More than swings, slides and roundabouts, the world’s great parks are places to take refuge in nature while hemmed in by the urban jungle. Parks host cultural and community events, but they’re also places to be on your own, to take a stroll, to sit in the sun with your book or a picnic and soak up the sights, sounds and smells of nature at work.

Each country has its own take on the park. Many classical Chinese and Japanese parks are like miniature landscapes, while traditional European parks are more formal and controlled with fountains and maybe even a maze.

While we’ve never heard of anyone travelling the world seeing the best parks it’s good to know where the local ones are so you can take a sitting and snacking break and hopefully see some local culture while you’re at it.

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