Why is Regent Park in London democratic? Regents Park: history, description and visiting rules

Regent's Park was formerly called Marylebone Park and, like many other royal parks, was once a royal game reserve. Here in the 16th century, Henry VIII hunted deer, but then the park until the 19th century was used first as a source of timber, then as land for fields and vegetable gardens. The situation changed at the beginning of the 19th century, when King George III fell seriously ill and his son became regent. He wanted for himself new palace and, accordingly, to it new park... The project was entrusted to the famous architect John Nash, who named the new park Regent's park. New landmark has been completed in 1835, and just ten years later, the entrance was made free for all residents of London. Since then, new buildings have appeared in the park and interesting places, but its layout remained the original - a complex system of rings connected by vectors of alleys.

The area of ​​the park is about two hundred hectares. Most of of them are set aside for sectors-flower beds, which are called gardens. They are separated from each other by an internal gilded gate. The most beautiful of them - Queen Mary's garden, or a garden of roses. It was founded in 1932. More than thirty thousand roses of four hundred varieties grow here. Many of them belong to the climbing varieties, and special supports were made precisely so that they would be wrapped around the shoots of roses and form not only a horizontal, but also a vertical rose garden. In the garden of Queen Mary, a wonderful strong scent of roses constantly smells, combining the most subtle shades of odors of rare varieties. By the way, all varieties of roses are marked with plates with their names.

Not far from the rose garden there is a descent to a cozy small lake. Its shores are overgrown with irises and ferns, there are many benches for recreation, and those wishing to swim on the lake on a boat can rent it. A bronze sculpture of an eagle is installed right in the water. Despite the small size of the pond, there is a small island of its own, the design of which is made in japanese style... A beautiful curved bridge and a small waterfall complement the image of the lake.

Walking through the park, it is impossible not to pay attention to all its complex and beautiful structure lovingly maintained in order. The neatly trimmed hedges are perfectly shaped, and the classic English lawn is as beautiful as the carpet. Nevertheless, the English style of parks also implies the obligatory presence of corners of wildlife in an almost untouched form - there are here and they, where old oaks, plane trees and elms grow.

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However, in addition to floral and landscape beauties, the park is interesting for its sports component. For this, there are many bicycle and jogging paths, there are tennis courts, football fields, as well as for the traditional English sport - cricket.

In Regent's Park there is the central London mosque, from a distance its building looks like water tower... Therefore, one should not be surprised to meet here and there in the park people in Muslim clothes and with the Koran in their hands - these are parishioners of a mosque that can accommodate five thousand people.

Finally, if you just want to sit on the grass under the sun and enjoy beautiful view to London, then it is worth going to northern part Regenst Park - on Primrose Hill(Primrose Hill). It is a hill that residents of the capital love to have picnics on due to its large open sunny spaces. There is also a large playground.

- group tour (no more than 15 people) for the first acquaintance with the city and the main attractions - 2 hours, 15 pounds

- see the historic core of London and learn about the main stages of its development - 3 hours, 30 pounds

- find out where and how the culture of tea and coffee was born, and plunge into the atmosphere of those glorious times - 3 hours, 30 pounds

An untouched corner of nature

Regent's Park, which stands out for its personality from all other London parks, can surprise guests with its ideally designed territory. The landscape designers who worked on this area were true masters of their craft, they kept some corners intact wildlife despite the fact that many modern sports grounds have been built here. Today, visitors can usefully spend time in one of the cozy open-air restaurants and cafes. Visiting Regent's Park - the pearl of the English crown - guests can get acquainted with its project, developed in the 1820s by the architect John Nash, whose hand is a considerable number of other local attractions. Initially, only members of the family of the prince, who in the future became King George IV, had the right to rest in the park. Even before the construction of the park, hunting grounds were located on this site, which were chosen by the court nobility and organized various entertainment festivals and receptions here. Only in the 19th century, when William IV was on the throne of the king, vast regions were defeated, the Royal Botanical Garden and a zoo. After that, it was decided to make the park in London public domain, the gates for ordinary visitors began to open twice a week.

