London may be a big, bustling city, but it has earned accolades for being one of the greenest capital cities in the world. So even if you are in the city on an important assignment or heading a business delegation, you must take time off to watch the flowers in full bloom at the Kew Gardens or enjoy a long walk at a leisurely pace amid the greenery of Holland Park. And just in case you are a gardening enthusiast, the onsite shops selling everything from gardening implements to seeds will keep you pretty rooted.

Gardens - Crafted to Perfection

Such is the scale and serenity of London's immaculately manicured gardens that it is impossible to be unaffected by them. Once private estates, these huge green spaces have been crafted to perfection with a great deal of passion and pride.

You could begin garden hopping from the impressive Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. This World Heritage site holds within itself a glorious history of over 200 years with the same ease and grace with which is houses 30,000 plant varieties. From British history and landscaping, it is time to visit a place with some Italian romance thrown in - Kensington Palace Gardens. It is here that you can admire a dizzying assortment of garden landscapes, including a pretty Italian patch. Art deco elements come to life in the breathtaking medieval gardens of Eltham Palace. If you thought the British resist any display of style and flamboyance, then a visit to sixty magnificent acres of gardens at the Hampton Court Palace is an absolute must. It is more than nature that welcomes you at Syon House and Gardens, home to the Great Conservatory.

Royal Parks - Majestic and Magnificent

The best part about London parks is the sheer variety of activities that they encourage. So if it's sunbathing in summer, you can beat the winter chill with a brisk jog. Though most tourists would associate these parks with complete rest and relaxation, you would be surprised by the massive range of sports and fun activities that take place on their premises.

Hyde Park, easily one of the most loved open spaces in the city, invites you to indulge in a range of activities including skating, cycling and skateboarding around its lake and rose gardens. At Regent's Park, you can play football, cricket and rugby at the largest outdoor sports field in London, while you are challenged to a round of cycling and golf at the beautiful Richmond Park. But if you are just looking for pure relaxation, come to St James's Park and watch the pristine white Pelicans cause a stir in the waters.

Victoria Park, Greenwich Park, Hampstead Heath, Battersea Park, Clapham Common and Lee Valley Park are some of the other legendary names that come like a breath of fresh air. To know how to get closer to these mesmerising spaces, log on to http://www.ratedapartments.com/