Lee Valley Regional Park is 26 miles of open spaces, sporting activities and wildlife that covers London, Essex and Hertfordshire. There's hundreds of days wait for your to discover from experiancing London 2012 Olympic venues to miles of walking routes from white water rafting to historical sites - there's anew adventure around every corner. Christmas at Myddelton House 🎄- find out more > Explore the Lee Valley Lee Valley Regional Park is a 26 mile long park running through London, Essex and Hertfordshire packed full of adventure from stunning and scientifically important open spaces to epic sporting experiences plus local history around every turn. Love autumn #LoveLeeValley After a long, hot summer, we're looking forward to the change of the season! From absorbing the changing colors of the leaves to wildlife events, Open House, and much more to keep the kids entertained, there’s plenty to enjoy. Take a read of our blog and make the most of autumn. Read our blog > Seasonal highlights Autumn escapes in the Lee Valley Cosy up this season with a short break with a range of different accommodation options Discover more > See autumn wildlife See what visiting wildlife is in the park this time of year and join us for our wildlife events See more > 20% off outdoor learning Get your group learning for less this winter with our discounted sessions See more > Christmas in the gardens Myddelton House Gardens have a packed Christmas programme - book your spaces today Book today > What's on in the park The Music is Black Date: running until 3 January 2027 Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park See the full programme > Lifewalk - open space Date: 9 October Time: 10:00 Open Spaces Email the team > UCI Masters Track World Championships Date: 5 - 11 October Lee Valley VeloPark Book your space > Women-only social walk from YHA London Lee Valley Date: 10 October Time: 10:00 River Lee Country Park Book your space > See all our events > Catch up with our Lee Valley blog Love autumn Autumn has arrived after a very dry summer, and we're looking forward to making the most of the season in the Lee Valley. From enjoying the changing colours of the leaves and spotting local wildlife to attending seasonal events and getting active in the cooler weather, there's plenty to explore. Lee Valley Aug 27 Spotlight on autumn wildlife The autumn flora and fauna highlights in Lee Valley Regional Park. Lee Valley Sep 1, 2025 The sleigh bells are ringing in the park We know we’ve only just got into the swing of autumn but we can already hear the Christmas carols calling. Check out how we can help you get your shopping list ticked, creating your own decorations and get into the spirit. Lee Valley 2 days ago Share your park pics!

Located in River Lee Country Park, The disc golf course is a great way to get the kids out and active in the park and is free to use! Disc Golf River Lee Country Park what3words ///tones.exchanges.tuck Open 24/7 Collect up your frisbees and take to the course to test your skills on our course Check the latest visitor information > Why not try disc golf, a fun alternative to golf but without the clubs or balls. It's free to use the course - we just want you to have fun out there. The aim of the game is the throw a disc (a bit like a Frizbee) into the basket - the one who takes the least goes is the winner. It's a great activity for friends and family to do. Our nine hole course is located in River Lee Country Park just a stone's throw from Lee Valley White Water Centre. You can bring your own disc but if you need to buy one they're sold at Lee Valley White Water Centre just pop into their reception and you'll be on par in no time. Find out what else you can do in River Lee Country Park - it’s great for cycling and walking, you can hire river boats or why not get your four-legged friends practicing to become the next talent star with our dog agility course Download scorecard > Things near by Lee Valley White Water Centre Watch the rapids roll as you soak up the atmosphere at this iconic venue See more > River Lee Country Park 1,000 acre park crossing over Essex and Hertfordshire packed full of fun, flora and fauna See more > Waltham Abbey Gardens & Cornmill Meadows These historic gardens are packed full of stories and nature See more > Take a read of our blog Love autumn Autumn has arrived after a very dry summer, and we're looking forward to making the most of the season in the Lee Valley. From enjoying the changing colours of the leaves and spotting local wildlife to attending seasonal events and getting active in the cooler weather, there's plenty to explore. Aug 27 Spotlight on autumn wildlife The autumn flora and fauna highlights in Lee Valley Regional Park. Sep 1, 2025 The sleigh bells are ringing in the park We know we’ve only just got into the swing of autumn but we can already hear the Christmas carols calling. Check out how we can help you get your shopping list ticked, creating your own decorations and get into the spirit. 2 days ago Upcoming events The Music is Black Date: running until 3 January 2027 Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park See more > UCI Masters Track World Championships Date: 5 - 11 October Lee Valley VeloPark See more > Lifewalk - open space Date: 9 October Time: 10:00 Open Spaces See more >

