Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Egham

"This enormous, ancient parkland is one of the best places to escape the city while at the same time catching an amazing view of it: the vista from Parliament Hill, which forms the southeast part of Hampstead Heath, is so impressive it’s actually protected by law. Elsewhere in the park you’ll find a zoo, three swimming ponds (nominal charge, which is often ignored) and plenty of quiet spots for a back-to-nature-in-the-heart-of-London picnic."

"One of the city’s wildest green spaces, Hampstead Heath spans a huge proportion of north London. Stroll across the grass and clamber through the gnarled trees or take in the view of London from atop Parliament Hill. If you fancy a dip, the lido is on one side of the hill and the bathing ponds on the other."

"Hampstead Heath is technically in London, but because of its size, you will feel like you have left the busy capital behind you. It is beautiful in every season. There is a lot to explore."

"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."

"Whitecross Street Market is a friendly and scrumptious market that’s a favourite amongst hard working locals, and has been serving up delicious food for over 150 years. It’s still relatively unknown, tucked away behind The Barbican Centre, so the food here is unpretentious and on point. Don’t miss long-time favourite Ravello’s Italian for some authentic Italian eats."

"Dalston Food Market is an amazing little market located in an uber-trendy part of the city. The stalls in this area tend to be cheaper than those in some of the other markets, making this a budget-friendly option."

"Source: Photo by user Nils R. Barth used under PUBLIC DOMAIN. Up next, we have Whitecross Street Market located in central London. This is another market that’s one of London’s oldest."

"Follow your nose to find the tasty treats on offer at the Southbank Centre Food Market, hosted in Southbank Centre Square behind the Royal Festival Hall on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holiday Mondays. The rotating cast of street food vendors are specifically chosen for their dedication to delicious, sustainable and ethical food and drink. Or peruse paperbacks and hunt for hardcovers at the Southbank Centre Book Market each day under Waterloo Bridge."

"For me, the added touch of the pomegranate seeds took this Indian street food to another level of flavour and texture. Since London is known for its great Indian food, Horn Ok Please is a great place to grab a taste of it. While Indian restaurants offer a ton of options, this food stall simplifies your choices to a few great dishes."

"Located along River Thames, Southbank Centre Food Market is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This market has more than 40 stalls ready to serve up some delicious street food. From sweet treats and Korean barbecue through a juice bar to tacos, there’s plenty to try here."

"Bon Vivant, an unassuming French restaurant with classic Parisian outside seating and sumptuous interior design, is a lovely, low-key option in Bloomsbury. The staff hail from all over Europe and are led by a French manager, who ensures they all partake in French lessons after joining his team, so as to keep things feeling as authentic as possible. And it works, particularly alongside the oh-so-French menu, which sees classics given a modern update: think escargots (snails) doused in a buttery mix of garlic, so that the parsley and shallots drip down your chin and need mopping up with a warm slice of the restaurant’s homemade bread."

"Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all on the cards at Bon Vivant, which also includes such delights as bavette steak and an Earl Grey crème brûlée. Yeah, we’re drooling too."

"There are Francophiles behind this nationwide French brasserie group – that much is obvious. Every last detail, from the rattan terrace furniture ..."

"Located on the Riverside, Côte Brasserie is open daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Inspired by new trends in Paris where diners..."

"Blanchette is the model of a French country house a step away from the streets of Soho. A seat at the bar is in full view of the art nouveau tiled walls, while the back tables are topped with candles and surrounded by on-the-money does of Provencal shabby chic. You and your date are encouraged to share as you pick through snacks of cheese beignets and croque monsieur, robust meat and fish dishes, and a decadent menu of cheese and honey pairings."

"Blanchette is more of a pas de deux, for there are two restaurants to choose from. The Soho joint heads straight down the Parisian route, whilst their Brick Lane restaurant incorporates North African influences."