Alfresco Feasts: The Top Picnic Locations in London

Pack your sandwiches—London’s top picnic spots are calling!

Published: May 13, 2026
Friends Having a Picnic

London takes picnicking to a whole new level: think sprawling parks, leafy riversides, and secret gardens, all perfect for an outdoor feast. Whether you want a casual cheese-and-cracker spread, a proper afternoon tea, or a freshly plucked treat from a local bakery, the city serves up green spaces for every type of picnic dreamer. Get your blanket, round up your snacks, and discover our favorite picnic spots, plus bites, views, and even a taste of royal history along the way. 

Our favorite London picnic spots include: 

  • Hyde Park 
  • St James’s Park 
  • Hampstead Heath 
  • Greenwich Park 
  • Kensington Gardens 
  • Regent’s Park 
  • Victoria Tower Gardens 
  • Primrose Hill 
  • Kew Gardens 
  • Battersea Park 

Hyde Park  

Hyde Park sits right in the heart of London, offering plenty of room for every kind of outdoor adventure—from frisbee flinging to duck feeding. With the Serpentine Lake at its center and plenty of flat lawns, it’s the ideal spot for both casual snacks and all-out picnic feasts. If you’re feeling energetic, enjoy a swan boat ride before you dig in, or stroll through the rose gardens in full bloom for a stunning backdrop to your spread. 

Feeling snacky but haven’t packed a thing? The park’s cafes serve up everything from freshly baked pastries to hot chocolate—the Italian Gardens Café is a local fave for coffee fans. Stretch out beneath an old tree, watch joggers at play, and spot local wildlife (including some very confident squirrels that may try to join you). There’s no better place to embrace London’s lively outdoor scene while enjoying your sandwich in peace. 

St James’s Park  

With Buckingham Palace just a feather away, St James’s Park puts you at the center of royal London. It’s a smaller park bursting with color and charm, thanks to flowerbeds that brighten up any day and lakes that attract herons, pelicans, and even the odd royal parade. Find a sun-dappled bench or open your picnic right by the bridge for postcard-worthy views of palace domes and the London Eye peeking in the distance. 

Why choose St James’s Park? The ambiance buzzes with city energy and regal history but still offers plenty of idyllic corners for quiet bites. Pre-order some pastries or cream tea from a nearby café—Benugo at the park’s edge is a solid pick—and let yourself be swept up in this blend of London grandeur and laid-back relaxation. Snap a selfie with pelicans in the background and raise a toast to the good life. 

Hampstead Heath  

For a picnic with a side of wilderness, Hampstead Heath comes through with rolling meadows, wild woodlands, and some of the best hilltop views of London’s skyline. Spread out on Parliament Hill and gaze out as the city unfurls before you—it’s a sunset-lover’s dream. The Heath feels less manicured than London’s central parks, making it unbeatable for an escape-from-the-city vibe even though you’re still close to the action. 

Local markets in nearby Hampstead Village tempt you with picnic essentials: cheeses, pastries, and charcuterie aplenty. Fancy a real treat? Pick up snacks from Gail’s Bakery (their cinnamon buns are legendary) or a bottle of something bubbly from The Wine Society. Whether you’re catching a Shakespeare performance at the Parliament Hill bandstand or watching kites dance on the breeze, a visit to Hampstead Heath is all about unwinding. 

Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park in Spring

Greenwich Park has everything: centuries-old chestnut trees, flower gardens, the Royal Observatory, and an unbeatable panorama across the Thames and Central London. Hike up the hill for a picnic spot with a sweeping view—there’s nothing like munching cheese and crackers as you watch the city glitter below. With plenty of green space, there’s room to lounge, play a game of frisbee, or simply people-watch beneath the broad oaks.  

Don’t forget to stop by Greenwich Market—just a short walk away—for artisan breads, street food, and cakes to fill your basket. After your meal, stroll to the Royal Observatory or Cutty Sark for a shot of local history, or explore the tranquil flower gardens. Greenwich Park delivers that winning combo: grand settings plus laid-back atmosphere, in a locale where London’s stories live on. 

