Welsh Harp Open Space — Attraction in London

It is a water reservoir with real beautiful walk around midst natural settings. Loads of flowers like Laburnum, Bluebells(Pink and blue/violet and swathes of Queen Anne's lace. The walk is nice and not very tiring. I had a 6 year old with me who enjoyed it with equal fervour without complaining. The reservoir has a full range of dinghy sailing, windsurfing, racing and RYA training, offshore yachting, children’s and family sailing and a fantastic social programme. There is a good number of Swans, ducks, even Canadian Geese(so I was told) in the waters. Just a tremendous experience. There is this Garden Centre which has got plants of varied forms. There is a Giant Aquarium on the entrance into the store and it is a sight. Huge fish of different colours, almost intimate to one. There is a good variety of fish for your own too. The Coffee shop is old and traditional. It would be good to carry your own water and picnic as half way through your experience, you do wish to have a snack. It has paths in the forest that segregate two boroughs. In the middle of the hue and uproar of the city, this a blissful retreat. One on my list of...

I tend to agree with one of the other reviewers this space needs a bit more TLC Tender Loving Care. Wild spaces do need good management and planning to get the best out of them. With London getting "over developed" we need to pay more attention to our wildlife especially bees, butterflies and birds in general. One positive is that I know of two people who have total fun up at the Welsh Harp. That is Ben our local Vet and Joe a guy I know for years who is a wireman technician. They keep "threatening" to meet me up there (they sail at the weekends) and show me the really nice wildlife spots as the Welsh Harp is pretty extensive. All I need now is a longer lens than my 70-200mm to get...

After visiting last year to see the reservoir drained for repairs I returned to see it full. Head to the garden centre but turn right for parking near the sailing club. theres a barrier to stop vans. Information boards, lots of lovely walks either on the good path for pushchairs (bikes whizz past) some through the grass and foliage great for dogs sniffing and running through. Occasionally a bench for a picnic (no bins) a couple of areas you can walk upto the water, watch for birds if your dog loves a swim... You can walk in a loop with a traffic light single road then bridge to cross. A great walk in...