Walk 1.5 hrs (5.75km) 
Total Ascent 14 m 
Highest Point 22 m Welcome to this Quick Escape
Starting in St James’s Park, you’ll be greeted by serene lakes and vibrant flower beds. Green Park has open spaces and scattered trees provide a peaceful atmosphere. Hyde Park offers a larger expanse with its iconic Serpentine lake and a mix of recreational spaces.
Ready to walk?
Be sure to download your PDF guide for the walk and make sure you have the OS maps app downloaded.
Before you start
Here’s 3 important things you need to know before you head off:
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Save this Guide
Save the PDF guide on your device that you’re going to use on the walk. (This contains all the handy information, from how to get there, points of interest and pubs, taxis etc).
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Download OS Map App
This is how you will navigate your way around the route. The link for the route is in this guide and will take you to the OS Maps app.
Click here for Apple
Click here for Android
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Battery
Make sure you have plenty of battery. We hope you have a great walk.
The Curator Peter Bristowe
Meet the Curator
Peter Bristowe is one of Vespucci adventures’ co-founders. He thinks the number of green spaces Londoners have access to is part of what makes this city so great. It’s no wonder Peter is so fond of this walk when you’d struggle to find a route like this in any other big city in the world!
“I have lived in London, on and off, for over thirty years. I have never walked through St James’s Park, Green Park and Hyde Park. I now ask myself, why not? Within minutes of exiting the tube station, you are in central London’s answer to paradise.
Enjoy lakes, bird life and song, public art works and memorials, beautiful trees and gardens and fountains. You also experience two palaces from a new angle and many more iconic sights too numerous to list. There are cafés located all along the route with a nice pub at the end.”
Hike Summary
Three Royal Parks, Central London
This is a trip for any time of the year. Walking time is roughly an hour and thirty minutes and there are many permutations. It’s very easy to shorten or lengthen the walk we have put together for you. Why not meet after work in the summer or head out early on a crisp winter’s day? The contrast of autumnal colours later in the year and the spring reawakening that follows winter make for equally special experiences.
In St James’s Park is home to a resident population of pelicans, which have become beloved symbols of this green oasis in the heart of London. With their distinctive long beaks and elegant plumage, these majestic birds can often be seen gracefully gliding across the park’s picturesque lake or basking on its shores. The pelicans have become a popular attraction, captivating visitors with their regal presence and providing an unexpected touch of wildlife in the midst of the bustling city.
Hike Highlights
Buckingham Palace
An iconic symbol of British monarchy, stands grandly in the heart of London, exuding regal splendor.
SERPENTINE LAKE
Created in 1730 by Queen Caroline. You can swim from May to early September, don’t forget your towel!
KENSINGTON PALACE
Nestled within the scenic Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace exudes timeless charm.
London Underground – Start at St James’s Park Underground, the station is served by the District and Circle lines. We recommend using Citymapper to plan your route to the station.
Sometimes, we can get so caught up in reaching our destination that we forget to take in our surroundings. When in fact, some of the best moments on a walk are the ones spent not walking. It is not until you stop and look a little closer, that you truly see the magic of where you are.
Our hikes are not about how fast you walk, but about how much you take in. We share these beautiful trails with an abundance of wildlife and there’s always something to marvel at – so long as you take the time to look around.
If you are tempted by a pint at the end of your walk then we recommend The Swan, just to the left of Lancaster Gate tube station.
The Swan is an 18th-century coaching inn with terrace and balcony bar, over the road from Hyde Park. Sometimes there is live music!
Points of interest
Places to enjoy along the route
What’s Next?
Done the hike? Let us and fellow members know how you got on and leave any tips and advice!