Top 10 Wilderness Escapes in London

30th October 2024 | Words by Sophie Ranson

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Among the high-rise buildings and busy roads, green escapes may seem few and far between in London, the UK’s capital. But this metropolis houses many pockets of wilderness. In fact, London claims the crown as Europe’s greenest city, with over 3,000 green spots and 8.4 million trees – that’s almost one tree for every resident.

So, whether you're on a fleeting visit or looking to plant more adventure into your daily life, walk with us as we take a tour around London’s top 10 wilderness escapes.

1. Richmond Park

Head to the western outskirts of London and you might stumble upon the largest Royal Park in the city, of which there are eight in total. Spanning 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is home to countless trails that see millions of walkers, runners and cyclists venture there annually.

The space also acts as a mecca for wildlife watchers and conservationists who come to spot the range of wildlife found in the Park’s grounds. Along with bats, beetles and butterflies, researchers have identified 144 species of birds residing in Richmond Park – many of which are nationally scarce.

2. Hampstead Heath

Lovingly referred to as ‘The Heath’ by locals, Hampstead Heath is a sprawling park in North London. While only 30 minutes away from the city centre, its 790 acres provide endless opportunities to get lost in nature. The Heath is also refreshingly rugged, providing a stark contrast to the neat and manicured looks of most London parks.

Here you can also dive into the city’s wildest swimming spots. Choose from three ponds reserved specifically for swimming, including the Men’s Pond and Kenwood Ladies’ Pond (open year-round), and the Mixed Pond (open May to October).

3. Primrose Hill

Sometimes all we need is a bit of perspective. And at Primrose Hill, you can expect that – and more. Located to the north of Regent’s Park, this green haven offers up some of the best views of the city, particularly when paired with a spectacular sunrise or sunset backdrop.

While not necessarily a go-to spot for endurance sports, its small size prompts a different variety of activities in nature. Think: yoga, tai chi, meditation, picnicking and more. Runners training for races and challenge events also appreciate (or not!) the steep gradient for hill reps, which can radically improve performance.

It’s also the perfect seat for watching the wildlife change across the seasons, from blossoms in spring to bright fiery trees in autumn. Areas of acid grassland – one of the UK’s rarer habitat types – also grow here. Keen-eyed botanists might spot common cat's ear, sheep’s sorrel and red fescue.

4. St Dunstan’s in the East

Size matters not. Particularly when you scope out a green oasis in the heart of London’s bustling financial capital. That’s St Dunstan’s in the East, a pocket of wilderness set within the ruins of a Wren church, officially designated as a park by the City of London Corporation back in 1967.

Free to grow wild, dark green ivy now climbs up the extant walls. Instead of a roof, tropical trees now shelter the ground where rows of pews once stood. The vibes verge on post-apocalyptic, but in a good way (when the bad bit’s over and everything seems peacefully optimistic!). It provides a stark contrast to the constant bleating of the city. Its stillness also acts as a reminder to stop and breathe – particularly early in the morning, when the sun’s rays peek through the church's ruined arches, illuminating the plants in the community-run garden.

5. Epping Forest

Situated on the outskirts of the city, on the Essex borders, is Epping Forest. Nearly 6,000 acres of ancient woodland make up this green playground, which provides a haven for active outdoor lovers, who can walk, run, cycle, ride and fish here.

For those residing in central London, its proximity makes it most attractive. Indeed, it’s one of the few areas of ancient forest in the Greater London area that is easily accessible via tube and bus.

Nine local nature reserves can also be found here, encompassing numerous ecosystem types. These include ancient semi-natural woodlands, heathlands, old grassland plains, wetlands and more, which have nurtured equally varied numbers of wildlife.

6. Parkland Walk

Explore London’s longest nature reserve. Extending over 4km, Parkland Walk winds along a former railway line that once connected Alexandra Palace to Finsbury Park. Whether walking or cycling, this long leafy stretch almost makes you forget you’re in the city at all. Splashes of quirky street art along the way keep you in check, however, and look out for Spriggan; a statue of a Cornish fairy that sprouts from an old railway arch – so quirky it even inspired a Steven King novel.

7. Highgate Wood

From Karl Marx to Kate Moss, it’s no surprise this area has attracted so many icons throughout the centuries. Perched between East Finchley, Highgate and Muswell Hill, Highgate Wood exudes quintessential Englishness.

Wide walkways wander through a charming variety of old trees, including oaks and hornbeams. In summer, when wildlife is in full bloom, the wood can feel like an earthy blanket. You’ll want to put the earphones down for this one, and tune into the birdsong melodies from the woodland canopy above.

A walk here might even lead you to Highgate Cemetery, which is surprisingly peaceful with its overgrown graves and unpredictable avenues.

8. Walthamstow Wetlands

For those who crave waterside wilderness, head to Walthamstow Wetlands, one of the largest urban wetland nature reserves in Europe. The wetlands contain a series of reservoirs that run parallel to the River Lea. Located in the northeast of the city, it’s just a 15-minute journey from central London.

Urban twitchers will thrive here: as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the area is home to an exciting range of migrating, wintering and breeding birds. You can even find a heronry, a breeding ground for herons, on one of the reservoirs.

Plus, if you’re seeking a day-long adventure, it’s also only a stone's throw away from Hackney Marshes, one of London’s largest areas of common land.

9. Wimbledon and Putney Common

Welcome to the wild, wild, southwest. Expect to feel worlds away from city life at Wimbledon and Putney Common with over 1,140 acres of woodland and greenery. Whether wandering around one of the nine freshwater lakes or winding through dense woodlands, plenty of paths await to make you feel ‘off the beaten track’. From mountain biking to horse riding, these can suit multiple modes of travel.

It’s also another conservation area, being a designated Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), since it provides the perfect habitat for pine martens, polecats, weasels and more.

10. Sydenham Hill Wood

Sydenham Hill Wood sits on the slopes of Norwood Ridge in Southwark. This eerily stunning woodland, which features over 200 plant and tree species, is the ideal place for taking a walk on the wild side. Traverse delightfully uneven pathways – a contrast to London’s well-manicured roads and pavements – that stretch from Croydon to the Thames, or climb over fallen trees and branches.

Look out for clues to Victorian life too. From overgrown gardens to forgotten architectural follies, curious historic artefacts crop up throughout the landscape as much as the flora and fauna.

All images courtesy of Adobe Stock except for Parkland Walk and Sydenham Hill Wood, licensed via Alamy.

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Sophie Ranson is a freelance writer and researcher with a specialist interest in environment, health and sports subjects. An experienced ultra runner, wild swimmer and yoga teacher, she splits her time between London and Scotland’s Cairngorms.