The Lee and Stort Navigations form an important part of Britain's canal network running east of…read moreLondon from Limehouse Basin to Hertford (Lee) and Bishop's Stortford (on the Stort branch). They are popular with walkers and anglers, as well as narrow-boat owners. History The navigations are both canalised rivers. The Lea (the spelling Lea refers to the river, Lee the navigation) has been used since Roman times, and the first Act to improve navigation (by the monks at Waltham Abbey) was passed as early as 1425. An early pound lock with two gates - the type we are familiar with today - was built at Waltham Abbey in 1577. The canal was subsequently improved over the years, and became part of London's water supply in the 17th century - a role it still fulfils. The Stort was canalised rather later, in 1769, by Sir George Duckett. It never really prospered - sadly, schemes to reach Cambridge and the Fenland waterways never came to fruition. The Lee was important for timber and other industrial traffic until after the Second World War, and improvements were made in the 1960s. Today, it is mostly used for pleasure craft, walkers, cyclists and anglers. The lower Lea Valley is set to come into the spotlight as the setting for 2012 London Olympics. White water rafting and canoeing will take place at Broxbourne, so the canals really will help to thread the venues together. The Route Space doesn't permit a full description, but essentially the Lee runs for 28 miles from Limehouse Basin to Hertford, passing through the Lee valley: at first urban and industrial, beyond Hackney the land opens out as a series of marshes and the impressive reservoir network appears. North of Waltham Abbey is the lovely River Lee Country Park, with woodland, open spaces and lakes formed from gravel pits. Beyond Broxbourne, the canal meanders as it strikes up towards Ware and the historic town of Hertford. For much of its length it is broad (it was improved in the 1920s for 100 ton boats to Hertford) and straight, and still carries small volumes of commercial traffic. At its southern end, there is a short branch - the Hertford Union Canal - joining it to the Regent's Canal which also runs from Limehouse. This is the recommended navigation for most pleasure craft, as the section of the Lee Navigation below Old Ford Lock and the Limehouse Cut to Limehouse Basin are semi-tidal and for experienced boaters only. From Bow Locks the Lea - called Bow Creek - is technically navigable to the Thames at Blackwall at High Tide, but for suitable craft and very experienced boaters only. The Stort navigation - just 14 miles long - branches off just north of Hoddesdon, and could not be more different: it really feels like a river, and is very beautiful. It's harder to navigate - it is very winding and narrow, but possible with care - but much more atmospheric. Wildlife The canal contains many species of fresh water fish, and is one of the most popular angling canals in the country. Insect and birdlife is also abundant, and if you are very lucky, you may see a water vole on the Stort. There are nature reserves and sites of special scientific interest along the length of both canals. Practicalities Being so close to London, the canals are very popular and there are lots of facilities for boaters, including boat trips, stores, fuel, pump-out and moorings. Both canals have plenty of pubs along their length! Comprehensive guides to the facilities are available on the British Waterways site at http://www.waterscape.com , or alternatively, contact the British Waterways Customer Service Centre on (01923) 201120. A very helpful leaflet on the canals of London's East End and Docklands can be downloaded at: http://www.waterscape.com/media/documents/20931.pdf . Information for cyclists and walkers about Lee Valley Park can be obtained from the Lee Valley Park Information Centre (tel: 01992 702200).

A great place to spend a beautiful sunny spring day! I'm amazed that I've been living in London for…read more3 years and somehow managed not to find this place until now even though I've driven to Stansted at least half a dozen times. D'oh! Parking costs a £5 for the day and about half that if you're arriving after 5pm. It's free for National Trust members. Don't worry if you've forgotten your sticker, just show them your card at the gate and you'll be issued with a little paper ticket. There are at least 3 car parks I can think of off the top of my head. One right at the entrance, one near the lake and one by the cafe. I'd drive right in and stop by the cafe as it offers the most central location, allowing easy access to all parts of the forest. There are lots of trails, open fields as well as forested areas so a bit of everything. I saw quite a few signs of bushcraft so if you're into that then this is a great place to put in some shelter building practice.

A great day out, couldn't recommend it highly enough…read more Lots for kids of all ages to do here, there's a large lake for fishing, an area for feeding geese and ducks, loads of tree's to climb, plenty of wildlife, and best of all LOADS OF SPACE! Great to ride to and around on a bike, the cafe does a great range of homemade pies that really are worth the trip alone. There's numerous sturdy picnic benches that seat up to 8, and at easter/xmas that do a little treasure hunt for the young uns, which my lot love. Get down there pronto, but if you are going to drive, please have the decency to pay to enter the car park. For years there have been loads of people parking on the road and entering for free, so finally double yello lines have been painted on. Sad but necessary.

Oh my, what's not to love!?…read more My brood and I took a long, meandering Sunday walk and came upon the New River Walk -- an unexpected treat amidst the traffic, buses and busy streets of London. A perfectly situated oasis. You can close your eyes and you might think you were out in a forest preserve somewhere! From the Islington Parks site: "This park is part of the historic new river that brought water into London, now a peaceful oasis for wildlife, featuring historic linear water features, notable trees including swamp cypress and dawn redwood." Also, from my observations: ducks, birds, green leaves and grass, a bridge or two, good photo opportunities and minimal rubbish (either the people that use this are respectful of the New River Walk or the clean up crews are very efficient). Nearest Highbury and Islington Station or Essex Road Station. If you are walking in the area or could use this as part of your walking commute -- do pop in! Beautiful.

