I love a good list of goals, and my #LondonLists are so fun to put together. Even after nearly four years, I still adore how many new activities I find to do in this city. Now I’m also developing firm seasonal favourites that I love to experience every summer. Here’s what I’ve got lined up for the next six months!
1. A summer of live music
I’m not going to my beloved Glastonbury Festival after three amazing years at the mud-fest, so I’m determined to get along to lots of London-based gigs instead. There are so many great festivals right in the city that the main problem is choosing what to get along to, but Lovebox, Field Day and British Summer Time are definitely on my radar to start with, and that’s before I even start thinking about all the awesome individual acts playing all the time. Plus I went to my first Sofar Sounds last month and loved it – the concept of chilling in someone’s lounge, watching live music is just so cool! I’d love to get along to another one soon.
2. Visiting a lido
For someone who grew up with beaches literally on her doorstep, the concept of visiting a lido (essentially an outdoor swimming pool) is a bit of an odd one. But I have to get my summer swimming fix somehow! I’ve only ever swum in the muddy depths of the Hampstead Heath pools in London, so I’ve got my eye on the London Fields lido. However a trip down to the cute colours of Tooting Bec lido might also be in order – and apparently there is a secret one in Covent Garden that sounds well worth discovering!
3. Silent disco
As I discovered at Glastonbury, there are few things more hilarious (and fun) than getting swept up by the epic power ballad playing through your headphones, while watching your dancing friend groove to chill RnB beside you. London has silent discos all over the place, including up the Shard – I think the combination of a great night out and some awesome views over London sounds ideal!
4. Sunday Rambles
My hikes along the Seven Sisters and up Mount Snowdon were some of my highlights of last year, but just getting out regularly with my Sunday Ramble Club girls to a green Sussex field or woodland path is good for the soul. Even though most of the walks we do are only at most an hour’s train-ride from London, I feel worlds away from the big city, and always return refreshed and (almost) ready for the week ahead!
5. A food-related class
I had so much fun making pillowy sugary goodness with the Meringue Girls, but I’ve now got my eye on something a little more advanced – maybe Mama Lan’s dumping-making, or Bread Ahead’s baking challenges!
6. A new-to-me food market
It may sound shocking, but there are a few of London’s best street food markets that I haven’t been to – definitely something to change this summer! Primrose Hill, Canary Wharf’s new Giant Robot, or Model Market… all three and more?!
7. Rooftop fun
When the sun comes to London, Londoners don’t sit around thinking it’s fine, it’s always sunny… they get out there in droves! The parks fill up, any water source is treated as a beach (no togs, togs, undies here!) and most fun of all, London’s rooftops throw open their doors. From friends’ apartments with London vistas to East London hipster bars, I plan on soaking up the sunshine in as many rooftop spots as possible.
8. Volunteering
While there are many things in this world that make me feel increasingly powerless, there are some things I can do, and volunteering to change my little bit of the world is one of them. Tree-planting, running for good or canal cleaning are all potential options to make me feel a little bit better about life.
9. Salty fresh air
Just like a ramble, a trip to the seaside is good for my health. I’d love to visit the oyster haven of Whistable, the wilds of Norfolk’s coast or make the trip down to gorgeous Cornwall.
10. Outdoor cinema or theatre
There’s something so lovely about being entranced in a theatrical production while under the stars – provided London’s weather cooperates, of course! Shakespeare nerd that I am, I always love visiting the Globe, but I’ve always wanted to check out Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre, or one of the many outdoor cinemas that pop up at this time of year.
So that’s a pretty good list for me – what’s on your seasonal list? Any other London recommendations?
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