Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in West Hampstead

"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."

"This is a very popular park/green area, as it’s a particularly beautiful spot in London that offers you stunning views of the city. There is a lovely lido too that your children will love swimming in before you find a spot to have the perfect picnic."

"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."

"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."

"I'm sure you've seen Drunch all over your Instagram – it's good food and good vibes. With delicious drinks, a huge selection of food, and a unique aesthetic, Drunch is the go-to place for brunch. They serve it all day and also have an à la carte dinner menu."

"Achingly hip veggie restaurant Bubala find its home in Shoreditch, naturally. Even carnivores won’t miss the meat with plates this good on offer: think potato ladkes with garlic sauce or thick slices of fried aubergine doused in zhoug. Stripped back interiors hold space for only 30 diners, so eating here very much feels like you’re among others ‘in the know’ who have sought out a relaxed restaurant with a firm focus on the food."

"Having built up a fanbase following a series of successful pop-ups, Bubala was always going to do well with its first bricks and mortar restaurant, but no-one could have predicted just how well. One of those rare vegetarian restaurants where you only realise it's a plant-based menu if someone points it out to you. Middle Eastern in influence, but firmly East London in vibe."

"Vegetarian , Middle Eastern"

"The OXO Tower Restaurant is easily up there as one of the best restaurants in London, especially for the views and food. Perched at the top of the OXO Tower building, the Resturant has a tasty menu of British dishes that is perfect for dinner and an evening treat in the city. Also, it has some epic views across the Thames and a great place to catch the sunset when an orangey glow transforms the view over the city."

"Make your way to the eighth floor of the unmistakable OXO Tower, where you’ll find the OXO Tower Restaurant. With its alluring views of the City and beyond that are sure to have your guest swooning, a menu of modern British classics, and an intimate atmosphere, it's the ideal Valentine's Day restaurant. Book OXO Tower Restaurant now."

"Just a stone's throw from St Albans rail station, Bar Espresso is a Sicilian-run sandwich panini bar by day, and Italian restaurant by night. The restaurant menu includes pizza, pasta, meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, with homemade desserts. Children are welcome."