London


<p>If you thought a wild weekend in the capital meant clubbing until sun rise followed by an after party, it&#8217;s time to think again because <strong><em>Wild Guide to London and the South East</em></strong> has just dropped and it&#8217;s making us see &#8216;wild times&#8217; in a whole new light. </p>



<p>Written by authors Daniel Start, Lucy Grewcock and Elsa Hammond, the well-researched guide showcases 1,250 of the best places in the big smoke for off-the-beaten-track adventures, think wild swims, star-lit camping, mysterious lost ruins, lush meadows and hidden oases. Turns out London&#8217;s the second greenest city on the planet (Tokyo takes the top spot) with hundreds of parks and green spaces and an amazing amount of wildlife to discover. </p>



<p>We’ve cherry-picked ten of the top experiences which prove you don’t have to venture far from the city centre to get in touch with your wild side.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-tower-hamlets-cemetery">1. Tower Hamlets Cemetery</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="758" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Tower-Hamlets-geograph-3100642-by-Mike-Faherty-1024x758.jpg" alt="Tower Hamlets cemetary " class="wp-image-20956" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Tower-Hamlets-geograph-3100642-by-Mike-Faherty-1024x758.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Tower-Hamlets-geograph-3100642-by-Mike-Faherty-300x222.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Tower-Hamlets-geograph-3100642-by-Mike-Faherty-768x568.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Tower-Hamlets-geograph-3100642-by-Mike-Faherty.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p><strong>What:</strong> With a secretive and forgotten feel, this is the largest area of woodland in East London. Known locally as <a href="https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/collections/london-stories/tower-hamlets-cemetery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bow Cemetery</a>, it’s a designated nature reserve that&#8217;s wonderfully wild and overgrown, with dense scrub, birdsong and bugs. Expect bluebells in spring, lush vegetation in summer, fungi in autumn and skeletal trees in winter. </p>



<p><strong>Where:</strong> It’s a five-minute walk southeast of Mile End tube, and you can find locally roasted coffee and homemade cake by the entrance at the <a href="https://www.bluedaisyldn.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blue Daisy</a> electric tuk-tuk (Fri–Sun).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-winchester-palace-ruin-southwark">2. Winchester Palace Ruin, Southwark</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="462" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Unknown-3-1024x462.jpeg" alt="Winchester Palace Ruins " class="wp-image-20966" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Unknown-3-1024x462.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Unknown-3-300x135.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Unknown-3-768x347.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Unknown-3.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p><strong>What: </strong>One of the most important buildings in medieval London, this early <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/winchester-palace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">13th-century palace</a> was home to the powerful Bishops of Winchester. Destroyed in 1814 by fire, the remains are part of the Great Hall and feature a stunning rose window in the west gable.The ruin’s garden has late-medieval plants. </p>



<p><strong>Where:</strong> Find it tucked in at Pickford’s Wharf, Clink Street, near to the Golden Hinde replica. It’s roughly a six-minute walk from London Bridge station.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-farthing-downs-and-new-hill-croydon">3. Farthing Downs and New Hill, Croydon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Farthing-Down-geograph-7588064-by-Marathon-1024x768.jpg" alt="Farthing Down " class="wp-image-20957" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Farthing-Down-geograph-7588064-by-Marathon-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Farthing-Down-geograph-7588064-by-Marathon-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Farthing-Down-geograph-7588064-by-Marathon-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Farthing-Down-geograph-7588064-by-Marathon.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p><strong>What: </strong>A perfect place for a picnic, this expansive area of chalk grassland has pockets of ancient woodland, old hedgerows, rare herbs and wildflowers. Listen for yellowhammers, linnets, skylarks and warblers. </p>



