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Competition is now closed Our winners are: Rebecca Greenway - £50 experience voucher Jane Archer - £250 holiday voucher Celebrate English Tourism Week with our exclusive prize draw! English Tourism Week is the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible places, experiences and hidden gems that make our country such a fantastic destination. Here in the Lee Valley, we’re proud of our long-standing reputation for delivering unforgettable adventures, inspiring landscapes and welcoming holiday locations that people return to year after year. To mark this national celebration, we’re giving you the chance to win one of two brilliant prizes - ideal for anyone who loves the great outdoors, trying new activities or simply enjoying time away with family and friends. Whether you dream of unwinding at one of our beautiful campsites or fancy an adrenalin-filled day of rafting, cycling or horse riding, this is your moment to get involved!   How to enter Getting your name in the draw couldn’t be easier. Simply enter your details on our free prize draw form and you’ll be in with a chance to win - no catch, no purchase, just a great opportunity to enjoy more of what the Lee Valley has to offer.   What you could win We’re excited to offer two fantastic prizes: £250 voucher  to use at any of our Lee Valley campsites Perfect for a weekend getaway, a family break, or a peaceful escape surrounded by nature £50 experience voucher  for Lee Valley VeloPark , Lee Valley White Water Centre , or Lee Valley Riding Centre Ideal for thrill‑seekers and adventure lovers looking to try something new Whether you're planning a short break or looking for your next adrenaline rush, these prizes are an ideal way to celebrate English Tourism Week with us.   Terms and conditions apply.   Keep up to date Want the latest news, events and offers delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our e‑newsletters and choose the topics you’re most interested in.

This weekend is International Women’s Day and we’re celebrating great women in sport – from those on the world stage winning medals to local legends breaking down barriers in grass roots sport. New research  from Women in Sport shows only 23% of girls aged 13 – 24 dream of reaching the top in sport, that's the lowest rate since the charity started recording results in 2020.  In Lee Valley Regional Park, we have a wide range of activities to help women stay fit and healthy. Whether in our Olympic  legacy sports venues or women only fitness sessions, the park offers many opportunities to help women feel empowered to unlock their sporting potential. Sports to get involved in Lee Valley Athletics Centre  – Athletics, Gym Lee Valley Ice Centre  – Ice Skating and Ice Hockey, Gym Lee Valley VeloPark  – Track Cycling, BMX, Mountain Biking, Road Cycling, Pickleball, Gym Lee Valley White Water Centre  – Kayaking, Canoeing, Rafting, Open Water Swimming Lee Valley Riding Centre  – Horse Riding Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre  – Field Hockey and Tennis Women Only Sessions Weekly women only tennis sessions   Women’s track cycling   Women’s ice hockey with Lee Valley Vampires   Stories to inspire Beatrix Boutique  began skating at two and now trains at Lee Valley Ice Centre, competing both solo and with Team Phoenix. Despite dyslexia, dyspraxia and undergoing open heart surgery in 2024, she returned to the ice with determination. She’s now aiming to represent Great Britain at the World Inclusive Para Skating Championships, earning high praise from her coaches for her resilience and passion. At 74, cancer survivor Linden Porter  has taken on the demanding sport of freestyle kayaking at Lee Valley White Water Centre. After surgery and radiotherapy in early 2025, she worked hard to rebuild her strength and now trains on the Legacy Loop with coach Sam Wilson. Kayaking has helped her regain confidence, fitness and joy, and she’s using her journey to raise funds for a new cancer screening unit in South Bucks. Linden says she’s proof that it’s never too late to take on a challenge — and she’s determined to keep improving, stay upright, and learn to roll.

