LONDONFAMILIES
Parks & open spaces
Central London; North London; West London; Out of London
| Central London | Click for weblink | |
| Battersea Park | A large (200 acres) Victorian park, built between 1854 and 1870. Features include a grand 1 kilometre riverside promenade, magnificent fountains, a large lake (with boating from Easter), lakeside cafe, ornamental and ecological areas, many notable trees, sporting facilities, children's play areas & the Battersea Park Zoo. | Battersea Park |
| Hyde Park, Regents Park & more | Most of the Central London Parks come under the guise of the Royal Parks. One of the best for kids being Kensington Park with the Princess Diana Playground. Others include Regents Park, Hyde Park and Richmond Park. | The Royal Parks |
| North London | ||
| Golders Hill Park | Golders Hill Park - one of my favourites. It has a play area, duck pond, animals and a cafe. Walk out of the confines of the Park and you will find yourself on Hampstead Heath. | |
| Highgate Woods | One of the best children's play areas and a vegetarian cafe serving scrummy food, what more can you want! | Highgate Woods |
| Queens Park | Queens Park - again a fabulous children's play area with the added extra of a paddling pool open in the summer. However, the rest of the park isn't particularly well landscaped. | |
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Trent Park |
In Cockfosters, there is lots of open space her and wide paths which makes it a great place to go cycling.
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Trent Park |
| South London | ||
| Wimbledon & Putney Common | Wimbledon & Putney Commons comprise about 1140 acres of open land with heath, woodland streams and ponds. It is not a park and is kept in as natural a state as possible | Wimbledon & Putney Commons |
| West London | ||
| Holland Park | A lovely landscaped park with a good children's play area | Holland Park |
| Out of London | ||
| Ashridge Estate | Ashridge estate runs across the borders of Herts and Bucks, along the main ridge of the Chiltern Hills. There are woodlands, commons and chalk downland supporting a rich variety of wildlife and offering splendid walks. The focal point of the area is the Monument, erected in 1832 to the Duke of Bridgewater | Ashridge |
| Black Park Country Park | Between Slough & the M40 lies this large country park with something for everyone who likes to be outdoors. As well as unspoilt nature, including a nature reserve, Black Park offers extensive recreational areas and facilities. It is a great place for walking any time of the year, & ideal for a day out with friends & family when it's warm & sunny | Black Park |
| Cassiobury Park | In Watford, this is a great place to spend most of a day in the summer. There is a children's paddling pool complex, usually a bouncy castle, a mini train, playground, woodland walks, canal with boat excursions. | Cassiobury Park |
| Denham Country Park | The Park is home to a variety of wildlife. Along the river and canal banks herons are regularly seen & you may be lucky enough to see a kingfisher. In the summer the woodlands are alive with many species of warblers & other birds. On warm days many damselflies & dragonflies fly over the meadows & wetland areas. The Rivers Colne, Misbourne & Frays, along with the Grand Union Canal flow through & around the country park. The Colne Valley Park Visitor Centre is situated within the Country park, providing information on Colne Valley events & activities. There are also picnic areas and toilets. | Denham Country Park |
| Epping Forest | Epping Forest is the largest public open space in the London area, measuring 19km x 4km, two-thirds of which is wooded. There are often events going on, so check out their website. | Epping Forest |
| Fairlands Valley park | - 120 acres of parkland in Stevenage | Fairlands Valley Park |
| Lee Valley Park | A great place to take the bikes. Along the route you can stop off and take a look in the bird watch hideouts. If you really want to see it is worth taking binoculars with. We always park in the 'showground car park'. Alternatively, if you go to the Waltham Abbey entrance, the Dragonfly Sanctuary is worth going to on a hot summers' day. | Lee Valley Park |
| Ruislip Lido | A misleading name, as although there is a 'sandy beach', swimming is not recommended. There is, however, a railway run by enthusiasts, a play area, woods for walking and a pub. | Ruislip Lido |
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