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11 Sep

Autumn at Kew Gardens in London

Posted by Jenny in Attractions, Open Spaces 2 Comments

I tend to think of Kew Gardens as a place best visited in spring when hundreds of daffodils and crocuses fill the lawns.

However, I was pleasantly surprised when I visited on a distinctly autumnal day – windy, a little on the cold side, and cloudy skies (though the sun did manage to break through a few times).

Although many of the flowers aren’t in bloom at this time of year, there’s still plenty of colour on the trees, as their leaves turn red, gold and orange. The ground was littered with acorns and it seemed the resident squirrels couldn’t believe their luck as they scampered about collecting them.

There was no shortage of wildlife as we saw several flocks of Canadian Geese wandering around the park, plus swans and their signets on the lake, and a few ducks too.

Up on the impressive Xstrasa Treetop Walkway, we came close to some pretty decent looking conkers – the kind that I could never quite reach as a child. In all honesty, I was still too short to get them, but a taller person might just manage!

Check out our Tips for Autumn

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2 Sep

Photo of the Week: The River at Kingston upon Thames

Posted by Lettice in Open Spaces No Comments

The river at Kingston upon Thames

This week’s photo is by just.being and shows the swans enjoying the riverside at Kingston upon Thames.

The Met Office are predicting a sunny weekend so go out and photograph London and share your pictures with us in the Visit London Flickr pool.

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28 Aug

Nike Women Outdoor Training Session

Posted by Siobhan Chapman in Classes, Dance, Open Spaces, Special Events, Sport No Comments

Getting active on the South Bank

“This is where you do your Beyonce flick” said our chirpy dance instructor.

There I was, amongst dozens of women that had braved a drizzly British summer evening to shake our booty on the South Bank, under the gaze of thousands of tourists in the London Eye.

The Nike women training club is not a traditional boot camp. There were no scary military instructors, no drill whistles and no push ups. Instead, we found ourselves entertained by a live DJ as the dancers in a blaze of colour and energy wove through the crowd busting their moves.

It wasn’t long before we were joining in, learning to groove, bump, grind and bounce as the DJ spun her tunes. I’ve never been that great with choreography – unless you count knowing every move in The Timewarp – and I felt a little self conscious at first. But all notions of British reserve disappeared with the Beyonce flick. There is no room for wallflowers in this class. And this was too much fun to be a workout. The rain was forgotten, and before I knew it, hey, I’d done the moves right. All in all, the Nike women class is a great way to challenge yourself, make new friends and learn new skills. The only downside was, like all good parties, it ended too soon.

The next Nike Women Outdoor Training Session is on 9 September. Visit www.nikewomen.com for more information.

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20 Aug

Parkour to Power Kiting: Extreme Sports in London

Posted by Hannah in Open Spaces, Sport 4 Comments

Kitevibe in Richmond Park

Inspired by last weekend’s World Freerun Championships or the forthcoming Red Bull X-Fighters at Battersea Power Station?

Or perhaps you read about London’s increasing number of Urban Explorers: people who enjoy delving into the city’s nooks and crannies, taking photos of the capital’s abandoned sewers, factories, and underground passages. We’re not going to suggest anything illegal like that, but…

If you’re up for a new challenge, why not have a go at some of these extreme sports in London?

Power Kiting
This fast-growing sport involves being pulled along by a kite while sitting in a kite buggy or standing on a landboard. Kitevibe offers lessons with qualified instructors in Richmond Park.

Hash Running
Hash running is loosely based on hare hunting. One or more hashers lay out a trail which the rest of the group follow. Runs tend to begin and end in the pub; hashers often describe themselves as “a drinking club with a running problem”. The London Hash House Harriers organise runs in London parks.

Orienteering
Orienteering involves navigating your way between various control points, using a unique  map to find the best route. It’s great for all fitness levels as you can run, jog or walk your way around the course. London Orienteering Klubb runs regular courses in Trent Park and Hampstead Heath.

Watersports in London
There’s a surprising array of water-based activities in London. Learn to sail at BTYC Sailsports Club on Welsh Harp Reservoir; try kayaking on the Thames; or look out for a new surfing centre in London from 2011!

Extreme Fitness
Military fitness classes are taught by ex-forces instructors, who’ll keep you on your toes as you do press ups, sit ups, squat thrusts and running. British Military Fitness and Army Boot Camp Fitness run regular group classes in London parks.