Spring is finally here, that wonderful moment when the world wakes up again. Bulbs begin to sprout, blossom bursts into life, and the trees start showing off their first buds of the year. As the weather brightens and the days grow longer, it’s the perfect time to step outside and discover everything Lee Valley Regional Park has to offer and to love spring with us. With so many fantastic places to explore, one visit is never enough. Make this the season you rediscover your  Lee Valley.   Parks, nature and wildlife Spring is a magical time for wildlife across the park. Keep an eye out for speedy Swifts, graceful Barn Owls, electric‑blue flashes of Kingfishers and the uplifting songs of Skylarks. And if you listen carefully, you might even hear the iconic call of the Cuckoo. Bumblebees and other pollinators are also back from their winter rest, buzzing busily between spring flowers as they kick‑start the season.   As the park shifts from winter greys to vibrant greens, it becomes the ideal place for a peaceful walk, refreshing cycle or a relaxed picnic with friends and family. Start your spring adventure at one of our top spots: River Lee Country Park, Fishers Green (EN9 2EF) Gunpowder Park (EN9 3GP) Tottenham Marshes (N17 0XD) WaterWorks Centre nature reserve (E10 7QB) Bow Creek Ecology Park (E16 4ST)   Want to explore even more? We’ve created a great range of walking, running and cycling routes - perfect for discovering the park in bite‑sized chunks.     Activity sheets Bring the park to life with our downloadable activity sheets - great for families, schools or just curious explorers. Bird ID sheet   For younger adventurers: Spring I Spy Spring Scavenger Hunt Give adventure a go Looking for something a little more exhilarating? Our venues offer unforgettable experiences from rafting  the same waves as Olympic paddlers to cycling the legendary track once raced by Wiggins, Hoy and the Kennys. You can even enjoy a horse‑riding session to get back in the sa ddle.   Know someone who’d love an adventure? Treat them to a gift voucher! Let’s walk Prefer to explore with company? Join one of our free guided walks running throughout the park. They’re friendly, social and perfect for meeting like‑minded people while enjoying gentle exercise.   Find all upcoming walks on our event listings . Time for a holiday Thinking about a spring or summer getaway? It’s never too early to plan the perfect break. Lee Valley offers four unique campsites , each with a distinct atmosphere from the urban buzz of Edmonton to the woodland calm of Sewardstone, the riverside charm of Dobbs Weir and the back‑to‑nature feel of Almost Wild.   Choose from: Touring or camping pitches Pre-pitched tent, camping and glamping pods Holiday lodges and houses   All with great road and public transport links, making it easy to explore London and beyond.   With only a small deposit needed and the balance due just before your stay, booking your holiday couldn’t be simpler. Keep up to date Want the latest news, events and offers delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our e‑newsletters and choose the topics you’re most interested in.

We’ve made it halfway through the darker months, and soon longer days, blossoms, and waking wildlife will signal the start of sunnier seasons. This is the perfect time to take learning outdoors and nurture children’s curiosity in nature. Here are four inspiring reasons to explore the 10,000-acre classroom in the Lee Valley: 1. Engage the senses From smelling fresh grass, listening for bird calls, spotting colours in bloom, and feeling the textures of the natural world—outdoor learning is a full sensory experience. Our Forest School  and Habitat Discovery Days  provide pupils with hands-on opportunities to connect with nature and immerse themselves in their surroundings through their senses. 2. Boost physical health Fresh air, sunlight, and movement all contribute to better physical health, reduced stress, and improved wellbeing. On our Rivers and Lakes Discovery Day , pupils explore the meandering River Lea and the straight River Lee Navigation, observing the wildlife along the way. For active, motor skills, the Stone Age Discovery Day  has children identifying plants from the Stone Age, trying fire-lighting, and experimenting with primitive art. 3. Build confidence and emotional wellbeing Outdoor learning encourages independence, confidence, and teamwork whilst discovering the outdoor world. Our green spaces allow children to develop their social and emotional skills while exploring. Our Mindfulness and Natural Art Discovery Day  includes watching nature’s rhythms, making mud faces, and trying Hapa Zome. For a challenge,  our Orienteering KS2 programme takes children on an adventure by testing their map reading skills and to finding the answers to our nature quiz. Bonus: Connecting with Nature With the world becoming more online, it is more important than ever to get children to connect with nature. T ime outdoors helps children rediscover a sense of wonder and inspires them to continue their natural science learning. Also, by bringing children closer to nature it helps promote environmental responsibility. Our Plant and Habitat Discovery Day brings minibeasts and plants up close, helping pupils appreciate the world around them. Ready to get your class learning outdoors? Explore all of our programmes —including sessions at our sports venues and bespoke learning days—on our website. Our team is on hand to answer any questions. Get your pupils out of the classroom and into the fresh air this spring and summer— book your programme today!

