If you’ve been hidden from the world, or indeed, under a rock the past couple of days, you won’t have realised. However, it is very clear that winter is gone and spring is finally here. There is no better place than good old London in the sunshine, and we’re here to bring you five spots to enjoy in the London sun.
Southbank
Although an obvious spot, it would be rude to not take in the River Thames in the sun. Southbank is the perfect people watching spot. Aside from the myriad hidden bars, there’s the obvious places like outside Queen Elizabeth Hall/Southbank Centre and their huge roof palace with a great view!
Hidden in the depths of Tower Hill, where you’d least think you’d come across, the Monaco of London. A beautiful Marina, with pubs (you must try the Dicken’s Inn), restaurants, chains and independents and just the perfect space to walk and think about what it would be like to buy a boat with those millions you can win from the lottery. Jess’ favourite place to visit when the sun is out, as it literally feels like you’re on holiday!
Hampstead heath and other parks
The reason we picked the heath is threefold. One, it is Tim’s favourite as it is big enough to almost find a completely quiet spot. The ponds are there which you can swim in if you’re brave enough, and finally the pubs that border the Heath are brilliant and numerous, and most have beer gardens too. What’s not to love!
Regents park is also good for a long ramble, and it leads on to the perfectly instagrammable Primrose Hill.
Gardens
There are so many hidden away in London it is difficult to choose, from the Pergola and gardens in Hampstead (part of the Heath), or Sexby garden in Peckham, normally full of beautiful spring flowers at this time of year. However, our fave has to be the Japanese Roof Garden at SOAS. Completely not what you’d expect from a garden, yet an area of absolute tranquility. However, if you fancy your garden with a little more bush, then head to Phoenix Garden in Covent Garden. Totally hidden and totally brilliant, with wildlife that you just wouldn’t expect to find in the middle of London.
Rooftop bars
Now where do we start. London is full of them, for all different budgets and themes. Some of our favourites are Franks in Peckham, which closes over winter every year, and is the coolest place to hang out in South London. The skyline isn’t the obvious one, in fact, if you’re not local I’m not sure you could point me much out, but the atmosphere is great nonetheless. Secondly we’d go for Bar Elba in Waterloo. One you know we love already, offers incredble views of the city’s skyline that Napoleon would be proud of (look up the theme). They have a great drinks list, loads of space and instagram opportunities, and they serve frosé, what more could you want!
Enjoy what’s left of the sun this weekend, and, as that Baz Luhrmann song says, always wear sunscreen.
