Head away from the centre of London to find yourself a small oasis of calm in Epping Forest, which lies between Upper Leytonstone and Snaresbrook. There you will find Hollow Pond, which has a small lake, a forest trail as well as a clear area for picnics. In summertime, taking a boat out onto the lake will only set you back a tenner for a full hour of drifting along the becalmed waters.