Wandsworth, London, England, UK by Herry Lawford

There is a steady influx of newcomers to the city every year, including a sizable proportion of new residents who are planning to make London their new home. If you’re thinking of joining them, here are four neighbourhoods that are well worthy of inspection. They are located in four very different parts of the metropolis, and each one of them has its very own individual character.

Wandsworth

Located relatively close to the centre of London, the south-western suburb of Wandsworth is an attractive neighbourhood that has managed to retain something of a village feel to it. The area that lies closest to the river is home to some extremely swish (and expensive) houses and flats, so there may be parts which are only affordable to some. There are also some close-knit communities consisting of narrow streets in which everyone seems to know everyone else – one of the many charms of the borough.

Hackney

A jewel in the crown of the famous East End, Hackney is one of those rare places which are genuinely loved by many of its residents. This area is, and always has been, a veritable melting pot of communities from various parts of the world, and it’s this congregation of cultures which gives it a wonderfully bohemian feel. East London has always been known for its celebration of diversity, and in Hackney this is evident everywhere.

Photo of Hackney, London, UK by Ewan Munro

St John’s Wood

Leafy, dignified and elegant, the north-western suburb of St John’s Wood offers residents a quiet and relatively tranquil existence amid wide avenues and beautiful parkland. There’s something wonderfully continental about the neighbourhood, and the existence of a recognisable café culture among the pavement eateries merely adds to the atmosphere. For commuters, the fact that the centre of London is only a short tube ride away adds to the convenience.

Photo of St John’s Wood, London, UK by Xakaxunknownx

Chiswick

One of those neighbourhoods that feature a healthy mix of residents from all walks of life, Chiswick is popular with locals and visitors alike. In the area around Chiswick Bridge, you’ll find plenty of people enjoying walks along the edge of the Thames on a summer afternoon, and many more making the most of the hospitality offered by the various pubs that are located throughout the neighbourhood.

David Showell was born and brought up in London and still lives in the south-east of England. He works for http://www.carrentals.co.uk/.

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Kew Gardens, London by Herry Lawford

The magic of the gardens

Ok, so spring doesn’t always mean endless days of sunshine and there are no guarantees that you’ll stay dry when you’re out and about in London. But if you do want to enjoy the fresh air with the added security of an undercover bolt-hole then some of London’s finest gardens offer the best of both worlds, with spectacular landscaped gardens outside as well as excellent collections of plant and wildlife inside the greenhouses and conservatories. Kew Gardens are among the very best and rightly famed across the world. Spring is the perfect time to admire the millions of flowers spread out across 300 acres making the gardens a joy to behold, while there are also activities and play areas for children to enjoy and the renowned glasshouses offer year-round safety from the rain in a tropical atmosphere.

Picnic in the park

Parks are a big part of life for many Londoners with many beautiful examples preserving some much needed green space amongst the urban sprawl of the huge city. As soon as the sun comes out there are few better ways to spend the day then grabbing a blanket, a frisbee and some sandwiches and nabbing a spot in a nearby park. Hyde Park is one of the most famous and for added serenity you can always grab a rowing boat and head out onto the Serpentine Lake.

Head for the river

The River Thames is the heartbeat of London and offers some of the best ways to experiences days of relaxation in the fresh, spring air. A simple stroll along the banks of the Thames gives you the chance to see the many different sides to the city or if you want to take to the water then you can admire the sights from the top of a cruise boat or enjoy a cheeky glass of al fresco champagne in the sunshine while escaping the crowds yet sampling enviable views of tourist magnets such as the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.

Lose yourself in the bluebells

Plenty of picturesque flowers spring up at this time of year but the bluebell delivers some of the most vivid displays of colour that really capture the magic of the season. Richmond Park boasts its own woodland garden which becomes a carpet of bluebells in late spring, while Wilderness Wood in Hadlow Down is another place transformed into a sea of blue during April and May.

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