Kensington Gardens  

Packing a picnic for Kensington Gardens means you’ll be nibbling on your lunch just steps from Kensington Palace. The immaculate flowerbeds, elegant statues, and wide open lawns set a dreamy scene for a mid-day spread. Find a shady spot under one of the centuries-old trees, or set up near the Round Pond to feed the ducks and cygnets as you relax. 

Just outside the gates, Kensington’s delis and patisseries provide everything you need for your blanket banquet. Head to Ottolenghi for Mediterranean-inspired salads, or stop by Cutter & Squidge for one of their signature ‘Biskies’—a cross between cookie, cake, and biscuit. Children can dash through the Diana Memorial Playground while adults unwind with a view of the palace. Kensington Gardens mixes royal flair with ultimate picnic comfort. 

Regent’s Park  

Regent’s Park wins hearts with its Rose Garden, boating lake, and rolling lawns. You’ll find sun-soaked spaces for sprawling picnics plus peaceful corners for a quiet cup of tea. With London Zoo at the northern edge, you might even spot a parakeet (or in summer, catch a musical at the Open Air Theatre while you munch). 

For picnic baskets, stop by nearby Marylebone’s bakeries—Ole & Steen or Gail’s offer buttery goods and great coffee. Spread your blanket among the tulip beds or next to Queen Mary’s Gardens for maximum floral ambiance. After eating, stroll to the top of Primrose Hill for panoramic city views, or catch a rowing boat on the water. Regent’s Park packs classic British charm into every inch. 

Victoria Tower Gardens  

Right beside the Houses of Parliament and the Thames, Victoria Tower Gardens boasts some of London’s most dramatic city views. This riverside park is long and narrow but never feels crowded. The grass here calls for relaxed picnics beneath London Plane trees, while the Buxton Memorial Fountain and views across to Lambeth add a dash of grandeur. 

Pick up lunch from the nearby Regency Café—their full English is a local legend, and their bacon sandwiches fuel many sightseeing adventures. Unpack your treats facing the river, admire the sculptures, or just soak up the historic air. Victoria Tower Gardens sits just far enough from the bustling streets that you feel like you’ve stumbled on a true London secret. 

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill remains a classic for picnic fans—bring your best snacks and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping city views and a laid-back neighborhood buzz. It’s less busy than its bigger neighbors, but its gentle slopes and skyline vista make it a top choice for everything from quick bites to full-on group feasts. 

Hunt for deli sandwiches and pastries along Regent’s Park Road—Greenberry Café offers standout brunch options and a great coffee selection. After your meal, stroll through pastel-colored streets, or walk down to Camden Market for vintage finds and street performers. Sunsets from the top of Primrose Hill are legendary; if you time it right, you’ll watch London turn gold as day drifts into evening. 

Kew Gardens  

For a picnic that feels like a mini escape to the countryside, head to Kew Gardens. Home to the world’s largest collection of living plants, Kew offers blooming backdrops, hidden glades, and peaceful lakes perfect for a long, lazy lunch. There are plenty of spots to throw down your blanket, from the tranquil Japanese Garden to a shady stretch by the Palm House. 

You can purchase tickets in advance and even pre-order a picnic basket from one of Kew’s cafés—think scotch eggs, savory pies, and elderflower fizz. After your feast, ramble through the treetop walkway, get lost in the bamboo garden, or explore the enchanting glasshouses. Kew Gardens is the perfect fusion of nature, history, and outdoor eating. 

Battersea Park  

With riverside paths, hidden gardens, and plenty of room to relax, Battersea Park is made for lingering afternoons. Whether you’re renting a pedal boat on the lake, spreading out a picnic blanket by the river, or wandering over to the Peace Pagoda, there’s a corner to match every mood. The park strikes the perfect balance between lively energy around the boating lake and quieter spots tucked beneath the trees. 

Families, couples, and solo visitors all find something to love here, from colorful flower beds near the Sub-Tropical Gardens to pop-up art and friendly locals walking their dogs. After lunch, stroll along the Thames, watch a game of rounders on the lawn, or simply stretch out on the grass and soak up the atmosphere. Battersea Park has that easygoing charm that makes a quick picnic turn into an all-afternoon escape. 

