The Great Outdoors

With spring edging its way onto the horizon and with it warmer (and hopefully blue-r) skies, the long Easter Weekend offers the chance to get out and about and explore areas of London that winter can cruelly subdue. Don't get bogged down with all that chocolate, get outside and get moving this Easter...

Get Your Skates On...

Easter Skate 2008

Hyde Park, East End of Serpentine Road, London, W2 2UH
Good Friday, 21st March 2008 - Easter Monday, 24th March 2008

This four-day Easter skating-fest gets rolling with the Long Good Friday Night Skate (7pm-10pm) which leaves Wellington Arch at 7pm. This "gentle" (ha!) 16 to 18-mile whizz around the capital is really designed for intermediate to experienced skaters so those of a nervous or novice disposition should probably hang out for the Skate Skills drop-in workshops that take place on the Saturday (2pm-5pm). Skaters of all levels can brush up on everything from the basics to the down-right spectacular at these Saturday workshops then head to the Albert Memorial for a spot of street hockey before showing-off their skills on Sunday when The Easter Sunday Bunny Stroll hits town. Sunday's relaxed, 5 to 7-mile course kicks off at 2pm at the East End of Serpentine Road and takes the city's skaters, who are all encouraged to dress up in suitably seasonally-themed costumes, past the sights - avoiding nasty steep hills. All involved must be able to stop, turn and manage gentle inclines. The stroll ends with dance demonstrations courtesy of Roller Disco's elite group of quad skaters and then a wheel-free knees-up - complete with DJs - at the Victoria pub (10 Strathearn Place, London, W2 2NH) just north of Hyde Park (from 6.30pm). Monday is set aside for the kids, with a skate-fuelled treasure hunt in Hyde Park (registration starts at 1pm, treasure hunt starts at 2pm), an egg and spoon race, and more. Skate Patrol lessons take place on Saturday and Sunday (1pm-5pm) teaching novice skaters the most important aspect of the activity... how to stop.

All events (apart from the party) start from or are held in Hyde Park.

Schedule and timings as follows:

Good Friday, 21st March 2008, 7pm-10pm Long Good Friday Night Skate

Easter Saturday, 22nd March 2008 2pm-5pm Skate Skills Workshops, 1pm-5pm Skate Patrol, 6.30pm Party at Victoria pub

Easter Sunday, 23rd March 2008 from 2pm Easter Sunday Bunny Stroll, 1pm-5pm Skate Patrol

Easter Monday, 24th March 2008 from 2pm Treasure Hunt

More info: Easter Skate 2008 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Easy Peasy Skate Easter Egg Hunt

Battersea Park, London, SW8 4ND
Easter Saturday, 22nd March 2008

This sweet-themed skating event for young families takes place on Easter Saturday in Battersea Park. The format's as you'd expect - treasures are hidden around the park, ready to be picked up by eager, Easter egg-hungry children - the difference is it's all done on wheels. The course, which runs around the edge of the park, is designed to be simple and safe, with "no roads, no cars and no hills" so this is the perfect skating activity for young children.

*NB Children must be accompanied by an adult.

More info: Easy Peasy Skate Easter Egg Hunt Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Alexandra Palace Park

Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
Open daily over Easter Weekend

A north London treat, this 196-acre park is crammed full of stuff to do throughout Easter Weekend. An all-weather, indoor ice rink is one of its most popular features, while the boating lake, conservation area, animal enclosure and playground attract varying groups all year round. As well as this, there's now a free skateboarding park which is perfect for children wanting to glide their way into Easter. Originally designed as an environmental / leisure attraction way back in 1873, Alexandra Palace, ("Ally Pally" or the "People's Palace") and park continue to lure Londoners out of their houses and into the open air.

More info: Alexandra Palace Park Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Horsing Around...

Ridgway Stables

93 Ridgway, Wimbledon Village, London, SW19 4SU
Tue to Sun 9.30am-5.30pm

Slap-bang in between Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common, Ridgway Stables offers one of the best locations in Greater London for exploring the green-side of the capital on horseback. Kids and adults, novices and experienced riders alike can head off on a hack along 17 miles of woodland track winding through Wimbledon Common or through almost 3000 acres of green expanse populating Richmond Park. One-on-one sessions are the best way to start, followed by instructional or simply scenic hacks. They also offer a 'Learn to Ride in a Day' package. Friendly, informal and refreshingly rural, it's also very popular so we recommend you book up well in advance.

