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Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre is home to world class hockey and tennis facilities! From pitch and court hire to tennis courses this is the perfect place to test your swing. Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre Leadmill Lane, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 3AD Open times vary throughout year - view current opening times > Pick up and play with outstanding tennis and hockey facilities on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. Contact us LVhockeyandtennis@gll.org 03000 030 614 Facilities Get your game on! Whether you’re just starting your journey with sports or are more experienced, Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre offers outstanding opportunities for you to play. For tennis lovers we’ve got lessons available for both adults and children or hire an indoor or outdoor court for a friendly match. If it’s hockey you’re into, groups and clubs can book to play on two World and Olympic standard pitches. Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre also hosts international matches where you can see the world’s top players compete. This venue is operated by Better on behalf of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. Go to venue's main website > Grants funding visits for groups, schools and communities We know that some people and groups may find it hard to afford the activities that Lee Valley Regional Park offers. We have two programmes which we hope help remove these barriers: Community Access Fund : offering free access or travel to the park's venues or services Communities Grant Scheme : provides financial assistance for long term projects Find out about our grants > Broadening participation in hockey and tennis Since London 2012 we've been working hard to ensure this venue delivers a legacy - both to the local community as well as to fans and elite athletes. Find out how we've how we've broadened participation in hockey and tennis. Find out more > Things nearby The Line Explore the city with this artwork trail See more > Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park A hub of culture, art, sport and nature in Stratford, east London See more > Bow Creek Ecology Park Escape the city on this little green island, just a short walk from Canning Town station See more > Lee Valley VeloPark Lap the track and soak up the atmosphere of this London 2012 venue See more > Take a read of our blog Looking forward to brighter days in the February half term Say goodbye to the cloudy days of January and begin to plan for the February half term Jan 30 We're 10! Here's 10 key moments for Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre opened it doors to the public in June 2014. Here's a few of our key moments from the last 10 years. May 16, 2024 Cracking days out for kids and adults this Easter Holidays aren’t just for kids, they’re for the whole family so we have great ideas for the break Mar 12, 2024 Upcoming events Our Parks - Multi Games Sport Date: 5 November Time: 10:00 Walthamstow Marshes See more > Introduction Into Nordic Walking - four week programme Date: 6 - 27 November Time: 10:30 - 12:00 Lee Valley White Water Centre See more > Our Parks - Beginner Bootcamp Date: 6 November Time: 09:00 Walthamstow Marshes See more >

Lee Valley Regional Park has many different oppitunities to cycle from miles of traffic free trails up and down the park to world class cycling experiances at Lee Valley VeloPark - you can try your hand at track cycling, BMX, montain bike trails and road cycling. Cycling Test your cycling skills at our world leading velodrome or take a leisurely pedal through the open spaces Lee Valley VeloPark Cycling in the open spaces Lee Valley VeloPark Check out the disciplines It's not called a velopark for nothing, see the different disciplines on off in on place and how you can get involved. Track cycling Hit the heights of the track, iconic for it's staring role at London 2012 Find out more > BMX Show off your jumps and tricks on this epic course Find out more > Road cycling Enjoy a leisurely ride on this one mile traffic-free road circuit Find out more > Mountain biking Perfect your skills on graded MTB trails and see if you can push your limits Find out more > Lee Valley VeloPark Events See more at the venue Gyms > Gift vouchers > Experiences > Visit their website > Organisations at the venue BikeWorks > East London Physiotheraphy & Sport Medicine > College of Esport > Frequency Cycleworks > Cycling in the park Top places to cycle Nothing beats exploring the park out on two wheels - here you'll find out top places to cycle, great routes and maybe even some inspiration in our blog. River Lee Country Park See more > Gunpowder Park See more > Tottenham Marshes See more > Walthamstow Marshes See more > Cycling routes We have some great cycling route that explore different locations up and down the park. Refine your search The filter options below will help you narrow down the route that matches what you're looking for. Simply choose your options and the routes that match your choices will be shown below - the more options you choose the less route may be displayed. If nothing comes up think about reducing the number of filters you've selected. Choose your route by what's important to you: Accessible Dog friendly Great for