Green Park: Take a Break en Route from Westminster to Kensington

Green Park might not be as celebrated as the other Royal Parks in London, but there are plenty of highlights to explore. Like going for a picnic under old oak trees, or learning the story behind war memorials honouring soldiers fighting in World War One and Two

Green Park for Kids

For many families sightseeing in London, Green Park is just a stretch of greenery en route between Westminster, Buckingham Palace and the museums in South Kensington. It’s true that there are are no playgrounds or lakes like in the other Royal Parks, but that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do for families. Here is a handful of suggestions:

• With school-age children learning about history, take a moment to reflect on the many war monuments
• Rent a Boris-bike and go for a circular family-cycle trip through Central London’s green belt
• Go to the top of Wellington Arch while the cavalry is on its way through as part of Changing of the Guard
• Take a break and enjoy a picnic among the old oak trees; Green Park is a lot less busy than St James Park
• Go tree spotting with the kids and see if you can identify some of the unusual trees in the park such as Black Poplar, Silver Maple and Silver Lime. 

Green Park’s highlights

• The spring-time joy of over a quarter of a million daffodils in bloom
• Flat and safe traffic-free cycle route
• Canada Gate, erected in 1908 as part of the tribute to Queen Victoria
• The 41-gun royal salute that takes place on the Queen’s birthday and state visits
• Enjoy the great views from the top of Wellington Arch
• Watching Trooping the Colour from the Green Park lawn
• The Royal Artillery Memorial – dedicated to first world war casualties
• The Canada Memorial, which commemorates the efforts by Canadian soldiers who served as part of the then-British Empire in two world wars.  

From April to September London tourists are able to hire deckchairs in the park, allowing for valuable moments of peace and quiet in hectic central London. It goes without saying that picnicking is very popular for picnicking in the summer months.