Search Results

Well, the first half of the term went quiiiccck! We’re looking forward to sunnier days (we’re hopeful) and marking the start of the summer season with fun in Lee Valley Regional Park! Keep reading to see things to do, places to go and the FREE fun that’s on offer. Things to do Watersports We know the weather has been below par for spring, but we’re sure summer will be a splash with watersport. From kayaking, sailing and even battling an inflatable course, there are lots of different activities to enjoy! Try your hand at Kayaking, Sup Boarding and test your skills on the Water Wipeout at Lee Valley White Water Centre . Book your sessions here Sailing courses, full activity days and introduction sessions – ESSA Water Activities Centre has it all this half term. See all the sessions and book you space here Athletics Sprinting, running and jumping are great ways to keep fit and summer is a great time to start! Star Track is back at Lee Valley Athletics Centre and is the perfect boot camp to get your budding athlete honing in their skills and putting them to the test in a competition on the final day. Book your space here Fitness for free? We have some great running routes up and down the park were you can enjoy the sights of the season while keeping up healthy habits. Cycling Exploring the park on two wheels is a great way to cover lots of miles in a short amount of time! You can check out the different routes that are bike ready on our website. Four different disciplines under one roof at Lee Valley VeloPark and they’ve a load of different school holiday sessions where the kids can try one or more different activities. See all the sessions here Horse play! If you love horses, Lee Valley Riding Centre is the place to be! Read about the different ‘Own a Pony’ Experiences on offer for different age groups: - Meet the Minis – Age 3+ - Mini Own a Pony – ages 5 – 8 - Own a Pony – Ages 8+ You can see all the details here Orienteering Go on your very own treasure hunt with our orienteering routes! You can start at four different points in the park and discover new open spaces you might not have visited before. You can order a map here Want to go for a wander but not too sure where to go? We have lots of pre-planned routes up and down the park. Place to go Fishers Green and the Wildlife Discover Centre – Picnic benches, great walking routes and your kids can explore the world around them at the Discovery Room and see what wildlife is on the lake in our state of the art hide. Three Mills Green – Stunning open spaces, perfect for picnics and the Wild Kingdom play area Myddelton House Gardens – beautiful botanical gardens with lush lawns for picnics, winding paths to let the kids imaginations go wild and you can purchase Ossie the Ostrich pack so the little ones can enjoy finding the hidden facts Make a stay of it We’ve three family friendly campsites all with their own unique charm and location so you can make a short escape. Check out the different sites: - Lee Valley Caravan Park, Dobb Weir - Lee Valley Campsite, Sewardstone - Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park, Edmonton Really stuck? No problem! We have a few itineraries that are ready to go Historic Lee Valley Gems – the Monks and Meadows walking route is a great way to explore Waltham Abbey Gardens and Cornmill Meadows Gardener’s Delight – See the wonderful gardens in Enfield’s horticultural crown Child’s Paradise – Lots of family fun in one place! Don’t forget to share photos of your day out with us on social media Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Summer is all about sport, and we have a full agenda in the park for the coming season. Read on to see the details of the international sporting events happening in the park, how you can get tickets and even get a taste for the sport yourself. 🏑FIH Pro League 📆Dates: 26 - 28 May and 2 – 4 and 16 – 21 June ⏰Times: Times vary 📍Location: Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre 🎫Tickets: From £5 - Get them here Teams gather from around the world for a series of matches as the countdown until the forthcoming Olympic Games ticks by. 🛶 ICF Slalom World Championships 📆Date: 19 – 24 September ⏰Time: 10:00 – 17:00 📍Location: Lee Valley White Water Centre 🎫Tickets: From £1 for kids and £6 for adults - Get them here The legendary course at Lee Valley White Water Centre is set to be the backdrop of championship action with this weekend packed full of racing, live entertainment and family activities! Want to try out kayaking? You can book an Explore Kayaking session on the lake and test your water legs. 🚲 UCI Track Champions League 📆Date: 10 – 11 November ⏰Time: 19:00 – 22:15 📍Location: Lee Valley VeloPark 🎫Ticket price: General sale now on! Get your Friday tickets here Get your Saturday tickets here Back for a third year at venue, the lights, sound and excitement is ready to bring the track to life with races from the worlds best in track cycling! Test the track yourself with Velodrome Taster sessions.

