Escape London Tourist Places

London has more to offer than the standard tourist places. Are you bored of the Big Ben, London Eye, Buckingham Palace or Tower Bridge? You don’t want to visit a musical anymore but are wondering what else London has to offer? Continue reading or watch my latest video about some great places to visit in London.

Epping Forest

A beautiful forest that includes cosmopolitan towns in the south and rural villages and hamlets in the north. It is easy accessible by public transport from Central London.

The ancient woodland is 2,400 hectare big. Henry the II gave this forest a legal status as a Royal Forest in the 12th Century and it might be even be the case the Queen Elizabeth I hunted in this forest in the 16th Century.

The forest is great for walking, running, mountain biking or horse riding.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park, one of the Royal Parks in London, located near Heathrow. But let that not scare you off. Ever seen deer pictures from people in London? High chance that this picture has been taken in Richmond Park.

Richmond Park has more than 600 red and fallow deer. It is almost impossible to visit Richmond Park without seeing the deer. I have been here now 5 times and in those 5 times I have always seen the deer.

There is more to this park than just the deer and beautiful views over London. You find for example Isabella Plantation, a great botanical garden. A perfect picnic place, especially during Spring.

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is the most Central one of these 3 parks. It is only 2 miles from the City Centre and can be reached in multiple ways. You will find here Parliament Hill. A great hill that gives you a good view over the city skyline and you can spot all the major tourist places just from this hill.

Another place to visit is Kenwood House. An old English County house that is free to visit. There are some interesting paintings that can be found here, for example some Rembrandt van Rijn’s.

When you are in the area don’t forget to visit Pergola’s Garden and Golders Hill. Pergola Garden, is a brilliant old land house that gives you some great photo opportunities.

Golders Hill is just around the corner, within a 5 minute walk from Pergola’s Garden. This is more a nice family park but it also has a butterfly house that is free to visit (open every day from 1pm – 3pm) and some animals such as some lovely monkeys.

So next time when you are in London. Don’t stay only to the standard tourist attractions. Please also try find some nature places. And if you have some tips of natural areas near London I need to visit, please let me know because I have the feeling I am missing out some great places.