picnics Parking available Public transport closeby Refreshments available Route - cycling Route - running Route - walking Toilets available Filter by location: Broxbourne Cheshunt Dobbs Weir Enfield Hoddesdon Leyton Stanstead Abbotts Stratford Tottenham Waltham Abbey Filter by distance: 10+ miles 3 - 6 miles 6 - 10 miles Up to 3 miles Art on the Marshes Tottenham Marshes, N17 0XB 1.5 miles Explore this route > Farm and Wetland Trail River Lee Country Park (Fishers Green), EN9 2EF 3 miles Explore this route > Golden Circle Lee Valley VeloPark, E20 3AB 5.5 miles Explore this route > Lakes of the River Lee River Lee Country Park (Fishers Green), EN9 2EF 7.5 miles Explore this route > Otter Discovery Trail River Lee Country Park (Fishers Green), EN9 2EF 1.75 miles Explore this route > Road to Gold Lee Valley VeloPark, E20 3AB 3.5 miles Explore this route > Rye Meads Discovery Dobbs Weir, EN11 0AS 6 miles Explore this route > Tale of Two Rivers Dobbs Weir, EN11 0AS 9 miles Explore this route > The Artway Route 2 River Lee Country Park (Hooks Marsh), EN9 2ED 4 miles Explore this route > Urban Oasis Tottenham Marshes, N17 0XB 3.5 miles Explore this route > Waders and Waterfowl Lee Valley White Water Centre, EN9 1AB 2 miles Explore this route > Walthamstow Wonders Lee Valley Ice Centre, E10 7QL 2 miles Explore this route > Explosive Pedal Power Gunpowder Park, EN9 3GP 5 miles Explore this route > Fishers Green Foray River Lee Country Park (Fishers Green), EN9 2EF 12 miles Explore this route > Gunpowder Woodland Trail Gunpowder Park car park, EN9 3GP 1.75 miles Explore this route > Marshes and Meadows Gunpowder Park, EN9 3GP 5 miles Explore this route > Pedaller's Paradise Gunpowder Park, EN9 3GP 16 miles Explore this route > Rockets to Woodland Gunpowder Park, EN9 3GP 3 miles Explore this route > Sensory Walk - Waltham Abbey Gardens Waltham Abbey Gardens, EN9 2ES 0.5 miles Explore this route > The Artway Route 1 Fishers Green, EN9 2EF 5.5 miles Explore this route > The Artway Route 3 River Lee Country Park (Fishers Green), EN9 2EF 3 miles Explore this route > Valley Views River Lee Country Park (Fishers Green), EN9 2EF 8 miles Explore this route > Walk on the Wild Side Tottenham Marshes, N17 0XB 1.5 miles Explore this route > Partner cycle routes Our friends at Epping Forest District Council have created these routes that are self guided to celebrate RideLondon coming to the district! Lee Valley Family Ride Intermediate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. See the route > Forest Loop Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels. See the route > Lee Valley Park Ride Intermediate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. See the route > Olympic Park Ride Intermediate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. See the route > North Weald Family Ride Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels. See the route > Hollow Ponds Intermediate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. See the route > Take a read of our blog Love Autumn Summer might be over but exploring the park isn't. Read about all the exciting thing to see and do this autumn. Sep 1 5 Reasons to Love Lee Valley Regional Park This #LoveParksWeek, we have plenty on offer in Lee Valley Regional Park to help you make the most of the best season to be outdoors. Jul 23 Here comes summer Celebrate summer in Lee Valley Regional Park with a packed calendar of events and activities for all ages. From National Picnic Month in July to Love Parks Week and the East London Festival of Nature, the park offers everything from scenic picnic spots and wildlife watching to open-air theatre. Jun 30 Upcoming events Cheshunt Wellbeing Walk Date: 5 November Time: 10:30 Pindar Car Park See more > Conservation volunteer task Date: 5 November Time: 10:00 - 15:00 Tottenham Marshes See more > Mind in West Essex: Walk & Talk at Waltham Abbey Gardens Date: 5 November Time: 10:00 Waltham Abbey Gardens See more >

A historical site turned secluted wildlife haven is renouned home of the shy Water Vole. You can enjoy the natural sights with a coffee from the Old Mill Retreat or explore more of the park by boats or bike from Lee Valley Canoe and Cycle or Lee Valley Boat Centre . Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadow Mill Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 7AX Never sleeps, open 24 hours a day Situated at the top of River Lee Country Park, the site combines history, conservation and leisure, all within easy reach by road and rail. Contact us info@leevalleypark.org.uk 03000 030 610 Check the latest visitor information > Facilities About Wildlife Things to see and do Plan your visit What 3 Words ///stray.sofa.prompting How to get here You can plan your journey to the site using Google maps – click on the site in the map to discover more. Car parking There is a charge for parking which helps us maintain our wonderful park. Car parking tariffs apply at all times. No overnight parking is permitted at any time. Car parking charges Things to do If you fancy exploring the country park by bike, you can hire bicycles (Wednesday to Sunday) from Lee Valley Canoe Cycle (pilots.focal.slice ), along with canoes and kayaks. Take a trip up the river, with pedaloes, rowing boats and electric boats available for hire from the nearby Lee Valley Boat Centre (delay.novel.ships ). With riverside chalets also available you can stay for longer and take your time to exploring the area. Café All year round the Old Mill Retreat Café offering drinks, snacks and hot and cold food. Toilets are also available on site. Things nearby Old Mill Retreat Enjoy a drink and snack at this local cafe See more > Rye House Gatehouse One of the first brick built houses in England, packed full of history and mystery See more > Lee Valley Canoe Cycle Explore the Broxbourne area canoe or bike See more > Lee Valley Boat Centre Set on the banks of the River Lee, you can explore the waterways by boat with all the family See more > Board walk closure The board walk at Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows is closed due to damage and flooding in the area. