Probably the jewel in Beckenham's crown and easily the finest park in the area. Like all great…read moreparks, this was originally the landscaped gardens of the Kelsey Manor Estate. Encouraged by the local newspaper, the Beckenham Urban District Council purchased it 100 years ago, saving it from extinction. Built on the River Beck, the large ornamental lakes provide an amazing array of waterfowl that I'd always taken for granted. Maybe it's because I used to be easily scared by Canadian Geese! Apparently, if you want to see Herons in the South East of England, this is the place to go. Alternatively, do what I do and just talk to the Canadian Geese like a madman. Not so scary now, are you? The park is very long, and not very wide in sections, and long walks meander through the trees and over the river. Large lawns provide awesome picnicking and loafing opportunities. What I like about the park is the many elements working together to create a park for all. The Northern sections of the park are quieter, whilst the South East of the park has all the action, with a Children's play area, tennis courts and a recently-refurbished cafe. I really love this park. No, it isn't well-known and you're not going to see it referenced in a movie but it's our St James' Park. And from the amount of use it sees, everybody around here agrees.

I really enjoy coming down to this quaint little park just down from the Natwest in Beckenham high…read morestreet for a bit of parklife in the summertime. The main focal point is a small lake populated by Canada geese and ducks, running down to a small waterfall and stream (no it's not for sale). You can probably walk it in about 15 minutes, but what's the hurry? Loadsa room to find a spot even when its perfectly sunny; I've spent some really lazy summer afternoons here relaxing with friends and a picnic without being bothered by anyone else. There's room for a kickabout or a spot of Frisbee, a couple of tennis courts and a good sized play area etc for the kids to scream and run around in if that's your thing. There's usually an ice cream van in the middle, but I doubt there'll be much need for him in winter.

A nice place with a lovely open scenery for walking but several including one of my children have…read morealmost drowned in the lake after falling over face first into it.... Going to this location I would suggest keeping your kids well away from the lake Also a while back a murderer used the woodland as a hiding place and wasn't found by the police until six days after he was sleeping there... It's s great place but is it a safe place?

The Five Arches is an area of woodland and open grassland so names because of the five arches that…read moremake up the bridge across the river that runs through it. In the summer, children often paddle in the water and throw stones into the water from the bridge. There's also a park for children to play in which has been modernised to include some exciting looking playground toys. The wooded area provides a fun alternative for youngsters wanting to climb amongst the trees and play hide and seek and a local pub, The White Cross, is a great place for a drink and snack afterwards.

What ostensibly looks like a shabby greenhouse in an unassuming corner of Avery Hill Park (part of…read moreGreenwich university's Southwood site) reveals, quite literally, an oasis. Said to contain the largest palm tree in Europe, this centrepiece is surrounded by a menagerie of tropical plants and succulents. It's barely a fraction the size of Kew Gardens or the Eden project, but they don't have a prized marble of a reclining Galatea, do they?

This magnificent piece of architecture misses out the most important thing that should be in a…read moreglasshouse: plants! Horticultural knowledge - and perhaps even watering - is much needed at this site. I am amazed that they claim the glasshouse is the second largest in England - what is available for the public is a poorly maintained structure where plants are not at the centrepiece, and is worrying to see how little cared for this site is. Can the University not enthuse its many students to volunteer and help to bring this amazing site to its former glory?

Great park! There's a grand building at the top of the park, which houses a very modern library…read more Inside the park, there's a cafe which serves some basic sandwiches, soups, and pastries as well as a range of drinks. Very child-friendly - its always filled with kids running around on the weekends. There's a lake in the middle of the park. You'll be hard pressed to find a more lively and kid-friendly park in the area!

This is such a beautiful little park - another hidden gem in Lewisham. It was recently refurbished…read more- to quote the website A successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Board has enabled the restoration of the gardens and its built facilities. Works included the re-establishment of the original vistas from the Manor House, the introduction of a walled flower garden, the restoration of the lake and installation of a fountain. In addition the original ice-house has been restored and is open to the public on request. Other new features include a popular cafeteria, multi-sports ball court and tennis courts as well as a children's playground. It's truly lovely - great playground, a wonderful cafe that also sells handmade wooden toys, a farmer's market every first Sunday of the month and a lovely duckpond. Perfect for riding bikes and scooters. The cafe is situated right next to the playground so the grown ups can sip cappucino while watching the little uns on the swings, slides and climbing frames. Also recommend the crepes - yummy! I can't believe it's took me so long to find it. A real gem.

This is a wonderful place to visit in Eltham, very close to Eltham Palace and just down the road…read morefrom the old army barracks. This is a tranquil little haven for wildlife, trees and fauna. There are many squirrels which will actually come up and take food from your hand they have become so tame. There are many wild fowl including ducks and swans and there is an island in the middle of the little lake which is famous for toads. There are little bridges back and forth over the water and it really is an idillyic place to take the children or to go for a romantic stroll. It is kept by Greenwich parks this is from their website and I quote...... A beautiful landscaped garden and lake with interesting wild fowl. Many original features have been retained from the 1930s. There is also a picnic area and an 18th Century ice well. The ice well served as a storage area for ice, to be used by the kitchen staff at Eltham Palace. I have enjoyed many an afternoon out with my kids here and have taken some wonderful photos. It is fully accessible to wheelchairs however there are some very steep slopes, there are no toilet facilities on site for anyone. Worth a visit, take some nuts for the squirrels and bread for the ducks, sit on a bench and watch the world go by, next to the Green chain walk, easy parking nearby.

