When do the roses bloom at Queen Mary's Gardens?

Peak bloom is early to mid-June. The 12,000 roses in 85 varieties make it one of London's horticultural highlights.

How do I get to Primrose Hill?

Walk from Chalk Farm Tube (Northern line, 5 minutes) or from the north end of Regent's Park. The climb to the summit takes 10 minutes.

Can I visit the Open Air Theatre?

Yes — the season runs May to September with Shakespeare, musicals and family productions. Tickets book out for marquee shows.

Is London Zoo inside the park?

Yes — London Zoo occupies the northern tip of Regent's Park. It's ticketed separately from the park itself.

London

All Experiences

Regent's Park (and Primrose Hill)

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London: Regent's Park (and Primrose Hill)

2-4 hours

Marylebone

Wheelchair Accessibility:

Yes

Operating Hours:Daily: 05:00 - Dusk (varies seasonally). Primrose Hill: Open 24/7

The Vibe:Georgian elegance, rose gardens and a skyline view.

John Nash laid out Regent's Park in 1811 as a ceremonial approach to the Prince Regent's planned palace — never built. The 395 acres of formal gardens, boating lake and sports fields are flanked by Nash's cream-stucco terraces. Primrose Hill rises at the north edge.
Rose scent drifts from Queen Mary's Gardens in June; rowers splash on the boating lake. Cricket thwacks carry across the playing fields; Primrose Hill walkers pause at the top for the skyline panorama.

• One of London's four central royal parks at 395 acres
• Designed by architect John Nash in 1811 for the Prince Regent
• Home to London Zoo, the Open Air Theatre, and Queen Mary's rose garden
• Primrose Hill offers one of London's most celebrated free skyline views

Persona Fit

👨‍👩‍👧 Families: Boating, London Zoo adjacent, playgrounds in all four corners
💕 Couples: Queen Mary's Gardens in June; Primrose Hill sunset
👵 Seniors: Flat paths and frequent benches throughout
📸 Photographers: Primrose Hill at golden hour; Queen Mary's Gardens in June

Highlights

Queen Mary's Gardens — 12,000 roses in 85 varieties, peaks in June
Primrose Hill — 65-metre summit with panoramic London skyline view
The Boating Lake — rowing boats and pedalos, seasonal
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre — outdoor Shakespeare and musicals in summer
Regent's Canal — towpath walk from the park to Camden Lock
Nash Terraces — cream-stucco Georgian facades around the park's edge — Hidden Gem

Sarah Riches

Our London Local Expert

Overview

Persona Fit

Highlights

Plan Your Visit (FAQ’s)

Things To Do Nearby

TJ's Guide

Know Your Facts

Once You Reach

Similar Options

Plan Your Visit

Things To Do Nearby

London Zoo — at the park's northern end

Madame Tussauds — 10 minutes south via Baker Street

Camden Market — 15 minutes north via the canal towpath

Sherlock Holmes Museum — 221B Baker Street, 10 minutes south

London Zoo — at the park's northern end

Madame Tussauds — 10 minutes south via Baker Street

Camden Market — 15 minutes north via the canal towpath

Sherlock Holmes Museum — 221B Baker Street, 10 minutes south

TJ's Guide - Regent's Park (and Primrose Hill)

Know Before You Go

Insider Tips

Best Time: June for Queen Mary's Gardens; sunset at Primrose Hill year-round

Hack: Walk the Regent's Canal towpath from Little Venice to Camden — the park passes straight through the middle

Hidden Gem: Japanese Garden Island in Queen Mary's Gardens — a quiet retreat

Book Open Air Theatre tickets months ahead for Shakespeare plays

Primrose Hill summit is a 10-minute climb — wear appropriate shoes

Best Time: June for Queen Mary's Gardens; sunset at Primrose Hill year-round

Hack: Walk the Regent's Canal towpath from Little Venice to Camden — the park passes straight through the middle

Hidden Gem: Japanese Garden Island in Queen Mary's Gardens — a quiet retreat

Book Open Air Theatre tickets months ahead for Shakespeare plays

Primrose Hill summit is a 10-minute climb — wear appropriate shoes

Know Your Facts

Getting There & Entrances

Amenities

Closest Tube: Regent's Park (Bakerloo) for Queen Mary's Gardens; Chalk Farm (Northern) for Primrose Hill
Multiple park gates: Hanover Gate, York Gate, Clarence Gate
Bus routes: 274, 88, 274 stop around park perimeter
First-time tip: Queen Mary's Gardens are at the park's centre — enter via Hanover or York Gate, signposted once inside

Once You Reach

Internal Navigation

Inner circle: Queen Mary's Gardens, Open Air Theatre, boating lake

Outer circle: Perimeter road with zoo at north end

Primrose Hill: Separate but connected park north of Prince Albert Road

Accessibility: Fully step-free across the main park; Primrose Hill summit involves a climb

Efficient route: Queen Mary's Gardens first, then boating lake, cross to Primrose Hill via north gates

Food & Coffee Shops

Regent's Bar & Kitchen (central): Full-service park café

The Prince Regent (Marylebone Road): Traditional pub five minutes south

Lemonia (Primrose Hill): Long-established Greek restaurant near the hill

Regent's Bar & Kitchen (central): Full-service park café

The Prince Regent (Marylebone Road): Traditional pub five minutes south

Lemonia (Primrose Hill): Long-established Greek restaurant near the hill

Photography Tips

Primrose Hill at blue hour for the classic London panorama

Queen Mary's Gardens in early June for 12,000 roses in peak bloom

No restrictions — tripods welcome

Nash Terraces in morning light (east-facing) give warm pastel colours

Primrose Hill at blue hour for the classic London panorama

Queen Mary's Gardens in early June for 12,000 roses in peak bloom

No restrictions — tripods welcome

Nash Terraces in morning light (east-facing) give warm pastel colours

Explore Deeper

John Nash designed Regent's Park in 1811 as part of a ceremonial route linking the Prince Regent's (future George IV's) Carlton House to a planned palace at Regent's Park. The palace was never built, but the park and its surrounding Nash-designed terraces became one of London's defining neighbourhoods.

Nash's original plan included 56 villas within the park itself; only eight were built, and today just two remain — The Holme and St John's Lodge

Queen Mary's Gardens were opened to the public in 1932 by Queen Mary; the formal layout is based on Edwardian rose-garden traditions

Primrose Hill was added to the Crown Estate in 1842, specifically because Londoners lacked a hill with panoramic views

The London Central Mosque with its gold dome sits at the park's northwest corner, opened in 1977 as the main Islamic centre in the UK

Nash's original plan included 56 villas within the park itself; only eight were built, and today just two remain — The Holme and St John's Lodge

Queen Mary's Gardens were opened to the public in 1932 by Queen Mary; the formal layout is based on Edwardian rose-garden traditions

Primrose Hill was added to the Crown Estate in 1842, specifically because Londoners lacked a hill with panoramic views

The London Central Mosque with its gold dome sits at the park's northwest corner, opened in 1977 as the main Islamic centre in the UK

Did You Know?

Primrose Hill panorama — One of six London viewpoints protected by law — no building can be built that obscures the view of central London from the summit