Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Longcross

"It would be wrong to omit Hyde Park from a list of London’s most beautiful and prominent green spaces. The Grade I listed 350-acre royal park is the biggest in London, renowned as the city’s ‘green lung’, and hosts an array of major annual events, from Winter Wonderland to music festivals such as British Summer Time Hyde Park. Visit the memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales, picnic in the prepossessing Rose Garden (post lockdown), or go swimming in the Serpentine Lido, which opens from June to early September."

"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."

"The great expanse of Hyde Park boasts a range of recreational activities, from swimming and boating on the Serpentine to browsing the Serpentine Galleries and visiting landmarks such as the Speaker’s Corner, Diana Princess of Wales Memorial and The Joy of Life fountains."

"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"

"Another iconic London building, Westminster Abbey is a royal church and UNESCO World Heritage site with over 1000 years of history. But it’s the stunning exterior and well placed red phone boxes that make this one of the most Instagrammable places in London!. Walk away from Westminster Abbey to the corner of Tothill Road where you’ll find red phone boxes gracing each side."

"Henry of Reyns (1245), Nicholas Hawksmoor (1745), George Gilbert Scott (1865)📕 Page 4. England’s royal history began here. Edward the Confessor rebuilt St Peter’s Abbey, a small Benedictine abbey, to provide himself with a royal burial church."

"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."

"Renzo Piano’s super-skyscraper The Shard is by far the tallest building in London, dwarfing everything around it. It’s 1,016 feet (309 metres) high, dominating the area around London Bridge. It houses an office complex, the luxury Shangri-La Hotel and the highest viewing platform in 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."

"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."

"For a building still significant but just a bit (okay, a lot!) older, walk right across the River Thames to the Tower of London, which, having been founded in 1066, is nearly 1,000 years old!. Tours include exploring several different parts of the property – my favorite part of the tour during my visit was checking out the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom!"

"The Tower of London is one of the top tourist activities in London and a great one for families. This is where you’ll see the Crown Jewels and tour the tower with a yeoman warder. The Tower may be better suited for older children, but younger children will enjoy playing make-believe in this real-life castle and fortress."

"One of London's most recognisable sights, familiar from dozens of movies, Tower Bridge doesn’t disappoint in real life. Its neo-Gothic towers and sky-blue suspension struts add extraordinary elegance to what is a supremely functional structure. London was a thriving port in 1894 when it was built as a much-needed crossing point in the east, equipped with a then-revolutionary steam-driven bascule (counterbalance) mechanism that could raise the roadway to make way for oncoming ships in just three minutes."

"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"

"Tower Bridge is one of the tourist attractions you can't afford to miss because it is one of the famous monuments in London. It was built between 1886 and 1894. The Bridge is one of the most-visited landmarks globally with more than 40,000 people using it daily."

"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."

"Sir Christopher Wren’s baroque masterpiece in Greenwich and indeed Britain’s largest ensemble of baroque architecture, the Old Royal Naval College contains the neoclassical Chapel of St Peter and St Paul and the extraordinary Painted Hall. The entire Old Royal Naval College, including the chapel, the visitor centre, and the grounds, can be visited for free. Volunteers lead free 45-minute tours throughout the day from the visitor centre."

"The Old Royal Naval College is a set of buildings designed by Christopher Wren whose original purpose was to serve as a place to care for and house retired seamen. Later the large building complex was used as a naval training college and today is used for a number of functions, and many of the buildings are open to the public."

"Begun by Sir Christopher Wren in 1694 as a rest home for ancient mariners, the college became a school in 1873. It's still used for classes…"

"It lifts the soul to see what a passionate community can achieve when it works (damn hard) as one. The jam-packed ‘Pleasure Garden’, created from an old bombsite, is a masterclass in use of space. But the true pleasure here is how the horticultural enthusiasm erupts from its tiny confines to virtually every free surface of the square."

"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?"

"Sophia Brothers's ice cream creations are inspired by the cooking of her Italian grandmother – or Nonna – and mix the Mediterranean method with British flavours. Among the all-year-round flavours are an award-winning Kentish cobnut, Five Points porter and dark chocolate ripple and salted toffee apple. Nonna's Gelato doesn't have a permanent spot at the moment, but it can currently be found at Broadway Market most Saturdays."

"Nonna’s Gelato is pretty good at keeping its cool, but prepare to get hot under the collar for its exciting flavour combinations. Inspired by her nonna’s (grandmother’s) legendary gelato recipe, owner Sophia serves up the classic Italian dessert with some contemporary twists. Regular flavours include salted toffee apple, Kentish cobnut and a ripple made with dark chocolate and Hackney-hailing Five Points Porter."

