Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Hoddesdon

"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."

"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."

"#sky #hill #earlymorning #goodmorning #lovetheheath #earlymorning #sunrise #spring #walk #longwalk #hampsteadheath #theheath #hampstead #love #london #staystrong #lockdown #socialdistancing. A post shared by Junho Kim (@junbug_london) on May 26, 2020 at 10:32pm PDT. Escape the hustle and bustle of central London a mere four miles away inHampstead Heath."

"Once voted the nation's favourite park, Victoria Park is the largest green space in Tower Hamlets, with amenities including a boating lake, two cafes, a skate park and a large playground. The flower-strewn Old English Garden is a particular highlight, as are the canine statues that guard the park gates. Make sure you drop into the phenomenal People's Park Tavern while you're there."

"Definitely one of East London’s finest green areas, Victoria Park combines wide open green space, a pretty epic playground, a killer cafe (brunch is highly recommended), hidden pagodas and a lake for the peddle boat enthusiasts out there. A great walk for kids and adults alike, Victoria park is one of the best parks in London to visit."

"Victoria Park, London's oldest public park, rightly has a sterling reputation. Once voted the nation's favourite park, it's won Green Flag and Green Heritage Awards five years in a row. Highlights include the Regal boat hire, which returned a little while back after a 30-odd year absence."

"This Stoke Newington spot has held a Green Flag award since 2006, and is deservedly popular. It's very child friendly, with a decent play area and even a small zoo (and, like Richmond park, boasts deer also). In a pre-lockdown world, the park often hosted events, from twilight walks in search of bats to football festivals to sessions discovering the edible fruit and flowers which grow in the grounds."

"It’s got tennis courts and bowling green for when you’re feeling particularly energetic, but the park itself is big enough to get a good stroll in. You can see the whole thing by walking the perimeter, looping in the Grade-II listed Clissold House and the lakes on the way. If that doesn’t earn you a picnic after, nothing does."

"Clissold Park is a great park to come and enjoy some nature in London. Easy to get to from Stoke Newington you can enjoy peaceful waters and cute, inquisitive deer within minutes of leaving central London."

"Not technically a children’s farm, but we just couldn't resist including Golders Hill Park!. With its large expanse of greenery, it’s the perfect place for a picnic and some animal spotting. Golders Park is home to a large pond with both black and white swans, a deer park, butterfly house and even a small but free zoo where you can meet exotic birds and mammals including laughing kookaburras and ring-tailed lemurs - so there’s no shortage of animal fun here!"

"Valentines Mansion & Gardens is a Grade II on the National Heritage List for both building and garden. Built in 1696, the mansion was for the widow of Archbishop of Canterbury John Tillotson's widow, Lady Tillotson. It later was the home of Sir Charles Raymond."

"You will notice the quirky décor with its exposed brickwork as soon as you set foot in La Vita é Bella, another popular Italian spot in Islington. There’s a wide-ranging menu here featuring wood-fired pizzas and a variety of pasta dishes. Located on Theberton St, La Vita é Bella is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Upper Street."

"A charming family-run haunt in Fitzrovia, Conchiglia is dishing up some of the best Italian food in London. Settle into the cosy spot and enjoy a wide menu of cheese slices, creamy pasta, tasty antipasti and heady cocktails."

"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."

"Independent wine specialists, 28-50 Wine Bar & Kitchen Covent Garden & 28-50 Wine Workshop & Kitchen Marylebone will open up both terraces for guests to dine outside whilst sampling Executive Chef, Julien Baris’ new seasonal dishes. Highlights from the new menu include: freshly caught seafood platters; including mussels, rock oysters, prawns, clams and crab which pair perfectly with 28-50’s varied wine-list with vintages have been chosen from their own vineyard in the French Alps."

"A post shared by 2850 Wine Workshop & Kitchen (@2850marylebone). If you like deliberating over wine lists and food like Jerusalem artichoke soup with ceps and sourdough croutons, you're in luck: both the Marylebone and Covent Garden branches of 28-50 have opened their terraces."

"10 Upper St Martin's Ln, London WC2H 9FB Why should you care?. The Covent Garden 28:50 is an offshoot of the marylebone original, bringing plenty of wines by the glass to a much larger location."

"The seasonal menu at La Ferme London is a delicious example of modern French dining, removed from snobbish settings and strict prerequisites. Head chef Guillaume Dunos isn’t afraid to be inventive, with combinations like skate wing with pickled seaweed and creme brulée with matcha tea on the menu. Sourcing artisan ingredients from small local producers in France is also important at La Ferme, and their charcuterie and fromage platters are absolutely top notch."

"This newly opened French bistrot – located just next door to Galvin La Chapelle in the heart of Spitalfields – features the type of big French dishes that you're unlikely to have cooked in lockdown. Think cassoulet and slow-cooked beer braised pork cheeks; the kind of food that gives you a hug from the inside. Their outdoor seating benefits from having ample cover to keep you sheltered if any weather crops up as you tuck into classic French dishes and delicious wines."

"Head over to this pretty Spitalfields restaurant where they'll be serving up a phenomenal brunch spread every Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy free-flowing prosecco or Champagne alongside three courses of delicious food including eggs benedict, miso-glazed aubergine and french toast."

"Head to Galvin Bistrot & Bar, where Michelin-starred chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin will take you across the Channel to French bistrots of Paris and Lyon with their menu of elegant eats, handpicked wines and stylish decor."