London Wetland Centre

One of Europe’s largest inland wetland projects, this 43-hectare centre run by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust was transformed from four Victorian reservoirs in 2000 and attracts some 140 species of bird as well as 300 types of moth and butterfly. From the Visitor Centre and glassed-in Observatory overlooking the ponds, meandering paths and boardwalks lead visitors around the grounds, taking in the habitats of its many residents, including ducks, swans, geese and coots and the rarer bitterns, herons and kingfishers. There’s even a large colony of parakeets, which may or may not be the descendants of caged pets. By no means miss the Peacock Tower, a three-storey hide on the main lake’s eastern edge. Though there are half-a-dozen hides sprinkled elsewhere around the reserve, the tower is the mecca for more serious birders. Free daily tours, which are led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff members and are highly recommended, depart at 11am and 2pm daily.