Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Elstree

"Arguably the most famous and most loved park in London, the wonderful green space occupies a space of 350 acres in central London (the nearest tube stations are Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner). It’s also fiercely protected with a Grade I-listed status and also a long history of playing host to rallies and marches as well as the world-famous Speakers’ Corner. It’s also home to over 4,000 trees, a large lake, a meadow, and very pretty flower gardens."

"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."

"Despite being the home of Winter Wonderland every year, Hyde park is not short on things to do in the summer. Here you can find the Serpentine, London’s oldest boating lake, where you can rent a boat or swim in if the weather allows. As well as that, there’s a rose garden and a meadow if you want some pretty views with your picnic."

"Westminster Abbey is often mistaken as one of the cathedrals of London. It’s an easy mistake to make, but it’s an Abbey which has served as the Coronation Church for Kings and Queens of England for almost a thousand years. Westminster Abbey is one of the big-ticket top three or four things to do in London, and it’s something we suggest you make time for, even if you only have a 1-day London itinerary."

"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"

"When Asian hospitality chain Shangri-La opened in the Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, in 2014, it was literally head and shoulders above the rest of London – as well as being the first luxury hotel south of the river. The hotel, which occupies the floors from level 35 upwards, pairs its pared-back guestrooms – lots of business-friendly beige and black lacquer – with panoramic views across the entire city. Deep baths are positioned by the glass windows to maximise the views."

"The list of London’s most famous skyscrapers continues with the tallest building inthe city, as well as all of Europe with the exception of Russian skyscrapers. The Shard was inaugurated in 2012 after 3 years’ work. Standing 1015 feet 9 inches tall, it was designed by the firmRPBW Architects led by Renzo Piano, who said he had been inspired by Canaletto’s paintings depicting eighteenth-century London."

"Designed by Architect Renzo Piano and based in Southwark, London, The Shard stands tall at 309.6 metres. Designed in neo-futuristic and modern style, it houses some of the world’s best offices, restaurants and hotel rooms. It has been open to the public since 2013."

"This is one of the oldest fortresses in London, built after the Norman Conquest of England, to house the new royalty who had just moved into the country and needed a nice secure palace to live in. As such, it’s a highly defensible castle, with two defensive walls and a moat, so it feels very castle-like. It’s also the home to the English Crown Jewels and has played host to notable historical events, in particular, the executions of 112 people, including Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey."

"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."

"Tower Bridge is one of the most well-known bridges in London (although often mistaken for London Bridge) and will allow you to get some great views of the city and the Thames. Inside the tower, you can learn more about the mechanics of the bridge by watching videos and exploring the Engine Room. Kids will enjoy the app that allows you to use your phone for a real-life simulation."

"The best view of Tower Bridge (in my opinion) is from the water; however, not everyone has a chance to do a Thames River Cruise. If that’s not on your itinerary, try to get a photo of Tower Bridge from afar, featuring something else iconic – perhaps City Hall?. Alternatively, a head on shot crossing the bridge is pretty incredible, too!"

"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."

"Set in the private Home Park with a beautiful lake and landscaped gardens, definitely worth visiting if you are in or around Windsor. Harry and Meghan are set to move into Frogmore Cottage in the grounds of Frogmore Estate."

"In contrast to the West End's grand aristocratic townhouses, this charming museum is devoted to the life of the city's middle class over…"

"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."

"The Mudchute Kitchen has now reopen but the main livestock section of the farm remains closed. Set in 32 acre of fields in the Isle of Dogs, Mudchute is home to over 100 animals and a great range of educational activities. There’s a children’s Nursery, After School Club, Stables and a Restaurant."

"You hear London and you think think: Museums, Hyde Park, the Queen and crazy shopping. London has everything. And as we learned recently, it has everything include several farms, yes farms!"

"Contemporary Thai-insipred interiors, elegantly clad staff and extravagant set menus characterise this restaurant chain, and the Windsor branch is no exception. Located exactly between Windsor’s two train stations, opposite the castle, Thai Square is ideal for a post-sightseeing bite if you’re in the mood for something exotic. The cocktails here are excellent too."

"29 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1PR EnglandAsian, ThaiLunch, Dinner, DrinksTakeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service[email protected]+44 1753 868900http://thaisq.com/"

": A cross between a Sunday roast and modern Indian cuisine, with live cooking stations offering traditional Indian favourites. Choose from a huge selection of starters, mains, sides and dessert – all of which are included in the set price."

"Why: Found a short distance from Harrods and other upmarket shopping destinations, Harry's Dolce Vita is perfectly accomodating for a spot of post-shopping dining. If lugging around all of those bags has worked up a sweat, you can cool down with one of Harry's delicious ice cream sundaes. You're able to enjoy them either inside or out on the terrace, and flavours to choose from include an apricot, mango and yoghurt combination or lemon sorbet topped with candied lemon and whipped cream."

"27–31 Basil Street, London SW3 1BBForget tiramisu and ice-cream sundaes – there’s a new pudding in town and it’s called the Toadstool. It might look like straight out of Super Mario, with its glossy red dome and cute white spots, but the white-chocolate, raspberry and pistachio creation at Harry’s Dolce Vita, the latest venture from Caprice Holdings, is the talk of London right now. And the rest of the menu’s not bad either."

"Restaurants Italian Belgravia. Directly behind Harrods, Harry’s is a glamorous Italian bistro with a breezy European-style terrace out front that’s often packed with people enjoying a spritz and a plate of pasta after a day of shopping across the road. Foodwise, stick to the simple Italian things: seafood spaghetti and fresh antipasti plates."

"Restaurants British King’s Road. Given its name, you’d expect this horticulturally themed venue to tick all the alfresco boxes, and the Ivy’s terrace doesn’t disappoint. By day, its leafy trellises, bloom-filled terracotta pots, water feature and velvet chairs will put you in an off-duty mood faster than you can order an Ivy Garden Royale; at night, fire pits, roaring hearths and lap blankets keep diners toasty and the vibe as chic as can be."

"Located on the desirable King’s Road, The Ivy Chelsea Garden brings sophisticated all-day dining to the heart of Chelsea. This outpost comes complete with an abundance of verdant foliage, as well as a pergola and water feature.theivychelseagarden.com"

"Next on our list of the best desserts in London, it’s The Ivy. Are you looking for decadence?. Then you need to visit The Ivy Chelsea Garden."

"If you’re a keen shopper, you will want to hit the shopping mecca that is Oxford Street. But also make sure you experience luxurious afternoon tea in London , take an offbeat food tour, sample street art, and hit a few alternative bars in town. Check out our Guide To London for loads of offbeat and fun ideas of things to do in London."