14 Outdoor Spaces in London You (Probably) Didn’t Know Existed

Here are our nannies’ top picks for places to go outside with kids. Whether you’re in North, East, South or West London we’ve got you covered.

North London

Stephens House and Gardens, Finchley N3 

Entry is free to these landscaped gardens, full of wildlife, and there’s a lovely cafe with plenty of outdoor seating. There’s also a sizeable playground with a fantastic sandpit which is great for the little ones. Stephens House and Gardens has lots of space for some fun with picturesque views!

Islington Boat Club, Islington N1

The Islington Boat Club does kids sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays – we’re so happy they’re back open again! They offer loads of exciting outdoor activities: kayaking, swimming, narrow boating, bell boating, power boating and mountain biking.

It’s a brilliant place for children to push their boundaries and meet new friends. Staff are qualified instructors, who are always supportive and encouraging of any kids or adults who are attending sessions. Youth sessions are recommended for 9-16 year olds. Keep an eye out for when they reopen again. We’ve got our fingers crossed it will be soon!

Lordship Recreation Ground, Tottenham N17

Lordship Recreation Ground offers some outdoor fun and fresh air in the heart of Haringey. Its main feature is its ‘Model Traffic Area’, a scaled-down road network where children can bring along their bikes and scooters, designed to teach them about road traffic in a safe environment.

The children’s play area has a variety of play options from climbing boards, a play train, swings and slides. There’s also a pond, where you will find ducks and turtles. The grass field was well maintained and always seems inviting to just relax on or have a picnic.

East London

Jubilee Park, Leyton E10

This is one for pirate lovers. Jubilee Park itself isn’t too original, but the playground features a HUGE wooden pirate ship, and there’s a small cafe too to grab some takeaway food and a hot drink. If you fancy exploring, there’s a bridge over the railway (spot the Eurostar trains!) straight onto Hackney Marshes.

Mudchute Farm, Isle of Dogs E14 

Mudchute is a family friendly farm hidden within 32 acres of countryside within London, and with gorgeous views of the Canary Wharf skyline. It’s a tranquil place to spend the day and the sheep are very friendly! There’s a restaurant and a bar as well in the park, plus a space dedicated just for dogs to run free incase you’re planning to bring along a furry friend.

Woodberry Wetlands, Stoke Newington N16 

Woodberry Wetlands is a family-friendly haven for wildlife lovers, with 11 hectares of reed-fringed ponds it’s a wonderful escape from city life whilst staying in the heart of London. You can even view the unusual contrast between the nearby London tower blocks, and gorgeous wild wetland habitat. What’s more, the wetlands are free to visit every day, so if you’re looking for an inexpensive, fun and educational day out, head to Woodberry Wetlands.

South London

Horniman Gardens, Forest Hill SE23

Horniman Gardens is a beautiful space filled with animals and even musical instruments for children to play with! With lots of different gardens full of wonderful greenery and wildlife, there’s plenty of space to run around and play imaginative games within. On the grounds is also a museum which is well worth a visit. The gardens are a great space to enjoy with kids this summer.

One Tree Hill, Honour Oak SE23

One Tree Hill is a great South London haven, boasting amazing city views and lush landscapes to enjoy – it’s a hidden gem! The space is perfect to visit with bikes and scooters with the kids. Plus, because it’s tucked away, One Tree Hill should hopefully be a little less busy than some of the other parks around London this Summer. It’s an idyllic spot for some afternoon fun.

Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham BR3

Beckenham Place Park is a great spot for kids and dogs, covering a mighty 98 hectares. Its outdoor swimming lake should be reopened again after hibernating for winter, and if you don’t fancy a dip it still makes a gorgeous landscape to walk through. The park also holds a beautiful mansion which operates as a community centre and cafe. So grab an ice cream from the cafe, take your camera and enjoy a stroll through nature.

Oxleas Wood, Greenwich SE18 

If you’re based in South London, you may have exhausted Greenwich Park, but likely haven’t Oxleas Wood. Set within Oxleas Meadows, the wood is full of dens, rope swings and “secret” gardens for kids to enjoy – plus big open areas for picnics if you catch some great weather, overlooking great views of London. If you don’t fancy packing a picnic, you’ll find a lovely little cafe for a takeaway-something. Oh, and there’s free parking!

Deen City Farm, Morden SW19

Deen City Farm is hoping to reopen in April, just in time for the second half of the Easter break. The farm is free to visit and hidden off a busy road – a piece of serenity in Greater London. With many types of animals and a small park, it’s a great way to spend time with the family. They have all sorts of farm animals from the usual cows, pigs and sheep, to the more unusual alpaca, ferrets and owls (and more). It’s a day out you and the kids really won’t forget! If you’re looking to get even more stuck in with some animal friends, they also have a riding school to book some horse and pony riding lessons with.

West London

Wandsworth Common, Wandsworth SW12

Wandsworth Common has ponds, looking beautiful in the spring weather, where you can feed the ducks and unwind. There’s also a new playground where you’ll find a caged football pitch with a synthetic surface – perfect for kids looking to practice their footy skills while school is off.

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Battersea Park, Battersea SW11

Battersea Park has everything you would want and more from a park. Set within 200 acres, the Victorian park has loads to do from a boating lake, children’s zoo, running track, kids tennis, riverside promenade, ecological areas to explore, playgrounds and even a Go Ape for the more adventurous… Aaaand breathe. This park is a whole day out and more by itself!

Diana Memorial Playground, Kensington W2

The Diana Memorial Playground has been stated by our nannies as, “just amazing”. The pirate ship and sand are the main attractions, but there’s also a boating lake and a Will to Win tennis centre. They hold kids classes if you’re looking for something active for the kids to do too, to get them burning off all that summer-fuelled energy.

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