Top Rated Parks to Visit in Farlows

"Hyde Park is the largest park in central London and another of the capitals important Royal Parks. There are plenty of free things to do in Hyde Park, including taking a stroll through the colourful Rose Garden, visiting the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain (or one of the parks many other statues and memorials), stepping inside the free Serpentine Art Gallery, listening to the speakers at Speakers Corner or sitting beside the large Serpentine Lake to watch the swans and pedalos for a while."

"Currently, the newly developed “Elephant Springs” and the water jets next to More London by Tower Bridge are open. As mentioned above, the fountain court at Somerset House will open on July 15th. We will update this article as soon as we have more information about reopening London’s water play areas for kids."

"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."

"The largest of London’s Royal Parks and one of the most important places in the country for wildlife conservation, spawling Richmond Park covers an area of 2,500 acres on the edge of the capital and is one of the best places to escape the noise of the city and spend a day out in London for free. You can take a long walk through the lush woodlands and around the numerous ponds, cycle along the off-road Tamsin Trail, spot the park’s famous deer and abundance of other wildlife, and climb to the top of King Henry’s Mound for views back over central London."

"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."

"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 offers stunning views over the city, but one could be forgiven for not noticing, as there's an awful lot to do there. If you aren't taking a dip in one of the ponds (there are single and mixed options) or the Parliament Hill Lido, you could be running circuits on the athletics track or visiting the Golders Hill zoo. For sheer childhood pleasure, though, the model boating pond is difficult to top (for God’s sake, don’t try to get in for a swim)."

"It’s hard to believe that tucked away amongst the built up surroundings of Hampstead, just 6 kilometres from Trafalgar Square, lies 800 acres of fields and woods. Hampstead Heath transports you to the countryside, with its mosaic of habitats providing a resource for the copious amounts of wildlife. Featuring a number of priority species identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, the Heath is known as one of London’s best places for wildlife."

"According to Wikipedia, “Kew Gardens is the world’s largest collection of living plants”. From the exotic glasshouse gardens filled with succulents and tropical blooms to a stroll down to the Chinese Pagoda, there’s much to see and photograph. A great perk, if you’re a member, you can get to visit Kew before any of the tourists, which means you could almost have the place for yourself, to enjoy as you please."

"When you’re done, you’ll emerge blinking into the light, where you might want to take a stroll around St. James Park, or head through Whitehall to see the home of the British Prime Minster at No. 10 Downing Street, before finishing up at Trafalgar Square, where you’ve got full access to all the shows in the West End – an excellent way to spend the evening ahead! The Churchill War Rooms are very popular, so we advise booking in advance or using a London Pass, which has free entry to the War Rooms and access to the pre-booked ticket queue, which is a lot faster. You can see prices and opening times here."

"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."

"There is a story that, many years ago, a royal once enquired of a courtier how much it would cost to close St. James's Park to the public."

"Sandwiched between Columbia Road Flower Market and Broadway Market, there’s lots going on at Haggerston Park thanks to the tennis courts football grounds and Hackney City Farm. It’s far less crowded than nearby London Fields so if you need a bit more calm, then head here."

"One of London’s best views can be seen from the top of primrose hill, making the hike up well worth it. Passing through meticulously manicured gardens with beautiful flowers and fountains with a walk uphill to where the view awaits. A great place to watch the fireworks or simply get one of London’s best views, with plenty of green space for a picnic or a rest."

"While Primrose Hill isn’t a playground as such, Regent’s Park (and specifically Primrose Hill) is a wonderful place to just spread out a picnic blanket and look at the London skyline. With a toddler in tow, it’s important to bring some bubbles or other things to keep them occupied, but there is plenty of space for them to run around."

"St Mary at Hill is the old fisherman’s church, as for centuries, the fish trade was carried out at nearby Billingsgate and in the surrounding streets. So it is by Wren (1670-6), except the tower of 1780, on the site of an earlier church dating from the twelfth century. The historian Stow says that Thomas Becket was a parson there."

"The Southbank is an entertainment centre on the south of the river where the London Eye, London Dungeons and London Aquarium are located. There are loads of street performers such as magicians and singers, as well as restaurants and cafes with fab views across the river. Just behind the Southbank is the Jubilee Gardens where toddlers can let off a bit of steam."

"Between Waterloo and Hungerford bridges you can retreat to the landscaped Victoria Embankment Gardens, where you will find an unmatched tranquillity in this tourist area. In the summer recline on deckchairs and take in a bandstand performance."

"In a nutshell: All day NYC-inspired spot in Peckham Where is it?. Unit 5, 12-16 Blenheim Grove, London, SE15 4QL Why should you care?. The team that brought us Salon and Levan are opening a second Peckham spot."

"Though this airy Chelsea restaurant is the new kid on the block, you'd never know from HUŎ's effortless delivery of quality food and service to match. Having opened in June 2021, this stylish spot boasts a carefully curated selection of Asian dishes with thoughtfully balanced flavours that are sure to impress. Start with their sweet, crisped lamb in lettuce and spicy scallops for a refreshing yet hearty beginning to your meal."

"In a nutshell: Healthy and light Asian food for the Chelsea crowd Where is it?. 9 Park Walk, London SW10 0AJ Why should you care?. The ULI team take their brand of Southeast Asian food to Chelsea."

"A traditional pub in Camden, The Colonel Fawcett is serving up all the classics to hungry diners across its two outdoor terraces. Book your table here quick - before they all get taken - and enjoy a weekend brunch, Sunday roast or fish and chips while topping up your tan."

"Restaurants American Hackney. Weekend brunch (from 10am) is of the all-day variety (and often ‘bottomless’) at this sheeny eatery from the guys behind the now-glorious Sebright Arms. Order at the counter from a menu that spans everything from Greek yoghurt with granola or avocado on toasted sourdough with pumpkin seeds and pea shoots to shakshuka, mushroom vegan balls, sweet and savoury waffles, as well as the daunting 12-hour pork hash – a free-wheeling combo involving long-cooked meat with two poached eggs, fried potatoes, peppers, chorizo and brown sauce onions."

"Restaurants American Hackney. A sheeny all-day eatery from the guys behind the now-glorious Sebright Arms in Bethnal Green, the Vincent serves up everything from late breakfasts to dinners with a broad American accent. Baked eggs, pork hash, ‘vegeree’ and waffles give way to burgers, buttermilk chicken buns, chilli chips and chocolate brownies, while drinks include the ubiquitous craft beers, hard shakes and some jokey cocktails."

"Restaurants Contemporary European Clapham. Be warned: Minnow’s flirty ambience will steal your heart away as surely as any dewy-eyed proposal. This is a teeny little fish with a serious romantic streak – just look at the period panelling, the gorgeous silk roses climbing up the pergola, the window boxes in the bijou walled courtyard."