Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Brixton

"The Heath is only four miles from Trafalgar Square and has about 800 acres of lovely countryside. It is rich in flora and fauna, is enjoyed by thousands and is within easy reach of millions!. The landscape has woodland, meadows, heathland and many ponds along its valleys and features such as hedgerows and ancient trees provide links with the past.Kingfishers, reed warblers and all three species of British woodpecker breed, over 300 species of fungi have grown here and many-species of bats are here."

"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!"

"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."

"Situated in North London, Highgate Wood is one of the four ancient woods of the London Borough of Haringey (together with Queen’s Wood, Coldfall Wood and Bluebell Wood). Containing an impressive variety of trees and shrub species, the Highgate Wood is the home for many foxes, grey squirrels, as well as multiple species of birds, bats, butterflies and spiders. Besides the fact that it was included among the eight Green Heritage Sites in London, Highgate Wood also attracts visitors with its recreational facilities like children playgrounds, cafés, walking trails and sporting fields."

"Another very famous location for photography is Millennium Bridge, but taking pictures from here isn’t as easy as you’d think. It gets very busy so make sure you come early before the crowds, or when taking photos at night with a tripod try increasing your ISO, as this will hopefully reduce the chance of camera shake from the flow of people on the bridge. Best time for pics: Sunrise and nightCost: FreeLocation: Millennium Bridge, Thames Embankment, London SE1"

"Officially opened in 2000, this impressive steel suspension footbridge was the first bridge to be built over the River Thames in over 100 years. It connects St Pauls on the north bank of the Thames with Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe on the south. For the Harry Potter fans out there, you may recognise this bridge from the opening scene of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."

"After strolling through South Bank, feel free to cross the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge and visit the world-famous Shakespeare’s Globe, lying literally just a few hundred feet south of the Thames. Needing little introduction, Shakespeare’s Globe is a modern reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre that still produces open-air plays and performances on a daily basis!"

"Churning its way to the top is Snowflake after founder Asad and gelato Chef Paolo opened up their first shop in 2012. With eight years now under their belt, they have several stores across the city delighting the busy commuters, tourists and passers-by with their specialities, handmade with love using some of the world’s finest ingredients. Despite expanding, each gelato is made by hand using the traditional Italian method, allowing each one to be naturally unique, just like a real snowflake."

"Restaurants Ice-cream parlours Bayswater. ‘Serving happiness’ by way of sorbetti and gelati, this light, bright, faintly space-age parlour has come into its own since Exhibition Road’s pedestrian-friendly revamp. More than 40 flavours are available behind the counter, plus chocolate-dipped mini cones, sundaes, waffles and crêpes."

"Their core product is made using raw organic Jersey milk from a Somerset family farm and pure spring water from the Wenlock mountains. Their chocolate ice cream uses only the very best 70% Valrhona which is a super high standard used by the world’s top pastry chefs. This is basically the Michelin star of ice cream making."

"Found just outside London Designer Outlet, their lush desserts and heavenly drinks will curb that sweet tooth in no time."

"Seasonal ingredients are at the focus of La Gelatiera, so flavours tend to change most weeks – and so return visits can be attributed to curiosity over greed. Its award-winning gelato is made with cream and milk from Jersey cows, with a selection of vegan alternatives available too. Of those we’ve had, its honey, rosemary and orange zest is a fragrant favourite, Cornish blue cheese is mixed with walnuts for a savoury option, while a dairy-free dark chocolate gelato comes spiced with Calabrian chilli."

"La Gelatiera is a great all rounder ice cream shop, hosting a generous selection of artisan gelato with flavours including usual favourites as well as some more unconventional yet delicious alternatives. Honey, rosemary and orange zest is our top pick here, making for a light and refreshing treat. With vegan gelato options on the menu like pistachio and dark chocolate with chilli, there’s no need for anyone to miss out on the joy here."

"Restaurants Ice-cream parlours Stratford. If putting a smile on people’s faces was an Olympic sport, La Gelatiera would definitely go home with a gold. Their spot in East Village, E20 in Stratford, is more sociable than the Covent Garden original, with a ‘theatre’ where you can watch the gelato being made."

"Wood-fired sourdough pizzas with serious artisan credentials guarantee queues at Franco Manca – no wonder this cult-status mini chain has spread across London like a drizzle of chilli oil on your plate. Prices are rock bottom, the pizzas are served up super-quickly, and the toppings include everything from gloucester old spot sausages to gragnano tomatoes. As you might expect, vegan and gluten-free options are always available."

"The Richmond outpost of London’s original sourdough pizza chain is definitely one of its coolest, situated as it is in the old police station. Beautiful wooden accents and exposed brick make the interior as cosy as can be, while the pizzas are as dependable as rain on a Bank Holiday weekend. Specials change according to the season and include meat, vegetarian and vegan options."