Features of the park

Today, the park in London receives guests every day, and in summer time visitors can be here almost round the clock, starting at 5 am, it continues to work until 9 pm; only in winter, the opening hours are limited (from 9 am to 4 pm). By the way, another feature of the park is considered to be absolutely free entry... Before visiting this cozy corner, guests should know that the area of ​​the park is 200 hectares and should, for easier movement, get pocket pointers that will not allow you to stray from the route and find out the exact distances to certain places. Regent's Park could become ideal place for lovers active rest... It is worth noting that in this place, according to an old tradition formed several centuries ago, various entertainment events and entertaining children's parties are organized. In addition, on the territory, adult visitors can visit special sports grounds, and bring children to play complexes. By the way, in the fitness complex located in the park, those who wish can attend classes with professional trainers for a rather small fee (3 euros). When it comes to wildlife, Regent's Park treats it in a special way, as evidenced by the many wilderness areas such as the reed beds in the marshes that provide shelter for all birds. However, the main attraction of the park is the amazing Rose Gardens, which formerly belonged to Queen Mary, and now amaze all guests with their splendor. On the territory of the park, in addition to roses, everyone's attention is often attracted by the zoo, the beautiful residence of the US Ambassador, the old building of the University of London and the main London mosque. As for the location of Regent's Park, it is very convenient for all guests, as it allows you to get here by bus or metro from any corner of the city.

Part of London since the days of Henry VIII, Regent "s Park is one of the largest green areas in the city and home to a variety of attractions. The park is bordered by grand 19th century buildings designed in the so-called Regency architecture.

The origins of the park

Queen Mary "s Gardens

The area that would later be known as London "s Regent" s Park was first appropriated in 1538 by King Henry VIII to be used as hunting grounds. Originally called Marylebone Park, it remained a "royal chase" until 1646 after which it was mainly used as farmland.

In 1811, famed architect John Nash added his magic touch, at the request of the Prince Regent, and made the park into what it is today. With 166 hectares to design, Nash had huge plans for Regent "s Park. Round in shape, the park would have a canal, lake, and fifty-six planned villas, though just eight were built and only two remain -

St. John "s Lodge and The Holme.

Both the Zoological Society and the Royal Botanical Society took up residence in the park and it wasn "t until 1835 that the general public was actually allowed to use the park, but only certain sections. More than a century later, the park marked another landmark with the creation of beautiful Queen Mary "s Gardens. By that time, the entire park was open to all.

Regent "s Park Today

Twenty-first century Regent "s Park is a vibrant and lively place to be. The park features a number of sports facilities such as tennis courts and the" Hub ", a sports community pavilion.

The centerpiece of the park is the London Zoo. Home to dozens of

mammals, birds, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, visitors of all ages will love this excellent zoo, which is open year round.

The park has also become an important site for wildlife, especially with the recent addition of a "wildlife-friendly" community garden, and flower aficionados will enjoy the colorful Queen Mary "s Gardens, a rose garden named after the wife of king George V . Other gardens include the formal Avenue Gardens; the adjacent, more informal English Gardens and the St. John "s Lodge Garden, which belongs to one of the villas in the park. The villa is private property, but part of the garden is open to visitors.

The pretty lake in Regent "s Park is open to rowboats and paddle boats, which may be rented at the boathouse.

Between Camden and Westminster is London's main royal park - Regent's Park. This park, which covers more than 188 hectares of land, was formerly the hunting forest of King Henry VIII. In 1810 - 1820, this territory entered the city limits, and a beautiful park was laid out on the site of the former royal estates. Designed by renowned architect John Nash, the park was designed to provide entertainment for the future King George IV and his family. Since 1838, Regent's Park has been open to everyone.

Regent's Park is currently considered one of the best places for a vacation in London. Here you can rent tennis courts, rugby and football fields. In summer, you can rent a boat and go for a ride on the picturesque lakes, which are home to a large number of waterfowl. There is a beautiful rose garden in the heart of Regent's Park.

There is a zoo in the northeastern part of the park. It also houses the buildings of the University of London, the central mosque and the residence of the US Ambassador to Great Britain. Regent's Park has a very convenient location - in the center of London, next to the underground. But, despite the proximity of busy streets, it is always quiet and peaceful here. In 1994, the restoration of Avenue Gardens was carried out, the creator of which was Nesfield. These gardens give the impression of Victorian gardens in their prime.

A linden alley runs between two parallel paths. Visitors to the park can admire column and pyramid-shaped plants, hedges, beautiful fountains and large flower beds. Flowers of all kinds are grown in the park.

After passing the linden alley, you can see a white well, which is made in the form of a small Gothic tower.

Nowadays, it is rare to see gardens like Queen Mary's Rose Garden. There are also very old shrubs here. Each of the huge flower beds is occupied by a certain type of plant, and curly roses are woven along special swinging ropes. Thanks to the excellent plant care, the beautiful blooming of roses can be observed until late autumn.

Not far from the Rose Garden, there is an unusual Japanese-style composition. This composition includes a small body of water with islets, bridges and a cascade. The island also has a charming rock garden.

