WALTHAMSTOW WETLANDS, LONDON

WHERE: 2 Forest Road, N17

WHY: Enjoy the sheer, wild beauty of Europe’s largest urban wetlands, just 15 minutes from central London. Highlights include the Engine House, home to a tower designed to welcome nesting swifts and bats, and the

Grade II-listed Coppermill Tower, which offers iconic skyline views of the capital.

PERFECT PICNIC: Treat yourself to a capital feast with slabs of quiche, sticky chilli chicken wings and an orange and five-spice coleslaw, with an icy cold bottle of Crémant d’Alsace. >>