Four Places to Experience the Countryside in London.

By Posted in - London & UK on July 19th, 2012

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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

Wood Pond, Hampstead Heath

Photo by tonyhall via Flickr.

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

Vauxhall City Farm

Photo by by secretlondon123 via Flickr.

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

Red Deer in Richmond Park

Photo by Bruno Girin via Flickr.

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

Kew Gardens October 2010

Photo by AndyRobertsPhotos via Flickr.

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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(13) awesome folk have had something to say...

  • Jarmo -

    July 19, 2012 at 3:50 pm

    Yeah, when you are in London, it’s easy to forget that there is a whole world out there!

  • Marsha -

    July 19, 2012 at 4:21 pm

    London’s more urban areas are wonderful but I still wish I’d known about these when I visited last year. Sure to be a popular resource for all the visitors pouring into London for this year’s Olympics!

    • Bethany -

      August 2, 2012 at 8:56 am

      Thanks for commenting Marsha! I was surprised to learn about these spots as well. 🙂

  • Andi -

    July 20, 2012 at 1:38 pm

    They all sound lovely! That 1st image is incredible!!!

  • Martyn -

    July 22, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    You really have to leave London to get true countryside though. I left 2 years ago for Edinburgh. There’s more green within a 5 minute walk of my front door than there is in the whole of London! That said I used to love Epping Forest out by Theydon Bois, really beautiful trails out there.

  • Catherine -

    July 23, 2012 at 10:44 am

    That is an awesome picture of Hampstead Heath! I would also suggest looking at the over-grown grave yard/wood in Stoke Newington!

  • Sean -

    July 23, 2012 at 11:39 am

    London is magical and those images remind me of the days when I lived there. It’s an immense city with so much to discover. Thanks for really nice post, Sean

    • Bethany -

      August 2, 2012 at 8:57 am

      Thanks for commenting Sean – glad you liked the post. 🙂

  • Simon -

    July 23, 2012 at 12:10 pm

    I love Richmond Park! The first time I went there I had no idea that wild deer roamed the park – so it was quite a surprise when I arrived to find a herd of deer causing mischief with the traffic passing through!

  • Tanielle -

    July 28, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    Colne Valley Park in West London is another great example of countryside charm in the city. The park is great for Golf enthusiasts and features many sporting activities, water reserves and woodlands. It is also parted by the busy M25 motorway.

    • Bethany -

      August 2, 2012 at 8:57 am

      Thanks for commenting Tanielle and sending us your suggestion. The Colne Valley Park sounds really lovely!

  • Elaine -

    April 19, 2013 at 8:44 am

    Kew Gardens is one of my favorites. That place is gorgeous! The treetop walkway is very neat. I haven’t been to any of the other locations but will definitely be checking them out. Thanks for the post!

  • Annie -

    June 9, 2013 at 1:07 pm

    Can anyone guide me as to where my family can stay , as we want to experience the beautiful countryside and yet have access to the city. I do hope to drive in the countryside ? We should be there in July.
    THank you