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Old Mill and Meadow The Mill was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book, 1086. The Knights of St John of Jerusalem were the first recorded owners of the mill. Under the reformation of Henry VIII in 1544, ownership was taken away from the monasteries and granted to a local miller, John Cook. The mill’s function and ownership changed repeatedly over the years. The role of the mill up until 1892 was to grind corn into flour. Then in 1919 the restoration of the water turbine allowed the owner to produce auxiliary power. By the 1940’s the mill was used as factory storage space but on 1 October 1949 the mill was destroyed by a fire. Now all that remains of the mill is the 16th century brickwork floor, and the window frames of a 19th century two-storey miller's house that was restored in 1977 by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. Silvermeade Silvermeade, is one of only four relict flood meadows remaining in Lee Valley Regional Park, the others being Rye Meads, Cornmill Meadows and Walthamstow Marshes. It's one of the few pieces of Lammas and left in the park (Lammas rights entitled commoners to pasture following the harvest between Lammas Day in August and Lady Day in March). The site has historically been managed by grazing. Silvermeade Silvermeade is a stronghold for the highly endangered Water Vole and is one of the best places in the region for viewing this charismatic mammal. It’s also an excellent site for dragonflies. Its wet meadows are intersected by a network of richly vegetated ditches, pools and reedbeds. Spring Water Vole and their field signs can be seen throughout the year but spring is a particularly good time to look for them as they’re actively reasserting their territories. Look out for piles of neatly cut grass stems, their droppings or the tracks they create as they move along the bank. You can’t miss the delicate pink-white of Cuckooflower, so called as it flowers around the same time as the first Cuckoo is heard. The striking pink flowers of Ragged Robin can also be seen amongst the grasses and sedge. Both plants thrive in the damp meadows found here. Summer The ditches are home to dragonflies of which the Hairy Dragonfly is one of the earliest to emerge. Look along the ditches to see them hunting for food from May onwards. The Banded Demoiselle is an impressive damselfly; the male has conspicuous dark banding on its wings. The long grass adjacent to the water is a good place to see Grass Snake which are competent swimmers and regularly take to the water to hunt for prey. Reed Bunting, Sedge and Reed Warbler all nest on site. Look out for the darting flight of the Large Skipper butterfly on the wing from early June. Rusheymead The scrub and woodland of Rusheymead is excellent for flocks of small birds. Bullfinch can be seen all year and in summer it’s a good spot for warblers. Sparrowhawk can often be glimpsed hunting amongst the trees. The patches of grassland offer good feeding areas for the striking Green Woodpecker, which feed on ants and can be found throughout the year. Take a read of our blog Love Autumn Summer might be over but exploring the park isn't. Read about all the exciting thing to see and do this autumn. Sep 1 Spotlight on autumn wildlife The autumn flora and fauna highlights in Lee Valley Regional Park. Sep 1 5 Reasons to Love Lee Valley Regional Park This #LoveParksWeek, we have plenty on offer in Lee Valley Regional Park to help you make the most of the best season to be outdoors. Jul 23 Upcoming events Cheshunt Wellbeing Walk Date: 5 November Time: 10:30 Pindar Car Park See more > Conservation volunteer task Date: 5 November Time: 10:00 - 15:00 Tottenham Marshes See more > Floating Pennywort volunteer day Date: 5 November Time: 10:00 Enfield Island Village See more >

