Hampstead Heath is a large, ancient parkland with rolling hills, woodland, ponds and breathtaking views over the city skyline. A perfect place to start the trip, visitors can take leisurely strolls or explore the park on horseback or bike. The lush nature reserve also houses swimming lakes, splash pools, and picnic areas.
Kew Gardens is a stunning world heritage site, boasting the largest and most extensive botanical collection in the world. Spread over 300 acres of landscaped gardens and glasshouses, visitors can explore rare exotic plants, Victorian glasshouses, and underground galleries. The Gardens also present tree-tops walkway and conservation areas that support several bird species.
The Thames river that runs through London presents a treasure of natural beauty not overlooked by sightseers. Rent a bike or join a river tour and experience London in its greenest guise. Stop to observe the swans or feed the ducks along the banks or admire the architecture of the surrounding buildings. One can also explore the wetlands and wildlife habitats and even catch seals swimming upstream.
Regent's Canal Path is a hidden oasis away from the hustle of London. The picturesque towpath follows the flow of the canal from Paddington to Limehouse, through colorful townhouses and weeping willows. Green gems line the path are worth exploring. The Habitat of Coal Horned beetles and kingfishers in the canal add to the natural charm of the place.
Richmond Park is an enormous landscape of grasslands, woodlands, and rustic estates covering 2500 acres of land. The park is manicured, and visitors can spot various species of wildlife like Red and Fallow Deer, African parakeet, and woodpeckers or relax in one of the many picnic spots or by the lakes.
A favorite location among locals and travelers, Hyde Park boasts a variety of trees, plants, and flowers from around the world, with ornamental water features and wildlife. The park offers a chance to relax and take in the beauty of Kensington palace gardens and sights like Serpentine lake, where visitors can kayak and swim. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot birds like Egyptian Goose, grebes, and hides, but if a human-style animal is more your preference, there are always a few furry friends waiting to greet visitors in the parks, such as squirrels and chipmunks.
Lee Valley Regional Park offers a myriad of scenic views and habitats to those looking for a day away from the hustle of London. Spanning over four London boroughs, the park offers many activities like birdwatching, canoeing or kayaking in the white water, golfing, horseback riding, or hiking. The park even offers unique experiences, such as a dawn chorus paddle, where visitors can paddle down the river at dawn and listen to the morning chorus.
To explore the natural regions of London city, one can utilize various modes of public transport, including tube trains, buses, bicycles, or riverboats. Consider obtaining the Oyster card for the most affordable public transport. The cost of renting a bicycle is approximately £2 per day or £10 per week, while a riverboat ride would cost approximately £6.50 for an adult day-pass. Total time traveling is subject to personal preferences and traffic conditions, but it is essential to consider 30 minutes to an hour for transition between destinations.
For those with more time, consider visiting the WWT Wetland Centre, a nature detective trail or the Royal Botanic Gardens. For those with less time, consider exploring Hyde Park or Richmond Park absent of the other tracks. Keep in mind that opening times may vary in specific attractions and seasons.
London is served by six airports; however, most international destinations are accessible through Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW) or Stansted (STN). London City Airport (LCY) premier travel experience is available to flights from Europe and the Americas. London Heathrow is the nearest airport to London city at 14 miles while London Gatwick is the furthest at 25 miles. However, travel time to each airport varies widely depending on the chosen form of transport and available traffic conditions.