There is only one month and a day until Christmas, and if that thought fills you with dread at the prospect of fitting in shopping and preparing feasts, why not take some time out and visit the capital's glorious Royal Parks?

There are plenty of things to get you in the mood for Christmas from a day out in spectacular Winter Wonderland to horse drawn carriage rides and festive drinks.

Here we have compiled a list of our top ten, but feel free to let us know your favourite things to do this festive season in the comments section below.

1. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland celebrates its 10th anniversary

Why not visit Winter Wonderland Hyde Park this Christmas?

The countdown to Christmas is on and the number one festive destination has opened its gates - Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.

Here's all you need to know about Winter Wonderland including the new additions in store including the internationally renowned ‘Nutcracker on Ice’ at the Winter Palace and for the first time in the UK the world’s largest transportable rollercoaster, Munich Looping takes off.

The usual favourites also also back such as The Magical Ice Kingdom, outdoor ice skating, Zippo Circus and the Giant Observation Wheel.

Tickets to major attractions should be booked online. Entry to the park itself is free.

Winter Wonderland is open until January 2

When: From Friday, November 18 to Monday, January 2. 10am to 10pm every day (excluding Christmas Day).

Where:Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park , London, W2 2UH.

How to get there: The best way to get to Winter Wonderland is via public transport.

Closest stations include: Bond Street, Green Park, Knightsbridge, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Paddington and Victoria.

Visit the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland website for tickets and more info.

Winter Wonderland 2015

2. Get your sustainable Christmas tree

Looking to replace your Christmas tree this year or moved into a new home recently then you can buy it from a number of Royal Parks.

Christmas tree and festive decorations can be bought from Bushy Park, Hampton; Greenwich Park, Greenwich and Richmond Park, Richmond.

Each park will also stock a selection of natural wreaths, garlands, holly and mistletoe, to add that extra splash of magic.

The trees are sustainably sourced from the Highlands in Scotland and sales support the work of The Royal Parks.

Richmond Park

When: From Sunday November 27.

Where : Bushy Park (Diana Car Park), Greenwich Park (Bower Avenue) and Richmond Park (Roehampton Gate Car Park).

3. Improve your sense of direction in Hyde Park

Hyde Park

Most of us have no sense of direction when it comes to north, south, east and west.

But do you want to follow the North Star, yet don't know which way is north without the aid of a compass?

Well by the end of this two-hour workshop you can learn how to navigate the good old fashioned way using the sun, wind and plants as clues.

You will also learn how to identify trees in winter from their buds, twigs, bark and shape.

Afterwards, you can take a stroll down to the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen and relax with a hot festive drink.

Where: Hyde Park.

When: December 3 from 10am to midday.

Cost: £10. Adults only.

Book via the Royal Parks Foundation website

4. Sculpture Park in Regent’s Park

Regent's Park

Combine the fresh air this winter with culture and visit the Frieze Sculpture Park in Regent’s Park until January 8.

There are sculptures from 19 different artists on display in the midst of the beautiful English gardens.

Where: Regent's Park, Chester Road, London, NW1 4NR.

When: Now until January 8, 2017.

Cost: Free.

5. Walk through Kensington Gardens to discover the origin of Christmas traditions

Kensington Gardens

With the shortest day of the year fast approaching, you can join the Royal Parks Foundation for a stroll through Kensington Gardens.

There will be a chance to view the seasonal folklore and traditions that have developed over the centuries.

During the stroll you will unearth what Christmas traditions Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert introduced to Britain.

In addition to this you will learn why robins appear on Christmas cards as well as how holly was protected by Kings.

Where: Kensington Gardens, London, W2 2UH.

When: 9 December 9 at midday.

Cost: £5.

To book you place visit the Royal Parks Foundation website .

6. Uncover a time machine in Brompton Cemetery

Brompton Cemetery

Could it be something more sinister? What on earth is really inside the Hannah Courtoy Tomb?

Discover the extraordinary tale of magic and a secret time machine in Victorian London.

Be sure to bring a candle in a jar to guide you on a wander amid 35,000 graves in Brompton Cemetery.

Wrap up warm as the evening is guaranteed to chill your bones to the very marrow.

Where: Brompton Cemetery, Fulham Road, Kensington, SW10 9UG.

When: December 10, 7pm.

Cost: £8 (25% of proceeds will go to the Brompton Cemetery Restoration Fund).

Purchase tickets via antiquebeat.co.uk .

7. Blow away the cobwebs in Bushy Park

Bushy Park

As temperatures plummet and the cold settles in for this time of the year there's still plenty to do outdoors.

So grab your trainers, scarf and woollies and head to The Woodland Gardens in Bushy Park, Hampton.

Afterwards, reward your efforts and warm up with a mulled wine and mince pie in the Pheasantry Cafe.

8. Horse drawn carriage ride in Richmond Park

Richmond Park

Go on a romantic horse drawn carriage ride in Richmond Park.

Cosy under a blanket and enjoy the stark wintry beauty of the grounds being hauled by the majestic Shire horses.

The magical experience will include a behind-the-scenes visit of the working stables at Holly Lodge.

Proceeds will fund sustainable conservation initiatives with the horses in the Royal Parks.

Refreshments and blankets are provided.

Cost: £125 for two people on selected dates.

Book tickets via The Royal Parks Foundation website .

9. Watch the Peter Pan Cup

Swimmers from the Serpentine Swimming Club take a dip in Hyde Park, July 1936
Swimmers from the Serpentine Swimming Club take a dip in Hyde Park, July 1936

On Christmas Day do something different before tucking into your festive dinner and head for the Serpentine Lake at Hyde Park.

Since 1864, swimmers have been taking to the water to compete in an icy 100 yard race before going home to stuff their faces with a home-cooked Christmas meal with the family.

Cheer on the racers from the sidelines as they brave the icy waters.

Only members of the Serpentine Swimming Club can take part but the public can watch.

When: December 25 at 9am.

Where: The Serpentine Lake, Hyde Park.

For more information visit the Serpentine Swimming Club website.

10. Guided walk of Richmond Park

Two Red Deer stags 'rut' in the early morning mist in Richmond Park

Walk off all the extra turkey and pudding by joining the Friends of Richmond Park for a guided stroll on Boxing Day.

Meet at Roehampton Gate car park in Richmond Park at 10am where walkers will depart on the two-hour walk.

When: December 26 at 10am.

Where: Richmond Park.

Cost: Free.

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