Top Rated Parks to Visit in Sidcup

"Arguably the most famous and most loved park in London, the wonderful green space occupies a space of 350 acres in central London (the nearest tube stations are Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner). It’s also fiercely protected with a Grade I-listed status and also a long history of playing host to rallies and marches as well as the world-famous Speakers’ Corner. It’s also home to over 4,000 trees, a large lake, a meadow, and very pretty flower gardens."

"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."

"It may not be the biggest of London’s eight royal parks, but if you’re going to talk about parks in London, then Hyde Park is a pretty good place to start. Stretching from Kensington Palace to Mayfair, the park encompasses plenty of must-see spots, including the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and the Serpentine lake."

"Escape to the great outdoors in Richmond Park with its wide open spaces, grasslands and deer herds, just a stone’s throw from central London. The park is a top UK site for ancient trees and supports a range of rare species including fungi, birds, beetles, bats, grasses and wildflowers. Discover the Isabella Plantation woodland gardens, refuel at Pembroke Lodge tea rooms and enjoy distant views of St Paul’s Cathedral from King Henry’s Mound."

"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."

"Hampstead Heath Park London is one of the most loved parks in London. There’s plenty of things to do like visiting the Parliament Hill, Golders Hill Park-with a zoo and a gorgeous butterfly house, an open-air Lido, swimming ponds, splash pools, countless sports pitches and facilities, athletics track, playgrounds, stunning listed Pergola and Hill Garden. The list of things to do at Hampstead Heath doesn’t end!"

"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."

"Hampstead Heath is technically in London, but because of its size, you will feel like you have left the busy capital behind you. It is beautiful in every season. There is a lot to explore."

"I may be biased because I live very near here but I believe beautiful Kew is the best area to stay in London and Kew Gardens is one of the best attractions here. Kew Gardens are 121 hectares of beautiful gardens and botanical glasshouses located between Richmond and Kew (in southwest London). The gardens are on a mission not only to be beautiful (which they are) but to contribute to research and nurturing of the plant kingdom."

"Visiting the Kew Garden is always a very good surprise, I have been in 2 times in the royal gardens at different times of the year. On my first visit, it was with a couple of dear friends that helped me a bum here in the land of the Queen when I arrived. We went in August 2014, so the trees were heavy with leaves, all very green and a very pleasant temperature."

"This Royal Park is definitely a contender for London’s prettiest green space. The wildlife seem to think so too as they’re to be found in abundance, from swans to pelicans and squirrels. Best shot: from The Blue Bridge towards Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade, depending on the light at the time of your visit."

"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."

"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."

"If in need of a break while exploring the luxury boutiques of Mount Street in Mayfair, or the surrounding gourmet offerings, Mount Street Gardens are beautifully maintained and almost hidden. Perch on one of the many benches and admire the trees of this exotic hideaway."

"It lifts the soul to see what a passionate community can achieve when it works (damn hard) as one. The jam-packed ‘Pleasure Garden’, created from an old bombsite, is a masterclass in use of space. But the true pleasure here is how the horticultural enthusiasm erupts from its tiny confines to virtually every free surface of the square."

"Showcasing seasonal ingredients and robust French dishes with a fresh Mediterranean twist, Michelin-starred The Ninth has introduced a delivery service. Alongside a choice of seasonal menus available for delivery via Supper (within 3.5 miles of the restaurant), The Ninth has also launched a DIY kit to make chef Jun Tanaka’s conchiglie truffle pasta at home. Further information can be found at theninthlondon.com."

"Chef Jun Tanaka’s French Mediterranean-style restaurant in buzzy Fitzrovia has quietly impressed in the five years it’s been open. The ninth restaurant Tanaka has worked in, hence the name (previous includes Le Gavroche and a stint with Marco Pierre White), is big on raw and cured dishes, and vegetables, and is one of the most affordable Michelin-star restaurants in London."

"Featuring a covered cosy 8 seater, The Ninth offers one of the best outdoor terraces for the perfect al fresco meal. Awarded a Michelin Star, the Mediterranean style restaurant offers specialities including a variety of house cured meats and vegetarian dishes made from the best seasonal produce. The Orecchiette with egg and truffle is a must!"

"On a sunny day in Hoxton Square, this place will feel positively Parisian. Highlights include the steak frites and a deliciously indulgent chocolate mousse, and a trip downstairs gets you to Happiness Forgets, one of the best cocktail bars in the city."

"If you’re a big fan of croissants, then the Pasty Parlour is a must for your Little Black Book. One of London’s best bakeries, everything is baked fresh on-site daily and their pastries are said to rival the originals from across the channel. 8 Piazza Walk, London E1 8FU; thepastryparlour.co.uk"

"Fashion fans should bookmark this undeniably chic patisserie pronto. Pasticceria Marchesi is one of Milan’s most established bakeries and is now owned by one of the world’s biggest fashion powerhouses, Prada. They opened a London outpost earlier this year and it’s become one of Mount Street’s most Instagrammable spots – for both it’s sweet treats and sugar almond coloured interiors."