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

"Want to feel like you're in the countryside without leaving London?. Head to Richmond Park, a 2500 acre national nature reserve that's teeming with rare species of fungi, birds, beetles, bats, grasses, wildflowers and more. Just remember to watch out for the deer — especially if it's rutting season."

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

"For any list of the best parks in London, it’d be a crime to ignore Hampstead Heath. Closest to the Hampstead Heath overground, or the Hampstead station if you’re going via tube, here you can enjoy your sandwiches on top of Parliament Hill while taking in stunning views of London. It’s even got its very own swimming ponds should the weather be particularly nice."

"Part of what makes Hampstead Heath so special is its wild beauty — check it out in all its rugged glory here. The other part is the stunning views of the capital it boasts, which makes the heath perfect for picnics, as does its proximity to some stellar delis and bakeries. It's also a cracking choice for a weekend ramble — thesetwo take in much of the Heath."

"Huge and sprawling with incredible views, woodlands and open air swimming ponds!. The perfect park for a winter wander, a place to watch the fireworks in London or picnic in the sun and a swim for the brave."

"Alternatively, if you are not interested in visiting Camden, you could try visiting two of the recommended morning attractions (e.g., Windsor Castle and Kew Gardens). You’ll need to use public transit to reach the morning attractions and to get to Camden but the attractions in Camden are all within walking distance."

"Smaller than the other green open spaces in the heart of London, St. James’s Park is surrounded by other important tourist spots:. Originally purchased by Henry III, the park was completely transformed by James I, who wanted it full of exotic animals and birds. Since then, the aspect of St. James’s Park suffered further modifications, but it continues to be a significant part of London’s identity."

"This Royal Park is definitely a contender for London’s prettiest green space. The wildlife seem to think so too as they’re to be found in abundance, from swans to pelicans and squirrels. Best shot: from The Blue Bridge towards Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade, depending on the light at the time of your visit."

"St James’s Park is the park you’ll walk through between Horse Guards’ Parade and Buckingham Palace. It has a lake, plenty of ducks and swans and a really nice kids’ playground just steps from Buckingham Palace. This would be a good place to take a kid friendly breather before or after the changing of the guard."

"Built on an old railway line, this garden is yet another community endeavour—filled with trees, shrubs, butterfly bushes and raised beds for growing food!. COVID-19 UPDATE: Dalston Eastern Curve Garden is currently closed to the public. For the latest information, head to their website."

"A grade II listed Art Deco classic, originally built in 1938, but a refurbishment in 2005 brought an unusual stainless-steel liner being added to give the water some extra shimmer. A large pool that is popular with families, it has good hot showers and a café for after swim snacks. You’re guaranteed a lot of fun at this swimming pool."

"Hampstead Heath‘s popular outdoor pool has been rated as one of the best in London. Here you will find a variety of water-based activities. The shallow paddling pool and the outdoor pool are great for younger swimmers who want to practice their swimming skills."

"The Lido at Hampsted Heath is uncovered and unheated, so is definitely one for hot, sunny days!. However, the whole experience of swimming outside is one not to be missed. There is even a paddling pool for younger children."

"Kings College London only recently opened this permanent site for the Science Gallery, a dedicated space for showing contemporary artwork that explores scientific questions. Its inaugural exhibition is all about addiction, called Hooked, and previous shows in its travelling days have investigated blood, food and orifices. Think of it as looking at science through the eyes of an artist."

"Science Gallery London is an art-science-and-health inspired gallery in London. The free museum has been open since 2018 in London Bridge after a series of pop-up exhibits across London. The gallery aims to bring together scientists, artists, and communities with three themed seasons every year."

"The Science Museum is filled with fascinating scientific discoveries from across the ages, all presented in a way that’s accessible to all ages. Most of the museum is free to enter but you may want to consider paying the entrance fee for Wonderlab. Here, kids can get hands on with science experiments and watch interactive presentations."

"The hands-on style of this London Museum brings science to life for everyone. Be sure to check the museum’s calendar for regular exciting events, including ‘Science Night’, where children get participate in a range of activities, and then spend a night sleeping amongst the exhibits. The Science Museum © Flickr DncnH"

"Now in its 53nd year, this unmissable exhibition looks at everything from elephants in their natural habitat to urban foxes peering over fences, and is a sheer delight from start to finish. Date: until 10th September"

": Row upon row of glass jars, with everything from tiny organisms, to strange two-headed beasts, to examples of gross diseases, this museum can be very creepy at times, especially when it’s quiet. However, it’s so much more than the freakshow that it is sometimes made out to be, offering a unique insight into the history of surgery and advances in modern medicine. The next few months are your last chance to see the museum before it closes in 2017 for refurbishment, so get going!"

"An exciting part of the street food trend sweeping the world, Kricket combines British ingredients with Indian cuisine, offering a high-end variation on Indian street food. It didn’t take long to make its mark: in the Evening Standard restaurant awards, Kricket was nominated in the ‘Worth the Queue’ category, and it’s a favourite among local foodies and even high-profile chefs. The food takes a lot of inspiration from Mumbai, offering a range of tasty small plates like samphire pakoras (a more delicate cousin of bhaji), garlic crab and goat leg raan."

"Restaurants Italian Peckham"

"Everyone loves a good reinvention story, and Peckham Levels has a great one, having been transformed from a multi-storey car park into a bustling market and entrepreneurs hub. It’s run by the same folk behind Pop Brixton, so it’s no surprise that you find the same emphasis on some of London’s best up and coming foodie ventures. Don’t miss Nandine which serves up amazing contemporary Kurdish food or Lords of Poké for amazing poké bowls (pictured above)."

"Graveney Gin is just the small-batch London gin distillery that Tooting needed – even if it didn’t know it. Distiller and long-time gin fanatic Victoria Christie (who was drinking G&Ts well before it became cool again) first started producing this organic gin in South London after a masterclass at The Ginstitute. Fast forward a couple of years and she’d released her first batch of the stellar Graveney Gin."

"A confession, I’ve not actually made it to Graveney Gin’s nano distillery in Tooting yet…. However I’ve heard lots about it from distiller Victoria, a fellow ex-banker. She makes Graveney gin with organic ingredients in a 30 litre pot still."