Top Rated Parks to Visit in Bow

"Covering 350 acres, Hyde Park is London's largest open space and has been a destination for sightseers since 1635. One of the park's highlights is the Serpentine, an 18th-century man-made lake popular for boating and swimming. Hyde Park is also where you'll find Speakers' Corner, a traditional forum for free speech — and heckling."

"Hyde Park opened to the general public in 1637, and this was by order of King Charles, but it was not the reason why the park came into existence. In 1536, the park was acquired by Henry VIII, the first member of the royal family. The primary reason he acquired this large area of space was to turn it into a hunting ground."

"Hyde Park lies between Mayfair, Knightsbridge, and Kensington and is contiguous with Kensington Park and Gardens, but is considered a separate park. Park Lane runs along its eastern side and Marble Arch is at its northeast corner. Hyde Park is home to Speaker’s Corner and The Serpentine."

"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."

"So everyone knows about Hampstead Heath but it’s still the place to go for a picnic. Not only is it massive, so plenty of room for everyone, but you get mega views from the top of Parliament Hill, you’ve got the ponds and a lido for when you wanna take a dip and it’s a lovely walk up to Kenwood House."

"Hampstead Heath is technically in London, but because of its size, you will feel like you have left the busy capital behind you. It is beautiful in every season. There is a lot to explore."

"In 1759 botanists began rummaging around the world for specimens to plant in the 3-hectare Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. They never stopped collecting, and the gardens, which have bloomed to 121 hectares, provide the most comprehensive botanical collection on earth (including the world's largest collection of orchids). A Unesco World Heritage Site, the gardens can easily devour a day's exploration; for those pressed for time, the Kew Explorer hop-on/hop-off road train takes in the main sights."

"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!"

"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."

"One of the Royal London Parks, St James’s Park is one of the most visited each year mostly because of the many royal events that take place, like the annual Trooping of the Colour."

"Not technically a children’s farm, but we just couldn't resist including Golders Hill Park!. With its large expanse of greenery, it’s the perfect place for a picnic and some animal spotting. Golders Park is home to a large pond with both black and white swans, a deer park, butterfly house and even a small but free zoo where you can meet exotic birds and mammals including laughing kookaburras and ring-tailed lemurs - so there’s no shortage of animal fun here!"

"Restaurants British Spitalfields. Poppies’ pick ‘n’ mix assortment of British kitsch (a jukebox, newspaper cuttings, model aeroplanes, wartime memorabilia) makes it look like some nostalgic fantasy trip, but eating here is still a treat for young and old alike – they even have a dedicated children’s menu (cod bites, fishcakes or sausages, all with chips for £6.50). Soak up the nostalgia, just don’t mention the war!"

"Open since 1945, award-winning Poppies is one of the tastiest cheap eats in London. Costing from as little as £5.95, Poppies’ menu which is full of secret family recipes, fresh fish, scrumptious savouries, and golden chips will keep you coming back for more. Located in Spitalfields and Camden, Poppies’ will transport you back in time with their newspaper-wrapped takeaways, 1940’s decor and even live music at their Camden fish bar."

"Okay, this is a firm British favourite and I had to include one of the tastiest fish and chips spots here. Now, fish and chip shops are typically are a takeaway meal for most Brits, that being said there are a few spots that have down areas that are totally traditional. For me, Poppies is one of the best restaurants in London for fish and chips."

"Restaurants Seafood Tooting"

"Ten years ago, owners of the Rake were told the pub wouldn’t last its first Christmas. Now, it’s easily one of the top drinking holes in the London Bridge area, with ten beers on draught, and 130 bottles and cans in the fridge. The shoebox-sized bar has recently been renovated, though its trademark wall of visiting brewers’ signatures has persisted."

"The Courtyard, The Royal Exchange, City of London, London, EC3V 3LR. Wonderfully British dishes have been given a luxurious touch at Fortnum’s city site for wide-ranging appeal. Think Scotch eggs with piccalilli, steak and chips or a loud and proud knickerbocker with a toasted marshmallow top."

"Tokyo Diner is a great place to go for a quick bite to eat before a show, or a longer meal with friends. It's reasonably priced food and diner style means it's a favourite with Japanese people in London, and those in the know, looking for relatively authentic Japanese style restaurants. Bento boxes allow you to sample many different things from the menu, and the meals that come with rice / fish or meat or noddles will fill you up against the London winter before you hit Soho, the bright lights and the big city."

"2 Newport Pl, London WC2H 7JJ (Chinatown) This authentic Japanese restaurant offers fresh and delicious food with both vegetarian and meat options available. From between £6.50-£11.50 you can pick up miso soup, a rice/noodle based dish and a side dish. Between 3pm and 6pm things are even cheaper."

"Around the corner from Leicester Square, Tokyo Diner makes for a tasty but affordable meal. Tokyo Diner does authentic Japanese food (even the menu is mostly Japanese) at low prices. The menu is large, so many of the options are north of £10, but the real value is found in the lunch menu."

"30 York Street, Twickenham TW1 3LJ EnglandJapanese, Sushi, AsianLunch, Dinner, BrunchTakeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service+44 20 8892 2976http://www.facebook.com/pages/Umi-Japanese-Restaurant/155056908245450"

"We’ve been going here for some time and it’s always a great personal service from Bobby. Currently available for collection. 31/01/2021: Delicious and beautifully presented takeaway this evening - as good as previous dine-in visits in less challenging times!"