 

Whether you’re craving a quiet bite among the blooms at Kew Gardens, that unbeatable cityscape from Primrose Hill, or simply a riverside nibble in Victoria Tower Gardens, the city always serves up something special. So, pack your favorite snacks, grab a blanket, and make your own picnic tradition in one of London’s most memorable green spaces! 

Enjoyed this? Check out the Best Food Markets in London or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s London Passes  

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London's Soho lit up neon blue at night
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Top things to do in Soho London

Some may still remember Soho’s seedy past, but tucked in between Mayfair and Covent Garden this part of west London has once again found its stride as a fashionable and upmarket place to be. Whilst it may not have the historic attractions of other neighborhoods, no one can say there aren’t things to do in Soho London! It’s an area that’s actually something of a rare find – a part of London where locals and visitors rub shoulder to shoulder without distinction. Packed full of bars and nightspots, it also has shopping on Regent’s Street and the theaters of the West End to help maintain its stance as the capital’s entertainment hub. But amongst the rainbow flags and shopfronts of everyone-is-welcome Soho, you’ll also discover an array of galleries and restaurants. What are the best things to do? Keep reading to find out all you’ll ever need to know with this guide to London’s Soho. Must-visit shops The western bounds of Soho are delineated by Regent’s Street and its northern bounds by Oxford Street – two of London’s most famous and most important shopping thoroughfares. Running for almost two kilometers, Oxford Street is dominated by flagship stores for the country’s big names and department stores including Selfridges’ five floors of delights. Regent’s Street has a slightly more genteel air thanks to its mix of high-end fashion boutiques and Hamleys – the world’s oldest and biggest dedicated toy shop, with a range that spans 50,000 items. For contrast, drift into Carnaby Street, which was the center of fashion during the swinging sixties and continues to go its own way with its selection of independently-owned stores. Between the two, on Great Marlborough Street, is the mock Tudor edifice of Liberty London. A department store with a difference, Liberty highlights bold handcrafted designs from smaller workshops and artists. Known for its floral prints, it has previously championed everyone from arts and crafts designer William Morris to the creator of the punk look Vivienne Westwood. Soho theaters and shows Following Regent’s Street round to its natural end at the Statue of Eros on Piccadilly Circus will bring you to Shaftesbury Avenue. Otherwise known as the West End, it’s where many of London’s major theatres are located, including the London Palladium, Gielgud and Lyric. Seen as the pinnacle of performances alongside New York’s Broadway, its theaters are a favorite with movie stars. Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ian McKellen and Benedict ‘Sherlock’ Cumberbatch have all played to packed out audiences in recent years. Shows range from productions of Chekov and reinventions of Shakespeare to the musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer behind The Phantom of the Opera and Cats. If sitting down in one place for two hours leaves you cold, you don’t need to look further than the Crystal Maze Live Experience, recreating the television game show with its four zones and four different challenge types teams must take on. Soho’s top nightspots It’s nightspots like G-A-Y and Ronnie Scott’s that take much of the attention, but Soho London nightlife also includes traditional British pubs and semi-secret cocktail bars, ensuring there really is something for everyone – including teetotalers thanks to some choice late night coffee bars. G-A-Y is just one of a clutch of LGBTQ+ venues dotted around Old Compton Street, creating a hub for queer individuals and their allies, alongside the original branch of Patisserie Valerie – a demonstration of just how diverse Soho can be. When it comes to live music, one of the best places to head is Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, which has played host to some of the legends of jazz and blues including Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix and Jamie Cullum. Spice of Life and Ain’t Nothing But Blues have similar vibes. Galleries in Soho Although just a stone’s throw from the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square and Royal Academy of Arts on Piccadilly, you don’t even have to leave the area for artistic things to do in Soho London. The first private art space created for nothing but life through a lens, The Photographers’ Gallery has a pedigree which dates back to 1971. During that time it has brought new international artists to British audiences whilst also supporting homegrown photography talent, bringing the very best imagery of the moment to the streets of Soho. The main space of Frith Street Gallery on Golden Square has developed such a reputation for its exhibitions of painting, sculpture and installation art that the artists it represents are entering the permanent collections of museums globally. But if it’s moving images that capture your attention, the Curzon Soho Cinema provides an escapist’s delight, with some of the largest screens in London to watch the latest Oscar contenders. Places to eat in Soho Dine at each of our favorite places to eat in Soho and you’re either going to need a longer vacation or a larger stomach. Or possibly both. Trustworthy places to spend your hard-won cash include the flavors of Bombay of Dishoom’s Carnaby outlet and modern British cuisine of Bill’s Soho. Yotam Ottolenghi’s NOPI is one of a host of restaurants where it’s easy to impress and be impressed, with a menu comprising Middle Eastern and Asian-inspired dishes. Korean, Italian and pan-European meals all vie for attention just a few steps away. However, it’s Quo Vardis that takes the crown for staying power in a part of the capital where restaurants can seem as if they come and go with the seasons. First opening its doors in 1926, before that it was the home of Karl Marx, who now resides in Highgate Cemetery. The best things to do in Soho London Filled with entertaining ways to spend a morning, afternoon or evening, there are lots of worthwhile things to do in Soho London. Helpfully located not all that far from other attractions including the Household Cavalry Museum and Westminster Pier – for Thames sightseeing cruises – there’s really very little reason not to pay the area a visit as part of your travels with Go City!
Ian Packham
preschooler looking through a telescope in london
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London With Littles: Amazing Adventures For Pre-Schoolers

