Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Brook Street

"So everyone knows about Hampstead Heath but it’s still the place to go for a picnic. Not only is it massive, so plenty of room for everyone, but you get mega views from the top of Parliament Hill, you’ve got the ponds and a lido for when you wanna take a dip and it’s a lovely walk up to Kenwood House."

"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."

"The Old Deer Park today is an important site for sport and events. The Pools on the Park Complex offers indoor and outdoor pools plus a gym. There are facilities for football, cricket, rugby, an outdoor gym and both hard and grass tennis courts."

"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."

"Alongside ‘dark kitchens’ in Palmer’s Green and South Wimbledon (Merton Abbey Mills), Sugoi JPN – alongside its sister brand, Arepita Sliders – has launched a brand new site in Chelsea, in partnership with The Chelsea Lodge. Part of Sugoi JPN’s new Under One Kitchen project, set up to support hospitality businesses during the coronavirus crisis, the new site will open for dine-in customers post-lockdown. Until then, the brand’s unique ‘noritacos’ are available from all sites for both takeaway and delivery (within a 2.5 mile radius of each site)."

"Venezuelan chef Felipe serves Japanese-Latin fusion street food from a white trailer parked up outside Mother Kelly’s Taproom in one of Paradise Row’s converted archways. Signature noritacos wrap a mash-up of Japanese and Latin ingredients in a crisp tempura seaweed shell. Fillings include sushi salmon and tuna with pico de gallo, and Mexican-style chicken teriyaki with soured cream and avocado."

"Step into London Chinatown restaurant Plum Valley and you'll find a calm escape from city life, with a peaceful setting inspired by a Chinese garden. The menu here is a Chinese, Japanese and Thai fusion. Come for a dim sum feast and try pork buns, spring rolls and wasabi prawn dumplings."

"That fine-dining feel doesn’t come by very often – if at all – in Chinatown. However, if high-end is your vibe, Plum Valley is where you’ll find the Gerrard Street version. Slick, contemporary decor has a touch of the Hakkasans to it, all sultry wooden screens and low lighting."