London’s Royal Parks There are eight Royal Parks in London. Covering over 5,000 acres of historic parkland, the parks provide beautiful green spaces in the heart of London. Originally used for the recreation, mostly hunting, of the Royal Families, they became public parks in 1851 and are freely accessible places. The Regent’s Park The Regent’s Park is perfect for enjoying picnics and scenic walks around the park’s beautiful gardens and boating lake. It is also home to the world- renowned London Zoo, the world’s oldest scientific zoo. In the summer evenings a stunning Open Air theatre presents a variety of productions – tickets must be booked in advance. Hyde Park Brave an open water swim in the Serpentine Lake or hire a rowing boat or take a stroll around the atmospheric Rose Garden. Alternatively, listen to a concert, play tennis, horse ride or join the Hyde Park roller skating team on Friday evenings at 8pm. Kensington Royal Gardens Kensington Gardens is home to the Sunken Garden which includes the statue of Diana, Princess of Wales (open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-18:00pm) and the Memorial Playground, great fun for the younger members of your family. Kensington Palace, which is set in the Gardens, is the official London Residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Sport London is home to an eclectic range of sporting events, depending on the season. As many of the events are very popular make sure you book in advance. Summer events The Henley Royal Regatta usually takes place in June or July and runs over six days. Visited by more than 300,000 each year, it’s an elite and prestigious boating competition. One of the highlights of the summer season, picnics can be enjoyed on the banks of the Thames, accompanied by a glass of fizz. Henley Regatta Wimbledon Tennis , the oldest tennis tournament in the world and one of the four grand slams, it is traditionally held in late June – early July. The only major tournament still played on grass, it is a hugely popular event and famous for its tradition of eating strawberries and cream which was introduced at the very first tournament in 1877. Wimbledon Royal Ascot – Horse racing Royal Ascot is an annual Flat racing meeting held for five days. usually in mid-June with 18 races of the highest quality. Held in Berkshire, the Gold Cup (known as Ladies Day) is the oldest and most prestigious race. Ascot Racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 when she came upon an area of open heath that looked, ‘ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch’. His Majesty, King Charles, attends Royal Ascot, as do many members of the extended Royal Family. Royal Ascot Cricket – The game’s rules were formalised by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 1797 and its base, Lords (named after a founder member of the club, Thomas Lord) in St Johns Wood, London, remains the spiritual home of the game. While debate still continues as to where the game originated (some believe the game is Flemish in origin), the popularity of the game in the UK, and in England in particular, cannot be disputed. Games can be enjoyed in London at Lords and The Oval.
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Tysers - Guide to London
Tysers - Guide to London
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