Popular Gardens in West Hatch

"If you’re into floral photography, Kew Gardens houses one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of living plants. This expansive botanical garden is absolutely magical. It contains numerous greenhouses, a tree-top walkway, an exotic rainforest, and so much more."

"If you are on museum overload, skip some of the museums on this itinerary and journey out to Kew Gardens. Take a Walking Tour of London"

"Founded in 1840, using plants from Kew Park in Middlesex, Kew Gardens is one of the largest and lushest botanic gardens in the world."

"What: Sky Garden may be known for its lush greenery (the perfect backdrop for an impromptu photoshoot), but its sprawling views of the capital are also worth a mention. The Sky Pod bar, which isn’t separated from the rest of the space, allows guests to stand around admiring the views or pull up a chair to rest their legs. All the usual drinks can be found here (including a selection of signature cocktails), while the food menu features sharing platters of charcuterie, seafood or dessert."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Probably London's most child-friendly museum, offering fascinating exhibits and exciting activities from all over the world. Galleries include musical instruments, natural history and African art & culture, plus an aquarium and extensive gardens. Highlights are the wonderful 'hands on base' where children can touch and handle items from cultures around the world, and a music room where everyone can experiment with playing a wide variety of specially commissioned instruments."

"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."

"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."

"One of the most famous palaces in England, Hampton Court is known for its lush gardens and unusual architecture (half-Tudor, half-Baroque). Get lost in the Hampton Court maze, see the largest grapevine in the world, and take a behind-the-scenes look at a palace kitchen that was once used to serve hundreds of guests. Historical reenactments take place during the day and are a delight for travellers interested in British royalty. Hampton Court is within walking distance of the nearby train station and the River Thames for easy access back to London."

"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."

"A peaceful oasis amongst the buzz and bustle of the city, the Culpeper Community Garden is managed by and for the local people. It’s open seven days a week and is just a short walk from Angel station. COVID-19 UPDATE: Culpeper Community Garden is currently closed to the public."

"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."

"Kensington Palace is one of the historical landmarks of London, England. The famous rich history of the palace began when it was first built in 1605 by Sir George Coppin. The Palace was the birthplace of Queen Victoria, and today, it is the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge."

"Kensington Palace (fee*) is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens. It began as a fairly humble 17th century two-storey Jacobean mansion and was expanded by the royal family into the giant royal residence it is today."

"A unique evening awaits at The Boat Show Comedy Club because it’s not often you’ll spend time watching comedians on the Thames. Located inside a refurbished paddle steamer, the 300-capacity club is located at The Tattershall Castle on Victoria Embankment and sees acts perform every Friday and Saturday night as well as on Tuesdays. Four comedians feature on each bill but you’re unlikely to see the same thing with comics performing no more than around three times a year."

"London's finest floating comedy club has been running for about 12 years now. The venue is a beautifully refurbished paddle steamer, moored permanently opposite the London Eye, on the Embankment near Westminster. The Tattershall Castle is its name, and each show boasts four top comics plus special guests."

"This is the kind of comedy night that hosts the intellectual clever comics of Radio 4 and the Guardian. The kind that weave a whole story, or create funny characters before hitting you with their comedy. This is grown up comedy for all those who like comedy mixed with fine dining, good conversation and a nice glass of whisky."

"Drink authentic German-style beer from German KRAFT Brewery, straight from the tank and locally brewed in Mercato Metropolitano. Pick from the all-year-round Pale Ale, Helles Lager and German wheat beer, or try a seasonal one full of character – all beers are unfiltered and unpasteurised which makes them suitable for vegans."

"Restaurants British Herne Hill. This Herne Hill hotspot is perfect for getting your weekend off to a good start – take a dip in the open-air pool (if you dare), then get some revitalising sustenance via the all-day brunch menu. Expect a lively veggie line-up taking in everything from coconut porridge and ‘green goddess’ superfood bowls to polenta scramble, celeriac and cavolo nero rösti, and a fake full English with seitan and tofu."

"In a nutshell: South London pizzeria takes over swimming pool restaurant Where is it?. Brockwell Lido, Brockwell Park, Dulwich Rd, London SE24 0PA Why should you care?. Popular South London pizzeria 400 Hundred Rabbits has taken on the art deco cafe at Brockwell Lido and they're starting with a strong brunch menu."

"First, stop in at the Lido Café for a fresh pastry and barista-crafted latte. This will give you the energy needed to explore more of the incredible manicured grounds."