Canal Boat from Little Venice to Camden
Few things are better than messing about in boats on a sun-filled day in the capital - and weve found the perfect place to do just that. The waterbus company start their trips near the lovely Paddington Basin, at Brownings Pool in Little Venice. Taking in Maida Vales Regency architecture, you stream up the canal past the leafy fringes of Regents Park, before making your final stop in Camden Town. Here you can hop out and either saunter around Camden and the markets (before strolling along to the pub garden at the Engineer in Primrose Hill) or make the return trip for some alfresco dining in Little Venice. Perfect.
Single trips start from £6.50 for 50 minutes; Londonwaterbus.com.
Bike Ride along Regents Canal
Regents Canal in the streaming sunshine is nothing short of glorious, and if youre up for something a little less sedate than sitting on a canal boat, then you could always get on your bike. If youve got the whole day to play with, there are plenty of options for stop-offs along the way. Wed count our favourites as nipping in for brunch (and a bloody mary) at the uber-trendy Towpath Cafe (36 De Beauvoir Crescent, Hackney) in Dalston before hitting the Columbia Road markets. Then finish the day off nicely with a barbecue in Victoria Park or a well-deserved drink at the Royal Oak (73 Columbia Road).
Picnic in London Fields
We love a good British picnic here at ELLEuk and we can vouch for the fact that London Fields ranks as probably the trendiest picnicking venue in town. Here youll be in fashionable company, and youll certainly be able to spot more than a few onesies, brothel creepers and rucksacks from your checked picnic blanket vantage point. For the very brave (read crazy) amongst you, theres even the recently refurbished Lido to tip a toe in. Were not entirely convinced its warm enough, but then again if the mercury tips 24 degrees as it has lately, we could be tempted...
Lost in Vintage Pop-Up Fair
If that all sounds a bit too energetic then theres always the Old Queens Head in Islington, who are opening their doors over the Easter weekend to host their annual Lost in Vintage pop-up fair. In addition to the rails and rails of vintage gems, therell be an eclectic selection of jewellery, accessories, all manner of curiosities and some super-cute handmade prints to get your hands on. And once youve got your prohibition outfit down to a tee, you can head outside to enjoy a prohibition cocktail or two, to the sounds of Sugar Pie Simones DJ sets.
Starting from 12pm on Saturday 7th April. 44 Essex Road Islington, London N1 8LN
Rowing in Regents Park
For a bit more boat action in the capital and for a chance to revert back to your childhood years (although this one requires a little more effort on your part...) theres the time-honoured tradition of rowing in Regents Park. You can take out a pedal boat or a rowing boat for an hour or so and splash about on the water while the nesting herons look on with suspicion. Plus, if youre set for a stroll around Regents Park afterwards, then dont forget to stop at the Boathouse Cafe for ice creams along the way... How old are we again?
Looking for more spring ideas in the capital? Check out our pick of things to do in London at Easter. And if you're struggling with what to wear in these (prematurely) warm days, check out our street style gallery for springtime in London...