More info: Ridgway Stables Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Hyde Park Stables

63 Bathurst Mews, London, W2 2SB
Mon to Fri 7.15am-5pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5pm

Hop on a steed and trot your way through one of London's most central park, courtesy of those lovely equestrian types at Hyde Park Stables. The park's historic 'Rotten Row' bridleway dates back to the 17th century when William III demanded a route between his palace at St James' and his other residence in Kensington. During the 18th century the broad track attracted hoards of upper-class types eager to parade their finery and gawp at other carriages full of toffs. These days the bridleway attracts all sorts, from novice riders wanting to explore the 5-mile route through this city centre park to those seeking more formal riding tuition. Coincide your ride with a bright, sunny Easter day and you'll no doubt be hooked on horseriding in the city.

More info: Hyde Park Stables Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Kempton Park Easter Saturday Afternoon Racing

Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames, London, TW16 5AQ
Easter Saturday, 22nd March 2008

Jump on a train at Waterloo and within 40 minutes you can be standing trackside at one of Europe's best racecourses. Kempton Park is now floodlit so you can enjoy a race as the sun goes down. On Easter Saturday they're host a series of afternoon races with a creche and free activities for children - the first race is 14:15, the last race is 17:35 - perfect for an afternoon jaunt with the family or some filly-loving friends. Between March and April the fixture list is chock-a-block with over 50 races so there's no excuse for not indulging in a springtime flutter.

More info: Kempton Park Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Down the Market...

Pimlico Road Farmers' Market

Orange Square, SW1W 8LP, 9:00-13:00
Every Sat 9am-1pm

On an average Saturday you'll find a small gathering of around 25 stalls in this pedestrianised space. There's a intimate, friendly atmosphere at Pimlico Road Farmers' Market which is helped by the farmers and stall owners (largely from nearby Kent, Surrey and Sussex) offering free samples and snippets of advice. Typically you'll find shellfish, smoked fish and samphire in season from David Jennings, Chegworth Valley's award-winning juices - apple, pear etc. - soft fruits, apple cakes and preserves, plus edible plants, cottage flowers, unusual apple and potato varieties from Roz Corum. It's a great way to spend an Easter Saturday morning in the picturesque streets of Pimlico - and with Daylesford Organic across the road you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to some of the best free-range and preservative-free food.

More info: Pimlico Road Farmers' Market Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road, London, W11 1LU
Every Sat 8am-6.30pm

The famous Portobello Road antiques and flea market in Notting Hill takes place every Saturday although there are also stalls from Monday to Friday. Running from from Chepstow Villas to just under the Westway, it is a colourful, dynamic stretch of London. On Saturday, it's huge, with over 2,000 stalls selling everything from books to bric-a-brac and lace to Limoges - even fashion and exotic cooking ingredients are on sale. Thousands of people mill around, browsing second-hand clothing stalls or choosing outlandish material. For those who have the patience to search, there are some fantastic bargains. This really is the place to shop-and-eat and then shop some more. It is best to go in the morning, by the afternoon you'll find yourself getting a little flustered winding your way through the crowds. It's boudn to be busy over Easter Weekend but don't worry.. there are plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants to escape into.

More info: Portobello Road Market Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Greenwich Market

Greenwich High Road, London, SE10 9HZ
Every Sat and Sun 9am-5pm

Greenwich boasts a number of colourful markets offering a variety of traditional, hand-crafted goods, antiques, clothing and food stalls. The craft market is held at College Approach and the antiques market is off Greenwich High Road. Finish your market tour off with a walk along the river, taking in the view of the Cutty Sark (currently closed for refurbishment), before stopping for a pint and some grub in the riverside Trafalgar Tavern. If the weather's good take the boat back into town.

More info: Greenwich Market Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

In Your Stride...

St James's Park 'Stretch Your Legs' Walk

St James's Park, Horse Guards Approach, SW1A 2BJ
Good Friday, 21st March 2008

Many of London’s Royal Parks run guided walks throughout spring. Most of them take place at lunchtimes so you can fit them into your day and they are all FREE. This year, however, St James's Park is offering a special 'Stretch Your Legs' tour on Good Friday. The walk encompasses three of the capital's main Royal Parks - St James's, Hyde Park and Green Park - although you can dip in a out as you see fit. It's free, but advance booking is essential. The meeting point is confirmed once booking has been made.