There's lots of waterbodies in the park and keeping safe around them is essential. Find out more about our Bylaws and how you can keep yourself and others safe Staying safe around water Entering water in the park isn’t permitted – not only is it against our Byelaws and but this rule is there to help keep you safe too. In recent years the number of accidental drownings in the UK has risen – a sad fact but true. We’ve set out some advice below to help you enjoy the park this summer. Reporting incidents Report any of the following incidents on the numbers below: unruly or dangerous behaviour in and around water accidents, incidents or near misses wildlife in trouble Contact us 03000 030 610 between 08:00 - 17:00 01992 210 196 between 17:00 - 08:00 In an emergency call 999 Remember Robbie Robbie Lea was a fun loving, sporty 17 year old boy when he entered North Met Pit in the summer of 2017. What was meant to be a laugh with his mates, turned into tragedy as Robbie drowned after the effects of cold water shock took hold. After his tragic death, Robbie’s mum, Sarah, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and other local and national organisations came together to create the Robbie Lea Water Safety Partnership. Its aim is to help educate children and young people about water safety through assemblies and community events. If you’d like to find out more please email our Learning and Engagement team on learning@leevalleypark.org.uk. Why not? What should I do? Where can I swim? What can parents do? Calling parents! Did you know that 83% of people that drown accidentally are male and there’s been a marked increase in teenagers, mainly young boys and men, entering the waterbodies in the park. We understand that young people want to enjoy themselves, but please share with them the different dangers there are in the water and how they can save themselves and others if they find themselves in danger. You can read the Canal & River Trust's advice for young people here . Why not? Entering water in the park isn’t allowed– it’s dangerous and against our Byelaws. Here are a few of the reason why this isn’t permitted. Here are some other great organisations who have information on water safety: Royal Life Saving Society RNLI Canal & River Trust It’s colder that it looks Inland water is always a lot colder than you think, even on hot days. The drop in your body temperature as you enter the cold water can cause Cold Water Shock . This is where you lose control of your breathing, use of your limbs and if left too long can fall unconscious. This could be fatal. Remember float to live – relax on your back while your body adjusts then make your way to safety. It’s dirtier than it looks From abandoned industrial equipment, dumped trollies, empty glass bottles, wrappers, animal wee and poo… the list goes on! Although our open water is a haven for wildlife it has, unfortunately, been a dumping ground and is still treated disrespectfully today. There’s no way of knowing what’s in the water and what could be going onto your skin, hair and if you accidentally swallow any of the water, into your body. Weil’s disease, also known as Leptospirosis, is a serious infection transmitted through animal wee (particularly from rodents) or contaminated water – you can’t see it, smell it and won’t know you’ve got it until you start experiencing symptoms. Find out more about it here . Dumped rubbish can also cause obstructions underwater which you could get trapped by - this could stop you from getting out of the water to safety. It’s stronger than it looks Lots of water in the park has underwater currents, which you can’t see from the surface. You can easily get caught up in the flow and will tire easily trying to escape. If you find yourself caught in a current, don’t try to swim against it, stay calm, swim with the current and call for help It’s lonelier than it looks There are no lifeguards at our waterbodies so there’s no one to help you. The average time for an emergency ambulance is 8 minutes but with lots of winding paths and detours in the park finding you in an emergency is a lot harder and extra time in cold water can have devastating consequences. A great