SEF in the City: Best green spaces for a break
Looking for the perfect spot to take a break in the city? Akua Nkansah, a second-year Economics, Finance and Management student at Queen Mary University of London, shares her top green space picks in our brand-new series, SEF in the City. Going beyond the lecture hall, the series brings the London student experience to life, highlighting the best ways to enjoy the city alongside your studies.
With Spring right around the corner, students are always looking for peaceful and low-pressure areas to study and destress. Here are four public parks and fields near QMUL that help achieve that much-needed mental reset when the library starts feeling a bit too much. Whether you're looking to catch some sun or just need a quiet spot to chill out between classes, these local gems have you covered.
Millwall Park: Spring on our doorstep
Living and studying at QMUL means having access to some amazing green spaces, and Millwall Park is easily one of the best. Once March rolls around and London starts filling with flowers, this park becomes my favourite place to reset between lectures. It’s a quick journey from the Mile End campus. Just hop on the D7 bus from Mile End Station to Island Gardens Station, and about 25 minutes later…you’re there!
In spring, Millwall Park completely comes alive. The trees explode into soft pink and white blossoms, and walking through the park genuinely feels like stepping into a postcard. I’ve spent afternoons here sitting on the grass with friends, taking far too many photos of the flowers, or lying down with my headphones on trying my best to forget about deadlines. It’s also perfect for solo walks when you need some headspace, especially during exam season.
The park is ideal for low-effort spring plans: picnics after lectures, casual football games, or even dragging your revision notes outside when the library feels overwhelming. You’ll see people jogging, resting, and taking many pictures of the blossom trees, which honestly just adds to the atmosphere. It has this calm but lively energy that feels tailor-made for students.
If you’re a QMUL student who hasn’t experienced Millwall Park yet, spring is definitely the time to change that.
Haggerston Park: A change of scenery
I’ve started appreciating the quieter green spaces around East London and Haggerston Park is one of my favourites in spring. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Mile End (or a short cycle), and it feels calmer than some of the bigger parks nearby.
What I love most is how open it is. The wide stretch of grass makes it perfect for lying down with friends after lectures or pretending to revise in the sun. On brighter days in April, the trees frame the park beautifully and the light hits the grass in a way that makes everything look warmer and welcoming.
There’s something peaceful about the mix of nature and city. You can see the surrounding residential buildings in the background, but the park still feels like a break from everything academic. In May, when deadlines pile up, I’ve found myself bringing snacks, sitting under a tree, and just switching off for an hour or so.
It’s not flashy, and that’s the charm. No huge crowds, just open space, spring air, and that East London atmosphere. If you’re at QMUL and need somewhere to clear your head this academic year, Haggerston Park is such an underrated spot.
Meath Gardens: A local escape between classes
Meath Gardens sits right alongside Mile End Park, which makes it feel like a natural extension of student life at Queen Mary. From campus, it’s an easy 15-minute walk, and passing through Mile End Park on the way already puts you in a calmer headspace before you even arrive. It’s one of those places that doesn’t feel like a “trip” – it just fits into your day.
In spring, Meath Gardens feels especially peaceful. The trees finally fill out, the paths brighten up, and it becomes a great spot for quiet walks or a short pause between lectures. I’ve spent time here sitting with a hot chocolate, watching people pass by, or just taking a moment away from screens and deadlines. Even though it’s tucked into the city, it never feels too overwhelming.
Right next door, Mile End Park adds a completely different energy. It’s more open and livelier, with long paths, sports areas, and plenty of space for jogging, cycling, or meeting friends. On warmer days, it’s nice being able to drift between the two: starting with a calm walk through Meath Gardens, then ending up in Mile End Park where everything feels a bit more active and social.
Together, Meath Gardens and Mile End Park are a perfect spring combo for students. Whether you want quiet time, movement, or a casual place to meet friends, you don’t have to go far to find it. Sometimes spring enjoyment is right outside campus…you just need to walk into it.
Clear skies & park picnics: Spring at Victoria Park
Spring at Queen Mary’s honestly hits differently. Once the weather turns, Victoria Park becomes the ultimate "reset" spot for everyone on campus. The best part? It’s only a 20-minute walk from the Mile End library, so spontaneous trips are actually doable when you need to escape energy consuming classes.
In March and April, the park finally starts waking up. The grass gets that bright green look, blossoms are everywhere, and it’s the perfect place for a wander to clear your head. I’ve definitely lugged my laptop there more than once – though, let’s be real, I usually end up chatting instead of actually working. My friends and I have spent many afternoons there having "picnics" (mostly just snacks from the Co-op) and helping each other with questions from our problem sets.
By May, it’s all about the Victoria Park Sunday Market. After grinding through a rough exam season, walking over for a massive pastry or some elite street food feels like the ultimate reward. We usually just grab our food, find a shady place under a tree, and soak up those pre-summer vibes.
For us at QMUL, Victoria Park isn’t just a random green space. It’s a massive part of the student routine. It’s where the best revision breaks and positive memories happen. If you’re a student and haven’t made the walk lately, you’re missing out!