Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Allen's Green

"Never has a traffic jam on the Old Kent Road looked so enchanting – everything seen from The Shangri-La looks enchanting. The hotel occupies floors 34 to the 52 of Renzo Piano's 87-storey London landmark. The rooms (contemporary, creamy, Asian-influenced), restaurants (especially the romantic Ting) and bar (gin and rosemary – divine) are all fantastic, though nothing can compete with the extraordinary views over London, which turn every guest into a slack-jawed infant, lost in wonder, gazing out, palms to the window, all day long."

"Given that it’s the tallest building in the United Kingdom, it’s only natural that the Shard is also one of the most incredible viewpoints in London. There are the viewing decks of the View from The Shard where you can go and take epic photos from. However I always personally recommend having drinks at the bar in the Shard instead."

"Just over 5 years old, The Shard, as both the European Union’s and United Kingdom’s tallest building, has quickly become a London skyline fixture. For unforgettable City of London views, head to the open-air observation tower on the Shard’s 72nd floor!"

"Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this uncompromising slab of a building has been many things—including the site where Henry VIII ordered the execution of two of his wives. Now the Tower is most famous as the home of the Crown Jewels. Come, take a tour from one of the Beefeaters (offered every half hour), and gawp at the sparkling and the frightening alike."

"The Tower of London is one of the top places to visit in London. The White Tower, the one bona fide castle in London, dates back to the late 11th century. Along with Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Place and St Paul’s, it should be essential for London first time visitors."

"The London Pass is a pre-paid sightseeing card which gives you FREE fast-track entry to the city’s top tourist attractions, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and a Hop on Hop off Bus Tour. The view from the Shard"

"Next suggested stop is HMS Belfast(fee*), which is permanently moored on the Thames a short walk from Tower Bridge on the south bank. This historic warship, operated today by Imperial War Museums, will definitely be of interest to military buffs, or anyone with an interest in boats. Launched just before the outbreak of World War 2, this Royal Navy Light Cruiser saw action in both World War 2 and the Korean War, before being decommissioned in 1963."

"Crossing over the River Thames, the Tower Bridge is an iconic symbol of London. It was built between 1886 and 1894 in the Victorian gothic style. It sits in the heart of the city, near the Tower of London."

"This ancient expanse of common land straddling a high ridge between Hampstead and Highgate is, perhaps, London’s most beloved open space. Its rolling hills and meadows, copses and glades, glittering ponds and views conjure a deep sense of the rural that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere. A summer’s picnic in the long grass, kite-flying on Parliament Hill or tobogganing down it in the snow, a splash in the bathing ponds, a Sunday ramble to emerge muddy-booted at a village pub or Kenwood (no.3) – these are sacred institutions for many, many Londoners, who would probably lay down their lives for the Heath if they had to."

"Sprawling Hampstead Heath, with its rolling woodlands and meadows, feels a million miles away – despite being approximately four – from the City of London. Covering 320 hectares, most of it woods, hills and meadows, it's home to about 180 bird species, 23 species of butterflies, grass snakes, bats and a rich array of flora. It's a wonderful place for a ramble, especially to the top of Parliament Hill, which offers expansive views across the city."

"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."

"A magnificent three-floor space, Sky Garden hosts two of the most exclusive rooftop restaurants in London: Fenchurch Restaurant and Darwin Brasserie, and two exciting rooftop bars: Sky Pod Bar and City Garden. Sky Pod Rooftop Bar is open all day from early morning coffees, through to lunchtime bites and afternoon drinks, while at night it comes alive with music, lights and cocktails.skygarden.london"

"Travel 43 floors up and see a unique perspective of landmarks like The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and more. With massive floor-to-ceiling glass windows, an open-air terrace, and beautifully landscaped scenery, you’ll have an abundance of options for IG pics. It also houses a swanky restaurant and bar, so you can relax and soak in the views with a drink in hand."

"Located in the iconic Walkie Talkie, Sky Garden has a foliage-filled viewing gallery on the 43rd floor. From here, visitors are surrounded by exquisite greenery while looking over panoramic views of London. Also seeBeer Tasting in London"

"In open countryside to the west of Southend, Hadleigh Castle is a former royal residence atop a London clay hill surveying the flat landscape to the south and east. The castle was first constructed at the start of the 13th century in the reign of Henry III. In that time its role was mainly defensive, guarding the estuary. Later, in the Hundred Years’ War Hadleigh Castle was remodelled as both a stronghold against the French and a home for King Edward III who spent a lot of time here during the last years of his reign in the 14th century."

"Located in the heart of the Marylebone neighbourhood is Baker Street. The street is perhaps most famous for its association with Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, and in this area, you can go on historical tours of some of the notable sites from Holmes' case history and the books themselves. There is a museum and shop located on the street providing lots of Sherlock Holmes memorabilia."

