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 Open-air skating in the City |
12 Exchange Square Broadgate Estate London, London EC2M 2QS United Kingdom +44 20 7505 4068 http://www.broadgateice.co.uk/ |
The Broadgate Ice Rink, in the heart of the financial district, is one of the top outdoor ice rinks in London and offers an excellent opportunity for skaters to sample the winter chill whilst carving out figures-of-eight in the ice. After your cheek-reddening spin on the ice, take a break at one of the numerous coffee chains, bars and restaurants in Broadgate and in the City. The rink is only open from the last week in October until the first week of April. Admission prices are £6 for adults and £4 for children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sarah Bakker |
 Photo: Sarah Bakker |
 Photo: Michael Poyser |
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Coram's Fields |
93 Guilford St London WC1N 1 United Kingdom +44 02078376138 (Tourist Information) |
Coram’s Fields is a hidden playground in the center of London’s West End, ideal for taking a break during a hectic day out with the children. It is a large, peaceful area which includes large lawns, a paddling pool, sports pitches, a pet’s corner, a vegetarian caf, playgrounds for different aged children and a nursery. You'll also find plenty of seating if you find yourself exhausted parent. Coram's Fields was originally opened in the 1920s as the first public children’s playground in London. Adults are not allowed to enter the grounds of Coram's Fields without children. -Caroline Collard Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Follow the trail |
Norman Road London, London E6 - 6HN United Kingdom +44 20 8470 4525 http://www.newham.gov.uk/conte... |
East Ham Nature Reserve offers a multitude of opportunities for a family day out, or even if you just want a quiet stroll. The reserve is a haven for local creatures, and various trails lend themselves to insect and wildlife spotting, or you could just take a leisurely stroll along the trail that is accessible to prams and pushchairs. There are nature museums within the park - these arrange some activities during school holidays (phone for details). A trip here would be a great educational experience or fun day out for children, and the fact that the nature reserve used to be the largest churchyard in East London may add a little spookiness to the day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: George Ornbo  |
 Photo: Teddy |
 Photo: AlmazUK |
 Run free |
West Heath Avenue London, London NW11 7QP United Kingdom +44 20 8455 5183 |
Next to Anna Pavlova's house and attached to Hampstead Heath is this delightful park. The large expanse of gentle rolling verdure is one of those places where you just have to kick off your shoes and feel the grass between your toes. It's a great spot for picnics, but there is also a cafe near the park entrance. At the bottom of the park there are several tennis courts; perfect for if you want to do something a bit more energetic. Half way down the park is an animal enclosure with an aviary and a selection of goats, deer and wallabies - a sort of mini zoo that will delight children. Each section has a brief write-up of the animal and its origin. Flamingos perch around the pond, ducks dive in and geese fly overhead, and the beautiful flower garden behind it is well worth a detour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tony Burbage |
 Photo: Jon Spence |
 Photo: Neil Smith |
 Photo: Laura Nolte |
 Photo: Jon Spence |
 Photo: Paul Lawston |
 Photo: Rachel Coldbreath |
 Photo: Sean Wallis |
 Photo: Daniel Lurie |
 Photo: Lewis Foti |
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Wonderful Waterway |
Regents Park Westminster London, England NW1 United Kingdom |
The Grand Union Canal connects London and Birmingham; the two largest cities in England. The canal spans 220 km and has 166 locks. Throughout its route, the scenery, architecture, and wildlife change and present a microcosm of each district it meanders through. In London, it travels through Regents Park and the London Zoo and is quite popular with locals and travelers alike. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Famous Street, Famous Places |