During Christmas and New Year it can be easy to stay cooped up at home; but this is the perfect time to explore the park around you. Lee Valley Regional Park offers a wide range of things to do that will keep you busy until the new year rolls round. Explore new walking routes Nothing beats blowing away the cobwebs after you have finished all the Christmas cheese! We have some great routes in the park to suit all abilities. Here’s some suggestions: Artworks routes 1 , 2 and 3 - varying in different lengths these are great trails that will get your steps in during the holidays and keep the kids interested Golden Circle – On this walk that incorporates the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, you’ll pass many iconic legacies of the London 2012 games before heading into our internationally important open spaces in North London. Gunpowder Woodland Trail - it’s a great short walk, perfect for little legs, where you’ll explore the osier marsh on well maintained paths and boardwalks. Winter wildlife watching Believe it or not, the park is full of wildlife during the winter months! (We know we would prefer somewhere hotter too). The Wildlife Discovery Centre at Fishers Green in Waltham Abbey is the perfect place to spot our feathered and furred visitors. Enjoy views over Seventy Acre Lake from the top of the tower and learn about the wildlife that calls the park home in the Discovery Room or just enjoy a cuppa in the hide. This is the perfect spot to set off on your winter visit. Get your skates on Lee Valley Ice Centre has a range of festive skate sessions running over the Christmas break until 5 January. Make the most of that festive feeling and get yourself booked in for a session today. Join our active community The Twixmas break is the perfect time to start those New Year’s resolutions early and our Life Walks are the perfect starting point. These are regular walks around different areas of the park that you can take at your own pace. The walk leaders leave helpful markers so you know where to go and there are lots of chatty members that will keep you entertained on the way round. See the dates and locations of these walks here . Festive fairways Lee Valley Golf Course is open throughout the Christmas holidays (except 1 January) and nothing beats a catch up with friends on the greens. Book your session and check the course conditions here . We hope this has inspired you to step outside your front door during the Christmas break, and don’t forget there are thousands of great days out in the Lee Valley so start planning your 2026 trip today .

With frosts in the air and leaves on the ground winter is a wonderful time to explore - see the park unmasked from it's foliage and the wildlife that make it their home for these months with our spotlight on the winter wildlife. Winter wildlife and habitats The wetland habitats of the Lee Valley are hugely important for waterbirds, designated on a local, national and international level. In winter numbers of waterbirds swell as migratory birds leave harsher climates to overwinter in the Lee Valley.   Tufted Duck The resident population of Tufted Duck swell in winter as birds arrive from Iceland, Scandinavia and the Baltics to spend the winter in the Lee Valley – a journey of up to 1,200 miles. Tufted Ducks can live up to 14 years which means they could travel up to 33,600 miles in their life! Bittern  The Wildlife Discovery Centre at Fishers Green is one of the best places in the country to see overwintering Bittern. A member of the heron family, Bittern are a buff-brown colour and superbly camouflaged against the winter reeds. Each evening they roost by grasping clumps of reed in their feet and climbing up to the top. Join our Conservation Team in the Wildlife Discovery Centre for the Bittern Roost Watch event  on Sunday 18 January 2026 - find out more  > Barn Owl Winter weather can make it more difficult for Barn Owls to catch their prey of small mammals; in particularly harsh winters they can face starvation. You may see them hunting on sites such as Cornmill Meadows  or Gunpowder Park  during the day as well as at dusk as they up their hunting frequency. We have installed Barn Owl boxes across many sites including Glen Faba , Ryegate Farm, River Lee Country Park and Walthamstow Marshes  which are used as roosting and breeding sites.   Water Vole The Lee Valley is a hotspot for Water Vole, Britain’s most endangered mammal. They live along the valley’s ditches, lakes and rivers, burrowing into banks and feasting on a wide range of wetland plants. Winter is the time that our Rangers work hard to improve the habitat for Water Voles, clearing sections of ditches that have become overgrown or removing trees and scrub that are starting to overshade the ditches. Water voles can be seen at Walthamstow Marshes , Silvermeade  and Cornmill Meadows .   