Bushy Park

Size: 1100 acres

Roaming its wide open fields and fluttering through the ancient forest canopies, the wildlife in Bushy Park is veritable yet shy. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a red deer or two; keep your ears open for several species of woodpecker; and look out for other birds like finches, warblers, tits and thrushes.

Together with the wildlife, Bushy is also popular with sports. Originally it was established to be a place where royal sports were played. Nowadays, thanks to the nearby towns of Hampton and Teddington producing sports teams, a choice of sports facilities are available within the park. Rugby, tennis, swimming and a health and fitness center are all catered for.

As far as 'things to see' in Bushy Park go, there are plenty of them. Try the secluded forest pathways in the Woodland Gardens - perfect for couples and small families to explore what with the gently-bubbling streams and silently still ponds all huddled under tree-tops and embraced by colourful flowers. You'll find this patch of seclusion west-centrally in the grounds, but head northwest to the upper edges and you'll find the Water Gardens with cascades, canals and pools. The center-piece of the entire park, however, is halfway down Chestnut Avenue and it is there where a golden statue of the Greek nymph, Arethusa, stands. It was erected in 1713.

Other than all that, Bushy Park simply offers wide open grasslands where you can come and have a kick-about with a football, chuck a frisbee around, jog, run, skip and jump and generally enjoy all there is in London's second-largest Royal Park.

Nearest Tube: Tubes don't extend this far. Nearest rail station is Hampton Wick Rail.

Opening times: 24 hours daily except Sept. & Nov. - 08:00 - 22:30