The autumn season is here! There's some amazing things to see and do this season from seeing the golden colours appearing, the over wintering wildlife and making the most of the evenings before the nights draw in. Check out all that's on offer below. Staying active this autumn We need only look at the nature around us to remember that autumn is a season of change but that doesn’t mean giving up on your health and wellbeing goals. Whether you’re looking to build on positive habits or take the first step towards a healthier you, our Get Active programme  has something for everyone from accessible walks to bike riding,  group exercise sessions and much more! Top autumn walks Pull on your wellies, wrap up warm and head out to explore the wonders of autumn in our glorious open spaces. We’ve pulled together our top three walks with crunchy leaves, bursts of autumn colour and plenty of wildlife along the way. Great for migrating birds – Lakes of the River Lee . At 7.5 miles this circular route covers plenty of ground. Autumn is a key time for migrating birds  and there’s plenty of opportunity to spot them as you pass the stunning lakes dotted throughout the 1,000 acre River Lee Country Park . With wooded areas galore your path will be lined with dazzling displays of gold and crimson leaves.   Welly walk for little ones – Planes and Trains . This 1 mile circular route around Walthamstow and Leyton Marshes has plenty to look at along the way and is accessed adjacent to our new twin Olympic rink Lee Valley Ice Centre . Look out for planes, trains and signs of the changing season among the meadows.   No wellies needed –   Three Hidden Gems . Check out this linear 2.5 mile route which follows surfaced pathways and takes in three hidden wonders steeped with history and wildlife. First stop is Bow Creek Ecology Park , a former industrial site which has been reclaimed by nature. Next you’ll come to Trinity Buoy Wharf , home to London’s only lighthouse. Finally you’ll double back to East India Dock Basin  where you’ll enjoy views over the Thames to The O2 and a wide range of birdlife which resides in this urban wildlife sanctuary. Autumn exploring for families Step away from the screens and into nature. There’s so much to see throughout the park this season, check out our top flora and fauna highlights Reconnect with nature Come and visit our state of the art Wildlife Discovery Centre  in River Lee Country Park. Head to the discovery room to learn about the habitats and species around you as well as the birds that visit the park. Kids will enjoy playing the migration game, drawing some of the wildlife they’ve spotted and completing the autumn activity sheets. Why not finish by climbing our tower and taking in the amazing view over Seventy Acres Lake.   Dates for your diary… Enjoy the thrill of live sports Our world class London 2012 Olympic legacy venues have hosted a whopping 38 major international events since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Be inspired by the world’s best this autumn: London 3 Day 📅 31 October – 2 November, Lee Valley VeloPark An electrifying weekend of world class cycling at Lee Valley VeloPark. After a successful return last year, London 3 Day promises another unforgettable spectacle. Over three action-packed days, you’ll witness some of the world’s top cycling talent champions go head-to-head in sprints, chases, and high-speed showdowns. Whether you’re a lifelong cycling enthusiast or looking for an unforgettable family day, London 3 Day’s schedule delivers something for everyone. British Open 📅 Sunday 26 October, Lee Valley White Water Centre Save the date for this action-packed weekend at the iconic London 2012 venue, where you’ll witness both canoe slalom and the thrilling new kayak cross event. More details coming soon Conservation walk and talks Discover Bats, Moths and More 📅Friday 5 September, 19:00 - 21:30, Wildlife Discovery Centre, Fishers Green An evening dedicated to bats, moths and fellow wildlife which come to life after dusk, when most of the park’s visitors have left. Held at the Wildlife Discovery Centre, where a warm drink awaits and the hide offers the perfect vantage point for these elusive nighttime creatures. The evening will be packed with interesting facts, displays, activities to try and expert guidance before heading out into this hotspot for bats armed with bat detectors. All of this for just £3.50 per person!   Water Voles and Wetlands 📅 Sunday 14 September, 10:00 - 12:00, Silvermeade Water Voles were once common across Britain but have undergone serious decline throughout the last century, due largely to the loss and degradation of their wetland habitats and the spread of the American Mink. Here in the Lee Valley we still have good populations and this walk will take a tour of one of their strongholds at Silvermeade where you can learn more about these charismatic little mammals and the work that is being carried out to protect them and their habitats. We will search for their telltale signs along the network of ditches and if we're lucky we might even see one, or at least hear the 'plop' when they see us first! Just £3.50 per person. A cosy autumn stay After a day of exploring why not retreat to one of our warm, insulated camping pods for an adventure in the great outdoors with a little more comfort. Alternatively you can go for all out glamping with our holiday lodges – some with hot tubs – and holiday cottages. We have a whole host of accommodation options across our four campsites in London, Essex and Hertfordshire with something for everyone.  Start planning your autumn break here . Learning outside the classroom We offer a wide range of engaging curriculum based outdoor learning opportunities across the diverse 26 mile Lee Valley Regional Park where young people and groups can try different activities, develop new skills, be inspired and have fun! Autumn offer: 20% off programmes in Lee Valley Regional Park You can take learning outside the classroom for less with our special offer. When you book a programme between 1 November 2025 and 28 February 2026, you'll get 20% off your booking. Use code: WINTER25 to redeem.

