The Regent's Park

You'll know you've hit Regent's Park when the city noise drops and you're suddenly surrounded by 400 acres of proper London green space. It's one of those parks that actually feels like you've escaped, even though you're bang in the middle of the capital.

The Open Air Theatre runs here during summer - if you catch a performance, book ahead because tickets shift fast. There's a boating lake that's genuinely lovely, especially on a quiet weekday morning before the crowds arrive. The rose garden in summer is almost too perfect, the kind of place where you'll spot people doing actual yoga on the grass without it feeling absurd.

Walkers will get miles out of it. There's a proper circuit round the whole park, and the tree-lined paths mean you're never feeling like you're trudging through concrete. It's also where you'll find ZSL Zoo if you've got kids in tow - they can combine a day here with the park itself.

Families tend to make an afternoon of it. The boating lake keeps children entertained for a bit, there are open spaces for running about, and cafes dotted through if you need a break. Serious park enthusiasts might find it a touch manicured - it's certainly more formal than some London parks - but that's partly the point.

If you're staying at Lovat Parks nearby, it's easily reachable for a morning wander before heading back. Worth the trip even if you're just passing through London for a few days.