• Elephant trail at Spitalfields Market London
    Family Life - Local Review - London - Sculpture trails

    Elephant trail at Spitalfields Market London

    April 11, 2021 - By 

    We love a wander around London and the old East End is a real favourite old stomping ground of mine. It’s a great area to visit with kids and there’s lots to see and do. Old Spitalfields Market is a vibrant market full of independent traders, but you will also find some well known brands in the surrounding shops, as well as lots of places to eat and drink. Our visit took place a few weeks ago but despite the restrictions we thought Old Spitalfields Market was still worth a visit. The market was open for takeaway food and drink…

  • Kew Gardens in Spring with kids
    Family Life - Local Review - London

    Kew Gardens in Spring with kids

    March 17, 2021 - By 

    Last weekend we visited Kew Gardens which is just down the road from us. We love our walks and were hoping for some gorgeous Spring flowers. We were not disappointed. Kew Gardens, or to give it its proper name, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is the most biodiverse place on earth. It felt like a long time since our last visit, looking back the kids were tiny. So it felt like the right time to make another visit. You must pre-book tickets and some buildings are closed in line with national guidance. Children’s playground at Kew We entered Kew via…

  • Exploring Pinner Memorial Park with kids
    Family Life - Local Review - London

    Exploring Pinner Memorial Park with kids

    February 27, 2021 - By 

    Last weekend we ventured out to Pinner Memorial Park, a lovely park right in the centre of Pinner. It’s a lovely large park with a pond, aviary, children’s playground and cafe. Exploring Pinner Memorial Park with kids Pinner Memorial Park is on land that was part of the West House estate, at one time the home of Lord Nelson’s daughter Horatia. In 1934 part of the grounds were acquired by Harrow UDC for public open space. Additional land was acquired in 1949 as well as West House, and the park opened as Pinner Memorial Park in 1950. Pinner Memorial Park…

  • Exploring Bentley Priory Nature Reserve
    Family Life - Local Review - London

    Exploring Bentley Priory Nature Reserve

    February 2, 2021 - By 

    Last weekend we went off to explore Bentley Priory Nature Reserve in Stanmore, north London. We wanted to visit after we went to the Battle of Britain Bunker at Uxbridge last year. RAF Bentley Priory was the headquarters of Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain and throughout the Second World War. Bentley Priory Bentley Priory itself was the final home of the Dowager Queen Adelaide, Queen Consort of William IV, before her death there in 1849. Bought by the RAF in the 1920s The Royal Air Force station was closed in 2008 and the original house was turned into…

  • Exploring Northala Fields with kids
    Family Life - Local Review - London

    Exploring Northala Fields with kids

    January 14, 2021 - By 

    Looking for somewhere new to take the children in west London? Have you been to Northala Fields in Northolt? It’s easy to get too with so much space for kids to run around. We’re going to tell you some of our favourite things about Northala Fields and why we think you should visit if you haven’t yet. Exploring Northala Fields with kids There’s a handy free car park at Northala Fields (but it fills up quickly so get there early!). The first thing you notice is the four huge artificial mounds. Although they look really old they are actually quite…

  • Wembley Park Christmas Lights
    Family Life - Local Review - London

    Wembley Park Christmas Lights

    January 9, 2021 - By 

    Ok so Wembley Park Christmas Lights may be over but I’m all ready for next Christmas! Days out and activities have been a little thin on the ground during the Christmas holidays. One evening we decided to head over to Wembley Park to see the Christmas light installations. Wembley Park Christmas Lights We love to visit Wembley Designer Outlet but of course all the shops are closed at the moment. It’s still a fun place to go for a walk through though. We weaved our way around the shopping centre, past the back of the Stadium and towards Wembley Park…

  • Exploring Osterley Park West London
    Family Life - London

    Exploring Osterley Park West London

    December 19, 2020 - By 

    A few weeks ago we were looking for somewhere new to explore near us. 2020 has been all about exploring our local area. We’ve discovered some lovely places in West London and were keen to visit somewhere new to us. We didn’t have to venture too far to find Osterley Park in West London. Owned by the National Trust, we pre-booked our slot, and headed out for the day. Exploring Osterley Park West London The National Trust’s Osterley Park and House, is in Isleworth, West London. It comprises of a Georgian estate in gorgeous parkland. Like so much of London,…

  • Pumpkin patches near London {2020 update}
    Bedfordshire - Buckinghamshire - Family Life - Local Review - London - Oxfordshire - Surrey

    Pumpkin patches near London {2020 update}

    September 5, 2020 - By 

    For the past few years I have enjoyed putting together a post about the best pumpkin patches near London. Living on the edge of London we are able to travel into Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and more to find the perfect pumpkin patch. There’s just something wonderful about a walk (and a photo or two) at a pumpkin patch. I’m sure I would never have said this a few years ago but it’s something the whole family enjoys, and the perfect Autumnal day out. Pumpkin patches near London {updated for 2020} As pumpkin patches are outdoors I’m hopeful that the…

  • Exploring Pynchester Moat, Ickenham
    days out - Hillingdon - Local Review - London

    Exploring Pynchester Moat, Ickenham

    July 18, 2020 - By 

    Now lockdown is easing we don’t seem to be exploring as much as we were. We can go further afield and more attractions are opening up, which means we are going further for our days out. On one of our many puppy walks/geocaching expeditions we came across Pynchester Moat in Ickenham. We went on a lovely sunny evening and it was the perfect length of walk for our pup. Exploring Pynchester Moat, Ickenham The moated site known as Pynchester lies in a bend of the River Pinn, behind houses in Copthall Road West and just within Harefield Parish. It’s a…