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 our 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 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, the reedbeds are improving 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 more scarce. 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 14 September 2025 - 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 lead 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. The reedbed in front of the Wildlife Discovery Centre has channels cut in each year, this creates fantastic edge habitat for Bittern to feed with the added bonus that it helps them be seen by visitors too!  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, 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 - 5 September Water Voles and Wetlands – 14 September 2025 Bittern Roost Watch – 18 January 2026 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 >

What better signal that summer has arrived than a picnic in a park, an afternoon of outdoor theatre or a school holiday wildlife spotting expedition?   Lee Valley Regional Park has got you covered for all the above and more.   Jump to the section best for you! National Picnic Month Get Active in the Lee Valley East London Festival of Nature School's Out for Summer Try something new Community group funding National Picnic Month   Whether you want wide open spaces, a spot by the water, the backdrop of a historic site or a feast with a view, we’ve got some lovely locations in Lee Valley Regional Park to roll out your blankets and enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors.   If you missed National Picnic Week in June, fear not, July sees the start of a whole month when people are encouraged to embrace the picnic tradition - National Picnic Month!   Lee Valley Regional Park has 10,000 acres of open spaces to explore – here are our Top 15 locations   to stop for a picnic this July…. and August.     Share your favourite picnic spot in the park with us on social media. Post a picture and tell us why you love it. Use #LeeValleyPicnics. We can’t wait to hear about your top spots for al fresco dining.   Our volunteer Caroline Leonard, shared her favourite place for a picnic in the park.   “This hidden gem is tucked in the north of River Lee Country Park in Nazeing . The first field is a lovely spacious area with picnic tables shaded by oak trees   Following the path into the next field, there is a large lake with numerous waterfowl living on it. There are benches to sit and admire the view and nearby is another picnic area. Many birds nest at Clayton Hill and the uncut meadow areas are a fantastic place to spot a variety of butterflies, moths, dragonflies, damselflies and many other insects. Clayton Hill is a wonderful place to walk, play games, picnic and enjoy the wildlife.”       Clayton Hill Park, River Lee Country Park, Nazeing, Essex Get Active in Lee Valley   Love Parks Week (26 July-4 August) is the perfect opportunity to indulge the senses and try something new. Our Get Active  programme of free and low-cost activities is tailored to those adults who are inactive or need support for physical and mental wellbeing. The programme is rolling out over the summer and has something for everyone – whether your priority is gentle exercise, health and wellbeing, social or sensory, you’ll find a session that’s right for you. Below is a taster of what’s on offer, but a list of opportunities is on our   Get Active in Lee Valley   page.   Lifewalks  – Free Guided walks of different lengths several times a week. Explore a new or much loved area of the park and stop for a coffee and a chat afterwards.   Cold water swimming  – Run by Mental Health Swims, these weekly wellbeing sessions are coming soon to the lake at Lee Valley White Water Centre, Waltham Cross. Run by trained volunteers, the sessions will refresh and rejuvenate participants in a supportive environment to aid mental wellbeing.   Nordic Walking  – great for mobility and general exercise, Nordic walking’s enhanced technique uses poles to work your upper body as well as your legs. Weekly in River Lee Country Park, Herts.   Cycling for Health  – A programme of weekly guided rides on traffic free routes at a sociable pace, designed for riders wishing to regain fitness and confidence in a friendly environment.  July start locations include Gunpowder Park, River Lee Country Park and Clayton Hill Park Visit the Cycling For Health  page for more info.                East London Festival of Nature This event has now passed, but there’s always more to explore! Want to discover upcoming nature events? Head over to our What’s On page and use the ‘nature’ filter to see what’s coming up. There’s still time to get involved in the grand finale of our 10 day East London Festival of Nature. Join our ranger team on Walthamstow Marshes on Saturday 5 July for a citizen science bioblitz  combined with fascinating walks and talks on birds, butterflies and grasses on the marshes. Volunteers helping with the bioblitz will visually record the plants and wildlife on this Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in one day. Event details are here .     