Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are two contiguous parks which are the largest green space in central London, stretching between Queensway and Marble Arch.

The northeast of the park, Speakers Corner near Marble Arch, is the traditional site where storytellers, anti-globalization and religious preachers used to meet as then could talk freely and be heard by anyone who would listen to them.

In the summer, hundreds of Londoners occupy the many lawns in the park and meet at concerts. Hyde Park is divided into two parts by the Serpentine, a small lake located near the Serpentine Gallery, a contemporary art gallery. In the southeast, the Serpentine lake home the memorial to Princess Diana, built in 2004.

This side of the park is bordered by many luxury hotels. Kensington Gardens is home to The Albert Memorial, a flag in memory of Prince Albert. Erected in 1872, this is a statue of Prince Albert covered with gold leaf and surrounded by four groups of statues representing Asia, Europe , Africa and the Americas.

In the park there is also a statue of Peter Pan and a lake named the ‘Round Pound where live many species of birds, including ducks and white swans. They are not afraid of people as they get fed by them, and you can walk among dozens of them resting on the ground.

Both Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park have many trees as well as lawns. These two adjacent parks teem with a multitude of squirrels and foxes and offer a haven of tranquility just steps from the bustle of Oxford Street. What you can do there is walk in the park, visit the Serpentine Gallery, go listen to the speakers in the Speakers Corner, You can also see the Fountain of the Serpentine Lake Kensington Gardens, the Albert Memorial, The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial and statue Peter Pan.

Hyde Park is none other than the biggest and perhaps the most famous park in central London. It is divided in two by the Serpentine Lake separating Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. It extends over an area of ​​2.5 km². Do not miss a visit to Speakers’ Corner. This has become a real institution since the late nineteenth century, reflecting the freedom of expression in Britain. When the warm weather arrives, workers rush to London Hyde Park for lunch. In the summer you can attend music concerts, golf, tennis, riding through Rotten Row orr simply enjoy the moment!

Many of the most expensive houses and apartments in London stand along Hyde Park. The most prestigious address in One Hyde park, where the cheapest studio is worth a few million pounds.

One of our favorite parks is Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan, New York City.

First and foremost if you stand there, you will be facing the Statue of Liberty. Is there a more iconic urban landmark? This construction by the French is quite amazing as it stands in the middle of the sea, welcoming visitors and seafarers from all over the world. You will also see a few islands including Ellis Island where millions of immigrants passed through in past centuries.

The park itself at Battery Park is a rather small green, with Clinton Castle, a nice bank along the sea, a few statues like the American eagle and survivors. This is where “Desperately  seeking Susan” was filmed with Madonna. You can take ferries from there to visit the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island or Staten Island.

What is even more interesting is that from Battery Park, you can walk up north for miles on each side, with a fantastic New York City panorama.

If you go to the West you will find what is called Battery Park City Parks, which is a series of small parks, gardens and lawns along the Hudson River. There is the Esplanade which is a beautiful and peaceful path along the water from South Cove to North Cove and beyond. You can keep on walking for many miles like that, up to 50th street and more. You will see plenty of artistic work such as various statues, in bronze, metal or stone. Memorials too like the Irish Hunger Memorial

North Cove is one of the few spots on Manhattan Island where yachts can park and you will see some wealthy people dining on their boat there in the summer. There is also a yachting school for the kids.

Or you could also walk on the East Side from Battery Park along the East River. On that side the city has not done the same kind of renovation work as they did on the west side, but the walk is nevertheless very picturesque. You will walk below the Brooklynn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge first on concrete but then there are parks too, with baseball and soccer fields. You can walk like that all the way to Midtown.

Sadly flooding can ruin this area, so avoid the storm season but this is a great way to discover New York City if you like walking, either during the summer sunny days or when it is snowing in the winter. Some even love it when it is raining due to the quite without the tourists.