Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Crystal Palace

"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."

"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."

"Huge and sprawling with incredible views, woodlands and open air swimming ponds!. The perfect park for a winter wander, a place to watch the fireworks in London or picnic in the sun and a swim for the brave."

"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 multiple locations across the city and an impressive range of flavours rotated daily, Crosstown’s handmade fresh doughnuts are not to be missed. For a seasonal snack, the Pumpkin and Nutmeg Custard Doughnut is full of wintry flavour, including pumpkin sourdough, cream cheese icing, pumpkin seeds, and orange zest. Similarly, the Spiced Apple and Pear Crumble Doughnut is bursting with the taste of maple, pecan, and autumn fruits."

"Having started out as a small street food stall, its innovative use of tangy sourdough has turned its sweet treats into a London must-try. There are now 20 Crosstown locations across the capital, selling doughnuts in exciting flavours including pomegranate with orange blossom, caramel with banana cream and peanut butter with blackberry compote. Various locations, crosstowndoughnuts.com"

"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."

"If you love doughnuts, you need to try Longboys in BOXPARK Wembley. Their artisan finger doughnuts are a whole new player in the game, challenging the humble glazed ring, their menu is full of delicious flavour twists and perfect pastries, as well as soft-serve ice-cream. Their menu is always changing but one classic that remains is there Lemon Meringue Pie doughnut and we say try it!"

"The doughnuts at Dum Dum have a lower fat content but are full of flavour|© Jeffrey Blackler / Alamy Stock Photo. Although the doughnuts sold at Dum Dum are technically more like buns, that hasn’t stopped it from rising to fame due to a low-fat, patisserie-style baking process that allows plenty of room for taste. Due to this popularity, Dum Dum is now able to offer bespoke doughnuts and a doughnut courier service, and it is planning to expand from its four current outlets to many more over the course of the next few years."

"If you’re nuts for Nutella, celebrate with us and pop in for a Cronutella!. #bakednotfried #donut #croissantdonut #happydays #donuts #food #foodie #foodporn #doughnuts #donut #yummy #chocolate #dessert #delicious #dumdumdiaries #donutresist #nutella #nutelladay. A post shared by Dum Dum Donuts, W1 (@dumdumdonuts.w1) on Feb 5, 2019 at 9:01am PST"

"Introducing the 'Cro Nutella, Galaxy and Choc Berry' from @dumdumdoughnuts 🙌 – Find them in Unit 31 pic.twitter.com/cwwW0vlCWx. — BOXPARK SHOREDITCH (@boxpark) October 19, 2020. Location: Unit 31, Box Park, Shoreditch."

"Close to London’s center, this is a relatively small Royal Park bordering the Mall – the red road which leads to Buckingham Palace. The Mall is also the Queen’s ceremonial route. On the other side of the park is the Horseguard Parade, where you can see the annual Trooping of the Color as well as the palace guards practicing their moves."

"This is a well-known park in Westminster, central London and it’s a great pit stop for a picnic lunch if you’re tired after a morning of sightseeing around the area. A sunny day here is a day well spent and the playground is sure to please children from toddlers to under-eights thanks to its sand, swings and climbing areas."

"There is a story that, many years ago, a royal once enquired of a courtier how much it would cost to close St. James's Park to the public."

"Hours:Mon to Fri 1230 – 1500, 1730 – 2300 Sat 1230 – 2300 Sun 1230 – 2230; Open on Christmas Day"

"How did a chicken restaurant become one of the most beloved chains in Britain?. Nando’s offers so much more than its delicious flame-roasted chicken – they have dozens of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as healthy sides and salads. It’s no wonder that Nando’s is amongst the most popular family restaurants in Wembley Park."

"Address: London Designer Outlet, Empire Way, Wembley, Greater London HA9 0PA. Phone number: 0208 902 7388. On the menu: Famed for its chicken."