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REGENT’S PARK

Living in Regent’s Park

The area is ideal for families, with a wide range of sporting facilities in the Park, such as football, rugby, cricket, tennis, athletics, netball, softball and rounders. There are lots of useful day-to-day shops and services – and some exceptional art galleries, too, such as the Lisson Gallery and the Mark Jason Gallery, which both display works by emerging artists. The Landmark Spa & Health Club is also on the spot, with several spa treatment rooms, a swimming pool and a fully-fitted gym, all within the confines of a luxurious five-star hotel.

A Brief History

In the mid-16th century, Henry Vlll turned it into a hunting ground and, for a period, it became known as Marylebone Park. It was another 200 years before the land was deemed ripe for development. Under patronage of the Prince Regent, architect John Nash was engaged to build a collection of grand villas, along with a new access route, which would be known as the Regent’s Street.

Luminaries

Writer H.G. Wells lived at Hanover Terrace overlooking Regent’s Park, as did composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. In 1791, Austrian composer Joseph Haydn moved to a farm on the then-rural Lisson Grove for some peace and quiet while composing. More recently, artist Damien Hirst has owned property in the area.

What’s On

Regent’s Park is home to the world-famous ZSL London Zoo, offering visitors a close-up view of some of the world’s most extraordinary animals. The park also hosts the celebrated Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, presenting West End-quality productions throughout the summer. The Boating Lake is another popular attraction, while the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground is just a short walk away in neighbouring St John’s Wood.

Schools

Popular schools nearby include International Community School, Southbank International School, Regent High School, Francis Holland School, Christ Church Bentinck C of E Primary School, St Edward’s Catholic Primary School, and Bright Horizons Regents Park Day Nursery & Preschool.