The parks and garden squares of London have always served an important role in the well-being of residents and visitors alike. The fast pace of the crowded city following the impact of the Industrial Revolution meant that people were increasingly seeking spaces to relax and have leisure time.

Eighteenth-century taste had a penchant for the Classical style of architecture, and this inevitably influenced garden design. One such example is Chiswick House and Gardens (33312) which was formerly the residence of Lord Burlington and draws upon the Palladian architectural style.

The parks movement of the nineteenth century grew out of the fear of unplanned urban growth and the need to improve moral and physical health in the city. The Metropolitan Public Gardens Association was formed in 1882 with the object of providing public open spaces in the metropolitan area. It raised money by public subscription to buy and lay out parks and gardens and attempted to persuade local authorities to make similar provision. It encouraged the conversion of disused churchyards and burial grounds into public gardens. From 1889 and into the twentieth century the London County Council continued the mission to introduce green spaces in the inner city and further out with the cottage garden estates (275935) and later from 1965 this was managed by the Greater London Council.

The City of London Corporation Open Spaces Act 1878 was used to acquire most of Epping Forest (322543), most of Burnham Beeches (323632) from Sir Henry Peeks in 1880 and a string of commons across Kent and Surrey. Highgate Wood and Queen's Park, Kilburn were bought under the Highgate and Kilburn Open Spaces Act 1886. The Corporation accepted responsibility for Hampstead Heath (23788) in 1989.

London remains one of the greenest cities in the world.