A tourist on your own doorstep

I used to hate London. We came here only when it was absolutely unavoidable. The traffic, the pollution, and most of all the change in demeanour of people as you enter the capital. Drivers are ruder, no-one talks to you or even likes to look at you, and the world seems to rush by at a speed that leaves no room for sentiment.

Now that I live close to London for the first time in my life, we like to venture into the city and walk around its streets; watching the people go by, admiring the magnificent buildings, and especially enjoying the many great parks that the city has in its heart.

Yesterday we took a walk through the city that really showed us why its so much fun to live nearby. Try this one yourself if you are prepared to walk around 10 miles (with many great food stops along the way!).

We started walking in Kentish Town, and walked along the main road to Camden. The market was in full swing, and we wandered between the stalls and mingled with the large crowds that sat in the midday sun. After a cooling drink we walked on, into Regent’s Park and all the way through to its southern end. Beautiful gardens in full bloom and tranquil ponds make you feel far away from the centre of a major city. On into Marylebone, and time for lunch. You’re spoilt for choice in this little “village” enclave of the city, and we indulged in a wonderful Japanese meal. Great food, and sublime service (why can’t others match the Japanese for their customer service ethos?).

Feeling refreshed, we marched on through the village boutiques before suddenly reappearing on Oxford Street by Selfridges. A few minutes more and we entered Hyde Park next to Marble Arch. We meandered through the park, eventually reaching the Serpentine and walking along its banks to Hyde Park Corner. From there down to Buckingham Palace, and a stroll along the Mall. Soon enough we were in Trafalgar Square, enjoying the spectacle of the live attraction on the Fourth Plinth (every hour a new person, chosen by lottery, is lifted onto the plinth to take their place for their appointed time).

An ice-cream followed in Covent Garden, and from there a short final leg to St Pancras station and the train home. Five hours (including meal times and breaks) and we had covered much of this vibrant, diverse city. I warm to London now, and we look forward to our walks through the different districts of the capital. And that’s something I never thought I’d say.