London & Partners

The Royal Parks
Autumn is a special time to visit these beautiful open
spaces, many of which were once the grounds of royal
homes, and now property of the Crown. Filled with fun
activities or offering a peaceful retreat from city life this
month, they form some of the biggest green areas in
London. Usually open from 07.00 until dusk, but check
individual times at royalparks.org.uk
Bushy Park, Hampton, Middlesex. A charming park north
of Hampton Court Palace. t Hampton Court/
Teddington. Off map.
Green Park, SW1. A peaceful haven near St. James’s
Park. Ë Green Park. Map C4-5/D4-5.
Greenwich Park, SE10. Encompassing the Royal
Observatory (p. 33) and offering spectacular views.
Ë t Greenwich and Ë Cutty Sark. Map inset.
Hyde Park, W2. Swim (in summer), boat on the lake, ride
horses, or listen to speeches at Speakers’ Corner. Ë Hyde
Park Corner/Lancaster Gate/Marble Arch. Map C3-4/D3.
Kensington Gardens, W8. The grounds of Kensington
Palace and a continuation of Hyde Park.
Ë Lancaster Gate/Queensway. Map C1-2/D2.
Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, NW1. Home to
ZSL London Zoo (p. 39), plus fabulous views from the hill
Ë Baker Street/Regent’s Park. Map A3/4.
Richmond Park, TW10. London’s largest open space was
once a royal hunting ground. Ë Ë t Richmond. Off map.
St. James’s Park, SW1. Pretty ornamental park with a
lake. Ë St. James’s Park. Map C5/D5.
OTHER PARKS AND HEATHS INCLUDE:
Battersea Park, SW11. Large, elegant Victorian park by
the River Thames. Lovely walks, a small zoo, and great
views across the river. t Battersea Park. Off map.
Hampstead Heath, NW3. Ancient parkland covering
790 acres and boasting wonderful views (especially from
Parliament Hill), sports fields and Kenwood House.
Ë Hampstead/Tufnell Park/Belsize Park. Off map.
Holland Park, W8. Enchanting park with a Japanesestyle
Kyoto Garden. Ë Holland Park. Off map.
Kensington Gardens
behind the London Eye,
and passing major London
landmarks (with entertaining
commentary), before the
thrilling ‘splash-down’ into the
River Thames. Multiple daily
departures from 10.30.
Tickets £21, child £14.
Chicheley Street, SE1.
020 7928 3132.
londonducktours.co.uk
Ë t Waterloo. Map D6.
MIND THE GAP TOURS
Two-wheeled tour provider
arranges small group
excursions that take visitors
off the beaten track to
London’s lesser-known gems,
including gentle riverside
cycles (p. 18). Tours Sun-Tues
at 09.15. Tickets £69.
07768 310005.
mindthegaptours.com
ORIGINAL LONDON
SIGHTSEEING TOUR
With over 60 years
experience, these multilingual
open-top guided bus tours
take you to the city’s best
attractions, allowing you to
hop on and hop off at more
than 90 stops. Tickets include
walking tours and a river
cruise. Tickets £26, child £13
(two days for the price of one
until 28 Feb).
17-19 Cockspur Street, W1.
020 8877 2120.
theoriginaltour.com
Ë t Charing Cross.
Map C5.
SEE LONDON BY
NIGHT TOUR
Atmospheric double-decker
bus tours that explore the
West End and City through
the cloak of night. Regular
departures from Green Park
daily 19.30-21.20, pick-ups
include Westminster Bridge.
Tickets £15, child £10.
Green Park, SW1.
020 7183 4744.
seelondonbynight.com
Ë Green Park. Map C5.
Tours – Walking
BIG BUS
WALKING TOURS
There are four walking tours
to choose from, including
Ghosts By Gaslight and Royal
London; routes vary, please
call for details. Walks are free
with the Big Bus Tour, or £5
if purchased separately. Daily
from Trafalgar Square.
48 Buckingham Palace
Road, SW1. 020 7233
9533. bigbustours.com
Ë t Victoria. Map D4.
GREENWICH
ROYAL TOURS
Led by a fun and informative
guide, discover local gems
including Greenwich Market,
Old Royal Naval College,
Queen’s House, Greenwich
Royal Observatory and the
Cutty Sark. All tours include
admission fees and the full
day tour includes a pub lunch.
Small groups. Daily tours
09.30-16.00. Tickets £75,
concessions £65; half-day
tours 12.30-16.00. Tickets
£45, concessions £40.
0800 542 1200.
greenwichroyaltours.
com Ë t Greenwich/
Cutty Sark. Map inset.
GOTOMIDTOWN
Themed 45-minute
tours around central
neighbourhoods including
Bloomsbury, Holborn and
St. Giles. All tours are free
and there’s no need to book.
Most meet 13.00 by the
orange information kiosk
outside Ë Holborn station,
though some meet at the
the Gotomidtown tourist
information shop.
56 New Oxford Street,
WC1. 020 7078 7077.
gotomidtown.co.uk
Ë Tottenham Court Road.
Map B5.
JACK THE
RIPPER TOUR
Richard Jones of London
Walking Tours is an author
of books on Jack The
Ripper, and leads these
popular walking tours with
his expert knowledge. It’s an
informative, intriguing and
chilling look at the city’s most
fearsome former resident.
Numbers are limited for a
better experience. Booking is
essential. Tours depart
daily from outside Ë Aldgate
East at 19.00. Tickets £9.
020 8530 8443.
rippertour.com
SIGHTSEEING
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