Summer’s Outdoor Diary

August 2020

Because this might just be the last of the summer, we urge you all to head outside and enjoy the sunshine whilst you can. This month, we’ve pulled together a list of our top ‘al fresco’ activities across the capital for you to make the most of the seasonal warmth whilst keeping mindful. We’ll see you out there!

Take to the water
Cool down on the banks, dive in or paddle a boat with friends – from natural bathing ponds to lidos and man-made pools throughout London, we can officially take to the water again. Floating away our worries has now become a favourite pastime for city dwellers. With boating lakes at Kew Gardens, Alexandra Palace and Greenwich Park, the Serpentine in Hyde Park is undoubtedly the most famous and our absolute favourite given it’s a simple stroll from our Westminster developments.

Open-air theatre
As Shakespeare famously once wrote “the world’s a stage”, and what with the UK’s wide range of open-air theatre experiences, it’s hard to argue. So grab your sunglasses and head out into the summer sunshine for a bit of alfresco acting.

https://openairtheatre.com/

Eating out(doors)
Since restaurants were given the green light to reopen but forced to impose strict social distancing rules, many have started to think outside the box (and their walls). Terraces have been repurposed, balconies built, and newly pedestrianised streets are now peppered with Parisian-style café tables – outdoor dining in London is the new order of the day. In fact, not only has the Knightsbridge Hotel boosted its outside seating, it has dedicated an entire new restaurant to it. The Garden at The Berkeley is a Mediterranean-style terrace tucked between The Berkeley Bar and neighbouring St Paul’s church. Here, diners can enjoy charred octopus with saffron aioli or steaks with smoked shallot butter, all cooked on barbecues outside. To reserve a table, please visit https://www.the-berkeley.co.uk/restaurants-bars/the-garden-at-the-berkeley/

Take a long stroll
One of the best ways to explore London is on foot – especially when the sun is shining. The top walking routes take you alongside picturesque canals and past some of the most celebrated landmarks in the country. It’s a fantastic way to see the city and even learn your way around. Conde Nast has helpfully rounded up 14 of the best walks to try in all corners of the capital. Whether you’re happy to stroll in flipflops or want to don your trainers for a more cardio affair, there’ll be plenty to wow you on your way.