A nice place with a lovely open scenery for walking but several including one of my children have…read morealmost drowned in the lake after falling over face first into it.... Going to this location I would suggest keeping your kids well away from the lake Also a while back a murderer used the woodland as a hiding place and wasn't found by the police until six days after he was sleeping there... It's s great place but is it a safe place?

The Five Arches is an area of woodland and open grassland so names because of the five arches that…read moremake up the bridge across the river that runs through it. In the summer, children often paddle in the water and throw stones into the water from the bridge. There's also a park for children to play in which has been modernised to include some exciting looking playground toys. The wooded area provides a fun alternative for youngsters wanting to climb amongst the trees and play hide and seek and a local pub, The White Cross, is a great place for a drink and snack afterwards.

Probably the jewel in Beckenham's crown and easily the finest park in the area. Like all great…read moreparks, this was originally the landscaped gardens of the Kelsey Manor Estate. Encouraged by the local newspaper, the Beckenham Urban District Council purchased it 100 years ago, saving it from extinction. Built on the River Beck, the large ornamental lakes provide an amazing array of waterfowl that I'd always taken for granted. Maybe it's because I used to be easily scared by Canadian Geese! Apparently, if you want to see Herons in the South East of England, this is the place to go. Alternatively, do what I do and just talk to the Canadian Geese like a madman. Not so scary now, are you? The park is very long, and not very wide in sections, and long walks meander through the trees and over the river. Large lawns provide awesome picnicking and loafing opportunities. What I like about the park is the many elements working together to create a park for all. The Northern sections of the park are quieter, whilst the South East of the park has all the action, with a Children's play area, tennis courts and a recently-refurbished cafe. I really love this park. No, it isn't well-known and you're not going to see it referenced in a movie but it's our St James' Park. And from the amount of use it sees, everybody around here agrees.

I really enjoy coming down to this quaint little park just down from the Natwest in Beckenham high…read morestreet for a bit of parklife in the summertime. The main focal point is a small lake populated by Canada geese and ducks, running down to a small waterfall and stream (no it's not for sale). You can probably walk it in about 15 minutes, but what's the hurry? Loadsa room to find a spot even when its perfectly sunny; I've spent some really lazy summer afternoons here relaxing with friends and a picnic without being bothered by anyone else. There's room for a kickabout or a spot of Frisbee, a couple of tennis courts and a good sized play area etc for the kids to scream and run around in if that's your thing. There's usually an ice cream van in the middle, but I doubt there'll be much need for him in winter.

Norman Park hosted the big Bromley fireworks this year along with an enormous fun fair and bonfire…read more The event seemed well-run and safety personnel were present and visible. I'd like to return during the day as it seemed like a great flat space with a paved area that would be perfect for roller skating. Easily accessible from a few sides, not too muddy, lit well enough at night that it wasn't dangerous. It's not one of those beautifully tended, landscaped parks, but a good one for athletics.

It's a bit of a dull park really - just a big open circle of green - but it's quite a useful space…read morefor active people in the area. There are always people kicking around a football or football games going on at the weekends; or young athletes doing track practice; or joggers doing laps of the track. It's also a great place for dog walkers and there's a good community feel to this, as fellow dog walkers will always say hello to each other, which is quite nice! It's big enough to let dogs off the lead and let them run around and play with the other dogs - far enough away from any main roads. There are also the woods attaching onto Norman Park which you can venture off into. They usually have a really good fireworks display here each year too.

An idyllic destination a short drive from London, Painshill Park is a great place to spend a day…read moreenjoying the beauty of the English countryside. Created by the eccentric Charles Hamilton, the park was created as a "romantic landscape". Both organized and naturalistic, the park offers many vistas, perspectives and experiences. Created with a variety of follies dotting the landscape, the park offers panoramic views and interesting scenes. Views from the Gothic Temple and the Turkish Tent are breathtaking. While exploring the man-made grotto (which is currently undergoing renovation) you can't help but be in awe of Hamilton's vision while at the same time thinking "This guy must have been totally out there to build stalactites with lathe and plaster and then cover them in pieces of crystal!". Whether walking the grounds, bringing a blanket and a book and enjoying the solitude, Painshill Park is a wonderful place to visit. Be prepared to walk, as the park is large and very hilly. It's a good climb to the top of the Tower as well. Would definitely recommend this if you need a relaxing afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of London.

