Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Woodford

"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 lies between Mayfair, Knightsbridge, and Kensington and is contiguous with Kensington Park and Gardens, but is considered a separate park. Park Lane runs along its eastern side and Marble Arch is at its northeast corner. Hyde Park is home to Speaker’s Corner and The Serpentine."

"Arguably the most traditional romantic place in London, Hyde Park offers a number of simple romantic activities. I would personally recommend horse riding around the park. It’s active, fun and a fantastic way to explore the beauty and splendor of Hyde Park."

"With its beautiful architecture, it’s only natural that Westminster Abbey would feature on this list. My personal favourite spot to photograph it from is from the phone boxes in front of Barclays Bank. That way you can, once again, combine a famous London landmark with a London icon."

"This Gothic architectural masterpiece has hosted almost every coronation of English monarchs since 1066, when William the Conqueror was crowned on Christmas Day. Over 3,300 people are buried here, including at least sixteen monarchs, eight Prime Ministers, and the Unknown Warrior."

"Westminster Abbey is a pretty imposing building with stunning architecture. Needless to say, it makes for some pretty beautiful Instagram shots. If you want the perfect Instagram shot just walk a little further away from it along one of the roads that lead to it."

"Given that it’s the tallest building in the United Kingdom, it’s only natural that the Shard is also one of the most incredible viewpoints in London. There are the viewing decks of the View from The Shard where you can go and take epic photos from. However I always personally recommend having drinks at the bar in the Shard instead."

"From Tower Bridge, walk west along the Thames River to The Shard. You know you are heading in the right direction if you see a building that looks like a giant piece of broken glass pointing up to the sky. This is The Shard, one of London’s newest editions to its skyline."

"Just over 5 years old, The Shard, as both the European Union’s and United Kingdom’s tallest building, has quickly become a London skyline fixture. For unforgettable City of London views, head to the open-air observation tower on the Shard’s 72nd floor!"

"From classic sights like the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace to visiting the Tower of London, through to afternoon teas and shopping at iconic stores like Harrods – truly, everyone will find something they love to do in London. We have visited London a number of times, and have put together a number of guides to the city to help you out. Our first tip for inspiration would be to check out our guide to spending two days in London, which should give you some ideas, and if you have more time to spend in London check out our detailed six day London itinerary."

"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."

"This well-preserved medieval castle is one of London’s premier attractions for families – adults and children love it. Interior exhibits are interactive and informative. The castle was eventually converted to a prison and the site of many executions."

"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"

"Tower Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges in London, and one of the great London icons. This twin-towered bascule and suspension bridge was built in the late 19th century, and is one of the most recognisable symbols of London all over the world. If you visit the Tower Bridge Experience, you can climb one of the towers for an outstanding view of the city and river."

"The Centre for Wildlife Gardening in Peckham, south London is an idyllic wildlife haven tucked away in a quiet residential street. There are lots of habitats including four ponds, a chalk bank, wildflower meadow, woodland copse, herb garden and a mini beast hotel. Visit throughout the year for regular family friendly events such as Nature Tots, arts and crafts and storytelling – check out the website for more info."

"This Stoke Newington spot has held a Green Flag award since 2006, and is deservedly popular. It's very child friendly, with a decent play area and even a small zoo (and, like Richmond park, boasts deer also). In a pre-lockdown world, the park often hosted events, from twilight walks in search of bats to football festivals to sessions discovering the edible fruit and flowers which grow in the grounds."

"It’s got tennis courts and bowling green for when you’re feeling particularly energetic, but the park itself is big enough to get a good stroll in. You can see the whole thing by walking the perimeter, looping in the Grade-II listed Clissold House and the lakes on the way. If that doesn’t earn you a picnic after, nothing does."

"Clissold Park is a great park to come and enjoy some nature in London. Easy to get to from Stoke Newington you can enjoy peaceful waters and cute, inquisitive deer within minutes of leaving central London."

"The Southbank is an entertainment centre on the south of the river where the London Eye, London Dungeons and London Aquarium are located. There are loads of street performers such as magicians and singers, as well as restaurants and cafes with fab views across the river. Just behind the Southbank is the Jubilee Gardens where toddlers can let off a bit of steam."

"The Royal Academy of Arts is an independent, privately funded art organization led by artists and architects. The academy's mission is to foster creating, enjoying, and appreciating visual arts in London. The Royal Academy of Arts was originally founded in 1768 through an act of King George III, who set forth for the academy the same mission it has today."

"The Royal Academy of Arts is the first art institution in England. It was established in 1768 and since 1868 it has been based in Burlington House on Piccadilly. In 1998 it expanded to the Burlington Gardens building."

"It makes sense that the bright, fresh flavours of Thai cooking pair well with vegan food, and the brilliantly named Greedy Khao brings both together for dishes that tick all the boxes: salty, sweet, sour, spicy and heavy on the umami. Interestingly, the street-food stall didn't start out as vegan – it was a decision made by its founders after learning more about the benefits of a plant-based diet, when they transitioned to vegan cooking without losing any of that punchy East Asian flavour. Find them at various markets around London to hoover up jackfruit laab, roast 'duck' curry and and the signature red curry – or rumour has it that they'll soon be running cooking classes..."

"Struggling to find a decent casual dining spot in South London. Fear not, the team at Meat & Shake are here to help. The venue has made a name for itself by serving fine cuts of seasoned halal meat."

"early 6th century CE Location: Fleet Street, City of London Purpose:  Church (Current Denomination – Church of England) Still Standing:  Yes. photo source: Flickr via Jim Linwood. According to the official history of St. Bride’s Church, the site that the church rests on has been a place of worship not long after the Romans established Londonium in 43 CE."

"Another of Sir Christopher Wren’s designs from the ashes of the 1666 Great Fire, St Bride’s is the tallest of Wren’s churches after St Paul’s, standing at 69m tall. Located in Fleet Street, it has a long association with newspapers and journalists. It was largely gutted by fire during the Blitz in 1940."

"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."

"St Paul’s Church Covent Garden was the first new church in London to be built since the Reformation almost a century before. It was designed and built by Inigo Jones, the architect also responsible for other famous London buildings at Banqueting House, Whitehall and Queens House, Greenwich. It was built between 1631 and 1633 along with the new Covent Garden Piazza, the first formal square in England."

"Not to be confused with St Paul's Cathedral (a big attraction that comes with a ticket price), this church on the western flank of Covent Garden Piazza is also known as the Actor’s Church. The first Punch and Judy show took place here in 1662, and there are memorials to Charlie Chaplin and Vivien Leigh."

"Also known as the Actor’s Church, this is situated next-door to Covent Garden and was designed by the famous architect Inigo Jones"