Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Edgware

"This ancient expanse of common land straddling a high ridge between Hampstead and Highgate is, perhaps, London’s most beloved open space. Its rolling hills and meadows, copses and glades, glittering ponds and views conjure a deep sense of the rural that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere. A summer’s picnic in the long grass, kite-flying on Parliament Hill or tobogganing down it in the snow, a splash in the bathing ponds, a Sunday ramble to emerge muddy-booted at a village pub or Kenwood (no.3) – these are sacred institutions for many, many Londoners, who would probably lay down their lives for the Heath if they had to."

"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."

"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."

"Shoreditch’s shabby-chic aura is captured well by The Book Club. On a side street splattered with art murals, its daytime cafe culture gives way to a mob of partygoers as the sun goes down. Framed by whitewashed brick walls and anchored with table tennis, the main lounge is a social spot that’s amplified by a playlist from buzzy new bands."

"Save any face stuffing for The Book Club in Shoreditch this Pancake Day and you'll be greeted by a must-try menu of espresso martini stacks and fluffy pina colada towers. You'll be able to load up on these cocktail-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with a few treats too."

"Coya’s Peruvian food has proved perennially popular thanks to a menu of vibrant flavours, colours and textures. Part of the appeal lies in the bar's very good pisco sours, which somehow help mealtimes go swimmingly."

"Until we wrote this, Ridley Road was probably one of London’s best kept secrets. Go and embrace the clammy dance floor, and don’t take that lightly – in the summer even the disco ball drips with sweat. Grab a three-quid red stripe (yes, you read that right) and see for yourself what all the fuss is about."

"If you are wondering where to shop in London, then Westfield Stratford City is the place to be!. This shopping centre opened its doors in September 2011, and it is considered to be one of the largest in Europe. The centre includes approximately 400 stores and 70 restaurants the most notable being Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and John Lewis."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user Roel Hemkes used under CC BY 2.0. Another Westfield chain, Westfield Stratford City Shopping Center offers a wide variety of shops, as well as dining and entertainment. With 83 restaurants, including those serving halal and vegetarian dishes, everyone will find something on the menu."

"Thai Square Spa Covent Garden is a nominee in the 2017 World Spa Awards and is a revolution in elegance, opulence and tranquillity. We recommend the traditional Thai Massage which covers the neck, back and shoulders. The massage works on heating the body temperature and muscles using hot oils massaged into pre exfoliated skin."

"Bethnal Green's thermal spa is thoroughly relaxing and thoroughly affordable. York Hall Leisure Centre, Old Ford Road, Tower Hamlets, London, E2 9PJ. Tube: Bethnal Green Underground Station"

"Scottish skincare brand ishga, which draws on natural ingredients from the Hebridean islands such as hand-harvested seaweed, has launched a three-month residency at the Bamford Wellness Spa in Knightsbridge with two deeply nourishing 90-minute holistic treatments. Go for the ishga Immune Boosting Ritual to revitalise the body after a year of WFH. The treatment begins with a hydrating sea salt and oil scrub, followed by either a 60-minute full-body massage, hot stone massage or ishga hot poultice massage."

"Sitting grandiose in Knightsbridge on the edge of Hyde Park, a stiletto’s click away from Harrods and Harvey Nichols, The Berkley oozes elegance and Art Deco grandeur. Perhaps it’s because numerous designers have collaborated with the hotel, including Paul Smith, who designed a range of bespoke crockery for the catwalk-inspired afternoon Pret-a-portea. The hotel has 190 rooms, 55 of which are suites, many with terraces overlooking Hyde Park and some bigger than most London flats."

"This year, Knightsbridge favourite The Berkeley is saying sayonara to lockdown with an alfresco dining space inspired by the country's iconic foodie seafronts. Transporting you to the sandy shores of Whistable, the hotel menu includes oysters, lobster and retro cocktails. Don't miss the frothy Sailor Sour which blends Grey Goose Vodka with Nardini Mandorla, lemon and egg white."

"Located in a historical eighteenth-century building in central London (near to Covent Garden), AIRE Ancient Baths, joins seven other AIRE locations in cities such as New York, Barcelona and Seville and brings the classical tradition of bathing forward into the 21st Century. In addition to the traditional ancient treatments, AIRE Ancient Baths London will offer guests two specialist practices: The Himalayan Salt Experience and The Wine Ritual. The Himalayan Salt Experience is a unique, rejuvenating and stress-relieving three-hour treatment that offers clients a 60-minute massage with hot Himalayan pink salt stones in addition to the traditional Thermal Bath circuit."