After what seems like an endless winter filled with grey, rainy days it’s finally, officially spring. To be fair we’ve already seen quite a lot of sun in London over the past couple of weeks and, quite frankly, long may it last. London is a happier place when it’s sunny. Although in the not-too distant future people will start saying that it’s too hot. Not me. I love spring (and summer) in the city and plan to spend as much time outside as possible over the coming months. Here’s five things I’m looking forward to doing more of, starting today…

Exploring London By Bicycle

Last autumn I bought a bicycle. Which was terrible timing. I got a few weeks of decent cycling weather before it was just too dark, cold and/or wet to get on my bike very often. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m most definitely a fair weather cyclist. But now the days are longer and the weather’s warmer I’m back on my bike at every opportunity and plan to explore the cycle paths of East London and further afield. Who needs an Oyster card?!

Listening To Music Outside

If the thought of drinking warm beer and sleeping in a tent doesn’t do it for you there are more civilized ways to listen to live music than going to a festival. Case in point, Somerset House’s Summer Series of gigs. Bastille, Chvrches (who I saw last week and were blimmin’ brilliant), Daughter, Little Dragon and more are playing in the stunning setting of Somerset House’s courtyard. Tickets go on sale tomorrow. If you like the festival experience but prefer to sleep in an actual bed, festival-lite if you like, Field Day is over two days this year and the line up includes Metronomy, Jagwar Ma, Jon Hopkins, Temples and Pixies. See you there!

Running Around London’s Parks

Somewhat unbelievably, for one year, I was Wetherby High School’s cross-country champion. Then I got interested in boys and clubbing and my running career was pretty much over. Until now. Inspired by my sisters who are both regular parkrunners, this year I’m getting excited about pulling on my trainers and entering Nike’s We Own The Night 10K on 10 May, an after-dark run (hence the name) in London. I haven’t actually started training. But I’ve got AGES, right?!

Drinking In Beer Gardens

I love the meme that says something along the lines of, “I’m outdoorsy, in that I like drinking on patios.” Me in a nutshell. Whenever the sun appears in London people start drinking outside. In rooftop bars, in pub beer gardens and even on the street outside pubs without beer gardens. I plan to try as many as possible. I’m sure there’s a future post in it. The ten best places to drink outside in London this summer, or something. I’m very serious about researching these things properly ;).

Eating Alfresco

We’re spoilt for choice for great outdoor eating options in London. One of my favourite discoveries of last summer was the Towpath Café, a canalside café that serves a tasty Med-inspired menu for brekkie, lunch and dinner. Whether you’re vegan, a meat-lover or somewhere in between, there’s something for everyone at Broadway Market on a Saturday. And on weekends throughout spring and summer Climpson’s Arch is a great place to go for barbecue food and DJs playing excellent tunes. Yum!

What are you looking forward to doing now that spring is finally here? And where are you favourite places to eat, drink, exercise and generally be outside? Do share below!