Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Stamford Brook

"Part of what makes Hampstead Heath so special is its wild beauty — check it out in all its rugged glory here. The other part is the stunning views of the capital it boasts, which makes the heath perfect for picnics, as does its proximity to some stellar delis and bakeries. It's also a cracking choice for a weekend ramble — thesetwo take in much of the Heath."

"Hampstead Heath is technically in London, but because of its size, you will feel like you have left the busy capital behind you. It is beautiful in every season. There is a lot to explore."

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"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."

"Since it was originally introduced at Dominique Ansel Bakery, variations of the cronut have spread all over the world, and Rinkoffs Bakery in London has its own great take on the pastry called the Crodough. Of course, Rinkoffs isn’t content to offer only one flavor and has plenty of toppings including oreo, raspberry, toffee apple crumble, peanut butter & jelly, and much more. You can purchase individually or select from a few assortments, including the Crodoughbouche, a towering stack of 250 Crodoughs that’s perfect for catered events and gatherings."

"What: Not to be mistaken with the trademarked ‘Cronut’ the Crodough is an entirely different creation *cough cough* which combines a croissant and a doughnut. Flaky and light, these delicious rounds of sweet fried pastry come in all manner of decadent flavours that infiltrate the layers; toffee apple crumble, oreo cheesecake, salted caramel and peanut butter jelly to name but a few. Find them at: 224 Jubilee street, E1 3BS or 79 Vallance Road, E1 5BS"

"A post shared by Rinkoff Bakery (@rinkoffbakery) on Oct 19, 2018 at 12:16am PDT. Most famous for the invention of the Crodough — a croissant-doughnut hybrid — it's actually the savouries we're here for. A perfect Rinkoff's order is as much of their plaited challah as you can reasonably get through while it's still fresh."

"No longer need we rely on our stateside cousins for doughnut decadence with these guys around. Once a market stall on Leather Lane, Crosstown Doughnuts have opened 5 permanent locations around London in the last 2 years, serving up their unique take on the American classic. Crosstown bake their doughnuts from sourdough, giving them a bread-like texture, topped and filled with myriad intriguing flavours, from Yuzu & Passionfruit to Beetroot Lemon-Thyme."

"With multiple locations across the city and an impressive range of flavours rotated daily, Crosstown’s handmade fresh doughnuts are not to be missed. For a seasonal snack, the Pumpkin and Nutmeg Custard Doughnut is full of wintry flavour, including pumpkin sourdough, cream cheese icing, pumpkin seeds, and orange zest. Similarly, the Spiced Apple and Pear Crumble Doughnut is bursting with the taste of maple, pecan, and autumn fruits."

"Soft and dense like cake, full of banana flavour – in the dough and icing – plus a filling of chunky cherry compote all the way round, Crosstown’s new banana cake doughnut is now an unmisseable part of the range."

"Head to Little Venice for an authentic taste of the Mediterranean. The Summerhouse is a bright, unfussy restaurant with a tantalising seafood-heavy menu. It affords canal-side seating, perfect for whiling away summer weekends watching the boats float by."

"Covent Garden — London’s tightly packed, brightly hit hub of pubs, cobbles, and theatres — is about as far from coastal tranquility as it’s possible to get. That’s before stepping into Parsons, accurately self-described as unassuming — the kind of unassuming that betrays quiet, rigid confidence in the seafood offer. Squid with inky rice, honking potted shrimp croquettes, and a whispering sea trout tartare with brisk Bloody Mary jelly: start here, and continue."

"What: If there was one word to describe Covent Garden’s Parsons, it would be unassuming. It would be easy to miss the small seafood joint, owned by the team behind The 10 Cases over the road, but venture inside and you’ll be treated to some delightful cookery. Setting the scene with green and white fishmonger-style tiles, Parsons has a jolly persona."

"Restaurants Seafood Covent Garden"

"For most British diners, lobster has a very definite reputation – fancy AF. But while the meat is always at a high price point, our American cousins aren’t quite as burdened with the same white-tablecloth associations. Enter Bob’s Lobster, London’s (relatively) new lobster roll king, which has recently turned its roving seafood van into a permanent restaurant and wine bar."

"BOB's Lobster Wine Bar & Kitchen serves delicious seafood dishes in London Bridge, with a quirky street-food twist in the form of a VW campervan. Signature dishes include ahi tuna tacos, lobster mac 'n' cheese, lobster roll and a £1 oyster happy hour every weekday."

"Wood-fired sourdough pizzas with serious artisan credentials guarantee queues at Franco Manca – no wonder this cult-status mini chain has spread across London like a drizzle of chilli oil on your plate. Prices are rock bottom, the pizzas are served up super-quickly, and the toppings include everything from gloucester old spot sausages to gragnano tomatoes. As you might expect, vegan and gluten-free options are always available."

"The Richmond outpost of London’s original sourdough pizza chain is definitely one of its coolest, situated as it is in the old police station. Beautiful wooden accents and exposed brick make the interior as cosy as can be, while the pizzas are as dependable as rain on a Bank Holiday weekend. Specials change according to the season and include meat, vegetarian and vegan options."

"Restaurants South African Peckham. Destination neighbourhood dining in Peckham – that’s the shtick at Kudu, a good-looking restaurant specialising in South African-inspired small plates. Done out like a sleek, vintage lounge bar, its weekend brunch deal (11am-2.30pm) involves some thrillingly clever takes on the classics – from shakshuka with burnt kale or boerewors (sausage rolls) with egg, German mustard and crispy shallots to sourdough waffles with home-cured trout, crème fraîche and poached eggs."

"Restaurants South African Peckham. If you’re searching for the vibe of a vintage lounge bar to woo your date, try Kudu – a friendly neighbourhood restaurant in Peckham. The look is retro with a feminine side: dusky pink plaster walls and marble tables."

"Restaurants South African Peckham"