Nice place for a walk - I often walk there on Sundays when I got from The Cellars (one of my…read morefavourite Sunday roast places) to Camden Passage / Upper Street (one of my Sunday places for friends who visit). It is much nicer than plainly walking in the street and also can show out of towners how peaceful London can still be! The great thing is, no bikes are allowed here so you can have a nice, calming walk. You know you're metres away from the busy streets of London but you don't feel it that much. You just stroll along this river (not a natural river but still very pleasant) and see some wildlife - I even spotted a heron once in one of the little islands (yes, I like birds)! Of course you have squirrels as well because, well, you can't get away from them anywhere in London. Lots of ducks too (they are fairly fat already and I would like to remind the lovely people reading this review that feeding them bread is not actually good for the poor little duckies: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/mar/16/dont-feed-the-ducks-bread-say-conservationists). There is a lovely little bridge at some point, the water is very clean (I still would not drink it, mind you), and given that there is a reasonable amount of bins, so is the walkway.

If you are looking for one of those total chillax days, you could do worse than buy a rod hook line…read moreand sinker and hope that you get a bite on the line?

What an amazing little find! Was literally driving past on…read morethe way to a BBQ and the boyff spotted it. The chaos in there was funny, really friendly, and didn't try to sell you just expensive branded things. They explained to the boyff what he needed, how to maintain it, and so on. For what is basically a garden shed next to a garden centre it seemed they had it all there in every nook and cranny. I personally am not interested in fishing, nor ever will be I doubt, but, I'll go back there 100% even to buy the other half presents as you know they won't take the Mikey and advise/sell you what it is that you would need and the level and sophistication of what standard you are. Jolly, helpful and great prices!!!!

The boyff keeps going back here! "Yeah it's good!". As far…read moreas somewhere to fish in this area it is one of the better places. It's £12 for a day pass for 3 rods, £7 for 1 rod. You can get a licence so if you go here a fair bit it'd be worth while. They also have a burger bar here if you're hungry. The food here is standard and good enough. The staff are nice and friendly too :) It's also a cool place just to chill and read a book!

Everyone Far East as bricklane must have heard of Victoria park! If they haven't then I must…read moreenlighten briefly. It is a huge park, that if you were to traverse the outer path you'll have walked 5Km doing that one circuit. It was named in honour of our queen Victoria herself. It stands proudly in East London, underneath the fine borough of hackney and above tower hamlets! It's my favourite park in London, if not the world! It's not particularly crazy in design or has architectural or agricultural delights or even much elevation, however it's just perfect. On a fine sunny day, the park screams community, relaxation and escapism from the bustle of the city. I run around the park 2-3 times a week and never get tired of it. It makes me breath fresh air and the people there are lovely! Please go to the park and treat it some respect as it will certainly treat you with a wonderful experience, right back at ya!

After much construction over the last year, the park is starting to come into its own again. I…read morelove this place! Beautiful tree lined paths to walk down, lovely ponds and water features that attract wonderful wildlife, so many places to just...chill. Just about the only sizable park I know of east of The City. Tasty cafe's and shops to pop into on Lauriston Road after a nice walk in the park. Enjoy!

This is a wonderful place to go fishing. It's about one hour away from London near Dorking…read more You can rent a boat for the day for £5.50 per person (3 people per boat max) and every fisherman has to £3 for the fishing licence for the day only. Very cheap They have a shop where they sell everything for fishing and there is also a small cafe where they serve hot food until 2pm. The owner of the shop is very nice and very helpful. He will help you find the equipment that you need to fish and will even explain you how to set it up (if you are a beginner like me!). I highly recommend it!

I had no idea 1) how big or 2) how gorgeous Burgess Park was until last week. Finding myself…read morecycling home along Old Kent Road in the baking sunshine and in need of a spot of greenery, I veered off in to the tatty Pecklham end of it and was wide eyed with surprise to discover, yes, just how big and gorgeous it is! The pond is one of the most beautiful spots, set in front of a posh old building with the sun glinting off it and fishing tents lined up at the water's edge. You can go right up to the water which must be a little scary if you have kids, but I like that it's not fenced off. Further towards Camberwell are vast expanses of grass for playing, hanging and sunbathing plus lots of nice shady bits under trees. I'm going to bring a book and a flask of squash here one day soon and soak in the ambience of this unexpected haven between Peckham and Camberwell.

A great fishing spot right in the heart of London, but don't just cast your rod you need a permit…read more Permits cost £2.60 for a day permit or £52 for an annual permit. They can be bought from the Park Manager located in Chumleigh Gardens or call 020 7525 1065. It is also a great picnic and sports park as well... But the children's play area isn't the best and there is no off leash area for the dogs...

Watford needs and deserves a nice park and Cassiobury hits the spot. As well as the plethora of…read morefootball pitches (none seem that big mind), tennis courts, netball courts and cafes there is a really cute miniature railway that the kids will love. The path around the park will take you through some nicer parts and out to the Grand Union Canal where you can watch various people struggle with the locks. If you a right at the toe path you can also wander the 1km or so down to The Grove Hotel which is worth checking out. Every year the park is also host to Watford's Firework display which is free and of a generally high standard.

Cassiobury Park is a really beautiful place and has something for everyone. There is a lot of open…read morespace with shady trees. In the summer the paddling pools are open and the children can paddle in the pools or splash in the fountains. This area is well staffed an supervised by qualified people. The cafe in this area offers a selection of hot and cold food and drinks at reasonable prices. At the far side of the park is a shallow river/ stream that is teaming with fish. This is simply perfect for children's first fishing experience. There is a miniature train and a traditional play ground with swings and slides. It's a great place to take a picnic. I feel safe going on my own with my young children. The parking and pools are free with a small charge for the train.