Best Historical Places with Outdoor Space In South West London

The outbreak of the coronavirus has meant outdoor locations – come rain or shine – are now in vogue. During the COVID lockdowns, we embraced long walks and sought out some of the best places to visit outdoors. The trend looks set to continue so I have picked out some of my favourite venues to explore in summer and winter.

Some of my top family-friendly outdoor spaces have a rich history: from Victorian plantations to the green spaces of stately homes and landscaped palace gardens. Many of these historic gardens in Richmond and the surrounding area have also been used for film and TV as well as seen real Kings and Queens glide through its manicured lawns. Read on to find some of the best outdoor places to visit with kids in the London area – with a touch of history and culture.

Kew Gardens

One of my favourite spots and a popular London destination is the world famous Kew Gardens. It first opened to the public in 1840. Within its grounds are historic buildings such as Kew Palace, the Pagoda and Queen Charlotte’s cottage.

There’s 300 acres of land to explore on a visit to Kew gardens so plenty of space to roam and provide a full day trip with kids. As we live locally, we have Kew membership so usually spend a couple of hours at Kew Gardens, knowing we have the freedom to come back when we want.

Head further away from the entrances and you will discover plenty of green space, trees and plant life. My two girls (8 and 4) love the freedom of the vast grounds as they run in and out of ancient trees, smell the scents of plants as well as spotting wildlife. Wander across the lake’s Sadler Crossing to be assured sights of geese, swans and other wildfowl.

Read about our family trip to Kew Gardens

How to visit Kew Gardens during COVID

Kew Gardens adapted quickly to changing times after the initial COVID outbreak. It was one of the first London attractions to reopen its doors with restrictions in place. The abundance of space means social distancing is easy and a limited number of people are allowed to enter each day. This means there are barely any queues at the entrance and a smooth entry into the gardens.

The glasshouses have now reopened as well as its indoor gardens, shops and restaurants. Face coverings need to be worn (unless exempt). Mobile coffee and food takeaway options are also available.

Book your slot to enter the gardens –  whether you are a member or non member – otherwise you will not be allowed to enter. Spaces get filled at the weekend so book early to avoid disappointment. Your slot arrival time will be valid for 45 minutes afterwards so don’t panic if you are running late. You can stay as long as you like in the gardens. Book online here and get further information on booking and ticket prices. Gates open at 10am.

How to get to Kew Gardens

Follow the current COVID rules on essential travel. To park at Kew Gardens, there is a small pay and display car park. Kew Gardens’ tube station (district and overland lines) is a five minute walk. Mainline Kew Bridge is a short walk away. Bus numbers 65 stop nearby.

Tip: When the weather is good, take a picnic and sit by the lake. Watch the swans and geese glide across the water. My girls love the woodland trail which educates on the different tree species.

Chiswick House and Gardens

Chiswick House is a gleaming white Neo-Palladian gem in West London. It was the first of its kind when completed in 1729 and helped set the trend in Georgian England by basing it on the classical architecture of Italy.

The 18th century house reopens to the pubic on 27th May 2021 when you will be able to see its grand interior (prebook in advance). There’s also 65 acres of garden to explore in Chiswick House Gardens for a family day trip with outdoor space. They are also free to explore. As the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement, there is a lot of history tied up in these grounds.

Wander through the same gardens that royalty and famous faces have trodden. King George V played in them as a child while the Tsar of Russia was entertained with giraffes from Surrey zoo when he visited in 1844. The gardens were also used as the location for the Beatles, where the band filmed the videos to Paperback Writer and Rain.

Chiswick Gardens after COVID

The gardens are open for all to enjoy from 7am until dusk. The playground for under 7s is open and so is the RIBA designed cafe and toilets. There’s plenty of outdoor seating at Chiswick House Gardens cafe as well as green space to enjoy a picnic. There is no fee to enter the gardens. Chiswick House and the Kitchen Gardens reopens on 27th May, Thursday – Sunday. Prebook and pay in advance. Visit the website for more information.

How to get to Chiswick House

Chiswick House is located close to the M4 and A4 in West London. It has a pay and display car park. The nearest train station is Chiswick – a 13 minute walk away. You can also get the buses E3 and 190. Follow current COVID rules on essential travel.