"The Nonna’s team creates imaginatively flavoured gelato from its family-run north London kitchen. Using traditional Italian techniques with British produce, Nonna’s mouth-watering flavours include rich espresso sorbet, homegrown mint choc chip and an Eton mess concoction. We’d particularly recommend the chocolate ripple made with porter from Hackney-based Five Points Brewing Company."

"Aiming for a very small environmental footprint, North London ice-cream parlour Ruby Violet make small batches of ice cream and vegan sorbets on site in their parlour in Tufnell Park. All the packaging is either recyclable or compostable and they use seasonal fresh fruit, locally sourced where possible. Flavours on offer might include Cucumber and ginger sorbet, Peach and sour cream or - their most popular one - Salted caramel with almond nut brittle."

"Address: 3 Wharf Rd, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BZ and 118 Fortess Rd, Kentish Town, London NW5 2HL. Rich and creamy, using local ingredients, organic milk and free range eggs these ice creams are not to be missed. You can also book children's parties, masterclasses and ice cream afternoon tea, and for those who want it all they offer a mystery tasting box - six small tubs with tasting notes."

"Ruby Violet started out life selling ice cream at markets and have since set up a parlour in Tufnell Park and King’s Cross, using only the best free range eggs, organic milk and fresh produce to create small batches of tempting ice cream. Stay refreshed with one of their sorbets or try their crowd favourite salted caramel with almond nut brittle – it’s certainly won over us!"

"The ice cream at Gelateria Danieli is quite literally fit for a Queen: this gem of a gelato joint has sites in Kingston and Richmond – one of which sits in a particularly pretty spot on the green – and its vanilla creation is so good it was served at the Queen’s 80th birthday party in Kew Gardens. Sure, that was a little while ago now, but the standard remains as good as ever. Health conscious ice cream cravers will also be pleased to know that the gelato here is all low fat, with frozen yoghurt, dairy free, nut free, egg free, high protein and gluten free options available too."

"It is reputed that Gelateria Danieli has the tastiest ice cream in the whole of London. In fact, it is believed that even the Queen herself enjoys Danieli’s ice-cream!. The gelateria is a family run business, specialising in authentic high quality Italian gelato."

"Address: 16 Brewers Ln, Richmond TW9 1HH and 5 Wood St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1TX. If you want a treat but are on a diet go here - the gelato is low fat but high flavour. The parlour is adorable and very Insta worthy, plus they also sell chocolates."

"About: The Reading branch of the ever popular TGI Friday's chain is a real family favourite and has friendly staff serving big and tasty American style food. All small kids’ dishes come with Fridays Fingers – tasty sticks of apple, mixed peppers, cucumber and carrot, which counts as one of their five-a-day. Price Range: Kids from £3.99 | Adults from £8.99"

"03/07/2021: The food amazing, fresh and just bit longer waiting but the time make the food appreciate, stake perfect made all amazing., restaurant clean and tidy …. Yes definitely I will be back."

"Sushisamba is always a hit for Asian dining, with excellent food (think Japanese with a South American twist) and stellar views at its City site. Located at the famed Opera Terrace atop the historic Grade II-listed Market Building, this striking space is crowned by an Eric Parry-designed glass roof. Bold in design, the restaurant offers a host of inviting dining and drinking experiences: from the bar with its ‘living ceiling’, the exposed kitchen and high energy sushi bar, to the terrace overlooking The Piazza below, and the private dining room with its own entrance and terrace."

"Situated in one of the city's tallest buildings you find this amazing London rooftop bar and restaurant. Magical views over virtually all of the city, delicious Asian / Peruvian / Brazilian food and a wide selection of creative cocktails and sake are some of the highlights at Sushisamba. Trendy venue where people are well-dressed and the prices quite high, but also offering an experience really out of the ordinary."

"An unassuming unit steps away from a Pizza Express on a Marylebone side street houses some of the area’s best quality sushi. An extensive a la carte menu of sashimi and nigiri is where to head, with a nod to the seasonal razor clam and abalone if the time is right. The knowing wit of placing “bowl of boiled rice” on “hot, eat-in menu” says everything about Ohisama’s priorities; that said, the selection of vegetarian rolls, including a fine rendition of ume shiso, is a gesture of hospitality in a space so focussed on the quality and preparation of raw fish."

"If low-key, quick-in-quick-out sushi is what you’re after, you’ll be hard pressed to find better quality sushi in this part of central than Ohisama’s. This utilitarian spot has tables downstairs, but upstairs is almost entirely counter seating, and that’s where you want to be. If you go for one of the excellent omakase options, dinner will easily end up costing you £70 or more, but we tend to go for one of the lower priced sushi or sashimi sets which should be more than enough if you’re not quite up for making a night of it."