Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in London Borough of Islington

"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."

"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."

"For generations, Londoners have headed to Hampstead Heath to escape the dirt and noise of the city, and this unique 791-acre expanse…"

"While Richmond Park is by far the most famous park in the area, Old Deer Park is an open space dedicated to sports facilities and community events. It has play areas, tennis courts, an outdoor gym and sports pitches. You can also access Pools on the Park, a sports, fitness and pool complex."

"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."

"Unlike everywhere else on this map, Atari-Ya is a fish and seafood supplier for high-end Japanese restaurants. Nobu, Zuma, the Araki, included. It also runs three sushi restaurant outlets in Ealing Common, Golders Green, and Swiss Cottage."

"One for the vinyl heads, DJs spin on a vinyl-only basis and on an old analogue sound system, making it a glorious listening experience for punters. Don’t be put off by the fact the dance floor is in a restaurant; come midnight, there’s a bustling throng of people mid-vibe, getting down where the tables and chairs were. Similarities to the beloved Plastic People are fair, and Brilliant Corners has kept the Plastic People dream alive with its intrepid programming."

"Kings College London only recently opened this permanent site for the Science Gallery, a dedicated space for showing contemporary artwork that explores scientific questions. Its inaugural exhibition is all about addiction, called Hooked, and previous shows in its travelling days have investigated blood, food and orifices. Think of it as looking at science through the eyes of an artist."

"Science Gallery London is an art-science-and-health inspired gallery in London. The free museum has been open since 2018 in London Bridge after a series of pop-up exhibits across London. The gallery aims to bring together scientists, artists, and communities with three themed seasons every year."

"Although it only opened in 1982, the Barbican is regarded as a home of London arts, showcasing the best in dance, film, music, theatre and visual arts. When the building first opened, it was labelled a “concrete pyramid” due to its looks, but was renovated with statues and decorations to look prettier and stand out from buildings around it. See a show at the Barbican"

"This indoor haven contains tropical plants, trees, birdlife and over 2000 species of exotic fish. Under the safety of its glass roof, you can (almost) pretend that you’re on a romantic getaway in a faraway country. Hidden behind the leafy shrubbery, it’s easy for the two of you to hold hands and wander around uninterrupted."

"The Barbican Centre is the largest arts centre in Europe and home of the London Symphony Orchestra. It was opened to the public in 1982 after it took a decade of construction work. The arts centre is one of the places in London that is child-friendly."

"Opened in 1926 by the grandson of an English army general and an Indian princess, Veerswarmy — now London’s oldest Indian restaurant — was an instant hit with the upper classes. After being sold in 1997 to Ranjit Mathrani and Namitha Panjabi (who also own Masala Zone), much of the maharaja-inspired palatial opulence, which first attracted the likes of Winston Churchill to the restaurant, was restored. The traditional recipes from Punjab, Goa, Lucknow, and Kashmir, earned Veeraswamy a Michelin star in 2016."

"Dating to 1926, Veeraswamy is as iconic as they come, being England’s oldest Indian restaurant. We love a curry in Blighty and Veeraswamy serves the best of traditional Indian dishes but with modern flair. VeeraswamyVictory House99-101 Regent StreetMayfairLondonW1B 4RSVisit website: Veeraswamy"

"Cuisine: IndianHalal Options: All Chicken and Lamb is HalalAddress: Victory House, 99-101 Regent St, Mayfair, London W1B 4RS Website: http://www.veeraswamy.com/Nearest Tube Stop: Piccadilly Circus"

"China Tang was founded by the late, extraordinary Sir David Tang. Only he could have created a restaurant where the Cantonese food would satisfy the most discriminating diner and an environment where the Sultan of Brunei, Kate Moss and Kanye would all feel equally at home. We love this swellegant place and will always think of Sir David when we're here."

"If you like your Asian food luxe, it doesn’t get swankier or more renowned than Mayfair’s China Tang, which specialises in Cantonese cuisine. Based at the Dorchester Hotel, decor is opulent and Art Deco-inspired. Do take a look at the Dim Sum menu and if you’re going all out, the Bird’s Nest Chicken Soup is a delicacy."