoy exploring on foot or by bike and want to piece together your own routes through West London
Local squares and gardens
Many neighbourhoods have leafy squares and pocket parks, often with benches, lawns and flowerbeds. They’re ideal for quick lunch breaks, phone calls or a quiet half hour with a book between lectures, shifts or viewings.Canal towpaths
The canal towpaths, including stretches of the Regent’s Canal and Grand Union Canal, offer a more hidden side of West London. You can walk or cycle along the water, passing narrowboats, warehouses, street art and waterside cafés. It’s a great way to link up different areas without using main roads.River Thames Path
The Thames Path runs along the river through much of West London, connecting parks, pubs, rowing clubs and residential areas. Whether you’re planning a long weekend walk or a short evening stroll, the changing views along the river make it a relaxing way to explore
Recreational Activities and Facilities
Recreational Activities and Facilities
West London’s parks and green spaces aren’t just for sitting on the grass – they’re also brilliant outdoor playgrounds for fitness, sport and socialising. If you’re trying to stay active on a budget, these areas give you free or low‑cost alternatives to gym memberships and indoor classes. You’ll find everything from football pitches and tennis courts to marked running routes and outdoor gym equipment dotted around different parks.
Many spaces also host organised activities like bootcamps, yoga sessions or local sports leagues, which can be a great way to meet people if you’re new to the area. Even if you’re not into structured exercise, simply having safe, attractive paths for walking, jogging or cycling makes it much easier to build movement into your everyday routine.
Sports and fitness
Many parks offer free or low‑cost sports facilities, including tennis courts, football pitches, outdoor gyms and running tracks. They’re ideal if you want to keep fit, join a local team or organise casual games with housemates.Picnics and socialising
Parks are one of the easiest places to catch up with friends on a budget. Bring snacks from the supermarket, a blanket and a speaker (used considerately) and you’ve got a cheap, relaxed afternoon or evening plan.Walking and cycling
From short lunchtime loops to longer weekend rides, West London’s parks, riverside paths and canal routes are perfect for walking and cycling. It’s a great way to clear your head, get some fresh air and see new parts of the city without spending much.
Why Choose Crenns Properties for Your London Stay?
Why Choose Crenns Properties for Your London Stay?
At Crenns Properties, we know how important it is to have a comfortable, convenient base when you’re living or staying in London, especially if it’s your first time in the city. Settling into a new area is much easier when your home feels safe, welcoming and well looked after, and when you don’t have to spend hours commuting just to reach work, university or your favourite park. That’s why we focus on providing clean, well‑maintained rooms in friendly shared houses, with clear communication and responsive support so you’re never left chasing your landlord for answers.
Our homes are well placed for enjoying West London’s best parks and green spaces, as well as reliable transport links, shops and local amenities. From riverside walks and tree‑lined parks to local cafés, gyms and supermarkets, we choose locations that make everyday life simpler and more enjoyable, not just somewhere to sleep. Whether you’re in London for a gap year, a work placement, study or a longer‑term move, Crenns Properties aims to give you a relaxed, community‑minded place to live so you can focus on exploring the city and making the most of your time here.
Friendly and Approachable Landlords: We pride ourselves on being friendly and approachable. We're always available to answer your questions and provide assistance.
Well-Maintained Properties: Our properties are well-maintained and equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Convenient Locations: Our houses are located in convenient locations, with easy access to public transport and local amenities.
Flexible Tenancies: We offer flexible tenancy options to suit your needs.
Community Feel: We aim to create a community feel within our properties, making it easy for you to meet other young travellers.
West London offers an incredible mix of parks, gardens and riverside walks, each with its own character and charm. Once you start exploring them, you quickly discover how easy it is to step out of the busy streets and into calm, green spaces where you can relax, exercise or catch up with friends. By getting to know a few of these parks near where you live, you’ll find it much easier to balance city life with time outdoors and build a routine that actually feels good.
With Crenns Properties as your trusted accommodation provider, you’ll have a comfortable and welcoming base close to many of these green spaces, as well as the transport links and local amenities that make everyday life simpler. We look forward to welcoming you to West London and helping you enjoy both the buzz of the city and the calm of its parks while you’re here.
Remember to check out our website, www.crenns.co.uk, for more information about our properties and how we can help you find your perfect London home.
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