Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Hyde Heath

"After visiting Kensnigton Palace, if the weather is nice, I’d spend some time exploring Kensington Gardens and adjacent Hyde Park. Within this large green space, you’ll find a number of gardens, sporting area, statues, biking trails, and boat rentals (seasonal)."

"Have a luxurious stay at London’s very first elevated deluxe hotel with sweeping views of the city. It sprawls over the 34th to 52nd floor of the iconic Shard building – a masterpiece by architect Renzo Piano. With a closeness to the Tower of London and London Bridge railway and tube station, you can easily get around the city and enjoy the best attractions."

"A list of famous London buildings wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Britain’s tallest building. The Shard is one of the newest additions to the city’s skyline and one of the most astonishing architectural designs in the world. Take a stroll across the famous London Bridge and snap a photo as you stand at the foot of the incredible glass tower."

"Just over 5 years old, The Shard, as both the European Union’s and United Kingdom’s tallest building, has quickly become a London skyline fixture. For unforgettable City of London views, head to the open-air observation tower on the Shard’s 72nd floor!"

"What better place to start your London itinerary than with a visit to the Tower of London, home to the English Crown Jewels and the site of numerous key historical events, including the execution of all sorts of people who were deemed inappropriate by whoever was in charge at the time. These days there’s less blood running on the grass, but you will still find plenty to do, from popping in to see the monarch’s crown through to exploring the White Castle at the centre of the keep. My advice for getting the most out of your visit is to arrive as soon as the Tower opens, which is around 9am, and beating the crowds to the crown jewels. You’re likely going to want to spend at least an hour here, if not two – there is a lot to see (and photograph!) here."

"Discover the unique history of this medieval fortress, royal palace and infamous prison. 🏰 The Tower of London is home to the dazzling Crown Jewels 👑 and legendary Beefeaters 💂‍♀️ and ravens."

"Nowhere else does London's history come to life so vividly as it does in this mini city of 20 towers, the intimate details of lords and…"

"London is an eminently walkable city, and you’ll be able to take in the majority of the key highlights, from the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace through to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Then, on your second day, take advantage of that car and head out to some of the attractions outside of London. I’m thinking Windsor Castle, or Hampton Court Palace – both eminently explorable, and easy to reach with a car."

"Tower Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges in London, and one of the great London icons. This twin-towered bascule and suspension bridge was built in the late 19th century, and is one of the most recognisable symbols of London all over the world. If you visit the Tower Bridge Experience, you can climb one of the towers for an outstanding view of the city and river."

"If there ever was a defining landmark in London, it’s the Tower Bridge. Often mistaken by tourist as the London Bridge, the Tower Bridge is quite a bit more ornate and lovely than the plain London Bridge to it’s west. Traffic (both foot and car) abounds on the Tower Bridge, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit the inner workings of the bridge and learn all about it."

"Hampstead Heath Park London is one of the most loved parks in London. There’s plenty of things to do like visiting the Parliament Hill, Golders Hill Park-with a zoo and a gorgeous butterfly house, an open-air Lido, swimming ponds, splash pools, countless sports pitches and facilities, athletics track, playgrounds, stunning listed Pergola and Hill Garden. The list of things to do at Hampstead Heath doesn’t end!"

"#sky #hill #earlymorning #goodmorning #lovetheheath #earlymorning #sunrise #spring #walk #longwalk #hampsteadheath #theheath #hampstead #love #london #staystrong #lockdown #socialdistancing. A post shared by Junho Kim (@junbug_london) on May 26, 2020 at 10:32pm PDT. Escape the hustle and bustle of central London a mere four miles away inHampstead Heath."

"One of the more natural and untamed parks in London, Hamstead Heath is 320 hectares of parklands with stunning views over London from the top of Parliament Hill."

"Not technically a children’s farm, but we just couldn't resist including Golders Hill Park!. With its large expanse of greenery, it’s the perfect place for a picnic and some animal spotting. Golders Park is home to a large pond with both black and white swans, a deer park, butterfly house and even a small but free zoo where you can meet exotic birds and mammals including laughing kookaburras and ring-tailed lemurs - so there’s no shortage of animal fun here!"

"Next suggested stop is HMS Belfast(fee*), which is permanently moored on the Thames a short walk from Tower Bridge on the south bank. This historic warship, operated today by Imperial War Museums, will definitely be of interest to military buffs, or anyone with an interest in boats. Launched just before the outbreak of World War 2, this Royal Navy Light Cruiser saw action in both World War 2 and the Korean War, before being decommissioned in 1963."