Redwing As the weather turns colder the winter visitors start to arrive including Redwing, the UK’s smallest member of the thrush family. Over 700,000 flock into the country each year from their Scandinavian and Icelandic breeding grounds. They can form large flocks and are often seen alongside Fieldfare, another member of the thrush family. They love to feast on berries on trees and bushes. They have a white stripe over the eye and a red flash on their side and underwing – giving them their name. Elms in the park Despite widespread loss of English Elm in the 1970’s across the UK due to an aggressive strain of Dutch Elm disease, there are still Elms to be found in the park.  Whilst there are a couple of mature Elms there are many more Elm hedgerows across sites such as Holyfield Hall Farm  and Cornmill Meadows Tree Park . Elm trees, foodplant of the White Letter Hairstreak, seem to remain free of the disease until they reach about 10 – 15 years old but then the disease resurfaces and they slowly die off. In winter the dead Elms are cut back to the ground a section at a time to stimulate healthy regrowth. Surveys Dedicated volunteers count bird numbers on these wetland habitats as a part of the BTO’s Wetland Bird Survey. These surveys have been undertaken each month in the valley for the past 30 years and provide invaluable information about how key species use the lakes and help guide our management on a local level and understanding of birds on a national level. These counts take place across many sites in the Lee Valley including Glen Faba , Admirals Walk Lake , Middlesex Filter Beds and East India Dock Basin . Site management Invasive non-native species can cause many problems if they spread onto wildlife areas. Although invasive plants and animals can be spread by natural means such as on the feet of animals we need to be very careful that we don’t add to the problem so we have strict biosecurity procedures. This can include cleaning vehicles and footwear before entering, moving between and leaving site and careful treatment of cut material to make sure it doesn’t spread across or between sites.   Winter is a busy time for site management, with many species less active it is the perfect time to undertake routine maintenance such as pond management. Ponds offer a fantastic resource for a range of wildlife but left unmanaged natural succession would mean that they vegetate over and eventually dry up. We undertake rotational management on our ponds at sites such as Middlesex Filter Beds , WaterWorks Nature Reserve  and Fishers Green , this can include vegetation removal by hand to maintain open water, undertaken by our dedicated volunteers. This year we have restored two ponds one at Fishers Green and one on Holyfield Hall Farm.   With the Common Terns safely back in the winter warmth of Africa after a summer spent in the Lee Valley, our Rangers will clean their nesting rafts on Seventy Acres Lake . The gravels where they lay their eggs in shallow scrapes are washed clean and piled in the middle of the raft, this helps prevent vegetation growing so that in spring they can be raked flat ready for the returning Terns. They have also nested on the island at Ponders End Lake . This year our Rangers will remove saplings that have grown, exposing the bare gravels ready for the Terns return in spring. Britain’s Hedgehogs are in decline, so much that they are now classed as ‘vulnerable’. There are a number of factors that have contributed to their decline including loss and fragmentation of habitat which can mean that they struggle to find somewhere to hibernate. When our Rangers undertake tree and vegetation management they often use the cut material to create habitat piles, a perfect place for hedgehogs to hibernate. In some areas such as near the Lee Valley Ice Centre the Authority has installed some artificial hibernation homes to help provide more habitat.  Want to hear all the latest from the park? Sign up for our enewsletters where you can pick your interests and get updates, events and offers delivered straight to your inbox 📧

