Popular Gardens in Bushey Heath

"In 1759 botanists began rummaging around the world for specimens to plant in the 3-hectare Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. They never stopped collecting, and the gardens, which have bloomed to 121 hectares, provide the most comprehensive botanical collection on earth (including the world's largest collection of orchids). A Unesco World Heritage Site, the gardens can easily devour a day's exploration; for those pressed for time, the Kew Explorer hop-on/hop-off road train takes in the main sights."

"Whether you’re a fan of gardens or not, Kew Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in London. The Hive is a unique new structure exploring the story of the honey bee, and children will love the Treetop Walkway. Best shot: the Waterlily House or the spiral staircase make for superb captures."

"The ferns, fig trees and purple African lilies that clamber up the final three storeys of the 'Walkie Talkie' skyscraper are mere wallflowers at this 155m-high rooftop garden – it's the rather extraordinary 360-degree views of London (the best in the City) that make this vast, airport-terminal-like space so popular (advance booking recommended). Located on the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch St, the Sky Garden has front-row seats for the Shard and vistas that gallop for miles east and west."

"Travel 43 floors up and see a unique perspective of landmarks like The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and more. With massive floor-to-ceiling glass windows, an open-air terrace, and beautifully landscaped scenery, you’ll have an abundance of options for IG pics. It also houses a swanky restaurant and bar, so you can relax and soak in the views with a drink in hand."

"If you guys have been following this blog for a while you may have realised that I am borderline obsessed with Sky Garden. I think it’s not only one of the best views and best rooftop bars in London, but it’s also very Instagrammable. The combination of stunning views over the rooftops of London, with modern architecture and green plants is a winner for me."

"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."

"The Horniman’s far-out location (almost an hour from central London) means that you can expect lots of lovely breathing space at a museum that would otherwise be packed. The huge building, with its looming clocktower, looks a bit like a very ornate train station and is surrounded by 16 acres of garden. You’ll find large natural history and anthropology galleries, as well as an aquarium, carefully curated wild-looking gardens, and a beautiful Victorian conservatory."

"In Forest Hill in leafy south London, the Horniman Museum is like the Natural History Museum but on a much smaller (and more digestible) scale. Its collection has subjects including natural history, anthropology, and musical instruments, and is particularly famous for its many taxidermied species. There’s quite the eclectic mix, and you’re sure to find something intriguing at the Horniman Museum."

"Another great Thames-side attraction, Hampton Court is one of Europe's most famous palaces. Its Great Hall dates from Henry VIII's time (two of his six wives supposedly haunt the palace), and it's where Elizabeth I learned of the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Other interesting features include the Clock Court with its fascinating astronomical clock dating from 1540, the State Apartments with their Haunted Gallery, the Chapel, the King's Apartments, and the Tudor tennis court."

"Just outside of central London lies Hampton Court Palace, an impressive royal residence that is one of two remaining that once belonged to Henry VIII. To enter the palace and admire the opulence you’ll need to buy tickets. It’s cheapest to book them online, although they are available at the gate."

"The Princess Diana memorial playground in Kensington Gardens is a fantasy land, very much inspired by Peter Pan, for children up to about 12. It is a safe, fenched area for families only. This playground has remained open, but with reduced capacity, maximum 150 children at a time, because of this you may have to queue to get in."

"In the early 1800s, art enthusiast Sir Francis Bourgeois instructed that his entire collection be turned into a gallery open to the public, handpicking architect John Soane to create the Dulwich Picture Gallery from scratch. Look up, and you can see for yourself the innovative techniques Soane used to bathe the whole gallery in sunlight, which became the prototype for all galleries to this day. Still, don't forget to look down too, to see the great Baroque masterpieces that line the walls and the mausoleum Soane designed for his friend and patron."

"A little bit of history for you here: Dulwich Picture Gallery is the world’s very first purpose-built public art gallery. Sir John Soane was the legendary architect who worked on it, designing it in a groundbreaking way that allowed oodles of natural light into the exhibition space. Under its roof you’ll find works by Old Masters of the 18th and 19th centuries, including Rembrandt, Murillo, Van Dyck, Poussin, Gainsborough and Constable."

"Dulwich Picture Gallery opened in 1817 in Southwark, southeast London. It is the first purpose-built and London’s oldest art gallery. Nowadays besides the permanent collection of Old Master paintings, the gallery offers a program of temporary exhibitions, as well as public events that engage the community."

