Strolling down the South Bank, we came across a really cool part of the South Bank Centre, the…read moreskate park. Just when you think you've seen the most of South Bank, this impressed me. On the lower level they had a skateboard park that had quite a few young kids/adults skating around. I really appreciated the use of space and thought this was a cool way to integrate activities for locals into this area which is known for being touristy. We stopped and watched for a bit, when I got home and looked into it - I read up that this skate park has been around since the early 70's! I knew I had to write a review about it and share my photos. "The space is unique as it grew organically into what is now widely recognized as the home of British skateboarding. As an import from California, skateboarding in Britain was difficult due to the weather. The Undercroft space provided the perfect environment for skating as it was covered from the rain, smooth, flat with unusual architectural features resembling the ramps Californians skated, but most importantly disused." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Live_Southbank

I'm not a skater, but wow - what an interesting place to people watch!…read more Skateboarders and occasionally a few rollerbladers, this skate park is a nice place to get some shade along the South Bank. What make this place for me? The unique graffiti expressions on the wall. Artistic!

While there's quite a few bits and pieces hidden away in Victoria Park, with this one they go a bit…read morefurther: there's no paths leading to it at all. It's adjoining Grove Road where it goes through the park, and on the park side it's bounded by open grass. It's not massive, but contains a few lowish metal ramps and some railings for tricks. I don't actually do the sports myself so can't really comment, but it looks a little square and restricted to me. Still, the ramps do look in good condition, and it's not overly crowded. Incidentally this park is currently appearing on one of the little joke sponsor messages during the current series of Big Brother (other locations around Victoria Park also appear), so you if you watch that, look out for it!

Hove Lagoon skate park has one of the coolest locations you could hope for in so far as it's…read moreliterally a stone's throw away from the beach. The layout is good too. Unlike many of the more public skate parks to be found in the UK the space between its features is not to vast as to have used up all your momentum before you reach whatever you were hooning towards. There is the usual jump box in the centre with a large flat bank at the lagoon end and both a quarter pipe and a flat bank flanking each end of the moderately sized half pipe at the east side of the park. The park is more family orientated than other public parks, so expect Groms. On the plus side this means that as a skater you are less likely to have to contend with agro BMXers and the usual pusher types. What's more if you hit it on a week day or later in the evening it should be relatively quiet. The surface is great too the whole park is marble smooth from the ground to the top of the ramps, but this does make it impossible to use if it's at all wet. On the whole due to it's great locating, relaxed vibe and great combination of features this is a sweet park to session regardless of what your chosen board, bike or style is.

I don't know how anyone could have anything negative to say about Primrose Hill. Perhaps I'm biased…read moreas it's the closest park to me (Hampstead Heath being the second) but I just find it so idyllic. On a warm day you'll find many people having picnics, walking their dogs, or just enjoying the view. There are also many cafes and shops within walking distance, so if you find you want something to eat you can easily get to a cafe in 10-15 minutes walking. I personally recommend Lemonia or Alma for a nice lunch. Overall I think Primrose Hill is magical and I will spend every possible second of free time I have there

An amazing spot for a picnic or even to just watch the sun rise or set. Being on the hill gives you…read morean amazing view of the city skyline and it's just so beautiful!

The park has been around since the 1500s and is nearly 350 acres. I've visited a couple of times…read morebut don't think I'll ever be able to cover it all. Artwork throughout the park as well as memorials. On our first visit we saw war memorials. There's one for Princess Di as well. You can swim in the lake (I've not done that...yet). Another green space offering serenity from the hustle and bustle of a big city.

