8th October 2020
Nestled in Holland Park, the Kyoto Garden is an unexpected oasis of calm and the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle. The tranquil garden, originally built to celebrate the 1992 Japan Festival in London, contains waterfalls, beautiful trees, Japanese features and even roaming peacocks. Stop by for some quiet reflection and bring a bit of zen into your day – you’ll completely forget you’re just moments away from High Street Kensington.
Another tranquil area that you wouldn’t expect to find in central London, Little Venice is London’s answer to the Italian city. You’ll find a community of canal dwellers, little cafes and restaurants and when the weather is dry, it is the start of a beautiful walk down the towpath to either Maida Vale or Camden.
Newly launched, Chiswick Flower Market is the first new flower market in London in 150 years, and aims to be “the Columbia Road of the West.” The market, which will take place on the first Sunday of the month, was set up by local residents and businesses and offers an exciting range of plants, flowers and horticultural products from both well-established traders and innovative new businesses. There’s plenty of dining options and green spaces in leafy Chiswick so you can make a day of it, however if your visit doesn’t coincide with the beginning of the month, the renowned Columbia Road Flower Market takes place every Sunday.
Now that prohibition doesn’t seem like such an extraordinary concept, it’s the perfect time to escape for a cocktail or two at one of London’s speakeasies, each hidden from the crowds and designed to bring you back to the 1920’s. Some of our favourites are The Blind Pig in Soho (look for the pig’s head on the door), The Luggage Room, an elegant bar on the corner of exclusive Grosvenor Square and one of London’s original speakeasies, Purl, who transport guests to another place or time, serving drinks using aroma, fogs, airs, foams and liquid nitrogen.
Even many Londoners are unaware of this hidden gem, despite it being in the popular Covent Garden area. Easy to miss, this little corner of London really is only for those who know where they are going. Neal’s Yard is a small alley that opens up into a colourful courtyard full of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants including St John’s Bakery who serve unbeatable doughnuts.
As an alternative to London Zoo in Regent’s Park, head to Battersea Park Children’s Zoo where the focus is on giving kids the chance to connect with animals. Located in the heart of Battersea Park, let your little explorers meet some amazing species including lemur’s, emus and turtles, amongst many others.
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