Popular Gardens in Buckhurst Hill

"Amazing Kew Gardens in the southwest neighbourhood of Kew is one of London’s most picturesque parks; 132 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses that that house the world’s most diverse collection of living plants. Kew Gardens was founded in 1840 and is today London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with beautiful glasshouses, including the iconic Palm House and its exotic rainforest. There’s a magical children’s garden, the fantastic Treetop Walkway that soars into the tree canopy at a height of 18 metres, and Kew Palace, the former summer residence of King George III."

"I may be biased because I live very near here but I believe beautiful Kew is the best area to stay in London and Kew Gardens is one of the best attractions here. Kew Gardens are 121 hectares of beautiful gardens and botanical glasshouses located between Richmond and Kew (in southwest London). The gardens are on a mission not only to be beautiful (which they are) but to contribute to research and nurturing of the plant kingdom."

"Visiting the Kew Garden is always a very good surprise, I have been in 2 times in the royal gardens at different times of the year. On my first visit, it was with a couple of dear friends that helped me a bum here in the land of the Queen when I arrived. We went in August 2014, so the trees were heavy with leaves, all very green and a very pleasant temperature."

"A magnificent three-floor space, Sky Garden hosts two of the most exclusive rooftop restaurants in London: Fenchurch Restaurant and Darwin Brasserie, and two exciting rooftop bars: Sky Pod Bar and City Garden. Sky Pod Rooftop Bar is open all day from early morning coffees, through to lunchtime bites and afternoon drinks, while at night it comes alive with music, lights and cocktails.skygarden.london"

"The view from Rafael Viñoly’s Sky Garden, also known as the Walkie-Talkie building, is unlike any other in the city. From here you can survey London’s ever-growing sprawl with the city stretching up to the north, Tower Bridge and the Shard to the south, and Canary Wharf to the east. It’s free to explore the tower’s three stories of landscaped public gardens, but make sure to book in advance."

"Located in the iconic Walkie Talkie, Sky Garden has a foliage-filled viewing gallery on the 43rd floor. From here, visitors are surrounded by exquisite greenery while looking over panoramic views of London. Also seeBeer Tasting in London"

"The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill (South London) is similar to the Natural History Museum but on a much smaller scale, with collections spanning natural history and anthropology. The museum is particularly known for its elaborate taxidermy exhibition as well as the large 16 acres of gardens with a conservatory, nature trail, animal enclosure, butterfly house and sound garden with giant musical instruments you can play. With its smaller size and fun interactive exhibitions, Horniman is one of the best free museums in London for kids."

"One of the further-flung museums on our list, head south-east to Forest Hill for this fantastic all-rounder. Based upon the eclectic collections of Frederick John Horniman, you’ll find a gallery of taxidermy (including a famously over-stuffed walrus), a new World Gallery based on diverse civilisations around the globe, a butterfly house, an underground aquarium (this has an admission charge) and even some cute llamas outside in the beautiful gardens. A perfect family day out."

"More than a century old and dedicated to anthropology and natural wonders, this family-friendly south London museum delights with stunning exhibits, and is a popular venue for workshops, events and festivals. Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill is one of south London's best hidden gems. Some exhibitions require tickets."

"If you’re a fan of royal British history, you’ll know a thing or two about the notorious King Henry VIII. Hampton Court Palace was an incredibly important part of the power hungry (and just plain hungry) king’s life. He spent a lot of his time there with his wives and children, hosting grand events in the Great Hall, playing tennis on the palace court and praying in the Royal Chapel. On a visit to Hampton Court Palace, you can tour all of this and much more, marvelling at how detailed and impressive it still is today and imagining how King Henry VIII would parade up and down the halls."

"Built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in 1515 but coaxed from him by Henry VIII just before Wolsey (as chancellor) fell from favour, Hampton Court Palace is England's largest and grandest Tudor structure. It was already one of Europe's most sophisticated palaces when, in the 17th century, Christopher Wren designed an extension. The result is a beautiful blend of Tudor and 'restrained baroque' architecture. You could easily spend a day exploring the palace and its 24 hectares of riverside gardens, including a 300-year-old maze."

"While not exactly in Central London, Hampton Court Palace does fall within the boundaries of London. It’s still a minor transport effort to get here, but totally worth it. Hampton Court Palace isn’t an inhabited Royal Palace, but it has plenty of Royal history, most notably as it was one of the principal residences of Henry VIII, he of the many wives."

"Built in 1605, Kensington Palace became the favourite royal residence under William and Mary of Orange in 1689, remaining so until George III (r 1760-1820) became king and moved out. Today, it's still a royal residence, with the likes of Prince William and Catherine and Prince Harry and Meghan living there. A large part of the palace is open to the public, however, including the King's and Queen's State Apartments."

"Kensington Palace is a royal residence located in Kensington Gardens in London. The palace has housed members of the royal family since the 1600s. As of 2019, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Eugiene and her spouse, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent call the palace their home."

"The new layout offers a wonderful indoor and outdoor experience for all the family. This pub and restaurant just outside Stevenage offers a great choice of food. A beautiful garden backing onto horse fields with a children’s play area and patio seating for over 50 people."

"Housed in the old Hampstead Central Library on Finchley Road, Camden Arts Centre began life as a local initiative, providing art classes for the community. Now, it is a powerhouse of contemporary art showing ambitious exhibitions by well-known British and international artists such as Kara Walker, Rose English, Ben Rivers and Jennifer Tee. The bookshop stocks a range of artist’s editions, and the garden is the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon."

"In 1965 a former library was converted into a gallery to promote contemporary art. The exhibitions feature emerging artists, international artists debuting in London, significant historic figures who have inspired contemporary practice, and group shows relevant to current debate. Arkwright Road, NW3 6DG Free entrycamdenartscentre.org"

"During your St Albans day trip you will definitely see the Peahen!. If you trace back the history of The Peahen, then you will still see it mentioned during 1480. At this time The Peahen was a hotel and it soon became a vital stopping point for those who were travelling to or from London."

"Ideally located, The Peahen is the perfect place in St Albans to meet for a pint, hand crafted cocktails, tasty food and a good time."

"Just about as close to the river as you can get without donning a pair of swimming goggles, The Ship is something of a Wandsworth institution. With live music, regular quizzes and a menu full of pub grub classics, an evening spent here, is an evening well spent."