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Original poster

AIBU to be surprised that all of London's Royal Parks are closed today because of the wind?

54 replies

Westfacing · 04/10/2025 10:36

In a statement on its website, the Royal Parks said:

Due to severe wind gusts caused by Storm Amy, all of the royal parks, plus Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens will be closed on Saturday October 4.
This closure includes all park roads and cycleways, cafes and kiosks, parks sports venues, the Serpentine lido and boating lake, and the royal parks shop.
It said opening times on Sunday will be delayed because of safety inspections.
“The safety of visitors and staff is our top priority,” the Royal Parks said.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience that these closures may cause.”

A bit of an over reaction I'd say, or am I missing something? I've been out and there are gusty winds but not dangerously so.

I understand that trees get blown down and that's a safety concern, even so....

OP posts:
Inthesearch · 04/10/2025 10:40

There's a storm warning with 50mph gusts forecast, so a significant safety concern. They'll be thinking about their liability in the case of an accident from falling branches and such.

Selwynn · 04/10/2025 10:39

I think they’re terrified of being sued if someone is hit by a falling tree branch, and presumably don’t have the resources to actually be monitoring all the trees.

I have noticed a real uptick in park closures due to wind in the last couple of years - it did happen before as a rarity, but it seems quite frequent now. We have a non-royal park close to us closed today too.

Kew Gardens seems to be shut several times a year for wind.

Original poster
Westfacing · 04/10/2025 10:39

Worriedalltheday · 04/10/2025 10:37

Yabu, you don’t have to be hiking around or be busy 24/7. I’m in London and it’s quite windy. And being injured is a big concern for most I would think.

Other parks are open! Why only the Royal Parks?

OP posts:
Worriedalltheday · 04/10/2025 10:37

Yabu, you don’t have to be hiking around or be busy 24/7. I’m in London and it’s quite windy. And being injured is a big concern for most I would think.