London lays claim to be the greenest city in the world, and it is in spring when its reputation starts to come to life. The plants and animals of the city start their race for life and the parks and wild areas yawn, stretch their limbs and awaken. If you are visiting London at this time of year there are many interesting outdoor activities to explore.

Parks

There are hundreds of parks to visit in London. The large royal parks such as Kensington Gardens, housing the Princess Diana memorial fountain and a few Henry Moore statues, across the serpentine to Hyde Park, where on a Sunday morning you will find a motley crew of orators at Speakers corner and north to Regents Park which houses London Zoo. These are counterbalanced by an array of smaller neighbourhood and children's parks, scattered like breadcrumbs across the city.

Markets
As the weather warms up people rush to the Sunday markets such as Petticoat Lane a large clothes market just east of the city. If you stand still long enough here, the whole of London will pass you by at some point. Another notable market is a flea market in Camden, when you have had enough, you can always take a ride along regents canal at the top of the market. As it is Spring though, you should head out east to Columbia Road Flower Market which rivals Amsterdam's floating Blumenmarkt as the best market for plants and flowers.

Wild lands
The biggest expanse of wild land in London is Hampstead Heath. Part of it is tamed for cafes and bandstands, but mostly it is left wild. At Parliament Hill you will find a small zoo for the children. As you move towards Highgate you will come to the ponds. Spring may be a little too early, but for the hardy there are a number of lakes in which you can swim. One is for men only, another for women only and a third family pond. Thankfully showering facilities are available there.

Cafes and Squares
London boasts a number of wonderful squares and what better way to enjoy these than to sit in one of the myriad pavement cafes and watch the world go by. As spring warms the bones of the city, people take to the streets and there is always something to watch. Convent garden is particularly famous for its street entertainers but thanks to Ken Livingston (mayor of London) Trafalgar Square has been pedestrianised and is often the location for great free entertainment.

The River
Since it has been regenerated, there is no better walk than from the London eye east along the South bank to London Bridge. Among the many sites you will pass will be the Royal Festival hall, the national theatre, the globe theatre and the clink, London's original prison. For a spectacular site, at dusk, make your way to the middle of Hungerford bridge and look east towards the city. There is not a more beautiful cityscape anywhere in the world.

Learn more about this author, Stephen H.
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