The sheer variety of activities on offer in London can be mind-blowing, exciting, or just a little intimidating.  If I go to that market, am I missing a better one?  If I check out that play, does it mean I can’t go to the cool pop-up down the road?  What is a London Lover to do?!  Well, I decided to pick a few things that I really wanted to see / do / eat and go from there.  First I had my London Summer Hot List (and Results), and that was so much fun that I decided to do a London Winter Cool List too.  I might not make it to everything on the list (straight away) but it’s very exciting to research!  It’s also great to have as a resource for the day (which may come, it hasn’t yet) when I can’t decide what I want to do in London.  So without further ado, here’s what I did and what’s still to be savoured.

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Having my London Summer Hot List was a great motivator last season – it had me seeking out public art exhibitions, zooming into the sky for brilliant sunset views and trekking to East London for the deliciousness of Broadway Market.  Getting out in winter can be a bit more of a challenge – when it’s windy and cold, sometimes all I want to do is curl up on my sofa.  Instead, I’ve compiled my London Winter Cool List (see what I did there?!) to jog me into action.  Here’s what made the cut!  [Read more…]

Back in July, I had a lot of fun putting together my London Summer Hot List, a list of activities and places I wanted to see this summer.  It was part a guide to highlight some awesome things going on in London, and part to act as my own motivation.  So now the nights are drawing in and the temperature is dropping I bet you’re wondering – how many, if any, did I check off?!

1. Visit an outdoor art exhibition

One of the things I love about London is how much public art there is – it’s out in the streets, not tucked away.  While it’s controversial, I liked the tactile nature and colours of the Serpentine Pavilion, set in Hyde Park.  And I am fascinated by the faces of the Rising Tide, set into the Thames river.  Taking the slides of Carsten Höller’s Decision was probably the most fun I’ve ever had with art!  I definitely had a lot of fun checking these out.

2.  Drinks on a rooftop

Last night’s incredible #sunset in #London from the rooftop of @Frankspeckham – such a great spot!

A photo posted by Jessi (@jessi2feet1world) on Aug 8, 2015 at 3:01am PDT

I predicted this one would be pretty achievable and I was absolutely right – there were many opportunities to drink in the skies, from Shoreditch to Peckham.  I loved the sunset and views back to the city from Frank’s Cafe in Peckham – I’ll definitely be back!

3.  Sign up for my next half marathon

I’ve been running most of the summer as I whittle away the kilometres on my #1kk New Years Resolution challenge, to run 1000km this year.  I had an enforced time off after surgery but now I’m back on track with just 252 kilometres to go – wow that feels good!  I’ve not signed up for another half marathon as I got so disrupted by my surgery (from which I am now fully recovered, yay!).  But I did enter the ballot for the London Marathon, so I’ll find out this week whether fate has a whole lot more running planned for me in the future!

4.  A weekend away in the UK

I had an amazing weekend away in the Scottish Highlands, which I’ll be blogging about soon.  From climbing the sixth-highest mountain in the UK (yes, I know, not exactly a world record) to trying to spot Nessie, all while soaking in the fresh Scottish sunshine and air, it was a great trip.  My only complaint was that there was nowhere near enough time to explore around Inverness, or go further afield to the Isle of Skye – so I’ll be back!

5.  Broadway Market

It was also not too tough to schedule in more visits to Broadway Market – my only complaint is that it’s not open Sundays too!  A great range of producers and loads of tasty treats, I also love the relaxed vibe.  While it can’t top my true love for Maltby St Market, it is an awesome option in East London.

6.  Add to my Thames Path walked

Although I have walked and/or run some sections of the Thames Path on an almost daily basis, I don’t think I’ve really added to it much.  But any time spent down by the river is fine by me – and I still live in hope of spotting a seal or dolphin!

7.  Visit Buckingham Palace

Well, this year I just didn’t get myself organised enough for the Palace tour and once again, tickets sold out.  I’ll be booking it in asap next year!

