With spring in full swing, Londoners are flocking to their local parks to play. Drinks in tow and tops off, there’s nothing quite like a sunny UK. Although a day on the green is ideal, here’s my list of go-to places just outside the big smoke!
BRIGHTON
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Boasting beachfront views and bright music scene to match, this summer is the perfect time to skip the rush of town and catch the sun. There is nothing quite like a sunny day in Brighton, and if you catch it at the right time the seaside town shines. My first experience of Brighton saw me there in July, singlet and skirt combo in full force. Not expecting the brightest of British weather, I walked away in high spirits and a tan (almost burn) to match. Reminiscent of the fun found in Venice Beach (LA), the Brighton pier and wheel are highlights when the British wind and rain calms down. A short train trip out of the centre of London, be sure to pre-book (especially before the weekend) to avoid spending your well-earned booze dollars.
Tip: For you travellers, the beach is pebbled! Be sure to pack sandshoes or sandals. With beach towels and picnic packed, you’ll find people scattered cross shore on hired deck chairs, small change will come in handy.
EPPING FOREST
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An escape from the big city and only a stone’s throw away, the ancient woodland of Epping lies to the East of London and can be easily accessed by tube. So whip out those Oyster cards and hop on the tube or the overground, transport to a nearby town and a short walk are usually the easiest options. In the hustle and bustle of London there’s something satisfying about disappearing into depths of overgrowth and trees. As the weather warms Epping forest is the perfect place to spend an afternoon sitting in the fields that surround, or park yourself a spot on the forest floor with a rug, roadie and sandwich.
Tip: I visited Epping Forest in the winter and still found it enjoyable even with the unpredictable weather. Don’t let the grey discourage you, pop on some wellis and warmest to splash about in the mud and stop into a local pub for a pint.
WHITSTABLE
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Located an hour and a half by train from London, Whistable is the perfect getaway for any local or tourist. The seaside town located in Kent boasts water that sparkles in the most beautiful of weather and seafood delights to share or keep to yourself. The picturesque town is a day trip from the madness, locals greeting with a smile. My pick for a day with the girls or significant other, it’s a place to sit and enjoy the quiet as a hidden gem of England.
WINCHESTER
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Historic gem Winchester clocks in as one of my fave getaways this summer! With a bit of a literary history, the late Jane Austin has a walking trail through the settlement, the town also featured in the classic Tess of the D’Urbervilles (fun facts). With it’s iconic Cathedral smack bang in the small city, it continues to be one of the longest standing cathedrals in the UK with picturesque grounds to match. Be sure to pack a picnic and choose a spot on the green, it promises to be little more magical than London Fields (soz, not soz). A short hour train trip from London, pack your favourite novel to pass the short time and escape the city for a day.
Tip: St Catherines Hill is another visitor go-to. Made up of chalk grassland, the hill blooms beautiful flowers the warmer parts of the year and is home to bountiful amounts of butterflies – IS THIS PLACE HEAVEN? Be sure to take a camera for snaps!
Well we wrap it up there! Londoners it has indeed been a rocky start to Spring, but warmer weather is promised this week (heatwave? apparently?) and clearer skies are both predicted. Take the time to enjoy a short trip from the rush of London and seek out the UK’s hidden gems in the sunshine. Whether you find yourself lost by the seaside, amongst the trees or in histories past – this Spring is the perfect time to remove yourself from the madness and explore!
Enjoy! MKH xxx
By Mali-Koa Hood our guest editor (May 2105)
