Ravenscourt Park

Ravenscourt is less a traditional park, more a secret garden. While larger than your average private acreage, it has a refreshing local feel and is suitably off the beaten track. Even in the height of summer it remains blissfully calm, part of the reason being that west London is awash with big-name parks with Hyde and Holland being the main attractions. Ravenscourt Park's Walled Garden is an extra hidden gem. Tucked away in the north-east corner, it exudes a Zen-like charm and is the perfect place to wile away an afternoon. If staring at plants isn't your thing, then there are passable tennis courts, a bowling lawn and a putting green. Kids are well catered for with a nature trail and four play areas which feature a paddling pool, a rope and post fitness circuit and an adventure playground with fort-style climbing frames, slides and a popular basket swing (adults are often seen commandeering the seriously fun rope slide). Annual events include a spectacular bonfire night, Carter's Steam Fair and an alfresco opera season.