The secret English woodland no-one knows about in the middle of a city – that’s only open two hours a week
LONDON is home to a tiny woodland that most people don't know exists.
The only catch? You can only visit two hours a week.
Once a private garden, Barnsbury Woods is now a tiny nature reserve in Islington, and open to the public.
Islington Council explains: "Barnsbury Wood is a little hidden gem in Islington and the smallest local nature reserve in London."
It was owned by then MP for Huntingdon George Thornhill, before falling into ruin.
One surprising feature to have remained is the railings - dating back to 1852, they somehow avoided being used for metal during WWII.
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The London borough of Islington bought the land in 1974 with plans to develop it, however, this fell through and was then opened to the public.
It was then given nature reserve status in 1996 following local intervention.
The smallest of it's kind in London, the wooded area measures just 0.35 hectares.
It's not easily found either, being behind a number of Victorian terraces on Thornhill Crescent and then behind a black iron gate.
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But once inside, nature lovers can spot creatures including the sixteen-spot ladybird as well as stag beetles and toads.
And inside are fully mature trees include the mature ash and horse chestnut, as well as wildflower meadows and a bug hotel.
It is only open on Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm, although this also includes Saturdays from 2pm to 4pm between July and September.
You can easily walk around it in 10 minutes - just make sure to leave the dogs at home.
With the nearest train station being Caledonian Road & Barnsbury, there are a number of pubs to visit afterwards including the Hemingford Arms or Hammerton Brewery.
The UK is home to some other amazing parks you might never have known existed.
Also in London is Kensington Gardens, which is not only free to visit but is said to have inspired Peter Pan.
While there, you can also meet a number of exotic birds, which will eat out of your hand.
There is also Kyoto Garden which opened in Holland Park in 1991.
Many people have said it is just like being in Japan, and you can even spot cherry blossoms in spring.
Want to find the smallest park in the UK? Then head to Northumberland - with it having just one tree and big enough to fit six people.
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And perhaps unsurprisingly, the most beautiful national park in the UK is the Lake District.
The research, conducted by Bounce, scored it highly for its nature trails and stargazing spots.
