Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Richings Park

"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!"

"One of London's finest historic landscapes covering 142 hectares (350 acres). There is something for everyone in Hyde Park. With over 4,000 trees, a lake, a meadow, horse rides and more it is easy to forget you're in the middle of London."

"Of course you will want to check off primary attractions such as The Big Ben, The London Eye, or Westminster Abbey off your list. 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."

"In June 2018, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries opened. The galleries, which are reached by the newly build Weston Tower, house historical exhibit and treasures owned by the Abbey. Admission to the Galleries is currently an extra £5.00 and requires a timed ticket as space is limited."

"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!)."

"The Shard is London’s tallest building|© Tim Ayers / Alamy Stock Photo. Daring, awe-inspiring and momentous, Renzo Piano’s spire-like building commands the capital as it soars to a height of 309.6 metres (1,016 feet), containing its own vertical city within. Inaugurated in 2012, the Shard is a relative newcomer to London’s cityscape, but has already become a symbol of the city, something that Piano says is down to its accessibility and transparency."

"For a truly spectacular view of London, you’re going to want to head up London’s tallest building, the Shard. This 95 storey skyscraper was opened in 2012, with the viewing deck opened in 2013."

"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."

"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…"

"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."

"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."

"After the houses of Parliament, this bridge is London’s most well known site. There are several excellent angles to photograph this bridge from. – A very popular photo to take is traffic light trails going through the archways of the bridge."

"This attraction is perfect for those visiting North London as King’s Cross can be so easily reached. Granary Square’s fountains are composed of 1,080 water jets, each controlled individually and lit up. This provides hours of entertainment for children who enjoy splashing around."

"I wonder how many of those souls queuing for hours to enter Westminster Abbey have ever broken away to venture inside this fascinating Westminster church. St Margaret’s Church Westminster is located in the churchyard of the Abbey,and is often called the ‘parish church of the House of Commons’. It is often frequented by politicians and parliamentarians, and the connection dates back to the 17th century when Puritan MPs started to worship there as they disapproved of the style of worship in Westminster Abbey."

"The parish church of Parliament is next to Westminster Abbey. Samuel Pepys got wed here and Sir Walter Raleigh is buried in the yard"

"Located on the top floor of 120 Fenchurch Street you will find the Garden at 120. The garden is free to enter and not only has beautiful views over London, but also a modern style and green spaces to relax. It’s the perfect spot for some Instagram shots and also to relax a bit."

"The Garden at 120 is another public London garden that offers epic views. And even better, it’s completely free to go with no booking required!. While it’s not quite as impressive or high as Sky Garden (15th floor vs 43rd floor), it does boast some unique photo opportunities."

"The famous Diana Memorial Playground is important for London’ culture for two distinct reasons: it is a real children’s wonderland on one hand and a wonderful tribute for the People’s Princess, who was always characterized by her immense love for children and the innocent period of childhood in general. The free playground is situated near her Kensington Palace home, on the site of Peter Pan’s playground. Perfect for a day out in nature, Diana Memorial Playground attracts children of all ages with the wooden pirate ship, which can be explored by the most adventurous kids, and with all the other facilities: swings, slides, sculptures, and sand pits."

"When in London, the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is easily one of the best things to do in London with kids. Located next to Kensington Palace, the playground is in a central location and is easy to get to by the Tube. Peter Pan was the inspiration for the design and a large wooden pirate ship sits centre stage."

"The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground boasts a pirate ship and a teepee camp and is perfect for unleashing a bit of imagination."

"This striking Arts and Craft church was built in 1888-90, at the south-eastern side of Sloane Street. It was paid for by the 5th Earl of Cadogan, in whose estate it stood. John Dando Sedding’s design blends late Victorian trends of Pre-Raphaelite medieval and Italianate styles."

"This Anglican parish church was built in the late 19th-century and it’s so wide that it its width even exceeds that of St. Paul’s Cathedral"

"St Sepulchre is dominated by its grey 15th century Gothic tower. Captain John Smith, the famous Governor of Virginia, rescued by Pocahontas, was buried here in 1631. But St Sepulchre also has darker associations."

"Selfridges’ all-day restaurant Brasserie of Light stays true to its name. Illuminated by glowing orbs, the centre-piece is a 24ft crystal-encrusted statue of Pegasus by Damien Hirst, which soars over diners with its colossal 30-ft-wings outstretched – Hirst’s largest piece of artwork in London to date. Another of Martin Brudnizki’s projects, the restaurant was created as the final part of the department store’s £300 million investment in its London flagship."

"It’s not everyday you see a sparkling Pegasus adorning the ceiling while you’re tucking into a meal, but then again it’s not everyday you’re dining at Oxford Street’s Brasserie of Light. Designed by the legendary Damien Hirst, you’ll find this crystal-encrusted Pegasus tucked inside Selfridge’s. Oh, and the food isn’t half bad either."

"Found in the heart of Selfridges, it's no wonder that Brasserie of Light had to look just as impressive as the building it's housed in. Boasting a menu put together by Portuguese chef Emanuel Machado, not only can you expect elevated dishes, you can dine under a giant crystal horse put together by the notorious Hirst."

"Hidden below street level in the swishy Hari Hotel, stepping into Il Pampero feels like stepping back into to a bygone era of Italian glamour, all white tablecloths, deep green furnishings, low lighting and charming Italian waiters. It’s elegant without being ostentatious, and the leather-clad window booths add an important touch of cosiness (perfect for a date). The glamorous central bar is irresistible for a classic Italian aperitivo (beware the deliciously strong Negroni) before sitting down to a feast of antipasti that include beef carpaccio with generous shavings of black truffle and surprisingly moreish fried scamorza (smoked cheese) bites served on a bed of radicchio with balsamic vinegar."

"20 Chesham Pl, Belgravia, London SW1X 8HQAlready a beloved staple of the Belgravia restaurant scene, il Pampero has been ushered into a new era under the expert guidance of a new Head Chef – the acclaimed Matteo D’Elia. And his new menu does not disappoint. Settle into the restaurant’s glamorous surroundings to enjoy a stylish, modern take on traditional southern Italian fare, made from the finest seasonal ingredients."

"Il Pampero is sure to impress with its exquisite selection of fresh pasta for adults and dedicated children's menu. With its stunning surroundings and Belgravia location, it's sure to be one memorable night out."

"They serve up a variety of delicious steaks, sourced from six different countries, with a menu and wine list tailored around those countries to boot. Alongside the highest standards of hospitality, fresh ingredients and tasty cocktails, it becomes one of the most choice destinations in London."

"2-3 Threadneedle Walk, 60 Threadneedle Street, City of London, London, EC2R 8HP. A slick, dimmed dining room gives way to a brightly lit focal point; the meat cabinet, showcasing top-class steak. Kick things off with plates from the raw menu before plumping for Japanese or Argentinean steaks."

"In 1224 an order of the Franciscans was given a piece of land within Newgate. The area where the Friars settled was poor, as evidenced by local streets such as Stinking Lane and the Shambles. In 1306 the Franciscans commenced ‘a magnificent edifice’."

"About: The Museum of English Rural Life is home to the UK's largest national collection of objects, books and archives relating to food, farming and the countryside. With loads of hands-on exhibits, this is a great place to visit with your family. Address: Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX"

"The unique and an interesting museum dedicated in preserving and recording the rural way of life. Anything and everything related to food, farming and country side you’ll find it here. Run and managed by the University of Reading it has a variety of collections."