The special feature that distinguishes London from other capital cities is its green parks, which have been enjoyed by its citizens since Hyde Park became the first public garden (1637). One fine day in 1660, the famous diarist Pepys wrote: "It being a very pleasant day I wished myself in Hyde Park." The fact that people still have the same desire is a comment on the parks' enduring attraction in a much-changed world.

Five of London's nine royal parks are in the very heart of the capital and each has its own character. Laid out in the midst of government buildings and palaces, St James's Park is one of the smallest, but with its charming lake enlivened by water birds, well-maintained flower beds and view of Westminster from the bridge, is easily the most attractive. To the west, divided by The Mall, is Green Park, an open space with stately avenues of trees and grass.

Beyond Hyde Park is Hyde Park itself, flanked by Park Lane, Knightsbridge and Bayswater Rd, and merging on the west with Kensington Gardens. The Park has an area of 361 acres and its outstanding feature is the 40-acre Serpentine boating lake. Londoners love to use this park and you'll find joggers - not to mention riding enthusiasts cantering around the horse track - taking advantage of its spaciousness. Another attraction of the park is Speaker's Corner, near the Marble Arch end of the grounds, where anyone can get up on a makeshift rostrum - often a cardboard box - and spout their opinions. It's hard to believe that the roads were once infested by villains and popular with duallists, not to mention kings hunting deer.

Kensington Gardens are separated from Hyde Park by a road, but the difference in character is at once apparent - it is more formal, more enclosed. The gardens share the boating lake with its neighbouring park, but at this section it is called the Long Water. We might have been denied the beauty of this park if it wasn't for Prime Minister Walpole resisting Queen Caroline's request to attach the grounds to the palace nearby, but it is to her that we owe the present aspect of The Round Pond and the elegant Broad Walk.

Regent's Park is set apart from the others and, if Primrose Hill is included in its area, is the largest of the parks at 670 acres. Given its look by John Nash, this "aristocratic garden suburb" is roughly circular in shape and encircled by a carriage road, which is flanked by a monumental terrace. In its precincts are London Zoo, Queen Mary's Garden and the Open Air Theatre.