"After you’ve crossed tower bridge, you might consider visiting HMS Belfast, which is permanently moored on the Thames a short walk from Tower Bridge on the south bank. This historic warship, operated today by Imperial War Museums, will definitely be of interest to military buffs, or anyone with even a slight interest in boats."

"Take a day trip to Winchester, where you can visit Winchester Cathedral (the site of Jane Austen’s grave) and Winchester Castle. You can also tour the City Mill or one of the numerous museums and science centres. Return to London for the night."

"The gable and rose window is all that’s left of the medieval palace of the powerful Bishop of Winchester who once ruled south of the river 1"

"Selfridges’ all-day restaurant Brasserie of Light stays true to its name. Illuminated by glowing orbs, the centre-piece is a 24ft crystal-encrusted statue of Pegasus by Damien Hirst, which soars over diners with its colossal 30-ft-wings outstretched – Hirst’s largest piece of artwork in London to date. Another of Martin Brudnizki’s projects, the restaurant was created as the final part of the department store’s £300 million investment in its London flagship."

"It’s not everyday you see a sparkling Pegasus adorning the ceiling while you’re tucking into a meal, but then again it’s not everyday you’re dining at Oxford Street’s Brasserie of Light. Designed by the legendary Damien Hirst, you’ll find this crystal-encrusted Pegasus tucked inside Selfridge’s. Oh, and the food isn’t half bad either."

"Found in the heart of Selfridges, it's no wonder that Brasserie of Light had to look just as impressive as the building it's housed in. Boasting a menu put together by Portuguese chef Emanuel Machado, not only can you expect elevated dishes, you can dine under a giant crystal horse put together by the notorious Hirst."

"The blood and viscera has long since been scoured away, making this museum a fascinating place to visit. Pioneering medical techniques were trialled here back in the day, and today, it holds the crown as the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe. Tickets for adults are £7.50."

"PRACTICAL INFORMATION: The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. Tickets cost £20 GBP (around $26 USD). Make sure to book your tickets and pick a time-slot in advance directly on the museum website."

"The London Hippodrome opened as a musical hall in 1900, with a young Charlie Chaplin starring in the first show performed at the venue. It was later transformed into a nightclub called The Talk of the Town, which hosted a Who’s Who of 20th century musical legends: Frank Sinatra, The Jackson 5, Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald are just a fraction of the names who played there. Subsequent owners included Peter Stringfellow, before the lease was acquired in 2009 by Jimmy and Simon Thomas, who opened the casino in 2012."

"A post shared by Mario (@_________mario_________) on Jan 22, 2018 at 9:44am PST. Head to Leicester Square for a night to remember at the historic Hippodrome Casino. Punters have been entertained on this site for more than 100 years, and with a 180-seat theatre hosting the best of jazz, swing, soul, burlesque and cabaret, there are plenty of years of entertainment to come."

"If you want a casino that is centrally located but doesn’t have quite to draw that the Casino at the Empire offers then you might want to consider the Hippodrome Casino. It’s also in Leicester Square and opened its doors for the first time in 2012. That means that it’s quire modern in style, as well as being one of the country’s biggest in terms of square footage."

"Located in Canary Wharf, Smollensky's is a fill your boots sort of place, with an emphasis on American-style dining. Grab a space on the terrace on a sunny day and work through the likes of steaks, burgers, and cajun-spiced chicken."

"Famous for pancakes drenched in hazelnut maple praline, Sunday in Brooklyn will be opening its first oversea venture in Notting Hill this summer. Expect proper American comfort food from morning until night. Think biscuits – not the British kind – and gravy, steak and eggs, plus sandwiches than can all be made “deluxe” or substituted for gluten-free bread."

"The New York restaurant Sunday in Brooklyn is opening a venue in Notting Hill, just 20 minutes’ walk from Paddington station. With signature dishes that include whole smoked artichoke, grilled swordfish, and clams with garlic breadcrumb, it’s hard not to get excited. Due to begin serving in July."

"Sunday in Brooklyn has been a big hit in New York - and they're the latest NYC restaurant to make a splash in Notting Hill. They have dishes from the original restaurant (including the famed pancakes) and a big focus on brunch. (Soft launch to 21 July)"