Top Rated Parks to Visit in Bayfordbury

"Established in 1536 by Henry VIII, Hyde Park is one of London’s largest green spaces, with more than 4,000 trees, vibrant flower gardens and a large meadow which plays host to many public concerts and celebrations. Check out the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, enjoy a bite in the royal park’s lakeside restaurants, or rent a row boat for a leisurely paddle on the Serpentine. Here are nine secrets no one knew about Princess Diana until after her death."

"The 350-acre space is located right in the heart of London, making it easy to access and easy to find if you’re learning your way around London. During the summer months, this park is filled with happy picnic goers, and is certainly big enough to make sure social distancing procedures are followed, too."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Victoria Park, London's oldest public park, rightly has a sterling reputation. Once voted the nation's favourite park, it's won Green Flag and Green Heritage Awards five years in a row. Highlights include the Regal boat hire, which returned a little while back after a 30-odd year absence."

"More of a yard than a proper park, Postman’s Park is still one of the largest green spaces in the City of London yet it remains a hidden gem. It’s also full of plaques dedicated to everyday heroes – these stories of self-sacrifice were collected by artist George Frederic Watts and turned into a memorial in 1900 – making it a very peaceful spot."

"Queen’s Wood is one of the four ancient woods in the London Borough of Haringey. Today it is situated very close to Highgate tube station, but Queen’s wood was originally part of the Forest of Middlesex that spread over the largest part of London. Despite its closeness to the crowded city, the wood succeeded to preserve the largest part of its natural habitat, with a rich flora and fauna: different species of grasses, trees, shrubs, birds (three species of woodpecker), and insects."

"Tucked away in Bloomsbury, London's most literary quarter, Russell Square is one of London's best central spaces, an idilic park to enjoy some peace and quiet. Read a book or enjoy the sound of bird song and fountains in this well kept park."

"The name was enough to pique my interest, and with two lunchtime courses for £15, it’s intoxicatingly cheap too. It’s a charming bistro in Primrose Hill, with an intriguing dessert option called Absinthe Crème Brûlée…"

"When I call this one ‘small batch’, I mean really small batch. As in, sixteen bottles a day, distilled in a humble copper pot behind the bar. Plus, it’s not just the teensy tiny production that makes Highwayman Gin one of the most unique gin tastings in London."

"It may look like a mild-mannered café from the outside, but the mask comes off when you step inside to discover a down-and-dirty hangout where you can groove and grind to anything from electro to disco and 90s R&B. Consistently packed with it-boys and -girls, the well-worn dance floor is a definite testament to their loyal following. Address: 117 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2PBContact: 020 7254 2273Website:dalstonsuperstore.com"

"Tapping into the 21st century, Arcadia Missa is a South London contemporary art gallery in Peckham and publishing house that centres around digital culture and the struggles of the contemporary world. While it mostly focuses on giving rise to young emerging artists, you can also expect the odd Turner Prize winner to be featured too. Although its digitally-inspired artwork is somewhat unconventional compared to classic oil paintings by 17th century Baroque artists, the gallery’s exhibitions are disarmingly relatable and undeniably captivating."

"Based on a quiet street in Chelsea’s upmarket district, the Michael Hoppen Gallery has been specialising in all forms of photography for over 20 years. The ground floor showcases exhibitions from world-renowned contemporary photographers chosen or represented by Michael Hoppen, such as William Klein’s striking photojournalism and editorial pieces which frame the open space. The staircase up to the second floor gallery is wallpapered with nostalgic features and reviews of celebrated exhibitions over the years, leading to a reading room displaying exhibits from the likes of Peter Beard around a well-stocked reference library."

"Speakers Corner in the north-east corner of London’s Hyde Park is an area where open-air public speaking, debate and discussion are allowed and encouraged. While Hyde Park isn’t the only speaker’s corner in the world or even London itself, it is the original and is often referred to as the ‘home of free speech‘. Anyone can turn up unannounced to speak on any subject they want, with speakers discussing everything from politics, religion and world conflicts to healthy lifestyle choices and more."

"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."

"Restaurants Ice-cream parlours Soho. With London outposts from Camden to Chelsea, this international gelato chain is a big presence in the capital, famous for its highly photogenic ‘flower cones’ (thin slabs of ice cream artfully arranged like petals). Expect a mash-up of reworked classic flavours and more exotic options – from coffee, salted caramel and chocolate to banana, passion fruit and amarena cream with black cherries."

"Being given a rose is cool and all, but have you ever been given a rose you can eat?. You’ll never be happy with a basic rose again. Global ice cream chain Amorino has spots dotted all over London, over 20 flavours to choose from, and gives you the freedom to pick as many as you want."

"The Shard is London’s tallest building|© Tim Ayers / Alamy Stock Photo. Daring, awe-inspiring and momentous, Renzo Piano’s spire-like building commands the capital as it soars to a height of 309.6 metres (1,016 feet), containing its own vertical city within. Inaugurated in 2012, the Shard is a relative newcomer to London’s cityscape, but has already become a symbol of the city, something that Piano says is down to its accessibility and transparency."

"The Shard is one of the tallest buildings in Europe and it is a popular tourist attraction as it offers a restaurant, bars and a viewing platform. So, many visitors head there to get one of best views in the city. When The Shard was completed in 2012 it was the tallest building in Europe, but it has now been knocked off the top spot by new skyscrapers built in Moscow."

"From Tower Bridge, walk west along the Thames River to The Shard. You know you are heading in the right direction if you see a building that looks like a giant piece of broken glass pointing up to the sky. This is The Shard, one of London’s newest editions to its skyline."