Although the sunshine is yet to make a lasting appearance, we’re excited to have a pause on school life to enjoy the outdoors with the little ones. We’ve great events and activities running over the holidays along with our free and low cost ideas so you can keep the kids active without breaking the bank. British Canoe Slalom Selections 📆 8 - 10 April 📍 Lee Valley White Water Centre 👛FREE Over the Easter weekend, you can see the best paddlers in the game compete for their space on Team GB for Paris 2024. Along with great watching, the kids can enjoy the sights and sounds of the venue along with their sand pit and taking to the water themselves on lake sessions (additional cost, pre-booking required). Love a family day out? There’s another epic event coming to Lee Valley White Water Centre with ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships taking over the venue from 19 - 24 September! From tense Olympic qualifying races to a brand new sport and lots of kids entertainment, you won’t want to miss out. Tickets start from as little as £6 for adult and £1 for kids and if you book between 6 - 30 April you’ll can receive a discount*. *Terms and conditions apply Get the kids enjoying the park this spring 📆 Anytime 📍 Anywhere 👛FREE We love seeing kids exploring the park and using their imaginations! We have free downloadable sheets with different activities that you can take out into the park or event do at home. Great Easter Eggstravaganza 📆 3 - 14 April 📍 Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park 👛 From £12.99 Easter is back at Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park and you can enjoy the all the fun of the farm with the Easter Bunny making a guest appearance along with some of his friends. Walking in a springtime wonderland 📆 Anytime 📍 20 different route in our 26 mile park 👛FREE When dodging April showers, it’s great to get out into the park to enjoy the spring wonders from birds nesting to buzzing bees. We have 20 different pre planned routes up and down the park so you can get exploring the wonders around yourselves. Sporting days in the park Nothing gets the kids energy pumping (and gets them ready for bedtime) than a day of sporting action. Check out the different session here Multi-activity Days Star Track Cycling sessions 📆 3 - 6 & 11 - 14 April 📆 4 - 7 & 10 - 13 April 📆 Various dates 📍 ESSA Water Activities Centre 📍 Lee Valley Athletics Centre 📍 Lee Valley VeloPark 👛From £33 👛£78 👛From £21 Most of all we hope you have a wonderful break and don’t forget to share photos of your visits with us on our social media channels!

Winter is full of wonder in the great outdoors, even though it might seem harder to get through the front door, the reward for your (and the kids) health and wellbeing is plentifully once you wrap up in your layers. Check our three different ‘exploring’ sections and find an activity perfect for you, your friends and family. Here some of our tops pick top get you started. Frosty free fun Wildlife are still hopping around in the colder months and the Wildlife Discovery Centre is the place to spot them! The Bittern has been the star of the season showing amazingly well through the reeds. The open spaces do have some other winter visitors such as the Smew and Goldeneye. Our helpful volunteers will help you learn more in the Discovery Room as well as help identify what you see out on the lake. Free visits are hard to find in London but one of our smallest green space gems , Bow Creek Ecology Park , is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the nature around you on the island as you watch the river flow by. New Year health kick Get those steps in with our FREE guided walks around the park! We’ve monthly guided walks around different areas of the park led by our friendly volunteers as well as sensory walks in three different locations per month. Sensory walks are designed for those with complex disabilities but can be enjoyed by anyone. Check out the upcoming dates and book on here . Head out cycling with our walking, running and cycling routes ! Our page has been redesign to make it easier for you to find a route in your area as well as ones are perfect for pedaling. Wrap up and take the kids outdoors Cold and wet weather normally means more indoor time for the kids, but you can still incorporate the outdoors to keep them inspired until spring comes. Get crafting ! You can make Hedgehog homes, bird feeders and bug hotels that gives nature a helping hand and you can watch what comes into your garden through the window. Wrap up warm (or in waterproofs) and head out into the park to take part in some natural art, collect seeds to grow your own tree or getting muddy in a makeshift mud kitchen. There’s load more to discover on our ‘Exploring’ pages ! They change as the seasons roll by so make sure you return in spring.

