The best spring walks near Fizzy (with or without your dog!)
Fizzy locations benefit from many things: excellent transport links, easy access to central London and vibrant local communities. Not only that, all Fizzy buildings are next door to some of the city’s most beautiful parks and natural landscapes. So, as we head into summer, what better way to celebrate the sunshine than explore the great outdoors?
From Sunday canal walks with friends to evening strolls through beautiful meadowland. We have compiled a list of our favorite walks which will help you discover the nature and wildlife waiting on your doorstep.
Hayes- Lake Farm Country Park
A magnet for twitchers (the British lingo for birdwatchers), Lake Farm is a ‘must-see’, since it’s the home of skylarks, one of the UK’s most endangered species of birds. The park’s affinity with this songbird is demonstrated by the Skylark Sculpture, designed by Ben Dearnley, who came to prominence as the Official Olympic Artist for the 2012 Olympics. Situated on the south of Hayes, Lake Farm is a spacious expanse of meadowland fringed by the Grand Union Canal, and is exceptionally popular among dog-walkers.
Lewisham - Greenwich Park
Across the river from the Isle of Dogs, this is the oldest enclosed Royal Park. It was initially used by Henry VIII for hawking and deer hunting. From the top of its hill today, you’ll have stunning views of the Thames, Canary Wharf, and even the resident herd of deer! Have we left anything out? Believe it or not, Greenwich Park was ranked London’s best hilltop view by The Telegraph in May 2019, sidestepping hotshot rivals such as Primrose Hill and Richmond Park.
Stepney Green - Mile End Park
A stroll in Mile End’s beautiful meadows and woodland would have been slightly different in 1940 – for this was one of the most heavily bombed areas of London in World War II. Thankfully, wildlife is now thriving in this former industrial heartland, including a growing population of dragonflies and butterflies. Mile End Park is open 24 hours, and follows the Regent’s Canal from Victoria Park to Limehouse Basin.
Canning Town
Walk along River Lea
Historically forming the natural border between Middlesex and Essex, the River Lea today provides a scenic trek for walkers and runners from Canning Town. It passes a variety of unusual landmarks ranging from the Hackney Marshes to an ancient Victorian water processing plant to the House Mill (believed to be the world’s largest tidal mill). While the most accessible walk along this artery of London ends in Clapton (a distance of 6 miles), if you really enjoy a challenge you can romp another 12 miles to the sun-kissed fields of Hertfordshire!
Walthamstow
Walthamstow Wetlands
This is the capital's largest urban wetland nature reserve, providing a special home to the many species of birds that migrate and breed there including, grey herons, cormorants, curlews, snipes and ruffs. The Wetlands are a haven for naturalists and bird watchers alike. This summer the Wetlands will also play host to a variety of fantastic events for all the family to enjoy including the London Wildlife Festival.
Poplar- Mudchute Park and Farm
Tired of the hussle and bussle of Canary Wharf? Hop on down to Mudchute Park and Farm, and enjoy a family-friendly day out with lots of lovely farm animals. Its 32 acres of meadows, woodlands and wetlands are a welcome natural addition to the Isle of Dogs, while the working farm and stables offer a unique chance for city dwellers to see British farm animals up close. There are even a few llamas hopping about!
Epsom - Horton Country Park
5000 years ago, the woodlands of Horton Country Park were roamed by long-extinct bears and wolves – today, it has a slightly less prehistoric feel. Within its spacious boundaries, you can go on the perfect family outing to its self-contained zoo, sporting exotic species such as Meerkat, Nilgai, Emu and Bactrian Camel. If you’re a hardcore walker and looking for a weekend treat, the 15 mile Thames Down Link passes through the park and will take you down to the charming Surrey village of Westhumble.
If you would like to find out more about our fantastic Fizzy locations click here, our team would be happy to tell you more about what’s happening the local area!