Popular Gardens in Swanscombe

"12 km from city center 9 out of 40 places to visit in London. A World Heritage Site, London’s Kew Gardens is famous for its sprawling landscape and an impressive collection of flora and fauna. It is home to the world’s most diverse and enchanting species of flora, spread over 121 hectares, and in existence for more than 250 years."

"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."

"Plant Houses Nos. 7 to 14b inclusive were collectively known as the "T" Range because of their T-shaped plan. The extant Aroid House (now the Nash Conservatory) was designated Plant House No. 1 and the Water Lily House was Plant House No. 15."

"Located on the 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie building in the City of London, the Sky Garden is the capital’s highest public garden and one of the coolest places to visit in London for free. The garden’s large plant-filled atrium has floor-to-ceiling windows with amazing panoramic views out over the city below and is open throughout the day and into the evenings on weekends – making it one the best free things to do in London at night too!. There’s also an open-air covered terrace on one side."

"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."

"A lush oasis from the chaotic pace of London, it will captivate children and adults alike. Spectacular 360-degree views, exotic plants and an array of dining choices await you, and admission is free!. Your visit begins with an online ticket reservation."

"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."

"The Horniman Museum is a brilliant London museum for kids located in Forest Hill, South London. This museum features a natural history gallery with a large collection of taxidermy, a musical instrument gallery, an aquarium with 15 exhibits (with ticket purchase) and a calendar of special exhibitions and events. The famous Horniman walrus that has been on display in the museum for over a century, sits in the middle of the natural history gallery with a large collection of taxidermy, skeletons and fossils."

"This eclectic collection of anthropological curios was put together by Frederick Horniman, the son of a successful businessman, who had plenty of money to play with. The museum hosts a fascinating natural history exhibit and a collection of musical instruments from around the world. Horniman Museum © Flickr Neil Turner"

"Hampton Court Palace (fee*) is a former royal palace, originally built in the 16th century for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, a powerful person during the time of King Henry VIII. However, Wolsey would fall out of favor with the king (as most people did) and Henry would confiscate his house and use it as his own palace. The huge Tudor and Baroque style royal palace was used by British monarchs until the 18th century and is now a popular tourist destination. The palace is huge and you could spend all day exploring its many rooms, but luckily the self-guided tours are broken up by themes so you can decide which parts of the palace are of most interest to you. The gardens, the tennis court, and hedge maze are also definitely worth exploring here."

"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."

"In 1224 an order of the Franciscans was given a piece of land within Newgate. The area where the Friars settled was poor, as evidenced by local streets such as Stinking Lane and the Shambles. In 1306 the Franciscans commenced ‘a magnificent edifice’."

"Designed in 1888 as a locus of meditation for the (now private) St John’s Lodge, the garden is no place for crowds – perhaps why its entrance features no formal sign. Your only clue is a beguiling pergola festooned with clematis and wisteria leading to a buffer of sombre yew hedges. Beyond, you’ll find a sunken lawn and a series of interlinking circular enclosures, screened by rings of pleached lime trees, perfect for putting the rest of the world from your mind."

"Of the seven branches across London, Masala Zone Covent Garden will most appeal to younger diners, as they can gawk at the traditional Indian puppets that festoon the place as they wait for their food. Although they can occupy themselves at every branch with colouring books and crayons which are provided by the amenable staff. Mini thalis with milder curries are available from £6, and for those that can handle more heat, the rolled dosas prove popular."

"Masala Zone offers good, hearty Indian food across a number of locations, all featuring unfussy and comfortable atmospheres. Children are well accommodated, with under-sevens having the option of eating from the versatile children's menu. With seven outposts in London, this could be a good option the next time you plan a family meal in the city."

"Delicious food uniquely from the true sources of Indian food – the gourmet homes & street stalls across India’s regions."

"Ravinder Bhogal’s cooking is clever, different and defiantly multicultural – and the brunch menu is no different. Tamarind and maple-glazed bacon is served with fenugreek waffles and fennel slaw, while a spicy fish cake is topped with a poached egg and curry hollandaise. More favourites from Jikoni are also on the menu at brunchtime, including the prawn toast scotch egg, which is served with banana ketchup and pickled cucumber."

"If there's one thing we want to be seen doing, it's dining beneath a marigold awning. And so we shall be going to Jikoni to eat on their covered terrace. Complete with wool blankets, statuesque heaters and hot water bottles on request, even the most eclectic weather doesn't stand a chance here (and neither do the sweetcorn and lime leaf fritters once we've seen them)."

"Marylebone’s Jikoni has started Comfort and Joy - a vegetarian and vegan meal service inspired by cuisines all over the world. There are six boxes to choose from, with stuff like Omani lime dhal and sweet and sour aubergine curry on the menu. Everything you need is on their website."