Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Beckenham

"A post shared by Rakel Harboe (@rakelharbo) on Mar 8, 2019 at 1:57am PST. Take a leisurely stroll, zip around on a bicycle, row a boat or swim in the Serpentine at Hyde Park. Whichever way you choose to explore this huge and centrally located park, there's plenty to see and do, with more than 4,000 trees, a lake, a meadow, rose gardens and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain."

"Stop 1: Begin Day 2 Of Your London Itinerary At Hyde Park Head to the largest park in the UK first thing in the morning on the second day of your London itinerary. Hyde Park has such an array of sites and beauty that all who visit London must experience during their 4 day London itinerary. First, stop in at the Lido Café for a fresh pastry and barista-crafted latte."

"Hyde Park opened to the general public in 1637, and this was by order of King Charles, but it was not the reason why the park came into existence. In 1536, the park was acquired by Henry VIII, the first member of the royal family. The primary reason he acquired this large area of space was to turn it into a hunting ground."

"If walls could talk, Westminster Abbey would have plenty to say!. The site of every coronation since 1066, this Gothic church is the final resting place for 17 monarchs, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, Sir Laurence Olivier, and many, many others. It’s also a favourite for royal weddings—in 2011 Prince William married Kate Middleton here."

"The Westminster Abbey Museum, or The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries, sits 52 feet above the abbey floor in the 13th century triforium. Guests will take in incredible views of the abbey as they climb the Weston Tower to the museum. The secret space that houses the galleries was hidden for more than 700 years."

"This Gothic architectural masterpiece has hosted almost every coronation of English monarchs since 1066, when William the Conqueror was crowned on Christmas Day. Over 3,300 people are buried here, including at least sixteen monarchs, eight Prime Ministers, and the Unknown Warrior."

"Renzo Piano, its designer, is said to have been inspired by London’s railway lines when building this 95-floor behemoth. Visit the viewing area at The Shard, The View from The Shard observatory, stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, or visit one of The Shard’s restaurants."

"This is an example of modern luxury, being part of the famous Shard building that towers above London. The building was completed in 2012 and was the tallest structure in Europe at the time. The multi-award-winning hotel takes up floors 34-52."

"The Tower of London is such a great place to visit with kids if they’re into learning about the history of London, castles and stories of kings and queens – including a bit of blood and gore!. Kids will be enthralled by the stories of the famous tower ravens, Henry the VIII and his many wives, the Guy Fawkes plot, the yeoman warders and Beefeaters with their pomp and ceremony. Save the best until last – the spectacular Crown Jewels including dazzling crowns and jewellery that are still in use today."

"Another of London’s most famous landmarks, the Tower of London dates from medieval times. This former royal residence and prison houses the Crown Jewels and the six resident ravens which must never leave or legend has it that the kingdom will fall. Best shot: from inside the Tower of London you can capture Tower Bridge as well."

"Nowhere else does London's history come to life so vividly as it does in this mini city of 20 towers, the intimate details of lords and…"

"If there ever was a defining landmark in London, it’s the Tower Bridge. Often mistaken by tourist as the London Bridge, the Tower Bridge is quite a bit more ornate and lovely than the plain London Bridge to it’s west. Traffic (both foot and car) abounds on the Tower Bridge, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit the inner workings of the bridge and learn all about it."

"Tower Bridge is one part of the London skyline that isn’t always visible and only at certain viewpoints will you catch a glimpse. As Tower Bridge is a lot lower to the ground than the other buildings, it is easily hidden amount surrounding structures. However, that hasn’t stopped it becoming one of the key elements of the iconic image."

"Tower Bridge has to be THE most Instagrammable place in London. It is possibly the most defining landmark in London, and as such demands a place on your Instagram feed. Tower Bridge is photogenic from each and every angle, so go crazy and get creative here!"

"Stretching beyond Greater London’s boundaries to regions like Hertfordshire and Essex, Lee Valley Park contains a multitude of different attractions including heritage sites, nature reserves, lakes, countryside and urban areas. Visitors can enjoy numerous activities such as golf, camping, boating, cycling, horse riding, ice skating and bird watching. From 2005 to 2012, Lee Valley Park was modified to become the Olympic Park for the 2012 Summer Olympics and 2012 Summer Paralympics."

"This is an enormous stretch of parkland that follows the River Lee from Ware to the Thames East India Dock Basin. The park lends itself to plenty of sporting activities in the river (white water rafting, fishing, kayaking) and on land (camping, bird watching, cycling, golf, horse riding, ice skating). There are many examples of fine architecture within the park including Myddelton House and the remains of the Augustinian Waltham Abbey."