A grade 1 listed park, much renovated over the last 25 years, by the trust that owns it…read more Created by Charles Hamilton ,in the mid 18th century, after his 2 (obligatory) Grand Tours, he wanted to create an idyllic natural setting, around a lake, with water diverted from the river Mole. He was very succesful in this, and created a number of follies, a Grotto, and the unusual Turkish Tent. Many of the plants are of American origin, and were just becoming fashionable at the time. It's worth remembering it's a park like setting rather than a garden like Wisley. Reasonable cafe near the entrance, and the ever present gift shop. Worth chcking their website for offers, currently free entry on Wednesdays in November, children free at weekends, and A special Santa event. The Grotto is only open at the weekends. A great place for a walk on a sunny day, great views across the lake and Surrey.

Living in New Eltham we are blessed to have this lovely expansive park right on our doorstep. The…read morepark is a great place for walking the dog, for kids to play footie or just to wander through some of the ancient trees. There's a great cafe which is very cheap and does some great hot snacks and just outside the little kids are playing on the swings etc so great for families. It's a well kept park and right next to the university of Greenwich campus so you often see students laying out on the grass in the summer taking life in while they study.

A very large park which houses the famous winter gardens which are hothouses containing exoctic…read moreplants from around the world. These are maintained by the University of Grennwich next door. Adjacent to these is a walled rose garden ideal for relaxing on a summers day. In the center of the park is a childrens playground with a small cafe which serves excellent home cooked meals. The park houses several sports pitches which can be hired from the local council. The Green chain walk runs through the park

went to the park last week with our children and saw the new slide area which is absolutely…read moreterrible. To be able to get up to the slide, you have to crawl through small holes which are very dangerous if you step backwards and forget that it's there.. I'm surprised it's been allowed. Also considering it's near Great Ormond Street Hospital, you would think it was more of an SEN friendly park. Such a shame.

Wish the ground is soft neat foam like ground not dirt ground. Other than that seems more down to…read moreearth than US ones. Two bouncing crossing ropes" are extreme fun for 5 yrs n plus kids.

Woah! This park has it all! Also known as St Mark's Park…read more(after the street on which is located) Kensington memorial is brilliant and the perfect place for kids and adult to go crazy. This park has been recently refurbished and I am very happy because its like 10 mins away from mine. It is wheelchair accessible, has a adventure playground with colourful apparatus+ sand box, a larger play area for older children with space rockets climbing frames etc and a large water park that is an absolute blessing on these hot, hot day! And the best part?! It is all free!! There is also a small shop(open during the summer months) that sells hot/cold snacks and chairs and tables you can eat at. Lots of toilets, grass, shade etc. It also includes tennis courts, football, junior cricket classes and One O'clock club which is managed by Family and Children's Services. The park was opened in 1926 in memoriam to those who fell in the Great War.

I loved this beautiful set of lakes, they were absolutely magical. The springs that feed the Silent…read morePool (named so for how still, clear and beautiful it is) sit at the bottom end of the lake, and at the minute, you can't (aren't supposed to) go down to the end due to some subsidence on the path. I'm not saying I went down there anyway, but it's so amazing to see a natural spring. The water is a weird, blue colour and so crystal clear that you just want to dip your feet in, especially on a lovely warm day. It's an ancient, historic and oddly mythical lake. The only downside to me is that it's so small! It doesn't take twenty minutes to walk around it.

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses…read more This park consists of 37 acres of open space which make up the Chislehurst and Walden Recreation Grounds. There are two fields linked by a walk through Whyte's Wood with its many birds, flora and fauna and even a trunk carved by Will Lee of some bears. Further woodlands and undeveloped open space stretch on from Walden Rec. During the winter when the trees have no leaves you can see Canary Wharf from the top of the hill. A Green Chain Walk runs through this park, linking the recreation grounds to an extensive network of footpaths. Chislehurst Recreation as it is known, is home to Elmstead Football Club (new grass and layout 2013) and the Chislehurst Lawn Tennis Club. Both clubs cater for all ages and run coaching sessions for children. You can also find the Chislehurst Invicta Scout Group in the grounds on the site of where the old playground used to be. The new playground area, was opened in May 2011. There is play things for all ages abilities. You can find a zip wire here, swings, slides, climbing train, etc. There is plenty of space to have picnics in the area and those wanting to sit in the shade, a circular bench surrounds a large oak tree. The play area is a dog-free zone as is fenced off. Events take place throughout the year such as Fireworks Night (fee) and Chislehurst Rocks (which is free) Chislehurst Rocks was held on September 6th 2014. Keep an eye on our events page for the date of next years free music festival. This park can be accessed from Walden Road, Empress Drive and the High Street. Limited on-street parking is available in Walden Road and Empress Drive. However this park is a short walk from the main High Street car park. The Library car park is even easier as it has a footpath leading directly into the park. Parking in both car parks is free after 6.30pm and on Sundays. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees.