On foot or on horseback?  

Hyde Park & Kensington Garden 

With an umbrella and fashionable (rubber-) boots in typical English style, the extensive green spaces of Hyde Park and the adjoining Kensington Garden are wonderful to explore even in changeable weather. Hyde Park is centrally located in the heart of London and stretches west of Buckingham Palace. It is particularly well known for its historical significance and iconic monuments such as that of Diana, Princess of Wales. The park offers an oasis of calm in the midst of the urban bustle, with the Serpentine Lake reflecting the park's sea of color and providing a home for a wide range of bird species.  

Those who prefer to be carried through the parkland can book a ride through the Hyde Park Stables. On the 4.8-kilometre-long riding track across the park, you can enjoy nature at the slow trot of the horses. The groomed sandy paths of Rotten Row offer experienced riders the perfect conditions for a fast gallop past the Royal Rose Park and the park's own bird sanctuary. The ride is best booked seven days before the trip. Giddy up!

After so much nature and fresh air, sooner or later you get hungry. The Churchill Arms is just a few minutes' walk from Kensington Gardens. It is not only known for its lavish floral decorations on the façade, but also for its unique mix of traditional British pub and Thai restaurant. Inside you'll find a cosy atmosphere with historic charm, and the menu features authentic Thai dishes such as pad Thai, curries and fresh salads.  

 

In the footsteps of Batman and Johnny English

Battersea Park   

Battersea Park, located on the south bank of the River Thames in the borough of Wandsworth. It offers a fantastic view of the river promenade and is a favourite location for productions of films such as ‘The Dark Knight’ and ‘Johnny English Reborn’, in which the park served as a backdrop for chase and spy scenes. In autumn, the Affordable Art Fair (16-20 October), celebrating its 25th anniversary, attracts many art lovers. As the name suggests, works of art can be purchased for little money.  

After the walk, the nearby Battersea Power Station invites you to go shopping and enjoy a wide range of international dishes in a stylish industrial setting. In addition to luxury shops such as Rolex, Hugo Boss and Omega, it's worth checking out the British stationery shops. No other country knows how to take itself so little seriously. The postcards for all kinds of occasions, from weddings and birthdays to divorces, are correspondingly entertaining.  

A culinary highlight is the BAO Noodle Shop, where guests can take a seat at the counter and watch the chefs prepare beef noodle soup, xiao chi, Chinese for snack, and bao buns, a savoury dish for in-between meals. For a particularly authentic experience, the adjoining karaoke room can be reserved and sung along with each course. 

 

Experience the London skyline

Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill  

We particularly recommend Queen Mary's Garden, which is located in Regent's Park in the north of London's city centre in the City of Westminster and Camden districts. With its blooming roses, it retains a touch of summer even in the cooler months. Nearby Primrose Hill is ideal for an evening stroll. With a view of the London skyline, there is probably no more romantic way to enjoy a sunset. For animal lovers young and old: a visit to London Zoo is a popular attraction at any time of year. It's worth buying tickets online in advance to avoid the long queues at the ticket office, especially at weekends. Adults can marvel at over 15,000 animals for £31 and children for £21.70. You can even sponsor some of the furry residents. A souvenir that lasts!  

Afterwards, we recommend the Waterside Café for a cosy cup of tea with a view of the park. Those who prefer classic English fare can head to The Sherlock Holmes. The pub is just a few minutes' walk from the park and offers a wide selection of beers for the thirsty. It only gets more British with a portion of fish and chips.  

 

Sleeping with a view of the countryside  

The Milestone Hotel & The Landmark London  

You can sleep like royalty in London, no doubt about it! However, a view of the countryside directly from your own hotel room is a rarity. So it's all the better that renowned hotels with tradition have settled along the large parks. The Milestone Hotel is a traditional English boutique hotel directly opposite Kensington Gardens. Ideal for early risers - the park is open daily from 6am. Also surrounded by greenery, The Landmark London is located directly next to Regent's Park and is not only worth an overnight stay for nature lovers. In just a few minutes by bus, underground or taxi, you can be in the centre of London's hustle and bustle. Best of both worlds! 

 

Travelling with SWISS  

SWISS flies to London Heathrow and London City Airport several times a day.  

London Heathrow (LHR) is located about 24 km west of the city centre. The Heathrow Express is the fastest connection, travelling to Paddington Station in 15 minutes. Alternatively, there is the Piccadilly Line (underground), which is cheaper and takes 45 minutes to the city centre. Taxis and shuttle buses are also available but may be slower depending on traffic.  

London City Airport (LCY) is located 10 kilometres east of the City of London. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) provides a direct link to the underground networks. From there you can reach the city centre in around 20-30 minutes.  

Useful tips

The best time to visit London is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the days are longer. Light, layered clothing and an umbrella are ideal to cope with the changeable weather. The Tube is the best way to get around, while buses offer a good alternative with views of the city. Hire bikes such as Santander Cycles are an environmentally friendly alternative and very popular with city dwellers.