Forget the skyscrapers: Explore these stunning natural escapes in London

London, widely known for its urbanisation, also boasts a lot of natural wonders that are peaceful escapes from the hustle and bustle of daily life. London has a lot to offer, from sprawling ancient woodlands and vast royal parks to steep hills that offer panoramic views. These green spaces attract visitors and residents alike. Let’s explore the natural wonders of London that would definitely captivate you:

Epping Forest is an ancient woodland located between the border of Greater London and Essex. This is also the largest forest in London. This woodland is a mix of oak, hornbeam, and ancient beech pollards, providing habitat for diverse reptiles, bats, and fungi. Earlier, Epping Forest was used as a hunting ground for kings and now is open to the public and offers numerous footpaths, cycling routes, and picnic spots, making it the perfect escape from city life in London. This forest is also home to a wide range of animals such as fallow deer, muntjac, and European adder.

A wetland reserve which comprises four disused Victorian reservoirs. The London Wetland Centre houses a wide variety of birds which cannot be found anywhere else in London such as gadwall, northern shoveler, Eurasian bittern, northern pintail, northern lapwing, and more. This centre also focuses on hosting events related to preserving wetland animals. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, bird-watching hides, and educational displays that emphasize conservation and biodiversity.

One of London’s largest royal parks, which has also featured in a lot of films and web series. Visitors can participate in a lot of activities such as cycling, fishing, golf, horse riding, rugby, and running, as designated trails and spots have been created for the public here. The park boasts a diverse landscape of ancient oak trees, woodlands, grasslands, ponds, and the beautifully maintained Isabella Plantation, a woodland garden. Richmond is also a biodiversity spot, as one can spot a wide variety of wildlife here as well as birds, and one can also sit by the pond surrounded by the beautiful surroundings.

Box Hill is located within the Surrey Hills and has chalk slopes and overlooks the River Mole, providing the perfect scenic view. This hill provides a habitat for a wide variety of plant species which support a great population of insect species. Box Hill houses bats, lepidopterans, orchids, and the box tree in great numbers. Box Hill features numerous walking and cycling trails, picnic areas, and natural chalk grasslands, inviting visitors for outdoor activities.

One of the largest single green spaces in south-east London. Formerly a hunting park, today it is a public space which also provides the perfect view of the River Thames, the Isle of Dogs, and the City of London. In Greenwich Park, one will find flower gardens, grassy areas, children’s playgrounds, cafes, a boating lake, and a wildlife habitat. The park’s landscape includes ancient trees, flower beds, open lawns, and ornamental gardens that blend natural beauty with heritage architecture, as it also houses the statue of General James Wolfe and the Royal Observatory. Visitors can easily enjoy their time in the tranquil and lush green space here.