Greek Street Soho Square to Shaftesbury Avenue London United Kingdom |
Restaurants, historical sites and houses of different eras speckle the famous Greek Street in the SoHo district of London. Many businesses along the street are famous, or infamous, in their own right. The notorious pride of the landlord of The Coach and Horses pub attracts patrons to test his patience. Other notable attractions are Les Cousins (folk music club), Pillars of Hercules (pub dating back to 1733), and House of St Barnabas (inspiration and setting of the Dickens' classic, A Tale of Two Cities.) Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historic Square |
Grosvenor Square (at Brook Street) London, England W1K United Kingdom |
Located in the exclusive Mayfair district, Grosvenor Square was established in 1721 and met with immediate popularity. Named for Sir Richard Grosvenor and referenced in several plays, movies, and songs, this square has always been the "in" place to live among the aristocracy. The square's most popular reference comes in "Street Fighting Man" by the Rolling Stones. Mick Jagger witnessed a rally and riot here at the American Embassy against the Vietnam War in 1968 and wrote the song shortly afterwards. Whether you're here for the bourgeois atmosphere, the embassy, the culture, or the Stones you are sure to enjoy your visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Farm life in Hackney |
1a Goldsmiths Row Hackney London, London E2 8QA United Kingdom +44 20 7729 6381 http://www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk/ |
Adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for children is this two-acre animal farm. The emphasis is on giving people the chance to see a real working farm in the city centre, so dont expect a mini petting zoo. Animals on the farm include cows, pigs, rabbits, poultry and everything else youd expect to find on a domestic farm. You cant feed the animals, but little ones will love the chance to get up close to real live farmyard friends. There are also paddocks and gardens for adults to stroll through and admire. The farm also runs pottery and upholstery classes in addition to a summer play scheme. Call for information about adopting animals, volunteering, farm community projects and school visits. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jberkel |
 Photo: anthony goh |
 Photo: jumblejet |
 Photo: Michael Pickard |
 Photo: Team Willers |
 Photo: yaraaa |
 Photo: Veronica Aguilar |
 Photo: Joe Speck |
 Photo: A. Capelin |
 Photo: Solla Ósk |
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Red admirals and llamas |
Rutland Road (off Shrewsbury Road) Plashet Park London, London E7 8AJ United Kingdom +44 20 8503 5994 |
The Plashet Zoo, home to numerous animals including llamas, falcons, wallabies, ornamental ducks, rabbits and chipmunks, is located in Plashet Park. There's also a butterfly house (open May-Sept only) and an aviary. It's much smaller than a typical zoo, but still offers plenty to keep the kids amused for a few hours. Plashet Park itself has tennis courts, a playground and picnic tables, making this an ideal place for a day out. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Romper Room |
The Old Gymnasium Highbury Grove School London, London N5 2EG United Kingdom +44 20 7704 9424 |
There are parks everywhere in London, so when the kids are tearing the house up, it's easy to find a place to go. But the worst thing about London is the rainy, wet weather - there are only so many times you can go to the library or a puppet show with the little ones...thank God for the few indoor playgrounds in central London, where kids can burn off their energy on bars and in those boxes full of plastic balls! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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400 acres of open park land |
The Store Yard Inner Circle London, London NW1 4NR United Kingdom +44 20 7486 7905 http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/p... |
