Summer hits a bit differently when you’re a Londoner. You already know the local landmarks, you’ve likely done the tourist attractions many times and with crowds flocking to the city to enjoy the summer months, you might be looking for alternative ways to spend the warmer days. The good news is, there are plenty of places in London that are just a stone’s throw away, offering something a bit different for locals. So here are several ideas to add to your itinerary.
Explore the Thames Path
The Thames Path is huge. In fact, it’s about 185-miles long, running from the Cotswolds all the way to the Thames Barrier in London. It’s one of the UK’s longest and most accessible national trails – and you can dip in and out of it easily as a Londoner. While most visitors to the capital only see the Westminster stretch, locals can avoid the crowds by heading from Richmond to Kingston. This bit of the path is shady, leafy and full of pubs and gardens if you want regular rest stops. Rotherhithe to Greenwich is also a great route, packed with industrial history, quiet backstreets and riverside benches.
Top Tip: Freeze a bottle of water the night before and it’ll melt slowly during your walk.
Head to South Kensington
Did you know that you can enjoy the beauty and opulence of South Kensington, without getting caught up in the busy museum crowds? While attractions such as the Science Museum and Natural History Museum are always crowded, you might fancy something a bit different such as visiting the South Side of Kensington Gardens (by Queen’s Gate), which tends to be a lot quieter than the busy Round Pond and Italian Gardens. You can also take a pause at The Royal Geographical Society Courtyard, which is usually quiet, before heading for a walk down Gloucester Road. Leafy, elegant, full of independent restaurants and much quieter than Exhibition Road, this is a great part of the city to explore.
Top Tip: When in the area, don’t miss Little India. Search for the ‘best Indian places near me’ when in South Kensington and drop into our restaurant for authentic dishes made with the finest ingredients.
Explore Hidden Green Spaces
London’s green spaces are in high demand when the sun’s in the sky, but there are certain pockets of calm that stay quiet even during summer. Great places for locals to explore include Hampstead Pergola for its shaded beauty, Walthamstow Wetlands which tends to be breezy and peaceful, Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden for early morning tranquility and friendly squirrels, or The Wildlife Garden behind the Natural History Museum. Pack a picnic and enjoy being outside, away from the worst of the crowds.
Enjoy Indian cuisine in London
Being a local in London sometimes has its challenges but there are still many wonderful things you can do during the summer months. If you’re looking for good Indian food while out and about, search ‘the best Indian near me’ to find Little India on Gloucester Road and enjoy a true taste of this diverse nation.
