Four Places to Experience the Countryside in London

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This is a guest post by one of our UK readers. 

When you think of London, the first things that come to mind might be big buildings, busy people, and not a hint of the lovely English countryside in sight. If that’s the case, don’t be so sure, because the capital’s got a lot up its sleeve when it comes to grassy expanses and wildlife. So if you’re staying in London this summer and want a break from the concrete jungle, here are some places you can get some green space.

Hampstead Heath

The sprawling Heath covers a huge expanse of north London – 790 acres to be precise. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, as not only can you catch some of the best views of the city from Parliament Hill – also a popular spot for kite flying – but there are paths interweaving through woodland that’s as old as London itself, and masses of open space to tire out even the most energetic of dogs. The famous swimming ponds (separated into mens, ladies and mixed) are also open all year round for those who fancy a quick al fresco dip, and there’s a lovely café at the grand Kenwood House to warm up in afterwards.

City Farms

London’s city farms are dotted all around town, and can be found anywhere from Mudchute to Kentish Town and Vauxhall. With farm animals, horse riding lessons, gardens, and shops filled with fresh produce, these places serve to educate young Londoners and provide a taste of rural life in the big smoke. Not only are these farms a fun day out where you can swat up on your animal knowledge, but they’re a great spot for a family picnic on a sunny day. Most of the farms run seasonal events and are open all year round, too.

Richmond Park

At a massive 2500 acres, Richmond Park is London’s biggest Royal Park. Most famous for the 650 red and fallow deer that roam freely throughout the area, the park is also a conservation area and National Nature Reserve, with over 144 species of bird calling it their home. It’s not just wildlife that thrive here, but exotic plants in the Isabella Plantation; a woodland garden well known for its rhododendrons and azaleas during April and May. Visitors to the park during this summer’s Olympic Games will also be able to watch a section of the Cycling Road Race when the competitors pass through on 28th and 29th July.

Kew Gardens

With six glasshouses and acres of extensive grounds making up the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, this place is home to the the world’s largest collection of living plants. While there’s lots to see on the ground, from unusual bonsai trees to the ponds containing giant water lilies, as well as the iconic listed buildings dotted about, there’s also much to be seen from up above. A treetop walkway enables you to walk through a leafy canopy, while inside the Temperate House, a viewing gallery gives a bird’s eye view of the exotic plant life below; a must-visit for horticulturalists visiting the capital.

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