Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in central

"It’s hard to believe that tucked away amongst the built up surroundings of Hampstead, just 6 kilometres from Trafalgar Square, lies 800 acres of fields and woods. Hampstead Heath transports you to the countryside, with its mosaic of habitats providing a resource for the copious amounts of wildlife. Featuring a number of priority species identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, the Heath is known as one of London’s best places for wildlife."

"Hampstead Heath is a favorite for Londoners, a quiet oasis that provides the illusion of a countryside getaway within one of the world's busiest cities. This sprawling and irregularly shaped park is located north of the city center, just beyond The Regent's Park. Its best-known features are the three natural bathing ponds: one designated for males, another for females, and the third for anyone."

"#sky #hill #earlymorning #goodmorning #lovetheheath #earlymorning #sunrise #spring #walk #longwalk #hampsteadheath #theheath #hampstead #love #london #staystrong #lockdown #socialdistancing. A post shared by Junho Kim (@junbug_london) on May 26, 2020 at 10:32pm PDT. Escape the hustle and bustle of central London a mere four miles away inHampstead Heath."

"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."

"Expect nothing but deliciousness from this little legendary blue takeaway that’s been going for the last 40 years. There’s no delivery option available and it’s cash-only, but when a business doesn’t have any online presence or accept card payments in this day and age, it’s a sign of good eating. Expect more than generous portions of dry-style sweet-tangy stir-fried Singapore noodles, house special fried rice and black bean dishes, which are the real stars of the show."

"Dating back to the 1970s, Green Cottage is an institution that has withstood the test of time and, now, COVID-19. The menu may be a bible of old-school Cantonese classics that overwhelms one with choice but it only takes one glance up to the glossy rows of roast ducks on display and the answer becomes clear."

"When it launched it Fitzrovia in 2001, Hakkasan’s aim was to reimagine ancient gastronomy for the modern day. Judging by the phenomenal success that the restaurant chain has enjoyed around the world – the group now operates in 12 locations that stretch from Las Vegas to Shanghai – we’d say it was mission accomplished. Hakkasan at Home offers Hakkasan’s award-winning Michelin-star Cantonese cuisine for guests to enjoy in their own dining rooms (or on the sofa)."

"Hakkasan Hanway Place isn't the only Hakkasan in London (there's another in Mayfair), but it's the original restaurant that launched an international empire. The location won a Mic..."

"Elizabeth Haigh’s Singaporeon restaurant-stall in Borough Market slings the addictive toasted finger sandwiches which are slathered in kaya, a coconut jam, and stuffed with a slab of butter. It’s absolutely worth getting the kaya toast set which also comes with soft poached eggs in soy (in which to dunk the toast) and teh tarik or kopi."

"Chef Elizabeth Haigh’s Mei Mei, the Borough Market counter influenced by Singaporean kopi tiam culture, will open for a brunch feast menu and evening dinner — the latter featuring pre-order-ready Singapore chilli crab — Thursday through Saturday. All seats must be booked online."

"The Singaporian kopitiam spot in Borough Market has begun collection and delivery every Thursday to Saturday. Hainanese chicken rice, fried chicken, and more is on the menu. Order via app and check their Instagram for more info."

"Restaurants Bakeries Soho. Crosstown’s delightfully chewy sourdough doughnuts are handmade, fresh every day. Classic flavours such as chocolate truffle are presented alongside more creative additions, like rhubarb, raspberry and ginger – and a vegan’s delight: there are dairy-free offerings that have been perfected (so much so that Crosstown actually have a completely vegan shop in Marylebone)."

"Another place that absolutely slays the donut game is Crosstown. These guys have only been in London since 2014, but they’ve garnered a massive following since then. As plenty of Londoners would confirm, a donut from Crosstown is absolutely one of the best desserts in London."

"Soft and dense like cake, full of banana flavour – in the dough and icing – plus a filling of chunky cherry compote all the way round, Crosstown’s new banana cake doughnut is now an unmisseable part of the range."

"Longboys are all about gorgeous doughnuts, excellent coffee, and soft-serve ice cream delights, bringing their joy and passion for food to BOXPARK Wembley. Their doughnuts are made from a light brioche base and gourmet fillings that give them just enough sweetness and a complex flavour profile. These treats are next level decadent without the extra calories."

"Rivalling the ring shaped doughnut, Longboys are the tasty treats bringing some serious patisserie credentials to the dessert scene. The eclair-doughnut crossover is a unique idea, combining traditional techniques and creative fillings. From a zesty lemon meringue pie to a sweet and salty take on the classic peanut butter jelly, there’s a sweet treat to suit all tastes."

"A long, light, brioche-based doughnut with shavings of caramelised white chocolate on top and a luxuriously thick, salted caramel crème inside, the glossy, golden liquid just oozes out after one bite. Address: 119 Lower Stable Street Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DR or Boxpark, 18 Olympic Way, London HA9 0JT"