Planning your half term activities? Check all the events and activities on offer in Lee Valley Regional Park. 📷Banner photo: lewisfamilyblog Spooky days out Pumpkin Trail Date: 24 – 31 October Times: 10:00 – 16:00 Where: Myddelton House Gardens Price: FREE Jack-o’-lanterns are popping up over the gardens. Pick up a sheet, draw the different pumpkin portraits you find and return to the Bowles Tea Room to get a sweetie reward. Halloween Festival Date: 22 – 30 October Times: 10:00 – 17:00 Where: Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park Price: Under 2s - £4, over 2s - £16.99 Come in fancy dress and creep through our devilishly decorated farm and enjoy our spooky shows, walk-throughs, pumpkin picking patch, adventure play, bouncy pillows and 𝘴o much more Head outdoors during autumn Autumn Leaf Hunt Date: 24 – 30 October Times: 10:00 – 16:00 Where: Wildlife Discovery Centre Price: FREE Autumn is all about fallen treasure and there’s so many leaves to discover! You can pick up a FREE leaf hunt sheet from the Wildlife Discovery Centre and begin your search. Watersport fun at ESSA Dates and times: A range of dates over the half term Where: ESSA Water Activities Centre Price: From £25 From sailing courses to taster canoe and SUP boarding session to multi-sports days, there’s so much fun to be had on the lake. Lets get sporty Lee Valley Minithon Date: 22 October Time: from 11:30 Location: Lee Valley Athletics Centre Price: £20 Time for your athletics star to showcase their skills on the track and show off their competitive side. Star Track Date: 25 - 28 October Time: 9:00 – 15:00 Location: Lee Valley Athletics Centre Price: £78 This great training camp is perfect for any budding athlete to hone in their skills and final put them to the test on the last competition day Try out different cycling disciplines at Lee Valley VeloPark Track Attack! Date: 26 October Time: 11:00 - 13:00 Price: £20 per person, glove hire £3 Whether a complete track cycling newbie or a master of the banking, learn new skills and follow in the footsteps of Olympic heroes. Suitable for those aged 12 - 16 years. #Club VPK MTB and BMX Date: 27 October Time: 11:00 - 15:00 Price: £28 per person, glove hire £3 Children can learn basic skills, gain confidence in two exciting cycling disciplines, and improve their techniques on our mountain bike trails and BMX track. Suitable for those aged 11 - 16 years. BMX thrills and MTB Skills Date: Monday 24 October Time: 10:30- 14:30 Price: £28 per person, glove hire £3 Beat the boredom of the school holidays as your kids grab their handlebars, burn rubber and experience cycling like never before. Riders will improve their skills, learn new techniques, and gain confidence on the BMX track and MTB trails. Suitable for those aged 7 - 11 years.

Golden sunsets glistening over the waters, crunchy leaves under little feet and wintering wildlife returning the park are just some of parts of autumn that we all won’t want to miss so we’ve launched our Autumn Watch photo competition! 📷 Submit your autumn pictures onto our online gallery and you will be entered in to win a £30 GO Outdoors 🎫 All you have to do is: 1. Collect photos of your autumn visits to the park 2. Head to visitleevalley.org.uk/autumnwatch 3. Fill out the form and upload your best snaps 4. Submit and you’ll be in the draw! We’ll also share some of our favourites on our socials to keep an eye out for your pictures Facebook Twitter Instagram Looking for some inspiration? Check out some of these snaps 👇🏻

