Summer is here in London! The temperatures are slowly creeping up, and the sun has finally decided to stop being so shy. I think I speak for all Londoners when I say that we relish the arrival of this time of year (and not just because we are worried about our Vitamin D levels), and for good reason, too.
There's nothing like Summertime in the capital city. Whether you're one for a refreshing glass (or two! Or three…) of Pimm's in a stunning pub garden or prefer to put on your running shoes for a beautiful outdoor jog, London's outdoor spaces have something to offer everyone.
We've compiled a list of our favourite parks and outdoor spaces in and around Northwest London to help you make the most of the warmer months.
Hampstead Heath
Just a twenty-minute stroll away from The Quarters Swiss Cottage is the famed Hampstead Heath. With nearly 800 acres of beautiful grassy fields, woodlands, and wildflower meadows, you are guaranteed to never be bored here. If you like a refined experience, we recommend visiting the Hampstead Pergola and Hill Garden to see one of the most stunning landscaped gardens in the Heath, complete with creeping ivy and benches dispersed throughout to take a rest after a long walk. If you're adventurous, visiting one of Heath's historic swimming ponds is a must-do activity. There are both male and female-only ponds as well as mixed ponds (psst, if you want an insider tip, the male and female-only ponds are rumoured to be even prettier than the mixed pond) for a lovely summer dip. Celebrities are regularly spotted around the Heath, and social media channels are often abuzz with sightings of the likes of Harry Styles, Paul Mezcal, and even Taylor Swift on Hampstead Heath.
Regent's Park
Walk twenty-five minutes from The Quarters Swiss Cottage through the elegant neighbourhood of St John's Wood, and you'll reach Regent's Park, located in the heart of London. A more manicured park than Hampstead Heath, Regent's Park is the perfect place to see and be seen. Get dressed up in your finest sundresses or linen wear and stroll through Queen Mary's Rose Gardens, a breath-taking display of over 12,000 roses of different colours, shapes, and varieties. Along the Northern edge of Regent's Park, you'll find the quaint Regent's Canal, where you can enjoy a boat ride or a canal-side wander. For boating enthusiasts, check out the Boating Lake in the Southwestern corner of the park. We'd be remiss not to mention the London Zoo on the North-eastern side of the park, the perfect weekend activity for families and children.
Primrose Hill
Just North of Regent's Park is the famous Primrose Hill, a small but iconic green space beloved for its sprawling city landscape views. Just twenty minutes South of The Quarter Swiss Cottage, Primrose Hill is one of the best places to enjoy a sunset or sunrise in London. Bring a picnic or even a cheeky glass of wine and enjoy the atmosphere on a weekend evening. The surrounding neighbourhood is a star-studded gem, home to celebrities such as Daniel Craig, Jamie Oliver, Jude Law, and more. Primrose Hill is also an excellent spot for runners looking to challenge themselves on the steep terrain, and many running clubs and exercise groups can be found here.
The Park at Alexandra Palace
Located a bit further Northwest in the neighbourhood of Muswell Hill, you'll find Alexandra Palace Park. Alexandra Palace, sweetly nicknamed Ally Pally by Londoners, is perched on a hilltop with beautiful views of the London skyline. The park is known for its firework displays, cultural events, and stunning cherry blossoms dotting walkways along the park. Tree-lined avenues and winding paths make this park the perfect spot for a stroll. For television and history enthusiasts, did you know that Alexandra Palace was the first home of the BBC television services?
Brent Reservoir
Brent Reservoir is the perfect park for our more adventurous and outdoorsy readers. Originally constructed in the mid-19th century to supply water to the Grand Union Canal, the reservoir has since taken on a more recreational role in the nearby areas. This is the spot for water enthusiasts- enjoy kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and more on the vast reservoir. If you're so inclined, bring your fishing pole and worms because you can fish in certain areas of the reservoir, too! Designated as a nature reserve, you are sure to spot a wide variety of wildlife in the area. Keep an eye out for birds, as the Brent Reservoir is known as a birdwatching hot spot.
After months of being stuck indoors in stuffy pubs or in our own living rooms, take advantage of the stunning green spaces North West London has to offer.