Top Rated Parks to Visit in Leyton

"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."

"The place where the Great Exhibition of 1851 was situated, Hyde Park represents a traditional natural landmark of London. The largest from the continuous series of parks that form the so-called London’s green lung, Hyde Park was created in 1536 by Henry VII and it was originally intended to serve for hunting activities. Even today, the park remains full of history and cultural symbols."

"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"

"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."

"Richmond Park is the biggest park in London, at a whopping 2,500 acres. As the largest royal park, you can expect hundreds of deer enjoying the open space as well as a range of other wildlife including bats, birds and wildflowers. There are also stunning views which stretch so far you can see St Paul’s Cathedral."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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!"

"Take a break from the hustle and bustle of London and retreat to the beautiful and relaxing Kew Gardens. This green oasis in southwest London is believed to be the largest and most diverse botanical garden on earth. You can book single visits online, or if you’re a local, you might like to consider becoming a member for free entry year-round."

"Located in Westminster by Buckingham Palace, St James’ Park is 57 glorious acres of royal history, landmarks and gorgeous city lookouts. Enjoy the the vast lake and the seventeen resident species of birds from the comfort of an old fashioned stripy deckchair (boater hat optional). The Queen lives just up the road but you’re more likely to catch a glimpse of the squadron of pelicans (yes, really) that reside within the park."

"Aside from viewing the gorgeous estate located on the east end of St. James’s Park, visitors to Buckingham Palace can view the Changing of the Guard, one of the most quintessentially British traditions."

"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."

"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."

"The mound is an extensive, flat, green grassland that’s perfect for sunbathing and walking. It is located east of Plumstead Common, so it is ideal for everyone in East London. Best of all, Winn’s Common boasts a beautiful shallow pool that can be used for paddling."

"St George’s Gardens used to be a graveyard, but nowadays, the calm and tranquil green space is one of Bloomsbury’s most beloved parks. It’s one of the many green spaces in Bloomsbury, which is also known as the leafy neighbourhood of London, and offers seating areas ideal for scenic, city centre picnics."

"Covering over 210 acres, Victoria Park sits in east London along the Hertford Union Canal, just a few blocks west of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. On the eastern side of the park, tourists will find the majority of sports facilities, including a cricket pitch, soccer field, tennis courts, and a running track. There are also plenty of facilities for family recreation, including the main playground, a splash pad, an impressive skate park, and a model boating lake; the traditional Old English Garden is located just north of the lake and playground."

"Victoria Park isn’t the quietest of spots (it’s known as the People’s Park and is one of the most popular outdoor spaces in London), but it has lots to offer. Whether you fancy perusing it’s variety of gardens and lakes or taking a walk around the Victoria Park Market on a Sunday, there’s something for everyone to enjoy."

"Located in South Hackney, Victoria Park is the oldest public park in London. It’s packed full of canals and ponds as well as a large green space for a kick-about or a kip in the sunshine. For more things to do, there’s also a deer enclosure, tree walk events and café in the heart of the park."

"Restaurants American Soho. Like it says on the tin, you know where you are with the flashily decorated Burger & Lobster chain. Hand-minced burgers (made with Nebraskan beef) and lobsters (shipped over from Nova Scotia) are the star attractions, with back-up from lobster rolls, oysters and other affordably luxurious hits."

"Like it says on the tin, you know where you are with the flashily decorated Burger & Lobster chain. Hand-minced burgers and lobsters (shipped over from Nova Scotia) are the headliners, with backup from lobster rolls, ‘beast’ combos and other affordably luxurious hits. Flagship site: 29 Clarges Street, W1J 7EF"

"Go hungry - and thirsty - for breakfast at the Hawksmoor, Guildhall (serving breakfast Monday-Friday 7-10am). The menu features 'Anti-fogmatics' which were coined by the Head Bartender at The Savoy in the 1920s as an 'anti-fogmatic, eye opener, bracer, corpse reviver or morning glory' to be drunk 'before 11am, or whenever steam and energy are needed'. Choose a Marmalade Cocktail or a Green Maria (not your average green juice, this has Mezcal and Green Tabasco in) to give your morning a kick."

"What: You know those chocolates that everyone enjoys at Christmas, which come in gold wrapping and have the fancy name?. Yeah, well this Hawksmoor dessert is definitely not inspired by those (especially if any lawyers are reading this). The ‘Ambassador’s Reception’ does feature similar ingredients though, pairing chocolate and hazelnut in a giant choc-tastic serving.Where: 10 Basinghall Street, EC2V 5BQ"

"You know what you’re getting with a Hawksmoor – top quality steak, expertly cooked over the grill. The result is rich, perfectly seasoned meat accompanied by tempting sides like creamed spinach or crisp, beef fat chips."

"Randall and Aubin’s resplendent window display on Brewer Street in Soho fixates onlookers in the way that the neighbourhood’s sex shops once did. The restaurant remains one of central London’s most reliable restaurants to eat fresh shellfish — a full platter costs £44.50 per person and can be upgraded with a half lobster for an additional £22.50. Its white tiling and chess board floor recalls a seafood bar of yesteryear, which, in a changing and increasingly homogenised Soho, is something that should be cherished."

"What:Randall & Aubin has been a stalwart of the London seafood scene ever since it opened in 1996. This Soho haunt is decked out with marble counters for old world glamour while the food menu consists of a mixture of English and French seafood favourites. Choose from the beautiful shellfish-on-ice display or opt for a classic such as bouillabaisse or linguine vongole.Where: 16 Brewer Street, W1F 0SQ"

"Originally London’s first butcher’s shop, this place has been transformed over the years in to a popular seafood eatery while keeping its original Victorian features. With high marble tops and stools it has an informal and friendly feel – especially thanks to the giant glitter ball above. Go classic with the the creamy moules marinieres, French fries and crusty baguette to mop it all up with."