way to pinpoint your position in the park is with the What3Words app. This will give you three words for your precise location within a 3m square and can be used by emergency services to help find you. Where can I swim? We understand that a lot of people enjoy open water swimming and here are some places around the Lee Valley where you can enjoy it in a safe environment. Lee Valley White Water Centre Herts Young Mariners Base H2O Rampage Redricks Lakes Hampstead Health What should I do? Whenever you’re around water – follow water safety code Stop and think : take in your surroundings, do your research and read all local signs. Stay together: when visiting places with water, go with a friend or family. Only swim at life guarded venues. If you do find yourself in an emergency Call for help! Shout to people on land or call 999 and ask for Fire and Rescue. Do not enter the water to try and help anyone – you could be putting yourself in danger too and making rescues more complicated. Float to live! Lie flat on your back with your arms and legs out like a star, stay calm, and try and keep your breathing at a normal pace. You can see more on float to live here . Take a read of our blog Love autumn Autumn has arrived after a very dry summer, and we're looking forward to making the most of the season in the Lee Valley. From enjoying the changing colours of the leaves and spotting local wildlife to attending seasonal events and getting active in the cooler weather, there's plenty to explore. Aug 27 Spotlight on autumn wildlife The autumn flora and fauna highlights in Lee Valley Regional Park. Sep 1, 2025 The sleigh bells are ringing in the park We know we’ve only just got into the swing of autumn but we can already hear the Christmas carols calling. Check out how we can help you get your shopping list ticked, creating your own decorations and get into the spirit. 2 days ago Upcoming events The Music is Black Date: running until 3 January 2027 Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park See more > UCI Masters Track World Championships Date: 5 - 11 October Lee Valley VeloPark See more > Lifewalk - open space Date: 9 October Time: 10:00 Open Spaces See more >

We know we’ve only just got into the swing of autumn but we can already hear the Christmas carols calling. Check out how we can help you get your shopping list ticked, creating your own decorations and get into the spirit. Gift voucher for our sporting venues You can choose whether you want to gift a digital gift voucher for a monetary amount or give an experience they'll never forget. Check out the different options below: Digital Gift Vouchers - Available in £10, £25, £50, and £100, these vouchers can be redeemed for select activities at Lee Valley White Water Centre and Lee Valley VeloPark. Vouchers for Lee Valley White Water Centre White Water Experience for One - £65 White Water Experience for Two - £130 Lake Activity Experience - £17 Vouchers for Lee Valley VeloPark VeloPark Experience - £46 VeloPark Experience Plus - £59 BMX, Road or MTB Experience - £17 Vouchers for Lee Valley Riding Centre Junior Have a Go Experience Gift Voucher - £35 Adult Have a Go Experience Gift Voucher - £40 Equestrian Simulator Gift Voucher - £50 PSSSTT...also keep and eye out for Black Friday deals on gift vouchers 🤫 Make your own Christmas Wreath Join us at Myddelton House Gardens, where our Head Gardener will be leading a session using natural materials to adorn your front door this festive season. Dates: 27 and 28 November, 4 and 5 December Time: 10:30 – 12:30 Price: £50 Feel the festive spirit in the gardens Head to the courtyard at Myddelton House, where the Enfield Brass Band will be playing festive tunes. Seasonal treats will be for sale in the Bowles Tea Room, and you can purchase natural decorations from the gardens too. Date: 12 December Time: 16:30 – 18:30 Price: FREE Enjoy a festive treat with a afternoon tea Get a rare opportunity to see inside the Grade II Myddelton House and enjoy a festive-themed Afternoon Tea. Date: 19 December Time: 12:00 and 14:00 Price: £35