July was packed full of leaver assemblies, plays and celebrations before school kicked out for summer so no wonder we struggle with planning for the holidays themselves! Here comes our blog to help you get your diary back on track 📆 Check out what’s on in the park, venues and just some FREE ideas to enjoy the open spaces. Take a break in the Lee Valley Nothing says ‘holidays’ like a trip away from home! We’ve a range of different overnight itineraries that are perfect for every visitor: adventurers, families and nature lovers. See all of our short breaks 🏕️ Make a splash at Lee Valley White Water Centre Summer‘s the perfect time to take to the water at Lee Valley White Water Centre . Set sail on the lake on a kayak or paddleboard 🛶 Fancy a challenge? White water rafting sessions are the one for you, where you can duck and dive amongst the rapids 🌊😜 Pack out your days in the park Looking to fill a whole day in the park? Our day itineraries are the one for you, with days with minimal cost to nature escapes and sporting adventures. Pick your planned your day out 🍃 Free fun at the Wildlife Discovery Centre Take away a FREE activity for your little one to complete while on your walk! 🔍 There’s a different activity each week and you can see the line up below: 1 -7 August: Scavenger Hunt sheet 8 – 14 August: Sticky Nature card 15 – 21 August: I Spy sheet 22 – 28 August: Journey Sticks Cycling summer 🚴🏻‍♀️🚵🏻 Not only are the Commonwealth Games making their way to Lee Valley VeloPark , but your kids could also hit the tracks at our multi discipline cycling venue. Sound up your street? Check out the different sessions: Track Attack! #Club VPK MTB and BMX BMX thrills and MTB Skills BMX Follow up #ClubVPK Road and Track Attack Sign up to sports camp 🥎🏑🏐⚽ Do your kids love everything sporty? Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre are running their first summer sports camp. The sessions are run by experienced coaches and can be booked per day or for the full length of the camp. Check out all the details. Remember when out in our open spaces to #LoveThePark and: 🚴🏻‍♂️↔️🚶🏻‍♀️ Give people space 💚 Respect our Rangers 🚯 Take your litter home ❌ 🏊🏻‍♂️ Don't enter the water 🔥 No BBQs Following this will make for an enjoyable experience for you, other visitors, our Rangers and of course the wildlife We hope this has inspired you for those long summer holiday and don’t forget to share with us your days out in Lee Valley Regional Park on Twitter , Facebook, Instagram

During the summer days, the parks are filled with families soaking up the sun and dogs burning off their energy but who loves the park more: Dogs or kids? In Lee Valley Regional Park we’ve days out that your mini mes and four legged friends will love! Wildlife Discovery Centre Perfect for: 🧒🏻🐶 Summer’s here and there’s lots of wildlife to discover on the lake. The kids will love the Discovery Room and this August they’ll be able to take away a different FREE activity each week! Dogs, on a lead, are also welcome into the centre to see the Discovery Room and hide (unfortunately, they’re not allowed up the tower) FREE activities to take away each week include: 1 -7 August: Scavenger Hunt sheet 8 – 14 August: Sticky Nature card 15 – 21 August: I Spy sheet 22 – 28 August: Journey Sticks Dog agility course Perfect for: 🐶 (and the adventurous 🧒🏻) In River Lee Country Park , you’ll find our dog agility course! Great for puppy training or to test your dog’s skills with hoops to jump through, a frame to climb over and weaving logs - of course the kids can get in on the action too! Guided walks Perfect for: 🐶 and older 🧒🏻 It’s been wonderful to see our guided walks return to the park! These monthly volunteer led walks explore a different area of the park and are FREE to book on. Dogs on leads are welcome on the walks as well as older children as some of our walks are not designed for little human legs. Check out the upcoming walks here Placements in the park Perfect for: 🧒🏻🐶 To mark the 10 year anniversary since London 2012 anniversary, we’ve installed a range of placements to test your medal winning skills in running, sprinting and jumping! This is a great mid walk activity for kids and speedy dogs too. Find out where the placements are in the park Sculptures at Tottenham Marshes Perfect for : 🧒🏻🐶 New in 2022, you’ll find lots of nature inspired sculptures and benches scattered around Tottenham Marshes, which make the perfect pit stop for feet and paws alike. Plan a visit to the marshes Artworks at WaterWorks Centre nature reserve Perfect for: 🧒🏻 Under the Willow Dome, kids can use their imagination to create a different world and you’ll be able to continue the wonder by searching for the magic fish in the filter beds or plan a trip in Viking boat. Share your visits with us on social Twitter , Facebook, Instagram

