Top 8 places to enjoy Spring in London

Spring is a fantastic time to visit London. The days are longer and brighter and there’s often plenty of sunshine, despite the longstanding references to ‘April showers’. There’s a great atmosphere as residents come out from hibernation and start looking forward to Summer. Take a look at our top eight destinations for springtime London. 1. Hampton Court Palace A great family choice, this fantastic palace on the banks of the River Thames offers lots of outdoor space to explore in a lovely setting – and plenty of indoor activities if there are any unexpected springtime showers. 2. Colombia Road Flower Market What could be more spring-like than this? East London has played host to this famous market for centuries. Rock up on Sundays between 8am and 3pm to wander the stalls – all of which are bursting with cut flowers, plants and gardening equipment. Lining the market are some fantastic cafes, selling cooked breakfasts, cakes and bagels. 3. London Wall Walk Get out and about as you trace the original Roman walls of London – an almost secret side of the city that few people even notice. The Museum of London’s website provides a map and explanation of the route. Just walk a section or gear up for the whole thing. 4. London Wetland Centre Spring means baby animals! Pop over to this brilliant but under-visited nature park to see ducklings, goslings, cygnets and families of otters. It’s a totally different side of London just a few miles from the centre of the city. There’s a lovely café and always a full calendar of events. It will be a hit with the kids. 5. Green Park The bright, bobbing heads of yellow daffodils are already gracing Green Park. From March until October, you can hire deck chairs for an hour’s rest or to enjoy a whole day of sunny weather. 6. Shakespeare’s Globe Performances at this perfect re-creation of the original, open air Elizabethan theatre take place from late April until early October. If you don’t want to see a play and are more interested in the history, a backstage tour is a great activity to take part in. 7. River cruise There are a variety of operators taking trips down the Thames. The river is lined with major landmarks which look completely different away from land. Some will take you all the way to the Thames Barrier – an amazing piece of engineering that keeps London safe from flooding. 8. Cycle the canals Why not hire a bike and get pedalling to admire London’s waterways? Flat and serene, it’s an easy way of seeing a different side to London. Regent’s Canal is a popular route but there are other tow paths further east worth a look too. Stuart Leckie is Director of Sales & Marketing at St. Ermin’s Hotel. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.