Ин.яз ЛУР / London's Parks

London’s Parks

London has more parkland than any other world capital. The open spaces of London provide a welcome contrast to the great built up area. All the parks belong to the Royal family but are open to the public. Besides the most famous parks as St. James’s Park, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Richmond Park there are many small local parks, play grounds and public gardens around London. In the past this parkland was part of the royal hunting forest but nowadays it is a very popular place to rest in.

One of the most delightful of London’s “lungs” is St. James’s Park, which extends from Buckingham Palace to White hall. Its principal feature is a small but beautiful lake where all kinds of birds find a home.

Regent’s Park, like St. James’s Park was designed by the great architect Wash who was also responsible for many of the Classical terraces which surround the park. In summer open-air performances of Shakespeare’s plays are given in the natural atmosphere. One section of the park forms the Zoological Gardens where a comprehensive collection of animals from all parts of the world is displayed.

Kew Gardens, 288 acres in extend, are devoted to the practical development of botany and forestry. Many sorts of exotic and rare plants were discovered, cultivated and grown there.

Hyde Park, the most popular of London’s parks, and Kensington Gardens, formerly part of the Royal Palace of Kensington are linked by the Serpentine where boating and bathing may both be enjoyed.

Visitors may enjoy great freedom in Hyde Park. One can walk or lie on the grass, play games, take an exercises, etc. Hyde Park is the greatest Public Park in Europe but in spite of that many aristocratic traditions are maintained in Hyde Park. In summer you can watch guardsmen exercising their horses along the roads. Traditionally there early-morning exercises are an etiquette strictly observed in this season. Hyde Park is also famous for its “Speaker Corner”. It is there that every body has the right to speak out everything he or she wants to.

Londoners love their parks and are proud of them. Walking in the parks you have the feeling that you are far away in the country but not in the centre of one of the largest capitals of the world.