Location: London
Top Things to do in London
10 Nature & Parks in London That You Shouldn't Miss
The crown jewels, Buckingham Palace, Camden Market…in London, history collides with art, fashion, food, and good British ale. A perfect day is different for everyone: culture aficionados shouldn't miss the Tate Modern and the Royal Opera House. If you love fashion, Oxford Street has shopping galore. For foodies, cream tea at Harrod’s or crispy fish from a proper chippy offers classic London flavor. Music and book buffs will love seeing Abbey Road and the Sherlock Holmes Museum (at 221B Baker Street, of course).
Restaurants in London
1. Hill Garden & Pergola
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By MarioDemetriou1 - London, United Kingdom
A beautiful little oasis in Hampstead, ideal for walk around with views over the Heath and flower blooms and a pond.
2. WWT London Wetland Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 630 reviews
Nestled in a loop of the Thames, London Wetland Centre is an urban oasis for wildlife and people; a rural idyll in the heart of the capital. Voted the UK’s Favourite Nature Reserve by readers of Country file magazine, it is perfect for a relaxing stroll along the paths that meander among the lakes, meadows and gardens. The Centre is a haven for wild ducks, wading birds, butterflies, bats, amphibians and water voles. Visitors can also see a collection of beautiful water birds from around the world, and watch the antics of the otter family at feeding time. With six hides, two kids’ adventure zones and a café there’s something for everyone.
Reviewed By kimg852 - London, United Kingdom
This is a lovely place to come to, the birds flock here and there is a good variety to see, there is a main viewing window with binoculars and telescopes for close ups which the children loved, they have models and information going upstairs on sea animals leading to a room with various places to keep kids entertained for a while. Outside they have a place for pond dipping and an enclosed playground with tunnels and play equipment there is a lot to see and do including a rope bridge and a log walk. Be prepared for a lot of walking but there are plenty of seating areas to rest, the cafe is at the entrance, but can be quite pricey, if you have children with you a picnic is a good idea, it is quite during the week so best time for birdwatchers or if you want to have a restful day. This place is also ideal for disabled visitors, no steps or steep areas on pathways and lifts to all floors, all in all a total inclusive place for a great day out especially for nature lovers.
3. Queen Mary's Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Lovely formal rose gardens located within Regent's Park, which feature visual delights such as a rock garden, statues, fountains and waterfalls.
Reviewed By Betts95 - Sevenoaks, United Kingdom
Queen mary's Gardens are in Regents Park. Regents Park is such a beautiful huge park, the perfect place for a sunny day. The Queen Mary's Rose Garden's is one of my favourite places in London, when the roses are in full bloom it is absolutely wonderful. When it's a sunny day, take a seat by the pond and listen to the birds, it's a lovely break from the busyness of London. Would highly recommend a visit!
4. Regent's Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,377 reviews
Originally a royal hunting ground, this scenic park is a popular recreation area offering an artificial lake, tennis courts, cricket ground, children's playgrounds and the London Zoo, which lies on the north side of the park.
Reviewed By GeeCee1961 - London, United Kingdom
It's a welcome walk in a beauty spot for those living in London who want to get away from the bustle of the city, also a nice tourist venture with London Zoo and the Queen Mary's rose gardens, a perfect picnik place in summer with much to see.
5. Holland Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,599 reviews
Situated west of Kensington Gardens, this city park is particularly attractive in the spring when tulips are in full bloom, and in summer when performances are staged at the open-air theater.
Reviewed By ponsomp1 - Whitstable, United Kingdom
A lot of your experience will depend on weather conditions, the season, and expectations of what a park in London ought to be. Having said that, my parents were visiting me in Spring (2019) from the US and were looking for flowers in bloom. The main parks (Hyde, St James and Green) were already past bloom. We were staying in Kensington, and on our last day we decided to walk over to Holland Park via seeing the Burges Tower House. The Park definitely has a more local feel and less of a tourist-centred one. It is a nice place for walking, jogging, and even meditating. We were very fortunate since the tulips were in full bloom -- brilliant colours. The friendly peacock was a wonderful surprise as was the Kyoto Garden. Japanese gardens can tend to be over-decorated and landscaped, but the Kyoto Garden was nicely designed and well maintained. Not gimmicky. In short, Holland Park capped a wonderful visit for my parents, and with the Design Museum just next to the Park, it makes for an uncrowded venue that ought to be high on the list of places to visit in London.
6. Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 843 reviews
This seven-mile walkway in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, winds its way through four of London's Royal parks, linking the palaces and mansions associated with her life.
Reviewed By jamison19271979 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
Went with a 3 and 6 year old and both loved it. The wet area and sand pit could cater for both. The park has a number of other areas with tepees, raised walkways and musical area. Very well managed with staff doing regular circuits to ensure older kids aren't doing anything dangerous. Son grazed his knee and first aid staff were quick and attentive.
7. St. James's Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,780 reviews
This 90-acre park, the oldest Royal Park in London, features a large lake that is a wildlife sanctuary for ducks, geese, swans and even pelicans.
Reviewed By DAG1875 - London, United Kingdom
What more can you want a wide variety of ducks and geese, pelicans who reign supreme and a bridge that enables you to look towards Buckingham Palace or Downing Street and Horse Guards’ parade?
8. Kensington Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,421 reviews
Separated from Hyde Park by the Serpentine, a lake used by boaters and swimmers, this park is calmer and more peaceful than its neighbor, and features many attractions including a statue of Peter Pan, Albert Memorial and the Serpentine Art Gallery.
Reviewed By 974changg - North Kingstown, United States
Ab fab! One of my favorite parks and not only because I haunted this place when I lived in Bayswater for a year as a child, but also because its plantings, gardens, and paths are simply a delight to stroll, wander, and admire. So nice to see the Round Pond (still replete with ducks, swans, and geese looking for the daily bread), the gorgeous and charming Sunken Garden, the Albert Memorial, Kensington Palace, Orangery, the Elfin Oak (though sadly the fairies are all sequestered behind iron bars these days). Extremely walkable and easy access to and from the city proper through various gates.
9. Hyde Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22,029 reviews
Once the hunting ground for Henry VIII, this large royal park is best known for its famous Speakers' Corner, where people speak their minds, Rotton Row, a famous horse-riding area and Serpentine Lake, home to waterfowl and oarsmen.
Reviewed By WorldTravla7 - Cairns, Australia
I stayed in Lancaster Gate for my holiday which was easy walking distance to both Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens. The Park is acres of green in Central London and my cousin explained to me that half of it is actually Kensington Gardens which is separated from Hyde Park by the Serpentine lake (apparently Queen Caroline ordered they be separated centuries ago). There is plenty to see including the Diana Memorial Fountain, Speakers Corner, the Pan Statue, Holocaust Memorial, Albert Memorial , Reformers Tree & the Wellington Arch (to name just a few). We came just after Anzac Day and a highlight was heading Hyde Park Corner and visiting The Australian War Memorial (dedicated to the 102,000 Australian ms who died in the First and Second World Wars). My cousin is a New Zealander and The New Zealand Memorial is close by so it was great to be able to pay our respects. It was nice seeing the handwritten note from Prince Harry too.
10. Golders Hill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By RhondaJune - Northwood, United Kingdom
We shot through the park on the way to The Old Bull & Bush a couple of years back and vowed to return. A really lovely facility with a small zoo, walled garden, butterfly garden, deer enclosure, pergola and cafe. Great for everybody. Very picturesque - and not far from Bull & Bush! I’m just sorry I don’t live closer but will definitely return.
