Amid the hustle and bustle of urban life, city parks and gardens offer welcome respite. Time slows down as you revel in the sound of birdsong, the smell of freshly cut grass and the sight of children playing happily.
These well-tended green spaces are our pride and joy and often showcase exquisite pagodas, fragrant rose gardens and a huge array of often rare trees and shrubs. From Royal Parks, botanical gardens or simple municipal spaces, the chances to recharge are plentiful and picturesque. Take a picnic or grab a snack at a café or ice-cream stall.
Saddle up and enjoy a horseback ride in Hyde Park, once Henry VII's favourite hunting spot (when he wasn't ordering "Off with her head!").
Location: Hyde Park, Greater London
The greatest view of Bristol is like all best things in life, free. Head to Cabot Tower for an unforgettable panorama.
Location: Bristol
Stanley Park, in the heart of Blackpool, is renowned for being one of the region's finest parks.
Location: Blackpool, Lancashire
Birmingham has more than 8,000 acres of award-winning green spaces and parks – more than any other European city.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Plantation Garden is a tranquil three acre lush heritage green space in the centre of Norwich, but the challenge is to find it!
Location: Norwich, Norfolk
Enjoy stunning views of the World Heritage City of Bath from the steep hill-top setting of Alexandra Park.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Do you love to picnic? Visit NewcastleGateshead to experience the beautiful wildlife corridor that leads to the centre of Newcastle.
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Don’t miss your chance to see the famous deer which have been roaming in the Royal Park since 1529.
Location: Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey
The Arboretum just outside Nottingham’s city centre is said to be the inspiration behind J.M. Barrie’s classic children’s tale ‘Peter Pan’.
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
There’s more to Chelsea than fancy boutiques and Premier League football clubs, you know.
Location: London, Greater London
Don’t miss your chance to find out about plants from all over the world in the 40 acres of gardens and glasshouses.
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
It might come as a surprise to discover a deer-filled oasis just a tube ride away from the hustle and bustle of London.
Location: Richmond, Surrey
Float past some of Warwick’s most beautiful scenery on a relaxing boat ride through St. Nicholas Park.
Location: Warwick, Warwickshire
On a clear yet windy day, fly a kite on London's Hampstead Heath, then walk to the historic Spaniards Inn pub for a pie and a pint.
Location: London
There is no better place to take in the change of the seasons than London’s Greenwich Park, home to the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian Line.
Location: Greenwich, London
Discover some of the beautiful gardens hidden behind Bath's private houses and hotels.
Location: Bath, Somerset
As well as being an key part of the University teaching, the Botanic Gardens welcome visitors and feature flora and fauna unique to the Bristol area.
Location: Bristol
Step into a world of colour and surround yourself with nature at Kew Gardens.
Location: Kew, London
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