The King’s Cross Swimming Pond is part natural swimming pond and part art installation at the heart of the rapidly changing King’s Cross area. A short walk from the bustling King’s Cross and St. Pancras railway stations, the pond is nestled in-between building sites, blocks of student accommodation and trendy apartment buildings, with the tall city skyscrapers peeping from behind the cranes in the distance.

Anyone can swim here and there are three session a day which allows the pool to restore between sessions. The changing rooms are a vivid red and white stripe, reminiscent of a seaside deckchair and a viewing platform gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the pool and urban landscape beyond.

The pond is a joy to swim in with a natural reed bed filtration system, so the water is recycled naturally. Plus the planting around the pond is beautiful, with wild flowers, grasses and bushes surrounding the water so that the landscape changes with the seasons.

Open until December 2016 there will soon be a new sauna installed next to the pond providing warmth for those brave enough to visit over the winter months.

When you’ve finished your swim and need to warm up, head to the trendy Caravan in Granary Square just a few minutes away for coffee and brunch!

Images by Emma Bradshaw

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You don’t go to The Scarlet for a simple get-away; you go to The Scarlet to completely switch off, to re-energise and find yourself again.

Don’t get me wrong, the food is amazing (most of it locally-sourced), the beds ultra-comfortable and the staff incredibly friendly, everything you’d hope for in a luxury hotel, but for me the highlight was the peace and solitude. With incredible views overlooking the beach at Mawgan Porth, plenty of carefully designed quiet nooks, a superb spa and ‘grown-ups only’ policy, it’s a place you can truly forget about the outside world.

Everything just flows. It was fully booked when we stayed but you’d never have guessed. Everyone seems to glide through the public spaces in harmony. Not once did we have to share the amazing indoor pool (which overlooks the beach) or the steam room, and in the relaxation room there are quiet corners for everyone; just close your eyes and you are instantly transported to a world where food shopping and laundry do not exist!

If you can’t escape for the night, then it’s worth noting that the hotel and spa is open to non-residents, and they do great out of season lunch and spa deals for people living in Cornwall. Mawgan Porth is one of my favourite Cornish beaches, but in the summer months it gets busy, so I’m looking forward to escaping the crowds and heading up to the peace and quiet of The Scarlet for a pot of local Tregothnan tea overlooking the sea.

Images courtesy of The Scarlet Hotel

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There’s a lot to love about Watergate Bay Hotel. Perched on the edge of a cliff above a vast stretch of sand, it offers adventure and comfort in large and equal measures. With the beach, pool, spa, crèche and some great restaurants at our disposal, each of our little family found their own slice of heaven, even on a cold and blustery early spring weekend.

The ethos at Watergate Bay is ‘adult-focused, kid-friendly’, and I think they’ve got the balance just right. The hotel caters perfectly for families (with a fantastic crèche, kids mealtime and baby-listening service), but it’s also a place that grown-ups can retreat to for some proper downtime; quiet G&Ts and newspapers on the terrace after a breezy walk along the beach is what Watergate Bay is all about.

The place never felt too busy or noisy, too big or impersonal; it manages to maintain a sense of calm (probably a lot to do with the sweeping sea views) – and nowhere more so than the beautiful Swim Club; instantly warming and uplifting with its beach-house-style interior.

The infinity pool overlooking the beach is fantastic but the treatment rooms had to be the highlight of my stay. Here I spent the most wonderful afternoon hidden away, indulging in a massage. It was utter bliss! The whole area is beautifully designed – all calming Farrow & Ball tones, with low ceilings and low lighting and a cosy relaxation snug – I really felt like I’d left the outside world far behind.

Stepping back out into the Swim Club, adjusting my eyes to the light, I collapsed into a huge comfy armchair in the Ocean Room – a wonderful lounge with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the beach. My husband was still surfing and my three-year-old happily ensconced in the crèche, so I came to quietly with a cup of tea and that huge sea view for company. Bliss, and more bliss!

Images courtesy of Watergate Bay Hotel

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There is nothing better than immersing yourself in water on a hot summer’s day. Luckily, we are spoilt for options with three heated outdoor pools within striking distance – in Stroud, Cirencester and Cheltenham. The latter is our favourite place to while away a summer’s day.

