London has a whole host of wonderful parks but Brockwell is up there as one of my favourites. Boasting plenty of space for summer picnics, a re-vamped children’s play area, sports areas, a lido and walled gardens; Brockwell has it all.

Hop off at Herne Hill station and you’re just moments away. The park is vast with plenty to explore so it makes a great day out.

Brixton City farm sits right at its heart. A community-run farm with herbs, flowers and seasonal fruit and vegetables. They also hold workshops on varying weekends; I stumbled on weaving with flax when I was last there!

Next to the farm, through wooden gates, is an idyllic walled garden with cobbled paths and fountains. The garden is bursting with colour at this time of year and makes a lovely place to escape to; despite the wonderful glimpses of London’s skyline you feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle.

The lido is another welcome retreat at this time of year and right next door is The Lido Cafe serves really lovely fresh food all day. On a hot summer’s day, there aren’t many better places to be in London.

Image by red4standingby on Flickr

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Just off Kensington Church Street there is a little restaurant called Maggie Jones’s. It looks quite unasuming from the outside with navy paint work and flowers on the window sills but inside is a rustic haven. This higgledy piggledy restaurant is impossibly romantic with a warmth that you rarely get from modern restaurants.

Inside you are shown to your seat by charming waiters to either one of their little table booths or a parisian style wooden table. The delicious French- inspired menu is hand-written on a blackboard and propped next to your table for you to scout through the freshly sourced produce.

Bunches of  lavender hang from the ceiling and wonderful French and European memorabilia decorate the walls. It feels like you are in a French brasserie, and the food is gorgeous. There is also a huge table in the middle of the upstairs that would be so welcoming for a birthday or celebratory party. This is  place to go with loved ones and friends; it murmurs with conversation and dances with candlelight – my new favourite restaurant!

Images courtesy of Maggie Jones’s

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A boat trip down the Thames mustn’t be dismissed as a visitors only excursion. On a lovely sunny day, it’s one of my favourite ways to escape the hustle and bustle and breathe in the sights of London. Everything feels instantly calmer and quieter as you step aboard in Westminster.

From there the boat chugs along, past the city’s iconic buildings, under tower bridge, all the way to picturesque Greenwich. Just sit back with a brew or a glass of sauvignon and have a chuckle at the hilarious Cockney compéres.

Once in Greenwich, I make a beeline for the market. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, it’s bursting with wonderful gems from vintage treasures to beautiful hand made items to artisan foods; perfect for grumbling tummies straight form the high seas! You’re also a stone’s throw from the Cutty Sark, a wonderful place to continue the adventure.

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One of my most treasured spots is the glorious Trebah Garden near Falmouth. As a Cornish lass, most of my summers were spent here playing 40/40 and barn dancing the night away. Now, it’s one of my favourite places to do very little other than seek out a hidden, sunny spot and enjoy the views.

You won’t find neat, manicured lawns. The garden is sub-tropical and literally bursting with incredible plants and flowers including 100-year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias. The grounds are shrouded in history from doomsday through to the D-day landing and peppered with romantic outhouses. A short walk through ancient trees opens up on spectacular views of the Helford river and Falmouth bay. Then you can carry on down to Trebah’s private beach.

It’s a lovely place to visit at any time of year, but spring is especially lovely as the garden comes to life and the rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias put on their amazing displays. On a sunny day, it’s a place well worthy of a spring picnic and an ice cream.

Images courtesy of kathrynw1 and Adam and Vik on Flickr

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Parked by a busy roundabout, you could easily walk past the Georgian mansion that houses Brunswick House Cafe without a second glance. But once you’ve stepped foot inside, you won’t forget. Whether you go for brunch or dinner, cocktails or cake, this fabulous bohemian hideaway is a must. I’ve tried all of the above, and each has been brilliant, served by relaxed and friendly staff. One word of warning though, you may come home with more than just a happy, full tummy!

The building is also home to the architectural salvage company Lassco and the place is stuffed with treasures old and new. You can purchase anything you like the look of, from the chair you are sat on to the wonderful artwork and prints adorning the wall. It’s a wonderful place to lose an afternoon, indulging in a lazy lunch, wandering around the many rooms of the house and contemplating what you might like to take home with you.

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There is a hidden part of the East End which literally comes into bloom every Sunday morning. Columbia Road in E2 is a little street lined with lovely Victorian houses, now home to a selection of beautiful shops, each selling homemade loveliness and art-work. A wonderful place to visit any day of the week, Sunday’s here are extra special as the flower market descends, transforming this regular London street into a beautiful blanket of colour.

Columbia Road Flower Market is a brilliant place to buy freshly cut flowers, plants, shrubs and bulbs at very competitive prices. It’s also a great spot to experience the sights, sounds and smells of quintessential London – arrive early for the best bargains and make your way along the crammed street amidst the shouts of ‘3 for a fiver!’ or ‘phree for a fiver!’

Once the initial hubbub has died down, potter round the lovely local shops (the magical artist Rob Ryan has his gallery here too) and relax with a coffee and bagel in the Spring sunshine. Afterwards, if you fancy a bit of peace and quiet escape to Hackney City Farm just at the end of the road. The main building hosts a lovely cafe that serves up fresh seasonal produce 6 days a week – make a beeline for the red checkered table clothes and natter away as you enjoy a freshly made English breakfast and tea. My favourite thing to do on a Sunday (and just perfect for Mother’s Day), I am smiling just thinking about it!

Image courtesy of Daily Suze on Flickr

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I have many favourite things and among them is Megan’s Restaurant and Deli on the New Kings Road in Chelsea. It’s a place I simply cannot pass by without being enticed in by the gorgeous selection of cakes and pastries in the window. Simply look for the blue sandwich board outside.

Inside Megan’s the waitresses are always smiling and the place has a lovely homely feel. Continue down the stairs and out through the doors and you’ll find yourself in a private walled garden with flowers everywhere. It’s like stumbling into The Secret Garden. The changing colours in autumn make this little oasis especially lovely.

Serving up brunch, lunch and dinner, the food at Megan’s is all homemade from the very best seasonal produce, making it super fresh and tasty. All the cakes are simply divine and there is a wonderful selection of yummy coffees and teas on offer.

This truly is the perfect place, rain or shine, to sit, read the paper and enjoy a coffee and warm chocolate croissant. It’s the atmosphere that makes this place so special and once you find it – that’s it…..love!

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