Park Perks: Seeing Green in the City

Rachael Dowd is a student at Seattle University and an ISA Photo Blogger. She is currently studying abroad with ISA in London, England.

Getting lost in London offers more perks than most may think. When someone ventures off course for a little while, it is likely that they will come across the inner beauties of this vast metropolitan city – the parks. Scattered all throughout the city, the London parks offer a mix of nature and beauty that can sometimes get lost in such a populated area. Walking around these parks over the past few days has offered a sense of solace – a feeling I have been searching for since I arrived in London.

Regent Park

Regent Park, London, UK, Dowd, Photo 1

Regent Park, London, UK, Dowd, Photo 2

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Regent Park, London, UK, Dowd, Photo 7

Near Oxford Circus, one of the busiest parts of London, is Regent Park. Laid out in a maze of circles, the park has vast and beautiful flower gardens that feature many different types and colors of flowers and plants. Fountains are located throughout the grounds and the breathtaking Boating Lake is home to many different types of birds and wildlife. It is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the rush of the city for a while.

Kensington Park


Kensington Park, London, UK, Dowd, Photo 6

Kensington Park, London, UK, Dowd, Photo 7

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Kensington Park, London, UK, Dowd, Photo 11

Located near the Notting Hill neighborhood, this park is rich in architecture and landscape. As the perfect park for families, cyclists, joggers and sightseers, you hardly feel like you are walking in the middle of a city when you’re on the grounds. Within in the park is the breathtaking Kensington Palace that has been the home of the Royal British Family since the 17th century and is the current home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

Kensington Park, London, UK, Dowd, Photo 13

When in London, you must always be prepared for the unexpected. While strolling through Kensington Park during London Fashion Week, I managed to stumbleupon Burberry’s Spring 2016 Ready To Wear show for this season’s London Fashion Week. Famous celebrities such as Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss, Jourdan Dunn, Benedict Cumberbatch, Anna Wintour and Sienna Miller were in attendance.

Want to see more of London? Check out “Views of London”