Hyde Park
The largest of London's parks, Hyde Park is an expanse of rambling greenery that links the Notting Hill and Kensington districts to Marble Arch. Nestled away in its confines among many other attractions you'll find the Diana Memorial Fountain, the Hyde Park Riding Stables and Lake Serpentine, where on hot days swimmers compete with the ducks for the best areas to splash around in.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
Kew Gardens, home to historic Kew Palace, is quite simply the biggest collection of living plants you will find anywhere. Officially listed as a World Heritage Site, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew contain exotic palms, giant waterlilies, a woodland glade, rhododendron dell, bamboo garden and much more.
London Wetland Centre
Opened in 2000, the London Wetland Centre is 40 hectares of wetland, reed beds, lagoons and ponds. There you can observe exciting, rare wildlife in their natural habitat. Often observed breeds include kingfishers, woodpeckers, goldfinches, redshanks, buzzards, gladwall and shoveler ducks.
Regent's Park
Formerly a royal hunting ground, Regent's Park consists of landscaped gardens, wetland, reed beds, woodlands, playing fields, a rose garden and even an outdoor theater. Many a Londoner's favorite park, Regent's has been used in several notable films, among them "Bridget Jones's Diaries," "About a Boy" and "American Werewolf In London."
The Tower of London
Located on the north bank of the Thames, Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is one of the most famous historical monuments in Great Britain. With a central tower dating back to 1078, the Tower of London over the course of its lifetime has been used as a fortress, a royal palace, a prison and a museum. Official home to the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, the fortress and grounds of the Tower of London are one of the city's true must-see destinations.
ZSL London Zoo
Dating back to 1828, ZSL London Zoo is actually one of the most modern and humane zoos you are likely to visit anywhere. The traditional cages have long since been replaced by animal-friendly enclosures, and ZSL London Zoo presents a splendid opportunity to closely observe some 650 different species. With tigers, giraffes, seahorses, pelicans, apes and pythons among them, the ZSL London Zoo has a little something for everyone.
