If you want adventure for the entire family, this destination is well worth a visit this weekend. You can take a dunk in the open water, check out the butterfly sanctuary or even enjoy the nature08:06, 02 Aug 2026Updated 08:06, 02 Aug 2026Planning a day out with the family isn't always easy if you've run out of ideas. Now with the summer holidays in full swing, parents up and down the country are scrambling for things to do for a day trip.‌Now if you love nature, water and butterflies, we have a location which is worth adding to your bucket list. And the best part is, if you're based in London it's just a short train ride. What's also great about this place is that if you're not confident with your swimming, you can ease into the open water without much pressure.‌Zoe, also known as She Walks In England on TikTok where she has 53,100 followers, took a trip to Cheshunt which is just 6 minutes away from Tottenham Hale in London.‌Once she arrived, she made her way to the River Lee Country Park which had plenty of activities on offer – from paddleboarding to walking trials.Content cannot be displayed without consentTop Activities and Open Water Swimming Near LondonShe began in the clip: "This swimming lake is just a 6 minute train ride from London surrounded by nature, it's a spring-fed lake and there's lifeguards too.‌"It's located in a country park with tons of walking trails, accessible paths, rugged paths and a butterfly sanctuary so you can make a bit of a day of it. Have a lovely nature walk before cooling off in the lake."To get there, Zoe travelled via train from Tottenham Hale to Cheshunt. The entrance to the River Lee Country Park is located just outside the station so you don't have to travel far.She recommended doing a walk first with 1,000 acres you can explore. Zoe added: "I kept it chilled though and did a three-and-a-half mile loop along the Walton's Walk and the River Lee."‌Once she worked up a sweat and needed to cool down, Zoe visited the Herts Young Mariners Base for open swimming. You can book tickets online in advance.Swimmers are required to wear a brightly coloured swim hat and tow float so that lifeguards can keep track of your safety in the water. Should you not have either, both are available to hire on site.She continued: "When you enter the lake there's a section where you can stand if you aren't ready to swim yet and just want to get yourself used to being in open water and my gosh it's refreshing, especially after the walk.‌"There's also a grassy chill out area, I made use of that. If you want some extra adventure, they also do stand-up paddle boarding but I'll be back again soon."What Visitors Are Saying About River Lee Country ParkThe recommendation left commenters thoroughly impressed. One wrote: "I live not far from here, completely forgot this place existed. Went there as a kid with school."Another added: "This is a short drive from me! I didn't know about this! Awesome!" A third commented: "I wanna go here."‌Outdoor Family Adventures and Visiting InformationThe Herts Young Mariners Base is an outdoor activity centre situated right next to YHA London Lee Valley, offering something for everyone – whether you're a seasoned thrill-seeker or a complete novice.Activities on offer include climbing, canoeing, kayaking, caving, archery, fencing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing and even birthday parties, though advance booking is essential.Meanwhile, the River Lee Country Park sits on the border of Hertfordshire and Essex, boasting vast open spaces, wildlife sanctuaries, sporting facilities, farmland and a wealth of waterways and footpaths.Article continues belowAccording to its website, the sprawling 1,000-acre park offers an impressive range of activities and "never sleeps" as it remains open around the clock.