Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Epping Upland

"It’s hard to believe that tucked away amongst the built up surroundings of Hampstead, just 6 kilometres from Trafalgar Square, lies 800 acres of fields and woods. Hampstead Heath transports you to the countryside, with its mosaic of habitats providing a resource for the copious amounts of wildlife. Featuring a number of priority species identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, the Heath is known as one of London’s best places for wildlife."

"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."

"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."

"Two Tree Island is a small island just southwest of Leigh-on-Sea and connected only by a bridge. With its breathtaking sights and a wealth of various wildlife to observe and explore, it’s no wonder that Two Tree Island is so popular with bird watchers and nature enthusiasts."

"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."

"Residents and workers in Fitzrovia are pretty lucky if they're pancake lovers with the Riding House Caf� serving up fluffy American-style pancakes all-year-round. But just for Pancake Day they're offering a special bottomless pancake brunch where you can order as many of their signature pancake dishes - berries with vanilla clotted cream and triple smoked streaky bacon and maple syrup - as you like for �12.50 per head. With sweet or savoury to choose from, there will be stacks of pancakes with tiers of toppings to satisfy even the biggest appetites."

"Scouring the internet for some of the best pancakes in London?. There's a name that seems to be topping every list, and that's Riding House Cafe. Get yourself a Pancake Day delivery with their special box featuring everything from triple-smoked streaky bacon and banana maple to marshmallows and white chocolate chips."

"When these bad boys cruised past us the other day we felt a stab of jealousy. Three fluffy, melt in the mouth pancakes, served with vanilla clotted cream, blueberries and a jug of maple syrup. Wash them down with one of their killer Bloody Marys."

"20 Fenchurch Street was beautifully designed by renowned architect Rafael Viñoly. The building spans 37 storeys and rhubarb occupies the top three levels alongside the public space known as Sky Garden, which provides 45,000 sq ft of high level amenity space. Visitors can wander around the exquisitely landscaped gardens with 360 degree panoramic views of London and all of the flora and fauna they need!"

"Located on floor 36 of the iconic Walkie Talkie, the views from the Darwin Brasserie are pretty striking. Although Fenchurch Restaurant – one of Sky Garden’s other offerings – is higher, the Darwin Brasserie has better views thanks to its position further back from the Sky Garden’s atrium roof. A good option if you want to enjoy the sights without the flocks of camera totting tourists."

"Travel 43 floors up and see a unique perspective of landmarks like The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and more. With massive floor-to-ceiling glass windows, an open-air terrace, and beautifully landscaped scenery, you’ll have an abundance of options for IG pics. It also houses a swanky restaurant and bar, so you can relax and soak in the views with a drink in hand."

"Shaws Booksellers might not be the first place that springs to mind when it comes to lunch, but it's time to reassess. While you won't find many hardback books here, this charming St Paul's Pub still has plenty of eccentricities, from Star Wars figurines through to a sturdy British menu."

"Much has been written about how chef Fergus Henderson and his protégés have transformed British food, with a sphere of influence that extends around the globe. It is this that generates such interest in what is perhaps London’s most famous (for the right reasons) restaurant: Once-innovative, now textbook, British (and French) cooking that looks to the past like nowhere else in London, if not the world. Must try dishes include: Roasted bone marrow with parsley salad, Welsh rarebit, and a half dozen freshly baked madeleines."

"As one of London’s most popular bakeries, St. John’s doesn’t let the side down when it comes to doughnuts. St. John’s first permanent bakery and wine shop in Seven Dials is abrim with their legendary sugar-coated doughnuts, as well as boasting a wide range of sourdough loaves and French wine. They’ve also partnered with Bridge Theatre to bring you their freshly baked doughnuts and cans of beer (what a combo!) every weekend."

"Bars and pubs Hotel bars Mayfair. With views of Tadao Ando’s ‘Silence’ fountain, The Terrace at The Connaught is a posh people-watching spot. Along with the drinks, this spring/summer menu includes black truffle and fontina pizza, crispy salmon sushi (not sure how that works, but hey) and a burrata salad with crushed rhubarb, kaffir lime, black pepper and basil."