Regent's Park, City of Westminster, London

A photograph of Regent's Park — Photograph · Tom Page from London, UK · CC BY-SA 2.0

Standing: Must see · Heritage site
Rank: Rank 38 of 18,189

Editorial responsibility: Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Regent's Park

The Regent's Park is a major public park in North West London. It was designed in 1811 by John Nash as part of a planned royal park, and named after the Prince Regent, later George IV. The park covers a substantial area and forms part of the northern boundary of central London. It is managed by The Royal Parks agency on behalf of the Crown. The park includes open parkland, formal gardens, a lake, and sports facilities. It is designated Grade I on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

Checked 2026-08-26

What's inside

The park contains several distinct areas and attractions. Queen Mary's Gardens features rose plantings. The park includes the Open Air Theatre, which stages productions during summer months. London Zoo occupies the northern edge of the park. There are multiple sports pitches, including for cricket and football. The boating lake allows recreational use. Several formal gardens are maintained within the grounds. Cafes and refreshment points are situated at various locations. The park also contains wildlife habitats and tree collections. The Inner Circle encloses additional garden spaces separate from the broader parkland.

Checked 2026-08-26

How long to spend

Visitor duration varies considerably based on activities undertaken. A casual walk through the park's main paths might take one to two hours. Those visiting London Zoo typically allocate a half-day or longer. Attending a performance at the Open Air Theatre requires additional time for seating and the production itself. Sports participants or those using boating facilities will need to factor equipment hire and activity time. Garden enthusiasts exploring Queen Mary's Gardens and other planted areas may spend extended periods. Picnicking or informal recreation can extend visits substantially. No prescribed route or mandatory circuit exists.

Checked 2026-08-26

Season and crowds

The park is open to the public throughout the year, though specific hours vary seasonally. Visitors should verify current opening times before travelling. The Open Air Theatre operates seasonally, typically during summer months, though specific dates and performance schedules are not recorded. London Zoo maintains separate operating hours from the park itself. Weather conditions in London vary considerably across seasons, affecting outdoor comfort. Spring and summer generally offer more favourable conditions for garden viewing and outdoor activities. Autumn provides changing foliage. Winter visits are possible but with reduced daylight and potentially inclement conditions. Check the operator's own site for the travel date before relying on a schedule or fare.

Checked 2026-08-26

Tickets

General access to The Regent's Park is free of charge. London Zoo requires separate admission, with pricing set independently by ZSL. The Open Air Theatre charges for performances, with ticket costs varying by production and seating. Boat hire on the lake involves fees. Some sports facilities may require booking charges or membership. Visitors should check current pricing directly with relevant operators. The Royal Parks website provides general information, though specific fee structures for commercial concessions are maintained by those individual operators. Check the operator's own site for the travel date before relying on a schedule or fare.

Checked 2026-08-26

Getting there

The park is accessible via multiple London Underground stations. Regent's Park station on the Bakerloo line serves the south. Baker Street station, served by multiple lines, provides access to the south-western edge. Great Portland Street and Warren Street stations are nearby to the south-east. Camden Town station to the north offers access toward London Zoo. Numerous bus routes serve surrounding roads. The park's perimeter includes main roads with pedestrian entrances at multiple points. Cycling is possible on designated routes and surrounding streets. Visitors should consult current Transport for London information for service status and any disruptions before travelling.

Checked 2026-08-26

What to watch out for

The park contains roads with vehicular traffic, including the Outer Circle, requiring pedestrian awareness. Water bodies present standard drowning risks, particularly for unsupervised children. Wildlife, including waterfowl, should not be fed inappropriate items. Weather conditions can change rapidly; shelter may be needed. Large events may cause congestion and altered access. The Open Air Theatre and zoo attract substantial crowds during peak periods. Some paths may be uneven or muddy after rain. Cycling is restricted to designated routes. Visitors should remain aware of personal belongings in busy areas. Standard urban park precautions apply regarding after-dark visits to less populated sections.

Checked 2026-08-26

Photography

The park offers numerous photographic subjects including formal gardens, lake views, architectural features, and wildlife. The broad open spaces allow wide-angle landscape photography. Flower displays in Queen Mary's Gardens attract close-up and macro work. The London Zoo boundary and Open Air Theatre provide additional subjects, though interior photography of ticketed venues may be restricted. Early morning and late afternoon light offer favourable conditions. Weather in London is variable; overcast conditions reduce harsh shadows. Tripod use may attract attention from park staff; no specific policy is recorded. Commercial photography likely requires permission from The Royal Parks. Visitors should respect other park users when positioning for shots.

Checked 2026-08-26

Place details and sources

Type of place: Park OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Heritage designation: Grade I listed park and garden Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Architect: John Nash Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
Operator: The Royal Parks OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
Wikipedia article: Regent's Park Wikipedia · Checked 2026-09-09

Website Wikidata · Checked 2026-09-09
+44 300 0612300 OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09
View on Wikidata

Common questions

Is The Regent's Park free to enter?

Yes, general access to The Regent's Park is free of charge. Some facilities within the park, such as London Zoo and the Open Air Theatre, require separate paid admission.