From Dame Laura Kenny (née Trott) lapping the velodrome to the Team GB’s historic gold and silver medals in the canoe slalom C2 event to ParalympicsGB’s wheelchair tennis triumphs, there’s a host of unforgettable moments which took place in our legacy venues! Now it’s time to reignite that Olympic spirit, whether that’s reliving the magic for yourself or passing the baton to younger people. See how you can get involved here 👇🏻 Read all about it! Lee Valley VeloPark is not only home to cycling glory, but it’s now hosting our wonderful ‘Ten Years On’ exhibition in partnership with LLDC and the National Paralympic Heritage Trust . Split into two sections you can explore the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and see iconic items such as Olympic and Paralympic medals. There’s also the chance to take a selfie with Wenlock, touch the Super Saturday running track and feel the structure of running blades. The exhibition is FREE to visit and is open during the venues opening times. Credit: Stanton Williams Learn from those that were there Our 10 Years On events programme is bringing the history of the Games to you. Our knowledgeable volunteers, many whom attended and volunteered during the Games, have two great guided walks to take you on! The Lee Valley Olympic journey, will explore Lee Valley VeloPark and Lee Valley in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and White Water to Wildlife, will focus on Lee Valley White Water Centre and the history of the site. 👟 The Lee Valley Olympic Journey: Sunday 26 June at 11:00 👟 White Water to wildlife: Sunday 24 July at 11:00 Keen on architecture? As part of London Festival of Architecture, we’re hosting a talk on how Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis was developed for the Games, revealing the site’s sporting history and how it was transformed into London 2012’s only purpose-built Paralympic venue. Book your FREE space on the walks and talk here Have a go yourself We pride our venues in opening the door for everyone to get a taste for Olympic sport and helping pass the baton to the next generation. Want to have a go yourself? Check out these beginner friendly sessions at our venues: 💦 Lee Valley White Water Centre – Explore Kayaking and White Water Rafting 🏑 Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre – Tennis courses , Disability Tennis and Pay and Play Tennis 🚲 Lee Valley VeloPark – Check our range of experience sessions You can now test yourself against the champs while exploring Lee Valley Regional Park’s open spaces! We have a range of new tracks where you can test your running , sprinting and jumping skills against records set at London 2012. How are you marking the 10 year anniversary? Share your pictures with us on social media Twitter , Facebook, Instagram

We know it’s hard to get kids away from screens these days! With the weather set to warm up, it’s the perfect time to have real life family face time in the summer sunshine (we still always pack a brolly just in case 🌦️). Here’s different ways you can be making the most of our open spaces while the weather is playing ball - why don’t you save this post for school holiday inspiration too! Outdoor meals 🥪 Nothing says summer more that taking lunch al fresco. Pack up a cosy blanket, re-useable cutlery and all your favorite snacks for a picky tea in the park. There are many perfect picnic spots from Tottenham Marshes , Waltham Abbey Gardens and Fishers Green . Make sure you leave no trace and take all your belonging and wrappers home with you to be dispose of and recycled where possible. Find your old Frisbee 🥏 Ready to unleash your competitive side? Our disc golf course in located in River Lee Country Park , next to Lee Valley White Water Centre and is FREE for you to use. Just bring your Frisbees and download our scorecard, you’ll be flying away the hours in the outdoors. Follow our artwork trail 🎨 Hidden in our country park you’ll find a giant’s chair, fighting Stag Beetles and a Water Vole nibbling on grass - there are lots of different artworks to discover! In the north is our Artwork Trails , which have three different routes varying in length for little legs and at Tottenham Marshes is our newly installed sculptures and benches. Wildlife Discovery Centre 🔎 Give your kids a spy hole into the world of wildlife at the Wildlife Discovery Centre . Hearing different bird calls, creating their own wildlife landscape and seeing wildlife up close await them in the Discovery Room. They can take a trip up the tower to see the wonderful Seventy Acres Lake from the air before seeing what they can spot close up in the hide. Fun on the go! 🤸🏻‍♀️ Our fun downloadable sheet are perfect for taking with you on a walk. You can see what you can tick off on the or collect up materials to make some wild crafts. Share with us your outdoor adventure with your family pack on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram 📸

