WALTHAMSTOW · Free
Walthamstow Wetlands, London Wildlife Trust
4.62,920 reviews
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Ten working reservoirs turned into a free nature reserve in 2017, 211 hectares of water, reedbeds and birdlife (herons, kingfishers, cormorants) a few minutes from the Tube. A proper lungful of wild within Zone 3, with a café in the old Engine House.
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What to actually expect.
Free entry, paid parking
Entry and the reserve are free; the car park is not, and it's a working water site, stick to the paths and the posted closing time.
Exposed, dress for it
It's open water and reedbed with little shelter. Brilliant on a clear day, bleak in driving rain; bring layers.
No booking needed. Just walk in.