Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Long Ditton

"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."

"#sky #hill #earlymorning #goodmorning #lovetheheath #earlymorning #sunrise #spring #walk #longwalk #hampsteadheath #theheath #hampstead #love #london #staystrong #lockdown #socialdistancing. A post shared by Junho Kim (@junbug_london) on May 26, 2020 at 10:32pm PDT. Escape the hustle and bustle of central London a mere four miles away inHampstead Heath."

"Huge and sprawling with incredible views, woodlands and open air swimming ponds!. The perfect park for a winter wander, a place to watch the fireworks in London or picnic in the sun and a swim for the brave."

"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."

"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."

"Any hotel designed by lighting guru Tom Dixon was always going to be incredibly stylish. The first London outpost for the Mondrian group, it took over the Old Sea Containers building on the South Bank, offering incredible views across the river to St Paul's. Drink champagne cocktails on the roof in the decadent 12th Knot, book a massage in the vast underground Agua Spa or catch a film at the in-house Curzon cinema."

"Formerly Mondrian, Sea Containers London is a sophisticated design-led boutique hotel with luxury dining and award-winning bars like Lyaness, formerly Dandelyan, from the team behind the world’s best bar. The outdoor terrace at Sea Containers, with show-stopping of the River Thames will re-open on 16th April. Order a round of Grey Goose Bloody Mary’s for Sunday brunch."

"Mr Lyan is back at it again with his hospitality magic and this time it’s in the form of Sea Container’s Lyaness bar. With views overlooking the Thames and unbeatable cocktails, Lyaness encapsulates the very best of London under one umbrella. Any Insta snap here will without a doubt see the likes rolling in."

"In a nutshell: Ace museum cafe from the Anchor & Hope team Where is it?. 1 Geffrye Street, London, E2 8JH Why should you care?. The Hoxton museum has a new all-day cafe and bistro from the team who brought us the Anchor & Hope and The Clarence Tavern."

"Venture to Rotherhithe to find Midnight Apothecary: the pop-up cocktail bar will be resident on the roof of the Brunel Museum. Open on select dates, tickets must be purchased in advance for admittance to a bar serving creative, seasonal drinks infused with ingredients picked from the garden in which it resides. There’s also usually a campfire for keeping warm and toasting marshmallows."

"The trendy Clapham bar and restaurant has taken inspiration from our days in education and made them suitable for adult life, with library wallpaper, creative cocktails and heartwarming food."