The best local parks & gardens
The best local parks & gardens in south west London and Surrey
Enjoy some fresh air with the kids, with our pick of the best parks and gardens in south west London and Surrey
Main image: Kew Gardens (c) RBG Kew
Get the kids off their screens and head out to one of these great outdoor spaces in our neighbourhoods. We have a fantastic array of parks in south west London and Surrey that are perfect for families.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
As well as enjoying the fresh air and outdoor space, children can also discover the world of science behind the botanical collection, with over 50,000 living plants which can be found across the UNESCO World Heritage site. Also experience the children’s garden, which is the size of 40 tennis courts, the children’s garden features a range of fun attractions designed to show kids all the things plants need to grow: earth, air, sun and water. Children can also enjoy the treetop walk. Admission fee.
Mostyn Gardens
Merton Park
Tucked away in Merton Park is Mostyn Gardens which covers around 4 hectares. The land was once part of Merton Common, then became the location of brickworks, before being laid out as a park in the 1930s. There are play areas, an outdoor gym and tree lined avenues for dog walkers, and Poplar Road Community Scooter Park is also close by.
Holland Gardens
West Wimbledon
Located in West Wimbledon, Holland Gardens are accessible from Cambridge Road, Pepys Road and Cottenham Park Road. This garden was given as a gift to Merton in 1928 by Lady Holland to remember her husband Sir Arthur Holland who founded Wimbledon and Mitcham libraries. Holland Park has tennis facilities, ornamental gardens and outdoor table tennis available for all to play.
Wimbledon Park
This popular park offers two separate play areas with a good range of equipment for toddlers and older kids. There is a paddling pool and a crazy golf course, too, as well as a lovely lake, and beach volleyball and tennis courts. Wimbledon Park
Boston Manor Park
Brentford
The largest green open space in Brentford offers 34 acres of historic park, woodland, lake and meadow and home of the listed Boston Manor House. The grounds slope to the River Brent, and Grand Union Canal and recently they have added a wildflower meadow and the walled garden has been restored. There is also an ornamental pond, a nature trail and children’s playground.
Claremont Landscape Garden
49 acres of landscape garden tucked away in Surrey, Claremont has a grass amphitheatre, Belvedere Tower and recently restored North Terrace. Claremont has been around for more than 300 years. Admission fee.
Oasis Nature Garden
Clapham
This Nature Garden offers free and inclusive environmental play sessions for children aged 5- 12 years old after school and in the school holidays. All members of the community are welcome to enjoy the garden and all it has to offer including a wildlife pond, fire circle, wildflower meadow, mud kitchen and tree house.
Bishops Park
Fulham
Bishops Park is in the south of the borough next to the River Thames, and is one of the most popular and well-used parks in Fulham. In the park there is a toddler’s playground, a junior playground, skate bowl, table tennis tables, basketball goal and waterplay for all ages during the summer months.
Palewell Common
East Sheen
A stone’s throw away from Richmond Park, Palewell Common offers activities for all the family, including a nine-hole pitch and putt course, football and cricket pitches, and a play area and a paddling pool. There is also a café and changing rooms.
Hampton Court Palace And Gardens
King Henry VIII’s famous retreat offers extensive grounds, from manicured lawns to a wilderness garden and a maze. It is also home to the Magic Garden – one of the best playgrounds in the area and offers mythical beasts, battlements, and a secret grotto. Imaginations can run wild as they cross bridges into turrets, hide out in secret dens or tackle the sandpit guarded by dragons. Admission fee.
Bushy Park
Stroll around the wild and beautiful parkland, and stop in for ice cream at the Pheasantry Cafe. There is also a couple of great playgrounds in Bushy Park – the one near the Diana Fountain has a selection of play equipment, a sandpit and a large shelter should you be caught in a downpour or need a break from the sun.
Battersea Park
Battersea Park has so much going for it, with views of the river, and fantastic walks. Children love it here – it has a zoo with an adventure playground, complete with fire engine and helicopter to play in, as well as a free playground in the wider park for all age groups. Battersea Park, free. Zoo: check website for prices.
Richmond Park
A great walk can be had to Pembroke Lodge – reward the kids with a divine ice cream from the kiosk. Stroll around the beautiful gardens there and then head out to the wilder parkland out of the back gate towards Petersham Gate. Petersham Playground has a sandpit and waterplay, swings, and a big climbing frame. Richmond Park, free.
