Whether you're looking for a spot where the kids can roam free or a neat little space to have a catch up with friends, London is full of open spaces.

The parks are really quite beautiful and provide the perfect location if you want to spend some time relaxing, enjoying a picnic with the family of your mates.

Getwestlondon has put together a list of some of the nicest green spots in the area that are great for exploring or setting up camp while the little ones enjoy a kick about.

All you need to do is prepare some sandwiches and treats for your hamper.

There's so much to do and see in west London and some of it isn't in an obvious location.

Check out our top suggestions for hidden gems in the area - there's also some stunning secret beaches just down the road.

Here are our favourite green spots in west London:

Hyde Park

People ride pedalo boats on The Serpentine in Hyde Park

Set right in the heart of London, the huge and bustling park is always home to great events, along with plenty of space for some quiet time if you want to unwind.

Take a picnic and watch the world go by in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

Visit the Speaker's Corner near Marble Arch for a fun, quirky day out watching people debate and discuss important issues in the open-air spot.

Richmond Park

The huge open space in south-west London is filled with beautiful grassland and deer herds.

It's also a top UK site for ancient trees and is home to rare species including fungi, birds, beetles, bats, grasses and wildflowers - perfect for budding adventurers.

The largest of the eight Royal Parks, Richmond Park has plenty of secluded spaces for a romantic walk, or busy spots if you want to people watch over your lunch.

Osterley Park

Enjoying a picnic in Osterley Park

This large park contains a National Trust mansion of the same name, which has been used to film The Chucklebrothers, The Dark Knight Rises and more.

The park and gardens are home to stunning wild flowers so you're guaranteed a gorgeous view.

Ruislip Woods

Large trees towering over Ruislip Woods

Some parts of this nature reserve are remnants of the wild wood that once completely covered England after the last ice age about 8,000 years ago - how's that for a fact.

It's the single biggest area of Woodland in Greater London, which makes if the perfect area for long, lazy picnics in the sunshine.

Get lost in this picturesque stretch of woodland. You'll feel like you've left London behind.

St James' Park

A woman reads a magazine in the sun in St James's Park during May's hot weather

The beautiful park in Westminster is surrounded by amazing tourist destinations such as Buckingham Palace, The Mall, Horse Guards and Birdcage Walk.

It's one of London's eight Royal Parks and covers an area of nearly 57 acres.

Enjoy impressive views of the lake and fountain and the famous flowers beds.

Kensington Gardens

Once part of Hyde Park, the gardens offer a mix of old and new with contemporary art and architecture on display in the green spaces.

You can even marvel at the history and heritage of Kensington Palace and once you're done, head over to the Diana Playground where kids can enjoy the huge wooden pirate ship, inspired by the adventures of Peter Pan.

Holland Park

Holland Park is one of 10 parks in Kensington and Chelsea to be given Green Flag status

Not to be missed by families, this park has a super playground with climbing equipment, zip wire, giant see-saw and tyre swing.

There’s also a fenced-in separate play area for younger children, and during the summer, open-air theatre and opera are staged in the park.

Bushy Park

Scenes from Bushy Park,

Famed for its mix of waterways, gardens and grasslands, if you visit the park, that's not the only sight you'll be treated to.

The park is linked to Hampton Court Palace by the Longford River, and it's also home to roaming herds of deer.

The secret woodland gardens are filled with beautiful flowers and it's also home to the Princess Diana Fountain.

Explore the gardens and children's playpark. Just don't let the deer take your food.

Green Park

George the French Bulldog runs through Green Park, London

This peaceful park offers a calm retreat from London's city life and is right next to Buckingham Palace.

As it's name suggests, it's full of green, leafy plants and trees - perfect for nature lovers to enjoy a picnic.

It's one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of just over 40 acres.

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