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

"Richmond Park, a national nature reserve, comes up trumps thanks to its population of 630 red and fallow deer roaming free. Come here anytime of the year for peaceful deer spotting, but for a more spectacular site, plan a visit during breeding season (Autumn) and watch as the red stags and fallow bucks compete for females by roaring, barking and clashing antlers. Make note, this is a park not a zoo, so take precaution and keep at least 50 metres from the herds."

"Beautiful grasslands and deer herds are just minutes away from Central London. Head to Richmond Park, one of the best parks in London, which is also a National Nature Reserve to relax in the lap of nature. This park is a famous site for some of the most ancient trees and the rarest species of wildflowers, beetles, and bats."

"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 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."

"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."

"This is a very popular park/green area, as it’s a particularly beautiful spot in London that offers you stunning views of the city. There is a lovely lido too that your children will love swimming in before you find a spot to have the perfect picnic."

"I may be biased because I live very near here but I believe beautiful Kew is the best area to stay in London and Kew Gardens is one of the best attractions here. Kew Gardens are 121 hectares of beautiful gardens and botanical glasshouses located between Richmond and Kew (in southwest London). The gardens are on a mission not only to be beautiful (which they are) but to contribute to research and nurturing of the plant kingdom."

"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."

"Located in Westminster by Buckingham Palace, St James’ Park is 57 glorious acres of royal history, landmarks and gorgeous city lookouts. Enjoy the the vast lake and the seventeen resident species of birds from the comfort of an old fashioned stripy deckchair (boater hat optional). The Queen lives just up the road but you’re more likely to catch a glimpse of the squadron of pelicans (yes, really) that reside within the park."

"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."

"Aside from viewing the gorgeous estate located on the east end of St. James’s Park, visitors to Buckingham Palace can view the Changing of the Guard, one of the most quintessentially British traditions."

"To escape the crowded streets and enjoy a picturesque, waterside side stretch of North London, take to the canals that once played such a vital role in the transport of goods across the capital. The towpath of the Regent's Canal also makes an excellent shortcut across North London, either on foot or by bike. In full, the ribbon of water runs 9 miles from Little Venice (where it connects with the Grand Union Canal) to the Thames at Limehouse."

"One of Europe’s largest inland wetland projects, this 42-hectare centre run by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust was transformed from four Victorian reservoirs in 2000 and attracts some 140 species of bird, as well as frogs, butterflies, dragonflies and lizards, plus a thriving colony of watervoles. The glass-fronted observatory affords panoramic views over the lakes, while meandering paths and boardwalks lead visitors through the watery habitats of black swans, Bewick's swans, geese, red-crested pochards, sand martins, coots, bitterns, herons and kingfishers."

"Voted in 2012 as Britain’s Favourite Natural Reserve, WWT London Wetland Centre is an oasis of natural wildlife placed right in the heart of London. Managed by Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, this idyllic wetland reserve is located in a loop of the Thames and occupies more than 100 acres of land. Home for a significant number of unique species of birds, insects, amphibians and other wildlife representatives, the Wetland Centre represents a real natural wonder."

"Just ten minutes from Hammersmith, you'll get lost in the London Wetland Centre and its lakes, ponds and gardens. Aside from the daily guided tours, you can meet the otters, feed the birds, or take part in a host of family activities such as pond dipping and nature walks."

"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."

"While not exactly in Central London, Hampton Court Palace does fall within the boundaries of London. It’s still a minor transport effort to get here, but totally worth it. Hampton Court Palace isn’t an inhabited Royal Palace, but it has plenty of Royal history, most notably as it was one of the principal residences of Henry VIII, he of the many wives."

"Piccadilly Circus is a famous road junction and a popular public meeting spot in London. The area is famous for its large neon signs and video advertising as well as the Shaftesbury Memorial with its statue of Anteros. The spot is well-located for an easy walk to the West End theaters and Regent Street, one of London’s major shopping streets."

"From the National Gallery, walk to Piccadilly Circus. This spot is similar to Times Square in New York City. This meeting point, where several main roads come together, is a very busy spot in London. Enormous neon signs bath the area in colorful light and double decker red buses and cars continually stream by."

"You would never guess that slap bang in the middle of Spitalfields is a thriving farmyard, home to sheep, geese, bees, rabbits, parrots and more!. Popular with inner city schools, the farm aims to unite the local community and provide children with a safe and inviting space to connect with nature. The farm’s annual Goat Race, which coincides with the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race in March, has become a much-anticipated part of its events calendar, with plenty of other entertainment, food and drink on the day for spectators to enjoy."

