Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Waltham Abbey

"Hampstead Heath offers stunning views over the city, but one could be forgiven for not noticing, as there's an awful lot to do there. If you aren't taking a dip in one of the ponds (there are single and mixed options) or the Parliament Hill Lido, you could be running circuits on the athletics track or visiting the Golders Hill zoo. For sheer childhood pleasure, though, the model boating pond is difficult to top (for God’s sake, don’t try to get in for a swim)."

"Sprawling Hampstead Heath, with its rolling woodlands and meadows, feels a million miles away – despite being approximately four – from the City of London. Covering 320 hectares, most of it woods, hills and meadows, it's home to about 180 bird species, 23 species of butterflies, grass snakes, bats and a rich array of flora. It's a wonderful place for a ramble, especially to the top of Parliament Hill, which offers expansive views across the city."

"Hampstead Heath Park London is one of the most loved parks in London. There’s plenty of things to do like visiting the Parliament Hill, Golders Hill Park-with a zoo and a gorgeous butterfly house, an open-air Lido, swimming ponds, splash pools, countless sports pitches and facilities, athletics track, playgrounds, stunning listed Pergola and Hill Garden. The list of things to do at Hampstead Heath doesn’t end!"

"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."

"This two-time CAMRA award-winner just outside Old Street Tube features a list of 20-odd keg and cask beers from some of the best brewers in the country. Dark Star, Tiny Rebel, Siren, Kernel and Redemption are often well-represented on the bar top."

"The Farmer’s Boy is a family run tastefully refurbished bay-windowed pub with a passion for Live Music. We have an extensive range of Craft Beers, both on tap and in cans, with probably the best selection of cans in town."

"Since opening over 30 years ago, education has become a core part of Stepney City Farm, a rural oasis amid the bustling Tower Hamlets district. The farm caters to a wide range of different ages and interests: schools cake take part in projects such as potato growing and egg hatching, while adults can sign up to courses including bee keeping, rural arts and permaculture. Other initiatives include their Furry Tales project, which aims to bring different generations together and combat loneliness, and their Young Volunteers programme, whcih encourages 12-18 year olds to get hands-on experience of animal care and growing."

"Stepney City Farm, located in the heart of Tower Hamlets, London, has been going for 40 years and is a small but mighty three-acre working farm. This rural oasis is not only home to some furry friends (including donkeys!) but prides itself on its educational value, with an array of incredible initiatives taking place throughout the year. Stepney City Farm take their growing seriously - see if you can spot their magnificent, colourful allotments as you wander around the farm!"

"A farm has been here since 1979 and since then Stepney City Farm has doubled in size to 4.2 acres. Stepney Way, Tower Hamlets, London, E1 3DG. Tube: Stepney Green Station"

"To experience fine dining at ordinary prices, French food fans will struggle to find a better restaurant than La Petite Auberge. With a name meaning ‘The Little Inn’, this restaurant exudes homeliness with its rustic French bistro feel. Red chequered tablecloths, wooden beams and bare brickwork transport visitors from the bustle of Upper Street to a simple yet welcoming tavern in the French countryside."

"Perfect for a romantic evening drink, Champagne and Fromage is for lovers of authentic French produce. The small bistro tucked away on Wellington street, offers a variety of 25 award winning Grower Champagnes and artisanal charcuterie platters. The outdoor seating provides soft blankets, outside heating and baked cheese to warm our hearts up."