Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Cobham

"Sprawling Hampstead Heath, with its rolling woodlands and meadows, feels a million miles away – despite being approximately four – from the City of London. Covering 320 hectares, most of it woods, hills and meadows, it's home to about 180 bird species, 23 species of butterflies, grass snakes, bats and a rich array of flora. It's a wonderful place for a ramble, especially to the top of Parliament Hill, which offers expansive views across the city."

"Elevate your London perspective – Hampstead Heath is one of the best places in London to see the city skyline. In fact, the view from Parliament Hill in the south-east corner of the park is protected by law. Make the hike up the 322-foot (98-metre) hill and you'll be rewarded with views of Canary Wharf, St Paul's Cathedral and many more top London sights."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"With the cute shops and stunning flower stalls, it’s easy to see why Columbia Road Flower Market is one of the best places to take photos in London. The market takes place every Sunday and, while we don’t make it there often (Sundays are reserved for laziness in our household), we are always pleased when we do. Everyone at Columbia Road Flower Market will be photographing in the flowers, but try to catch a bit of what is going on behind the scenes as well, or a completed bouquet shot that highlights your personality."

"Whether you’re there to buy flowers or not, Columbia Road is a worthwhile Sunday excursion. Each week, this morning market fills the small street with flourishing plants and shrubs, from English roses to exotic orchids and banana trees. While you’re there, call into Columbia Road’s independent shops for stylish homewares and coffee."

"When you’re looking for a floral fix, Columbia Road Flower Market makes for a great day out. Just make sure to visit on a Sunday as it’s only open then. Best shot: take your pick from any of the colourful floral displays."

"From Armani Jeans and DKNY Men to Clarks and the Disney store, there's a variety of shops in the centre. If you want to grab some food, options for lunch include Nando's, The Real Greek, YO!. Sushi, Chicago Rib Shack and Franco Manca."

"One of the newer additions to London’s shopping scene is Westfield Stratford City. This shopping centre opened in September 2011 and it’s considered to be one of the largest in Europe. It bears a retail floor area of 175,000 m2!"

"Sunday is the day when Brick Lane’scobweb of different markets really shine. Brick Lane itself transforms a cool street market in London – a jumble of stalls selling clothes, handmade items, household goods with a fair bit of tat for good measure. Venture off the main drag for even more treats: the Sunday Upmarket brims with designer makers selling gorgeous jewellery and accessories and a similar vibe can also be found at the Backyard Market."

"Another Tower Hamlets market being held back, a return to the vintage clothing and street food paradise that is Brick Lane is likely at least another weekend away. We’ll keep you updated on any more openings we hear of – and with the summer starting to begin in earnest, we’ll keep our fingers crossed that wandering lazily through the stalls, street food in hand, becomes a reality very soon. Also published on Medium."

"If you're after a market with plenty going on, then Brick Lane won't disappoint. Expect eclectic clothing, plenty of second hand furniture, and stalls offering up all kinds of bric-a-brac. There's loads of street art to look out for too, as well as live music and a brilliant foodie scene."

"The Bankside Gallery in London was opened in 1980 by Her Majesty, the Queen. The public gallery, located near the Thames, houses the Royal Watercolour Society and Royal Society of Painter Printmakers. The gallery displays rotating exhibits focused on modern watercolours and prints."

"This neo-Gothic house built in the late 1890s for William Waldorf Astor, of hotel fame and once the richest man in America, showcases art from UK museum collections outside the capital. Visit as much to see the opulent house (it's astonishing) as the collections on display, but note it's only open for a few months each year for the Winter Exhibition Programme (see the website). Check out the bronze putti (cherubs) chatting on old telephones on the steps!"

" Retro in the best sense, this French ‘bistrot' wedged into Teddington High Street turns out hearty French cooking for a hungry local crowd. It's an ..." Read our full review"

"Forgive us for saving the best until last; if it’s Michelin-starred dining you desire, it might come as a surprise that Reading residents can find it right on the doorstep. Having retained its Michelin star for 18 consecutive years, this beautiful Grade-II listed building (that lost its top floor to a war-time bomb) is the perfect place for a romantic dining experience. Top Chef Tom Clarke has crafted a French modern menu with seasonal, local produce at its heart, with truly spectacular offerings for all dietary requirements."

"If you're looking for one of the best restaurants in Reading, this Michelin-starred eatery in Shinfield should do the trick. Offering a sublime selection of fine French fare, L'Ortolan has scooped acclaim for its innovative dishes and biodynamic wine list."

"Head Chef Tom Clarke is passionate about his cooking, and ensures that the same quality extends right through the whole of the L'Ortolan experience. Address: Church Lane, Shinfield, Reading RG2 9BY"

"Independent wine specialists, 28-50 Wine Bar & Kitchen Covent Garden & 28-50 Wine Workshop & Kitchen Marylebone will open up both terraces for guests to dine outside whilst sampling Executive Chef, Julien Baris’ new seasonal dishes. Highlights from the new menu include: freshly caught seafood platters; including mussels, rock oysters, prawns, clams and crab which pair perfectly with 28-50’s varied wine-list with vintages have been chosen from their own vineyard in the French Alps."

"A post shared by 2850 Wine Workshop & Kitchen (@2850marylebone). If you like deliberating over wine lists and food like Jerusalem artichoke soup with ceps and sourdough croutons, you're in luck: both the Marylebone and Covent Garden branches of 28-50 have opened their terraces."

"10 Upper St Martin's Ln, London WC2H 9FB Why should you care?. The Covent Garden 28:50 is an offshoot of the marylebone original, bringing plenty of wines by the glass to a much larger location."