Really pretty park with lovely walks and scenery close to Eltham palace and shops…read more I love to come here on a Sunday cos its really peaceful and quiet!

Magnificent palace located in a far out London suburb. This palace was for a time, the home for the…read moreCourtaulds family who built a magnificent house attached to a mediaevel hall. The hall was all what remained of a Royal palace. But its foundations have been partly excavated and exposed for public viewing in the magnificent gardens. If you love art deco interiors, then you will love this place which still remans fresh and contemporary with its numerous en suite bathrooms and fitted bedrooms. And a simply beautiful lobby with a unique domed ceiling. Do buy a bag of carp food and have fun feeding the greedy fishes!

My fiancé and I visited from the US and we're looking to visit some unique attractions in England…read more This is one of them. A beautiful Art Deco house! The staff was very friendly. They have beautiful gardens to stroll in as well. If you can appreciate vintage/antique Art Deco architecture you'll enjoy walking around this palace. They also have a tea room at the end of the walk which we enjoyed a pot of tea and a slice of maple walnut coffee cake. Very good.

This section of the capital ring can be really lovely! Although I love wandering through the woods…read morein the previous section, this part is nice too- just in a different way. Most of the walk follows the same route as the green chain walk, through parks and playing fields. Even the sections that go through suburban areas have sooo many blossoming trees that it is a truly pretty walk. Highlights: - Once we walked this route backwards in spring time and there are sooo many blossom filled streets. South London can be stunning. - Eltham Palace - It looked like they were having some sort of wedding fair when we wandered past, so we avoided it...it still looks like a nice place to explore though. - There is a bit of a (not steep) climb which gives you a chance to look down into the city, the shard and the rest of London...but it looks pretty far away! - Part of the path is a bridle way, so you might get to see horses. We saw several horses in the fields, but none of the path. We also got to meet some pretty cheek-looking donkeys. I can't think of many downsides for this section. It is a really pleasant walk, not too hard and pretty well sign posted. You might find it too easy...but you can combine it with one of the sections either side to make it a little longer. We found that there were not many trains into Grove park at the weekend, so you might have to wait a while to get back into central London. The map for this section is here: http://content.tfl.gov.uk/capital-ring-section-2.pdf and you can find the whole map here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zi2kcos2sUj8.kVWGrVC8hy7s&hl=en_US

Hilly Fields, To those that don't know then read Henry Williamson. He was born there, read 'The…read moreDark Lantern' the first of his 15 vols called 'The Chronical of ancient sunlight' the library will have all 15 vols, beautiful descriptions of the Hilly fields from 1895 to the beginning of WW1. The most detailed descriptions of life at those times of the whole area. Bert Collins

Tucked between Brockley and Ladywell in South East London this park is a great place for locals to…read morecome and relax on a hot Summer's day. As the name suggests it's not the flatest of spaces but it is definitely a large enough space of green to escape the urban sprawls of surrounding Lewisham, New Cross, Catford et al. Great for an evening stroll, a Summer picnic or just if your craving a nice view. You can see for miles from it's highest point. A good place for locals, but as the previous reviewer noted possibly not the most notable of areas if you're a tourist..

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses…read more This park consists of 37 acres of open space which make up the Chislehurst and Walden Recreation Grounds. There are two fields linked by a walk through Whyte's Wood with its many birds, flora and fauna and even a trunk carved by Will Lee of some bears. Further woodlands and undeveloped open space stretch on from Walden Rec. During the winter when the trees have no leaves you can see Canary Wharf from the top of the hill. A Green Chain Walk runs through this park, linking the recreation grounds to an extensive network of footpaths. Chislehurst Recreation as it is known, is home to Elmstead Football Club (new grass and layout 2013) and the Chislehurst Lawn Tennis Club. Both clubs cater for all ages and run coaching sessions for children. You can also find the Chislehurst Invicta Scout Group in the grounds on the site of where the old playground used to be. The new playground area, was opened in May 2011. There is play things for all ages abilities. You can find a zip wire here, swings, slides, climbing train, etc. There is plenty of space to have picnics in the area and those wanting to sit in the shade, a circular bench surrounds a large oak tree. The play area is a dog-free zone as is fenced off. Events take place throughout the year such as Fireworks Night (fee) and Chislehurst Rocks (which is free) Chislehurst Rocks was held on September 6th 2014. Keep an eye on our events page for the date of next years free music festival. This park can be accessed from Walden Road, Empress Drive and the High Street. Limited on-street parking is available in Walden Road and Empress Drive. However this park is a short walk from the main High Street car park. The Library car park is even easier as it has a footpath leading directly into the park. Parking in both car parks is free after 6.30pm and on Sundays. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees.