Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Gaddesden Row

"One of London's largest Royal Parks, Hyde Park is home to the vast Serpentine Lake (which you can swim in), the majestic Wellington Arch and even a hidden pet cemetery. With 350 acres to explore, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to picnic spots, and there are three cafes (including a stingray-shaped one) where you can replenish your supplies. Other points of interest include the Diana Memorial Fountain, the Hyde Park Rose Garden, and the Achilles statue, which actor Laurence Olivier once called "the best arse in London"."

"Hyde Park may be nearly 7 times larger, but I’ve always been partial to St. James’s Park, flanked on the east by Buckingham Palace and on the west by Number 10 Downing Street, the British government headquarters. I’m a particular fan of the St. James’s Parks lakes as well as the wildlife it supports, which include pelicans, ducks (lots of ducks!) and foxes!"

"The great expanse of Hyde Park boasts a range of recreational activities, from swimming and boating on the Serpentine to browsing the Serpentine Galleries and visiting landmarks such as the Speaker’s Corner, Diana Princess of Wales Memorial and The Joy of Life fountains."

"The Shard may not seem like a top romantic spot for Valentine’s Day, but with all it has to offer, it may be a one-stop shop. Stay at the Shangri-La hotel, dine in the restaurants, and even take in the tallest view of the city from the building’s observation floors. Even if you don’t opt to spend more than an hour or two of your Valentine’s Day here, it can still be your base of operations for anywhere you visit in London."

"Last on my list, and another one where you unfortunately can’t use a tripod if you go inside – the Shard. A relatively new addition to the London Skyline, the Shard offers an incredible view of the London skyline from far above the ground. Like the London Eye, it’s also best visited for sunset – we advise booking your ticket in advance to be sure to get the right time slot for your visit."

"Hotel phone: +44 20 7234 8000 Occupying the 34th to 52nd floors of the Shard (London’s iconic jagged-topped skyscraper) the Shangri-La is London’s highest hotel. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooms, restaurant, and bar and Infinity Skypool on the 52nd floor offer unparalleled views of the city. Rooms contain king-sized beds and marble bathrooms equipped with Washlet toilets."

"The unmissable Tower of London (actually a castle of 22 towers) offers a window into a gruesome and compelling history. A former royal residence, treasury, mint, armoury and zoo, it's perhaps now most remembered as the prison where a king, three queens and many nobles met their deaths. Come here to see the colourful Yeoman Warders (or Beefeaters), the spectacular Crown Jewels, the soothsaying ravens and armour fit for a very large king."

"For a building still significant but just a bit (okay, a lot!) older, walk right across the River Thames to the Tower of London, which, having been founded in 1066, is nearly 1,000 years old!. Tours include exploring several different parts of the property – my favorite part of the tour during my visit was checking out the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom!"

"I got the above shot about five minutes before the below shot, and you can see how dramatically quickly the light and clouds have changed!. The other thing to keep in mind are the crowds. Attractions like the Tower of London get really busy."

"One of London's most recognisable sights, familiar from dozens of movies, Tower Bridge doesn’t disappoint in real life. Its neo-Gothic towers and sky-blue suspension struts add extraordinary elegance to what is a supremely functional structure. London was a thriving port in 1894 when it was built as a much-needed crossing point in the east, equipped with a then-revolutionary steam-driven bascule (counterbalance) mechanism that could raise the roadway to make way for oncoming ships in just three minutes."

"Topping our list of must-see London attractions is the iconic Tower Bridge. Completed in 1894, Tower Bridge is one of the world’s most famous bascule (a French term for “see-saw”) bridges: It opens in the middle to allow tall boats on the Thames to pass through. Catch a glimpse of the bridge opening (lift times are posted on the Tower Bridge website), and walk across its high-level glass floor walkways 42 metres above the Thames!"

"Definitely up there as one of my favourite bridges in the world, Tower Bridge is marvellous to photograph both during the day…. … and at night, as a long exposure. It’s also good from both sides of the river, although if you go to the south bank then you can frame it with the Tower of London as well, which is nice."

"This enormous, ancient parkland is one of the best places to escape the city while at the same time catching an amazing view of it: the vista from Parliament Hill, which forms the southeast part of Hampstead Heath, is so impressive it’s actually been protected by law. Elsewhere in the park you’ll find a zoo, three swimming ponds (nominal charge which is often ignored) and plenty of quiet spots for a back-to-nature-in-the-heart-of-London picnic."

"Easily one the most cherished green spaces in London, this is a very popular and much-loved area of London which can be found in the well-heeled area of Hampstead. The ‘Heath’ is a natural-looking park with a variety of landscapes including hills, ponds, woodlands and open grassy places. For the more active visitors the area is home to eight playgrounds running tracks, three swimming pools, grassland, woodlands, ponds and sports areas."

"#sky #hill #earlymorning #goodmorning #lovetheheath #earlymorning #sunrise #spring #walk #longwalk #hampsteadheath #theheath #hampstead #love #london #staystrong #lockdown #socialdistancing. A post shared by Junho Kim (@junbug_london) on May 26, 2020 at 10:32pm PDT. Escape the hustle and bustle of central London a mere four miles away inHampstead Heath."

