5 Things to do in London When the Sun is Out
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Published October 11th 2012
Wrap up, put on your shoes and get out and see the city
After the success of 5 Things to do in London when it rains, I thought I'd cling to the optimism of a rare sunny day and give you my top 5 free things to do in London in the sunshine.
In reverse order:
5. People Watching
You can do this anywhere but my favourite place to do this is on The Strand. Pick a coffee house or a pub, and you'll find that observing the mix of locals and tourists, while nursing your drink, will keep you intrigued and occupied for hours. If you want to keep your day out, to a 'no money spent' zone, then make sure you wrap up well and pick a spot near the top of Waterloo Bridge. You might look a little odd standing there for hours, but hey, you're people watching, so you will be judging them as much as they judge you.
Postman's Park
Well known to Londoners and those who have watched 'Closer', Postman's Park honours those who have died saving others. Though it sounds morbid, it's not. It is humbling, historic and a beautiful little oasis tucked away behind St Paul's Cathedral.
Click here for more information
Other Parks
I might be biased, strike that, I am biased but I think that London has some of the most beautiful parks in the world.
Hyde Park feels huge, Green Park feels cosy and provides a nice little walkway to Buckingham Palace and St James's Park, which brings you an abundance of friendly squirrels and creepy pelicans. That's right, pelicans in Central London. Due to an unfortunate run in with three Pelicans on Australia's Gold Coast, I harbour a minor aversion to these big beaked birds. For those of you less affected by Pelican related neurosis, you'll probably warm to the cosy feel of St James's Park.
My all time favourite London Park is Regent's Park. You can move from areas akin to mini green fields, to perfectly manicured gardens that make you want to buy a house with a garden and hire a gardener. Plus, it's pelican free.
Click here for more information
Markets
London has a lot of markets. Some are well known, others are smaller but still worth a visit.
The best way to find the small ones is to go onto one of the local authority websites and search for Farmer's Markets. They're great for locals to buy fresh produce, but you can enjoy them as a tourist as well: fresh bread, cakes, cookies. You name it, they have it and you can be guaranteed that it will be tasty.
The bigger markets like Camden, Portobello and Spitalfields to name a few are easier to find and have websites dedicated to bringing you information on where they are located and what stalls they have to offer.
Click here for more information
Click here for more information
Walking
Walking is the best way to discover the city. You control your route, the time spent and the pace.
There is so much to see in Central London that you will be spoilt for choice picking your own route, but there are plenty of websites out there that offer suggested London walking. If you're overwhelmed by choices, use one of these as a guideline. The added bonus of all this walking: sightseeing plus cardio, don't mind if I do.
Click here for more information
Guys, it's time to stop reading and rush outside because we all know that British sunshine is an elusive little beast. Happy watching, sitting and strolling.
In reverse order:
5. People Watching
You can do this anywhere but my favourite place to do this is on The Strand. Pick a coffee house or a pub, and you'll find that observing the mix of locals and tourists, while nursing your drink, will keep you intrigued and occupied for hours. If you want to keep your day out, to a 'no money spent' zone, then make sure you wrap up well and pick a spot near the top of Waterloo Bridge. You might look a little odd standing there for hours, but hey, you're people watching, so you will be judging them as much as they judge you.
Postman's Park
Click here for more information
Other Parks
I might be biased, strike that, I am biased but I think that London has some of the most beautiful parks in the world.
Hyde Park feels huge, Green Park feels cosy and provides a nice little walkway to Buckingham Palace and St James's Park, which brings you an abundance of friendly squirrels and creepy pelicans. That's right, pelicans in Central London. Due to an unfortunate run in with three Pelicans on Australia's Gold Coast, I harbour a minor aversion to these big beaked birds. For those of you less affected by Pelican related neurosis, you'll probably warm to the cosy feel of St James's Park.
My all time favourite London Park is Regent's Park. You can move from areas akin to mini green fields, to perfectly manicured gardens that make you want to buy a house with a garden and hire a gardener. Plus, it's pelican free.
Click here for more information
Markets
London has a lot of markets. Some are well known, others are smaller but still worth a visit.
The best way to find the small ones is to go onto one of the local authority websites and search for Farmer's Markets. They're great for locals to buy fresh produce, but you can enjoy them as a tourist as well: fresh bread, cakes, cookies. You name it, they have it and you can be guaranteed that it will be tasty.
The bigger markets like Camden, Portobello and Spitalfields to name a few are easier to find and have websites dedicated to bringing you information on where they are located and what stalls they have to offer.
Click here for more information
Click here for more information
Walking
Walking is the best way to discover the city. You control your route, the time spent and the pace.
There is so much to see in Central London that you will be spoilt for choice picking your own route, but there are plenty of websites out there that offer suggested London walking. If you're overwhelmed by choices, use one of these as a guideline. The added bonus of all this walking: sightseeing plus cardio, don't mind if I do.
Click here for more information
Guys, it's time to stop reading and rush outside because we all know that British sunshine is an elusive little beast. Happy watching, sitting and strolling.
Why? London is a beautiful city, especially when sunny
When: All year round, when the sun is out
Where: All over London
Cost: Free
Your Comment
Great article Anita, well done on all your awards.
My bird aversion is to swans after one bit my bellybutton as a small child, but I love pelicans.
cheers
My bird aversion is to swans after one bit my bellybutton as a small child, but I love pelicans.
cheers
by Shannon Meyerkort (score: 3|1790) 2255 days ago
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