It’s that time of year when you may consider hibernating like some of the wonderful wildlife in the park – however if you want to get out and explore there’s still loads to do. Love winter in the Lee Valley!   Exploring nature The wildlife in the park changes with the season with many migratory birds using our wonderful lakes and their winter vacation hot spot. Head out into the park to see what you can spot – many of our open spaces have bird hides and screens offering you ideal views over key wildlife areas. Don’t forget there’s always the Wildlife Discovery Centre with its accessible hide and viewing tower as well as its discovery room with loads of information, plus games for the kids too. Changes can also be seen in the habitats within the park – from leaves falling from the trees leaving that unmistakable bear branch look of winter to the edges of the lakes losing their green flush of plants making it easier to see the wildlife on them.   Read our winter spotlight on wildlife blog to find out more > Something for the kids Keep the kids entertained when you’re out and about in the park with our winter themed I Spy and Scavenger Hunt sheets. Download them today: Winter I Spy Winter Scavenger Hunt     Taking on a challenge Whether you want to battle white water rapids , unleash your inner Kenny (Laura or Jason) track cycling , try your hand on BMX bumps and berms or take the plunge with open water swimming , you can do it all at our Lee Valley venues.   Not your cup of tea but know someone who would love it? How about gifting it to them!   Health and wellbeing activities Moving more can be difficult in the winter and motivation can be hard to find when you look out of the window and the sun’s not quite shining as you’d like.   The miles of surfaced traffic free routes within the park can take the mud away from outdoor explorations whether on foot or by bike. To make it easier we’ve pulled together some of our favourite routes which you can filter by length, location and facilities.   How about taking some time to meet up with like minded people, chat, stroll and get exercise in without even realising it? Our range of free guided walks, that run in different locations up and down the park are ideal for this. Find out more about the walks available on our event listings.   Looking for gym or fitness classes – we have three venues that offer these facilities within them: Lee Valley VeloPark in Stratford Lee Valley Ice Centre in Leyton Lee Valley Athletics Centre in Edmonton   Planning that next getaway Set the scene - the rain’s hammering against the windows, you’re tucked up inside dreaming of having a holiday – let’s get planning the next adventure. The Lee Valley’s campsites offer a fantastic range of accommodation options from pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes and camping pods, to glamping, holiday cottages and lodges (some even with hot tubs).   Book now and beat any price rises for 2026 stays – all you’ll need to pay is a small initial deposit with the balance due a few weeks before your stay.   Want to hear all the latest from the park? Sign up for our enewsletters where you can pick your interests and get updates, events and offers delivered straight to your inbox 📧

As soon as the clocks strike 12 on Halloween night, the sound of Christmas bells come into the air - slowly getting louder until we reach the ominous diary date of Black Friday. The constant bombardment of adverts and influencers telling us what we must have can be overwhelming, especially over this weekend so we’re inspiring you to take a new look at the last weekend in November as a way of getting outdoors - renaming it Fresh Air Friday. Each day will take on a new theme to get those ideas flowing and you stepping over the threshold and into the great outdoors. Fresh Air Friday It’s the beginning of the weekend and we’re sharing some more unusual ideas to get you out of the house whether - that’s for five minutes or an hour. Forage the last of the berries Create mud sprites with the kids Go on a scavenger hun t to see what fallen treasures you can find Play a game of I spy with our I Spy sheet Take a moment for yourself and practice some mindfulness breathing techniques Enjoy your coffee alfresco   Cycling Saturday We have miles of traffic free trails up and down the park so you can get exploring your patch of Lee Valley. We have a list of routes, many of which are paved so you can avoid running through too many muddy puddles while pedalling through the park.   Sunday stomp Nothing beats a traditional Sunday walk to blow away those cobwebs of the weekend. Our walking routes range in different lengths so you can pick the best one, whether it’s for little feet or muddy paws. We’d love to see your #FreshAirFriday adventures so tag us in them on social media using the handles below. X: @LeeValleyPark | Facebook: @LeeValleyRegionalPark | Instagram @leevalleypark | Threads @leevalleypark | BlueSky @ leevalleypark.bsky.social Want to hear all the latest from the park? Sign up for our enewsletters where you can pick your interests and get updates, events and offers delivered straight to your inbox 📧 We hope our ideas help you bring the magic of the outdoors into the season ready for the most wonderful time of the year.

