Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Elstree

"It was very close to Richmond Park but also a perfect spot to easily get anywhere in and around London. There are always deers, majestic stags, and also patches of forest where we love walking through. We loved shooting quite a few engagement sessions in the park, so we got to see the forest changing colors each season and also at different times of the day."

"Richmond Park can be found in the attractive South-West London town of Richmond. This is the largest of the Royal Parks in London encompassing various landscapes including woodlands, grasslands, ponds and even hills. The park also has an area of 700-year-old Oak trees and Isabella Plantation which is an organically designed woodland garden."

"Views of London from Richmond Park © Jon Reid visitlondon.com. Image courtesy of Jon Reid visitlondon.com. London looks great from a distance."

"It’s hard to believe that tucked away amongst the built up surroundings of Hampstead, just 6 kilometres from Trafalgar Square, lies 800 acres of fields and woods. Hampstead Heath transports you to the countryside, with its mosaic of habitats providing a resource for the copious amounts of wildlife. Featuring a number of priority species identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, the Heath is known as one of London’s best places for wildlife."

"While it doesn’t have the biodiversity of Kew, Hampstead Heath is a public park that has something else worth taking in—a view. While the woods and ponds are certainly lovely themselves, what really draws people is Parliament Hill, which offers one of the highest natural views of the city. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic to celebrate the day."

"One of the city’s wildest green spaces, Hampstead Heath spans a huge proportion of north London. Stroll across the grass and clamber through the gnarled trees or take in the view of London from atop Parliament Hill. If you fancy a dip, the lido is on one side of the hill and the bathing ponds on the other."

"Whether you’re a fan of gardens or not, Kew Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in London. The Hive is a unique new structure exploring the story of the honey bee, and children will love the Treetop Walkway. Best shot: the Waterlily House or the spiral staircase make for superb captures."

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

"Named after a hospital for people suffering from leprosy, St James's is perhaps the most regal of all Royal Parks — home to both The Mall and the Horse Guards Parade, and flanked by Buckingham and St James's palaces. However, the real stars of the park have got to be  Isla, Tiffany and Gargi, the three pelicans who live here. Other attractions include vibrant flower beds, two cafes, and a possibly haunted statue of Queen Anne."

"Thanks to this park’s central location, you can enjoy fab views of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye and Horse Guards Parade from The Blue Bridge. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including the park’s famous pelicans. COVID-19 UPDATE: St James’s Park is currently open, but people must respect social distancing rules."

"Walking around Green Park and St Jame’s Park in the morning is a wonderful experience. It’s so calm and peaceful and when you have the beautiful light such as below it is just perfect. Considering staying at the awesome Sheraton Grand London Park Lane where you’ll find these amazing parks on your doorstep."

"While Richmond Park is by far the most famous park in the area, Old Deer Park is an open space dedicated to sports facilities and community events. It has play areas, tennis courts, an outdoor gym and sports pitches. You can also access Pools on the Park, a sports, fitness and pool complex."

"Serial winner of the nation’s most popular park awards, this mainstay of East London downtime since 1845 continues to recruit new generations to its enormous band of devoted fans. Vicky Park is simply amazing for young people. A blinder of a playground features the best slides in town and a host of other original swinging, climbing and larking-about equipment – plus the extensive summer splash pools."

"Once voted the nation's favourite park, Victoria Park is the largest green space in Tower Hamlets, with amenities including a boating lake, two cafes, a skate park and a large playground. The flower-strewn Old English Garden is a particular highlight, as are the canine statues that guard the park gates. Make sure you drop into the phenomenal People's Park Tavern while you're there."

"It’s no secret that I love Victoria Park’s brilliant Sunday market. Head to the section of the park just past the Gore Gate to discover a gastronomic delight. Each week, farmers truck in with their stalls brimming with the kind of fresh fruits and veg you couldn’t even dream of finding in the supermarket."

"Valentines Mansion & Gardens is a Grade II on the National Heritage List for both building and garden. Built in 1696, the mansion was for the widow of Archbishop of Canterbury John Tillotson's widow, Lady Tillotson. It later was the home of Sir Charles Raymond."

"Westminster Cathedral is the most important Catholic church in Central London that’s located just minutes from both Buckingham Palace and the equally as striking Westminster Abbey. Built during Victorian times, it’s famed for its red and white striped brick exteriors and oriental-style domes. Indoors, you’ll find Westminster Cathedral’s huge central nave (which can seat a whopping 1000 people!) decorated with smooth marble, mosaics and glittering gold detailing."

"There are many beautiful churches in London and Westminster Cathedral is certainly one of them. Located in proximity to Victoria Station, this is the mother church of Roman Catholics in England and Wales. The exterior is made of red and white brick, showcasing the neo-Byzantine style architecture while the interior, made with 120 different types of marbles, is equally fascinating."

"The View From The Shard is the tallest viewing platform in central London with an indoor and outdoor viewing platform on levels 69 and 72. The Shard is 1,016 feet tall and sits centrally among the West End, Westminster, the ​​South Bank, the city, and Canary Wharf. This centralized location means it has one of the best viewing opportunities in London."

"Restaurants Italian Covent Garden. Eating in this grand Covent Garden offshoot of Petersham Nurseries in Richmond feels a bit like dining alfresco – what with the palm trees in massive pots, the posies of flowers on each table and the general air of light and space. But the Petersham also has a splendid courtyard for that genuine outdoor vibe – complete with even more trees, plant-filled urns and other horticultural paraphernalia."

"When it comes to outdoor restaurants in Covent Garden, Petersham Nurseries is one of the prettiest. Tucked away near the iconic market, the gorgeous spot is ideal for Italian food, great wines and weekend lunches whether with mates or a date."

"The Savage Garden, high above the City of London in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London – Tower of London, combines swish vibes, seasonal decor and decadent cocktails. Grab a sharing plate and enjoy 360-degree views over the iconic London skyline. Open Thursdays to Sundays, year-round"

"Normally we only feature restaurants on this list if they've opened - but Ave Mario (from the people behind Gloria and Circolo Poplare) has been quietly soft launching for a couple of weeks (Instagram is filled with pics of the neon lit loos) and we've also checked it out. It will be huge, much like the enormous ice cream cake that they wheel about the room. New additions to the menu include a caviar section, massive cocktails and a veal milanese that's twice as big as your head."

"One for the vinyl heads, DJs spin on a vinyl-only basis and on an old analogue sound system, making it a glorious listening experience for punters. Don’t be put off by the fact the dance floor is in a restaurant; come midnight, there’s a bustling throng of people mid-vibe, getting down where the tables and chairs were. Similarities to the beloved Plastic People are fair, and Brilliant Corners has kept the Plastic People dream alive with its intrepid programming."