The story of London’s favourite Royal Park and neighbouring Kensington Gardens, beautifully illustrated with paintings, prints, postcards and modern photographs.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1877.

London's gardeners are twice blessed: not only do they live in one of the world's most vibrant capitals, it is also one of the most verdant. Gardens of every imaginable style, shape and size abound on rooftops, within palaces, surrounding churches, behind walls - on every piece of dry land - even if it is floating on or lapped by the river Thames. In Great Gardens of London, Victoria Summerley and Hugo Rittson Thomas collaborate to unearth the most fascinating stories of plants and people inside London's most exciting gardens. Some of the gardens are strictly private, while others are regularly open to visitors, but all can now be savoured and enjoyed along with those who know them best. Great Gardens of London is a captivating photographic portrait of the greatest gardens of the capital which are primarily closed to the public or rarely open their gates. It will feature gardens designed by some of the leading contemporary garden designers from across the world. Accompanying the photographs will be essays on the design and planting that explain the designers' inspiration and passion.

No city in the world has such a rich diversity of beautiful green spaces as London, which provide a wealth of opportunities to exercise and commune with nature year round. Whether you're a nature lover, amateur horticulturist or an enthusiastic walker, or all three - or just seeking a bit of peace and quiet away from the stresses of life - you'll find our 20 green walks immensely rewarding.

London's royal parks are amongst its most beautiful and beloved spaces: just as much as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Victoria Station, the mere mention of Hyde or Regent's Park is enough to evoke the capital in all its glory for residents and tourists alike. They have a grand history – some having been royally-owned as far back as the Norman conquest, and others having been acquired by Henry VIII during the Reformation – and since being opened to the public during the eighteenth century have hosted some of London's great events, including the Great Exhibition and innumerable jubilees and celebrations. This book tells the story of all nine of the parks from the point when they were acquired by the monarchy until the present day, including the major historic moments and events with which they are associated.

Terry Farrell's plans for the full integration of London's Royal parks and palaces into the fabric of London in a positive and creative way.

"We have chosen the top-7 runs (plus a bonus run) based on where Londoners run, where tourists really must visit and on what is the most accessible for the visiting runner. ... Most of the runs in this book are in central London and are close to Tube stations"--Page i.