A TikToker has pointed families towards a country park with a spring-fed swimming lake, walking trails and a butterfly sanctuary, all just six minutes by train from Tottenham Hale. Zoe, known as She Walks In England, visited River Lee Country Park in Cheshunt and shared the details with her 53,100 followers.
The park entrance sits just outside Cheshunt station, and the lake at Herts Young Mariners Base has lifeguards and a shallow standing area for those not ready to swim. Zoe explained: "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."
Walking trails and a butterfly sanctuary
"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," she said in her clip.
For her own visit, Zoe did a three-and-a-half mile loop along Walton's Walk and the River Lee. She said: "I kept it chilled though and did a three-and-a-half mile loop along the Walton's Walk and the River Lee."
Open water swimming safety and facilities
Open water swimming at the Herts Young Mariners Base must be booked online in advance. Swimmers are required to wear a brightly coloured swim hat and tow float so lifeguards can keep track of their safety in the water; both are available to hire on site.
"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," Zoe continued. She also mentioned a grassy chill out area and stand-up paddleboarding: "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."
Activities and park information
The Herts Young Mariners Base is an outdoor activity centre located next to YHA London Lee Valley. It offers climbing, canoeing, kayaking, caving, archery, fencing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing and birthday parties, with advance booking essential.
River Lee Country Park sits on the border of Hertfordshire and Essex and covers 1,000 acres. Its website says the park "never sleeps" as it remains open around the clock, with wildlife sanctuaries, sports facilities, farmland, waterways and footpaths.
Visitor reactions
Commenters were impressed by the discovery. 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."
