Leisure park walking trails in London

“Oh my gosh, I have never thought of a cafe in the park being a contender for "nicest cafe in the area" vibe, but this is exactly what Mountsfield Park Cafe is! My favourite cafe in all of Hither Green and Catford. The fact it's in Mountsfield Park is an asset too, I love nature, and the whole vibe is very non-pretentious. Every single staff member is consistantly lovely, so even when I turn up looking a bit rough for wear, I don't feel like i'm not welcome :) Before this cafe, I really wasn't fussed or could taste the difference in coffee, but now i've gone back so many times (because their coffee is delicious) that I can now taste the difference in other cafes ha!! I'm going to move out of Hither Green soon but i've already thought about how I can still regularly come back to this lovely place and park. It's been a really consistant highlight and peaceful thing to do”

“Very beautiful natural. There are some living spices like small fish, water snails, frogs, newts. Good outing for knowledge to your kids.”

“We loved it! We went for cycling when it was rainy - and super enjoyed it. Not that much people around, lake, too many walking ways, too many people with dogs around. You can also cycle there, but not by the lake where caffe is. Just make sure you will push your bike.”

“Beautifully maintained field and paths running around the park. A gorgeous view of the stars from the city at night as well.”

“This park is huge. There is a lot to see. Trees, deers, horses, birds. It is not crowded. You can get plenty of fresh air.”

“Beautiful and biggg park, fall has started dont wait have a visit to see the beautiful color change of the trees. Take your kids they will enjoy to play at kids play area. You can paddle here. Dont forget to bring some food for the duckes and Swans. If you want to sip hot coffee take one cup and seat in abench and drink the green park..”

“Excellent park! Huge, with lots of things to see and do. Lots of space available, in spite of its popularity and how busy it was, even on a weekday morning. Cycle paths (with bicycle hire available), picnic on the grass areas is possible, larger lake with many ducks, geese and swans. Horse riding tracks, and even a trough. Lots of little memorials and gardens dotted about. Cafes, with toilets, to rest and replenish at. I still have several more attractions and areas to explore there. A great place to relax and spend a few hours, or even pass the day. Whether it's by yourself, with a pet, a loved one, the family or friends. We were fortunate to have a great weather that morning. Ps. You might be lucky to catch the army training their soldiers to ride there some time like we did.”

“Great place for kids and adults, long country walk with wild deer roaming about ( you can see them if your if your quite) little cafe there with cakes and ice cream and food to feed the deer with. Massive lake to walk round with big open fields. A lot of people take their gazebos and have birthday parties there! You can walk for miles through the trees.”

“Panaramic views! Early Spring development in tree blossom, lots of walks, edged by hedgerow planting, or tiny woods, lovely for family. Very useful for dog walkers. I think we might have been passed by - by the greyhound association members! Not only can you find the local wildlife, you can name plants & name the different breed of dogs! Castle nearby, quoted at £15 per visit. Cafe, gift shop at reasonable prices, and free toilets Inc a disabled toilet which was clean.”

“I went for several walks in this forest, the trees and atmosphere is amazing. The autumn colours of trees were awesome. Very peaceful and beautiful place to go for a relaxing walk with family or friends.”

“Great place to celebrate children's birthday parties, with a choice of outdoor activities. A large tent allows parents to set up food and children can also play there if necessary.”

“Best park for miles and miles around...2 kids playgrounds fit with climbing frames, sandpits and summer pool. There are the feeding of the ducks, the tennis courts, watersports, mini golf, volley ball, bowls, table tennis, large area to play football and any other sport, an Athletic track with stadium..... by far the best thing.”

“This is possibly the best park in Greater London - great for dogs and active kids. Lots of wide open green space, woodland copses, tree-lined avenues, a small formal garden, a lake with ducks and geese, and the River Wandle flowing through (shallow enough for even small children to have safe fun). There's also a children's playground and cafe. It's everything I want from a park.”

“Lovely walks any time of the year”

“Lovely walk through the woods full of bluebells. Plenty to amuse the children, big lake with ducks, swans and geese and large play area with climbing frames, slides, swings etc. Parking was £3.50 for 2 hours”

“It's a really nice forest with an amazing view. We didn't had the chance to see the animals but that view is breathtaking. Beautiful sculptures, nice music instrument area, lots of amazing trees. We had a really great time there. Few small places for kids to play. Lots of signs, benches, clean, few car parks with pay.”

“I love this park together with Churchfields and the rose garden. To walk the Dog round here is always lovely. Nice to see the zoo occasionally when dont have tje dog. But cafe way overpriced. Old friendly family run one was so much better for simple snacks.”

“A lovely big park with large play areas for kids. It’s situated next to the Hemel Hempstead old town that whole area is nice. You could grab a coffee and have a nice walk.”

“Lovely large greeny to walk to dog aswell as a big park for the kids, an adult gym they have tennis courts and bowls, nice bit of woodland and plenty of bushes to pick blackberries in season.”

“An amazing walk and I never realised it went on for so long. And has an interesting 200 year old folly awaiting you by crane Island. At - 2degree it was a fresh and enjoyable walk”

“Nice place to play! There is a large and smaller pond to walk around and feed the ducks and geese. Lots of shaded woodland areas if it's a really hot day. On occasion we have found litter but overall a lovely place to go”

“This is a lovely park to have a walk with your dog or come with your kids and stop at the playground. There is a nice cafe if you need to have something to eat or drink. There is also birds you can see in cages. Highly recommend.”

“A well maintained park, lovely rose garden and grand mature trees”

“Love this place, you can walk for miles in peace and quiet, easy parking and lots of pathways for disabled too, very photogenic and a picturesque place to have a picnic or just walk the dogs!”

“Beautiful all year round. Mayow is one of the oldest parks in London. Great cafe with food and hot drinks.”

“Nice green space. Well kept formal beds with roses and bedding plants giving colourful displays. Even a wild flower area. Children's playground and splash area.”

“Lovely park and the Christmas lights are absolutely stunning! It was really worth it! Totally recommend it! Amazing! And the Santa's Grotto was also amazing!”

“Lovely little park with a great play area for kids, football & cricket pitches, nice tennis courts, and plenty of space for the dog to run around, this season they have kids football matches every Sunday”

“This is a lovely park. Perfect for all ages. My family and I were lucky enough to stumble upon some amazing performances when we visited last Saturday 20/8/22. We managed to watch one all the way through...it was called 'Timeless'. My grandsons really enjoyed it. As did my son and daughter in law. The park over all is lovely and has a cute kittle cafe too. We didn't actually go to the water jets on Saturday but my grandsons who kive local go very frequently as they live locally. It is a lovely place with ample areas to chill and play. Defo worth a visit if you are in the area. No shaded areas however...which won't be suitable for everyone.”

“The park had a sign up saying only 14 were allowed inside the play area. I counted 7 leaving plenty of space for the children and I to play together. The children and I agree, The trampoline and slides were our favourite and the swing was great too. I noticed a swing for a wheel chair aswell.. how lovely to be able to have such a lovely space in a Borough of London. A good time was had by all.”