As summer slips away and we head into the cooler and colourful autumn months the parks flora and fauna once again changes - read on to find out more about the park's autumn highlights. Autumn migration Autumn is a time of movement for many of our bird species. As summer draws to a close our summer migrants begin their journey back to warmer wintering grounds and our first passage and overwintering birds start to arrive. Keep an eye on our Wildlife Sightings page for the seasonal highlights. Sites with insect-rich muddy margins, so tempting for wading birds, such as Cornmill Meadows, Amwell Nature Reserve, WaterWorks Centre nature reserve and Hall Marsh Scrape are always worth a speculative visit. By late September, Redwing arrive from their Scandinavian breeding grounds. The distinctive red patches along their flanks and underwings make them stand out - especially when they’re feasting on berries or probing fields for worms. They’re often seen alongside Fieldfare, another charismatic winter thrush. Flora and Fauna highlights Bittern The Lee Valley is an important site for wintering Bittern, a secretive buff-brown member of the heron family. Bittern spend much of their time hidden in reedbeds where they feed on fish such as Rudd and Perch. Bittern return to the valley from September onwards, one of the best places to see them is from the Wildlife Discovery Centre at Fishers Green in River Lee Country Park. Volunteers and staff are on hand to help you spot one – they are particularly well camouflaged amongst the golden-brown autumnal reeds. Once extinct in the UK, concerted efforts from a number of conservation organisations has meant that numbers have now increased to over 283 booming males in 2025. ‘Booming’ is the name given to the call the male makes to attract a mate and mark its territory. While breeding hasn’t been recorded in the Lee Valley yet, we're working to make the reedbeds better every year… so watch this space! We will be hosting the annual Bittern Roost Watch event on 18 January 2026 where you can join us to find out more about these amazing birds and have a chance to see one roosting in the reeds. Barn Owl If you spot a pale, silent figure gliding over the grasslands at dusk, it’s probably a Barn Owl. With exceptional hearing and soundless flight, these graceful hunters seek out voles and mice in the twilight. Its Latin name is Tyto Alba – which is quite literally – white owl. You may notice Barn Owl boxes that have been placed on trees and poles around the park. These boxes supplement natural roosting and nesting features, such as hollow trees and old barns, which are becoming scarcer. Each year a licenced bird ringer checks our boxes and rings any young, which are known as owlets and are initially white and fluffy before developing the distinctive heart shaped face. This helps us to learn more about the population in the park and their movements. Water Vole Over the summer Water Voles have maintained their territories and may have reared up to five litters. As the days grow shorter, breeding stops and the Water Voles start to prepare for winter. Autumn sees their focus turn to fattening themselves up for the winter months, storing energy for cold periods which they spend in torpor – these are periods of dormancy to conserve energy when food is scarce. They will also start to create food stores in their burrows that they can eat during the winter months. In partnership with the Herts and Middlesex Water Vole and Invasive Species project, we undertake the second Key Sites Survey of the year on our important Water Vole sites Silvermeade and Cornmill Meadows. These provide a useful overview of how the Water Voles have fared throughout the breeding season. If you would like to find out more about these charismatic animals why not book onto our Water Voles and Wetlands event on 20 September 2026 - see event detail > Floating Pennywort The invasive non-native plant, Floating Pennywort is native to the Americas and has become established in the waterways of the UK having rapidly spread from garden ponds. It grows at a prolific rate – up to 20cms in a day - creating dense mats, reducing sunlight and depleting oxygen, in turn killing native fish, invertebrates and plants. There is a fantastic project in the River Lea Catchment to eradicate Floating Pennywort which has been pioneered in the River Stort by Whoosh Canoes. The project is led by Paddle UK, The Angling Trust and supported by partners including local paddle clubs, statutory bodies and other agencies, utility companies and many volunteers. They organise tasks where Floating Pennywort is removed from the river by canoeists and paddle boarders supported by volunteers on the bank. All fragments of the plant need to be removed as it can quickly recolonise from just a small fragment. Autumn is a good time to clear areas as waterbirds will have stopped nesting. Habitats and their management Reedbed management Reedbeds are a hugely important habitat in the Lee Valley and are home to a wide range of species including reedbed specialists like Bittern and Reed Bunting. If left unmanaged they would eventually turn to woodland. During the autumn months management of reedbeds can start to take place as the nesting season has finished. Willow scrub that has started to establish is removed and in some areas swathes of reedbed will be cut and removed to encourage new fresh growth and prevent the development of a