City Spotlight: London, an alfresco paradise
Monday 18 October 2021
London, one of the world’s great cities renowned for world-class art galleries, theatres, museums, libraries, shopping, is also the world’s first National Park City and is best experienced outside.
London was recently named the world’s first National Park City in celebration of its urban wildlife and abundance of green spaces. This bustling metropolis has plenty of ways to experience green spaces and with swathes of the capital turned into pedestrian zones, it's an alfresco paradise.
- From outdoor dining, pop up pubs and rooftop bars, to riverside rambles and cycle trails, see what you stumble across.
- Happen upon hidden gardens in the City of London, such as Instagram hotspot St Dunstan in the East and secluded Barber Surgeons' Garden.
- Grab a deck chair and immerse yourself in cult classic or a new release at London’s booming outdoor cinema scene. Or jump aboard an eco boat and float into Openaire Float in Cinema in Regents Canal.
- Enjoy drinks at one of London's rooftop bars or chill out in beer gardens.
- See the city from two wheels and discover London’s cycle routes or take a dip in one of London’s outdoor swimming pools or lidos.
- Explore the capital's largest wetlands during the 11-month contemporary art programme, Wetlands Unravelled. The London Wetlands are located on the River Thames at Barnes, just a short train ride from central London.
For first time visitors and frequent flyers, we’ve got a wrap up of 9 ways to escape the everyday in London and 10 Must Do experiences for first time visitors.
Find out more on London’s Canals – an oasis of sustainability (and serenity).