High Elms Country Park — Attraction in London

I never write reviews, but feel I have to on this occasion. Beautiful park, however unfriendly and terribly rude staff at the cafe. My mother bought a slice of cake from the cafe and we sat outside to eat it. The waitress came along to say we couldn’t sit there to eat it as we also had our own sandwich with us, saying “seating here is for customers only” and we had to leave immediately. Was my mother not a customer?!! Had we not just bought something from the cafe?! I asked what about the cake (which was on a ceramic plate) and she promptly said we could have it in a take away box and then she took away the fork and even the napkin! We were shocked to say the least by this meaness. The place was not even busy at 4.30pm on a weekday with only one other picnic table occupied. Would not recommend you eat there unless you want to be greeted with dour faces and extremely rude and bad service. Ruined our experience of High Elms. My two year old was extremely upset we...

The park itself is lovely and that would get a five star ⭐️ why would it not. Unfortunately the people that walk there dogs in the area are like nothing else I’ve ever experienced walking my dog. Rude , ignorant, and just plain stupid when it comes to dog ownership, etiquette! There have been loads of dogs fighting along with kills. Yep , I myself have had so many unbelievable encounters with such owners. One even decided because they couldn’t win an argument, they resorted to just telling me my dog was ugly! Lol 😂 I just laughed and walked away , you can’t educate that level of intelligence. I would avoid going there with your dog. But enjoy without and with families and friends. The Green Roof cafe is ok. But unfortunately full up with these kinds of people 😖😣...

For nearly thirty years I have lived and work in SE London, yer I had never been here until the other day. Compact but filled with woods, ruins and a decent cafe, this place is perfect for a circular walk, chatting away with friends whilst walking you dog. You do need a car to get there, but you could make it a grand day out by combining it with a visit to Down House (Charles Darwin's home). Lovely grounds with felled trees strategically placed that call to your inner child (or real children) to walk along them. The grounds are well maintained and tended, without being over-the-top. The cafe uses tea pots (always a winner for me), and make a great sausage sarnie. Charming and...