Regent's Park offers a variety of facilities and amenities for the public to enjoy, including tennis courts, a bandstand, an open air theatre, elegant gardens and children's playgrounds. London Zoo is just next-door. A short walk away is Primrose Hill, a popular neighbourhood that's popular with young and trendy families, actors, artists and other media folk. It is particularly steep and offers numerous hip bars and restaurants and a superb panorama of the London skyline. Queen Mary's Gardens is located within the park, and St. John's Wood Church Gardens is also nearby, offering an additional tranquil retreat off of Wellington Road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Blakemore |
 Photo: Matthew Melosh |
 Photo: Tom Nelson |
 Photo: Mink |
 Photo: .myke |
 Photo: Carlos Aquiles |
 Photo: Cristiano Betta |
 Photo: John Nevitt |
 Photo: kirrazen |
 Photo: emily wanyee |
 Photo: Cameron P. Steele |
 Photo: Oscar May |
 Photo: Oliver Wood |
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Where deers still roam free |
Richmond London, London TW10 5HX United Kingdom +44 20 8948 3209 |
The Park was enclosed as a hunting park by Charles I in 1637 and still retains many ingredients of a medieval deer park. Essential to its character is the rich landscape of semi-natural acidic grassland, areas of bog and bracken, wetland, woodland and ancient parkland trees, and the herds of fallow and red deer that still roam the park. The resplendent Isabella plantation is especially noteworthy, particularly in early summer when the rhododendrons are in full bloom, but the park is lovely any time of year. Bring along a football, a picnic, go for a bike ride, inline skating or take the dogs out for some fun and fresh air. There are designated cycle paths so you don't have to grapple with the cars that can also drive through the park. Open until dusk, it is the perfect park to choose for a few hours of fresh air or even for a day trip. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Calcott |
 Photo: Jerome Wagner |
 Photo: Helen Pickford |
 Photo: Ru |
 Photo: Vratsagirl |
 Photo: Max Atanassov |
 Photo: Ade Rowbotham |
 Photo: Pikesville |
 Photo: Jerome Wagner |
 Photo: Pascal Leclere |
 Photo: rianda sweeney |
 Photo: Jack Dyson |
 Photo: Jane Watson |
 Photo: Mike Jordan |
 Photo: Rick Prelinger |
 Photo: michela ciamarra |
 Photo: guy taylor |
 Photo: Theodosios Kyriakou |
 Photo: WreckedDeco |
 Photo: Silas Ferreira |
 Photo: Marco Ingrosso |
 Photo: Craig Castledine |
 Photo: Goonsrob |
 Photo: Louis Counter |
 Photo: christian.shaw |
 Photo: Joe Thompson |
 Photo: Rob Sangster |
 Photo: Neil Phillips |
 Photo: giles.breton |
 Photo: Valerie Pearce |
 Photo: Rob Hawkes |
 Photo: Vince Millett |
 Photo: David Swales |
 Photo: Chris |
 Photo: Massimo Usai |
 Photo: John Phillips |
 Photo: Anne-Marie Blackburn |
 Photo: Roland Ellison |
 Photo: Agnieszka Piatkowska |
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Secluded, Quiet, North London Park |
Springfield Mansion Springfield London E5 9EF United Kingdom http://www.hackney.gov.uk/cp-p... |
A wonderful, quiet, North London park with expanses of lawn for strolls, picnics, cricket and Frisbee. There are large duck ponds, magnificent trees, tennis courts and a steep hill for tobogganing when snowy. The park rolls down towards the river Lee, and Hackney Marshes beyond and is surrounded by a high substantial border of trees removing the city and giving a secluded private feel to this spacious park. The jewel in Springfield's crown is its splendid cafe – Sparks - housed in a grade-II listed manor house, serving wonderful breakfasts, good coffee and dishes with grilled vegetables and halloumi cheese. - Jen Wight Review © 2007, Wcities |
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British ceremonial backdrop |
Horse Guards Road London, London SW1A 2BJ United Kingdom +44 20 7930 1793 http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/p... |
St. James's Park and Green Park lie next to each other to the north and east of Buckingham Palace. The view from the bridge towards Whitehall (pictured) is particularly pleasing and the lake is famous for its waterfowl, especially the black swans. With its well-groomed flowerbeds and summer concerts, the park remains a big favourite with Londoners and tourists alike. Office workers swarm into St James's on fine summer days to eat their lunch and enjoy the sunshine. Henry VIII acquired the land in the early 16th century at the same time as Hyde Park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeremy Keith |