On our last full day in London, we spent the day at Hyde Park, one of London's most famous public…read moreparks. We purchased sandwiches at Harrods Food Hall, and ate our lunch in the park (we also purchased some beer and wine at a cafe in the park). It was a beautiful spring day, not too hot, not too cold -- just perfect. While we didn't see the entire park (at 350 acres, that would be impossible), we had a great day -- Hyde Park was one of the highlights of my time in London. We spent the majority of our time in Hyde Park watching the birds at the waterfront. I'm not a bird expert, but I saw at least nine different kinds of birds: swans, geese, Canadian Geese, ducks, seagulls, herons, pigeons, starlings, and crows. And further in the park, we saw parakeets. The diversity was amazing! If you're in London, Hyde Park is a MUST MUST MUST SEE! It also makes for an inexpensive day. Other things to note: you must pay to use the toilet, but it's only 20p. However, you can't pay by cash, only by credit card (which was fine by me, as I hate cash), and unlike Amsterdam, which charged €1, the washroom was CLEAN (there was an attendant). While I'm not a fan of paying to use the washroom, at least it was cheap (unlike Amsterdam), clean (unlike in my city or Amsterdam), and hassle free (unlike Amsterdam). [Yelp collections: Europe 2024; London, England; Parks and Gardens]

Visited here for a gig and while the event itself was great and the building itself is quirky and…read morecool, the insane bar queue, slow staff and the cider running out very early on let it down. Extra point given because the venue has a free photobooth. I am a total sucker for a photobooth and if it's free that is even better!

Yay, FIRST! I'm an…read moreavid attendee of the House of Vans in Brooklyn, NY. I've been there quite a few times for quite a few events and it's always super fun. I'll tell you what though, I went to the HOV in London this past weekend and all I can say is: Chill B. That place is like 100x the size of the BK one, and that's funny because the BK one is REALLY REALLY big (24,000 sq ft allegedly)! First of all, this one has a more underground skater feel to it, mostly because the skate park is literally underground, underneath some arches! It's set up amazingly, with AMAZING graffiti that greets you upon entering. In fact, the whole opening arch is probably half the size of the BK HOV, and you haven't even gone inside yet! Inside there are ramps and such set up for skating, but of course I was there for a show, Vans were doing a collabo with a japanese/english designer and had their launch party on Saturday night with a slew of UK Grime artists performing. The decor was great, seemingly thousands of inflated balloons were everywhere in the stage room, which of course was huge. There was an art display room as well as 2 bars, one by the stage room and one in it's own separate space. Adjacent to the 2nd bar is a movie screening room (WHAT!) and there's an art room where you could check out the clothing that was launching that night. Oh and I almost forgot, there's a working kitchen with chairs and tables for you to sit, set up basically like a cafe! This place is great, and just like the NYC iteration, they have great live (and FREE) concerts that usually have free drinks, though the night we went there were none. *sigh* There was a full bar of course but you had to pay. I guess I'll just have to come back when it's free! The also have free skate days where you can show up with your board and just skate for a while, just like the NYC one. There really is no reason NOT to go to this place. Enjoy!

This is a really pleasant area situated right in the centre of Haywards Heath. Pretty much every…read morebox is ticked that you would expect of a park. For children there is a sectioned off adventure playground with a decent rubber based safety surface. Teenagers get a skate park with a few ramps to flex some tricks on boards , bikes and blades. Sporty type can play tennis in the fenced courts. Finally, those that prefer to take things at a slower pace can relax on the maintained lawns or under some of the big trees dotted around the area. A number of benches are also situated on the outside if sitting on the grass isn't your thing. The park has male and female toilets, which is handy for longer stays and some of the paths winding around the park make for a good route if you want to have a jog or a stroll. The park also hosts a number of events over the year including a fun fair twice a year and also an open aired music concert. The location makes this a nice spot to have a break from your shopping, or to enjoy your lunch whilst having your break from work. Also, a good thumbs up to the council for the excellent job they do with maintaining the area.

