Autumn in London, when the leaves changing colour and the morning air turns crisp and fresh, has a kind of magic. It is also the perfect time to go conker hunting – this classic kids’ game is the perfect excuse for a family walk in the park. We’re looking at neighbourhoods with a great community for families, and plenty of horse chestnut trees for champion conkers.
Bushy Park and Teddington
Bushy Park is the second largest royal park, surrounded by Hampton, Teddington and the River Thames. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including herds of red and fallow deer. Head to Chestnut Avenue, a horse chestnut tree-lined path that runs from Hampton Court to Teddington Gate, for a great selection of conkers.
You’ll see many families with children in Teddington. It has a strong community spirit, excellent schools, safe streets and plenty of green spaces to explore.
Read more about Teddington in: Teddington topis list of London's best places to live.
Browse homes on the market to buy in Teddington or rent in Teddington, or see our area guide.
Greenwich Park and Greenwich
Greenwich Park is a fun day out in any season. It has a long history, and unbelievable views across London. It's also home to a variety of historical attractions, including the Royal Observatory, the Queen's House and the Cutty Sark. If you're looking for conkers, head to Blackheath Avenue, where you'll find two strips of horse chestnut trees.
Greenwich is a great place for clever kids; it’s one of the best places to learn history, geography, maritime archaeology and astronomy, with access to world-class museums and historic landmarks. It is also a well-connected area with easy access to central London.
Read more about Greenwich in: The benefits of living near a World Heritage Site: Greenwich.
Browse homes on the market to buy in Greenwich or rent in Greenwich, or see our area guide.
Hampstead Heath and Hampstead
Hampstead Heath is one of London's largest and most popular parks. The whole family should be able to find something to do here – it's a great place to go for a walk, run or bike ride, and it's also a great place to find conkers. The heath is home to an impressive variety of trees, including horse chestnuts, so you're sure to find some good conkers for your game. In fact, Hampstead Heath is home to an annual Conkers Championship.
Hampstead has a leafy, old-world London charm with large and stately homes and plenty of cultural heritage. It's a wonderful place for children to grow up. With access to the Northern Line and Overground, it's also well connected for quick commutes and more time conker-hunting.
Read more about Hampstead in: The best places to tell ghost stories in London.
Browse homes on the market to buy in Hampstead or rent in Hampstead, or see our area guide.
Morden Hall Park and Merton
In south-west London, Morden Hall Park is a beautiful park. A haven for botany-lovers, Morden Hall is home to a variety of gardens, including a walled garden, a rose garden and a wildflower meadow. The park also has a number of horse chestnut trees, so it's a great place to find conkers.
Merton is great for the active family, with tons of green space and leisure facilities dedicated to sports like swimming, tennis and golf. There are some outstanding schools and the public transport is very convenient.
Read more about Merton in: Merton named London's best borough for flexible working.
Browse homes on the market to buy in Merton or rent in Merton, or see our area guide.
If you're looking for the best neighbourhood for your family, contact your nearest Foxtons office or register your search on My Foxtons. We're an agency of local experts, and we're unique in that our Negotiators can show you property anywhere across London - not just in their own patch, and we'd be happy to help.
If you're interested in what your property near a park could achieve in the local market, book in a free Foxtons valuation. Our Valuers take everything that makes your property unique into account, and can help you find the right price for your property.