It’s been 10 years! For over a decade we have been providing funding for community partners and schools across London, Hertfordshire and Essex to enjoy unforgettable experiences and learning opportunities in our world class sports venues and award-winning open spaces. Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s Community Access Fund provides financial support for not-for-profit organisations, registered charities and voluntary/community groups who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the fabulously diverse opportunities throughout the park. Funding can cover the cost of coached activities (typically up to the value of £1,000) in our sports venues from kayaking, white water rafting and horse riding to track cycling, ice skating and much more! Schools and educational establishments can benefit too, with transport bursaries available to schools participating in our educational programmes that have a pupil premium of 20% or more. There’s also funding available for educational packages for community groups. To celebrate 10 years of this vitally important scheme and the life changing impact our programmes have had on over 27,000 people so far, we’re shining a light on a handful of recent case studies. Why not take a look and see if your group qualify for funding Caring for Horses for Mental Health This eight-week funded   programme at Lee Valley Riding Centre  had a profound impact on participants. The weekly sessions were attended by eight adults from Core Arts  a leading mental health creative education centre based in Hackney. The participants, who were all living with serious mental illness, were taught the basics of horse care and found the experience transformative. “After the sessions I find my mood is lifted. It brightens my week, gives me energy and motivation to carry on. It eases the pain of other stuff going on for me. This has come at a wonderful time for me, where I really needed a connection with nature to draw me out of a deep depression.”  Peter, a participant. Water activities for neurodiverse children We were delighted to welcome back children from Potential Kids to our London 2012 Olympic legacy venue Lee Valley White Water Centre  for a four-week funded course of water activities on the lake. The children, who came from across Hertfordshire and are living with a range of conditions including Autism and ADHD, loved the sensory experience of being on the water. This marked the third consecutive summer that we’ve delivered this programme for Potential Kids, an award-winning charity based in Welwyn/Hatfield which provides learning, social and sports opportunities for neurodivergent children. For some it was their first time while others benefitted hugely from returning to building on their skills and confidence, such as Riley. “He’s been each year and counts down the months until he can come again. The facilities here are fantastic and come rain or shine Riley wants to be out on the water. Parents are also able to take part, so it’s nice to have something the whole family can do together.”   Vicky, Riley’s Mum NHS partnership supporting children’s physical activity We provided funding for an eight-week bespoke running and athletics programme at Lee Valley Athletics Centre  for 10 children from Enfield living with a range of disabilities. The children, who are being supported by NHS Enfield’s Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Team, received four weeks of athletics coaching and four weeks of running sessions, using the venue’s world class indoor facilities. This is the second successful programme of activity for NHS Enfield’s Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Team that has been funded by the Authority. In addition to having a positive impact on participants’ physical health and motor and social skills, the initiative is a great example of the accessibility and inclusivity which sits at the heart of Lee Valley Athletics Centre and all of the Authority’s sports venues. “Thanks to the funding support, it’s allowed some of our lower income families to access this group and these fantastic facilities. It’s very inspiring for children to be in this setting, exercising in the same space as the professional athletes.”   Juliet Vine, Enfield Children and Young People’s OT Team Getting young people back in the saddle following a cancer diagnosis Twenty young people aged 13-24 enjoyed Teens Unite’s Bike and Unite  launch, a six-week programme at Lee Valley VeloPark  for teenagers and those in their early 20s living with, or in remission from cancer. It was a team effort to support the young people from Teens Unite , a charity that helps teenagers and those in their early 20s following a cancer diagnosis. The Authority funded a day on Lee Valley VeloPark’s road circuit for the young people to try out their new bikes, which were gifted by o3e  and ifs.ai , while British Cycling  provided expert coaching. “I was active before my diagnosis, but I lost so much bodyweight and muscle during treatment. When this popped up, I felt this was a day where I could really challenge myself. Not long ago I couldn’t even walk up the stairs. I’m a huge BMX fan so to even get a look at the track where the Olympics took place was so special. Normally I am at home doing nothing all day as I can’t go back to work yet, so this has been a day out, a change of scene. I’ve met new people. It’s been the highlight of my week.” Kai, a gas engineer from Newport in Wales who travelled more than four hours to take part Want to see if your group is eligible and how to apply? Check out our website.

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