Top Rated Parks to Visit in Basildon Close

"Hyde Park – Covering 350 acres, Hyde Park is visited by millions of visitors and Londoners each year. There are a number of famous landmarks within the park including Serpentine Lake where you can hire a row boat, Speakers’ Corner and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain along with countless statues. Enjoy a coffee or bite to eat from one of the two cafes on the lake or just get lost walking around the miles and miles of pathways."

"One of London's finest historic landscapes covering 142 hectares (350 acres). There is something for everyone in Hyde Park. With over 4,000 trees, a lake, a meadow, horse rides and more it is easy to forget you're in the middle of London."

"Firstly, to get there (Richmond is in zone four, at the end of the District line), and secondly, to ensure you don’t get lost in the sprawling 800 acres of green. The famous wildlife – especially the herds of deer – will make your pilgrimage, and the possibility of being declared missing, worth it. Pembroke Lodge sits at the top of Richmond Park (and even has free parking), where you will can enjoy a traditional English tea in elegant Georgian dining rooms."

"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."

"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."

"Hampstead Heath is a favorite for Londoners, a quiet oasis that provides the illusion of a countryside getaway within one of the world's busiest cities. This sprawling and irregularly shaped park is located north of the city center, just beyond The Regent's Park. Its best-known features are the three natural bathing ponds: one designated for males, another for females, and the third for anyone."

"There’s a reason why you’ll often hear Londoners waxing lyrical about Hampstead Heath. Besides the great views from Parliament Hill and the famous swimming ponds, the wild park is home to a variety of woodland and meadows, so there’s plenty to explore."

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"Less than an hour from central London, Kew Gardens provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city – and of course some Instagram gems. Set over 300 acres and comprised of over 50,000 living plants, this UNESCO World Heritage Site will take you on a captivating journey through a variety of ecosystems. There’s plenty of things to do in Kew Gardens, so set aside at least a few hours, although you could easily turn it into a full day trip from London!"

"Ok, it’s not technically a park, but it most definitely is one of London’s foremost green spaces. Speaking of technicalities, its proper title is actually Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, but when did anyone last call it that?. However you refer to it, Kew is a glorious day out, and with 300 acres and 50,000 plants, you could go every week of the year and discover something new every time."

"12 km from city center 9 out of 40 places to visit in London. A World Heritage Site, London’s Kew Gardens is famous for its sprawling landscape and an impressive collection of flora and fauna. It is home to the world’s most diverse and enchanting species of flora, spread over 121 hectares, and in existence for more than 250 years."

"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."

"The penultimate on the list of best parks in London is St James’s Park. This park is the height of regality and offers Instagram worthy views of Buckingham Palace. You can also watch pelicans being fed at the park’s lake or witness a house guards’ parade while you enjoy your picnic."

"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."

"After being re-landscaped in 2002, the beautiful garden at Bloomsbury’s Russell Square was given a fountain. It rises from the centre of the square. While it may be small, it still offers excellent paddling opportunities for children and their parents."

"Some of the most famous names from the comedy circuit feature at Comedy Carnival, stars of Live At The Apollo and Mock The Week among them. At Bar Rumba on Shaftesbury Avenue off Leicester Square, Comedy Carnival has shows every Friday and Saturday night from 8.00-10.00pm and also stages a gig on one Saturday each month at Infernos on Clapham High Street. The familiar faces of Reginald D Hunter and Holly Walsh are complimented by some of the freshest talent from across the world."

"Since opening in 2009 with a performance from world-renowned Chase & Status, Sub89 Reading is a popular underground nightlife hotspot that treats punters with regular club nights, live music events, stand-up comedy nights and much more!. Hosting some massive names in music over the years, this club has hosted the likes of Ed Sheeran and The Beat. With their club nights taking place on the weekend, expect to be dancing ‘til the very early hours at this venue with its late opening hours!"

"From its breathless gigs to its rowdy club nights, Sub 89 is an underground hive of social activity. Live acts are totally varied and there's a mix of cracking bands to cater for all tastes. There's comedy nights if you're in need of a laugh, and Propaganda on Thursday offers a rock 'n' roll club night where drinks start from £1."

"Sub89 is Reading’s best underground club and live music venue. Opening in October 2009 with a live show from Chase and Status, the venue.....more..."

"Gelupo’s mission is to deliver the finest ice cream this side of the Alps to appreciative Londoners. Unusually for a gelateria, however, the selection of sorbets is as extensive as their ice cream menu – and includes special summer flavours such as Hendricks and cucumber. We love their apricot and strawberry and pink pepper sorbets, and the fact that their chocolate gelato is a sorbet, not because they wanted to make a low fat ice cream, but because as a sorbet it can be made even more chocolatey – we wholeheartedly approve!"

"We have some great gelato in London Town but my faves by far are @gelupogelateria in Soho. This is Malted Milk with Blood Orange sorbet."

"Gelupo – Gelupo is as italian as it can get in central london. The excellent gelatos and sorbets are kept fresh in a deep counter"

"Using proper Sardianian ingredients this place is a perfect blend of authentic Italian and fun British ice cream - the gelo buns (ice cream filled brioche buns) sound incredible. As well as cones and cups you can get waffles, ice cream cakes and frozen yogurt. Get MyLondon news with Alexa"

"The Lowdown: The Parlour at Fortnum and Mason is guaranteed to impress anyone – the perfect place for a fun and delicious outing. Expect a build-your-own sundaes bar, where visitors are treated to a menu detailing every way to eat ice cream, including a gin and tonic float. For a sweet treat, cosy up with a Parlour Hot Chocolate – with the choice of milk, dark or white, you can make it merry with Thunder Toffee Vodka, Butterscotch Schnapps or Grand Marnier, all topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings."

"Address: 1st floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER. High end and extravagant, this is great way to experience a twist on the famous tea shop, where you can build your own sundae, chose a classic Knickerbocker Glory or enjoy a fruity sorbet. As well as a selection of new and innovative ice creams, including an afternoon tea-inspired sundae, this luxurious London cafe also offers artisanal coffee, hot chocolate and savoury snacks."

"For those wanting a fancy ice cream experience, you probably can’t do any better than The Parlour at Fortnum & Mason. The Parlour offers a range of decadent ice creams based on retro British faves like the knickerbocker glory and the banana split. And for those who want to push the boat out even further, there’s even the ‘Afternoon Tea in Ice Cream Form,’ which is exactly what it says on the tin."