Everybody knows that London is one of the most visited cities in the whole world. However, what exactly attracts tourists? Apparently, many people like the architecture and unique history of the city. On the contrary, there are those who hate the frantic pace and noisy atmosphere on London’s streets and prefer quiet walks in natural surroundings. Therefore, it would be interesting to learn about the most fascinating walking routes for both guests and residents of the city. Learn more at londonname.
Mudchute Farm
One of the most interesting and original places for walks in London is Mudchute Farm. This beautiful green zone is located on the Isle of Dogs. The farm and the park form a 13-hectare nature reserve. Here, you can not only enjoy nature and go hiking but also see llamas, alpacas, horses and other animals. You can even feed them for a small fee and have one of the best days of your life. You can visit this place with your children and friends or arrange an unusual date. Moreover, there are several restaurants nearby that offer delicious food and drinks. Mudchute Farm is the opposite of London’s hustle and bustle. If you want to take a break from routine life in the city, a visit to this farm will fill your day with new emotions and sensations.
WWT London Wetland Centre
Another interesting place for a walk is the WWT London Wetland Centre. In fact, not every resident of London knows about this location, therefore it isn’t popular among tourists. This is a reserve of wetlands occupying approximately 40 hectares. There used to be several reservoirs on the territory. However, according to a project, they were turned into wetlands in 2000. Then the nature preservation centre was opened as well. Its activities are aimed at preserving the flora and fauna of such a unique environment. It is a habitat of wild bird species that you won’t find anywhere else in London. There is also a building for visitors on the territory of the centre. The location sometimes becomes a wedding venue. Here, you can often attend lectures and other various events aimed at spreading information about the preservation of wetlands and their inhabitants. In general, this place is perfect for spending a quiet time and wandering amidst amazing nature. If you get bored, you can also watch the feeding of otters here.
The Lee Navigation
The Lee Navigation is a good option for connoisseurs of a relaxed recreation. It’s usually quiet here even on weekends. There is the Lea Valley Walk, which includes a footpath and cycling path. At the beginning of the trail, everything around resembles urban green zones. However, the longer the walk lasts, the deeper you dive into unknown places with pristine nature. You can also go sightseeing and fishing along the path. Such a walk is absolutely worth taking if you want to see a radically new part of the city with its animal and plant life.
Kew Gardens
You can experience incredible aesthetic pleasure in Kew Gardens. This is not only the most popular botanical gardens complex in the whole of Great Britain but also a unique historical landscape park. The garden covers 121 hectares and allows for extremely interesting and long walks. The site is important for the preservation of natural objects and research activities. Some of the rarest biological and mycological collections in the world can be found here. For example, the local herbarium collection features approximately 8 million specimens of plants and fungi. During the walk, you can also visit the library with 750,000 volumes. In addition, there is a cafe on the territory of the botanical garden and you can taste craft ales in The Botanist pub.
Kew Gardens has its own secret places, which aren’t so easy to find. Thus, few people know about the path leading straight to Queen Charlotte’s Cottage. There is a wonderful meadow near the building where the first kangaroos in Great Britain used to live in the 1790s. Nowadays, it has turned into a beautiful flower field. This spot will be ideal for those who are tired of the tourist crowds and want to spend time alone with nature. In general, the huge territory of Kew Gardens reveals many more places, which aren’t so popular on social networks or official sites. So, everyone has the opportunity to be a pioneer.
The Thames Barrier
Even though the Thames Barrier is one of the most unusual places for a walk, this location can boast of its originality and uniqueness. In fact, it is a retractable barrier system that was created to protect the city from high tides and storm waves. The dam also helps to prevent negative consequences from floods. Although this place isn’t intended for recreation, it is very atmospheric. Most of the territory is covered by water with emerging structures of the original form. You can also see green zones on the other side. Such an amazing combination of modern technologies with magical nature will amaze anyone. The Green Chain Walk route runs through this location too. If you follow it, you can explore many more interesting places. It runs through several parks and along several of London’s reservoirs. Moreover, the route is not usually crowded. So such a walk is a good opportunity to get acquainted with the unique natural spot of the city and relax in peace.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is a great place to have a walk in London. Covering almost 1,000 hectares, it is one of the largest in the country. Old forests, hills and wide meadows are full of life even in our time. The most attractive thing about this place is its history. It has an extremely long path of development, full of declines as well as restoration and preservation of natural objects.
In addition to its interesting history, the park also owns the status of a nature reserve and is home to approximately 650 deer. The park can boast of 300-year-old trees growing on its territory. There are also about 30 ponds and most of them are artificial. Their role changed in different periods of history. Initially, ponds were created for breeding carp. A little later, the city focused on the preservation and protection of the park’s reservoirs. Thus, Richmond Park is one of the best places to walk and relax from the crazy pace of the city. The best idea will be to take the Tamsin Trail. This scenic route is approximately 11 miles long and is the most comfortable way to explore the park. However, you can always turn off the main road and find your own special location. Although the park is famous, there is enough space for everyone to get to know the incredible nature of London.