Hackney has been named London's top borough for parks and green spaces in the 2026 Green Flag Awards, according to the charity Keep Britain Tidy. The borough successfully defended the title it claimed in 2025, receiving 34 green flags this year.
London's green spaces
London is home to more than 3,000 public parks, the highest number in Europe, with almost half of the city (47%) made up of green space. In summer, parks are used by runners, dog walkers, picnickers and families. Some central London parks were once Royal hunting grounds, while others like Wimbledon Common remain wild and untamed.
This year, Hackney's most popular parks include Clissold Park, Daubney Fields and Well Street Common.
Top boroughs ranking
Councillor Jacob Cable, cabinet member for climate, clean air, energy and transport, said: “Everyone deserves access to top-quality green spaces, close to home. That’s why we are so incredibly proud that 34 of our parks have been recognised as among the best in the country. This achievement is a credit to the hard work of Hackney’s parks team, alongside the many parks user groups, volunteers and partners whose care and dedication make our parks a haven for nature and residents alike.”
Westminster came second with 33 flags, home to Hyde Park, St James’s Park and Green Park, as well as hidden gems like Hanover Square and St Anne’s Churchyard. Paddington Street Gardens in Marylebone was awarded Green Flag status in 2026. Southwark took third place with 30 flags, including Belair Park, Bermondsey Square Gardens and Nunhead Cemetery.
Full list of top boroughs
The awards celebrate the UK's best parks, with independent judges assessing cleanliness, safety, footpaths, facilities and signage. London has 522 awarded sites including 37 Green Heritage awards and 47 Green Flag Community Awards. The top boroughs are: Hackney (34), Westminster (33), Southwark (30), Lambeth (29), Hammersmith & Fulham (26), Richmond upon Thames (25), Ealing (23), Hounslow (20), Lewisham (18), Havering (16), Islington (15), Wandsworth (15), Tower Hamlets (14), Greenwich (13), Sutton (13), Kensington & Chelsea (13), Merton (11), Haringey (10), Harrow (10), Bromley (9), Redbridge (9), Barking & Dagenham (7), Croydon (6), Brent (4), Barnet (3), Waltham Forest (3), Kingston upon Thames (3), Bexley (1), Enfield (1).
