If you want to live in a bustling metropolis
without losing touch with nature,
then London is your city.
With 40% of its surface being green spaces,
London is the third greenest city of its size in the world
{we are lucky}.
From manicured royal parks to vast open spaces,
Londoners have many alternatives on a sunny day...
...one of them being a 40 hectare wetland,
right in the heart of the city.
Bird's eye view
Built from disused water reservoirs in 2000,
London Wetland Centre is a haven
both for wildlife species & Londoners.
Paths zigzag between the lakes and lagoons,
bird watching hides offer amazing views,
and birds' chirping is the soundtrack of choice.
World of Nature
London Wetland Centre is home
to all manner of wildlife and aquatic plants.
On our visit, we spotted endangered species,
like the Siberian red-breasted goose
{pictured above with her egg nest},
graceful black swans, playful otters,
dragonflies and beautiful water lilies.
Family Facilities
Kids are spoilt for choice at the Wetland Centre.
There is an amazing nature themed playground,
with water play & burrows
{highly recommended by the Toddler}.
An indoor discovery centre with funfair inspired games,
a pond zone to dip nets in...
...and, of course, do not miss the otters' feeding time
everyday at 11:00 & 14:00.
In a nutshell: eco-fun family outing on a sunny day.
London Wetland Centre, Barnes.
Getting there: take bus 238 from Hammersmith, free parking if you go by car.
Admission £11, children under 4 go free.
I didn't even know this existed! So nice to discover more about London every time I read your blog.
ReplyDeletewww.lululovesfilms.wordpress.com
Thanks, Louisa! It's very nice, both for kids & adults. Highly recommended next time you're in London :)
DeleteOh, it sounds just lovely!! I must try see if my friend-with-a-toddler is keen although I might like a bit of bird spotting!
ReplyDeleteYou'll like it a lot, it's so serene & peaceful.
DeleteAnd so many birds species to see!
I used to be a member of the Wetlands Centre, pre-kids, even though it's on the other side of town from us. I love the place....must give it a visit soon.
ReplyDeleteLooks fun. I thought it might be boring, but you've really sold it to me! :)
ReplyDeleteI assure you, it's no boring at all & there are plenty of activities for kids!
DeleteI didn't know that stat! Aren't we lucky? I also had never heard of the Wetlands centre - what a great day out. We're always looking for new things to do in London given we're only 20 minutes away. Thank you x
ReplyDeleteYes, so lucky to be living in such a green city. Would be nice if the weather was sunnier though :)
DeleteI didn't know about this park/wetland area in London. Something to keep in mind for my next visit. Found you from Britmums.
ReplyDeleteHi & thanks for you comment!
DeleteIt's a very nice place to visit on a nice {warm} day!
I didn't even know this existed. Embarrassing...
ReplyDeleteI would not know it existed either, if the Toddler hadn't developped a new passion for all things aquatic ;)
DeleteThis post brought back many happy memories for me! We used to visit a lot, and spent hours watching the king fishers! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm glad it did bring you happy memories! It's a lovely place, isnt'it?
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