Natural beauty, exercise and wildlife all on London's doorstep

This handy map shows the sunniest walking routes in London – so you can soak up the sunshine (or stay in the shade) as you wander around the city

Now, I know we haven't been banging on about it, or anything - but it's been pretty darn hot recently. The sun has firmly put its hat on, and across the city - if you listen carefully enough - you'll be a...

Secret Guides Wellness & nature

These are the best lidos and outdoor swimming pools in London – including heated pools, wild swimming ponds and Art Deco favourites

Al fresco swimming first became a trend back in the 1930s, and councils up and down the country set up hundreds of outdoor pools for their residents to enjoy – nowhere with greater enthusiasm than...

Wellness & nature

This overlooked South London garden is home to a waterfall, stunning foliage, and a charming community cafe – it’s one of the city’s best kept secrets

It's a fun fact about London that can come as a shock to many visitors: it's a city absolutely full to the brim with parks and green spaces. Sure, there's the iconic Hyde Park, slap bang in the middle, bu...

Things to do Wellness & nature

The UK’s largest lavender farm has officially opened its 110-acre purple paradise for the summer – and it’s only an hour from London

If you're looking to swap skyscrapers and stroppy commuters for sweeping views and sprawling fields of flowers this summer, I'd highly recommend you listening up. The UK's largest lavender farm is picture...

Things to do Wellness & nature

Did you know there’s a tranquil Japanese garden tucked away in a West London park? And you can even spot roving peacocks when you visit

Look, I get it; sometimes this city is simply too much. Whether you're overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, the crammed Tube carriages, or the expectations of work, it's important to find time to re...

Escapes Things to do Visit London Wellness & nature

There’s a magical crystal grotto hidden on the outskirts of London – tucked away in a park that also features a lake, a Gothic Tower, an amphitheatre, and more

Chalk this one up for yet another London(ish) sight that makes absolutely no sense - and yet we're completely here for it. Did you know there's a crystal grotto just hidden away in a park on the outskirts...

Things to do Top news Wellness & nature

This world-famous wild swimming spot is officially the best place for a swim in London – according to Secret London readers

If you can even bear to leave the house (my thoughts are with those of you travelling on the Tube, working outdoors, or not able to work from home today), there are probably only a few things on your mind...

London’s very first Olympic-sized floating lido has just opened in Canary Wharf – the year-round urban oasis boasts saunas, a community clubhouse, and natural water to swim in

We're becoming rather spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic spots to take an al-fresco dip in the capital city. But as the season for splashing around in water is officially in full swing, we're happy...

This Grade II-listed London lido has been named one of the best places in the world for a cold water swim – and it’s in a gorgeous Art Deco building with a charming cafe

If you’ve been desperately searching for a way to cool off in London’s sweltering summer heat, you’re not alone. Outdoor swimming spots across the capital are filling up fast but one South London lido has...

Escapes Wellness & nature

This picturesque Medieval town is just over an hour away from London – it’s home to charming cobbled streets, fairytale buildings, and one of the UK’s most beautiful sandy beaches

If you fancy taking a trip back in time, there’s no need to hunt around for a time machine. Instead, head out for the day from London to East Sussex, where you’ll find the gloriously charming town of Rye....

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