Jurassic Kingdom Exhibition…read more My first tip, a big one, is arrive early. We arrived at 10.30 am to find the car park in Osterley Park filling up quickly. We had a few hours of wandering amongst the exhibits without be pushed from pillar to post. When we left, at 1.30 pm the queues at the entrance were long and the carpark almost full. Warning over, the reasons for this overcrowding will be explained in the following review. We were overwhelmed by this exhibit. Initially we wondered if it would be interesting for we 'oldies' and wondered where we could hire a couple of ankle-biters so we would not feel out of place. Our children being of the older age group. Even my grandchildren are 18+. However, those worries disappeared. Seeing those life size animatronic dinosaurs was, I hate the word, awesome. It was great seeing the reaction of the smaller members of each family. They were enthralled. An easy, well signposted, walk around with ample 'educational' signage at each model. We learned that the names had changed over our lifetime. Very interesting to see where in the world, as we know it now, each dinosaur was found. Half way round there was a refreshment area selling hot dogs, noodles, drinks etc etc. A very welcome break for a coke. But carrying on to see more of those wonderful 'models', I was getting to the point of thinking of them being real (think it was the sun and no hat, Sunday was a hot day). At the end there, again, was a watering area and we decided to something to eat. I decided to treat my partner to an al fresco meal. Least I could do. We sat on the grass eating our burgers LOL. I was pleasantly surprised at the prices. Not a fiddle for the captive audience but reasonable prices. Guys, this exhibition will be travelling the UK. Well worth a visit, especially if you have young ones. Prices are reasonable especially the family tickets. Make an effort but, REMEMBER, go early to avoid the rush and enjoy the exhibition. www.lovepopupslondon.com #lovepopupslondon www.jurassickingdom.uk

Osterley Park and House is a National Trust historic property situated near Isleworth about 30mins…read moreaway from Heathrow airport. This fantastic (originally Elizabethan) Georgian House and garden stand in a large parkland. The House was refurbished by the architect Robert Adam in the middle of the 18th Century and claims to be one of the finest examples of his work in the United Kingdom. The house still has original furniture, really amazing ceilings, objects d'art from China and Japan, a fine collection of paintings from the Venetian school. You can walk through the meadow at will or use the paths that have been mown through it and see butterflies, grasshoppers, beetles, etc.. it is very relaxing and particularly enjoyable on a sunny day, There is also a large area of parkland with a lake and some marvellous old trees. They have a cafe and shop onsite also. There is a small admission fee to see the house and the gardens.

Quiet stroll??? The M4 motorway runs over it!read more

Boston Manor is a great park located in Brentford. The park is home to Boston Manor House and this…read morepark once belonged to that house before being made public. It is well maintained and has lots of flowers and shrubs. There is also a playground for children and a tennis court. The park also features a nature trail, however it is not recommended that it is walked when the soil is wet as your shoes will get very muddy! There is also a pond which is full of ducks and sometimes swans that are always very hungry. There are also many squirrels, more than I have seen in any other park, they are very lively and it is fun to watch them chase each other around. I would recommend this park if you want a quiet stroll of somewhere to take the family!

From the Ealing council web site: this is a 25-acre park which "derives its name from 'lammas' land…read more land on which manor tenants could graze cattle after a harvest in medieval times". Separated from Walpole Park (http://www.qype.co.uk/place/79344-Walpole-Park-London) by a single street between their corners, Lammas Park is a park of two halves. The nothern part is paths, trees, shrubs, nature area, bowling greens, croquet pitch, tennis courts, and a young child's play centre that often has lots of parents with prams. The southern part is much more open, with lots of area for football pitches, and a playground. There are a few flower beds. It's about the same distance around as Walpole (roughly a mile) which makes them a good "loop" for running. Lammas is farther from the centre of Ealing than Walpole, though, and so gets fewer visitors and no big events like the latter park.

Large green area near Northfields and South Ealing. Popular with runners, walkers and those looking…read moreto relax. There are 2 areas for kids to play with a fenced area with swings, slides, climbing frames etc. More than enough space for everyone on a popular day. There is a bowling green but have never seen people use it. Up by the Culmington Road end there are a number of tennis courts for those who want a game. Access times vary during the year dependent on when the sunsets.

A lovely little park over looking the River Thames. It has a play ground on one end with a small…read morecafe to purchase simple food. Took my niece there so she could learn to use her roller blades on the the path that surrounds the park. Defo go back there

In terms of parks in Ealing, Blondin is quite small and although it has been recently cleaned up,…read moreit still has a little grafitti, which I personally don't really mind, but it isn't the most picturesque park. However, an advantage is that it is a lot more quiet than the other local parks, so it's great to go there if you want a guaranteed picnic place for a large number of people. The orchards are also quite good to ride your bike around as the paths have smooth tarmac and easy access from main roads such as Boston Manor Road, so it is a handy local park, but not as pretty as Lammas and Walpole.

Somebody might give it 4 stars because it's too sparsely populated, but there aren't many reasons…read morenot to love one of the crown-jewel London parks. I guess maybe if you don't like little baby deer (how couldn't you?). At 955 hectares, you'll be hard-pressed to make it one side to the other, let alone experience all this natural wonder has to offer (or to know what a hectare is). Even those artificial Pen Ponds seem natural, since they've been here since 1746. Be sure to come in spring to marvel at the azaleas in Isabella Plantation, and bring your bike for the myriad trails winding throughout the property, unless you'd prefer to bring your horse instead (horses love baby deer). Cover those baby deer's ears because we should note there's "culling" in February and November (say it isn't so). It's easy to arrive by train or tube if you're not just riding your bike/horse straight from home. If I lived that close (and had a horse) you know I'd be doing that often. Thanks Charles I for spending all those forced-tax dollars on a place you could put a bunch of deer, all those centuries ago. We'll look forward to another visit soon.

