Top Rated Parks to Visit in Byfleet

"A post shared by Rakel Harboe (@rakelharbo) on Mar 8, 2019 at 1:57am PST. Take a leisurely stroll, zip around on a bicycle, row a boat or swim in the Serpentine at Hyde Park. Whichever way you choose to explore this huge and centrally located park, there's plenty to see and do, with more than 4,000 trees, a lake, a meadow, rose gardens and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain."

"Stop 1: Begin Day 2 Of Your London Itinerary At Hyde Park Head to the largest park in the UK first thing in the morning on the second day of your London itinerary. Hyde Park has such an array of sites and beauty that all who visit London must experience during their 4 day London itinerary. First, stop in at the Lido Café for a fresh pastry and barista-crafted latte."

"If you have absolutely no knowledge of London and are unable to find England on a map, you’ve probably still heard of Hyde Park. Being the most famous of London’s parks, it’s arguably the most touristy, but you won't see anyone it's huge. Hyde Park stretches across 350 acres of royal expanse, where visitors can enjoy a spot of boating, tennis and even horse riding."

"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."

"Elevate your London perspective – Hampstead Heath is one of the best places in London to see the city skyline. In fact, the view from Parliament Hill in the south-east corner of the park is protected by law. Make the hike up the 322-foot (98-metre) hill and you'll be rewarded with views of Canary Wharf, St Paul's Cathedral and many more top London sights."

"Get back to nature in Hampstead Heath: an ancient woodland and wild green space in the north of London. Climb Parliament Hill, which offers a breathtaking view of the London cityscape, and explore the heath’s various nature trails and playgrounds."

"From wonderful walking trails to taking a dip in the bathing ponds, there is plenty to do and enjoy at Hampstead Heath. Branded ‘an island of beautiful countryside’, you’ll never get tired of visiting this thriving inner city escape."

"Enjoy the huge outdoor space – 330 acres (134 hectares) – at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. See the peaceful Japanese garden, the amazing trees of the arboretum and explore the stunning glass conservatories. Pack a picnic (or pick up food from one of the restaurants) for the perfect relaxing day out in London."

"Plant Houses Nos. 7 to 14b inclusive were collectively known as the "T" Range because of their T-shaped plan. The extant Aroid House (now the Nash Conservatory) was designated Plant House No. 1 and the Water Lily House was Plant House No. 15."

"Enter the Royal Botanic Gardens, as Kew Gardens are officially known, and you are enveloped by blazes of color, extraordinary blooms,…"

"The pelicans were first introduced to Green Park in 1664 as a gift from the Russian Ambassador, and today there are over 40 pelicans living there. Toddlers will love seeing the most famous pelicans, Louis, Vaclav and Gargi sunbathing on their favourite rocks – don’t miss the pelican feeding between 2.30pm and 3.30pm daily."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Alexandra Park is an award-winning park in north London, and is best known as the home of Alexandra Palace. The winding paths and views over the city mean this place is guaranteed to be beautiful, whatever the weather—particularly if you’re lucky enough to catch the sun rising or setting. COVID-19 UPDATE: Alexandra Palace is currently closed, but the park remains open to the public, with limited support services."

"This is a wonderful hillside public park set in the grounds of the spectacular and historic Alexandra Palace. Located near Muswell Hill in North London, the 80–hectare park dates from 1863 and has a Green Heritage status and a Green Flag Award. The wonderful London park offers locals a place to relax and escape from city life."

"Alexandra Park can be found on London's Musgrove Hill, a short distance from Wood Green Underground Station. The sloping park has its own nature reserve. Parkland Walk is picturesque walk along a disused railway."

"Full of rare and unusual trees and shrubs, the Isabella Plantation is a beautiful spot set in the depths of Richmond Park. It’s a green space for most of the year, but in April & May, the azaleas bloom and Isabella Plantation becomes a perfect pink paradise. COVID-19 UPDATE: Isabella Plantation is currently closed to the public."