So you’re visiting London with a pre-schooler—lucky you! There’s no better way to experience one of the world’s most exciting cities than through the eyes of a three-year-old. This is the city where double-decker buses are magic, lions guard the palaces, and even puddles seem extra splash-worthy. Whether you have a train-obsessed toddler, a budding animal lover, or a little explorer who wants to run free, London delivers days out that are packed with wonder, play, and happy exhaustion. We’ve rounded up the city’s best attractions and immersive experiences for your under-fives, featuring hands-on museums, interactive adventures, and parks where tiny imaginations can run wild. And don’t worry—we’re sharing all the best snack stops too, because a well-fed toddler is a happy toddler.  Our favorite pre-schooler adventures in London include:  The Paddington Bear Experience  London Zoo  London Transport Museum  Kew Gardens  The Postal Museum  LEGOLAND® Windsor  Chessington World of Adventures  Hamleys Toy Shop  Mudlarking on the South Bank  Diana Memorial Playground  The Paddington Bear Experience: Storybook Magic Comes Alive  Step off the Tube at South Bank and into the paws of everyone’s favorite marmalade-loving bear! The Paddington Bear Experience is London’s latest treat for families with young children. And let’s be honest: even the grown-ups melt a little in the presence of Paddington.  Why do pre-schoolers love it? From the moment you’re welcomed at “Paddington Station,” little adventurers are drawn into a full-scale, interactive journey through the worlds of Michael Bond’s beloved books. Children can chase hopscotch along the station platform, load up suitcases (like Paddington on his very first day in London), and join hands-on craft activities: from hat-decorating to postcard writing.  Tram rides, whimsical installations, and meet-and-greet corners keep little ones engaged at every turn. There are hidden jam jars, rainbow umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, and even a super-cute Paddington Café for a “Small Bear’s Tea” (think dinky sandwiches and strawberry milk). Friendly staff in blue coats guide families with a gentle, playful touch.  And the real clincher? Toddlers love meeting Paddington himself, giving furry hugs and posing for the all-important photo—a heart-melting experience for everyone. Whether your child is a superfan or just meeting Paddington for the first time, this is the kind of storybook magic they’ll remember forever.  London Transport Museum: All Aboard For Hands-On Fun  If you’ve ever seen your pre-schooler’s face light up at the sound of a bus engine or the sight of a train platform, the London Transport Museum is an absolute must. Right in the heart of Covent Garden, this museum balances transport history with playful, interactive learning that’s perfectly pitched at the under-five crowd.  Bright, colorful galleries overflow with double-decker buses, vintage tube carriages, taxis and trams—many you can actually climb aboard! Kids can ‘drive’ the pretend buses, ring bells, push buttons or steer the tube through pretend tunnels. There’s a specially-designed “All Aboard” play zone, featuring mini vehicles, construction sets, trains to ride, and soft play with bus-shaped building blocks for creativity and safe play.  One of the coolest touches? The little conductor uniforms—grab one and let them role-play checking tickets and shouting “All aboard!” Adult nostalgia kick in as you spot posters from London’s golden transport years, but for your toddler, it’s a playground of wheels and tunnels.  Feeling peckish after all that excitement? The Canteen café inside does great sandwiches, generously sized cupcakes, and “little locos” lunchboxes. Stroller-friendly lifts and baby changing facilities complete the winning family package. It’s noisy, colorful, and magical—just how a pre-schooler day out should be.  