Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Datchet

"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!"

"While it doesn’t have the biodiversity of Kew, Hampstead Heath is a public park that has something else worth taking in—a view. While the woods and ponds are certainly lovely themselves, what really draws people is Parliament Hill, which offers one of the highest natural views of the city. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic to celebrate the day."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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"

"One doughnut spot that’s on every Londoner’s lips is Crosstown Doughnuts, known for their wild and wacky flavour combinations. From cinnamon scrolls to matcha tea, peach and nectarine to yuzu and passionfruit, there’s a doughnut to fit every taste bud. You’ll know when you spot someone munching into one of their doughnuts because you can spot their trademark ‘x’ piped onto the corner."

"You don't actually have to cross town for these, not now they've got vans, bars and stockists all over the place. You would, though, if you had to — for somewhere among the Standards, the Mini Bites and the Seasonal Specials is the doughnut of your dreams. They use sourdough for a denser, chewier doughnut at Crosstown, one thing which sets them apart from the doughnut masses."

"Boasting an impressive selection of breads, rolls, pastries, cakes, and freshly made sandwiches, family-run Rinkoff Wholesale Bakery certainly knows its stuff. However, setting aside the traditional, its recent foray into the delicacy known as a ‘cronut,’ a cross between a croissant and a doughnut, has been met with enthusiasm. Titled the ‘crodough,’ Rinkoff’s take on this hybrid snack includes nine different flavours."

"Family run business, Rinkoff Bakery has been serving up delicious baked goods and sweet treats for over 100 years and their quality hasn’t faltered once. You can enjoy their special home baked treats from both of their stores, including their infamous Crodoughs, a fun take on the croissant and doughnut trend. Location: Jubilee Street & Vallance Roadwww.rinkoffbakery.co.uk"

"Restaurants Australian Shoreditch. Lantana’s weekend brunch menu rings the changes when compared to the standard menus on offer throughout the week. A few classics (think smashed avocado and honey granola with Greek yoghurt) sit alongside more unusual assemblies including duck and sweet potato hash, a salmon poke bowl and a pork belly bánh mì burger with gochujang mayo."

"The current enthusiasm for vegan food shows no signs of waning and this weekly market is bringing plant-based street food to the fore, with a rotation of the best vegan traders in London. Head to Rupert Street in Soho for jackfruit tikka masala from Spicebox and Eat Chay’s chilli lemongrass soya Vietnamese bánh mì baguettes."

"Broadway Market and Broadway Vegan Market have something for everyone – including over 30 great vegan stalls. Everyone is sure to love the delicious offerings of Young Vegans. Opening Hours: The vegan market is every Saturday from 10am to 4pm, while the classic Broadway Market is Saturdays from 9am to 5pm."

"A short walk from Carnaby Street, have a browse through the unique shops, cross through Soho Park and have a quick glance at Sir Paul McCartney’s office, then indulge in a chili pepper hot chocolate at Paul A Young’s Chocolaterie. The thick and decadent drink is a hefty 5 quid but deemed the best hot cocoa in all of London."

"London’s most underrated gelato shop in Stoke Newington, Romeo & Giulietta – with the friendliest gelato scoopers – is worth a visit from more than just locals. Ricotta gelato with syrupy, sweet, super gooey swirls of caramelised figs or a scoop of their signature Biscokrok – a biscuit base covered in chocolate sauce – you can even add chocolate sprinkles on top. 137 Albion Rd, London N16 9JU"

"Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Stoke Newington, where we lay our scene, from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil ice cream makes civil hands unclean. Or – y’know – something like that. Romeo & Giulietta is a sweet neighbourhood ice cream parlour that you’re destined to fall in love with as soon as you walk through the door."

"Inspired by their time living in Verona, the husband and wife team behind this Stoke Newington spot focus on classic, well made Italian flavours. It’s a lucky dip for their delivery - just choose the size of your tub. Delivery: Via Deliveroo"