"Just moments away from the lively hub of King’s Cross, the St Pancras Old Church is a picturesque spot to visit when in London. This church in London traces its history as far back as the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, but an altar stone dating 625 AD suggests that worship may have taken place from the 7th century. You can attend mass on Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, or join a host of history talks and intimate live music gigs at the London church."

"Year Built: Unknown – possibly as early as 314 CE, but most likely 625 CE Location: Somers Town, Central London Purpose:  Church (Current Denomination – Church of England) Still Standing:  Yes. photo source: Wikimedia Commons via Pauk. While the exact origins of the St. Pancras Old Church are unknown, it is believed to be one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in England."

"Just across the King’s Cross, St Pancras Old Church is one of the oldest churches in London, whose origin can be traced as early as the days of Norman conquest. The place is calm, soothing and offers regular mass services on Monday, Tuesday, Saturdays and Sundays. Moreover, this church also hosts live music gigs and interactive sessions for visitors."

"It is also home to Regent’s Park and the London Zoo, and Camden Lock is a popular place to start a canal boat ride along the Regent’s Canal. View of Regent’s Canal from Camden Lock Market"

"St Giles Cripplegate, The origin of Cripplegate could be from the Anglo-Saxon ‘crepel’, a burrow, denoting the long, narrow underground or covered way leading to the gate. Alternatively, it could be that more cripples gathered at this particular gate begging alms than at other gates of the city.The first known church was built during the 14th century on the ground outside the gate close to where the Walbrook ran under the London Wall. It was rebuilt in the 17th century and much altered in Victorian times.Oliver Cromwell was married here, and in 1674 the poet John Milton was buried."

"This Church of England church was built just outside the city wall, next to the Cripplegate, hence the name (without means outside). It was initially built in the 11th century before the current building was constructed in 1394, with the stone tower being added in 1682. While it survived the fire of 1666, it has been severely damaged on three other occasions, from fires in 1545 and 1897 and from an air raid during the Blitz in 1940."

"This 16th-century church is one of the few to have survived both the Great Fire of London and the Blitz. It is situated inside the Barbican"

"Pasta-lovers listen up this charming spot is bringing a delicious taste of Italy to London with a game-changing restaurant. The stripped-back spaces in west and north London let you personalise your food exactly how you want, from the variety of homemade pasta through to the toppings."

"Cheap and cheerful Pasta Remoli is a great affordable restaurant serving up hungry north and west Londoner. Head to either venue to find a delicious menu of homemade pasta that can be customised however you like, right down to the cheese on top."

"Pasta Remoli bringing a DIY feel to Italian dining in London as the charming spot lets you style your pasta exactly the way you want. Choose your dish, sauce and toppings and enjoy the stripped back interior and more than welcoming atmosphere."

"Launched in Soho back in 1965, the all-conquering Pizza Express is one of fast food’s success stories – familiar, kid-friendly, reliable and cheery, but with one eye on the trends (think low-calorie options, gluten-free choices, mini desserts etc). Live jazz has made some branches iconic. Flagship site: 29 Wardour Street, W1D 6PS"

"For an easy and super casual Italian Restaurant, especially if you have children. There is a Pizza Express located a few minutes from Hampstead Tube Station and there is also another Pizza Express down the road in Belsize Park!. Here’s the Pizza Express Websitewhere you’ll find the Pizza Express Hampstead Menu!"

"Murger Han is a X’ian Chinese restaurant with branches in Euston, Mayfair and the City that seriously delivers the goods, and is super cheap too. The speciality here is Biang Biang noodles. They are made fresh in house every day and hand pulled by the chef into one giant 12 foot sheet and then cut into wide, thick strands before cooking."

"This is the third Murger Han and as in its other incarnations, they'll have a menu of Xi’an dishes made to family recipes with the Biang Biang noodles and the murgers themselves (slow-cooked meat in flatbread) being the biggest draw."

"For the ultimate ‘modern greasy spoon’ experience  What to eat?. The white chocolate and caramelised banana pancakes. Long live the great British greasy spoon!"

"There are various themed markets held throughout the year at the Southbank Centre, but the most regular two are the food market and the book market. The food market offers up plenty of street food from around the world and tends to be a hit with people after a lunch on-the-go while visiting the area (which is home to iconic landmarks such as the London Eye), while bookworms are sure to find plenty of new wish list-worthy reads at the impressive book market with everything from classics to non-fiction. When to visit: The food market is open Fridays (12-8pm), Saturdays (11am-8pm) and Sundays (12-6pm), while the book market is open daily until 7pm."

"The Southbank Centre Market could be classed as a slightly more upmarket street food spot in London, but that’s just what makes it one of the best. Greek souvlaki, a whole stall for beautiful bruschetta, Shrimpy’s shrimp burgers plus a variety of alcoholic beverages you could go around tasting all day. This open-topped market sets up every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Southbank Centre Square."

"There’s a food market behind the Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank, with a good mix of food from all over the world alongside local produce and plenty of cakes. It’s open until 8pm on Friday and Saturday. Perfect for a cheap bite to eat in the evening."

"Bhavi Beauty Wembley is an independent beauty spa located at the foot of London’s iconic Wembley Stadium. Right in the heart of the London Designer Outlet, they offer a sanctuary of pampering away from the bustling atmosphere of the area. Specialising in the ancient, Indian arts of threading and massages, they also provide a range of beauty treatments to help you feel both refreshed and refined."