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

"Hampstead Heath offers stunning views over the city, but one could be forgiven for not noticing, as there's an awful lot to do there. If you aren't taking a dip in one of the ponds (there are single and mixed options) or the Parliament Hill Lido, you could be running circuits on the athletics track or visiting the Golders Hill zoo. For sheer childhood pleasure, though, the model boating pond is difficult to top (for God’s sake, don’t try to get in for a swim)."

"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."

"Hampstead Heath Park London is one of the most loved parks in London. There’s plenty of things to do like visiting the Parliament Hill, Golders Hill Park-with a zoo and a gorgeous butterfly house, an open-air Lido, swimming ponds, splash pools, countless sports pitches and facilities, athletics track, playgrounds, stunning listed Pergola and Hill Garden. The list of things to do at Hampstead Heath doesn’t end!"

"Serial winner of the nation’s most popular park awards, this mainstay of East London downtime since 1845 continues to recruit new generations to its enormous band of devoted fans. Vicky Park is simply amazing for young people. A blinder of a playground features the best slides in town and a host of other original swinging, climbing and larking-about equipment – plus the extensive summer splash pools."

"Not only does it play host to some of the best festivals in the capital but it’s home to the Pavilion Cafe (great for a top notch breakfast), a model boating lake and a new weekly farmer’s market on top of all the green space. It may always be full of joggers and sunbathers but the place is so big you’ll never feel crowded."

"You can also be a little sporty at the tennis court or the sports playground. Did you know that over nine million people visit Victoria Park every year?. No wonder it is known as the People’s Park in London."

"A big Kidadler favourite, Aldenham Country Park is one of North West London’s hidden gems and is set to reopen from June 20th!. Head over to the farm any day of the week from 9am to 6pm where you’ll find plenty of furry farmyard animals including rabbits, ferrets and guinea pigs. Aldenham are taking lots of measures to keep their farm attractions safe which you can find details of on their website."

"This farm is little further out of London, but a whole day of adventure and fun can be enjoyed here, thanks to a huge array of facilities, besides the friendly animals. There’s indoor soft play at the Bundle Barn, an alpine toboggan run, Dino Dig and Splash play area and an adventure playground. Unlike most of the other city farms in London listed, there is a small entry price for this one (£10) but this includes entry to all indoor and outdoor play areas, activities, animals, bird shows and a tractor ride to the dairy farm."

"A post shared by Georgiebd (@georgie.bd) on May 26, 2018 at 10:23am PDT. Cycle along the paths or take a stroll at Lee Valley Regional Park. Stretching 42km (26 miles) along the river Lee, past Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and up to Ware in Hertfordshire, there is plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife, relax or play."

"Opened in 1828, London Zoo is among the oldest in the world. The emphasis nowadays is firmly on conservation, breeding and education, with fewer animals and bigger enclosures. Highlights include Land of the Lions, Gorilla Kingdom, Tiger Territory, the walk-through In with the Lemurs and Penguin Beach. There are regular feeding sessions and talks, various experiences are available, such as Keeper for a Day, and you can even spend the night in the Gir Lion Lodge."

"London Zoo sits in the northern part of Regent’s Park and is extremely popular with families. Wildlife habitats include Tiger Territory, Gorilla Kingdom, Land of the Lions, Penguin Beach and Reptile House (where part of a Harry Potter film was shot). Meet the Monkeys is a big hit with younger kids and you can visit creepie crawlies in the spider walkthrough."

"The famous London Zoo offers daily events including a free nature trail for children to tick off animals on their way around. There is daily feeding of birds, meercats, penguins at the beach, magnificent tigers, lemurs and even a giraffe high tea!. Animals show off their skills in live demonstrations; there are bug encounters and much more!"

"If there's one thing we want to be seen doing, it's dining beneath a marigold awning. And so we shall be going to Jikoni to eat on their covered terrace. Complete with wool blankets, statuesque heaters and hot water bottles on request, even the most eclectic weather doesn't stand a chance here (and neither do the sweetcorn and lime leaf fritters once we've seen them)."

"Jikoni’s brunch is a many-splendoured thing: fenugreek waffles with tamarind-glazed bacon, aloo tikka channa chaat, mutton keema Sloppy Joe. The piña colada pancakes are worth saving space for — a substantial stack topped with caramelised pineapple and coconut ice cream. All the fun of the cocktail with none of the brain-freeze."

"Marylebone’s Jikoni has started Comfort and Joy - a vegetarian and vegan meal service inspired by cuisines all over the world. There are six boxes to choose from, with stuff like Omani lime dhal and sweet and sour aubergine curry on the menu. Everything you need is on their website."

"Mei Ume is not only an exceptional Chinese restaurant, it is one of the most stunning, elegant dining treats in London. First off, the surroundings are magnificent. The room has beautiful cornices and columns, mesmerising art and a welcome sense of calm, besides charming service."

"In principle we're opposed to a combined Chinese/Japanese restaurant. However, in the case of Mei Ume, at the cracking Four Seasons hotel, we make an exception - because it's so damn good. On the Japanese side, wok-fried wagyu is the real deal and there's a live sushi station."

"Mei Ume somehow manages to seamlessly combine Chinese and Japanese cuisine in its luxe home at the Four Seasons. While this food might not come cheap, it’s worth the spend if you’re looking to impress."