Parkour
Parkour (similar to freerunning) is the art of moving gracefully through your environment. Urban Freeflow were instrumental in bringing the sport to the UK. Set up by Paul Corkery (known as Ez), the group is now the world’s largest parkour organisation, offering a variety of classes, workshops and events.

Skateboarding
The skatepark in Meanwhile Gardens was one of the first concrete skateparks in Europe. It opened in 1976 and remains a place of pilgrimage for skateboarders. Nearby, state-of-the-art BaySixty6 has revolutionised the scene. Other skating hotspots include Cantelowes Skatepark and the undercroft beneath the Southbank Centre, where skaters have gathered since the 1970s.

More ideas? Let us know your favourite adreneline-fuelled sports in London.

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20 Aug

Photo of the Week: Kensington Gardens

Posted by Lettice in Open Spaces No Comments

Kensington Gardens

Would you like to be lazing in Kensington Gardens right now with an ice cream and a good book? We would.

This relaxing photo is by *~NA~* from the Visit London Flickr pool. You can add your photos of London to the group and we might pick your pic for its moment of fame!

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18 Aug

Five Ways To Cool Down In London This Summer

Posted by The List Man in Attractions, Eating Out, Open Spaces, Pubs & Bars No Comments

Absolut Ice Bar

1.  Ice, Ice, Baby at the Absolut IceBar
Nothing cools you down on a hot day like a chilled drink. And venues don’t come much more chilled than the Absolut IceBar! Everything in the bar – the walls, tables, chairs and even the cocktail glasses ­– is made of ice. (Don’t worry – you get given a thermal cape thingy so you don’t get hypothermia!) And to keep things fresh, the bar is redesigned with a completely new theme every six months. Cool!

2.  Stroke of Genius at The Berkeley
Acrophobic (scared of heights)? Aquaphobic (afraid of water)? It’s probably best you don’t read on: the two are combined to spectacular effect at the rooftop pool at The Berkeley. Between doggy-paddles, you can take in gob-smacking views over Knightsbridge and Hyde Park as part of a half-day or full-day package at the hotel’s Health Club & Spa. And when the sun’s out, they even retract the roof so you can top up your tan.

3.  Speed Boat on the Thames: Sorted for Breeze and Whizz
LondonEyeStPaul’sCathedralTateModernTowerBridge…! Yes, a voyage on a high-speed RIB (rigid inflatable boat) is without a doubt the fastest, most exhilarating tour of London’s sights! If you have false teeth, make sure they’re securely fastened as you whizz up the Thames, James Bond-style, with the cool breeze whistling through your hair. The fully guided tours – you can choose between the Canary Wharf Experience and the Thames Barrier Experience – last around 50 minutes. That’s your lunch hour sorted, then!

4.  Fortnum & Mason: Sundae Service
Back in the day, summer just wasn’t summer without a Screwball from the ice-cream van! But things have moved on since then, and now London’s eateries are serving up all manner of weird and wonderful ice creams and sorbets. Take the Parlour Restaurant at Fortnum & Mason, where you can cool down with treats such as the Lazy Sundae Afternoon (see what they did there?). It’s basically fresh strawberries with vanilla bean, crushed meringue, frosted strawberry and shortbread ice creams, strawberry coulis and – wait for it – 12-year-old balsamic vinegar. It shouldn’t work but it definitely does!

5.  It’s Great to Skate at Queens in Bayswater
It baffles me why ice-skating is a winter sport. The last thing you want on a freezing cold day is to end up pirouetting on your rear. In the summer, however, nothing could be more welcome! So head down to Queens London Ice Skating and Bowling in Bayswater, where you can attempt Torvill & Dean’s Bolero to the accompaniment of a state-of-the-art sound and light system. If you don’t quite pull it off, the venue offers classes to turn you into a pro!

Let us know if you have any other inventive ways to keep cool in London…

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18 Aug

A Jazzy Picnic Summer’s Eve on London’s Hampstead Heath

Posted by Jo Aspin in Music, Open Spaces 1 Comment

Jools Holland at Kenwood House

On Saturday we packed a picnic and ventured off to listen to some live music courtesy of Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, in the glorious setting of Hampstead Heath’s Kenwood House.

