London Hotels and Nature Trips

Colloquially known as "The Big Smoke", nature may be an unusual association with England’s capital city. It has been the hub of international industry for centuries, and its urban centres have grown rapidly in size as a result of flourishing trade and culture. However, it remains a city with a vibrant natural core, and many animal species are able to live alongside their human counterparts. Here are just a few ways that visitors to London hotels can experience nature.





There are more parks in London than New York and Paris combined, and many of them provide a relaxing environmental haven from the hustle and bustle of London. With its leafy surroundings and bird ponds, many say that in St James’s Park, it is hard to believe that one is in the middle of a city at all! Hyde Park - home to many popular music events - is a huge royal garden that is larger than Monaco. To the left, Kensington Gardens is often praised for its air of tranquillity, and a little further south, Battersea Park is home to a subtropical garden and plant life so varied, it is almost like an outdoor museum. Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill are ideal picnic spots in the summer and stunning in the winter. With dozens more parks in the metropolitan area - Alexandra, Finsbury, Greenwich, Crystal Palace, Holland, Richmond.... - and many commons and greens, it is easy to enjoy London without setting foot inside a shop tourist attraction!





Those wanting to spot some exotic fauna will be surprised at what they can find in London. Foxes, horses and may species of bird (including swans!) can be found roaming London’s streets and parks, be they perched on tree tops, swimming in the Queen’s lakes, or carrying policemen. There are also many city farms that welcome visitors in locations such as the Kentish Town, Hackney, Spitalfields, and Vauxhall - all central locations that are bound to be within easy reach of many London hotels.





With over 750 species of animal on its 36 acre site, and representing the entire breadth of fauna on earth, the ZSL London Zoo in Regent’s Park is a must visit. There are even late-night events that let you experience the zoo with a cocktail in hand! Those with small children will enjoy the learning experience at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, which was set up in 2003 to save endangered wildlife, and those looking for a more aquatic fare should visit the Sealife Museum - a snapshot of the world’s marine life on London’s South Bank.





The best thing about London’s nature is that a lot of it is free, and for the rest, most London hotels will be able to book tickets to these attractions for you.