<p><strong>Where:</strong> Part of <a href="https://www.downlandstrust.org.uk/south-london-downs-national-nature-reserve.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South London Downs NNR</a>, it’s a ten minute walk from Coulsdon South station. For a longer walk, bring a picnic and  make a day of it by continuing southeast for through ancient woodland, then east into Happy Valley. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-culpeper-community-garden-islington">4. Culpeper Community Garden, Islington</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Unknown-4-1024x683.jpeg" alt="Culpeper community garden " class="wp-image-20967" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Unknown-4-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Unknown-4-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Unknown-4-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Unknown-4.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p><strong>What: </strong>An award-winning <a href="https://www.culpeper.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">community garden</a> in Islington, with ponds, twisty paths, a wildlife area and organic plots for locals. This tranquil oasis, surrounded by busy streets, is a wonderful place to escape the city. Summer events range from healing herb workshops to art groups. </p>



<p><strong>Where:</strong> Open Mon–Fri and most weekends 10am–6pm (4.30pm in winter). Cloudesley Road, N1 0EJ – an easy walk (about seven minutes) from Angel tube station.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-camley-street-natural-park-camden">5. Camley Street Natural Park, Camden</h2>



<p><strong>What:</strong> Behind St Pancras International lie two acres of <a href="https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/nature-reserves/camley-street-natural-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild nature reserve</a> on the banks of Regent’s Canal. Once a coal drop yard for local railways, it was demolished in the 1960s, reclaimed by nature, and then opened as a nature reserve in 1985. With woodland, wetland, grasses, ponds and reeds, it’s rich in birds, butterflies and other wildlife. </p>



<p><strong>Where:</strong> Open 10am–4pm/5pm. Camley St, N1C 4PW; 100 metres north of St Pancras International. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-west-reservoir-hackney">6. West Reservoir, Hackney</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="577" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/west-reservoir-ccbysa-mark-percy-7853765_d29ff914_1024x1024-2-2-1024x577.jpg" alt="West Reservoir " class="wp-image-20958" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/west-reservoir-ccbysa-mark-percy-7853765_d29ff914_1024x1024-2-2-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/west-reservoir-ccbysa-mark-percy-7853765_d29ff914_1024x1024-2-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/west-reservoir-ccbysa-mark-percy-7853765_d29ff914_1024x1024-2-2-768x433.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/west-reservoir-ccbysa-mark-percy-7853765_d29ff914_1024x1024-2-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p><strong>What: </strong>A Victorian former pump house stands proudly on its embankment overlooking the large sparkling oasis that is <a href="https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hackney/west-reservoir-centre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Reservoir</a>. Urban life is kept at bay, while supervised swims range from a 100m warm up to a 300m loop. Accessible toilets and changing rooms for swimmers with disabilities, and ramp access into the water. </p>



<p><a href=""><strong>Where:</strong></a> Green Lanes, N4 2HA, 0208 442 8116). Book a time slot with <a href="https://www.better.org.uk/book-activity">better.org.uk</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-lesnes-abbey-amp-woods-bexley">7. Lesnes Abbey &amp; Woods, Bexley</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Lesnes-Abbey-Woods-geograph-3092685-by-Marathon-1024x768.jpg" alt="Lestes reservoir " class="wp-image-20959" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Lesnes-Abbey-Woods-geograph-3092685-by-Marathon-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Lesnes-Abbey-Woods-geograph-3092685-by-Marathon-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Lesnes-Abbey-Woods-geograph-3092685-by-Marathon-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Lesnes-Abbey-Woods-geograph-3092685-by-Marathon.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p><strong>What:</strong> Founded in 1178, <a href="https://www.lesnesabbeywoods.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lesnes Abbey</a> ruin lies surrounded by ancient woodland, juxtaposed by the Dockland skyscrapers in the background. In the grounds is a rare black mulberry tree, said to have been planted by King James I. Lovely woodland walks, with daffodils (March), bluebells (April–May) and sculptures. Kids can hunt for sharks’ teeth in the fossil hunting pit. </p>



