Top Rated Parks to Visit in Bulls Cross

"One of London's largest Royal Parks, Hyde Park is home to the vast Serpentine Lake (which you can swim in), the majestic Wellington Arch and even a hidden pet cemetery. With 350 acres to explore, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to picnic spots, and there are three cafes (including a stingray-shaped one) where you can replenish your supplies. Other points of interest include the Diana Memorial Fountain, the Hyde Park Rose Garden, and the Achilles statue, which actor Laurence Olivier once called "the best arse in London"."

"When a park is home to a few Princes and a Duchess or two, you know it’s going to be good. As well as green spaces abundant enough to dodge the crowds, you’ll find historic monuments to explore, fountains to both splash about in and admire, myriad art installations, and free exhibitions at the Serpentine Gallery a short walk away from its namesake lake. Now that’s a walk in the park."

"Originally created in 1536 as a private hunting ground for King Henry VIII, Hyde Park has been at the centre of many important historical events. Today, it’s a beautiful place for a day out, with a busy calendar of concerts and events, and something always going on at the famous Speakers Corner. Hyde Park © Flickr David Corcoran"

"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."

"Free-roaming red and fallow deer have been nibbling this rare grassland habitat into existence since at least 1637, when Charles I enclosed it. It’s London’s largest nature reserve, topped off with a protected view that cuts a line between ancient oaks to St Paul’s Cathedral, 10 miles distant. Away from the roads and cycle tracks (it’s great for a spin), few places in London feel so open and wild."

"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."

"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."

"Huge and sprawling with incredible views, woodlands and open air swimming ponds!. The perfect park for a winter wander, a place to watch the fireworks in London or picnic in the sun and a swim for the brave."

"Amazing Kew Gardens in the southwest neighbourhood of Kew is one of London’s most picturesque parks; 132 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses that that house the world’s most diverse collection of living plants. Kew Gardens was founded in 1840 and is today London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with beautiful glasshouses, including the iconic Palm House and its exotic rainforest. There’s a magical children’s garden, the fantastic Treetop Walkway that soars into the tree canopy at a height of 18 metres, and Kew Palace, the former summer residence of King George III."

"Alternatively, if you are not interested in visiting Camden, you could try visiting two of the recommended morning attractions (e.g., Windsor Castle and Kew Gardens). You’ll need to use public transit to reach the morning attractions and to get to Camden but the attractions in Camden are all within walking distance."

"If you are on museum overload, skip some of the museums on this itinerary and journey out to Kew Gardens. Take a Walking Tour of London"

"Close to London’s center, this is a relatively small Royal Park bordering the Mall – the red road which leads to Buckingham Palace. The Mall is also the Queen’s ceremonial route. On the other side of the park is the Horseguard Parade, where you can see the annual Trooping of the Color as well as the palace guards practicing their moves."

"With its royal, political and literary associations, St James's Park is at the very heart of London and covers 23 hectares (58 acres). With a lake harboring ducks, geese and pelicans. St James's is also home to the Mall, the setting for many ceremonial parades and events of national celebration."

"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."

"It may be surrounded by some of South London’s busiest roads, but damn it is beautiful. With BBQ areas, an outdoor gym and quiet hidden away leafy corners as well as an awesome lake you could almost forget you are in London when in Burgess Park."

"Springfield Park may not be well known but that’s exactly why we love it. Nestled in between Clapton and Walthamstow, the park was originally a combination of grounds from three private houses (only the White House is still standing). Now it’s got cricket, tennis and athletics facilities and is right on the edge of the River Lea."

"He is thought to have been inspired by illustrations of the Tower of the Winds in Vitruvius. However, it is best known for its lasting influence on weddings. This originated when a Mr Rich, an 18th-century pastrycook of Fleet Street, modelled his famous wedding cakes on the spire."

"If this church were a computer program, it would be called St Bride’s 8.0. It’s the eighth building on the site just to the south of Fleet Street. It’s another beautiful Wren church in white stone."

"St Pancras Old Church is located in Somers Town in central London and is thought to be the one of the oldest places of Christian worship in the country. The Church itself is on Pancras Road and was rebuilt in the Victorian era by Alexander Dick Gough who made alterations to the old site, removing the tower and adding a north side vestry. The church itself is a church of England parish in its current state but used to be a place of catholic worship, due to the fact that it could have been a place of worship as early as AD 314."

"Just moments away from the lively hub of King’s Cross, the St Pancras Old Church is a picturesque spot to visit when in London. This church in London traces its history as far back as the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, but an altar stone dating 625 AD suggests that worship may have taken place from the 7th century. You can attend mass on Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, or join a host of history talks and intimate live music gigs at the London church."

"It’s thought to be one of the oldest Christian places of worship in England. It dates back to the fourth century and got renovated in Victorian times."

"A wonderfully cosy little pub with a proper community feel, The Red Cow is a much-beloved fixture of Richmond to locals and visitors alike. There's a weekly pub quiz on Tuesdays and you can look forward to half-price burger night on Thursdays. The pub also tends to host a couple of live music events each month, with some surprisingly good acoustic acts that really make the most of the intimate and cheerful setting."

"Alight at Angel tube station and follow the faint scent of hops towards this hidden gem of a brewery pub. Offering up a relaxed atmosphere and a delicious spread of fresh food, the Brewhouse is probably best known for its extensive array of beer. Settle in, grab a bite to eat and plot a way through an international menu that won't fail to impress."

"If it’s high-class modern dining and cracking marina views you’re after, Gogos Waterfront Restaurant should be just the ticket. The colourful, flavoursome menu is brought to life with South African sparkle, the cocktails are to die for and the views from its choice marina location lend your meal a touch of maritime glamour."

"Slightly off the beaten track, and only accessible by car, this charming, family-run South African restaurant boasts views over the marina and Windsor racecourse. Expect a friendly welcome and great service whether you stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just drinks, and a relaxed setting in which to drink and dine."

"From humble beginnings of brewing on an industrial estate to serving up award-winning beers from their two taprooms in Walthamstow (not to mention plenty of other places across the city too) Wild Card was a hobby that got way out of hand, but we’re so glad that it did. Their wide range of beers include a 5.8% Cashmere IPA that’s double dry hopped, a Lime Berliner Weisse that’s got a hefty squeeze of citrus, and a pale ale that makes for easy drinking. They’ve also got low-and-no options but we only want the hard stuff."

"Born from the shared dreams of two like-minded beer lovers, what started out as half batch brewing has grown into a great community business that really does have the community at its core. They’ve created a great following, opened a taproom and run a variety of local events. Passionate and inventive there’s always another beer coming along to be sampled which makes them so exciting."

"TwickenhamThe oldest of London’s indie microbreweries, Twickenham Fine Ales has many faces. Day to day it supplies pubs, including its own watering hole The Rifleman, which is a 10-minute walk away and has an outside patio with tables, umbrellas and heaters. But when the Harlequins are playing, the brewery opens for pre-match drinks and barbecues using organic meat from the neighbouring butcher."