Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Richmond

"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 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."

"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."

"If only all watering holes were like this lively Chinese restaurant-meets-pub, where the beer is fresh and unpasteurised and the bar snacks include a delightful array of dim sum, from venison puffs to scallop shumai. The informal yet sumptuously decorated two floor venue on Berwick Street (Soho) is from the king of London’s trendy Chinese food scene Alan Yau – the man behind Yauatcha and Hakkasan. The great thing about the menu here is that, while it’s Chinese food done properly, there are also plenty of takeaway classics to appease us boring Brits, with the comforting inclusion of classics like sesame prawn toast and chicken in black bean sauce."

"At face value, this stalwart pub in Soho seems an unlikely addition to this round-up. While drinks are served in the buzzy ground floor bar, head upstairs for the real deal. Chinese food is served in the intimate dining room - be sure to order the Cantonese-style roast duck, hand-reared at a local family-owned farm."

"It’s easy to get lost and overwhelmed by the size of Tian Tian’s colossal menu. Spanning from Japanese teppanyaki to Singaporean-style spare ribs and Xinjiang barbecue skewers, ensures all the bases are covered. Make a beeline for most of the much-loved Sichuan staples and it’s a safe bet for a delectable meal."

"This Leicester Square-based restaurant has a seemingly endless menu of tasty creations - nothing too fancy - but enough creativity to make them stand out. With a very reasonable price point (mains are around £10) you can't go wrong, and options such as the Mongolian Beef, Ginger Chicken Broccoli and Lo Mein Noodles will have your mouth watering as soon as you read the menu. The menu itself is a bit of an attraction, as you're able to see images of everything on offer before you commit to it - definitely helpful for the indecisive diners among us."

"P. F. Chang's blends Asian and American influences to create one unparalleled dining experience. Found in Leicester Square, the bustling restaurant serves plates such as lo mein noodles with chicken, crispy prawns and Mongolian beef with an extensive list of cocktails."

"P.F. Chang's Asian Table is a stunning spot in Leicester Square, cooking up a lip-smacking array of Pan-Asian dishes. On the menu, you'll find red chilli buttery shrimp, sesame chicken and spring rolls to keep you happy throughout lockdown."

"Cult chicken and waffle spot Sweet Chick has made its way from Manhattan to London, taking over the Carluccio’s site on Market Place just off Oxford Street. Think American comfort food done well: alongside its staple dish the restaurant dishes up ‘shrimp and grits’ (scallions with poached egg and cheddar grits), chicken wings, mac and cheese, maple glazed bacon and the like. Wellness fever may be sweeping the nation – but there’s still a place for downright indulgence."

"Why: Buffalo wings slathered with blue cheese, fried Gangnam wings in a sweet, sticky Korean sauce, garlic butter wings coated in Parmesan – we could go on, but the point is, these guys are the kings of wings. We recommend ordering a selection, accompanied by a side of mac and cheese and a salted caramel shake for maximum gluttony.Where: Hackney Wick + Aldgate. In the spirit of America’s obsession with barbecue cuisine, check out these smoking-hot BBQ restaurants."

"Restaurants American Olympic Park. Former street-food upstarts Randy’s now have a permanent roost by the canal in Hackney Wick, and their wings are the business. Try BBQ-slathered Kansas, sweet ‘n’ sticky Korean-style Gangnam or harissa-infused Casablanca with pomegranate seeds – plus smoked chicken scratchings on the side."

"Well-known for its child-friendly atmosphere, parents can sit back and enjoy their family experience here. Just two minutes from Piccadilly Circus, the restaurant is perfect for a pre or post- theatre dinner with the children. The menu is sure to please the kids, with favourites from pizza to pasta and burgers dominating the menu."

"Inspired by Hollywood glamour, Planet Hollywood aims to make you feel like a star. The London location, in Haymarket by Piccadilly Circus, is full of memorabilia from the biggest blockbusters, including Rocky. Take in the glitzy surroundings and dine on all the American favourites from juicy burgers to Buffalo wings."

"With themed rooms, a huge cocktail bar and classic movie memorabilia, Planet Hollywood London is always a fun choice for a meal out."

"Layers of honey browned butter sponge with dulce de leche, whipped cream and Biscoff crumbs, it’s heavy and rich in flavour but so light and spongy in texture. 212 Balham High Rd, London SW12 9BS"