Rolling hills, a gorgeous lake and even a mini zipline - what’s not to love about The Highams Park?
The Highams Park, situated in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, is often populated with dog walkers, runners and families - and for good reason, too. Not only does it have a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere, what with the broad expanse of lush green space and picturesque scenery, but it also harbours a rich history, meticulously explained on boards dotted all across the park.
Known locally as ‘Highams Park Field’ or simply ‘The Field’, The Highams Park now forms part of the City of London’s Special Area of Conservation. It is also a Site of Specific Interest, which comes as no surprise, as the park is home to many species of flora and fauna, including ancient hornbeam pollards and young oaks.
Further along the winding trails lies the historic Highams Park Lake. The lake is situated west of the park, and is owned by the City of London Corporation, although the rest of the park is owned by Waltham Forest. Humphrey Repton, a landscape gardener, was the man who dammed the River Ching to create this lake, and currently it spans a length of 450m and a width of 80m at its widest point. Aside from a wondrous view - both of the clear waters and the boathouse situated at the south end of the lake - there is also a small island which is regularly inhabited by nesting swans. Although it is inadvisable to get too close to them, simply appreciating their beauty is enough for most.
I was lucky enough to take a small lunch break at the park with my friends, and to this day, it has gone down in memory as one of the most peaceful hours I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Rashmi Banerjee, one of the friends I visited the park with, told me that: "The Highams Park is such a lovely spot to relax in. The endless green space makes me appreciate the beauty of nature all the more, and I love how peaceful everything is."
The sublime scenery and quiet companionship within the park, whether by human or animal companions, make visiting The Highams Park a wonderful experience - one you should definitely see for yourself.
