This quiet park is a hidden gem within South London. It’s a welcoming, easily overlooked patch of nature nestled within a bustling city.

Norbury Hall Park and Norbury Hall, the majestic white house nearby, are the last remaining pieces of the Norbury Manor Estate, which stood from the 14th century until the mid-19th century. The Norbury House was built in the early 1800s within the historic medieval estate.

The estate was allowed to fall into a bit of disrepair, though it’s still a peaceful place to escape the rush of day-to-day life in London. By walking this park today, you can see what used to be the Manor and the woodlands that used to cover the whole property. Stroll the grounds, and you’ll discover historical statues and remnants of the estate such as old outdoor stairs.

Keep an eye out for some unusual birds, too, as the park is also home to some of the feral parakeets that roam South London. Local legend says that these are descendants of parrots that escaped during the filming of The African Queen.