1. Camley Street Nature Park, N1C
Tucked right into the centre of central London, this gem of green space boasts castles, turtles, and plenty of fresh air.
2. Fishponds Wood, SW20
This lovely little pond in Merton is a great spot for sighting butterflies, dragonflies, and frogs.
3. Bramley Bank, CR2
Croydon's vast woodland is home to violets and enchanter's nightshade, and is a picture perfect lace for a picnic.
4. Gunnersbury Triangle, W4
5. Woodbury Wetlands, N4
This lovely spot just ten minutes from Manor House station is an excellent place to get away for the day.
6. Oak Hill Wood, EN4
Find some perfect hiking terrain in this north London escape. It's also home to bats, so keep an eye out!
7. Riddlesdown, CR8
8. Sydenham Hill Wood, SE26
Follow a path that's overgrown an old railway line through the dense woods of this stunning reserve.
9. Totteridge Fields, NW7
This huge expanse of meadow and woodlands near Edgware is perfect for butterfly spotting and long walks.
10. Uxbridge Moor, UB8
This gorgeous island reserve is situated between two meadows in Hillingdon, and is a great spot for spotting waterbirds or just watching the river from under the boughs of a willow.
11. Wilderness Island, SM5
Wilderness Island sounds like the name of a reality show, but in fact the reserve offers peaceful waterside and wood walks.
12. Saltbox Hill, TN16
The downland was a regular walking spot for Charles Darwin, and is home to some gorgeous pyramidal orchids.
13. Beach Hill Lake, EN4
14. Highgate Wood, N10
This expansive ancient woodland is perfect for a calming walk – just watch out for vampires.
15. Epping Forest, IG10
Epping Forest is so huge it's practically a world of its own, so if you're looking to leave the city without really leaving the city, here's your spot.
16. Walthamstow Wetlands, N17
The Walthamstow Wetlands are currently under works, but will open in 2017 as a beautiful and redesigned reserve that you can't miss, so watch this space.