Top Rated Parks to Visit in River Wandle

"After visiting Kensnigton Palace, if the weather is nice, I’d spend some time exploring Kensington Gardens and adjacent Hyde Park. Within this large green space, you’ll find a number of gardens, sporting area, statues, biking trails, and boat rentals (seasonal)."

"Richmond Park is the largest of London's eight Royal Parks and is an extraordinary space where the grass seems greener, the flowers seem to smell better and the sun seems warmer. The park has a magic that's not tangible – make sure to visit the Isabella plantation to see what we mean. It is a National Nature Reserve, London's largest Site of Special Scientific Interest and an European Special Area of Conservation."

"Renowned for its unrefined woodland gardens and deer herds, Richmond Park boasts a rich history (including notable royal connections dating back to Edward’s reign in 1272), ancient trees, historic buildings and vast amounts of wildlife – the park is in fact a national nature reserve."

"We often go cycling or walking here and each time we see a new side of it. Most people visit the park to see the deers, which is, of course, a great experience, but the park offers so much more. It has a flying field, where you are allowed to fly drones, model planes or kites."

"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."

"One of the city’s wildest green spaces, Hampstead Heath spans a huge proportion of north London. Stroll across the grass and clamber through the gnarled trees or take in the view of London from atop Parliament Hill. If you fancy a dip, the lido is on one side of the hill and the bathing ponds on the other."

"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."

"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!"

"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."

"Kew Gardens — officially called the Royal Botanic Gardens — is situated in southwest London on the south bank of the Thames and is a wonderful place to visit as you enjoy the numerous plants grown amid its 300 acres. Laid out in 1759, the gardens became government property in 1841. In 1897, Queen Victoria added Queen's Cottage and the adjoining woodland."

"St James’s Park might not be the biggest or the flashiest but it is the oldest of London’s eight Royal Parks and the perfect place for picnic, unless you’re afraid of the birds that is. Not only do the famous pelicans take roost on Duck Island but there’s also 17 other species of birds flapping about. But of course all that bird watching is thirsty work, so once you’ve ruffled enough feathers and erm, not taken a pic outside Buckingham Palace, get stuck into that spread."

"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."

"If visiting Buckingham palace or taking a jaunt through central London, St James's Park is the perfect rest stop. Stunning lakes which home many a duck and beautiful gardens, what more could you want?"

"Railway Fields was first established as a nature park in 1986. Originally, the area functioned as a goods yard, or a freight station, on the Tottenham and Hampstead Junction Railway. It was declared a local nature reserve in 1990 and, since then, it has become an open space area where children can learn directly about nature; there is even a classroom in the centre."

"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."

"The residence of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, this is one of England's most lavish stately homes. Set in a 55-acre park landscaped…"

"However, today visitors can still see one remaining section of the palace complex, the Banqueting Hall (fee*) designed by famous architect Inigo Jones with a ceiling painted by Peter Paul Reubens. Today Whitehall is the center of the Government of the United Kingdom and you’ll pass a number of buildings home to various departments and ministries, including the Ministry of Defense and the Cabinet Office. Along this street you’ll also find The Household Calvary Museum (fee*), located in the 18th century stables of the Horse Guards, which gives information on the history of the Household Cavalry and displays a small collection of uniforms and weapons."

"Known as Queen’s House due to its connection with Anne, Queen of Denmark, the Queen’s House Greenwich is a spectacular backdrop for photos. The 17th century home is a stark white, which really pops against the manicured green lawns and (sometimes) blue skies. The gardens themselves are a playground if you’re looking to capture some brilliant blooms."

"Inigo Jones had recently completed Banqueting House with much success. The pristine white building was a big contrast within the darkened brick structures around Whitehall. Anne of Denmark commissioned Inigo Jones to design her new home in Greenwich (an area long associated with British monarchy)."

"Not far away you can also visit the Queen’s House, a beautiful and architecturally significant former royal residence designed by Inigo Jones. Admiral Nelson’s Trafalgar coat"

"Today we are going to explore even more of London’s central highlights, including the British Museum, Covent Garden, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Today all of the attractions are within walking distance but you may want to use public transit to reach some of them. It may also be a good day to use a hop-on hop-off bus if you have a free ticket with the London Pass as the bus routes go to or near all the attractions on today’s route."

"Day 1: Arrive in London, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, the London EyeDay 2: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Whitehall, Covent GardenDay 3: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, Tate Modern, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sky GardenDay 4: National Gallery, Greenwich, Prime Meridian, Up at the O2Day 5: British Museum, Portobello Road Market, Victoria and Albert Museum, Harrod’s"

"After a relaxing treatment at the spa, head on over to Covent Garden for an afternoon of fun and experiences. First, why not check out the upscale shops and possibly splurge on a thing or two!. Afterall, your 4 day London itinerary is the perfect time to get some shopping done!. Lulu Guinness is my favorite – one of the only shops left in the world!"

"Another market in one of London’s more charming residential areas, Herne Hill Market is the kind of neighbourhood food market that everyone wishes they had on their doorstep. Part farmers market, part street food market, you can feast on a tasty dish or two and then pick up some local produce to bring home to cook too Herne Hill Market. Don’t miss the mouthwatering Indonesian street food of local favourite Enak Enak."

"If you’re looking for a quieter Sunday market, Herne Hill Farmers’ Market is the perfect place for a less “touristy” market. It is located in South London and is held every Sunday. The market is very lively and is truly independent in spirit with a local village atmosphere and unique shopping."

"Spend a Sunday strolling through Herne Hill Market, which is crammed full of foodie treats, both for eating on the spot and produce to take home, plus arts and crafts, all sourced from within 100 miles of Herne Hill. A proper local neighbourhood market!"

"Just a stone's throw away from Spitalfield’s, you’ll stumble across this quirky covered market on Brick Lane. Follow your sense of smell and work your way through the hipster hoodies and independent jewellers to a foodie’s heaven in the heart of Shoreditch. Food options from all over the world are crammed into the Old Truman Brewery every Sunday, from Indian street food to Middle Eastern falafels and Tibetan dumplings, whatever you fancy, you’re bound to find it here."