Vast and well maintained "wild" park. This is the park to go sight seeing for deer, Canadian geese,…read moreswans, all manner of ducks and lots of pet dogs. We walked 5 miles easy from the pedestrian entrance in Petersham to the large ponds and back. If you're taking the tube, get off at Richmond station and right outside the station, catch bus 371 to Richmond Hill pass the American University. When you get off, make a left and walk for a few minutes, you'll see the park entrance.

I wish I had planned a bit better because it took so long to get over to Kew Gardens and it's…read morereally beauty that needs about a half day to walk around in, so we ended up having to cancel our plans to see a second play to fully enjoy it. Don't buy your Kew Gardens tickets through Get Your Guide. You have to wait in the same line as purchasing regular tickets so it saves you no time and actually costs you more time than just buying them through their website. You're able to bring in food and water, which is fantastic if you're planning to stop by Ginger Pig and make a picnic out of it, which we did. The space is really pretty and their hot houses are delightful so make sure to bring your walking shoes and enjoy yourself!

This was a beautiful opportunity to get close to nature and enjoy quality time with my family where…read morethere was something for everyone. Kew Gardens- yeah I know - Metropolitan Ave, right between Forest Hills and Richmond Hill/Jamaica and 22 minutes from New York city; well this is the original, the Kew Gardens 22 minutes from London in the United Kingdom with a 22 pound( that's 30 dollars US )admission for adults and $8 US equivalent for kids up to age 15 , which I thought was awesome and so worth it. What we enjoyed - 37 acres of nature- wildflowers, tall grasses and beautiful trees. Shaded walkways as we witnessed gorgeous butterflies and dragonflies in their natural habitat. Comfy shoes please!!!!!!!! Suggestion- hire a tour guide for 20 pounds for the group ( that's $26 US) - worth it as they know which sites are popular, busy and their knowledge about the history of the trees and flowers is precious. Maximize your time here!!!! Then on to the Alpine House where we loved seeing some of the most resilient plants in an Artic induced environment. The best part of the day - the Hive - a recreation of a real beehive with the real sound that is 63 feet high( photo) with over 1500 LED lights and music symphony responding to the sounds in C- the very key the bees buzz in. You have to also get to the top of the 160 feet Great Pagoda for some nice photos. Thank you Kew Gardens for being open year round and having so much for the grandkids who are still buzzing ( fun pun) about it. You will need the full day to experience every awesome aspect here. They are open from 10-7.( The Hive closes at 6). Please buy your tickets online to save time. Furthermore get the subway or tube day or 3 day pass to avoid the lines or US credit card processing delays at the machines at the stations. Public transportation especially the tube or subway here in London is absolutely stellar. Parking here is crazy and expensive. So yes take the tube or taxis are $68-70 from Central London. Great day here! Fully recommend Kew Gardens as a must stop.

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.

Easily the largest park in the Shepherd's Bush/Hammersmith area. Very popular with families and dog…read morewalkers as you might expect. Despite being large it has quite a bit of character and is a much more pleasant walking route from the Ravenscourt Park station to my house than trotting up Conningham Road or whatever other awful roads. They're actually quite nice roads, the whole area is very agreeable and the park is a big contributer to that nice feeling. Good for frisbee.

This is an incredible park…read more Friends and family who visit from outside London are amazed by it. It's like one of those parks you see in old children's picture books. Not just a big expanse of green - though it has that, too - there are lots of winding pathways and a small lake with an island, ducks, swans and geese ...and three separate kids play areas, all with different activities including a zip wire, tyre swings and great climbing frames. There's a huge Paddling Pool and a sandpit. There are dog-free, dog-specific and general areas. Basketball court, football pitch, tennis courts, even a beautifully kept bowling green. And - my favourite - a walled scented garden with shaded benches. This park has everything. Not forgetting the great café, recently taken over by Fait Maison, which does drinks and food, with lots of outdoor and indoor seating and yet another play area. And if the yummy mummyness of that cafe is too much for you, the Ginko garden centre at the south end of the park (yes, it has a garden centre, too) also has a great cafe. And it's right next to Ravenscourt Park tube.

I love Richmond! I had to walk along the Thames to get here which was just so scenic and serene.read more

If you're walking along the riverside in beautiful Richmond, continue until you come to Old Palace…read moreLane. Turn-in, keep alert, and after a few paces, on the right-hand side, you'll notice an understated pale plaque on the wall. In pale lettering it informs you that this is the site of the former Richmond Palace, where Queen Elizabeth I spent many of her days and where she died in 1603. Sadly, most of the Palace was demolished after Charles I was executed and the plans for its later rebuilding, designed by Sir William Chambers, never came to fruition. However, if you wander up to the top of the very pretty lane you'll see some remaining walls together with a smaller, light-blue plaque commemorating the site. I stop here on most occasions when I'm in the area. It never fails to move me and to transport my imagination to how people lived then; to envisage late Tudor times and the experiences - sad and joyous - of the 'Virgin Queen'.