Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Staines-upon-Thames

"One of London's largest Royal Parks, Hyde Park is home to the vast Serpentine Lake (which you can swim in), the majestic Wellington Arch and even a hidden pet cemetery. With 350 acres to explore, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to picnic spots, and there are three cafes (including a stingray-shaped one) where you can replenish your supplies. Other points of interest include the Diana Memorial Fountain, the Hyde Park Rose Garden, and the Achilles statue, which actor Laurence Olivier once called "the best arse in London"."

"Covering 350 acres, Hyde Park is London's largest open space and has been a destination for sightseers since 1635. One of the park's highlights is the Serpentine, an 18th-century man-made lake popular for boating and swimming. Hyde Park is also where you'll find Speakers' Corner, a traditional forum for free speech — and heckling."

"Originally created in 1536 as a private hunting ground for King Henry VIII, Hyde Park has been at the centre of many important historical events. Today, it’s a beautiful place for a day out, with a busy calendar of concerts and events, and something always going on at the famous Speakers Corner. Hyde Park © Flickr David Corcoran"

"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."

"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"

"Steeped in millennia of rich and often bloody history, Westminster Abbey is one of England's most iconic buildings. An abbey has stood…"

"The Tower of London – Built by William the Conqueror in 1078, the Tower of London was turned into a prison in 1100. Some of its most famous prisoners included King Henry VI, the wives of King Henry VII, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard and Sir Thomas More. These days the Tower is a museum rather than a prison. A great way to see some of the grounds is with an entertaining tour hosted by the Yeoman Warders who will frighten and dazzle you with tales of the Towers past."

"Discover the unique history of this medieval fortress, royal palace and infamous prison. 🏰 The Tower of London is home to the dazzling Crown Jewels 👑 and legendary Beefeaters 💂‍♀️ and ravens."

"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."

"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."

"Named after King Olaf of Norway, St Olave Silver Street is one of many places in London with connections to the Vikings. St Olave Silver Street: This was the parish church of St Olave Silver Street destroyed by the dreadful fire in the year 1666. Barbican, London EC2"

"There was a church on this site during the time of the Romans.Some believe that St Bridget, an Irish saint, established the first Christian church on the site in the 6th century. During the Great Plague of 1665, a plague pit was dug within the churchyard. Pepys mentions having to bribe the gravedigger in order to find room to bury his brother."

"He is thought to have been inspired by illustrations of the Tower of the Winds in Vitruvius. However, it is best known for its lasting influence on weddings. This originated when a Mr Rich, an 18th-century pastrycook of Fleet Street, modelled his famous wedding cakes on the spire."

"If this church were a computer program, it would be called St Bride’s 8.0. It’s the eighth building on the site just to the south of Fleet Street. It’s another beautiful Wren church in white stone."

"When it comes to luxury, no other place in Britain beats or even comes close to the legendary Harrods. Internationally famous for its excellent selection of merchandise, Harrods is the place to shop at in London. Rows and rows of expensive shops, brands, products, and the finest restaurants cover seven full floors and the department store even offers a personalized shopping experience with the help of a personal shopper, should you feel overwhelmed."

"This world-famous department store in Knightsbridge has undergone something of a Renaissance in recent years, with a major update and cool new brands. The Egyptian staircase is one of the top London Instagram spots. Best shot: Harrods looks as beautiful from the inside as it does outside."

"Harrods boasts more than 300 departments selling exclusive products including the latest tech items and bespoke perfume. Take a break from shopping at one of the many restaurants, or relax with afternoon tea in Harrods Tea Rooms on the ground floor."

"Il Primo is the only independently run Italian Restaurant in Belsize Park. They offer a selection of traditional Italian dishes and wine in a cosy but classic looking restaurant. The prices are slightly higher than many other Italian Restaurants near Hampstead, but they do offer amazing service and tasteful food!"

"Specialising particularly in rich, meat and cheese-led dishes from Northern Italy, Mele e Pere in Soho pleases with a mix of boldly-flavoured salads, small antipasti-style plates and indulgent pastas that make frequent and liberal use of truffles, parmesan and butter. We'll admit to finding the chili-stuffed deep-fried olives addictive on a Class A scale, and the strong, slow-cooked flavours of a beef ragu aren't far off. Propping up the bar is a great way to sample a few of the smaller dishes, and from 4-7pm every weekday is 'aperitivo hour' meaning 50% off drinks with any food order."

"62 Seymour Street, W1H 5BN Sabrina Gidda, a two-time Roux scholarship finalist, is now heading the kitchen at this Portman Village Italian. She does a sublime rose-veal tonnato, parmesan gnocchi with venison ragù and slow-cooked lamb shoulder with salsify and bagna cauda - all dishes that blew us away. With dedicated service from a crack front-of-house team, this large and comfortable place is one of our most exciting discoveries."

"This Asian late night restaurant and bar boasts panoramic views of one of London’s famous landmarks – St Paul’s Cathedral. Find theatrical drinks and cocktails late into the night alongside a delicious menu of tantalising, Asian-inspired dishes. On arrival, diners are met with a fluorescent pink onyx floor and a pink-hued pagoda."

"20 New Change Passage, London, EC4M 9AG Why should you care?. The latest Ivy has opened in the impressive space that once held Jamie Oliver's Barbecoa. This time they've launched an Ivy with an Asian-influenced menu."