Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Finchley

"A little further afield but worth the trip is Richmond Park. London’s largest park is home to deer and various other wildlife, woodlands, hills, trails for riding and walking and large open fields."

"This is, without a doubt, the BEST place to take wildlife photos in London. So, if that’s your jam, this is your place!. The deer are the main attraction, but there are plenty of other animals."

"Sprawling Hampstead Heath, with its rolling woodlands and meadows, feels a million miles away – despite being approximately four – from the City of London. Covering 320 hectares, most of it woods, hills and meadows, it's home to about 180 bird species, 23 species of butterflies, grass snakes, bats and a rich array of flora. It's a wonderful place for a ramble, especially to the top of Parliament Hill, which offers expansive views across the city."

"Escape to the country without leaving the city with a trip to Hampstead Heath, just a few kilometres from Central London. This wild and undulating expanse of green space spans nearly 800 acres, with woodland, playing fields, swimming ponds and meadows. Hike up Parliament Hill for unbeatable views or take a dip in the Hampstead ponds on a hot summer’s day."

"There’s a reason why you’ll often hear Londoners waxing lyrical about Hampstead Heath. Besides the great views from Parliament Hill and the famous swimming ponds, the wild park is home to a variety of woodland and meadows, so there’s plenty to explore."

"Amazing Kew Gardens in the southwest neighbourhood of Kew is one of London’s most picturesque parks; 132 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses that that house the world’s most diverse collection of living plants. Kew Gardens was founded in 1840 and is today London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with beautiful glasshouses, including the iconic Palm House and its exotic rainforest. There’s a magical children’s garden, the fantastic Treetop Walkway that soars into the tree canopy at a height of 18 metres, and Kew Palace, the former summer residence of King George III."

"In 1759 botanists began rummaging around the world for specimens to plant in the 3-hectare Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. They never stopped collecting, and the gardens, which have bloomed to 121 hectares, provide the most comprehensive botanical collection on earth (including the world's largest collection of orchids). A Unesco World Heritage Site, the gardens can easily devour a day's exploration; for those pressed for time, the Kew Explorer hop-on/hop-off road train takes in the main sights."

"Visiting the Kew Garden is always a very good surprise, I have been in 2 times in the royal gardens at different times of the year. On my first visit, it was with a couple of dear friends that helped me a bum here in the land of the Queen when I arrived. We went in August 2014, so the trees were heavy with leaves, all very green and a very pleasant temperature."

"Smaller than the other green open spaces in the heart of London, St. James’s Park is surrounded by other important tourist spots:. Originally purchased by Henry III, the park was completely transformed by James I, who wanted it full of exotic animals and birds. Since then, the aspect of St. James’s Park suffered further modifications, but it continues to be a significant part of London’s identity."

"No trip to London is complete without a trip to St James’s Park. Another of London’s eight Royal Parks it covers an area of nearly 57 acres and offers spectacular views of Buckingham Palace, Whitehall and Clarence House. Start at the Blue Bridge for an unprecedented look across the lake at Big Ben, the London Eye and the famous Horse Guard Parade."

"The pelicans were first introduced to Green Park in 1664 as a gift from the Russian Ambassador, and today there are over 40 pelicans living there. Toddlers will love seeing the most famous pelicans, Louis, Vaclav and Gargi sunbathing on their favourite rocks – don’t miss the pelican feeding between 2.30pm and 3.30pm daily."

"Not technically a children’s farm, but we just couldn't resist including Golders Hill Park!. With its large expanse of greenery, it’s the perfect place for a picnic and some animal spotting. Golders Park is home to a large pond with both black and white swans, a deer park, butterfly house and even a small but free zoo where you can meet exotic birds and mammals including laughing kookaburras and ring-tailed lemurs - so there’s no shortage of animal fun here!"

"St George’s Gardens used to be a graveyard, but nowadays, the calm and tranquil green space is one of Bloomsbury’s most beloved parks. It’s one of the many green spaces in Bloomsbury, which is also known as the leafy neighbourhood of London, and offers seating areas ideal for scenic, city centre picnics."

"The remains of an ancient royal hunting forest, this park stretches for some 5,000 acres south of Windsor Castle. Much of it is open…"

"One of Europe’s largest inland wetland projects, this 42-hectare centre run by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust was transformed from four Victorian reservoirs in 2000 and attracts some 140 species of bird, as well as frogs, butterflies, dragonflies and lizards, plus a thriving colony of watervoles. The glass-fronted observatory affords panoramic views over the lakes, while meandering paths and boardwalks lead visitors through the watery habitats of black swans, Bewick's swans, geese, red-crested pochards, sand martins, coots, bitterns, herons and kingfishers."

"Voted in 2012 as Britain’s Favourite Natural Reserve, WWT London Wetland Centre is an oasis of natural wildlife placed right in the heart of London. Managed by Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, this idyllic wetland reserve is located in a loop of the Thames and occupies more than 100 acres of land. Home for a significant number of unique species of birds, insects, amphibians and other wildlife representatives, the Wetland Centre represents a real natural wonder."

"Just ten minutes from Hammersmith, you'll get lost in the London Wetland Centre and its lakes, ponds and gardens. Aside from the daily guided tours, you can meet the otters, feed the birds, or take part in a host of family activities such as pond dipping and nature walks."

"Restaurants Italian Covent Garden. Bang-on if you’re taking the kids to a show, this stablemate of Salt Yard offers a tasty mix of Italian/Spanish small plates in the cosy surrounds of a former theatreland pub. The famous stuffed courgette flowers drizzled with honey are a must-try for any budding foodie."

"This excellent Blackheath bar is pouring out some of the freshest pints in South London. Head over the heath and sample some of the tank-fresh beer, as well as some delicious plates of pizza, pasta and vegan eats from their food menu."