Regent's Park has perhaps the most classic look among similar attractions in the British capital. Tourists come here to enjoy the traditional English malls, geometric flower beds and trimmed bushes. In addition, there is a magnificent large lake and centuries-old trees.
Territory before the appearance of the royal park
In the XVII century, the forest area was in the possession of a large monastery. As a result of the reformation carried out by King Henry VIII, the territory became part of the hunting grounds. In the XVIII century, a huge untouched forest was leased to farmers for grazing for a long time.
In connection with the active growth of London, aristocratic houses were built around this part of the earth. Then, on the orders of the future king, Prince Regent George IV, the construction of his personal palace was planned on the site of the neglected forest.
Regent's Park: the story of the appearance
The creation of the project was entrusted to the court architect John Nash. According to his plan, the forest turned into a royal park with a lake, in the center of which the castle was supposed to rise.
Soon, the prince changed his mind about building a palace, deciding to remake Buckingham. In this regard, the implementation of Nash's ideas in life was suspended in 1818. By that time, the architect managed to complete work on terraced houses around the Royal Regent's Park, planting trees, creating a lake, a main street and eight of the 56 villas planned. For about a hundred years, the territory has not changed its appearance. In the last century, a zoo, a rose garden, a summer theater, several villas and even laboratory and university buildings joined the park. In the period from 1836 to 1861, the George Bishop Astronomical Observatory was located here.
Description of Attraction
The park ensemble corresponds with its aristocracy to the adjacent Marylebone district of London. The size of the lake allows you to go on a boat trip during the warmer months, during which you can see many waterfowl. Countless flowers are growing in the flower beds, among which it is worth highlighting a collection of more than four hundred species of roses.
Regent's Park in London (England) is ideal for measured walks. Favorable environmental conditions have led to the emergence of various animals, including foxes and Caroline squirrels. The amazing rose garden will not leave indifferent any visitor. It is also worth a glimpse into the local zoo, especially with children. It is relatively small, but very neat and fascinating. For residents and tourists there is the possibility of renting tennis courts, football and rugby fields.
In the north, the classic park borders Boro Camden, and in the south - with the Westminster area. Its area is 410 acres.
Architecture
The guests of the English capital, who come here primarily for the Regent's Park, are aiming to see firsthand the model of urban planning created by the great British architect. In order to find the terraced buildings built by John Nash, you need to leave the park and move along one of the streets that adjoin it. In the name of such houses there is the word Terrace (for example, Cumberland Terrace). The former mansion of the American socialite Barbara Hatton has also been preserved on the territory of the park. Now this building is the private residence of the American ambassador.
The world's oldest London zoo contains approximately 17 thousand animals. Lemurs, meerkats, hippos, tigers, spiders, lions, birds, butterflies, fish, giraffes and snakes live here. The project of the modernist “Round House” for gorillas and a pool for penguins was developed by Bertold Lubetkin.
Among the structures of the royal park, it is worth highlighting the Central Mosque, the construction of which fell on the 70s of the last century. Frederick Gibberd became its architect. The appearance of the dome of the mosque echoes the Brighton Royal Pavilion by John Nash. The building consists of two prayer halls and a minaret, the capacity of which can exceed 5000 people.
The Royal Academy of Music appeared in the park in 1822. Her museum houses ancient stringed instruments and pianos dating from the 17th-19th centuries, manuscripts by G. Purcell, F. Mendelssohn, F. Liszt, I. Brahms and other legendary composers.
It is also worth a visit to Crescent Park - a crescent-curved street. Portland Place departs in the middle of it, Regent Street below, which connects one of the city’s main royal parks with the center. Over the years of its long existence, Park Crescent Street practically did not change its original appearance, despite the hostilities.
Visit
Since 1838, the territory has been open for inspection to all comers. Regent's Park is located next to the metro station of the same name, as well as Great Portland Street. Visiting attractions does not require payment. The park is open from five in the morning all year round without days off, regardless of holidays. As for the closure, it varies every month. The park is open to guests exclusively during daylight hours. The current schedule can always be found on the official website.
Attractions near Regent's Park
The surroundings of this London attraction are fully consistent with its style. Marylebone is an ancient district, which is a haven for an abundance of historic residential buildings. Not far from it is the world-famous Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street. On the other side of Regent's Park in London is the British Museum and the intellectual life district of Bloomsbury. Nearby is a couple of small, but homely cafes.