PARKS & CAFES IN SOUTH LONDON TO CHECK OUT THIS SUMMER

It's been a long hot Summer here in London with the heatwave that never ends. I know we keep going on about it but the UK can't cope with anything pass 25 degrees! It has been nice though to have some time off for my maternity leave, before I start shooting weddings again next month (eek time goes by so fast!) I've been exploring more of my local area in South East London with baby and have discovered some cute cafes and pretty parks along the way. So if you fancy an escape from the bustle of central London, here are some parks and cafes to visit this Summer!

First up is the Horniman Museum and Gardens, this place is always busy and the park is packed with families and toddlers running around. A few weeks ago we saw the sunken garden in full bloom and the rainbow coloured flowers looked so pretty. My favourite were the iris coloured blooms, I've never seen anything like that in London. They also have events on most weekends, such as music shows, beer festivals, farmers market as well the butterfly house and aquarium. The museum also has the infamous taxidermist collection! 

I'm always having a browse on Instagram for new pop up restaurants to try out so was excited to come across West Wine Kitchen in Peckham. The menu looked great with seasonal and sustainable dishes. I had the California bowl, which was packed with all the healthy stuff - lentils, kale, veggies. The restaurant itself is park of Peckham Levels, which is an open space for independent businesses in an abandoned car park! Sounds odd right but it's a very artsy, chilled and creative vibe inside.

Peckham Rye park may not be as pretty as Horniman gardens but it's a nice escape if you're in the area, it has a Japanese garden, woodland area, a lake, Sexby Garden and picnic table area.

Another area I've never explored before is Herne Hill, it has a village feel and also it's own Lido! I can't swim but it's good if you want a splash outdoors in London. Within the Lido is the Lido Cafe and the botanical green decor is very pleasing. I had the superfood bowl, which was so tasty and filling. They also serve french toast, burgers as well as seasonal soups and salads.
 

Brockwell Park is a big and sprawling historic park. There's tennis courts, long paths to walk your dog or go for a run. Further in the park is a very pretty herbaceous flower garden, a pond and clock tower. The flower garden has lots of wild flowers, rose beds and wisterias trellis. I felt like I was in a Jane Austen novel wandering around in there!

Dulwich park is huge and there is so much space to chilled and explore. We also did our engagement shoot there a few years ago. You can row boats in the lake, hire bikes, a cafe as well as play sports such as tennis, football and outdoor gym. It's a very pretty park and easy to get lost! Not far from Dulwich is a cute cafe, Kanella & Co. It's very light and airy and they serve matcha lattes - win :) This was a cute spot to chilled with a coffee and slice of cake. 

There's also Greenwich park, which is massive and great with all the free museums close by. How's your Summer going so far, have you visited anything of these places? Are you over this heatwave too?!

Are there pretty parks in your area?

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