As things start to well and truly heat up in Europe, Londoners are looking forward to getting their pasty white frames out into the sun once again. London is a fantastic city to live, work and play when the weather-gods decide to grace it with some sunshine. So for those Aussies, young and old, who are thinking of moving across to London for a couple of years or just for the summer, here is what you have to look forward to.
It’s funny how much happier people seem on the streets of London when the sun is out. While Londoners might seem like complex and fast paced people, they still enjoy the simple and relaxing pleasures of life (mostly because winters can be so grey and dreary!) The atmosphere is far more positive and bustling in summer, where people are always out in the streets trying to make a buck, zipping around the place or jumping on a Boris Bike to avoid the congested traffic.
Hyde Park is a great place to soak in some greenery away from the centralised concrete jungle. Grassy banks and fields, trees, ponds and walkways make for a fantastic temporary escape back into nature. There is always something going on - whether it is Speakers Corner the traditional site for public speeches and debates since the mid 1800’s when protests took place or the bizarre hobby (sport?) of ski rolling blading, a real sight to see! Most people, however, enter for a brisk walk or place to picnic with family or friends.
Another superb summer spot is Covent Garden. Covent Gardens 19th century Piazza holds three different markets. The Apple Market is found in the North Hall of the Marketing Building and sells British made crafts, jewellery, leather goods and more. The East Colonnade Market sells a variety of products including handmade soap, jewellery, handbags, clothing, a magician’s stall, artwork, sweets and art. The Jubilee Market, in the South Piazza, changes daily. On Mondays the market is all about antiques, Tuesday to Friday it is a general market operating with traders selling clothes and household goods and on Weekends the market offers arts and crafts.
Of course, the only problem with summer is the heat and sweat generated from the Underground. This, however, can be countered by walking or by jumping on the acclaimed Boris Bikes (even after a few pints, it can be a lot of fun getting lost on the streets of London). Indeed, one of the more free and easy aspects of the city life is the leniency to consume alcohol in public spaces. While we are not encouraging great benders out in front of the public, the ability to enjoy a beer outside the bar or in a secluded garden spot is a fantastic feature of a London summer.
Then you have the whole of Europe at your doorstep. Croatia for a long weekend? Why not. Sunny Spain for a week or two, sign me up! The array of summer destinations across Europe makes living in London truly awesome. Music Festivals, too, tend to pop up in June, July and August including Exit, Secret Garden Party and Tomorrowland, providing all the fun and chaos that partygoers revel in. See you in London!
