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Lee Valley Regional Park adventures

Lee Valley Regional Park Adventures

Lee Valley Regional Park is a 26-mile-long green corridor along the River Lee, offering diverse outdoor recreation opportunities including cycling, water sports, and nature observation in a vibrant mix of urban and countryside settings.

10,000+
Acres Protected
26+
Miles of Trails
4 million+
Annual Visitors
1967
Year Established

About Lee Valley Regional Park

 

Lee Valley Regional Park stretches over approximately 10,000 acres from the River Thames at East India Dock in East London to Ware in Hertfordshire, England. The park follows the River Lee, encompassing open spaces, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and woodlands. Its geography combines natural river valley landscapes and reclaimed industrial land transformed into outdoor recreational spaces. The park provides a vital habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including birds such as kingfishers, herons, and kingfishers, as well as mammals and aquatic species, supporting rich biodiversity within an urban context. Historically, the area was heavily industrialized, but since its creation in the 1960s, it has been redeveloped for public use and nature conservation. Visitors enjoy activities such as walking, cycling along the Lee Valley Cycle Route, fishing in the reservoirs, canoeing and kayaking on the water courses, and birdwatching in protected nature reserves. The park is also home to internationally renowned sporting facilities like the Lee Valley White Water Centre, built for the London 2012 Olympics, and the Lee Valley VeloPark, featuring tracks and BMX courses. Several areas such as Walthamstow Marshes and the Tottenham Marshes preserve natural wetlands for wildlife. With accessibility from London and neighboring boroughs, Lee Valley Regional Park offers a mix of tranquility and high-energy recreation for families, sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers of all ages.

Highlights

Highlight

Lee Valley White Water Centre – Olympic canoe slalom and kayaking venue

Highlight

Lee Valley VeloPark – Olympic cycling and BMX tracks

Highlight

Walthamstow Marshes – important conservation wetlands with rare wildlife

Highlight

Lee Valley Canal towpaths – scenic, traffic-free cycling and walking routes

Notable Natural Features

Lee Valley White Water Centre

An Olympic-standard white water rafting and canoe slalom venue offering public sessions and training facilities.

Walthamstow Marshes

A nature reserve preserving valuable wetland habitat, home to diverse bird species and rich plant life.

Lee Valley VeloPark

A world-class cycling complex with indoor velodrome, BMX track, and outdoor mountain biking trails.