Kew Gardens: Nature, Imagination, and Space to Roam  Big cities can feel overwhelming for little legs—unless you duck into the sprawling, flower-filled world that is Kew Gardens. This is the place to stretch, breathe, and watch your child’s curiosity blossom. With acres of green lawn to run on and wide, buggy-friendly paths, Kew is paradise for free-range kids.  Why do we keep coming back? The Children’s Garden is a purpose-built wonderland: think splashy streams, rope bridges, slides, tunnels, hideouts, and trampolines—every corner is perfectly suited to pre-schooler energy levels. The Water Play area is especially popular on warm days!  If your child slows down for nature, explore the Treetop Walkway—where you’re up among the leaves, spotting birds and scanning branches for squirrels. There are giant glasshouses filled with tropical plants (the humidity always feels like an adventure), blooming flower beds for chasing butterflies, and peacocks patrolling the lawns.  Don’t miss the Hive—a super-sized climb-in structure humming with light and sound, making you feel like you’re inside a beehive. Hungry? Kew’s family café serves kid-friendly lunches and homemade cakes, plus good coffee for grown-ups. In every season, you’ll find splashy leaves, puddles, petals, and plenty of picture-perfect picnic spots. Just remember to pack spare clothes for mud-loving explorers!  The Postal Museum: Underground Trains and Immersive Play  Hidden in the heart of Clerkenwell, the Postal Museum is one of our favorite secret finds for families with young kids. Where else can you experience original post trains whistling through hidden London tunnels, play in a giant soft zone, and spot penny-farthings in the same afternoon?  The highlight for many? The Mail Rail—a miniature train ride through the city’s former underground postal railway, complete with lights, sounds, and short, fun narration. Pre-schoolers squeal with delight as the train whizzes around tight bends—it feels just the right amount of thrilling for under-fives.  Above ground, the playroom (Sorted! The Postal Play Space) is a toddler paradise with slides, chutes, interactive role-play counters, and heaps of soft parcels to sort and deliver. There are postie jackets and hats—great for imaginative delivery games—or jump in a mini post van to ‘drive’ around the space. The entire museum is stroller-friendly with welcoming staff ready to help or answer questions.  As for snacks: the café is small but well-curated, with plenty of sweet treats and strong coffee. Not just a rainy day solution—this is a year-round winner for little ones craving hands-on play.  Chessington World of Adventures: Wild Rides and Real Animals  You don’t have to choose between theme parks or wildlife—Chessington gives you both in one, easily navigable spot on London’s southwestern edge. This is a total crowd-pleaser for families with small children, combining rides, animal encounters, and themed playgrounds.  Adventurous pre-schoolers will love the “Room on the Broom” story walk and the “Gruffalo River Ride Adventure”—both bring their favorite stories alive with gentle movement, bright colors, and water splashes (don’t worry, parents, you won’t need ponchos!). The Adventure Tree and AMAZU play area dish up climbing, swinging, and sliding from morning till naptime.  Animals are never far away: stroll through Trail of the Kings to see gorillas and lions, or swing by the Children’s Zoo for petting sessions with goats and guinea pigs. Shows and sea lion feedings provide regular excitement—and even toddlers can try the carousel or flying balloons.  Themed food stalls keep every appetite happy: the Fish & Chips stand is a family classic, while Pizza Pasta serves up Italian favorites fast. Wide paths, calm rest stops and helpful staff mean the day stays stress-free, so your only challenge will be getting your tired toddler off the Gruffalo ride at home time.  