Take a few minutes, even in winter, to explore the central Rose Garden. Lots of flowers with silly names, and plenty of sculpture.
A stroll across Parliament Hill and through the woods is the next best thing to a proper country walk when the incessant tube-traveling gets you down.
Look out for the 'empty bench in Soho Square' dedicated to singer Kirst MacColl, at the southern end.
This was 18th century London’s most exclusive residential area, at one point home to seven dukes and seven earls. At its centre is a statue of William III on horseback, erected in 1808.
Behind the Pump House is a statue of a brown dog. In 1985 it replaced the original, removed in 1910 when it became a focus of riots between medical students and animal rights campaigners.
Go and sit near the lake cafe with a good book and watch the swans. Also great for sunbathing in the summer.
‘Billionaires Boulevard’ tells you all you need to know about local property prices. Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, the richest man in Europe, bought Nos.18-19 for £70 million in 2005.
Above 99 Kensington High St can be found the largest roof garden in Europe, an exclusive hospitality venue laid out in 1938. There are 500 species of plant, fountains and even flamingos.
Perfect in the summer to just sit, chill out, read a book or whatever for a whole morning or afternoon in the sun :)
Richmond Park is the largest royal park in London, with free-roaming deer wandering its varied landscape. From the King Henry’s Mount there is a stunning view of St Paul’s Cathedral 10 miles away.
In Postman’s Park you can find a wall commemorating heroic self sacrifice, for those who would otherwise have no memorial. It was unveiled in 1900.
Lovely square in the heart of kennington - rent some boules from the Prince of Wales
Although firstly a scientific organisation, this British institution houses numerous collection of plants and botanical information and as such is a living encyclopaedia on the plant kingdom.
The next best views of London after Primrose Hill - worth a trek to the top by the Royal Observatory for the breathtaking panorama.
Laid out in the 1630s, this is the largest public square in London. Anthony Babbington, who led a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I, was hanged, drawn and quartered here.
Great place to sunbathe and chill. Too many arty hoxton types but they keep local bike theives in business so alls good!
The playground here will keep kids amused for hours. There are fast slides going into the sandpit and really tricky climbing equipment to challenge older children, plus lots for toddlers to enjoy. Read more.
A lovely place to go on a summers day. It does quite busy with all the students nearby though. There is also a little fountain in the middle.
Clissold Park opened a new wheels park, all-weather table tennis table and basketball area early in 2011. Read more.
Don't miss the stunning mid-century Jean Prouve door Gallerie Downtown F. Laffanour installed in its booth to close off its office.
During the day in summer the 'private garden' in the square is open to all. A lovely spot for lunch.
"A fascinating place with views of the Thames, an art gallery by the lake, a children's zoo, and a a free group skate every dry Saturday at 10.30am, starting at the Japanese Peace Pagoda..." Read more.
Kenwood House hosts the most beautiful live out door opera for free every year in the summer. Every age group brings picnics and sits amidst the beauty of the Heath and woods, late into the evening
The playground in Brockwell Park is a favourite, with its aerial slide, massive sandpit and sections for different age groups; nearby are the duck ponds and the huge new paddling pool. Read more.
Get here early with a picnic blanket to reserve a space!
Possibly my favourite place to visit in London. Have spent several hours discovering new spots and clearing my head at the same time. Bliss.
Amazing views of London from 35th floor. Free entrance, book your time slot at skygardentickets.com. If you hungry, there are two restaurant and one coffee bar to choose from.
Abney Park in Stoke Newington, one of the ‘magnificent seven’ garden cemeteries of London, is a woodland memorial park and Local Nature Reserve, managed by the Abney Park Trust. Stunning.
Fantastic open space - football pitches full on Sundays - great spot for jogging, cycling
Much quieter than other local east London parks. Bring food and drinks and enjoy the space!
A beautiful park with loads of Rhododendron bushes, a boating lake, duck pond, outdoor gym, table tennis and other sport facilities. Great for a jog. There is also a cafe and cycle hire (a bit pricey)
A nice park with a half decent play area for the kids. Great views of Canary Wharf and the Shard over the tree line.
Good park. Good for a 5k run, watching cricket, pitch & put golf, great kid playground…& good for kite flyin…& just for chillin.
The park on this beautiful walled garden site is the best for miles around. There's an enormous sandpit and all sorts of toddler climbing frames, plus an adventure playground for the older kids. Read more.
If you are catching Fulham match at Craven Cottage, take a stroll through Bishops Park - the best walk to any football ground in the country.
The Great Conservatory and gardens are the highlights. Go on a sunny day with a picnic.
The Wimbledon Common is a great place to escape the city noise and bustle. Here, you'll see a calm and relaxing scenery and a great spot for recreation such as walking, jogging, or cycling.
path around east reservoir opened recently, a definite must even if it gets quite busy at times.
Great little park - perfect for a stroll on a sunny day. In between two parts of the park there is a great pub - Marquess Tavern.
Amazing place to read a book in the sun next to the amazing sight of St Paul's Cathedral.
Excellent well maintained part in the heart of deptford. Great for walks. Picnics and outdoor seating.
Kids are well catered for with a nature trail and four play areas which feature a paddling pool, a rope and post fitness circuit and an adventure playground. Read more.
There is a small outdoor gym and tennis courts towards the Walpole park bit. If you have kids there are two great playgrounds that make me want to be a kid and ay on them
Nice park behind Exmouth Market. Check it out on a sunny winter's day as well as a warm one.
Beautiful small park a stone's throw from King's Road. There's an adjacent playground as well.
Beautiful flowerbeds, with good children's play facilities, and rides on rowing boats. Nice ducks and swans in the lake.
On this historic open space on the London road to Dover, John Ball addressed the revolting peasants in 1381 with the words, ‘When Adam delved and Eve span, who then was the gentleman?’
Help preserve this beautiful park and join Friends of Island Gardens http://www.facebook.com/friendsofislandgardens
Lovely park that contains a zoo, a BMX track and the former site of a gas works, see if you can spot the nautical theme in the layout of the park
Nice spot to have a lunch in the sun with several benches around the gazebo to lounge on. There's also a solid public ping-pong table in the middle!
the best view of London. Busy during the weekends, but it's still fantastic though.
Best hang out spot in London. Namco is only a short walk away, and the restaurants around have hidden toilets so have a wander ;)
A tranquil little garden where you can enjoy some fresh air surrounded by a lovely church and an old school.
Small garden square with basketball / small football area and a tennis court. No pre-booking to play. Nice local vibe. Recently renovated.
A lovely park with swings, benches and hills. Perfect for picnics and afternoons in the sun with friends. Great views too.
The Children's Park here is the place to head for a colourful and imaginative space that has a rope slide, scrambling wall, complicated climbing frame, swings and a see-saw. Read more.
A lovely and Peaceful square just outside of the Tower Hill station. Good place to relax with the scenic views of the Tower of London. Good for walks along the trails in the fresh air!
In the sun central park is lovely ... Especially at the minute with it being half term :) nice little cafè to
The gardens are really attractive with lots of large bright flowers. Playground looks as thought the under 8's would appreciate it and there is a lot of grass to sit around on and just laze.
If you are a dog owner this park is full of dog lovers and dog walkers. I've been walking all my dogs here for 6 years :)
