1. Watch the sunset at Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath’s 800 acres are full of excitement and hidden treasures. While it might still be a little cold for pond swimming – maybe a post-exams treat; the views, meadows, and hideaways are perfect ways to escape London’s madness for a few hours! If you want the best spot to watch a sunset or just admire London’s vista, head up to Parliament Hill for views that will take your breath away.
Price: Free
2. Pretend to be in Neverland at Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens lie next to Kensington Palace (£13.90 for full-time students), and are the perfect place to soak up the sun in a deckchair, or wander and explore the different statues dotted amongst the trees. Three of our favourite are: keeping an eye out for your Wendy at the Peter Pan statue, Queen Victoria’s memorial to her husband Albert, and for Pink Floyd fans, The Elfin Oak.
Price: Free
3. Row your boat on the Serpentine
The nice weather date night of dreams – a picnic, some champagne and you reciting poetry to the love of your life – all on a rowing boat in the famous Hyde Park. That might sound like a romcom movie, but it is actually possible with this bucket-list activity. The priciest inclusion to our list and once summer, most likely swarming with tourists, but certainly a once in a lifetime experience.
Price: £12 pp for an hour or £10 pp for half an hour
4. Check out the sites on a Boris Bike
Now called ‘Santander Cycles’, these bikes form part of London’s landscape. Perfect for cycling down the Pall Mall post-Mullys with your friends, or racing between the tourist sites you wanted to tick off before graduation. You can check out where to get them from here, and they even have some ‘leisure routes’ for those wanting to check out markets or hidden gardens. They are £2 for 24 hours, if you only use them for a max of 30 minutes each time, or £2 per half an hour if you ride one for longer.
Price: £2 for half an hour
5. Discover Kyoto Gardens
Hidden away in Holland Park, Kyoto Gardens comes strongly recommended by our editor. Full of winding paths, peacocks, and waterfalls, you can find your slice of Japan right on your doorstep. Gifted from the people of Kyoto in 1991, it is truly one of the greatest hidden gems in London. Perfect for some spring sunshine, or some April Showers to remind you where you are.
Price: Free
And for those who truly want to escape London...
Explore The Thames Path
If you truly want to escape London for a while, why not check out some of The Thames Path. Starting from the Thames Estuary and travelling 184 miles along the River Thames to the Cotswolds. Ticking off Canary Wharf, The Chilterns, Oxford and the Cotswolds along the way – it is truly an adventure if you are into hikes and have some spare time. For the rest of us, just a small portion is highly recommended for an afternoon on your bike or in your boots.
Price: Free
We hope you enjoy exploring all the gems London has to offer. Remember to pack your umbrella though, as at this time of year, those April Sowers are never far away!