Lee Valley Wildlife Discovery Centre image

Lee Valley Wildlife Discovery Centre

Park Bird watching area

One of the Top rated Parks in Epping Forest


Address

Seventy Acres Lake Waltham Abbey, United Kingdom

Website

www.visitleevalley.org.uk

Contact

+44 300 003 0610

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (139 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: nature (7) park (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mark L. 6 years ago on Google
    A very large hide with great views across the lake. If the weather turns inclement a great place to shelter. Plenty of birds, but I've yet to see or hear Bitterns. Staff on hand at times to offer advice and to lend binoculars - see schedule. There is lots of information inside the hide describing the wildlife and when it is likely to be seen. Guided walks are given from here on certain weekends during the summer. Access issues at the moment until the footbridge reopens in February 2018.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hardy B. 1 year ago on Google
    Small and charming sightseeing spot for the local wildlife. Wheelchair access for both the entrance and the look-out at the top. Drinks available too. Nice place for all ages.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 mohammed h. 11 months ago on Google
    Serene nature trails. Suitable for walkers, cyclists and wheelchairs. Various trails with multiple car park routes. Nice for walks and a cycle but no activities.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 peter m. 4 years ago on Google
    An informative location for the reclusive Bittern seen a various places on the River Lee park.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Singin' A. 10 months ago on Google
    Happy to see pairs of common terns nesting on the raft this year. A nice observation room and tower area to do all the birding you like.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gyula B. 6 years ago on Google
    I would recommend walking, cycling, running around the lakes to anyone who likes nature and open spaces. Nice environment, a paradise for bird lovers and just in general it's a good place to go to to get out of London. There are multiple points to park your car, at a reasonable price. £2.50/day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gillian P. 1 year ago on Google
    I would highly recommend this beautiful place. Very helpful staff - thank you! I would have given this Centre 5 stars- but would like to flag up the lack of adequate signposts to the centre from the main road and country park. Please, please provide clear signposts as this would make the Centre more accessible. Thank you.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rita Pereira P. 2 years ago on Google
    Me and my family had a great day at this huge and beautiful Park. Great to bike ride with kids.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 derek s. 9 months ago on Google
    A really lovely park. So quiet, just the sounds of nature. Totally relaxing and good for destressing
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tony F. 7 months ago on Google
    Great place to take the kids and grandkids without spending any money

  • 5/5 Simone P. 6 months ago on Google
    Such a peaceful hidden jewel suitable for walking. You are definitely at one with nature here. I have lived in East London all my life and had no idea that this reserve existed. The volunteers keep this place so clean and I appreciated all of the boards with descriptions of the different insects and wildlife. I learnt so much. FYI dogs are not allowed in the park.

  • 5/5 David B. 6 months ago on Google
    What a great place. Beautifully constructed with a hide, a discovery room and so many interactive elements for both young and old. And there were two well-informed and enthusiastic staff members there when we visited. They also sell hot drinks for £2 a cup. Recommended.

  • 5/5 Eliza S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great little place for sightseeing and capturing shots with your camera; with friendly staff. They also have an area that is inviting for little ones with interactive draws to open and buttons to hear different bird sounds, stencil pictures and a small game too. The area surrounding is lovely for a stroll and a picnic, just be sure to take your rubbish with you when you leave!

  • 4/5 AJL 11 months ago on Google
    Plenty of wild fowl on the lake, with 3 or 4 fixed rafts with birds to nest on, one had its own camera so we were able to watch the action from waters edge comfortable hide.

  • 5/5 Jd K. 1 year ago on Google
    Scenic long walks. Plenty of birds and even s Bittern in my last few outings.

  • 4/5 Latif Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice experience to go for a walk and see nature. Just too bad how some of the dog walkers chuck dog pop bags into the bushes instead of the bins provided. They are really ruining it for everyone else.

  • 5/5 Monika T. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful nature park with plenty of routes for walking, cycling and wheelchair accessible too - the new bird watch space has a lift for wheelchairs to allow access on the rooftop observation point.

  • 5/5 Tim S. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful spot in the Lee Valley. Great for kids, loads of info as well as the look out tower.

  • 5/5 Nick W. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice improvements made to engage with those currently less interested in wildlife. Staff very friendly.

  • 5/5 Michael M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very helpful, friendly staff. Good social distancing rules, gently enforced. Booking to use the viewing rooms advised.

  • 5/5 Nils P. 5 years ago on Google
    Great place to enjoy nature in all its splendour!

  • 5/5 Ken Spinoza S. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing, clean with stunning views


Call +44 300 003 0610 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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