Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in The Brooks

"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."

"The place where the Great Exhibition of 1851 was situated, Hyde Park represents a traditional natural landmark of London. The largest from the continuous series of parks that form the so-called London’s green lung, Hyde Park was created in 1536 by Henry VII and it was originally intended to serve for hunting activities. Even today, the park remains full of history and cultural symbols."

"If you have absolutely no knowledge of London and are unable to find England on a map, you’ve probably still heard of Hyde Park. Being the most famous of London’s parks, it’s arguably the most touristy, but you won't see anyone it's huge. Hyde Park stretches across 350 acres of royal expanse, where visitors can enjoy a spot of boating, tennis and even horse riding."

"A splendid mixture of architectural styles, Westminster Abbey is considered the finest example of Early English Gothic. It's not merely a beautiful place of worship – the Abbey is still a working church and the stage on which history unfolds. For centuries, the country's greatest have been interred here, including 17 monarchs from King Henry III (died 1272) to King George II (1760). Much of the Abbey's architecture is from the 13th century, but it was founded much earlier, in 960 AD."

"An important architectural and historical stop, Westminster Abbey is where kings and queens are crowned still today and where many famous figures are buried. The cathedral is immensely popular with tourists, so be prepared to wait. Highlights include the Gothic-style nave, built in the 13th century, and the ornate coronation chair."

"Westminster Abbey is definitely one of the UK’s most impressive churches. It’s here that key events in the life of the British Royal Family take place including Royal Weddings (17 to date) and Coronations (the majority of British rulers since 1066!)."

"Scraping the sky at 306 metres, western Europe’s tallest building boasts a high-end hotel, restaurants and bars and London’s highest viewing platform—an unobstructed 360-degree view stretching as far as 64 kilometres. Here are 12 more observation decks with thrilling views."

"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."

"The White Tower, popularly known as the Tower of London, is definitely one of the must-see historical landmarks in London. It was constructed almost 1000 years ago in 1097, and this old monument has been used as an execution site, prison, and royal residence. The walls of the Tower of London are rich in history, making it one of the most-visited English landmarks in the city."

"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."

"Home to the Crown Jewels, the iconic beefeaters, and (allegedly) several spooks, the Tower of London’s history dates back nearly 1,000 years. Standing guard by Tower Bridge and the River Thames, the medieval compound has served as a royal palace, prison, and execution site. Legend has it, these royal ghosts haunt Britain to this day!"

"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."

"Some people thought I was being brave when I posted shots like this on Instagram, but this composition is actually taken from an island in the middle of the road (so it’s totally safe). Try using a tripod, long exposure and taking pictures at night for a similar result to below. Best time for pics: Blue hour/nightCost: FreeLocation:Link on Google Maps"

"Not only is St Helen’s one of the oldest surviving churches in the City of London, but it is also the largest, and contains more monuments than any other church in London (except Westminster Abbey of course). The church was designed with two parallel naves, which is why is it is so much wider than a usual church, and it was actually divided in two at one point, with half serving the nuns and the other half serving the parishioners (it is also the only nunnery still standing in the City of London). Among the more famous parishioners of this church was William Shakespeare who lived nearby in the 1590s."

"St Helen’s Church in Bishopsgate is another survivor of the Great Fire, and indeed the Blitz. However, an IRA bomb blew its roof off. It originally belonged to a nunnery which was dissolved in 1538."

"This church dates from the 12th-century and managed to survive both the Great Fire of London in 1666 and the Blitz"

"Railway Fields was first established as a nature park in 1986. Originally, the area functioned as a goods yard, or a freight station, on the Tottenham and Hampstead Junction Railway. It was declared a local nature reserve in 1990 and, since then, it has become an open space area where children can learn directly about nature; there is even a classroom in the centre."

"Not a single shop, but a collection of exclusive boutiques and restaurants, founded in the 16th century and housed in a striking building constructed in 1837. Shops include Hermès, Georg Jensen and Tiffany & Co, and goods available to buy range from fashion and accessories to beauty products and homewares. 3 Royal Court, Royal Exchange, Unit 15C, London EC3V 3LN"

"The Royal Exchange building opposite the Bank of England is the third building on the site. It’s one of the most familiar and famous sites in London because of its position at such a busy junction, on several major bus routes. The present building dates from the 1840s, and its highlight is its graceful Classical Greek portico."

"Today we are going to explore even more of London’s central highlights, including the British Museum, Covent Garden, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Today all of the attractions are within walking distance but you may want to use public transit to reach some of them. It may also be a good day to use a hop-on hop-off bus if you have a free ticket with the London Pass as the bus routes go to or near all the attractions on today’s route."

"Day 1: Arrive in London, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, the London EyeDay 2: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Whitehall, Covent GardenDay 3: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, Tate Modern, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sky GardenDay 4: National Gallery, Greenwich, Prime Meridian, Up at the O2Day 5: British Museum, Portobello Road Market, Victoria and Albert Museum, Harrod’s"

"Additionally, the Amba just might be the best place to stay in London for walking as numerous attractions – including the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, 10 Downing Street, and Covent Garden – lie just steps away. Check rates:Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia Read reviews:on TripAdvisor"

"With a menu focusing on seasonal and ethically-sourced produce, Holy Carrot is the home of ultimate mindfulness. Located at Urban Retreat in Knightsbridge, the restaurant is fully plant-based and gluten free, serving some raw dishes. Highlights from the menu include a raw red pepper burrito, a British pea velouté and crispy quinoa maki."