Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Basildon Close

"Hyde Park – Covering 350 acres, Hyde Park is visited by millions of visitors and Londoners each year. There are a number of famous landmarks within the park including Serpentine Lake where you can hire a row boat, Speakers’ Corner and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain along with countless statues. Enjoy a coffee or bite to eat from one of the two cafes on the lake or just get lost walking around the miles and miles of pathways."

"One of London's finest historic landscapes covering 142 hectares (350 acres). There is something for everyone in Hyde Park. With over 4,000 trees, a lake, a meadow, horse rides and more it is easy to forget you're in the middle of London."

"Westminster Abbey is a large, mainly Gothic, church located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the United Kingdom and is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English and, later, British monarchs. Most of the present building dates from 1245 to 1272 when Henry III decided to rebuild an old abbey in the Gothic style."

"It's been the coronation church since 1066, where William the Conqueror was crowned King of England. It is, of course, a hub for tourists these days and sightseeing passes are £22 when purchased in person on the day. If you’re planning to attend it’s definitely worth booking online too — tickets bought online are £2 cheaper and entitle the holder to fast track access."

"With its beautiful architecture, it’s only natural that Westminster Abbey would feature on this list. My personal favourite spot to photograph it from is from the phone boxes in front of Barclays Bank. That way you can, once again, combine a famous London landmark with a London icon."

"In a city like London with strict codes, decent architecture and access to the world’s leading architects, is not so easy to actually get things to be built. Big teams of lawyers, political figures and the general public are involved in what gets or doesn’t get built in the capital. So the fact that the Shard, the EU’s tallest building, got approved and erected means a great deal."

"Another building that took no time establishing itself as a London icon is the Shard, aka the United Kingdom’s tallest building. At over 309 metres tall, it towers over the rest of London with its unique pyramid shape and sharp point. Its unique and imposing design means there are endless options for capturing dramatic and beautiful shots featuring the Shard."

"London’s tallest skyscraper with superb city views from the Skydeck on the 72nd floor. The 306m-tall building is the tallest in the EU and on a clear day you get 360-degree views for up to 40 miles. Using binoculars you can zoom in on London’s different landmarks, from the Houses of Parliament to Tower Bridge."

"Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this uncompromising slab of a building has been many things—including the site where Henry VIII ordered the execution of two of his wives. Now the Tower is most famous as the home of the Crown Jewels. Come, take a tour from one of the Beefeaters (offered every half hour), and gawp at the sparkling and the frightening alike."

"Discover the unique history of this medieval fortress, royal palace and infamous prison. 🏰 The Tower of London is home to the dazzling Crown Jewels 👑 and legendary Beefeaters 💂‍♀️ and ravens."

"London is an eminently walkable city, and you’ll be able to take in the majority of the key highlights, from the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace through to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Then, on your second day, take advantage of that car and head out to some of the attractions outside of London. I’m thinking Windsor Castle, or Hampton Court Palace – both eminently explorable, and easy to reach with a car."

"I spent two years working in a corporate office just next to it, and despite hating my job, I used to love looking out of the window and seeing Tower Bridge. Like all photogenic landmarks it has more than one angle from which it looks Instagrammable and fabulous."

"Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name and has become an iconic symbol of London. Construction started in 1886 and took eight years to build."

"Located next to the late princess’s home, at Kensington Palace, this vast playground’s many sections are inspired by the stories of Peter Pan (J M Barrie was another nearby resident). There are teepees, a giant pirate ship and surrounding sandy beach, giant musical instruments, and extensive plantings which offer ample space for hiding."

"We’re going to West London now and to Kensington Gardens, specifically to the Diana Memorial Playground. The Princess of Wales was known for her love of children and humanitarian work to help kids around the world. There are also many sections inspired by the story of Peter Pan, as J M Barrie was a nearby resident to this park."

"Located next to Princess Diana’s home, the Diana Memorial Playground has a huge wooden pirate ship, sensory trail, tepee and a beach set against a backdrop of trees and plants. There are also lots of seats for parents too. The playground is open all year round, but you may have to queue to enter during busy times."

"It might be hard to spot, nestled amongst the tall quivering stems of bamboo, but this traditional Japanese cottage can't be missed. This cottage, or minka, belonged to the Yonezu family, who donated it to Kew in 2001."

"If in need of a break while exploring the luxury boutiques of Mount Street in Mayfair, or the surrounding gourmet offerings, Mount Street Gardens are beautifully maintained and almost hidden. Perch on one of the many benches and admire the trees of this exotic hideaway."

"On the 33rd floor of The Shard, Hutong, whose name comes from the narrow lanes of the former capital of Peking, specialises in the seafood- and vinegar-based 'Lu' food of Shantong northern province and the fiery chilli accented Sichuan cuisine. There's a real sense of occasion here and the view at nighttime is mesmerising. Luxurious dim sum available at lunch include iberico xiao lang bao soup dumplings."

"A post shared by Life FR (@life_fr_) on Dec 27, 2017 at 6:26am PST. Savour spectacular views of London from this plush northern Chinese restaurant on level 33 of The Shard. Choose from dim sum such as Shanghai-style xiaolongbao or mains such as monkfish in Yangtze hot and sour broth."

"This restaurant sits in the sky, on the 33rd floor of the Shard. It’s also the best restaurant in the building. The Northern Chinese-focused menu offers the likes of Shandong shredded chicken with homemade butterfly buns; and whole crispy seabass."

"When it comes to British meats, the Jugged Hare is ahead of the game. This Barbican pub can pull a pint, but it’ll also pluck you a pheasant too, possessing an ardent passion for game meat. British game season – late summer through to early spring – is the prime time to make a pitstop: at this time of year, the menu features roasted whole red grouse with liver pâté en croute, buttermilk fried partridge, braised venison leg with venison salami, and its namesake dish of 24-hour marinated, juniper-infused hare meat made to an 18th century recipe."

"This stylish City pub is attached to the old Grade II listed Whitbread Brewery, making it the perfect spot for enjoying great drinks and delicious gastro pub food. Watch the chefs cook in the state of the art open kitchen and have a stroll through the walk-in wine room to choose your favourite bottle."

"Sure, it's in the heart of The City, but prepared to be surprised by the level of countryside cuteness going on at The Jugged Hare. Tuck into this taxidermy-filled, cosy spot for an afternoon of classic British dining - with their namesake signature always worth a try."

"Tahini cookie with finely chopped hazelnuts and dark chocolate chips, it’s earthy and nutty, with a lovely crispness from the sesame seeds on top. 11 Goldhurst Terrace, London NW6 3HY.Open for take-away and local delivery."