Autumn leaf
When you live in the grey city sometimes connecting with nature helps your soul, there’s more to London than meets the eye! As Autumn hits us, it’s that time of the year where long walks are called for. Here’s Sarah to tell us where her favourite places are.
I have loved taking my children out in nature since they were born and still continue to now I have three girls. It began as a way for me to escape, get fresh air and reconnect with myself. I always find the outdoors incredibly therapeutic and my love for running wild and free has spread to my three spirited daughters. Now, I see taking them out in nature as a necessity, not just for their enjoyment but for their development too.
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There is something incredibly beautiful about watching children play in nature, the lack of structure means they can interact meaningfully with their surroundings in a way that is relevant to them. There are so many natural sources for learning that inspire many questions along the way, not to mention the physical benefits of having your children run and play freely.
Here are my top 5 beautiful London hotspots that have been perfect for my little nature lovers!
Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park
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This is probably one of the most stunning secret gems I have ever had the pleasure to find. Inside the depths of Richmond Deer Park, you will find Isabella Plantation, a 40-acre woodland garden with a beautiful array of native plants alongside exotic flowers, a tranquil stream and two ponds. There are so many nooks and crannies, twisting pathways and many branches and trees to clamber through. It’s absolutely perfect for little explorers and there are great spots for a picnic too. I especially love visiting in late April/early May when the flowers are at their peak.
Kew Gardens
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You can spend an entire day at Kew Gardens and still leave having not seen it all, it’s a great place to come back to as the seasons change, you will never tire of what Kew has to offer. Especially great for children, there are woven willow structures that make great tunnels to run through, a 600 metre hedged maze, see through the eyes of a bird in the treetop walkway or experience their indoor and outdoor play areas. Whilst a one-off visit may feel pricey for the whole family, they have great membership deals that are excellent value for money.
Ruislip Lido & Forest
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Ruislip Lido was once a reservoir serving the Grand Canal and it became a Lido in the ’30s. Its a pretty little spot with a nice walk around the water’s edge that leads you to an artificial beach with two different children’s playgrounds and fab water play fountains for hotter days. The Ruislip Lido Railway is a top attraction running through the woods and around to the beach.
Golders Hill Park, Hampstead Heath
This is a fantastic park that has a little bit of everything, with great open spaces, a small animal zoo, a butterfly house, walled flower garden and a lovely cafe, but those hills aren’t for the faint hearted, especially when you have a toddler that wants to run up and down them time after time!
Highgate Woods
"There were many golden Saturdays where we would picnic. I remember particularly a day in Highgate Woods – if you had been there, you would have seen two little boys very content, lying one each side of a large stone slab, racing caterpillars." ~A.A.Milne #SaturdayMotivation pic.twitter.com/K1fMZ0qcks
— A.A.Milne (@A_AMilne) March 9, 2019
An extensive ancient woods in suburban North London, I absolutely love the magic and mystery of this place. It is perfect for lazy, inquisitive strolls for blocking out the noise of London life and getting lost in the calm of the towering trees and crusty leaves under your feet. They is an excellent children’s playground a great open spaces for picnics and kicking a ball around.
What are your favourite places for getting out and at one with the elements?
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Sarah Yataghane
A home educating mama of 3 girls inviting you on a journey through motherhood & beyond. Passionate about writing, community & nurturing creativity. Instagram: @a_bitofpink