Sandford Parks Lido boasts a huge 50-metre pool, complete with slides and lanes for those who take their swimming a little more seriously. There is also a shallow children’s pool and a paddling pool too. The rather magnificent white art deco buildings surround the pool, housing changing rooms and a cafe; reminders of a decadent past.

Around the pool are large terraces, furnished with flower beds, and lawns with plenty of space to lay out your towel for a spot of sun-worshipping and people-watching. Groups of teenagers gather in school holidays on the lawns, mothers with small children meet around the children’s pool and the serious swimmers pace up and down like clockwork bath toys!

We meet friends and splash in the warm turquoise water before emerging into the colder air to quickly change, shivering and pulling clothes awkwardly on damp bodies. We reward ourselves with an ice cream or hot chocolate before it’s time to go home.

Images by Emma Bradshaw

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If you’re a fan of getting about on two wheels then a visit to Lee Valley VeloPark should be up there on your destination wishlist. Originally part of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this huge urban playground has opened its doors to the general public and is a great day out for friends and families alike.

There are four kinds of bikes you can try: track your heroes in the velodrome, master five miles of mountain bike trail, roll around the one mile road circuit, or bounce up and down on a BMX. I gave the BMX taster a go and it was, quite simply, the most fun I’ve ever had on a bike.

Brilliantly designed, all outdoor tracks loop in and out of each other and are contained within and around the wider Olympic Park so you can see all the action as you are bombing (or bumbling) along. It’s a super safe spot for kids to test out their skills and even if you’re not the sporty type, there’s still something magical about riding under those five rings and taking in the views of the magnificent velodrome.

There are loads of options for entry including taster sessions, skills sessions, one on one coaching or bike hire, so it’s easy to create your own day out.

Image courtesy of Barry Caruth on Flickr

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The Park is an eco-holiday village set back from the stunning beach at Mawgan Porth. I’ve never been lucky enough to stay there myself, but it’s definitely on my wish-list! In the meantime, I satisfy myself with frequent visits to their amazing café which is also open to non-residents.

From the café you can peek into the tranquil indoor pool and spa area which, for just £5, you can make use of. Myself and my little boy have been known to while away a whole winter’s morning in the water while his dad is surfing, meeting up for a coffee and some breakfast afterwards.

I just love the café’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and hanker after the furniture – an eclectic mix of rustic farmhouse kitchen meets mid-century design. The menu is homely but interesting, with fresh and seemingly healthy dishes – although don’t worry there are plenty of freshly-baked breads, cakes, pies, quiches and puddings to tempt you – and a good selection of quick, light bites such a soup or mackerel pate and more substantial lamb burgers and macaroni cheese.

The café is really family-friendly with a kids’ menu and toy-box to keep them entertained. If we have the dog with us we sit in the conservatory area or on a nice day, take advantage of the outside decking area and settle into one of the comfy wicker pod chairs.

The beach at Mawgan Porth is spectacular; it’s probably one of my favourites. If feeling energetic enough, we walk the coastal path to Bedruthan Steps or we sometimes head inland via the footpath at the back of The Park to visit the charming little village of St. Mawgan.

Images courtesy of The Park

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In Birmingham, we’re lucky to have more parks than any other European city. My favourite is Cannon Hill Park which is a much-loved part of my daily life; whether it’s cycling through on my commutes to the city centre, going for a run when I need to clear my head, or meeting up with friends to attend the cinema, exhibitions, craft fairs and food markets at mac Birmingham.

Even in these cold, grey months, I love nothing more than wrapping up warm and going for a brisk walk around the boating lake. The grounds are beautifully kept and there’s also a wonderful tea rooms, tennis courts, crazy golf (currently being refurbished), a bowling green, pedalo hire in the summer months and a children’s fun fair at the weekends.

On a recent visit with my boyfriend and his mother, we made an unplanned stop at the neighbouring Nature Centre. It’s a bargain at £5, and although it’s outer décor might need a bit of t.l.c., it all adds to its charm.

Photos by Kerry Leslie

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It was only when I was given a bike that my impression of London as an urban behemoth, labouring under the weight of its vast population and bursting-at-the-seams transport infrastructure, changed.  The bike allowed me to make sense of the urban morass and instilled a thirst for pedal-pushing adventures.