8.  Outdoor cinemas

I’m going to blame it on a large part of London’s summer just not feeling like summer – after the mini heatwave we had, it seemed like most of the warmth got used up.  It didn’t motivate me any further to catch an outdoor screening of a movie old or new – another one to keep on the list for next summer!  Hopefully conditions will be more conducive.

9.  Sky Garden

I wrote about my visit to Skygarden here – I still can’t get over the incredible sunset we were treated to, and those amazing views! Definitely my favourite London item on the hot list this time around.

10.  A walking tour

Another one that I didn’t quite get around to this time – but as they’re a year-round activity, I’m sure I can manage one before the next summer rolls around! I had so much fun putting together my summer hot list – keep an eye out for my winter list coming soon!  Any suggestions for me?

Summer has finally arrived in London (today is the exception that proves the rule, as it’s raining) and my urge to explore has increased even more.  My burgeoning London List has seen loads of activities ticked off over the past two years but there’s always a new pop-up to check out or a beautiful park to visit.  To keep it manageable, here’s ten things I’d love to tick off around London and the UK this summer!

 1. Visit an outdoor art exhibition

I definitely want to get to the new Serpentine Pavilion while it’s open, that mix of colours and materials looks intriguing.  I’d also like to do The Line art walk in East London or check out Carsten Höller’s Decision at The Hayward Gallery.

 2. Drinks on a rooftop

Probably the most achievable goal as London has no shortage of great rooftop bars that pop up in summer.  I live fairly close to the Southbank Roof Garden so that’s an easy win and am a big fan of Madison’s for its gorgeous view of St Paul’s, but I’d love to go further afield to tick this off.  Frank’s in Peckham, Aqua in Oxford Circus or maybe Queen of Hoxton – oooh the choices!

 3. Sign up for my next half marathon

My goal of running 1000 kilometres this year is well on track, but it would be great to have another half marathon in sight to keep the motivation up.  While running one in summer is difficult as I’m so booked up already, I definitely want to have one that I’m working towards.  I loved the Royal Parks Half Marathon last year but am away on that weekend this year – maybe Windsor or Oxford instead?

4. A weekend away in the UK

I’m currently plotting a weekend in Scotland to blow away the London cobwebs, and as always I’d love to get back to see my cousins in Abergavenny in Wales too!

5. Broadway Market

Technically this is a slight cheat as I have already visited it for the first time this summer, but I know I’ll be back because a) there was amazing variety and I need to eat more of alllll the things and b) the incredible fresh food was very photogenic and I’d love to share it on the blog!

6. Add to my Thames Path walked

I’ve done most of the easy bits of the Thames Path around central London, so it’s time to branch out further.  Inspired by this TimeOut post I might try heading out to the Thames Barrier, or past Hampton Court Palace.  Maybe one day I’ll make it all the way to the source!

7. Visit Buckingham Palace

Possibly the most touristy thing on my list, but I do want to have a look inside the Palace – particularly given it is apparently falling down and may soon have to be closed for years of repairs.  I’m fascinated to see whether it really does look like it hasn’t been redecorated since the 1950s!

 8. Outdoor cinemas

Just like the rooftop drinks, this one is all about making the most of the good weather while we can.  From screens in parks to bars and with deck chairs, blankets or bean bags, there is a ton of choice – now I just need to pick a movie!

9. Sky Garden

I love my London viewpoints and I’m intrigued to see whether Sky Garden will be added to the list.  I’ve read so many varied reports about people’s experiences here that I know I will have to see it for myself soon!

10. A walking tour

 

Of course I can get around London myself just fine, but a really good walking tour will make you look up, down or just very differently at the familiar.  From Macarons & Mews to Eating London, or perhaps the ever popular Shoreditch street art, there’s a few potentials on my list!

So that’s my list – I am looking forward to (hopefully) ticking it all off!  What are your summer plans (or winter, if you’re southern-hemisphere inclined!)? Do you have anything that you think I should definitely add to my list?

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