A Guide to Green Spaces in Victoria
Victoria may be known for its transport links and central convenience, but it also offers access to some of London’s most refreshing green spaces. Whether you’re craving a brisk walk, a quiet outdoor study spot, or even a fun day out with friends, there’s a park for you. In this guide, we’ll help you discover the best parks in Victoria, near our Victoria student accommodation.
1. Grosvenor Gardens
Split by a central road outside Victoria Station, Grosvenor Gardens is a formal green space with Victorian statues and floral displays. Situated in Belgravia, near Buckingham Palace, it has two triangular parks that offer the perfect place for visitors and workers.
Address: 1 Grosvenor Gardens, SW1W 0BD
Distance from urbanest Victoria: 0.2 miles (4 minute walk)
2. Christchurch Gardens
Once the site of a bomb-damaged church, Christchurch Gardens is now a green retreat with lawns, benches, and a central sculpture commemorating WWII ARP wardens. Great for lunch breaks or reading, it is a peaceful park just behind Victoria Street.
Address: Victoria Street, SW1H 0AX
Distance from urbanest Victoria: 0.4 miles (7 minute walk)
3. Green Park
Perfect for lunchtime breaks, studying or soaking up the sun during the summer, Green Park is a tranquil grassy park. With minimalist landscaping and decorated with trees, you’ll also find deck chairs for hire and various shaded paths for walking. If you’re in the mood for tours, TripAdvisor offers a hidden tube walking tour of Green Park Station near the park.
Address: Green Park, London SW1A 1AA
Distance from urbanest Victoria: 0.6 miles (12 minute walk)
4. St James’s Park
Take a stroll in this picturesque royal park with a large central lake. With iconic views of Buckingham Palace and home to the famous pelican feeding and beautiful gardens, St James’s Park is perfect for picnics, reading, or even studying. Surrounding the park, take a break with its many cafés and benches. Fancy a tour? Trip.com offer a bike tour around the highlights of Royal London, including St James’s Park and Hyde Park.
Address: London SW1A 2BJ
Distance from urbanest Victoria: 0.8 miles (15 minute walk)
5. Parliament Square Garden
Parliament Square Garden is a formal green space surrounded by statues of historical figures like Churchill and Gandhi. It is directly opposite the Houses of Parliament. With iconic London views and benches, it’s a great place for sightseeing and absorbing history. Located in the Palace of Westminster, you’ll need admission to see these gardens, you can view tickets on the UK Parliament website.
Address: Palace of Westminster, London SW1P 3JX
Distance from urbanest Victoria: 1 mile (20 minute walk)
6. St John’s Gardens
On Dean Ryle Street, you’ll find St John’s Gardens, a formal square garden with a central fountain and peaceful lawns. Perfect for reading, studying or taking walks.
Address: 8 Dean Ryle St, London SW1P 4DA
Distance from urbanest Victoria: 1 mile (20 minute walk)
7. Hyde Park
One of London’s most iconic parks, Hyde Park spans 350 acres and offers a mix of formal gardens, open meadows, and tree-lined paths. It provides year-round fun, famous landmarks, water sports on the Serpentine, a boating lake, tennis courts, horse riding trails, galleries, and cafés. Even so, the most iconic events of the year happen at Hyde Park, from the BST Hyde Park festival in summer to Winter Wonderland at Christmas.
Address: Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
Distance from urbanest Victoria: 1.1 miles (20 minute walk)
8. Victoria Tower Gardens
Victoria Tower Gardens is a quiet park in Victoria right next to the Houses of Parliament. Enjoy historical sculptures commemorating some of the most important political movements in British history, views of the River Thames and Buxton Memorial Fountain.
Address: Abingdon St, Millbank, London SW1P 3JA
Distance from urbanest Victoria: 1.1 miles (22 minute walk)
9. Victoria Embankment Gardens
Great for cultural strolls, Victoria Embankment Gardens offers colourful flower beds, Victorian statues, and regular events. It’s also perfect for picnics or entertainment, with a bandstand, cafés, fountains, and shaded benches.
The Victoria Embankment also offers a chain of parks and gardens. One of those, Temple Gardens, is designed with planting beds and various statues. Another, Whitehall Gardens, features impressive seasonal floral displays.
Address: Villiers Street, WC2N 6NS
Distance from urbanest Victoria: 1.3 miles (25 minute walk)
10. Battersea Park
Not in Victoria, but a short walk away is the iconic Battersea Park. It’s a large riverside park with lakes, gardens, sports facilities, and various activities. Just across Chelsea Bridge, enjoy nature trails and riverside views with a boating lake, running tracks, cafés and even art galleries. Take a trip to the Battersea Children’s Zoo, Go Ape, or even the iconic Battersea Power Station for some shopping or a bite to eat.
Address: London SW11 4NJ
Distance from urbanest Victoria: 1.2 miles (25 minute walk)
If you’re staying at urbanest Battersea student accommodation, you’re just a 3-minute walk (0.4 miles) from this park.
Related: Things to Do in Battersea
How many parks does Victoria have?
Victoria, London, has more than 20 parks and greenery close by. These include famous Royal Parks like St James’s Park and Green Park and smaller green spaces like Grosvenor Gardens. Most of the parks in Victoria are public and accessible, while others are private garden squares, residential areas, or owned by schools.
What about Victoria Park?
Known as the “People’s Park,” Victoria Park is one of London’s largest and most loved green spaces. It’s commonly thought to be in Victoria, but it’s actually in East London, further away. However, it’s worth the trip for a day out. It features two lakes, cafés, sports facilities, gardens, and a Chinese pagoda. Take a walk around the park, or meet up with friends or family for one of its regular events or festivals.
Address: Victoria Park, Grove Road, Bow, London E3 5TB
Distance from urbanest Victoria: 5.5 miles (30-40 minute tube to Mile End)
Nearest urbanest location: Hoxton student accommodation (1.7 miles)
Is Victoria Park free?
Yes! It is free to enter and open to the public year-round. It opens at 7am and closes at dusk everyday during the year.
How long does it take to walk around Victoria Park?
Depending on your pace, it can take about one hour to walk the full perimeter of Victoria Park. There are two lakes, numerous footpaths, and plenty of detours if you’d like to extend your walk. Download the park map for more information.
The best parks in Victoria
To summarise the best parks in Victoria, we’ve categorised each based on the features so you can plan the day out you want to have, whether it’s resting and relaxing, sightseeing, or a fun day out.
Best for iconic London views
- St James’s Park
- Parliament Square Garden
- Victoria Tower Gardens
Best for a quick rest
- Grosvenor Gardens
- Christchurch Gardens
- St John’s Gardens
Best for long walks and days out
- Hyde Park
- Battersea Park
- Victoria Park
Best for relaxing or studying
- Green Park
- Victoria Embankment Gardens
Whether you’re looking to relax, exercise, study outdoors or explore the city, Victoria offers some of London’s finest pockets of green. From peaceful corners like Christchurch Gardens, to historic stretches like Hyde Park, there’s a green space for every mood and moment. Why not plan your day with our guide to exciting things to do in Victoria?
Interested in staying in Victoria or London while studying? Take a look at our student accommodation in London to find the one closest to your university.