Popular Gardens in St Paul's Cray

"Enjoy the huge outdoor space – 330 acres (134 hectares) – at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. See the peaceful Japanese garden, the amazing trees of the arboretum and explore the stunning glass conservatories. Pack a picnic (or pick up food from one of the restaurants) for the perfect relaxing day out in London."

"One of Richmond’s most famous attractions is perfect for visiting all year round. Wander around the ever-changing gardens and explore the wildlife, with attractions that include an indoor rainforest climate in the Palm House, an 18-metre high Treetop Walkway and guided walking tours."

"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"

"Located on floor 36 of the iconic Walkie Talkie, the views from the Darwin Brasserie are pretty striking. Although Fenchurch Restaurant – one of Sky Garden’s other offerings – is higher, the Darwin Brasserie has better views thanks to its position further back from the Sky Garden’s atrium roof. A good option if you want to enjoy the sights without the flocks of camera totting tourists."

"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"

"There are costumes to try on, musical instruments to play and stuffed animals to investigate at this treasure trove of a museum in Forest Hill. The collections of objects from all over the world include a torture chair, African and Mexican masks and over 1,300 musical instruments. There are activity packs and trails for most of the rooms and interactive sound tables for you to listen to music and try making some of your own."

"The Horniman Museum, founded in 1901, has around six hectares (16 acres) of gardens to explore, plus daily free activities for children. It also houses dozens of family-friendly exhibits, including the Nature Base, which features live animals; a hands-on display that lets kids touch museum pieces; and an aquarium with 15 exhibits of environments from around the world."

"The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a London museum dating back to the early 1900s. The museum's collection of more than 350,000 objects focuses on natural history, anthropology, and instruments. It has a well known and impressive collection of taxidermied animals."

"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."

"Download the Hampton Court Map to easily navigate around the palace. It is highly recommended to download this Hampton Court Palace Map as it will be handy if you’re doing a self-guided/audio tour of the Palace."

"One of the highlights of visiting Kew Gardens in summer is seeing the stunning Rose Garden behind the Palm House. The Rose Garden at Kew Gardens is home to 170 different species and cultivars of rose, with bold plantings of mixed shrub roses."

"On the other side of the rose pergola from the Agius Evolution Garden, you’ll find the Kitchen Garden where Kew Gardens grow edible plants to learn more about producing healthy and sustainable food. I love bringing the kids here during the summer to see the various crops, and in the autumn to see the pumpkin patch. Keep an eye out for their Kitchen Garden sales, where they sell fruits and vegetables from the garden from May to September."

"The Kitchen Garden is a vegetable garden with fruits and vegetables, and can be seen growing different products in all seasons. Vegetables are selected for maximum flavor and to provide mature products in all seasons. There you find asparagus, potatoes, peas, spinach, strawberries, carrot varieties (including purple and yellow), gooseberries, garlic, beans and many other foods."

"Gardens emerge in the unlikeliest of places, including this tropical beauty atop a railway station. Crossrail hasn’t quite reached Canary Wharf yet, but this stunning spot is open for business—as is the adjacent street food hall!. COVID-19 UPDATE: Crossrail Place Roof Garden is open 8am-9pm daily."

"This pudding is so simple you wouldn’t think they’d get away with it. Indeed the apple and sake sorbet is probably there largely to prove the restaurant does actually have a dessert chef. But who cares that it’s so easy to pour molten white-chocolate ganache over a layer of pert, tart little iced berries?"

"One of the biggest vegetarian names in London, you can bet that Mildred's know how to serve the meat-free among you. From burgers down to pies, their menu is broad, and their selection of London spots are more than just charming."

"Francophones will have already worked out what this restaurant’s USP is, but one look out the window should do it for the rest of us. This French restaurant in Shad Thames boasts a spectacular, postcard-worthy view of Tower Bridge from the south side of the river. The terrace is the prime spot for maximum gawping (even better when accompanied by champagne and a seafood platter), while inside by the window while an indoor spot by the window will do on a rainy day."

"Restaurants Grills Tower Bridge. Day or night, summer or winter, this French fancy by the river has everything you could wish for in an alfresco terrace. A jaunty striped awning is rolled out in strong sun, while luxurious sheepskin chair covers taking the chill off during the evening."

"One of the classics of the south bank of the Thames, this restaurant's terrace has unparalleled views of Tower Bridge. Just be prepared to have passing tourists giving you jealous looks as you toy with your crab and melon salad in the sunshine."

"Lambrusco Dell'Emilia, Maecello Gran Cru Dry IGT , Ariola, 10.5%"

"Housed in the old ordnance factory, displays of local history with maps, photos and artefacts from the Roman era to the 20th century."

"The House of Dreams Museum is the vision of London art director Steven Wright, who has lived in the East Dulwich home since 1982. He began to turn it into a museum in the late 90s. It serves as a shrine to his dead parents and partner."

"While taking the kids to a museum housing toys they can’t touch may seem like a disaster, the V&A Museum of Childhood makes an extra effort to include interactive exhibits that will keep little hands busy. Adults can enjoy nostalgic displays of dolls’ houses and rag dolls dating back to the 1600s, while kids can try rocking horses and play with Lego. The museum also has free daily activities such as treasure hunts."

"Located in a beautiful redbrick building in Bethnal Green, this museum is the largest of its kind in the world. It’s not just for kids, though – it provides a delightful, nostalgic trip back to more innocent times, with a fascinating collection of toys and games from yesteryear. The current temporary exhibition is dedicated to board games and it’s an absolute treat."

"A treat for children of all ages, this East London outpost of the Victoria & Albert Museum—in an iron, glass, and brown-brick building…"