Palaces and Parks

Londoners sure love their parks and palaces! Throughout the city you can find beautifully manicured parks and stunning royal palaces. Here are a few that I frequently visited:

PARKS:

REGENT'S PARK: 

In the movie the King's Speech, King George VI, played by Colin Firth walked down the shrub lined gravel paths of Regent's Park. With a proper English rose garden, long paths of tall trees, a winding boat pond and plenty of of green space of a game of footie, Regent's park is the perfect place to enjoy those the precious sunny days. Just a short walk from my flat, Regent's Park was favorite spot for an afternoon run.

ST. JAMES PARK:

This beautiful park across from Buckingham Palace and down the road from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, may be the most spectacular park in London. From end to end, tourist can see exotic species of birds and ducks that swim in the center pond and waddle along the low pathways. It's the perfect spot to stop and enjoy a packed lunch while touring Westminster.

 

HYDE PARK:

Hyde Park is the largest park in Central London. It features a large pond called the Serpentine, the famous statute of Peter Pan and and large Memorial dedicated to Prince Albert. At the south east corner of Hyde Park is Kensington Palace and the beautiful Kensington Gardens. In order to see all of Hyde Park in one day, I would highly recommend renting a Barclay's Bike. They are part of a public bike share program and there are numerous stations across the city, including several near Hyde Park. You can access a bike for 24 hours for just one pound.

PALACES:

BUCKINGHAM PALACE:

Buckingham Palace is the most well known palace in London. It is the current home to Queen Elizabeth II and the center of many famous celebrations, including the Royal Wedding and the Diamond Jubilee concert. The changing of the guard occurs everyday at 11 a.m. However, you cannot go up to and taunt the guards as many movies depict!

KENSINGTON PALACE:

This is the current home to Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge. I has previous been closed for renovation but opened up in late April. It features a magical and artistic exhibit that tells the personal stories of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, Queen Anne, Queen Mary II, Kings George I and George II and Princess Diana. Cut out light boxes, strings of paper decorations and beautifully decorated tables tell of the triumphs and trials of the royals that once lived in this beautiful brick palace. 

THE TOWER OF LONDON:

Many may not realize that this infamous stone fort known for torture and bloody deaths, is also a royal residence. Queen Elizabeth still has an apartment within the tower walls. Military guards nicknamed Beefeaters look after the grounds and give daily tours. These men are experienced and high ranking military officials who have since retired from active duty. They now live inside the tower with their families. The Tower of London also features the Royal armor and swords of past Kings and the beautiful Crown Jewels.

 

HAMPTON COURT PALACE:  

Just a thirty minute train ride from central London lies Hampton Court Palace. This was without a doubt my favorite palace that I visited while in London. The palace is most famously known as the home of King Henry VIII and his infamous wives. The palace is impressive just based on the sheer size of it. Numerous apartments space acres of perfectly prim gardens and lawns. Outside, the trees are shaped like Hersey kisses and daffodils grow wild in grass. Visitors can get lost in a hedge maze or wander through the bedrooms of King Charles II and the working kitchens of King Henry VIII, featuring roasting spits and large brick ovens that would prepare food for the King's lavish banquets.