School’s Out for Summer!   “So much to do and so little time….” said no parent ever at the start of the school summer holidays!   Come rain or shine, we have more activities in Lee Valley Regional Park to entertain the whole family than you can shake a poostick at this summer.   You’ll find our lists of great walking routes  and cycling routes  that can be tailored to suit your needs – whether it’s by distance, accessibility, routes near facilities or public transport or suitable for dogs too, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you.   No bike? No problem. Bike rental is available at various locations throughout the park and you’ll find a list of places you can hire bikes and helmets in our June cycling blog   Treasure hunting   If you’re children love to be immersed in nature, we’ve got 26 miles of parkland where they can look for lost treasures.   Every year hundreds of children visit the park with their schools to learn whilst having fun. Here are some top recommendations from our Learning and Engagement team on activities to do with the kids this summer.   I spy with my little eye However you choose to explore Lee Valley Regional Park, there’s always something to see. Print out one of our I Spy sheets and see how many different species you and your little ones can spot.       Natural Art If they fancy getting creative, our activity sheet  has eight free and easy ideas to make something arty. From dreamcatchers and journey sticks to mud faces and fairy houses…. it’s amazing what you can make from fallen sticks, leaves and flowers on the ground when the imagination runs wild.   Sculpture Trails There’s an abundance of art in the north and south of the park to enjoy and to make it easy we have created sculpture trails for you to follow. Perfect for all ages and add intrigue and play stops to any walk. Pick one here     Self-Guided Orienteering No Google maps here! Help children learn this useful skill of finding their way from A to B with only a map and compass to guide them (and perhaps an adult). Pick your start and end points in the park and away you go .       Follow an Ostrich Pick up an Ossie pack at the Bowles Tea Rooms and let the little one’s hunt for unusual artefacts in Myddelton House Gardens, Enfield . But who is Ossie the Ostrich? They’ll find out on their search…….       Open Air Theatre   Last chance to book your tickets for the ever-popular open air theatre productions taking place in the park this summer.   Dot Productions return once again to Myddelton House Gardens in Enfield with a family favourite matinee performance of Robin Hood  on Saturday 26 July (This event has now passed) . After a quick costume change the cast are back in the evening to perform Jane Austen’s classic Sense and Sensibility (This event has now passed) . Later in the summer fans of Alice in Wonderland are in for a treat. This historic site will provide a fabulous backdrop for a special adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic. Through the Looking Glass (and What Alice Fou nd There) performed by Quantum Theatre     At nearby Waltham Abbey Gardens, Essex, Quantum Theatre group will perform The Tale of Jemima Puddle-duck . You can see this classic tale with our tail feather friends in the background.     Try something new       This event has now passed, but there’s always more to explore! Want to discover upcoming sport events? Head over to our What’s On page and use the ‘sport’ filter to see what’s coming up. Save the date! We are privileged to have some of the world’s best sport and leisure venues in Lee Valley Regional Park so why not kickstart your summer over the weekend of 19-20 July with free access to our venues where you can take part in fitness classes, yoga or gym sessions for free.   And for no more than £1 try: * kayaking  at Lee Valley White Water Centre * cycling experience  at Lee Valley VeloPark ice skating  at Lee Valley Ice Centre ( £3 skate hire fee applies) * pony experiences  at Lee Valley Riding Centre * fitness classes  at Lee Valley Athletics Centre * tennis and pickleball  at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre   Start summer with a new or memorable experience at a Lee Valley venue.             Community group funding   To help make the park accessible to everyone, community and wellbeing groups in London, Essex and Hertfordshire can apply for our Community Access and Grant Funding, which help pay for coaching, venue hire or travel. We provide experiences that help people be more active, support health and wellbeing and opportunities for underserved communities to try new activities.   If you’re part of a community or wellbeing support group – for example a scout group, school, support young carers or wellbeing through the NHS – our funding support could help create memories that last a lifetime. Find out more about our funding opportunities here