Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Tottenham

"This ancient expanse of common land straddling a high ridge between Hampstead and Highgate is, perhaps, London’s most beloved open space. Its rolling hills and meadows, copses and glades, glittering ponds and views conjure a deep sense of the rural that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere. A summer’s picnic in the long grass, kite-flying on Parliament Hill or tobogganing down it in the snow, a splash in the bathing ponds, a Sunday ramble to emerge muddy-booted at a village pub or Kenwood (no.3) – these are sacred institutions for many, many Londoners, who would probably lay down their lives for the Heath if they had to."

"Easily one the most cherished green spaces in London, this is a very popular and much-loved area of London which can be found in the well-heeled area of Hampstead. The ‘Heath’ is a natural-looking park with a variety of landscapes including hills, ponds, woodlands and open grassy places. For the more active visitors the area is home to eight playgrounds running tracks, three swimming pools, grassland, woodlands, ponds and sports areas."

"For any list of the best parks in London, it’d be a crime to ignore Hampstead Heath. Closest to the Hampstead Heath overground, or the Hampstead station if you’re going via tube, here you can enjoy your sandwiches on top of Parliament Hill while taking in stunning views of London. It’s even got its very own swimming ponds should the weather be particularly nice."

"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."

"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."

"Alfies Antiques Market is a London gem, a historic antiques market that should be the very first stop for anyone looking for characterful furniture and accessories for their home. This is London’s largest indoors antiques and vintage market and it shows – there are over 100 dealers touting stunning pieces waiting to take pride of place in your home. Away from furniture, there’s also a great selection of vintage art, fashion, textiles and books."

"Located in Marylebone at 13-15 Church Street sits Alfies Antique Market. As London’s weather is notoriously unpredictable the fact this is London’s largest indoor market, spread over four floors is a major plus. Specialising in antiques, vintage fashion and 20th-century design, the market is popular with collectors, interior designers and has been known to have the odd celebrity wandering its corridors too."

"Take a step back in time at London's largest indoor market for antiques, vintage fashion and 20th century design. Here you'll find an abundance of home decor features to eye-catching furniture and heaps of breathtaking clothes that will have you wanting to redo your entire wardrobe. When to visit: Alfie's is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am-6pm."

"Drink authentic German-style beer from German KRAFT Brewery, straight from the tank and locally brewed in Mercato Metropolitano. Pick from the all-year-round Pale Ale, Helles Lager and German wheat beer, or try a seasonal one full of character – all beers are unfiltered and unpasteurised which makes them suitable for vegans."

"Fourpure’s location at the back of a fairly unlovely trading estate would be — otherwise — the last place you’d choose to spend a Saturday afternoon. However, read the tap list on the monitor behind the bar, and you’ll know you’re in the right place. The bar carries 16 lines, dispensing the brewery’s core range, many more of their somewhat leftfield beers, and the odd guest draught."

"Completely unshowy and without any hint of pretention, Fourpure has been making top quality beer in the most seemingly simple of locations. It’s already gaining a wider audience and their taproom is well worth a visit. It’s also worth mentioning their excellent blog which is great reading for people who love beer and life in general."

"Another Bermondsey gem, this popular South London brewery has 16 taps to try, and an ever-changing collage f classics and new experiments to try. Again located under the railway arches of Bermondsey, the large taproom and bar give guests a chance to try some very unique flavours, ranging from the zesty to the chocolatey."

"For the Mr Darcys and Elizabeth Bennets of this world, a cosy night in a Georgian townhouse should do just the trick. Add the fact that French restaurant L’Escargot has entertained most of Soho’s most famous bon viveurs in its 90-year history, and you’ll detect a frisson of scandal in the air. For ultimate date ambience, be sure to grab a table in the front dining room: plush velvet furnishings, scarlet red walls and a chandelier hanging from its period ceiling are all built for romantic revellers."

"Georges Gaudin, the restaurant moved further up Greek Street in 1927 and was renamed after its best-loved dish. Perhaps its most famous period was in the eighties when it was taken over by Nick Lander and Jancis Robinson (their son Will now runs the Quality Chophouse among others) and the dining room was run by the iconic GM Elena Salvoni. After a few years finding its feet in a modern dining scene, it’s now firmly back, firing on all cylinders as one of Soho’s most iconic restaurants."

"Coco Chanel, Mick Jagger, and Princess Diana have all dined here, so you know it’s going to be good. A fixture in Soho since 1927, you can’t leave without trying the dish the restaurant is named after: the snails."