Living in North London, having a tiny piece of the country on our doorstep in the form of Alexandra Park is incredibly important to my husband and I. This lovely green space is home to one of our most favourite walks in the capital.

To start, meander up the hill, past the beautiful, shaggy occupants in the deer park, to the duck pond at the top. The duck pond itself is large, immaculate and teeming with bird life. At the edge of the pond sits a very lovely café, which exhibits local artists’ works, and is a great spot to take a breather and enjoy one of their fantastic, frothy cappuccinos. From here it is a short walk down to the farmers’ market which takes place every Sunday at the Muswell Hill entrance to the park. The stalls are packed with yummy local produce from rare breed meats, organic fruit and veg, home-baked cakes, cheeses, olives, breads and a multitude of other delicious treats.

Just a stone’s throw away, on the Southern side of the park, is the garden centre, where many an hour can be whiled away perusing the glorious blooms. After a cup of tea in their café, it’s time to head back home, cresting the top of the Palace, and stopping to take in the incredible panoramic views across London, from the Eye to the Gherkin to the Millennium Dome.

TiYK Top Tip! Take a blanket, a flask of mulled wine and some mince pies to the top of Ally Pally on New Year’s Eve, and watch the firework displays across London. Because of the distance you can see their whole journey, from take-off to explosion, all in slow and silent motion! A very surreal experience.

Photo courtesy of Jim Linwood on Flickr