Finding sanctuary in the city: some of the best city parks
Arguably, perhaps one of the strongest attractions to visiting any new city is the feeling of being anonymous in a busy, sometimes chaotic, environment. It’s the feeling of knowing that you could be absolutely anybody because the likelihood is, that you won’t know anybody else to say any different. The chance to reinvent oneself, if only for a few days, is often too tempting to pass up, and thus escaping to a new city for a short while can seem like the perfect solution to many modern day stresses and strains. It also allows you to completely forget about the problems at home in lieu of exploring new surroundings.
Whilst the busy-ness of modern cities can be an attraction to visitors, it can also sometimes be quite overwhelming, especially to those more accustomed to country life or suburban living. Perhaps for this reason, many popular city locations not only offer metropolitan shopping streets and malls, but beautiful landscaped parks too. These green lands can be a haven amidst what can otherwise be a loud and fast paced way of life. You might be perfectly happy discovering new boutiques and chic bars, but for those who like to reflect upon and absorbthe foreign culture they find themselves immersed in, these parks offer the ultimate balance of tranquillity and restful stimulation.
Hyde Park – London
For many visitors, one of London’s main tourist attractions is the Royal family themselves, and there are many royal dwellings and locations to visit. However, these are usually pretty busy and are a far cry from finding peace and quiet. There are on the other hand, a few Royal parks- Hyde Park being one of the most well-known. The lush greenery is a stark contrast to London’s grey city scape and the grassy areas are the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely picnic by day or night since the park it open until late in the evening- picnic under the stars anybody?
Hampstead Heath- London
If you’ve hastily booked one of the last minute London hotels that many websites now offer, you might be wondering what to include in your itinerary. Along with the busy throes of exploring Oxford Street’s shopping district that isn’t too far away from many of the Shaftesbury hotel collection, you might also want to leave time to visit Hampstead Heath. Upon arrival, you will hardly be able to believe that you are still in London, because the untouched nature that can be seen all around is truly magnificent and will prove to be a little slice of calm for any frazzled soul.
High Line- New York
Another cosmopolitan city is of course New York, and it’s not especially surprising to discover that the American’s are leading the way when it comes to parks in an abstract sense of the word. Even in a tightly packed city where there seems to be no more space to squeeze in any parklands, along comes the High Line along a disused railway, where chances of nature are met with an innate desire to see more greenery flourish. It’s the park for sure, but not as you’ve seen it before.
Summer Palace- Bejiing
This park is a vast display of buildings and wondrous nature working in unity with a shared goal in mind, to offer respite from the blazing summer heat in a beautiful and therapeutic manner. The buildings have been restored to their former glory after the opium war, so this stunning location not only offers shade and sanctuary, but also serves as a stark reminder of history too.
Birkenhead park- Merseyside
Not too far away from the aforementioned Hyde Park, lies Birkenhead park which is famed for being the first park in Britain to have been created using public money. Along with breath-taking water views and well-kept gardens, is a wealth of strikingly designed buildings, such as boat houses and bridges to frame the winding paths and lakes. It’s a park that offers something for everyone, making this a perfect destination for a great family day out.
Boboli Gardens- Florence
If you want the very best view of Florence, then head for these interesting gardens. Not only will you see a multi-dimensional quality in the landscaping and views, but you’ll also enjoy hearing nature, seeing striking plants and trees and taking in the magnificence of the sculptures and statues that reside here also. If the city gets too much, take a breather at the Boboli gardens to feel refreshed and rejuvenated, you’ll be ready to take on the world in no time at all.
Buttes- Chaumont- Paris
Paris has affectionately been dubbed as the city of love, and this intricate park is nothing if not romantic. The haven of entwining trees and plants against a tranquil lake makes this a perfect location for a romantic walk or even a well-thought out wedding proposal! Imagine taking your significant other to an idyllic park, presenting them with a ring and declaring your undying love for them; now imagine doing that in a secluded spot in Paris, it couldn’t be more perfect if you tried!
Park Guell- Barcelona
For lovers of all things pretty and detailed, this park will fast become one of your firm favourites. It’s an incredible mix of white buildings and lush green trees which lends a very European feel to the area that is only bettered by the vast display of ceramic pieces making up the displays of mosaic murals which reflect the glorious sunlight.