More info: St James's Park Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Highgate Cemetery

Swain's Lane, London, N6 6PJ
Tours hourly from 11am-4pm over Easter Weekend

Perched at the top of the winding and woody Swain's Lane, close to Highgate village with its soaring views over the city, Highgate Cemetery offers a romantic, rambling, rustic retreat from everyday life - in more ways than one. Crammed full of gravestones, tombs, catacombs, monuments and mounds dating from Victorian times to the present day, the cemetery is more a woodland wilderness than a neatly laid out burial ground. Divided into two cemeteries - the East and the West - many of the graves are either covered in ivy and brambles or overrun with tree roots. As a result, spotting the graves of most importance is hard, which makes a guided tour an ideal option for those who really want to explore the cemetery's hidden treasures. The West Cemetery boasts some of the finest tombs and can only be entered as part of a guided tour, which is reason in itself to join one. There are known to be at least 850 notable people buried at Highgate. Among these are 18 Royal Academicians, 6 Lord Mayors of London, and 48 Fellows of the Royal Society. You are also likely to stumble across the familiar names of Faraday, Karl Marx, George Eliot, Radclyffe Hall, Carl Rosa and Sir Ralph Richardson. One of the nicest cemeteries in London, Highgate Cemetery has a peaceful air about it and a truly unique charm. Finish off your Easter Weekend jaunt by walking up to Highgate village through Waterlow Park, taking in the views over London. Finish off with a pint at the historic Flask pub (77 Highgate West Hill) in Highgate village.

More info: Highgate Cemetery Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Chelsea Physic Garden

66 Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HS
Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, 21st, 23rd and 24th March 2008

The largest fruiting olive tree in Britain and the world's northern-most outdoor grapefruit tree call this historic botanic and apothecary garden home. Hidden behind towering brick walls, protected from the city's sounds and harsh breezes, the most idyllic collection of plants flourish in a unique, carefully created microclimate. Established in 1773 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, Chelsea Physic Garden provides both an aesthetic and practical purpose. Gravel pathways, statues and ponds separate and decorate the different gardens with a stunning array of plants, whose practical purpose soon becomes apparent; The Pharmaceutical Garden and Garden of World Medicine support the garden's pledge to continue researching the medicinal properties and healing potential of herbs. Conservation and education also play a key role in the choice and development of plants here. The Chelsea Physic Garden are much-loved by locals, and this is a magical spot for a short spring walk in one of the most interesting gardens in the capital.

More info: Chelsea Physic Garden Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Make a Splash...

The Serpentine Solar Shuttle

The Boat House, Serpentine Road, London, W2 2UH
Daily every hour from midday-6pm

Gliding noiselessly across the Serpentine in Hyde Park, the Solar Shuttle is an eco-friendly way to get from one end of the lake to the other. Its creator Christoph Behling originally designed a solar-powered shuttle boat in Hamburg to ferry passengers across the city's harbour, and in doing so sparked a buzz around the future of solar power across the globe. At 14.5 metres long the boat is thought to be the largest of its kind and is capable of carrying 42 passengers between the north and south banks of the lake. The craft cruises at a very leisurely pace of just 5mph and is powered by two electric engines. It is completely silent and most importantly totally pollution-free. The company behind the boat has pledged that, when the boat is not in use and docked, any surplus electricity generated by the boat's solar panels will be fed back into the National Grid. When in action the boat ferries park visitors between the boat house on the north side of the Serpentine up to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain on the south side, near Kensington Gardens. A chic and sleek water-y trip to slip into your Easter Weekend.

More info: Serpentine Solar Shuttle Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Jenny Wren Canal Boat Cruises

Walker's Quay, 250 Camden High Street, London, NW1 8QS
Easter Weekend: Daily 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 4.30pm

A canalboat hotspot, Camden and the surrounding north London locale tempt passers-by with visions of traditional, colourfully-painted barges. While many of these are privately-owned, a handful offer public trips up and down this stretch of the Regent's Canal. Jenny Wren, a pretty, traditional narrowboat, regularly runs 1.5-hour round trips from Walker's Quay in Camden up to London Zoo and Regent's Park, through the Maida Hill Tunnel and onto Little Venice and the so-called Robert Browing Island. A canopy keeps passengers dry on rainy days, an informed commentary provides an informative backdrop, while The Waterside restaurant at Walker's Quay provides picnics for hungry travellers.

More info: Jenny Wren Canal Boat Cruises Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

City Cruises

Westminster, Waterloo, Tower and Greenwich Piers
Daily every 20-40 mins

If you fancy a spot of riverside sightseeing an affordable and appealing option is the City Cruise trip that runs regularly between Westminster Pier to Greenwich Pier. A River Red Rover ticket allows you to hop on and off en route at Waterloo Pier and Tower Hill Pier so you can pepper your river journey with some action on dry land. Alternatively, just sit tight and stay on for the whole 2.5 hour round trip which takes in the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, the Southbank Centre, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, St Paul's, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Canary Wharf, and the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Times vary but they run a regular service (every 20-40 mins depending on the day). The service running between Westminster and Greenwich operates daily leaving Westminster at intervals from 10:00 with the last boat back leaving Greenwich at 18:10.

City Cruises - Information and to Book