On sunny days, one of the cheapest and most pleasant things to do in London is to relax in one of London's many parks and open spaces.
There are loads in central London - and they are all free to access.
Open Spaces
Hampstead Heath in north London is London's largest ancient park land, first mentioned historically in 974.
It is very popular with locals, who love it for its wilderness areas and ponds, including two that are used for swimming.
It also offers amazing views over London, from St Pauls to the London Eye.
Nearest underground stations: Hampstead, Belsize Park
Kenwood House, considered part of Hampstead Heath, was built in the seventeenth century.
It has wonderful gardens, outdoor sculptures and an ancient woodland.
From the 1950's until 2006, it was a popular place for outdoor classical concerts.
Nearest railway station: Hampstead Heath
place map and aerial view
This botanic garden in the heart of Chelsea was founded in 1673 to investigate the medicinal role of plants.
These days it continues to grow a range of herbal and medicinal plants.
It is open occasionally.
Nearest underground station: Sloane Square
Situated at the top of Alexandra Park, the Palace was built in 1873 as the Peoples Palace.
It is famously known as the place where the first ever BBC broadcast occurred.
These days it is mainly used as an exhibition centre.
Nearest underground station: Wood Green
Hackney marshes was originally Thames marshland. During medieval times it was drained for commercial use and more recently much of the land was reclaimed for residential use. The rubble from he blitz was used as landfill.
Today it is a popular local sporting venue: it holds the world record for the most football pitches in one place. It will be used for the 2012 Olympics.
Transport: several buses, from Hackney Wick railway station
City farms were created in response to the lack of green space available for community use in inner London.
They are used for everything from market gardens to wildlife to housing small farm animals (city "farms").
There are a number of city farms in central and inner London that are open to the public, including Spitalfields, Surrey Docks and Hackney.
Nearest underground station: check farm websites