Hamleys Toy Shop: Every Child’s Fantasy Store  Toys aren’t just for rainy days—they also make for an extraordinary London experience. Regent Street’s Hamleys isn’t just any toy shop; it’s a multi-floor wonder emporium filled to the rafters with toys, games, and live demos.  From the moment you’re greeted by bubble-blowing staff on the pavement, Hamleys makes kids feel like VIP guests. Every floor offers something special: life-size teddy bears for hugs, car tracks for races, magic tricks to learn, and dress-up corners overflowing with capes and costumes.  The real Hamleys magic? Playful staff swirling helicopters above your head, demonstrating slime kits, or offering mini Play-Doh pots for testing. There are LEGO builds, Barbies, teddy bear workshops, and puppet theatres—all waiting to delight curious pre-schoolers.  Parents rest easy: there are lifts for buggies, and the “Hamleys Café” on the top floor serves kid-sized hot chocolates and giant sprinkle cupcakes. Even if you leave with just a cuddly Paddington Bear as a souvenir, expect smiles that last all day.  Mudlarking on the South Bank: A Free, Fossil-Finding Outdoor Adventure  Not every magical experience in London needs to cost a penny. Mudlarking—the art of exploring the Thames’ foreshore at low tide—delivers some of the city’s best free fun for mini-adventurers.  Find the stretch by Gabriel’s Wharf (look for the gentle shingle slope), pop on your wellies, and let your pre-schooler discover real Victorian pottery shards, fossilized river shells, or maybe a rusty old key. The ever-changing riverbank is a goldmine for tiny finders, who’ll feel like pirates on the hunt for treasure.  Bonus points: the nearby Southbank Centre has family-friendly cafés and free toilets, and you’re right by attractions like the London Eye and Royal Festival Hall if you need to warm up inside. Remember, always check the tide times before you go—and supervise toddlers closely, as the Thames can be unpredictable. Mudlarking delivers the kind of hands-on exploring city kids dream of.  Diana Memorial Playground: Pirate Ships and Magical Play in Kensington Gardens  When Londoners want to let their kids run wild, they head to the Diana Memorial Playground at the edge of Kensington Gardens. Inspired by Peter Pan, this vast, gated playground is everything pre-schoolers could wish for—climbable pirate ship, wooden houses, sandpits, water play, and secret trails.  Little ones scramble up the big ship, steer the wheel, and zip down slides, while parents relax on shaded benches nearby. Tunnels, tipis, sensory gardens, and musical instruments offer adventures for every mood—active, creative, or just quietly curious.  Security at the gate means only adults with children are admitted, and facilities include clean toilets, baby-changing, and an onsite café (the homemade sausage rolls are a winner, and the coffee keeps grown-ups perky). On a sunny day, the Diana Playground is a dream—pack a picnic and settle in for hours of safe, happy play surrounded by leafy trees and laughter.    London becomes a wonderland when you’re seeing it with a small, sticky hand in yours. With so many playful museums, storybook adventures, sprawling play parks and animal encounters, travelling the city with toddlers or pre-schoolers turns even the everyday into something magical. Good food, great facilities, and those all-important pit stops mean everyone in the family stays happy from breakfast until bedtime. So grab the snacks, zip up your raincoats, and get set for a London adventure tailor-made for little explorers—and their grown-ups.    Enjoyed this? Check out the most relaxing things to do in London, and wander the city’s best walks.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 
March is a good time to head to London's parks
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Why London in May is a secret worth sharing

