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Escape the Crowds: 6 Boroughs in London to Explore Beyond the Centre

The city of London, while it is a hub of exciting sites, one-of-a-kind independents and a diverse area for thousands of people, it can be a bit much at times. Not every day you want to ruffle through crowds or spend most of your days queuing for things. It’s a breath of fresh air to go to little towns and local boroughs that have a whole different part of London to offer. 

From green spaces to farms, there is so much beyond the capital that deserves to be explored. Here we have put 6 of the best, quiet and character-filled London boroughs for you to visit and indulge your next free weekend.

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Havering

A London borough located in East London, known for its green spaces, which is quite the opposite of what you think about when you are around London. Green spaces are a great thing for families to make the most of outside of London. The park you could head to is Raphael Park, which has a huge lake you can all stroll around, admire the views, and people-watch dog walkers.

Another park you can visit is Bedford’s Park. This space has a cafe, which is great for families with hungry little ones, but it’s also a great spot if they need a nappy change or the loo. They also offer a picnic area perfect for summer, deer feeding, which is an incredible experience for little ones and a playground to let the kids enjoy for a couple of hours.

Havering offers more than just green spaces; it also offers some entertainment, including the Brookside Theatre or even the Romford Greyhound Stadium. Let’s not forget those who wish to have a more relaxed experience when shopping with kids in London; there is also The Liberty Shopping Centre located in the heart of Romford town centre. They host family-friendly events here often, which can also be a lot of fun, including Santa’s grotto, Halloween spookfest, and so much more during the summer.

Greenwich

Greenwich, for many, is the go-to borough for a day trip beyond the very centre, and for good reason. It perfectly blends historical significance with picturesque village vibes, all set against the stunning backdrop of the River Thames.

There is a lot to see and do here for families, including Greenwich Park, which is home to no other than the Cove Playground, a sea-themed play area featuring a kraken, ship and compass roundabout that kids absolutely love. Greenwich Park also has a small boating lake close by that the family could enjoy during the summer.

For those who are 0 to 7 years old, there is a children’s gallery that brings little ones a bit of fun and a nice spot for parents to see and play with their children. Located in the Maritime museum, it provides a fun, typically themed soft play and interactive area for the children to enjoy. Kids can meet colourful historical characters and hear astonishing stories from the age of sail aboard the Cutty Sark.

Greenwich offers a distinct sense of place; it feels like a historical town nestled within the modern city, with its gorgeous Georgian architecture that parents can appreciate, independent shops, and waterside pubs that the family can all appreciate with some grub. It’s also very easily accessible for families by DLR or a boat trip from central London if you are a city family.

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Hackney

Another borough located in East London, but this East London borough has recently undergone a serious transformation. It’s now regarded as one of the most exciting and culturally rich boroughs. While primarily known for its street art, independent shops and busy markets, there are several family-friendly activities and spots to enjoy.

Not quite Hackney, but in Stratford, close by, there is a children’s story centre, where families can join for an imaginative and interactive space designed for children to spark creativity through play, storytelling and interacting with other children. It’s a great place to take the little ones just once to see if you and they like it. It’s a great spot to allow them to socialise.

They also have a city farm. This friendly city farm provides children with a wonderful opportunity to meet goats, sheep, and chickens and learn about animal husbandry in the heart of East London. Interactions with animals are so important, but also an incredibly wholesome and fun experience for them.

Victoria Park is another great summer, spring and autumn spot. They have an incredible adventure playground with slides, sandpits, climbing frames and a boating lake perfect for the summer.

Wandsworth

Battersea Park Adventure Playground is designed for adventure play. This spot has equipment for toddlers to tweens, including wooden trains, climbing challenges, and a fantastic sandpit area. This is another great summer spot, but also for socialising the little ones. Alternatively, Go Ape Battersea Park, for older children (aged 6+) who love heights, this high ropes course offers a thrilling treetop adventure right in the city. This is a lot of fun and one of those memorable experiences that follow your kids for life.

Tooting Triangle Playground, which is located in Tooting Bec Common, is a family favourite thanks to its massive, fenced sandpit, which makes it feel like a little beach day in the heart of the borough. Another park in Wandsworth to consider is King George’s Park, a must-visit park in Wandsworth Town that features separate play areas for toddlers and older children, a beautiful pond for duck feeding, and wide open fields for ball games.

Wandsworth offers a more suburban, relaxed London experience. It’s less ‘destination’ tourism and more about experiencing local life, enjoying extensive green spaces, and seeing how regeneration is shaping new communities along the Thames.

Hampstead Village

Just a short journey from central London is Hampstead. A picturesque village where you feel you are in the countryside. This is a convenient spot for city families.

Golders Hill Park is just a stone’s throw from Hampstead Heath. This lovely park combines beautifully maintained flower gardens with a large adventure playground and a free-to-enter zoo featuring ring-tailed lemurs, wallabies, and exotic birds. Hampstead Heath Adventure Playground is another spot found near Parliament Hill. This staffed playground and clubhouse (for ages 5-16, with some restrictions) offers supervised free play, den building, and indoor activities like arts and crafts.

Burgh House & Hampstead Museum for those who want something to walk around, but also a bit of education for kids. This hidden gem offers free worksheets and museum trails for children, along with regular family events and craft workshops during school holidays. Hampstead offers a unique blend of sophisticated village life and wild, untamed nature. It’s a place to slow down, breathe fresh air, and soak up a rich cultural heritage away from the urban clamour.

Richmond Upon Thames

Another countryside feel London borough, though not a far journey from central London. Famous spot for its riverside, town centre and natural beauty.

Ham House and Garden is a magnificent 17th-century mansion that offers an exciting journey into the past, where children can immerse themselves by dressing up in period costumes or following an interactive family trail. The grounds often host seasonal treasure hunts. Richmond Park is perfect for family bike rides along the Tamsin Trail, and the Kingston Gate Playground offers exciting, modern play equipment for all ages.

Kew Gardens also features a dedicated Children’s Garden designed for interactive play, featuring tunnels, trampolines, and water play. Older kids will enjoy the thrill of the Treetop Walkway.

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