Flowers, wildlife and warmer weather are all on the cards as spring arrives, we’ve put some of our favourite spring moments in a list so you can keep an eye out on your wander. Butterflies 🦋 Nothing says warmer days are on the way than a butterfly fluttering by as you walk along the river. The family of yellow and white butterflies are normally the first to appear with a Brimstone butterfly being one of the first spotted at Fishers Green this year. The hibernating Peacock Butterflies and the migrating Painted Lady follow them later in spring. Our tip for getting a photo of our fluttering friends is to make sure you don’t cast a shadow, so they can continue sunbathing while you get your snap. 📷 Great Crested Grebe courting dance 🧡 Birds are busy building nests this time of year preparing for their future chicks and the Great Crested Grebes are no exception. Early spring morning will see pairs rush together chest to chest to exchanging head bobs, beak brushes and the grand finale of weed flicking. This behaviour is to establish a territory on a lake. Some courting pairs have been seen at the Wildlife Discovery Centre and Stanstead Innings. Bulbs and buds 🌸 You might catch some naturalized Daffs popping up from the ground and branches brimming with buds on your walks through the park, but Myddelton House Gardens is the place to be for spring flora. From the flourishing Alpine Meadow to the budding magnolias dotted around the gardens and the legendary tulip display starting to break through the soil, there’s plenty to see at this hidden gem. Cuckoo is calling 🎶 Keep an ear out when taking a stroll to hear the undeniable sound of the Cuckoo amongst the trees, ringing in the spring season. They lay their eggs in nests of other birds and are masters of disguise adapting their eggs to look like those of their hosts. Our note for spotting is to keep an eye out after their call has finished as they won’t fly and sing at the same time. Meadows for May Day 💈 Cowslip is beginning to appear in meadows up and down the Lee Valley. This member of the primrose family can be identified by its bright yellow five petal flowers and was traditionally used in garlands for May Day celebrations. They give wildlife an early source of nectar in the spring and have been spotted in the meadows at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Make sure you share your sighting with us on our wildlife sights page 🔍

We all know January is a trial month right? February sees the days getting longer, the weather getting better (fingers crossed!) and those long awaited spring bulbs are finally making an appearance 💛.There is no better time to continue or even make a start on those physical and mental wellbeing goals while out in the park. Taking exercise outdoors It goes without saying that lots of people look at exercising more as a New Year resolution. We think variety is the spice of life and workouts shouldn’t just simply be going to the gym! Run or cycle along the towpath (remember to follow Canal and River Trust code of conduct ), take HIIT workout in the open spaces or even take up a new sport such as kayaking or BMXing ! There’s lots of ways to shake up your exercise schedule. Forest bathing Shinrin yoku or forest bathing, is a method of relaxation that originates from Japan and involves you taking in and appreciating your surroundings. We know what you are thinking but trees don’t need to have leaves to be able to enjoy the benefits of forest bathing. Closing your eyes and feeling the cold wind on your cheek, touching the different textures around you and listening out for a variety of bird songs can all be enjoyed no matter the season and gives you time to tune into your surroundings. Soon the blossom will be back on the trees and you’ll be able to enjoy some blossom bathing too! Wildlife watching Nothing slows your pace and brings you in time with nature than wildlife watching. Wintering birds are still wondering and soon spring will be here and a whole new lot of wildlife will appear to call the park home. Flowers will pop up, bugs will begin to take flight and mammals will wake from hibernation and we’re sure you don’t want to miss the joy it can bring. Natural art Autumn and winter brings lots of fallen treasure to the floor which is perfect for some natural art. Collect up your resources and create your masterpiece, whether that’s a self-portrait, your favourite animal or a landscape scene. This is a great way to practice mindfulness, enjoying the wild textures around you and have some fun whether you are small, tall, young or old. Inspired? Make sure you share with us photos and videos of you enjoying the outdoors and you might feature on our social media channels. Facebook | Instagram | Twitter