Regents
Park was the last to become a public park in the 19th century. In
the 1780s various local leases terminated and in 1793 the Prince Regent
approved a plan for a high-class residential development. John Nash planned a
circular park with a lake, terraces and, in the park, 56 detached villas. It didn’t quite work out that way. Only some
of Nash’s terraces were built. There was to have been a boulevard from Portland
Place through Regent Street to Carlton House on The Mall. The reason why the
plans weren’t fulfilled is because of the Napoleonic War. That was an expensive project and more
important than the Prince’s dreams. 
What
there is now is a beautiful and large park in which to stroll, relax, play
games and get away from the traffic. Along the north side is the Regents Canal with
colourful longboats passing slowly to and fro. Further round is the London Zoo
(opened in 1828).
And
there are gorgeous gardens on display plus Queen Mary’s Gardens which were laid
out in 1838. These are fabulous with over 12,000 rose plants. Go there in the
summer and it is like stepping into a rose bower. This is London’s largest
collection of fabulous roses of every hue and many highly perfumed - and seats
on which to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
