Monday, January 31, 2011

The Royal Parks of London

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An urban area the size of London with approximately 7.5 million inhabitants and nearly that many more around not usually regarded as a place where you will find a lot of open space. As the most populous city in the European Union, you'd think would use all its available space to house people. London's Royal Parks, however, are 5,000 acres of historic parks offer unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment. While London has many parks and open spaces, the Royal Parks are in prime locations, and are larger on average.

There are five royal parks in central London alone and eight in total. Royal Parks are land that belonged to the monarchy of England. These lands are used for your enjoyment, especially as a hunting ground, but as London became more populated, land for public parks were given free access. About 5,500 hectares in total, of Royal Parks are available in London.

Hyde Park is best known Royal Park, and one of the largest in central London. It covers about 350 hectares and is divided by the Serpentine Lake is a paradise for ducks, geese, swans and at its northern end. The lake has a central bridge which marks the division between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, one of the eight royal parks, slightly smaller than Hyde Park's 275 acres in the area. Many people think that Kensington Gardens are part of Hyde Park, but that does not. This land was originally the private gardens of Kensington Palace.

Serpentine Lake is the name of your curves like snakes and has a bathing area known as Landsbury Lido, which will host the swimming part of the triathlon for the 2012 Olympics. The swimming area is open only in summer, but in recent decades a New Year's Day tradition has been for a group of deranged individuals to break the ice and dive into the icy water. No one knows why. The lake has boats for rent, and also hosted the World Rowing sprints on a course of 500 meters in 2002. No motorized traffic is allowed around the lake and the area is widely used by inline skaters, and there are grounds for other sports, formal and informal, around the lake.

Hyde Park offers outdoor concerts, some bands popularity in recent years, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. A 1976 "Queen" concert holds the record for attendance with a crowd numbering 150,000 officially, although it is estimated that the real total is closer to between 180,000 and 200,000 attendees.

London's royal parks include Bushy Park in the county of Richmond upon Thames. A 1,100 hectares is the second largest Royal Park. A little further from the center of the city, but the wildlife such as red deer do seem to do more in the field. Bushy Park is home to the National Physical Laboratory, The Royal Paddocks and Bushy House. D-Day landings were planned here at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces are here in the Second World War, and Field Hockey was invented here in the late 1800's.

Green Park, and The Green Park, depending on who you ask, is located near Hyde Park and has no water features. Originally used as a burial ground for lepers marsh St. James Hospital before 16 century. Today is a strip of green when combined with Hyde Park, and runs from Whitehall to Notting Hill. It is mainly wooded grasslands, and supports wildlife and birds not normally found in this urban setting. The park is an escape from the city with activities such as sunbathing and picnicking when the weather permits. Walking and jogging trails are also popular in Green Park.

Greenwich Park is one of the largest continuous green areas in southwest London. One of only 830 World Heritage sites by UNESCO in the world, Park Royal Greenwich Park is another formerly used as a hunting ground. Heritage is listed by an organization of 21 countries as a place of great natural or cultural significance should be protected. The Royal Observatory is located here, and the hills offer stunning views of the River Thames, Isle of Dogs, and the city of London. Deer were introduced by Henry VIII for hunting, and a small flock is there to this day.

Regent's Park is located partly in Westminster, and partly in the neighborhood of Camden. The park consists of 487 acres of open space. Regents Canal and Lake else provide a home for waterfowl, including a colony. Other amenities in the park include the London Zoo, Open Air Theatre and the Royal Botanical Society. The park offers a wide range of sports such as canoeing, tennis, cricket, softball, Rounders, Football, Hockey, Ultimate Frisbee and Rugby. The proximity of the Park Royal to five other Royal Parks in central London appears to be a continuous park.

Richmond Park is not included with them, and is the largest Royal Park in London, at 2,360 hectares. Wildlife includes elk, deer, rabbits and squirrels. Richmond Park is protected by SSSI status (Site of Special Scientific Interest). The park has been the backdrop for at least two films. "Anne of the Thousand Days was murdered here in 1969. Parts of 'Billy Elliot' was also shot in Richmond Park.

St. James Park is only about 58 hectares in area and is the oldest Royal Park in London. The park is located in the City of Westminster. Beginning with the reign of James I in 1603 the park was an open-air zoo. birds, camels, elephants, crocodiles, and exotic species were planted in the park. None of these species thrived, however, and the wild elephant and crocodile sightings are extremely rare today in the park. There is probably more accurate, but you have to check to see if readers are paying attention from time to time!

Royal Parks are some of the best open spaces in the UK, and for many people who are an urban oasis in the desert.

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