 Photo: James Hill |
 Photo: Tom Page |
 Photo: Jon Hall |
 Photo: Wascally Weasel |
 Photo: Andy Lattimore |
 Photo: Jansen Mann |
 Photo: Michael Reeve |
 Photo: Michael Reeve |
 Photo: Paul Stamp |
 Photo: Alessandra |
 Photo: Enrico Webers |
 Photo: Andy Lattimore |
 Photo: Enrico Webers |
 Photo: Dave |
 Photo: Michael Comerford |
 Photo: brainz |
 Photo: Lannie Naas |
 Photo: Terry Freedman |
 Photo: Alycidon |
 Photo: Aziez Ahmed Chawdhary |
 Photo: Marco Chiesa |
 Photo: CasitaDeChocolate -- |
 Photo: Rachael Jones |
 Photo: I. Fontaine |
 Photo: Roy Costello |
 Photo: Thiago HP |
 Photo: Sarah Barlow |
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Calm in the storm |
Streatham High Road London, London SW16 3BT United Kingdom |
Streatham Common is a treat in the summertime, and a great place for a walk throughout the year. London is famous for its commons and Streatham offers some beautiful formal gardens, a play area for children and fairground rides at specific times during the year. During April there's a Kite Day, and nearby there are swimming baths, a skating rink and go-karting. At this park, cricket facilities are chargeable. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Feeroz Syed |
 Photo: Simon Li |
 Photo: SandMonster |
 Photo: Simon Li |
 Photo: Billy Shearer |
 Photo: SENSE Magazine |
 Photo: Paul Salkeld |
 Photo: Carron Brown |
 Photo: JamesKelly26 |
 Photo: xdragongirlx |
 Photo: Fabio Haag |
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Mini Hyde Park |
Old Ford Road London, London E3 5SX United Kingdom +44 20 8533 2057 |
Victoria Park was opened in 1842, and was the first Victorian park to be owned by the public. It's located in the East End and has a huge pond that makes it reminiscent of Hyde Park, but a lot smaller. There are numerous attractions to keep the children amused, including a deer park, small animal enclosure and a children's playground. There are also football and cricket pitches and a bowls green, so there's always some activity going on. It's also an excellent place for inline skating. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Juliette McLean |
 Photo: Jo Williams |
 Photo: Zohar Manor-Abel |
 Photo: Jasmine Kovach |
 Photo: Alex Dawson |
 Photo: Fin Fahey |
 Photo: Ockert Botha |
 Photo: Solla |
 Photo: John Lees |
 Photo: Rory McSwiggan |
 Photo: Shaun Mitchem |
 Photo: Jessica Williams |
 Photo: londonkel |
 Photo: Mahbub Murshed |
 Photo: Marlon Celestine |
 Photo: Trevor Alexander |
 Photo: Meri Juntti |
 Photo: Patrik |
 Photo: Emily Heath |
 Photo: Russ Garrett |
 Photo: Matt Johnson |
 Photo: Gustavo Adolfo Rodriguez Libreros |
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Where wombles walk |
Office: Manor Cottage, Windmill Road Wimbledon Common London, London SW19 5NR United Kingdom +44 20 8788 7655 http://www.wpcc.org.uk/ |
Once an area famous for duels, and still famous for the children's TV characters, The Wombles, Wimbledon Common is a wonderful place to go to escape the frenetic pace of London life. Dotted with lakes and ponds, the common is a great sporting (horse riding, bicycling, golf and football are favourites), picnicking and walking spot. Stretching on for miles, it's possible to walk or ride all the way to Richmond Park, although you will have to cross the busy A3 via the footbridge to do it. It's worth making your visit incorporate the Wimbledon Windmill, which was built in the early 1800's and has a museum attached. Pop in next-door to the tearooms for refreshment or for a weekend fry up. It's also worth visiting the Georgian Cannizaro House Hotel nearby. Just off West Side on the Common, the gardens are open to the public. With its ornamental lake, peaceful woodlands and rolling lawns, you feel as if you've rolled back the clock to another century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Mace Smith |
 Photo: Duncan Rimmer (aka sarflondondunc) |
 Photo: Madeleine Howard |
 Photo: Julie Littlefield |
 Photo: John Hamilton |
 Photo: Chris Jomaron |
 Photo: Andy Fraser |
 Photo: Kate Gare |
 Photo: Mattias Andersson |
 Photo: Jonathan Shock |
 Photo: John Maidman |
 Photo: Nick Howells |
 Photo: David Edwards |
 Photo: Joe Botting |
 Photo: Rachel Scott |