Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Belsize Park

"This ancient expanse of common land straddling a high ridge between Hampstead and Highgate is, perhaps, London’s most beloved open space. Its rolling hills and meadows, copses and glades, glittering ponds and views conjure a deep sense of the rural that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere. A summer’s picnic in the long grass, kite-flying on Parliament Hill or tobogganing down it in the snow, a splash in the bathing ponds, a Sunday ramble to emerge muddy-booted at a village pub or Kenwood (no.3) – these are sacred institutions for many, many Londoners, who would probably lay down their lives for the Heath if they had to."

"From wonderful walking trails to taking a dip in the bathing ponds, there is plenty to do and enjoy at Hampstead Heath. Branded ‘an island of beautiful countryside’, you’ll never get tired of visiting this thriving inner city escape."

"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."

"While Richmond Park is by far the most famous park in the area, Old Deer Park is an open space dedicated to sports facilities and community events. It has play areas, tennis courts, an outdoor gym and sports pitches. You can also access Pools on the Park, a sports, fitness and pool complex."

"Full of rare and unusual trees and shrubs, the Isabella Plantation is a beautiful spot set in the depths of Richmond Park. It’s a green space for most of the year, but in April & May, the azaleas bloom and Isabella Plantation becomes a perfect pink paradise. COVID-19 UPDATE: Isabella Plantation is currently closed to the public."

"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."

"Housed in an 1802 warehouse, this educational museum combines artefacts and multimedia displays to chart the history of the city through its river and docks. The best strategy is to begin on the 3rd floor and work your way down through the ages. Perhaps the most illuminating and certainly the most disturbing gallery is London, Sugar and Slavery, which examines the capital’s role in the transatlantic slave trade."

"The museum tells the stories of the different industries that used the River Wandle. Such as Young’s Brewery, William Morris and Liberty’s."

"305 Harrow Road, Wembley HA9 6BD, EnglandTakeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Serves Alcohol, Delivery, Wheelchair Accessible, Full BarAsian, Nepali, Indian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan OptionsDinner, Lunch+44 20 8902 4039"

"There are not one but two new branches from Bao, the restaurant that single-handedly got the capital hooked on buns when it first launched. First up is Cafe Bao, which threw open its doors in November last year… and then swiftly shut them. It officially opened in May and is now serving up Bao classics and some excellent new dishes – everyone’s favourite pork bao, a burger bao (a beef patty, cheese and burger sauce), Taiwanese fried chicken kiev and baked ham hock congee pie."

"Adorned with pink cherry blossom trees and funky neon lights, Bahn Bao Brothers has completely transformed the once disused railway arch that it now calls home. And luckily, the food here is just as good-looking, with a menu jam-packed full of mouth-watering Vietnamese small plates and hearty phos."

"A stylish restaurant in London's Waterloo area, Banh Bao Brothers is made up of indoor cherry blossoms and atmospheric lighting. The stuff of date night dreams, this place serves Pan-Asian tapas dishes alongside a curated selection of signature mixes."

"Restaurants French Bermondsey. A teasing spoonful of provincial France in all its rustic warmth, this infectiously cosy eatery is a delightful squeeze. Chatty personal service sets the tone, while the brief blackboard menu (scribbled in French) promises big-hearted, boldly chosen and smartly executed takes on the bourgeois classics."

"Located in Bermondsey, this French eatery has an incredibly homely feel. The tiny Casse-Croûte can seat just 20 people at a time, and the village-like interior adds to the small-town atmosphere. You can expect to dine on old French favourites such as shavings of calf’s head, creamy mackerel rillettes, pollock and guinea fowl."

"Despite being in Bermondsey, this place is so determinedly French that they don’t translate the menus here. They also change said menus every day, so your chances of ending up with the same thing twice are rather slim."