London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and all Royal Park facilities have been closed on Sunday due to high winds from Storm Bert.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the capital, while Transport for London has reported disruptions on several rail lines due to “significant” leaf fall.
St James's Park, Green Park, Regent's Park, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park, Bushy Park, Kensington Gardens and Brompton Cemetery have closed their eateries and cycleways, managers confirmed.
⚠️Unfortunately, Kew Gardens will also be closed today, Sunday 24 November, due to severe weather. Christmas at Kew is also cancelled this evening. Ticketing providers will be in touch with more information. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.
— Kew Gardens (@kewgardens) November 24, 2024
Kew Gardens is also closed on Sunday with Londoners staying indoors to avoid the worst of the weather.
Winter Wonderland, which only opened on Thursday for the 2024 season, announced that all ticket holders would be contacted regarding the closure.
“The safety of our visitors and staff are our top priority and we are sorry for any disappointment caused,” a spokesperson said.
“With better weather forecast in the coming week, we anticipate operating as normal from Monday, and look forward to welcoming guests again soon. Please keep an eye on our official channels for further updates."
London is experiencing peak winds around Sunday lunchtime, but the forecast for the week ahead looks much calmer.
Alongside Kew Gardens closing, it has been announced that Sunday’s Christmas at Kew events have also been cancelled.
“Unfortunately, Kew Gardens will also be closed today, Sunday 24 November, due to severe weather,” a statement read.
“Christmas at Kew is also cancelled this evening. Ticketing providers will be in touch with more information. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
A reminder that all of the Royal Parks are closed today due to the severe wind gusts caused by #StormBert. There will be a delayed opening on Monday for all parks following a safety inspection. We're sorry for any inconvenience that these closures may cause. https://t.co/2wRokN0r0e
— The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) November 24, 2024
A note from the Royal Parks on Twitter added much the same.
“Due to severe wind gusts caused by Storm Bert, all of the Royal Parks will be closed on Sunday 24 November,” the statement read.
“This includes all cafes, kiosks, park roads & cycleways. All parks will be subject to a delayed opening on Monday following a safety inspection of the relevant park.”
Other parts of the UK have also been affected with three men dying as Storm Bret sparks flooding and strong gusts.
