15 brilliant places you probably didn't know existed in London

There's so much more to London than big clocks, dildo-shaped skyscrapers, bridges and old Victorian tat. Ditch Zone 1 for a day and go explore London's awesome suburban wildernesses – the one-day travelcard will be so worth it.

1. Epping Forest

A 6,000-acre forest home to ancient oak trees, peacocks, snakes and hundreds of species of flowers in London? SHUT UP. Closest station: Epping

2. Waterlow Park, Highgate 

 

A photo posted by Britt Turner (@brittxrose22) on May 3, 2016 at 1:49pm PDT

You'll find quaint little meadows full of wildflowers (and maybe a few ducks) before stumbling upon a rather epic view of London town from the tippy top of the hill. Closest station: Archway 

3. Morden Hall Park

 

A photo posted by Chloe Douglass (@chloeillustrates) on May 5, 2016 at 10:39am PDT

 Thumbelina totally lives in this magical fairy land full of cute bunnies and stone bridges. Closest station: Morden

4. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden temple)

 

A photo posted by Amol Pingate (@amolpingate) on Mar 30, 2016 at 1:59pm PDT

It's the largest Hindu temple outside of India – and isn't it just magnificent? Closest station: Stonebridge Park 

5. Ruislip Lido

 

A photo posted by Kornela (@kornela55) on Jul 11, 2015 at 10:10am PDT

London has a beach... AN ACTUAL BEACH (well kind of) where you can make sandcastles and bury dad in the sand (safely, of course) and do other beachy stuff. Closest station: Ruislip 

6. Kyoto Gardens, Holland Park

 

A photo posted by Greg Sanders (@gsand1969) on Apr 29, 2016 at 1:33am PDT

An enchanting west-London Japanese ornamental garden. Pack a book. Closest station: Holland Park 

7. Crystal Palace Park

 

A photo posted by @tej_khera on Sep 11, 2015 at 8:49am PDT

Cue the 'Jurassic Park' theme music. These dino celebs have been welcoming visitors since 1854 and were the first sculptures of their kind in the world, pre-dating the publication of Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species'. Closest station: Crystal Palace

8. Eel Pie Island

 

A photo posted by Ruth Wadey - Artist (@ruths_gallery) on May 4, 2016 at 12:52am PDT

Aside from a few freaky dolls and cottages, this exclusive, elusive and secluded little island on the Thames once held Rolling Stones and David Bowie concerts at the famous Eel Pie Island hotel. The island was also once home to the UK's largest hippy commune. Closest station: Twickenham

9. Bushy Park, Hampton 

 

A photo posted by Paul Conner (@dodgingthelight) on Nov 6, 2015 at 2:28am PST

Just how sexy is this bushy stag? Go find him now (and the 329 free-roaming others) in this mammoth royal park in leafy south-west London. Closest station: Hampton Court 

10. London Wetland Centre, Barnes

Yep, that's a Highland cow. In London. Closest station: Barnes

11. Woodberry Wetlands

 

A photo posted by Daniel (@coosbay_pirate) on May 2, 2016 at 6:31am PDT

The legendary David Attenborough recently opened this little utopia of calm to the people of Stoke Newington. Aren't they lucky? Closest station: Manor House 

12. Syon House, Brentford

There are 600 years of history to uncover at the former aristocratic home of the Percy family. But as you can see, it's the sick glass conservatory that makes it so worth a visit. Closest station: Gunnersbury/Kew Bridge 

13. Eltham Palace

 

A photo posted by Lydgia (@littlestbeetle) on Apr 17, 2016 at 11:04am PDT

Super lush gardens and hundreds of years of royal history await at this buff palace in south-east London. Closest station: Eltham

14. Oxleas Woods, Shooters Hill

 

A photo posted by Lee. (@capturingvisions) on Mar 6, 2016 at 8:35am PST

The Oxleas Woods are 8,000 years old. Climb to the top of Severndroog castle for giddying views of the city. There's also a delectable little tea room to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea – it's cheap too. Closest station: Eltham

15. York House, Twickenham

 

A photo posted by @hengster on May 2, 2016 at 1:35am PDT

Can you believe this used to be someone's house? It's now the town hall of the borough of Richmond upon Thames, complete with pretty gardens and a couple of tennis courts. Very west London. Closest station: Twickenham  

For more unknown territories, check out the best hidden garden and green spaces in London.