Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Highgate

"The Heath is only four miles from Trafalgar Square and has about 800 acres of lovely countryside. It is rich in flora and fauna, is enjoyed by thousands and is within easy reach of millions!. The landscape has woodland, meadows, heathland and many ponds along its valleys and features such as hedgerows and ancient trees provide links with the past.Kingfishers, reed warblers and all three species of British woodpecker breed, over 300 species of fungi have grown here and many-species of bats are here."

"Escape to the country without leaving the city with a trip to Hampstead Heath, just a few kilometres from Central London. This wild and undulating expanse of green space spans nearly 800 acres, with woodland, playing fields, swimming ponds and meadows. Hike up Parliament Hill for unbeatable views or take a dip in the Hampstead ponds on a hot summer’s day."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Ayllu is not only one of the best places to eat sushi in London, but it also celebrates the very best in modern Nikkei cuisine. Against a backdrop of stylish furnishings and dimmed lightning, you can tuck into stunning fusion small plates celebrating South American and Asian flavours."

"This restaurant has established itself as a pioneer in sustainable cuisine, with its avant-garde efforts signalling the way forward for other restaurants to follow. Itadaki Zen was the first vegan and organic Japanese restaurant in Europe, importing the healthy culinary traditions of East Asia, such as the focus on a balanced diet and preventative medicinal habits key to a healthy lifestyle. The restaurant opts for a zen-like ambience that places food at the centre of the experience."

"Itadaki Zen is a 100% vegan Japanese tapas restaurant, serving up all your favourite dishes all the way from Tokyo right here in London. Choose from delicious small plates for sharing such as Tofu Steak marinated in teriyaki sauce, Miso-glazed Aubergine, Vegan Gyoza and even Vegan Calamari served with tartar sauce. Alternatively, if you don’t like sharing, opt for a bigger dish such as Homemade Japanese Vegan Curry with rice and pickles, Miso Ramen or Bibimbap."

"Try vegan Japanese food at Itadaki-Zen in King’s Cross, which makes its dishes as healthy as possible by using only organic ingredients. The result is a tempura that is light and perfectly golden, while grilled spring rolls are crisp rather than greasy. Go for a set menu to sample all there is on offer, from vegetable sushi to udon noodles."