Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Kensal Green

"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 been 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."

"Part of what makes Hampstead Heath so special is its wild beauty — check it out in all its rugged glory here. The other part is the stunning views of the capital it boasts, which makes the heath perfect for picnics, as does its proximity to some stellar delis and bakeries. It's also a cracking choice for a weekend ramble — thesetwo take in much of the Heath."

"There’s a reason why you’ll often hear Londoners waxing lyrical about Hampstead Heath. Besides the great views from Parliament Hill and the famous swimming ponds, the wild park is home to a variety of woodland and meadows, so there’s plenty to explore."

"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."

"The blood and viscera has long since been scoured away, making this museum a fascinating place to visit. Pioneering medical techniques were trialled here back in the day, and today, it holds the crown as the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe. Tickets for adults are £7.50."

"Alternatives (or additional spots) in the area to the above attractions: Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market (one of London’s most famous food markets), The Old Operating Theatre Museum (fee*), The Monument (fee*), and The View from the Shard (fee*)."

"PRACTICAL INFORMATION: The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. Tickets cost £20 GBP (around $26 USD). Make sure to book your tickets and pick a time-slot in advance directly on the museum website."

"The Langdon Down Museum of Learning Disability is housed in the building that Victorian doctor Dr John Langdon Down lived and worked in. In this building, Dr Down researched and took new approaches to caring for people with learning disabilities. The museum today highlights exhibits about the work of Dr John as well as Normansfield Theatre and the Royal Earlswood Asylum."

"Along the south bank (always worth a wander), you can stop in at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern Art Gallery, and even quickly cross the Millennium bridge for a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Globe and St. Paul’s Cathedral are both included on the London Pass, whilst the Tate Modern is free to enter."

"Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Continue your walk along the River Thames to the Globe Theater. The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599 and hosted plays written by Shakespeare. A modern version of the Globe Theatre was built in 1997 on the site of the original theatre."

"The go-to destination for those looking for some tasty plant-based pancakes, Megan's serve up their signature dish of vegan pancakes with chia yoghurt, maple syrup and pistachios for Shrove Tuesday. Known for their Insta'-ready interiors and pup-friendly policy, the London-wide restaurants are perfect for a mid-morning munch."

"A stalwart on London's brunch scene, Megan's certainly know how to kick your weekend off right. With venues spanning the city, from Clapham to Islington, you're never far from their signature blue-checkered table cloths, twinkling fairy lights and healthy breakfast plates."

"You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Megan's 💙 (@megansrestaurants)"

"Perhaps the most atheistically pleasing of all the shopping districts listed here, Regent Street was designed by master architect Sir John Nash in the 19th century. With huge sweeping vistas and different decorations throughout the year (including impressive Christmas displays), Regent Street is a picturesque place to spend your pennies. Located here are range from the top end (Liberty of London and Ferrari) to fun and affordable."

"The absolute best that the West End has to offer, in terms of shopping, is located on Regent Street. Brands like Anthropologie, Liberty, Hamleys (the legendary toy store) or Apple are available, as well as many other internationally-renowned shops. You can also find the finest restaurants, hotels, art galleries and even spas."

"The best that the West End has to offer, in terms of shopping, is located on Regent Street. Brands like Anthropologie, Liberty, Hamleys and Apple are available, as well as many other internationally-renowned shops. You can also find second-to-none restaurants, hotels, art galleries and even spas."

"You would never guess that slap bang in the middle of Spitalfields is a thriving farmyard, home to sheep, geese, bees, rabbits, parrots and more!. Popular with inner city schools, the farm aims to unite the local community and provide children with a safe and inviting space to connect with nature. The farm’s annual Goat Race, which coincides with the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race in March, has become a much-anticipated part of its events calendar, with plenty of other entertainment, food and drink on the day for spectators to enjoy."

"The 1.3 acre Spitalfields City Farm is a great place for a back-to-nature East End family outing. Buxton Street, Shoreditch, London, E1 5AR. Tube: Whitechapel Station"