Green spaces

Many local families have an annual pass to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew in order to gain some much needed space & to breathe the fresh air. The gardens are beautiful year round and make us feel like we have gone to the country. The kids love Climbers and Creepers, an indoor interactive and educational play area for entertainment year round and for all weather! Cycles are not allowed within the gardens; however, joggers have been spotted trotting through...read more

Many local families have an annual pass to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew in order to gain some much needed space & to breathe the fresh air. The gardens are beautiful year round and make us feel like we have gone to the country. The kids love Climbers and Creepers, an indoor interactive and educational play area for entertainment year round and for all weather! Cycles are not allowed within the gardens; however, joggers have been spotted trotting through the gardens. Spectacular giant lily pads fill one of the small glass houses and the Princess of Wales Conservatory houses aquatic plants and creatures alike. There is always an activity to do or special exhibit to see for all age groups. Cafes and shops are top notch and for tea try The Original Maids of Honour across the street.
If the day still allows hop back onto the Tube and stop off at Holland Park. Not nearly the crowds of Kensington Gardens, but all the beauty. Tucked away in a gorgeous West London neighborhood, men playing chess greet park-goers near the entrance. Kids will head straight for the top-notch adventure playground before chasing peacocks and squirrels. The peaceful Kyoto Japanese Gardens are perfectly manicured and complete with fish. Wander the trails and make sure to find the ice cream stand in the middle of the small park. In summer, the park hosts outdoor opera and Shakespearean events. High Street Kensington is in one direction while the lovely little shopping area of Holland Park is in the other, with gorgeous homes and mews.  hide

Large and crowded this area still deserves a half a day. Look for the Peter Pan statue, take in the Princess Diana Memorial and be sure to look at the gardens attached to the palace - absolutely stunning. Leave before lunch and the crowds and walk south down Sloane Street. Have lunch on the top floor of John Lewis for panoramic views of Kensington & Chelsea before walking a bit further down to Royal Hospital Road. One of the most fascinating city gardens is...read more

Large and crowded this area still deserves a half a day. Look for the Peter Pan statue, take in the Princess Diana Memorial and be sure to look at the gardens attached to the palace - absolutely stunning. Leave before lunch and the crowds and walk south down Sloane Street. Have lunch on the top floor of John Lewis for panoramic views of Kensington & Chelsea before walking a bit further down to Royal Hospital Road. One of the most fascinating city gardens is hidden behind towering brick walls near the Chelsea Royal Hospital. Founded in 1673 as an apothecaries garden to train students, the garden is still used today for education and medicinal research. Public hours are restricted to Wednesdays through Fridays and Sundays, April through October. Also on site are a nice little shop and a cafe. Events, activities and lectures are held regularly.  hide