Battersea Park, London

One of London's most picturesque and best-equipped green spaces, Battersea Park has extensive facilities, including astroturf football pitches, tennis courts, an indoor arena, a children's zoo, a huge adventure playground and a sizable boating lake that stages a regular fountain display. The park also has a riverside location, offering good views across the Thames to upmarket Chelsea, and a striking peace pagoda complete with a serene gold statue of Buddha. And thanks to a recent refurbishment, its fine old trees now shade an appealing subtropical garden and many other areas planted with an impressive array of flowers and shrubs. Bordered by imperious red-brick 19th-Century mansion blocks, Battersea Park is ideal for a leisurely Sunday afternoon stroll. Perhaps the only thing that lets it down is the main cafe, La Gondola al Parco, which is a bit grimy and pricey. 8/10