Relaxing, big field for running or football.... They now even have exercise things. Oh a park,…read moretrees, Great for picnicking,

Somebody might give it 4 stars because it's too sparsely populated, but there aren't many reasons…read morenot to love one of the crown-jewel London parks. I guess maybe if you don't like little baby deer (how couldn't you?). At 955 hectares, you'll be hard-pressed to make it one side to the other, let alone experience all this natural wonder has to offer (or to know what a hectare is). Even those artificial Pen Ponds seem natural, since they've been here since 1746. Be sure to come in spring to marvel at the azaleas in Isabella Plantation, and bring your bike for the myriad trails winding throughout the property, unless you'd prefer to bring your horse instead (horses love baby deer). Cover those baby deer's ears because we should note there's "culling" in February and November (say it isn't so). It's easy to arrive by train or tube if you're not just riding your bike/horse straight from home. If I lived that close (and had a horse) you know I'd be doing that often. Thanks Charles I for spending all those forced-tax dollars on a place you could put a bunch of deer, all those centuries ago. We'll look forward to another visit soon.

Vast and well maintained "wild" park. This is the park to go sight seeing for deer, Canadian geese,…read moreswans, all manner of ducks and lots of pet dogs. We walked 5 miles easy from the pedestrian entrance in Petersham to the large ponds and back. If you're taking the tube, get off at Richmond station and right outside the station, catch bus 371 to Richmond Hill pass the American University. When you get off, make a left and walk for a few minutes, you'll see the park entrance.

When you live in the area you learn to love it. Most people anyway, not my husband he always…read morereferred to it as a back yard more than a park. For me, it was a green space to have walk around in with my daughter, or if I was feeling particularly active to have a run around. Of course, it is no Hyde Park but the Green definitely has character. One in particular is a guy that screams at himself and I suppose to the rest of the world, he's not quite there but he is harmless. Also a good way to spend a hot summer day is to grab a falafel, (Mr. Falafel in the market) a couple of beers at the local off license and a spot under the sun with a mate. They are more and more organizing events in the Green, there was the summer fair, full of games for adults and children alike and now they have the Ice Fair, which deserves a visit. Ice skating for £8 (skates included), world food, mulled wine, Santa's Grotto for the little ones, and fun fair games (Dodgem Cars, Victorian Carousel, and more), admission is only a quid and it all goes to the NSPCC (charity to prevent child abuse), what more can you ask for this Christmas?

I'm not a big Shepherd's Buh fan. I've always found the area a bit too busy and I always feel like…read moreI'm on my guard here. Shepherd's Bush Green is a little green literally right in the middle, in the heart, of Shepherd's Bush. It's a weird place to have a green / park / common I always find. Traffic flows all the way around this little green space and all of Shepherd's Bush's local shops and amenities are dotted around it too. At the moment there's a fun fair / small amusement park, which just adds to the busyness of the area (there's already a cinema / small shopping centre, two tube stops and the massive Westfield Shopping Centre). I don't feel this is a place to relax and rest, it seems to serve more as a conduit between all sides of Shepherd's Bush.

Everyone Far East as bricklane must have heard of Victoria park! If they haven't then I must…read moreenlighten briefly. It is a huge park, that if you were to traverse the outer path you'll have walked 5Km doing that one circuit. It was named in honour of our queen Victoria herself. It stands proudly in East London, underneath the fine borough of hackney and above tower hamlets! It's my favourite park in London, if not the world! It's not particularly crazy in design or has architectural or agricultural delights or even much elevation, however it's just perfect. On a fine sunny day, the park screams community, relaxation and escapism from the bustle of the city. I run around the park 2-3 times a week and never get tired of it. It makes me breath fresh air and the people there are lovely! Please go to the park and treat it some respect as it will certainly treat you with a wonderful experience, right back at ya!

After much construction over the last year, the park is starting to come into its own again. I…read morelove this place! Beautiful tree lined paths to walk down, lovely ponds and water features that attract wonderful wildlife, so many places to just...chill. Just about the only sizable park I know of east of The City. Tasty cafe's and shops to pop into on Lauriston Road after a nice walk in the park. Enjoy!