deep layer of leaf litter. Ditch management Ditches need regular management otherwise they become clogged with vegetation and eventually may dry up. After the breeding season management can take place to remove some vegetation from the channels, the Rangers are careful to programme work sensitively, working on areas in rotation so that habitat is always retained on site for wildlife to use. By maintaining a balance of open water and emergent vegetation, ditches provide excellent habitat for species such as Water Voles, dragonflies and Grass Snake. Surveys Wetland Bird Survey The Wetland Bird Survey or WeBS as it is known is a long-running national survey organised by the BTO, undertaken monthly to monitor waterbird populations in the UK. Counts are undertaken on the majority of waterbodies found the Lee Valley, where volunteers note every wetland bird they see, providing invaluable data to assist with our management. The counts can take place all year, but the core dates are from September to March. Upcoming planned events Throughout the year the park runs special wildlife themed events. Up coming events include Discover Bats, Moths and More - 4 September 2026 Water Voles and Wetlands – 20 September 2026 Guided Walk: Birds of River Lee Country Park - 24 September 2026 Guided Walk: Birds of River Lee Country Park - 22 October 2026 Guided Walk: Birds of River Lee Country Park - 26 November 2026 Bittern Roost Watch – 17 January 2027 Know the latest If you want to be kept up to date with our events or wildlife sign why not sign up to our enewsletters. We have specific enewsletters so you only get sent information of interest to you. Find out more and sign up today >

We’ve reached October, and coming up with ideas for a week, or even two, of activities can be difficult. To help, we’ve put together some inspiration, from sporting activities and wildlife adventures to free family fun to help keep costs down. Sporting days out Get the kids burning off some energy and maybe even trying a new sport over the holidays. Minithon 📅 24 October 📍 Lee Valley Athletics Centre 💷 £18.50 Get your little athletes to test out their skills at Lee Valley Athletics Centre's Mini Olympics. Make a splash at Lee Valley White Water Centre 📅Various dates and times throughout half term 📍Lee Valley White Water Centre 💷From £17.50 Squeeze in one last water session with weekend activities including kayaking, SUP and Water Wipeout on the lake. Young adrenaline seekers can even tackle the rapids with Hydrospeeding, kayaking and rafting sessions also running throughout the half term. Multi-activity camp at Lee Valley VeloPark 📅Throughout half term 📍Lee Valley VeloPark 💷From £30 Looking for a varied holiday camp? Rising Stars are hosting a multi-activity camp at Lee Valley VeloPark. Test out the different tracks on two wheels 📅Various dates and times throughout half term 📍Lee Valley VeloPark 💷From £21.50 From track cycling to BMX, your little Bradley Wiggins can hone their skills and try something new. Take a glide on the ice with daily sessions 📅Various dates and times throughout half term 📍Lee Valley Ice Centre 💷From £13 This seasonal favourite is a great way for the kids to have fun and take a break from screens. Get ready to cause a racquet at the Tennis Camps 📅26 to 30 October 📍Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre 💷£29 per day Try out different tennis skills and put them to the test in a mini tournament at the end of the session. Wildlife adventures Get the kids outside and enjoying the season, seeing the wildlife around them and of course crush those crunchy leaves. Wonderful Wildlife Weekends at Walthamstow Wetlands 📅25 October 📍Walthamstow Wetlands 💷FREE - donations welcome Kids can get hands-on with nature and discover what wildlife they can find. Autumn Nature Discovery at Walthamstow Wetlands 📅27 October 📍Walthamstow Wetlands 💷FREE - donations welcome Take in the sights of autumn, from crisp fallen leaves to seasonal wildlife preparing for winter hibernation. Nature Storytime at Walthamstow Wetlands 📅27 October 📍Walthamstow Wetlands 💷FREE - donations welcome Enjoy an interactive, nature-themed storytime session for young children. Sensory Walk 📅28 October 📍Lee Valley Ice Centre 💷FREE Tune into your senses with this wellbeing walk. It's a great activity for both children and adults. Download our autumn wildlife sheets Take the kids out to explore your local open spaces and discover nature with our FREE autumn activity sheets. For the adults Take some time to take in London nature yourself with this walk round East India Dock Basin and Bow Creek. A Walk on the Wild Side 📅28 October 📍East India Dock Basin and Bow Creek Ecology Park 💷£3.70 Discover these hidden wildlife oases with our Biodiversity team.