Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Botany Bay

"Hyde Park is the largest park in central London and another of the capitals important Royal Parks. There are plenty of free things to do in Hyde Park, including taking a stroll through the colourful Rose Garden, visiting the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain (or one of the parks many other statues and memorials), stepping inside the free Serpentine Art Gallery, listening to the speakers at Speakers Corner or sitting beside the large Serpentine Lake to watch the swans and pedalos for a while."

"Hyde Park is the largest of London’s four Royal Parks at 350 acres, which means there is a lot to see and do throughout on your romantic visit. Whether you two like debate and want to take in Speakers’ Corner or wind around the Serpentine lake, there are romantic activities to suit all types throughout Hyde Park. Several hotels also border the park with great views onto it, so consider booking one of them to have a beautiful view every morning."

"Hyde Park may be nearly 7 times larger, but I’ve always been partial to St. James’s Park, flanked on the east by Buckingham Palace and on the west by Number 10 Downing Street, the British government headquarters. I’m a particular fan of the St. James’s Parks lakes as well as the wildlife it supports, which include pelicans, ducks (lots of ducks!) and foxes!"

"The London Pass is a pre-paid sightseeing card which gives you FREE fast-track entry to the city’s top tourist attractions, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and a Hop on Hop off Bus Tour. The view from the Shard"

"Since it opened in 2012, The Shard has taken its place as one of the most-recognizable and most-visited landmarks in London. Standing 1,016 feet tall and encompassing some 95 stories, this remarkable structure — so-named for its resemblance to a shard of glass — dominates the skyline yet, thanks to its pleasing design, doesn't seem at all out of place when seen next to neighbors such as Tower Bridge. In addition to its office space on the lower levels, The Shard is home to a stunning Shangri-La Hotel and three superb restaurants, all boasting some of the most incredible views over London."

"Last on my list, and another one where you unfortunately can’t use a tripod if you go inside – the Shard. A relatively new addition to the London Skyline, the Shard offers an incredible view of the London skyline from far above the ground. Like the London Eye, it’s also best visited for sunset – we advise booking your ticket in advance to be sure to get the right time slot for your visit."

"A list of famous London buildings wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Britain’s tallest building. The Shard is one of the newest additions to the city’s skyline and one of the most astonishing architectural designs in the world. Take a stroll across the famous London Bridge and snap a photo as you stand at the foot of the incredible glass tower."

"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."

"Over 900 years old, this great castle is located in the centre of the city. It has been used for a wide range of purposes over the years including holding the crown jewels and housing various prisoners. It is for this reason that tourists hardly ever miss a chance to take a trip back in time and explore this medieval masterpiece."

"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."

"Basically Tower Bridge is one of the single most photogenic spots in London. From whatever angle you decide to photograph it, it looks brilliant. I personally love photos taken on the bridge, as it really gives you an idea of the scale and size of this architectural feat."

"Tower Bridge is without a doubt the most famous drawbridge in the world. This alone makes it a must-see landmark when visiting London. A lot of photographs have been taken from this spot already and the pedestrian ways seem to be crowded 24/7."

"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."

"St Botolph was a Saxon saint who built a large monastery near to modern-day Boston (a corruption of Botolph’s town) in Lincolnshire in 654. He was the English patron saint of travellers and has three surviving churches in the City dedicated to him. They are all situated next to old city gates, presumably so that those about to set off could dedicate so"

"Waterlow Park makes for a great alternative to Hampstead Heath and is still a bit of a hidden gem thanks to its more famous neighbour. As well as three ponds, the lawns are all well maintained and Lauderdale House on the edge of the park is worth a look too. Plus it’s near to Highgate Cemetery, which houses Karl Marx, Douglas Adams and more."

"It’s not just the height of Highgate Hill that makes you look down your nose at the rest of London. The air tastes sweeter up here, the trees are leafier, and everything is a bit less, well, Londony. And Highgate’s loveliest spot?"

"Restaurants Steakhouse Covent Garden. Here’s the deal at this singular no-bookings venue: £10 pays for a steak (‘flat iron’ is the US term for a full-flavoured but affordable leg cut), which is sliced into fat mini-slabs and served with a dinky pot of lamb’s lettuce. That’s it, apart from some proper sides, great-value wines and complimentary takeaway ice cream – no wonder there’s a queue."

"Restaurants Steakhouse Covent Garden. For those in need of a beef injection on a budget: at this no-bookings chain, £10 gets you a lovely, thin ‘flat iron’ steak sliced into little hunks, with a dinky pot of lamb’s lettuce. The look inside is understated cool, and there’s a killer cocktail list."

"Flat Iron makes it into our cheap eats London guide because where else can you get steak for under a tenner in London?!. The meat is good quality, juicy, tender and comes with a side salad. Sides like fries are extra and will take you over our cheap eats budget, but steak and salad works for lunch or a light dinner."

"6 New Union Square, Embassy Gardens, Nine Elms, London SW11 7DN Why should you care?. Homeboy, the modern Irish cocktail bar run by Aaron Wall and Ciaran Smith in Islington, has expanded to Embassy Gardens (near Darby's and right next to the US Embassy at Nine Elms). Expect their top cocktails and an all-day food menu too, including toasties and curried chips."

"London brewer Meantime are letting you sample their fine wares - as well as showing you the process behind things - at their Greenwich outpost. Perfect for a day out drinking, the taproom has 9 beers on rotation, while tours take place over the weekend."

"Read the full review: Bancone39 William IV Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4DDFresh pasta joints are no longer the novelty they once were in London, but this casual Covent Garden restaurant will win you over with its buzzy atmosphere and pocket-friendly prices."

"Headed up by chef Louis Korovilas, who previously worked at Locanda Locatelli, Bancone in Covent Garden takes its inspiration from many of the 21 regions of Italy."

"An Italian pasta restaurant, L'assaggino upholds the traditional values of pairing simple, fresh ingredients with good wine. Seasonal produce packs the rustic dishes, on a menu which includes classics like spaghetti alla carbonara, mushroom risotto, and…"

"In a nutshell: All day Italian with a destination bar Where is it?. 9 Seymour Street, London W1H 5BT Why should you care?. This new Covent Garden Italian sees top chef Paul Robinson inspired by Northern Italy, from the nduja pizzas for breakfast through to hand rolled pasta for dinner."

"The London Pass is a pre-paid sightseeing card which gives you FREE fast-track entry to the city’s top tourist attractions, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and a Hop on Hop off Bus Tour. The view from the Shard"

"Waterloo has some great platforms to get Tube/subway photographs. This picture was from the Bakerloo platform which has a nice bendy platform. Try waiting for people to go and set your shutter speed a bit slow for some motion."

"Just across the King’s Cross, St Pancras Old Church is one of the oldest churches in London, whose origin can be traced as early as the days of Norman conquest. The place is calm, soothing and offers regular mass services on Monday, Tuesday, Saturdays and Sundays. Moreover, this church also hosts live music gigs and interactive sessions for visitors."

"Located next to St Pancras Station, and just across from the famous Kings Cross Station is St Pancras Old Church. The site is believed to be one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in England dating back to the 4th century. However, it’s not just the churches age which makes it one of the most famous churches in London."

"It’s thought to be one of the oldest Christian places of worship in England. It dates back to the fourth century and got renovated in Victorian times."