"The 26 miles (42 km) long linear park extends beyond Greater London’s borders into the neighbouring counties of Hertfordshire and Essex. The area has many lakes,  watercourses and open spaces. They are linked by footpaths and cycle tracks."

"Queen’s Wood is one of the four ancient woods in the London Borough of Haringey. Today it is situated very close to Highgate tube station, but Queen’s wood was originally part of the Forest of Middlesex that spread over the largest part of London. Despite its closeness to the crowded city, the wood succeeded to preserve the largest part of its natural habitat, with a rich flora and fauna: different species of grasses, trees, shrubs, birds (three species of woodpecker), and insects."

"One of Europe’s largest inland wetland projects, this 42-hectare centre run by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust was transformed from four Victorian reservoirs in 2000 and attracts some 140 species of bird, as well as frogs, butterflies, dragonflies and lizards, plus a thriving colony of watervoles. The glass-fronted observatory affords panoramic views over the lakes, while meandering paths and boardwalks lead visitors through the watery habitats of black swans, Bewick's swans, geese, red-crested pochards, sand martins, coots, bitterns, herons and kingfishers."

"Voted in 2012 as Britain’s Favourite Natural Reserve, WWT London Wetland Centre is an oasis of natural wildlife placed right in the heart of London. Managed by Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, this idyllic wetland reserve is located in a loop of the Thames and occupies more than 100 acres of land. Home for a significant number of unique species of birds, insects, amphibians and other wildlife representatives, the Wetland Centre represents a real natural wonder."

"Just ten minutes from Hammersmith, you'll get lost in the London Wetland Centre and its lakes, ponds and gardens. Aside from the daily guided tours, you can meet the otters, feed the birds, or take part in a host of family activities such as pond dipping and nature walks."

"Tucked behind Lambeth Palace, the playground here won’t thrill anyone over the age of about four – though there are things to climb on, a sandbox, and swings. But the location, in central London, make this a good pit-stop between cultural visits – particularly if the Jubilee Gardens playground by the London Eye, with its climbing web and little else, is too crowded. Archbishop’s park is completely cut off from the street, so children can roam freely across the large grassy field."

"On the cusp of Westminster and Lambeth you’ll find the excellently located Archbishop’s Park, which is great for little ones aged four and under. It makes an excellent place to have a rest in between sightseeing and it isn’t known for being too crowded."

"Bakers Mathew and Andrew met while working in Melbourne and decided to return to London to set up their own business. Chewy Cookie is all about quality, ethically sourced cookies. The doughs are aged for 24 hours before baking (and we can attest to how great they taste)."

"Floozie Cookie founder, pastry chef Kimberly Lin, has a CV that includes Claridge’s, The Savoy and Dominique Ansel Bakery. She’s made a name for herself with Floozie which specialises in vegan stuffed cookies. Options might include Pecan Pie - butterscotch cookie dough, topped with toasted pecans and stuffed with date caramel."

"How does a vanilla cookie coated with crispy cinnamon cereal, and stuffed with rich speculoos cream sound?. Like something you want in on?. Well it’s your lucky day, because this Covent Garden pop-up turned nationwide cookie delivery service is delivering boxes of its vegan stuffed cookies around the country."

"A soft-and-crisp, pecan-studded butterscotch cookie with a filling of date caramel, it’s creamy in the centre, warming – not sugary sweet – and completely vegan too. 5 James St, London WC2E 8BH. Open for take-away and nationwide delivery."

"Truly in the heart of the city, Red Cross Garden is part of the Bankside Open Spaces Trust. You can stare out at the city from the tranquility of the garden, which was restored to its original Victorian layout back in 2005. COVID-19 UPDATE: Red Cross Garden looks to be open, but please respect social distancing rules."

"If you’re into pageantry, just round the corner from Buckingham Palace, and officially part of the grounds, the Royal Mews is a fascinating place to visit, and much less popular than its exhibits deserve. Finally, if you’re into afternoon tea, you can experience a fashionable take on the high tea experience at the Berkeley."

"You can visit the Royal Mews (fee*) which showcases the royal collection of historic carriages and coaches, including the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. Art lovers will want to stop at the Queen’s Gallery (fee*) which displays regularly changing exhibitions of art from the royal collection."

"One of the swishest Champagne bars in London is back in business this spring. Head over to Kings Cross St Pancras where Searcys has dusted off its pretty patio to welcome you in for fine fizz and outdoor dining."