Top 10 Best Nature reserves with lakes in London

“A pleasant walk around with many scenic views. Several hides along the south side. Worthwhile doing a small detour to see the Hanging Monkey.”

“Stunningly beautiful! My daughter went with the school and liked it so much that we went again at the weekend. It's really well taken care of and incredibly rewarding as a family. We will definitely look at membership.”

“Absolutely in love with this place! Surprisingly, was passing by on the way to work every single day and didn't know about this awesome place until yesterday. Good size pay & display parking with reasonable prices: up to 4 hours £1.40, which gives plenty of time to explore different trails and enjoy the surrounding beautiful lakes with swans and ducks and wildlife. If you would like to stay longer there, over 4 hours is £4. If you didn't come back before gates are shut, you have to wait until next morning when park will be open again (7:30 am) to retrieve your car. So, make sure, you are not late! At the moment it is open until 9:00 pm, but soon will change to 8:30 pm. Season parking ticket £40 a year. Not bad I would say if you are local or living near by. The area quite big, so your kids and dogs will love it! Lots of benches everywhere and playground for kids, children's play area includes an adventure trail, cargo net, monkey bars and a smaller play unit for the younger ones. There is also seating and picnic benches in and near the play area too! The play area is located near the Ocean Lake. There is also the cafe, also near Ocean Lake . Refreshments are available every weekend, bank holiday and school holiday's (weather permitting). Serving freshly cooked hot or cold food, drinks and variety of snacks, ice creams, bird seed for the ducks andeven treats for the dogs! But that is not all! We have found out that Leybourne Lakes offers a wide range of water sports too via Watersport Centre. Activities include: stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, scuba diving, small paddle boats, open water swimming and wind surfing. They also host Aquathons and Sprint Series triathlon events via Ocean Lake Tri Club. If you like walking, there are every Tuesday and Thursday one hour healthy walks through variety different routes around the country park organised too! Lots too consider I would say! :) Pleased we have found this place, apparently , 230 acres still to discover(!) and definitely recommend it!”

“One of THE best carrot cakes I have ever had! Super fresh and just perfect! All food excellent! Over several weeks , the food has always been prime! And service is wonderful and atmosphere lovely!”

“What a beautiful setting for a lovely meal. The staff were very attentive and made sure we had a lovely time. The food was delicious. We will definitely be going back again and will be recommending it to all of our friends.”

“View of the majestic lakes, instantly brings a seren calmness in your heart and make you very cheerful! One of the most beautiful parks in Barking & Dagenham with two very attractive lakes (South & North Lakes), large open space, leisure centre, car parks, children's play area, sports facilities, Woodlands, and Local Nature Reserve! And Mayes Brook River goes through the edge of the Mayesbrook Park! Across the southern side of the Mayesbrook Brook, magnificent Wildlife Goldmines such as South Lake, Nature Reserve and Woodland Trail are located! A perfect place for walking, jogging, running, relaxing and exploring for all family members! Water in the Mayesbrook Park North Lake seems like a teardrop-silver in colour and stand-still with occasional ripples created by waterfowl or leaves dropping from tree! Reflection of Skyline and Trees can be clearly visible on the lake water! There are plenty of natural sounds make this North Lake magical - cooings of pigeons, humming throbs of mute Swan, rustling leaves, mesmerising ripples in the lake and grass playing with the wind! Lakes are the homes many waterfowl including mute Swan, tufted Duck, Shoveler, Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) and Herring Gull!”

“You can walk and walk and...... as long or short as you like. Around every corner there's something new. The walk along the canal is a total change to the paths around the lakes. Watch out for loose dogs, a big issue. Excellent free parking. Approach road to the car park is tricky. Turn left at the pub as the sign is virtually hidden. It's in the same road as Tesco. Cafe in the Park has yummy cakes but the wait is ........ too long at peak times so chill'ish. Enjoy”

“Beautifully maintained field and paths running around the park. A gorgeous view of the stars from the city at night as well.”

“Beautiful green space with a deer enclosure. You can feed the deer but bring your own apples and carrots. Lovely for long walks and picnics.”

“Lovely park with good facilities catering for all age groups. There are 2 large children enclosures with seesaw, climbing frames, etc. There is a cafe selling hot and cold food, drinks, ice cream, etc with seating facility outside with parasols. There is a well kept flower garden on one end and a beautiful small island assessible via a bridge. Overall a very beautiful park in the middle of Enfield Town. There are paid car parks nearby.”