"Mark Hix’s plush and moody Brewer Street restaurant wouldn’t be the first place that would come to mind to take a child. But given the chef himself has campaigned for better food in restaurants for children, it’s actually rather apt. It’s not the cheapest restaurant in town, most items on the children's menu cost around £7, but there is a 'kids under 10 eat free' special that pops up on a regular basis."

"Though it's unlikely to spring to mind immediately, Mark Hix’s Soho is a very welcoming to families dining in London. The regular menu is packed with fantastic seafood and great steaks and the hearty kids’ menu is full of great options too, meaning no compromise is necessary for parents and children alike. Well worth a try the next time you’re eating out."

"This is a unique example of a celebrated gourmet restaurant…with a kids’ menu!. HIX Mayfair is the perfect balance between a nice sit-down meal and an experience kids will actually enjoy. The beautiful interior is accented by different pieces of artwork, which gives the place a unique feel."

"An award-winning bottle shop and taproom on Brick Lane, Kill The Cat is a must for lovers of craft beer in London. Head to the East London location for the chance to sample sips from their extensive selection of brews, complete with snacks and slick interiors."

"We’d gone with some friends and I’d ordered some drinks, but they took an HOUR to arrive. More fool me, in fairness, I don’t call them out until 40 minutes in (a friend had made a similar order and they were busy). However after I’d asked them where my drinks were…they took another twenty minutes."

"The name of this Stonegate pub, and the street it is in, recalls the Franciscan monks who came to Reading in the 13th century. The friary built by the monks stood..."

"Treatz Dessert Parlour is sleek, modern and comfortable, ready to bring you some seriously amazing desserts!. The menu includes utterly delicious....."

"Treatz Dessert Parlour is sleek, modern and comfortable, ready to bring you some seriously amazing desserts!. The menu includes utterly delicious..."

"Fleet Street is the former home of London’s printing and publishing industry. It has an old-timey appearance, with tall grey buildings stacked high on either side of the street. It’s a great spot for raw street photography."

"Located next to the late princess’s home, at Kensington Palace, this vast playground’s many sections are inspired by the stories of Peter Pan (J M Barrie was another nearby resident). There are teepees, a giant pirate ship and surrounding sandy beach, giant musical instruments, and extensive plantings which offer ample space for hiding."

"We’re going to West London now and to Kensington Gardens, specifically to the Diana Memorial Playground. The Princess of Wales was known for her love of children and humanitarian work to help kids around the world. There are also many sections inspired by the story of Peter Pan, as J M Barrie was a nearby resident to this park."

"Located next to Princess Diana’s home, the Diana Memorial Playground has a huge wooden pirate ship, sensory trail, tepee and a beach set against a backdrop of trees and plants. There are also lots of seats for parents too. The playground is open all year round, but you may have to queue to enter during busy times."

"Following a turbulent few months for the hospitality industry, it’s heartening – and hugely impressive – to see new ventures launching. One of these is Stanley’s, recently opened on Sydney Street. It’s the first restaurant venture from 27-year-old Hugh Stanley, the nephew of the Earl of Derby – though he’s been in the hospitality scene for a while, having previously worked at the likes of Tonteria and The Sydney Arms."

"This newish Chelsea restaurant makes the most of its large courtyard garden. There are two large parasols that keep the banquette seating dry and they also have inbuilt heaters to keep you warm and toasty. Weekend brunch sounds particularly good like the buttermilk flatbread with crab and poached egg."

"New to Chelsea, Stanley's features a menu with an emphasis on British produce and has the ace-in-its-sleeve of a big outside courtyard for alfresco drinking and dining."

"If, however, you fancy extra flavour then head to Teddington’s popular brunch spot The Fallow Deer for their Greek-style scrambled eggs on souvlaki bread with feta, mint and chilli oil sautéed tomatoes."