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Cities are best known for their towering skyscrapers, densely-packed high streets and for being buzzing hubs of industry and culture. But every great city needs its spaces to take a breather.
Hidden within the world’s largest concrete jungles are loads of lovely pockets of green that offer urbanites an much-needed escape. They’re essential, really. Science says green spaces reduce stress, improve our mental health and encourage better physical health.
So, as part of Time Out’s Best Cities with Intrepid Travel 2026, we asked more than 24,000 city-dwellers across the planet how accessible nature and green spaces are in their hometown. The votes are in, and we can confirm that London is second greenest city in the UK, according to locals (first place went to Bath, which was also crowned the greenest city in the world).
The result won’t come as a surprise to most Londoners. Practically everywhere you turn, the capital has a green space to explore. And here’s a fun fact: trees actually make up 21 percent of London’s landscape, which is just above the 20 percent that the United Nations says somewhere needs to qualify as a forest. That makes the Big Smoke the largest urban forest in the world.
In total, there are a staggering 3,000 parks and public green spaces dotted around the Big Smoke. In the north, you’ve got the pristine Regent’s Park and the more rugged Hampstead Heath (with it’s beloved swimming ponds). To the southeast, there’s Greenwich Park and in the southwest, Wimbledon Common.
In east London, Victoria Park is a firm favourite while out west there are gorgeous green expanses like Holland Park and Battersea Park. Largest of all is the 6,000 acre Epping Forest (right at the end of the Central line) and the 2,500 acre Richmond Park.
Even in the busiest, most chaotic parts of the city, there are peaceful little patches of nature, like Phoenix Garden in Soho or Dalston Eastern Curve Garden. No need to venture beyond Zone 6, all the green you need is right on your doorstep.
🍃 Read the full ranking of Time Out’s Best Cities for Green Spaces with Intrepid Travel.
Ready to see the world’s best cities for yourself? Book your next trip with Intrepid Travel and start planning the ultimate adventure today. Renowned for the ‘best small group trips’ around, Intrepid is all about locally led adventures that find the sweet spot between authentic cultural experiences and responsible tourism. Trips span more than 100 destinations – from trekking the Inca Trail in Peru to street-food discoveries in Japan and desert camping beneath the stars in Morocco.
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