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

"Richmond Park is the largest of London's eight Royal Parks and is an extraordinary space where the grass seems greener, the flowers seem to smell better and the sun seems warmer. The park has a magic that's not tangible – make sure to visit the Isabella plantation to see what we mean. It is a National Nature Reserve, London's largest Site of Special Scientific Interest and an European Special Area of Conservation."

"Renowned for its unrefined woodland gardens and deer herds, Richmond Park boasts a rich history (including notable royal connections dating back to Edward’s reign in 1272), ancient trees, historic buildings and vast amounts of wildlife – the park is in fact a national nature reserve."

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

"Hampstead Heath offers stunning views over the city, but one could be forgiven for not noticing, as there's an awful lot to do there. If you aren't taking a dip in one of the ponds (there are single and mixed options) or the Parliament Hill Lido, you could be running circuits on the athletics track or visiting the Golders Hill zoo. For sheer childhood pleasure, though, the model boating pond is difficult to top (for God’s sake, don’t try to get in for a swim)."

"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."

"For generations, Londoners have headed to Hampstead Heath to escape the dirt and noise of the city, and this unique 791-acre expanse…"

"The botanic gardens at Kew, in Richmond, were first opened to the public in 1840 after the royal family established the gardens initially and started to bring plants from overseas from 1759. Because of the royal family’s continued interest in Richmond, the areas of Kew and Richmond became one of the most fashionable places to live, especially in the 18th century. Today, Kew Gardens focuses on plant and fungi research whilst housing the largest collection of plants in the world."

"Kew Gardens — officially called the Royal Botanic Gardens — is situated in southwest London on the south bank of the Thames and is a wonderful place to visit as you enjoy the numerous plants grown amid its 300 acres. Laid out in 1759, the gardens became government property in 1841. In 1897, Queen Victoria added Queen's Cottage and the adjoining woodland."

"No trip to London is complete without a trip to St James’s Park. Another of London’s eight Royal Parks it covers an area of nearly 57 acres and offers spectacular views of Buckingham Palace, Whitehall and Clarence House. Start at the Blue Bridge for an unprecedented look across the lake at Big Ben, the London Eye and the famous Horse Guard Parade."

"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."

"For a breath of fresh air, take a walk through St. James’s Park en-route to Buckingham Palace. The park is one of eight of the city’s Royal Parks and has over 50 acres of green spaces, flower beds, and even a lake that contains some famous resident pelicans."

"Between Waterloo and Hungerford bridges you can retreat to the landscaped Victoria Embankment Gardens, where you will find an unmatched tranquillity in this tourist area. In the summer recline on deckchairs and take in a bandstand performance."

"This Stoke Newington spot has held a Green Flag award since 2006, and is deservedly popular. It's very child friendly, with a decent play area and even a small zoo (and, like Richmond park, boasts deer also). In a pre-lockdown world, the park often hosted events, from twilight walks in search of bats to football festivals to sessions discovering the edible fruit and flowers which grow in the grounds."

"It’s got tennis courts and bowling green for when you’re feeling particularly energetic, but the park itself is big enough to get a good stroll in. You can see the whole thing by walking the perimeter, looping in the Grade-II listed Clissold House and the lakes on the way. If that doesn’t earn you a picnic after, nothing does."

"Clissold Park is a great park to come and enjoy some nature in London. Easy to get to from Stoke Newington you can enjoy peaceful waters and cute, inquisitive deer within minutes of leaving central London."

"For those who prefer more contemporary art to classical works, head to the Tate Modern on the south bank of the River Thames. Located inside of the former Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern is Britain’s national gallery of international modern art, housing a huge collection of contemporary and modern artwork from 1900 to the present day, with artists including Picasso, DalÍ­, Pollock and Warhol. The Tate Modern is the most visited art museum in Britain and the second most visited museum in the UK after the British Museum."

"The Tate Modern opened in 2000, so it is one of the newer free museums in London, but it has wasted no time in establishing a great name for itself. Situated inside an old power station on the South Bank, it is one of London’s most impressive museums. A towering monolith of art on the banks of the Thames."

"The Tate Modern is London’s centre for modern and contemporary art. It showcases world-class paintings, photographs and performance art – and it offers stunning views of the River Thames. You can experience all of this completely free."

"The Heath Robinson Museum is a biographical museum dedicated to the life and art of its namesake. The museum displays memorabilia, artwork, and objects from the life of Heath Robinson, as well as hosts exhibitions and events that support Robinson's life mission and vision. Admission to the museum is free."

"Ben Franklin’s House Ben Franklin, in London?. For sixteen years, from 1757 and 1775, Ben Franklin lived in London. This house is the only surviving house that he called home."

"While from south of the Thames you can see Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and all the jazzy buildings of the City, from the north side you can snap a shot of Tower Bridge with the Shard right behind it. If that doesn’t have Instagram written all over it I don’t know what does. Bonus points if you get the Girl with a Dolphin fountain and a red bus driving on the bridge in the shot too."

"Number 9 on my list is a great location to capture Tower Bridge with some foreground and background interest. The Girl and the Dolphin fountain creates a great focal point and if you stand in the right place, you can use the statue to frame the iconic bridge. If you are lucky and the clouds are moving towards you then this can make a great long exposure photo as seen below."

"On the north side of the River Thames close to The Tower Hotel is where you will find this stunning statue created by artist David Wynne. This may be one of my favourite angles to take photographs of Tower Bridge. Visit this Instagrammable place around sunset for great light and into the blue hour."

"For a breath of fresh air, take a walk through St. James’s Park en-route to Buckingham Palace. The park is one of eight of the city’s Royal Parks and has over 50 acres of green spaces, flower beds, and even a lake that contains some famous resident pelicans."

"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."