<p><strong>Where:</strong> The ruin sits at DA17 5RE, ten minutes’ walk south from Abbey Wood station (parking available).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-hutchinson-s-bank-croydon">8. Hutchinson’s Bank, Croydon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Hutchinsons-bank-1024x683.jpg" alt="Hutchinson's Bank, Corydon " class="wp-image-20960" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Hutchinsons-bank-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Hutchinsons-bank-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Hutchinsons-bank-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Hutchinsons-bank.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p><strong>What:</strong> Chalk grasslands are a rarity for London, and this sloping reserve is a paradise for butterflies, with up to 40 species in late spring/summer. It’s also a fantastic spot for early spring blossom. <a href="https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/nature-reserves/hutchinsons-bank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cutting</a> is a hotspot for butterfly enthusiasts, and the southeast end near Threecorner Grove is a stronghold for Britain’s smallest butterfly, the small blue. </p>



<p><strong>Where:</strong> Park at the end of Farleigh Dean Crescent, New Addington (CR0 9AD) – the entrance to The Cutting is just past the houses. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-river-chess-rickmansworth">9. River Chess, Rickmansworth</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/River-Chess-1024x768.jpg" alt="River Chess " class="wp-image-20961" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/River-Chess-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/River-Chess-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/River-Chess-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/River-Chess.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p><strong>What: </strong>While mostly shallow and best for paddling, this pretty chalk stream deepens by a big willow on a bend (at coordinates 51.6494, -0.4662), and there’s a rope swing for kids and big kids. Perfect for families. </p>



<p><strong>Where: </strong>Park in Scotsbridge or the Steakhouse car park (WD31AT). It’s also possible to dip in the little River Gade from a beach on Croxley Common.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-river-thames-ankerwycke-amp-runnymede">10. River Thames, Ankerwycke &amp; Runnymede</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/ankerwycke-isaldn-geograph-3624994-by-Alan-Hunt-001-1024x768.jpg" alt="Ankerwyke " class="wp-image-20962" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/ankerwycke-isaldn-geograph-3624994-by-Alan-Hunt-001-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/ankerwycke-isaldn-geograph-3624994-by-Alan-Hunt-001-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/ankerwycke-isaldn-geograph-3624994-by-Alan-Hunt-001-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/ankerwycke-isaldn-geograph-3624994-by-Alan-Hunt-001.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p><strong>What:</strong> Take a daytrip just outside the M25 to swim in the Thames, flanked by pastures and ancient trees. Beside the banks, find the ruins of St Mary’s Benedictine Priory and a 2,000-year-old yew that was mentioned in the Domesday Book. </p>



<p><strong>Where:</strong> Park in the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/runnymede-and-ankerwycke" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Trust Ankerwycke</a> car park,(TW19 5AD) and it’s a ten-minute walk south to the river, past the ruins and the Ankerwycke Yew (which sits in a woodland clearing, 100m north of the ruins). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="862" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Wild-Guide-London-South-East-cover-3d-862x1024.png" alt="Wild Things London " class="wp-image-20963" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Wild-Guide-London-South-East-cover-3d-862x1024.png 862w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Wild-Guide-London-South-East-cover-3d-253x300.png 253w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Wild-Guide-London-South-East-cover-3d-768x912.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Wild-Guide-London-South-East-cover-3d-1294x1536.png 1294w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2026/05/Wild-Guide-London-South-East-cover-3d.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 862px) 100vw, 862px" /></figure>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://wildthingspublishing.com/product/wild-guide-london-south-east-england-2nd-ed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wild Guide: London &amp; South East England</a> by Daniel Start, Lucy Grewcock and Elsa Hammond is published by Wild Things Publishing. Priced at £18.99, it&#8217;s available directly from <a href="https://wildthingspublishing.com/product/wild-guide-london-south-east-england-2nd-ed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild Things Publishing</a>, as well as selected bookshops and online retailers.</em></strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-ways-to-fill-your-weekend-here">More ways to fill your weekend here…</h2>



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10 of the wildest things to do in London

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