Fairy-tale walks, free jazz, bird-spotting and trapeze school—there’s something for all ages and inclinations this August in London’s Royal Parks. So head to Greenwich or Bushy, to Regent’s or Hyde and enjoy our (hopefully) summeriest month.
1.Take in some free jazz at Greenwich Park
Throughout August, the bandstand at Greenwich Park is playing host to some great jazz bands including the South London Jazz Orchestra and the Lewisham Concert Band.
Organised by the Friends of Greenwich Park, the concerts are free of charge and take place every Sunday from 3pm. Check out the listings here.
2. Visit the Woodland Gardens in Bushy Park
Take a picturesque stroll through the Woodland Gardens in Bushy Park. As you make your way around, you can take in Fisher’s Pond, King’s River Garden, Willow Plantation and Silver Birch Glade, and stop for ice cream at the Pheasantry Café (open from 9am to 6pm).
3. Take part in a Peter Pan walking tour
Join the Royal Parks Foundation on an interactive walk to find out how Peter Pan made his perilous journey from Bird Island in the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park to the magical shores of the Long Water in Kensington Gardens. Dress up as your favourite character from the tale as you wend your way through the park to the famous Peter Pan statue, with a few surprises hidden along the way. Find out more info or book for the 5th of August or the 12th.
4. Soar with the Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School
Until September, the Regent’s Park is home to the Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School, which caters for aspiring trapeze artists of all ages. Start out with a warm-up and end the day with a flying trick. They also provide a weekly intermediate class for those who really want to get into the swing of things. Check out the Gorilla Circus Flying School website.
5. See what’s blooming in Isabella Plantation
Tucked away in Richmond Park, Isabella Plantation is lovely to visit any time of year, but this month you can enjoy the heather garden in full flower. Heather, along with wildflowers along the streams, attracts butterflies—see if you can spot a red admiral, comma or small copper. Find out what else is in bloom.
6. Do some bird spotting in Greenwich Park
Fancy yourself a bit of a bird watcher? Then make your way to Greenwich Park on August 10 to see how many feathered friends you can spot. It’s a real family event with tickets priced at £15 for two adults and up to three children. Run by the Field Studies Council London, the course can fill up quickly so avoid any disappointment by emailing [email protected] to secure your place.
7. See a flick outdoors
Bring the kids for an appropriately outdoor showing of The Jungle Book on Friday 19 August or Jurassic Park on Saturday 27 August in Bushy Park with Nomad Cinema. Similarly well-sited films for grownups will show in other Royal Parks—including Psycho in Brompton Cemetery and The Life Aquatic in Hyde Park Lido. Check out the full schedule here.
8. Meet some minibeasts
Head to Bushy Park on the 30th of August for a family activity on Brilliant Bugs, to Greenwich Park on the 31st for Interesting Invertebrates or the Regent’s Park for Magnificent Minibeasts (1st of September) and learn all about the parks’ tiniest residents.
