Looking for somewhere nearby to get your nature fix? Fancy inhaling some actual fresh air for the first time in months? But want to do so without travelling out of London? Well, we’ve got just the place for you. Walthamstow Wetlands is the humongous nature reserve in – you guessed it – Walthamstow, and it’s a must-visit for Londoners. Oh, and it’s completely free to visit.
Measuring a whopping 211 hectares, Walthamstow Wetlands is the largest urban wetlands in Europe. It is also a fully operational Thames Water reservoir site, and is the main source of water supply for 3.5 million people. So, it’s not just pretty, it’s a pretty big deal.
Offering over 13 miles of paths to explore across an untamed, wildlife-friendly site, the local authorities opened up the areas around the Walthamstow reservoirs for all to enjoy back in 2017. (It was previously only open to anglers, birdwatchers, and other dedicated types who’d got themselves a permit.)
The site is an internationally important nature reserve, providing home and shelter to a range of wildlife. Due to its position within the Lee Valley, it serves as a byway for migrating, wintering, and breeding birds. From waders to warblers, visitors can grab a pair of binoculars and see firsthand the important part Walthamstow Wetlands plays in our capital’s ecological diversity.
There are four entrances to the park, all well served by local tube stations. Tottenham Hale is a seven-minute walk away, while Blackhorse Road is just ten minutes away. Door-to-door, it’s under thirty minutes from Oxford Street.
There’s also a neat café and visitor’s centre, located within the locally-listed Engine House. Here guests can grab a cuppa and enjoy some panoramic views of our capital city on the Coppermill Tower’s viewing platform.
The site is open from 9.30am to 4pm during the winter months, and it stays open until 5pm in the summer. Walkers and cyclists are welcome, but dogs (except service dogs), booze, and barbecues aren’t allowed.