We came upon the scene from behind the magnificent 17th century villa just as Jools was striking up his first few chords on the piano. And what a scene it was. The huge brightly lit stage looked spectacular, surrounded by the beautiful lakeside setting, with no less than 21 musicians jamming on stage.

Kenwood House Picnic Concerts really are one of London’s summer must-dos, like the Open Air Theatre at Regent’s Park or a trip to the crazy Notting Hill Carnival.

Highlights included guest singer Ruby Turner belting out some soulful tunes, an effortless performance from ska legend Rico Rodriguez,  Gilson Lavis on the drums, and some seriously bad middle aged dancing in the aisles!

A little tip for future Kenwood Picnic Concert goers; allow a lot of time to get there as Kenwood House is not that near to a tube station.

There’s still a chance to snap up tickets to the grand finale Last Night Of The Proms starring Alfie Boe next Saturday. Snap up your tickets now.

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11 Aug

Hello, Dolly! at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Posted by Zoe J. Griffiths in Open Spaces, Theatre No Comments

Horace Vandergelder (Allan Cordumer) and Dolly Levi (Samantha Spiro) star in Hello, Dolly! Photo by Catherine Ashmore

London’s West End stars were out in force at yesterday’s opening performance of Hello, Dolly! at the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park.

The light drizzle failed to dampen any spirits, or keep any of the capital’s theatrical elite away. We saw Natalie Casey from Two Pints of Larger and a Packet of Crisps enjoying a drink in the bar. Once we’d taken our slightly soggy seats, we spotted Desmond Barrit not being the wicked Wizard of Oz; Nigel Cooke, who we last saw stressed out as Kent in Rupert Goold’s King Lear; and everyone’s favourite pantomime dame, Clive Rowe. Who we are sorry to say, was not in costume.

Rumours that Una Stubbs was also there can’t be confirmed from this quarter…

It seems this is a London theatre the stars enjoy attending!

We wondered if they enjoyed this fantastic show as much as we did. If you’re a fan of big, brash musical theatre with big song-and-dance scenes, and big-hearted love songs, you’ll love Hello, Dolly!. It’s sparky, silly, sentimental and showy; the lead, Samatha Spiro, is sensational. With colourful costumes, fantastic choreography, lots of laughs and wonderful showtunes, you’re sure to enjoy this “taste of the highlife”!

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5 Aug

Peter Pan Kensington Gardens

Posted by Julie Chappell in Kids, Open Spaces, Theatre No Comments

Peter Pan Kensington Gardens: Captain Hook

Sophie May (12) reports.

As we approached the huge, white tent in Kensington Gardens, little children excitedly fluttered about in fairy costumes. In fact, everyone seemed very excited about seeing Peter Pan.

The atmosphere inside the tent was magical. The actors were wonderful (especially Captain Hook) and the set design was brilliant. The beautiful, animated 360 degree projections on the inside of the tent made us feel as though we were right in the story – and the images changed every time the setting changed. It was truly awe-inspiring when Peter and his friends flew over London because it felt as though we were flying as well. There were delightful moments when the audience got involved and children tinkled their fairy bells, which was so lovely.

Everything about the play was enjoyable. I had a really great time and I think anyone of any age would love the show.

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27 Jul

Visit London Asks: What’s Your Favourite London Park?

Posted by Zoe J. Griffiths in Open Spaces 9 Comments

St James's Park, the oldest of the Royal Parks of London. Image courtesy of Britain on View

Last week, we were all dreaming of some better looking new stars to grace our screens in EastEnders. Thanks to everyone who took part.

Right now, we’re celebrating! It’s Love Parks Week.

Love Parks Week is a whole week dedicated to getting outside and enjoying the great British summer. The people at Love Parks Week have organised a whole host of fun events to help you get the most out of your local parks. Right across the country, people are getting into everything from family fun days to live music performances.

If you’re a fan of green spaces, London’s got a lot to offer.

But we want you to tell us which is your favourite London park.

Do you enjoy the bustle of beautiful bronzed bodies and empty beer bottles on Clapham Common on a warm summer’s day? Or do you prefer the wild, windy Hampstead Heath? Perhaps you’re a fan of Hyde Park, with the Serpentine lake for boating and Rotten Row for horseriding. Or perhaps your local patch of green is a real hidden gem, with plenty of quirky features to recommend it.

Let us know…

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