Outdoors
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Outdoors
A nature oasis in an urban metropolis
Whilst many might imagine London as an urban metropolis, London is home to over 3,000 parks scattered throughout the city. There is also a wide network of canals, reservoirs, and riversides which are an excellent way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Here are our top picks for a brief city escape in nature.
Mudchute City Farm
Mudchute City Farm is a 32-acre green space dedicated to nurturing biodiversity and teaching city dwellers about the countryside. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city to learn about the birds and the bees, try your hand at horse riding or sample some local produce. All of this to a stunning backdrop of Canary Wharf.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
If you enjoy sports in the great outdoors, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is on our doorstep and here you can try rowing, swimming, running and a variety of other sports and activities for sporting newbies as well as ongoing enthusiasts. Grab a Moo Canoe and meander down the River Lea or go with the Bow Boat Company for a ride in a canal boat.
Walthamstow Wetlands
Walthamstow Wetlands is the largest urban wetland in Europe and it is on our doorstep. Here in this east London oasis, you can really pretend that you live in the countryside. Although you're never far from E17's industrial history so expect metalworks and mills to dot the green spaces. They run a variety of free and paid for classes for adults and children including dye workshops, wildlife photography and poetry and performances throughout the year.
Lee Valley Horse Riding
Lee Valley Horse Riding is a British Horse Society approved riding centre in east London. You can try horse riding if you are a novice or a pro and if you have no interest in riding, you can go along to see these beautiful creatures throughout the year.
Cross Rail Place Roof Garden, Canary Wharf
While not technically a park, this garden brilliantly embodies London's fusion of urban living and natural beauty. Hidden behind the tall skyscrapers of Canary Wharf lies the tranquil, verdant, breath-taking Cross Rail Place Roof Garden. As you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a tropic-like environment with plants from all over the world. This garden is open daily and completely free to visit and enjoy.