London Wetland Centre

A 105-acre city wildlife area created by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in the year 2000. The four disused Victorian reservoirs tucked into a loop in the Thames have been softened by landscaping and weathered by nature to become an extensive landscape of lagoons, islets and pastures. At intervals along the serene walkways are hides where you can perch on a bench, push open a small window and gaze at all manner of birds up close through your binoculars – kingfishers, falcon herons, sandmartins and sparrowhawks are some of the species spotted here. The centre offers all sorts of other entertainment for all ages including guided walks and courses for those who want to learn more about the birdlife or the flora, bat-spotting walks, wildlife photography courses and pond-dipping sessions. There are lots of places to picnic and a café with an outdoor terrace that stays open until 9pm on Thursdays in August. The London Wetland Centre is a fascinating, beautiful place.