Founded as a hunting ground by Henry VIII, The Regent's Park is a vast rounded garden located in North-West London, boasting the largest outdoor sports area in the city. Combined with neighbouring Primrose Hill, the land covers 487 acres.
Redeveloped by John Nash in 1646 and opened to the public by Queen Victoria in 1845, the park became the home of the Royal Zoological Society and now houses London Zoo, an Open Air theatre which stages Shakespeare plays throughout the summer and a range of cafes and restaurants. It is equally noted for its recreation facilities, which include tennis and netball courts, an athletics track, football and rugby pitches, a boating lake and three children's playgrounds. Those wishing to for a quiet summer stroll can head to the park's historic Rose Garden, housing 30,000 plants covering nearly 400 species of rose.