Ham House and Gardens, near Richmond, Surrey

Ham House is a 17th century house set on the banks of the River Thames, close to Richmond. The National Trust property dates back to 1610. It was once home to the Duchess of Lauderdale and her husband who made it one of the finest Stuart houses in the UK.

Explore the grounds of this historic home for a family day out. As well as beautiful formal gardens, there’s a cherry garden wilderness and walled kitchen garden which provides produce to the cafe. An audio Garden History Audio Tour is currently available, to learn more about the gardens.

Outside the grounds, there’s acres of countryside and the Thames footpath to wander along. Ham House and Gardens usually has activities on during the children’s holidays such as trails and garden games. Check the Ham House website for special events.

Ham House after COVID

Ham House has reopened to the public following the pandemic (12pm-4pm). There are restrictions on the number of people allowed to enter so queuing is likely. Book in advance if you want to visit either the house or garden. There are social distancing restrictions in place.  You will get a timed 30 min slot in which to enter and can stay until they close if you wish. The gardens are open 10am – 4pm. The Orangery cafe is open for takeaway. Dogs on short leads are welcome.

Insider tip: Go sit on the throne carved out of an old tree outside the property and have a wander along the River Thames. In warmer months, there’s usually an ice cream van in the car park.

How to get to Ham House

Ham House is located between Richmond and Kingston and easily readily accessible from the M3, M4 and M25 and the Richmond Park Ham Gate exit. There is a council-run gravel car park next to Ham House (it can get waterlogged and muddy with pot holes).

If you are in Twickenham on the opposite side of the river, there is a ferry service to take you across to Ham House. It is located close to the to Marble Hill Park children’s playground. Visit Hammertons Ferry website for more information. If cycling or walking, Ham House is on the Thames Path route. Richmond is the closest overground and underground station. Hop on a bus or enjoy a walk along the Thames Path (1.5 miles). It’s close to bus routes 65, 371.

Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park

Richmond Park has been a hot spot for visitors during COVID due to its huge open spaces. The park is well known for its deer and rugged landscape with views of London City. One of my favourite spots is the Isabella plantation close to Kingston gate.

Set in a Victorian plantation which dates back to the 1830s, it has an array of different plants and trees and wildlife. On a recent visit we could hear a woodpecker and see the many parakeets which inhabit the area.

My girls love zipping in and out of the rows of bushes which they call ‘secret tunnels’. They adore the sense of freedom they can enjoy in this fenced off area, running across the bridges of the streams and hiding under ancient plants and trees. Areas of grass intercept the mix of tropical and native plans and are perfect for picnics.

Read about our day trip with kids at Isabella Plantation

The Isabella Plantation during COVID

The area is open for people to enjoy. Please practice social distancing. Not all of the toilets are open (the ones near Pen Pond are open). Visit the website for updates.

How to get to Isabella Plantation

The nearest bus routes are the No 85 and K3. If you are driving, the Broomfield Car park is the closest. Cross the road and walk down the hill. It can also be accessed via the Peg’s Pond car park which dedicated for people with disabilities. Cyclists can leave their bikes at the stand in this car park. The toilets near Pen pond are open.

Syon House Gardens, Isleworth

This incredible stately home on the banks of the River Thames is seeped in history and surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland. The Italian Renaissance style building has been in the Percy family for over 400 years with the Duke of Northumberland using it as his London residence. Not a bad second home, is it?

The exterior of Syon House looks like a castle so immediately my daughters’ imagination was ignited. When we booked a day trip to Syon House, there was barely anyone else in the grounds, giving an air of exclusivity befitting of such a grand residence.

Syon House gardens are a mix of grasslands and landscaped gardens with cherry blossoms and a lake to wander around. There are natural log playgrounds for children to clamber upon. My two girls wasted no time in exploring and they provided a good spot to sit and have our lunch too.

One of the highlights of Syon House Gardens is its Great Conservatory. Built in the early 1800s, the architecture and glass panels are stunning. In its day, it would have been filled exotic with plants from all over the world.

Syon House Gardens during COVID

The gardens and Great Conservatory are currently open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Prebook your ticket to Syon House Gardens. If you are a RHS or HHA member, no need to book, just show card at the desk. Syon House remains closed.

How to get to Syon House

It is located in Old Isleworth, take junction 2 from the M4. See the Syon Park website for more details on how to reach by public transport. There is a carpark which is free for visitors to the Syon House and Gardens.

