Whenever you think you’ve discovered every part of London, there’s always another corner to discover; foodie haven, Heddon Street, the stunning streets of St James’s, and the tree-lined pavements of Regent Street are just a few of our favourites.
If you’re looking for places to stop and enjoy London in bloom, look no further. Why not flop down in the park after a bike ride through the heart of the city or watch the world go by one of central London’s tranquil squares?
Explore the best parks in London
On a visit to the West End, you'll be spoilt for choice not only with shopping and dining, but with the
Regent's Park
Find striking scenes just a hop, skip and jump from our famous curve at Regent's Park. Start your day at the Marylebone end of Regent Street – near The Langham – with a visit to ZSL London Zoo or the Allotment Garden, brimming with fruits, vegetables and tips to help you grown your own at home. Switch off with the Music for Trees app and its collection of self-guided walks and geo-located music created by Royal Academy of Music students and inspired by the park's trees.
Green Park
Towards St James's, and just off Piccadilly, bordered on its eastern side by The Ritz is Green Park, the perfect option to pop into during your lunch break or while away an afternoon with a picnic. You can’t miss the 250,000 daffodils which pop up here, announcing the arrival of spring in the city. Why not walk to the southern side and take in the majestic Buckingham Palace while you’re there?
St James's Park
Another Royal Park boasting stunning views of Buckingham Palace is St James’s Park. On sunny days you can also spot The London Eye and newly revealed Big Ben. Wander through blossom-lined pathways before taking a seat opposite St James’s Park Lake to watch little ducklings winding behind their parents on the water.
Relax in sun-kissed squares
Tucked behind the Apple flagship store, just off Regent Street, you’ll find fashionable Hanover Square. Take a break here and enjoy a spot of people watching, for enjoying street style and glamour with Vogue House as the backdrop. Or continue down Brook Street to Grosvenor Square. Plans are under review to turn this historic London garden square into a first-of-its-kind biodiversity haven with wildflower lawns and new trees. Until then, unwind on the grass or one of its well-placed benches.
Or wander over to St James’s Square, a stone’s throw away from some of St James’s most-popular destinations – The Grosvenor Gallery, Institute of Contemporary Arts and Sofitel St James’s Hotel to name a few.
More ideas
From cycling in city to getting your steps in with the best central London walking routes, now’s the time to make the most of warmer days in the capital. Choose to eat al fresco next time you’re in the neighbourhood or pause with a coffee beside one of our planters and seize every opportunity to enjoy spring sunshine in London.
We love seeing your photos of Regent Street and St James’s awash with colour. Share your spring snaps with us and tag @RegentStreetW1 or use #RegentStreet on Instagram.