The large pond is designed in such a way that by boating on it, you can swim along the elongated bays. In the southern part of the park there is a large number of all kinds of decorative elements, and in the northern part, on the contrary, there is more open area planted with trees around the perimeter. It is here that locals prefer to relax in the shade of trees or play sports.

In the southwestern part of Regents Prak is the Central Mosque, which was built in the 70s of the last century. Also on the territory of the park is the building of Regent's College.

How to get there?

The easiest way to get to the park is by metro, station Regent "s Park.

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Regents Park (London, UK): detailed description, address and photo. Opportunities for sports and recreation, infrastructure, cafes and restaurants in the park. Reviews of tourists.

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Regent's Park like many others royal parks, appeared thanks to Henry VIII and his passion for hunting. Many years later, another member of the royal family created in this place what we see now, and London, as a result, acquired large park with a lake, a zoo, a summer theater and a wonderful rose garden.

This is the most formal and most classic of London's royal parks - alleys, geometric flower beds, trimmed bushes - it's all there. But besides them, there are also large old trees, very beautiful lake, on which you can swim on a boat, and a huge number of flowers - some roses more than 400 varieties.

History of creation

Once these lands belonged to a large monastery, but as a result of the Reformation carried out by the same King Henry, they became the property of the crown, and Henry left them untouched as hunting grounds. In the 18th century, royal hunting fell out of fashion, and the forest that remained untouched was leased to long term nearby farmers who grazed their cattle here.

In 1811, the lease expired, and London increased - the forest was now surrounded by actively under construction aristocratic houses. And then the prince-regent, who later became King George IV, wished to build himself a personal palace and chose this particular piece of land for him. The park owes its name to him.

Architect John Nash

The Regent invited the court architect John Nash and commissioned him to create the project. Nash planned the transformation of a neglected forest into an aristocratic park, creating canals and lakes in it, a palace in the center, and in order to find money for all this - aristocratic villas around the edge of the site and the same aristocratic terraced houses outside the park, around. It was also planned to create a front street from Regents Park to the center, and from there to the main royal palace, St. James.

Soon the prince changed his mind, deciding not to build a new palace, but to rebuild Buckingham for himself (there is almost nothing left of this building now), and the construction was stopped in 1818.But by that time, Nash had already completed the terraced houses around the park, the park itself with planting trees, a lake and a canal in it, eight of the 56 planned villas, as well as a front street to the center, called Regent Street.

The park remained in this form until the last century, when a zoo, a summer theater, a rose garden, buildings for laboratories and universities and several more villas were built in it.

About the park

This park adjoins one of the two most aristocratic districts of London (not wealthy, namely aristocratic) and looks accordingly. This is the most formal and most classic of London's royal parks - alleys, geometric flower beds, trimmed bushes - it's all there. But, besides them, there are also large old trees, a very beautiful lake where you can swim on a boat, and a huge number of flowers - more than 400 varieties of roses alone.

For a young man, this park, perhaps, may seem too classic, but if you come with your parents, they will almost certainly like it, especially your mother. I must say that a rose garden of such a size can rarely leave any woman indifferent, and in general it will appeal to any person who loves flowers.

The park is well suited for recreation, there you can wonderfully walk in a huge flower garden or go to the London Zoo (it is small), but tourists generally do not come here for this.

Architectural landmarks

Tourists come here mainly to see an example of urban development and urban planning, created by an outstanding architect. As you remember, John Nash designed not only the park, but also the streets and terraced buildings in the neighboring streets.

The result is a stunningly elegant ensemble in the classical style, which is included in almost all textbooks on architecture. Combined with the same classic park, the impression is completely unforgettable.

Finding Nash-built terraced houses is very easy: all of these streets are adjacent to the park, and in their name there is the word Terrace (Cumberland Terrace, for example). But the most impressive part of the street development is Park Crescent, a semicircular street with Portland Place in the middle, below it turns into Regent Street, the one to connect the park with the center. Part of the street was destroyed during the war, but the Crescent Park survived practically without external changes.

Regents Park

Practical information

Four metro stations are suitable for a trip here at once: Regent's Park and Great Portland Street (they are right by the park), and besides them, Baker Street and Warren Street, they are a little further at approximately equal distance, on foot walk for about 10 minutes.

Park opens all year round at 5:00, but the closing time changes - it works until dusk, respectively, every month the closing time is different, the schedule can be viewed on the official website.

Around the park

Nearby is the beautiful old Marylebone district, which contains many historic residential buildings, a little further - Baker Street with the Sherlock Holmes Museum, and on the other side - the University district of Bloomsbury and the British Museum. There are not many cafes around, but the ones that exist are usually not bad.