Osterley Park and House,

Osterley House is a striking National Trust property in Isleworth, West London. It was originally a Tudor house built in the 1570s but was remodelled by the famous architect Robert Adam in the late 1700s. This is the Osterley House you see today.

The house has reopened to the public now but there is much to explore within the grounds of Osterley Park. Firstly, there are its formal gardens with have undergone a six year project to reinstate them to their 18th century grandeur. There’s the original Robert Adam summer house, a Tudor walled garden, a meadow filled with wildlife as well as a woodland walk to explore. Take some time to spot wildlife by Middle Lake too. You can take a canoe onto the lake and

Want to know more? Visit MummyTravels website to see how she enjoyed a day out at Osterley Park with her daughter during lockdown.

Osterley Park in COVID

Book tickets in advance to visit the house and garden. Osterley House is open Wednesday – Sunday from 11am – 4pm (last entry 3.15pm). You will get a timed entry into the house and numbers are limited. The stable Cafe is open. Toilets are also available. Cycle hire is available on Saturdays and Sundays. The gardens are open everyday 10am-5pm.

How to get to Osterley Park

Osterley Park and House is located off the A4 between Hammersmith and Hounslow. The closet train station is Isleworth and nearest underground station is Osterley (Piccadilly line). It is on the bus routes of the H28 and H91. Pre-book to use the car park (as above).

Hampton Court Gardens, East Molesey

Hampton Court needs little introduction. Famously known as the palace of King Henry VII, he brought his six wives there and it was the centre of Tudor Court life where lavish banquets, betrayals and royal births took place.

Hampton Court Palace in Surrey has 60 acres of eye-catching formal gardens which first opened to the public in 1838. There’s plenty of room to explore and stay socially distanced while being in the presence of this extraordinary palace. Hampton Court’s rich history permeates from its walls into its grounds. The Palace has reopened to visitors although some areas are temporarily closed.

One of the gardens’ highlights is the the oldest surviving hedge maze in the UK (closed for now). While the Magic Garden is a must for younger visitors. It is open but expect queues as it operates a first come, first served policy. Click below to see our short video of the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace.

Hampton Court Palace during COVID

Hampton Court Palace is now open but pre-book your tickets and arrival slot in advance at the Hampton Court Palace website. You need to purchase tickets to the house to access the gardens and Magic Garden. Under 5s go free and do not need a ticket. Takeaway catering and toilet facilities are available.

Bushy Park, East Molesey

Just across the road from Hampton Court is the public space, Bushy Park. Once part of the Palace estate, its vehicle road Chestnut Avenue was the formal approach to the Palace. Walking or driving along it feels very regal with Sir Christopher Wren’s Diana Foundation the centrepiece of the long driveway.

The park is home to plenty of wildlife. One of Bushy’s most famous inhabitants are the red and fallow deer. You don’t have to go far to spot them roaming the vast grounds alongside squirrels and rabbits. Meanwhile, the Longford river attracts birds including kingfishers and kestrels. Feeding the ducks and spotting their chicks in the pond during Spring is one of the highlights of our family trip to Bushy Park – as well as taking a picnic.

With over 1000 acres of parkland to explore, you could spend hours exploring the flat park. It is ideal for outdoor walks with children. Due to its size, social distancing is not a problem either. There’s also a children’s playground close to the Hampton Court gate. As well as the park’s wild side there’s the more formal Upper House Water Gardens which have been restored to their 18th century glory.

Bushy Park in COVID

The Pheasantry cafe (closer to the Teddington side) is currently takeaway only. Otherwise, take a picnic to enjoy during a family day out at Bushy Park.

How to get to Bushy Park

There are four car parks at Bushy Park. It is also easily accessible by public transport. Nearest train stations are Teddington, Hampton Wick and Hampton Court and it is served by the bus routes 111, 216, 411, 465, 481, X26 and R68.

Visit the Royal Parks website for more information on Bushy Park.

Outdoor Places to Visit with Kids on the outskirts of London

South West London is filled with cultural green spaces to visit with children. The places above are my top picks of historical places with outdoor space. Do you have a favourite one?

Places to stay in Richmond, Twickenham and the surrounding area

For ideas of places to stay in South West London and the surrounding area, check out self-catering and hotel options in Richmond as well as Surrey and London. For other ideas on things to do in the Twickenham area and hotel recommendations, visit my post on things to do in Twickenham from a local.

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