"The 1.3 acre Spitalfields City Farm is a great place for a back-to-nature East End family outing. Buxton Street, Shoreditch, London, E1 5AR. Tube: Whitechapel Station"

"If you’re familiar with a Monopoly board then you’ll know that Regent Street is a slightly more upmarket area than Oxford Street in which you can spend some money. Tourists to London in particular will appreciate the upscale high street designers and labels that you’ll find here, including Banana Republic and Liberty. This area is also where London’s main Apple Store is and where people queue for hours anytime there is an updated product set for launch."

"Perhaps the most atheistically pleasing of all the shopping districts listed here, Regent Street was designed by master architect Sir John Nash in the 19th century. With huge sweeping vistas and different decorations throughout the year (including impressive Christmas displays), Regent Street is a picturesque place to spend your pennies. Located here are range from the top end (Liberty of London and Ferrari) to fun and affordable."

"The absolute best that the West End has to offer, in terms of shopping, is located on Regent Street. Brands like Anthropologie, Liberty, Hamleys (the legendary toy store) or Apple are available, as well as many other internationally-renowned shops. You can also find the finest restaurants, hotels, art galleries and even spas."

"Aiming to make vegan cuisine mainstream, you’ll find an extensive plant-based pizza menu, plus Vegan Express's popular “tofish” (vegan fish and chips) served with mushy peas, at this Tooting restaurant. Add in a range of smoothies, desserts and even a vegan cheeseboard for a full-on vegan feast."

"A new vegan operation linked to outstanding Chinese restaurants Xi’an Impression and Xi’an Biang Biang Noodles, Tofu Vegan promises to do what so many restaurants couldn’t: succeed on Upper Street in Islington. Dongbei sweet potato noodles; hot and fragrant deep-fried asparagus; and Chongqing-style mock chicken feature, but the star is shimmering dòufu huā, a wibbly cloud of beige saturated with buzzy chilli oil and black beans."

"Mildreds is a certifiable veggie institution, serving meat-free dinners in Soho since 1988. Over the years it has increasingly catered for vegans too, and now diners can safely assume everything on the menu is vegan unless marked otherwise. Favourite dishes include the Sri Lankan sweet potato curry, the beetroot and white bean Polish burger and shimeji mushroom gyoza dumplings."

"Mildreds is a bit of a classic, having served vegetarian meals in Soho since 1988. It now caters to vegans too, offering up flavors from Asia, South and Central America and the Middle East, alongside British classics and Mildreds’ famous burgers. I highly recommend the Sri Lankan sweet potato curry, and the shimeji mushroom gyoza dumplings are delicious, too."

"If you're an indecisive vegan who likes pictures of their food to solicit fascination on Instagram, Beza – an Ethiopian restaurant in Elephant and Castle – is the al fresco establishment for you. Here's to food that's healthy, delicious and affordable – and to eating it in the sunshine, too."

"The croupiers are, as you might expect, Playboy Bunnies and they oversee table games like roulette, baccarat and blackjack on the casino’s first floor. Slightly off from the main gaming floor are private rooms for high stakes games. There are some electronic machines that offer slot games and electronic roulette, but if they don’t tickle your fancy when you’re bored of the table games then why not head into the restaurant?"

"Offering sleek interiors with industrial elements, the Union Street Cafe looks at first glimpse like one very sexy restaurant. But delve a little deeper and you'll find their gorgeous Olive Grove area where foliage, vines and rustic furnishings make up an even more beautiful area of the venue."

"A short walk from Borough Market, this chic bar and restaurant brings you an authentic taste of Northern Italy. With a seasonally-changing menu of delicious dishes, not to mention some stunning wines and cocktails, it's one of London's best Italian restaurants."

"This newly refurbished restaurant inside the Richmond Hill Hotel is made up of a series of exquisitely designed Art Deco spaces and a seasonal 'turf to table' inspired menu that celebrates local produce and heritage. In simpler terms, the crowd-pleasing all-day menu prioritises familiarity over foodie fireworks, but it works. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available alongside a bottomless brunch menu."

"Brand new restaurant and bar within the Richmond Hill Hotel’s iconic setting, celebrating traditional British seasonal ingredients and an eclectic mix of ‘turf to table’ inspired menus."