A route that I am particularly keen on is the Thames Path leading from Battersea to Richmond. Setting off from the Power Station you enter Battersea Park with its themed gardens, peace pagoda and boating lake. Heading west you join the official Thames Path, where on a sunny day people are out on the terraces sipping coffees, terriers are chasing geese and fledgling romances are blooming. Continuing upstream you ride past the heliport, over the River Wandle with its shipwreck, visible only at low tide, towards Barnes, where the paved path gives way to a rocky track.

You can take a breather and try to spot the frankly bizarre statue of Michael Jackson outside Fulham FC’s stadium before continuing along the bobbly path, skirting the border of Kew Gardens and entering Richmond’s genteel surrounds. With 13 miles in your legs, and some well-earned cake in your belly from sweet-toothed vendor  The Tide Tables, the choice is yours whether you cycle back or pop the bike on the train.

Text and image by Will Strange, photographer (and bike fanatic)

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If you’re looking for a lovely afternoon out, Mayfield Lavender Farm is a treat you really mustn’t miss. You’re less than 15 miles from central London, but you feel like you’re in Provence!

The farm is open all year round, but the best time to visit is from early July to the end of August, when the lavender is in full bloom. The first glimpse of the fields of purple stretched out before you is something really special. Entry is free and you’re at your leisure to simply roam up and down the rows, breathing in the heady perfume, watching the busy bees and generally basking in this little slice of heaven.

We took a picnic and bedded down for the afternoon with the papers in the shade of a tree – bliss! Before leaving we headed to the lovely tea shop and of course had to sample the lavender shortbread and cupcakes – delicious we decided!

Images by Claire Woollam

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In the heat of summer and in lieu of my own private pool and cocktail bar, I’ve discovered the next best thing; a beautiful outdoor pool surrounded by the rolling hills of the Peak District. Hathersage Outdoor Pool is privately owned and run, and during the summer months is a welcome escape for families and locals.

The pool is gently heated to 28°C (it can feel a little chilly when you first jump in), and the kids love the chance to swim outside with friends. We usually pack a picnic and get there a little early, as they limit the numbers allowed in the pool area.

Just by the pool side are grassy areas where you can roll out your picnic rug and camp out for the morning or afternoon. There’s also a pool café for the obligatory ice lolly and packet of crisps afterwards.

My tip would be, if you can, get there for the early morning or evening sessions when there are fewer kids, and check the timetable for the public swimming times.

Image by Amy Bartle

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I’m not an outdoors type. Never have been. So the thought of swimming outdoors at the Lido in winter was a little daunting.

To get our nerve up, we sat in the warm, cosy café-bar and ate breakfast – sourdough toast and homemade jam for him, fruit toast and maple butter for me, coffee times two. Sitting in tranquil silence, the sound of the lapping water outside. I could get used to this. But we were there to swim.

Plunging into 19 degree water on a winter’s day is not something I’ve ever considered doing before. And it was fantastic. Invigorating. Refreshing. The contrast between the chill of the pool, the dry heat of the sauna, and the bubbly hot tub shocked our senses to life.

Skin tingling, squeaky clean and weary, we got dressed and headed for the restaurant for a late lunch. The food was spectacular – we ate deep-fried aubergine with goats curd, oregano, chilli and honey; butternut squash ravioli with sweet tomato sauce, pine nuts, yoghurt, brown butter and confit egg yolk; and for dessert, salted caramel chocolate tart and chocolate and stout ice cream. Chopping and changing from warming Mediterranean flavours to cold ice cream was thoroughly amazing, and an experience that mirrored our day perfectly.

Images by Lottie Storey

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If you’re a glutton for punishment, then allow yourself to be whipped into shape by Evgeny Goremykin – one the world’s best ballet dancers and ex-principle of the Bolshoi. Now based at the London Russian Ballet School in Clapham, I can’t recommend his Russian Ballet Pilates Workout enough.

No need to be intimidated – it’s just beginner’s ballet, Bolshoi style. He takes you through a gruelling workout that leaves you feeling exhilarated and in no doubt that physical perfection is just one more plie away!

Classes run every morning and consist of a specially devised set of floor based exercises performed to Russian music. Think Pilates on speed and multiply by ten! It’s a bit like being one of those romantic looking worker women performing calisthenics in a Rodchenko photograph – utterly compelling and completely addictive!

Photo courtesy of London Russian Ballet School

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