"Baker Street is one of the original stations of the London Metropolitan Railway, the world’s first underground railway, opened in 1863. The underground platform is flooded with natural, non-direct light by a row of neatly designed light wells. Depending on the time of the day, Chris says the sun produces distinct lighting, which makes for a variety of different photo opportunities."

"67 km from city center 8 out of 40 places to visit in London. In the fictional yet captivatingly magical world of Harry Potter, Platform 9 and ¾ signifies the mystical train platform between the ordinary world platforms 9 and 10, through which young wizards and witches could jump over to hop aboard the Hogwarts Express to reach the Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"If you’re a Harry Potter fans you have to go see platform 9 and 3/4. Actually, you should go see it even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan!. It’s inside Kings Cross station, but not between platforms 9 and 10 sadly, these are only accessible if you have a valid train ticket."

"Relive you Harry Potter fantasies by visiting the station platform made famous by the books and movies. It’s located at Kings Cross Station and you can’t miss the trolley half sticking out of the brick wall."

"The Seven Noses of Soho are a quirky art installation in Central London and one of the city’s most unusual free attractions. The strange little statues are plaster reproductions of artist Rick Buckley’s nose and were installed around Soho as a prankprovoked by the controversial introduction of CCTV cameras throughout London during the 1990s – the noses were installed under the noses of the cameras. While 35 noses were originally installed, only 10 still remain today and searching for them all certainly makes for one of the most unique free days out in London."

"If you’re travelling between The Mall and Trafalgar Square, that’s Admiralty Arch stretching elegantly overhead. Completed in 1911 to commemorate the reign of Queen Victoria, the Portland stone structure is more than an arch—it’s actually a functional building. Check out these rarely seen photos of the British royal family through the years."

"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"

"In a nutshell: Irish celebrity chef hits London Where is it?. Buck Street Market, Camden High Street, NW1 8QP Why should you care?. Intending to shake up London's fine dining scene, Adrian Martin's new Camden restaurant, Wildflower, will serve a high end menu..."

"Fine dining in a shipping container might sound like an oxymoron, but that’s exactly the concept at Wildflower. Once you get past the setting, expect an intriguing, exciting tasting menu which focuses on foraged ingredients."

"If there's one thing we want to be seen doing, it's dining beneath a marigold awning. And so we shall be going to Jikoni to eat on their covered terrace. Complete with wool blankets, statuesque heaters and hot water bottles on request, even the most eclectic weather doesn't stand a chance here (and neither do the sweetcorn and lime leaf fritters once we've seen them)."

"Jikoni’s brunch is a many-splendoured thing: fenugreek waffles with tamarind-glazed bacon, aloo tikka channa chaat, mutton keema Sloppy Joe. The piña colada pancakes are worth saving space for — a substantial stack topped with caramelised pineapple and coconut ice cream. All the fun of the cocktail with none of the brain-freeze."

"Marylebone’s Jikoni has started Comfort and Joy - a vegetarian and vegan meal service inspired by cuisines all over the world. There are six boxes to choose from, with stuff like Omani lime dhal and sweet and sour aubergine curry on the menu. Everything you need is on their website."

"Atul Kochhar is the first Indian chef in the world to receive a Michelin star. His new restaurant, Kanishka, on Maddox Street, explores lesser known regions of Indian food. Cooking methods include salting, smoking and fermenting, made necessary by the remoteness of the regions."

"From Sikkim venison tartare to banana old fashioneds, Kanishka is the Mayfair restaurant cooking up impressive dishes in London. If you're after tasty bites and beautiful decor to match, then you've come to the right place."

"Whether you're looking for a place that'll impress or just wanna get a few Instagram-worthy shots, head to Kanishka for all that plus stunning Indian plates and lip-smacking cocktails to wash it all down."

"Modern British restaurant specialsing in freshly made mashed potato accompanied by a choice of gourmet sausages, traditional home-made pies and a variety of delicious British gravy flavours."

"With its promise of ‘health and happiness’ boxes and its ‘fresh not fried’ ethos, Itsu epitomises Asian-themed clean fast food. It was a colour-coded conveyor-belt pioneer, but sushi is just one of its ‘eat beautiful’ star turns – don’t miss the ‘potsu’ pots, fusion gyoza and rice bowls. Flagship site: 47 King’s Road, SW3 4NB"

"329 Harrow Road, Wembley HA9 6BA EnglandChinese, AsianLunch, Dinner, Late NightTakeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service[email protected]+44 20 8902 2836http://youngspeking.co.uk/"

"329 Harrow Road, Wembley HA9 6BA, EnglandTakeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free WifiChinese, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free OptionsLunch, Dinner, Late Night+44 20 8902 2836"

"Ayllu is not only one of the best places to eat sushi in London, but it also celebrates the very best in modern Nikkei cuisine. Against a backdrop of stylish furnishings and dimmed lightning, you can tuck into stunning fusion small plates celebrating South American and Asian flavours."