Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Addington

"This enormous, ancient parkland is one of the best places to escape the city while at the same time catching an amazing view of it: the vista from Parliament Hill, which forms the southeast part of Hampstead Heath, is so impressive it’s actually protected by law. Elsewhere in the park you’ll find a zoo, three swimming ponds (nominal charge, which is often ignored) and plenty of quiet spots for a back-to-nature-in-the-heart-of-London picnic."

"While it doesn’t have the biodiversity of Kew, Hampstead Heath is a public park that has something else worth taking in—a view. While the woods and ponds are certainly lovely themselves, what really draws people is Parliament Hill, which offers one of the highest natural views of the city. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic to celebrate the day."

"One of the more natural and untamed parks in London, Hamstead Heath is 320 hectares of parklands with stunning views over London from the top of Parliament Hill."

"This small Victorian woodland plantation was planted in the 1830s, but not opened to the public until 1953. It’s famed for its evergreen azaleas, which are best viewed in late April or early May. The garden includes the National Collection of Wilson 50 Kurume Azaleas, as well as other rare and unusual shrubs and trees."

"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."

"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."

"If you're craving some seriously good BBQ food, you don't need to book a flight to Memphis. Hop on the train to Camden, where Porky's offers deliciously deep-fried, juicy southern-fried chicken, whisky by the glass and a rock 'n' roll playlist to boot."

"You can get that exact dish in Porky’s, another mini-chain of American diners in London. But, as the name suggests, pigs are what you want. Porky’s pulled pork, a dish very much a la mode, is hard to beat."

"With wooden floors, red booths, and a delicious selection of meat, Bodean’s is exactly what you’d want from an American dining experience. The staff are zealously friendly and food comes in portions that will leave you feeling drunker than a case of beer ever could (or two cases of American beer). Claims have been made that it has the best ribs this side of the Atlantic, but perhaps the shared platters are what really mark Bodean’s out as a bastion of red, white and blue nutritional joy."

"A post shared by Bodean’s BBQ (@bodeansbbq) on Feb 29, 2016 at 5:19am PST. Bodean’s has grown pretty quickly since their debut in 2002 and it’s not hard to see why. They’re now grilling up a storm in eight mouthwatering locations across London, so you’re never far from a belly full of BBQ."

"This Soho institution’s offering of pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, chicken wings, burgers and mac ‘n’ cheese will ensure neither adult nor child leave hungry. Or with a clean face."

"The parillas of Spain, asadors of the Basque country and BBQs of Italy inspire the food at this stylish restaurant, decked out in polished timber, and fitted with a basement bar lined with genuinely comfy stools.... Top ChoiceModern British in Kensington & Hyde Park"

"Home to a slap-up selection of Mediterranean dishes, this unique Soho restaurant fronts a state-of-the-art charcoal grill, alongside a range of refreshing cocktails and some very slick interiors in which to enjoy them."

"Restaurants Spanish Soho"

"Tired from shopping in Oxford Street and need an escape from the busy streets?. Head down to the Hideaway, a cute coffee shop hidden in the corners of Soho, and order yourself a light lunch and some insanely good coffee. They have custom-made sandwiches and delicious banana bread, which is homemade by the owner – it won't take long before Hideaway becomes your go-to shopping spree brunch spot."

"This is the permanent space for Ollie Dabbous's spin off from Hide. Open all day and with seating inside and out it'll serve up coffees and pastries in the morning, progressing to oysters and Champagne, lobster rolls and salads later in the day."

"A post shared by The Hummingbird Bakery (@hummingbbakery) on Mar 26, 2018 at 8:09am PDT. Home of the red velvet cupcake, succumb to temptation with a visit to the original Hummingbird on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, where you can sample the decadent range of cupcakes, layer cakes, brownies, pies, cheesecakes and more. Hummingbird also has branches in Soho, Islington, Spitalfields, Richmond and South Kensington."

"Finally, the cupcakes at Hummingbird Bakery are also a highlight from London’s baked goodies selection. There are plenty of take-home goodies on offer here, too!. 133 Portobello Road, London"

"Yep, for a limited time, the famous bakehouse are bring ing some of Heinz’s best-loved condiments to the world of cakes. Think baked beans, ketchup. tomato soup and even salad cream."

"Franzè & Evans, in Shoreditch, East London, anchors one end of trendy Redchurch Street just before it flows into Bethnal Green Road. They serve interesting breakfasts and modern Italian lunches, but it’s also the best place I know for a breather after a day of hipster shopping. It’s perfectly located, an oasis at the end of this street of expensive, avant garde boutiques and underground designer shops too cool for signs."