Outdoors

Established in the mid-19th century, 200-acre Battersea Park is home to a lake, sporting facilities, riverside promenade, fountains, and the Battersea Park Children's Zoo. Don't miss the large main fountain, which operates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March-November, and the crystal fountain, which operates on the hour for 15 minutes. The park is free, but there is a fee for the Children's Zoo.

Used as hunting grounds by Henry VIII in 1536, the free 350-acre Hyde Park now has a playground, sports facilities, and the Lookout, an education center where kids can learn about nature. Be sure to stop at the Diana Memorial Fountain, erected in 2004. The design of the fountain reflects the Princess of Wales's life: The fountain's water flows in two directions before it meets a calm pool.

On a sunny day, stop by the 18th-century Kenwood House by Hampstead Heath. The house served as Lord Mansfield's home during the 18th century, and its lavish gardens are worth a visit. While there is a fee to take the guided tour, exploring the house and grounds on your own is free. Pathways wind through butterfly gardens, and the site's woods are home to ancient trees, woodpeckers, and rare species of insects.

The Romans built the London Wall around their port town of Londinium when they occupied Britannia from A.D. 50 to 410. Parts of the wall are still standing and can be seen (at no cost) near the Museum of London, Tower Hill, and Barbican Estate.

Wandsworth Common is a 175-acre park with a lake, tennis courts, lawn bowling, sports pitches, and a children's playground. A fee is required to fish in the lake, but the rest of the park is free to visit.

Explore 1,140 acres of Wimbledon and Putney Commons, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) home to dozens of species of flora and fauna. Explore the park's nine lakes and ponds and an archaeological site dating to the Paleolithic age ("Caesar's Camp"). The 1817 windmill and museum (admission ₤1), includes an extensive woodworking tool collection. Admission to the commons is free.