Whisper it quietly – London in May feels a lot like the more popular summer months to come. Daylight hours stretch from 5:30AM until 8:30PM, temperatures nudge towards 20°C, and rain showers seem to lessen by the day. It means May in London is all about getting outside. Visit the likes of Borough Market and you’ll soon have more than enough goodies for a picnic in a Royal Park. Then cruise along the Thames for picturesque scenes of London’s historic skyline or meet the residents of London Zoo in their outdoor paddocks. These are just some of the great al fresco attractions that await visitors to the British capital in May. Wild beasts (and where to see them) Choose to stay in southwest London and you may be a little early for Wimbledon fortnight but you will have the chance to soak up the sun in Richmond Park thanks to the improving weather in London in May. The largest of London’s parks at 1000 hectares and a Site of Special Scientific Interest to boot, this former royal hunting ground still provides a habitat for several hundred fallow deer whilst King Henry’s Mound offers vistas reaching St Paul’s Cathedral. But it’s fashionable Chelsea that's the center of attention in May, when the Chelsea Flower Show takes over the grounds of the borough’s Royal Hospital – a home for military veterans. An annual event par excellence since 1912, attracting senior royals and a smorgasbord of A-list celebrities, this is much more than a garden show, occupying hours of television and pages of newspaper coverage. Further north, Regent’s Park is home to animals as diverse as penguins and tigers, being the site of ZSL London Zoo. A filming location in the first Harry Potter movie and a major conservation project, the zoo looks after around 20,000 animals, from leaf-cutter ants to less numerous pygmy hippos. All the world’s a stage The zoo isn’t the only reason to visit Regent’s Park, whose Open Air Theater kicks off its season of performances as the calendar hits May. Amphitheater style in form, weather conditions mean no performance is the same twice for the 1240 audience members who’ve come to enjoy the show. The South Bank’s Globe Theater also sees its actors hit the reproduction Elizabethan stage come May, though if you don’t make it to a performance of Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet, it’s still possible to head behind the scenes with a Globe Theater Tour. Don’t forget that London is home to the West End, perhaps second only to New York’s Broadway for the quality of its shows. Its 38 theaters are packed out on a nightly basis with the latest in musicals, comedies and plays, whilst Hollywood blockbusters can be enjoyed in the comfort of the Curzon Soho Cinema. Explore London’s top shopping destinations Dating back to at least 1276, Borough Market would have been known to Shakespeare and his troupe of actors, albeit in a slightly different form than the market takes today. Back then, and until the early 2000s, it served as a wholesale and retail vegetable market. It was then transformed to become a hub for curries rather than carrots and top-notch pies rather than pineapples as the street food craze took hold. Combining everything from food stalls to antiques and bric-a-brac, Portobello Road offers something different each day of the week (excluding Sundays when traders are given the day off but the stores lining the street are still open). The main day for antiques is Saturday, when a bit of friendly haggling may well get you that souvenir of your trip for a bargain price. The other big name in shopping has to be Oxford Street. This broad central London thoroughfare will be able to scratch any shopping itch, since there’s around 300 stores including most of the big names and a fair few flagship stores too. Discovery the importance of sea power to British history Say ‘flagship’ to a sailor and they’ll probably point you in the direction of HMS Belfast, the Royal Navy’s command vessel for the D Day landings in World War Two. Now a museum ship moored between London and Tower Bridge, visitors are able to explore nine decks to discover what life was like on the high seas in peace and war time. Belfast is just one of a series of things to do in London in May visible on Thames City Cruises alongside the Houses of Parliament, London Eye and Tate Modern. Four piers dotted along the river allow you to hop-on and hop-off as you choose, with the full journey occupying the historic stretch of the river from Westminster Pier to Greenwich, a part of London bursting with attractions. Among them are the Royal Observatory and Greenwich Meridian, from where the world takes its timings. The orange ball on the top of the observatory continues to drop at precisely 1PM each day, connected to an atomic clock – the most accurate timepieces in existence. But the naval links don’t stop there. As well as the scientific treasures awaiting in the National Maritime Museum, including objects used by Captain Cook in his ‘discovery’ of Australia, visitors to Greenwich can also step aboard the fastest tea clipper that ever set sail – the Cutty Sark. Compare the life of sailors onboard to that of HMS Belfast built just 70 years later, or soak in the atmosphere with a traditional afternoon tea in sublime surroundings. Unleash the secret of London in May! Thanks to relatively stable weather conditions you won’t have to worry too much about what to wear in London in May. Instead, you can concentrate on enjoying all that London has to offer. Travel with Go City, and you’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing you’re getting substantial savings on admission compared to turning up at ticket gates on the day!
Ian Packham

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