"The ferns, fig trees and purple African lilies that clamber up the final three storeys of the 'Walkie Talkie' skyscraper are mere wallflowers at this 155m-high rooftop garden – it's the rather extraordinary 360-degree views of London (the best in the City) that make this vast, airport-terminal-like space so popular (advance booking recommended). Located on the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch St, the Sky Garden has front-row seats for the Shard and vistas that gallop for miles east and west."

"Travel 43 floors up and see a unique perspective of landmarks like The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and more. With massive floor-to-ceiling glass windows, an open-air terrace, and beautifully landscaped scenery, you’ll have an abundance of options for IG pics. It also houses a swanky restaurant and bar, so you can relax and soak in the views with a drink in hand."

"If you guys have been following this blog for a while you may have realised that I am borderline obsessed with Sky Garden. I think it’s not only one of the best views and best rooftop bars in London, but it’s also very Instagrammable. The combination of stunning views over the rooftops of London, with modern architecture and green plants is a winner for me."

"American , Sandwiches ,  Brunch"

"10/05/2021: My visit to Kew Gardens was excellent and only spoilt by the lunch at the Orangery. The serving staff need training in customer service. I had to ask twice if I could have some vegetables to go with my casserole."

"Your favourite spot to eat is open for indoor and outdoor dining, with outdoor pop-up stalls available too. Why not warm yourself with one of our amazing toasties, burgers or new Lebanese Barbeque served on the terrace."

"If you’re craving classic American diner favourites, like fantastic burgers, milkshakes, hot dogs, and US breakfasts, head to Big Moe’s Diners. Kids can choose from vegan nuggets, a Texan burger, or chicken strips, all served with hand-cut chips. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Big Moe’s massive selection of shakes and soda floats – you’ll feel like you’re on holiday in the Big Apple."

"Craving some 1950s American diner classics, all with a halal twist?. Big Moe’s specialises in gourmet burgers, big beefy hot dogs, and killer milkshakes. If you want something a little different, try their New York style breakfasts and brunch items, including big fluffy stacks of pancakes."

"This newly refurbished restaurant inside the Richmond Hill Hotel is made up of a series of exquisitely designed Art Deco spaces and a seasonal 'turf to table' inspired menu that celebrates local produce and heritage. In simpler terms, the crowd-pleasing all-day menu prioritises familiarity over foodie fireworks, but it works. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available alongside a bottomless brunch menu."

"Brand new restaurant and bar within the Richmond Hill Hotel’s iconic setting, celebrating traditional British seasonal ingredients and an eclectic mix of ‘turf to table’ inspired menus."

"Restaurants Italian Covent Garden. If Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred Murano is altogether too fancy and too pricey, take the children to this casual but classy offshoot in Covent Garden. The kids’ menu allows little‘uns to choose from four kinds of fresh pasta and four different sauces, with ice cream or fruit salad for afters – and all for a tenner."

"For refined and generous dishes, look no further than Angela Hartnett’s Café Murano. The menu picks the best from Italy’s northern regions: tortelli stuffed with pumpkin; hearty risotto Milanese with osso bucco. Punchy flavours accent simply cooked meat and fish dishes, seen in tender grilled octopus with vibrant salsa verde and borlotti beans, or braised rabbit in a heady rosemary and tomato stew."

"The famous dough balls with melting garlic butter never fail to keep little ones happy while they wait for their meal, and don’t forget to ask for the Activity Pack which includes their own chefs hat to colour in. The excellent value children’s menu has some good healthier options such as a chicken salad and organic, no added sugar ice lollies. Address: 7 Thames St, Windsor SL4 1PL"

"You can enjoy good food and wine in a great atmosphere – all that for affordable price. It feels classier and nicer than the price and you will always get a warm welcome there."

"Tucked away on Notting Hill high street, Farina is a nondescript little gem for people exploring this particular neck of the woods. What to expect: The pizzas are the reason to come to Farina, in particular its use of burrata, which elevates its pizzas with a miasma of cool, gooey cheese as if it were the sour cream on a perfect tray of nachos. Special mention also to Farina’s cannolo: little pistachio-dusted horns of heaven, they’re so good that you’d leave the gun and take them too."