Can you see animals without entering London Zoo for Regent's Park in London?

Some animal enclosures are visible from public paths along the park's northern edge, though full zoo access requires paid admission through zoo entrances.

Are bicycles allowed in the park for Regent's Park in London?

Cycling is permitted on designated routes within the park. Cyclists should follow marked paths and remain aware of pedestrians and other park users.

Does the park close at night for Regent's Park in London?

The park has opening and closing hours that vary seasonally. Visitors should verify current times before travelling.

Is there parking available for Regent's Park in London?

The park is surrounded by roads with parking restrictions typical of central London. Visitors should check current parking regulations and consider public transport as the primary access method.

Are dogs allowed in the park for Regent's Park in London?

Dogs are permitted in much of the park, though specific restrictions may apply in certain areas such as formal gardens. Visitors should observe any signage and maintain control of their dogs.

Questions about visiting this season

When are Frieze London and Frieze Masters in The Regent's Park in 2026?

Frieze London and Frieze Masters take place in The Regent's Park from 14 to 18 October 2026. Wednesday 14 October is invitation-only, Thursday 15 October opens with a members and invitation-only preview from 11:00 to 13:00, and the fairs then open to ticket holders through to Sunday 18 October.

Checked 2026-09-30 · Source

What are the opening hours of Frieze London and Frieze Masters in 2026?

Both fairs open from 11:00 to 19:00 on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October and from 11:00 to 18:00 on Sunday 18 October 2026. On Thursday 15 October, ticketed entry starts at 13:00 after the preview; Frieze Masters then stays open until 19:00, while Frieze London closes at 17:00. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing each day.

Checked 2026-09-30 · Source

Where are the two Frieze fairs in The Regent's Park?

Frieze London is in the south of The Regent's Park, with its entrance off Park Square West (postcode NW1 4LL). Frieze Masters is on Gloucester Green in the north-east corner of the park, near London Zoo (postcode NW1 4HA). A free shuttle bus runs about every 15 minutes from each fair's entrance to the other fair.

Checked 2026-09-30 · Source

Can I leave Frieze and come back in on the same ticket?

No, there is strictly no re-entry for general admission tickets. Entry to the fairs is date- and time-specific, and last entry is 30 minutes before closing time each day. Holders of a combined ticket must visit the two fairs in the order listed on their tickets.

Checked 2026-09-30 · Source

How much are Frieze London and Frieze Masters tickets in 2026?

Full prices apply now that early bird tickets have sold out: general admission first access (before 15:00) to one fair is £59 and combined general admission to both fairs is £92. A student combined ticket is £32 and child admission for ages 2 to 17 is £10. Frieze sells tickets online only.

Checked 2026-10-01 · Source

Which days are general admission and preview tickets valid at Frieze?

General admission tickets give access from 11:00 on Saturday 17 or Sunday 18 October 2026, to one fair or to both with a combined ticket on the same day. Preview tickets cover Thursday 15 October from 13:00 or Friday 16 October from 11:00. Both ticket types can add a tour and carry a discount at the Allied Editions booth.

Checked 2026-10-01 · Source

Can I still apply for a complimentary Frieze ticket?

No, complimentary ticket applications for Frieze London and Frieze Masters 2026 are officially closed, and Frieze is notifying successful applicants by 5 October. General admission tickets remain on sale, and Frieze states that all tickets are available online only.

Checked 2026-10-01 · Source

What items are not allowed into the Frieze fairs?

Visitors may not bring food, drink, glass, sharp items, drones, laser pens or any motorised item containing a lithium battery into the fairs, and glass bottles of any kind are refused. The organiser can confiscate prohibited items at the entrance. Food, drinks and fully licensed bars are available inside the fairs.

Checked 2026-09-30 · Source

Is Frieze accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, Frieze says both fairs are fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, with ramps at the entrances and exits. Wheelchairs are available from the cloakroom at each fair on a first come, first served basis, although staff cannot provide dedicated wheelchair assistance. Companion and carer tickets are free and are arranged through Frieze's ticketing contact page after booking.

Checked 2026-10-01 · Source

What support does Frieze offer visitors with hidden disabilities or hearing loss?

Frieze is part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, and Sunflower lanyards can be picked up at the Ticket Enquiries and VIP Enquiries desks or at the cloakrooms of each fair. Hearing loops are fitted at those desks and cloakrooms, and Frieze publishes a sensory story for each fair to help visitors prepare.

Checked 2026-10-01 · Source

Are there toilets, baby changing and places to rest at Frieze?

Yes, accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available at both Frieze London and Frieze Masters, and a nursing room is available at Frieze London. Benches are placed throughout the fairs, and water refill points are marked on each fair map, according to Frieze's accessibility page.

Checked 2026-10-01 · Source

Can I book a guided tour at Frieze?

Yes, a tour can be booked as an add-on to preview and general admission tickets. Frieze's membership tiers also include one: Frieze In Person gives single-entry access to both fairs from 11:00 on Thursday 15 October plus a guided tour of the fair of your choice, from £125 for one person.

Checked 2026-10-01 · Source

Where it is

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