You may not believe it, but London is one of the greenest capitals in the world. From adventure playgrounds, city farms, lakes, parks and gardens, London’s ‘outdoor’ scene is as lively as its nightlife.

With us optimistically dreaming about the arrival of lighter nights, warmer weather and spring, planning to spend time in the fresh air may also be high on the agenda. But where exactly are London’s best places to experience as slice of rural life without leaving the city?

Hampstead Heath Park

With over 3,000 parks in London, taking a refreshing walk through some inspiring greenery is never too far away. Whilst the ‘big ones’, namely Regent’s, Richmond and St James’s parks, immediately spring to mind, Hampstead Heath Park is often forgotten.

Just four miles away from the hustle and bustle of central London, walking to the top of Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath Park offers some magnificent views of the capital. Perfect for romantic walks, flying a kite, watching the sunset or simply contemplating life!

Mudchute Park and Farm

London has many city farms, most of which comprise of a children’s play area, gardens and a farm shop to pick up local farm produce. London’s city farms are a great place to take children, especially during the long and arduous run-up to spring, and with entrance being free; it needn’t cost you a penny! With its shaded woodlands, steep grassy hills and verdurous grazing meadows, Mudchute Park and Farm provides an oasis of rural tranquillity within the concrete jungle of East London. As well as visiting the animals including llamas, there is a horse riding stables at this farm, offering group and private lessons.

Somerford Grove Adventure Playground

London’s adventure playgrounds are a great place to take the kids and let them burn off that excess energy that’s been building up whilst they’ve been cooped up inside for weeks. Having been designed by kids themselves, Somerford Grove Adventure Playground in Haringey is exactly what the young adventurers of London crave. The eco-friendly playground also has a pond, stream and fruit trees, putting children truly in touch with nature.

Kyoto Japanese Garden

London is brimming with beautiful gardens, big and small. Whilst the ‘big ones’, such as Kensington Palace Gardens and the Royal Botanical Gardens, span across many hectares and house literally thousands of plants, the smaller gardens offer a perfect brief respite from the ceaseless whirr of London life. Created as a “strolling garden” in 1991, the Kyoto Japanese Garden in Holland Park provides a picturesque and tranquil spot to relax.

The 4th Plinth in Trafalgar Square

If nature and greenery doesn’t inspire you, you may prefer to catch a glimpse of some of London’s stunning street art displays. Since 1999, the 4^th Plinth near the base of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square has become a display space for specially commissioned art, including Antony Gormley’s One & Other. This much admired piece of contemporary art was ingeniously construed when members of the public stood on the plinth for an hour.

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