Popular Gardens in Tooting

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Offering perhaps the best free vantage point in Central London, the indoor viewing decks and restaurants occupying the top three floors of 20 Fenchurch Street (known to locals as the "walkie-talkie") are a great place to hang out without spending a penny. It is open daily, just book your free visit 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."

"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."

"Founded in 1901 by Frederick John Horniman, a tea merchant who wanted a space to display his private collection of natural history, the Horniman Museum is a nature lover’s dream. See African art or visit the tiny aquarium. We especially like the conservatory, set in a grand Victorian glasshouse with views over the rolling gardens."

"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."

"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."

"We've praised The Bluebird for its versatile approach to dining and Chelsea-style leisure. It's a compound comprised of a swanky restaurant, a more casual cafe, outdoor space, and, of course, the boutique to end all boutiques. The ground floor shop is "an ever-evolving space; part concept store and part cabinet of curiosity, where you can discover high-end designers alongside niche labels and emerging fashion talent, interspersed with objets, ephemera, collectibles and cult beauty brands." They stock everyone from Balenciaga to Levi's, and their homewares are to die for – go for a Fornasetti candle, try on something you couldn't possibly afford, and get your brows done by Blink."

"This King’s Road landmark has been a place to be seen since opening back in 1997 – even more so with its swish new look. Formerly a garage, Bluebird underwent a major refurbishment a couple of years ago courtesy of Sagrada, the designers behind The Arts Club, which split up the large space into neat sections. Both the street-level bar and first-floor restaurant feature plush interiors – think exposed steel red beams, indoor trees and deep Chesterfield booths – while the al fresco courtyard remains an idyllic summer spot."

"Modern European , French"

"Sumi, in Westbourne Grove, is sushi master Endo Kazutoshi’s version of a lower key restaurant, an analogue to his Michelin-starred restaurant Endo at the Rotunda in White City. But low-key here means beautiful brushed wood interiors that will hopefully welcome guests again soon, and a trio of bento boxes with superlative quality chirashi. One of the most luxurious takeaway options out there right now."

"Having already opened his fabulously-reviewed Endo at the Rotunda, sushi master Endo went one further opening this new sushi bar in the heart of lockdown. Notting Hill residents were the first to enthuse about the amazing bento boxes. If you were missing top drawer sushi during the lockdowns, just looking at Sumi's Insta account might break you."

"The one by Fortune Street ParkPham Sushi has two different locations – the one located by the Barbican Centre is tailor made for eat-in dining while their takeaway option up the road does much of the same dishes but without fussing about service. They even deliver too. Get around some fresh and simple sushi and sashimi, being sure to try some of the amazing seafood options."

"👌🏻  Don't forget to tag us...we love seeing your pancake combos!. #pancakes #pancakelover #Londonfoodblogger #bestlondonrestaurants #Londonfoodie #boroughmarket #londonbridge #pancakesallday     📸cantcookclub      #pancakes #pancakelover #Londonfoodblogger #bestlondonrestaurants #¬ondonfoodie #boroughmarket #londonbridge #pancakesallday. A post shared by where the pancakes are (@wherethepancakesare) on Jun 19, 2019 at 1:00pm PDT"

"Whether you like your pancakes sweet, savoury or even gluten free, Where the Pancakes Are has you covered. Using only carefully sourced, nutrient packed ingredients, we adore the selection fresh toppings available. Why not pair your pancake perfectly with a house juice, cocktail or coffee?"

"Make sure you share the Valrhona dark chocolate fondant which comes with raspberry sorbet. Why is it the perfect romantic restaurant?. Dim lighting and impeccable service, you can also stay over."