Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Muswell Hill

"Hampstead Heath is a favorite for Londoners, a quiet oasis that provides the illusion of a countryside getaway within one of the world's busiest cities. This sprawling and irregularly shaped park is located north of the city center, just beyond The Regent's Park. Its best-known features are the three natural bathing ponds: one designated for males, another for females, and the third for anyone."

"Elevate your London perspective – Hampstead Heath is one of the best places in London to see the city skyline. In fact, the view from Parliament Hill in the south-east corner of the park is protected by law. Make the hike up the 322-foot (98-metre) hill and you'll be rewarded with views of Canary Wharf, St Paul's Cathedral and many more top London sights."

"One of the more natural and untamed parks in London, Hamstead Heath is 320 hectares of parklands with stunning views over London from the top of Parliament Hill."

"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."

"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 Photographers’ Gallery at 16-18 Ramillies Street 2012/Kate Elliott, Courtesy of The Photographers’ Gallery. If you’re looking for some cultural respite from the retail cacophony on Oxford Street, it doesn’t get much better than a trip to the Photographers’ Gallery. If you’re a dab hand with the ‘gram, then a trip to the biggest gallery in the UK dedicated to photography is highly recommended with exhibitions showcasing contemporary developments and explorations of the medium’s past."

"The Photographers' Gallery opened in 1971 as the first public photography-dedicated gallery in the UK, and still maintains a sterling reputation. Its 2019 programme will feature German photographer Arno Schidlowski and four artists shortlisted for the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2019. 16-18 Ramillies Street, Soho, W1F 7LW; thephotographersgallery.org.uk"

"Directly next door to Victoria Miro is this treasure of a gallery. Established by art biographer and collector Ziba Ardalan in 2007 this not for profit corporation is run for the public and the entry is free. They have been accountable for introducing global artists to the London art scene and starting the careers of Yang Fudong, Charles Avery and Michael Borremans."

"Head to The Grill and tuck into classic German Bratwurst, Currywurst and Rib Burgers. You’ll also find a fan Thorpe favourite - curly fries!"

"You’ll probably smell David Carter’s barbecue joint well before you see it; while the signage is discreet, the tang of smoke meets you halfway up the street. Behind two heavy, metal-riveted doors, it’s a temple to certain ideas of masculinity and to meat—all concrete walls, steel paneling, and rough-planked tables and banquettes (subtext: real men don’t need cushions). The meat comes in many forms here: 15-hour smoked brisket, superb pastrami, and generous portions of ribs."

"Smokestak has grown from a charming street cart to a Shoreditch sensation. The BBQ joint offers buttery buns stacked with slices of smoked beef brisket topped with pickled red chillies. There’s a handful of other options but the original itself is one serious sandwich!"

"David Carter’s barbecue restaurant continues to stand strong in Shoreditch, putting out conscientiously smoked meats by the 100 grams alongside its now overly Instagrammed brisket buns with red chilli. In wintry climes, the baked potato is a must-order."