Hot and bored? Five ideas how to make the most of the sun in the city this weekend

 
Lamiat Sabin25 May 2012

Here's five ideas of how to get away from the stifling crowds and pollution this weekend, as the heat increases in the capital.

Escape to the country

Well… kind of. Mudchute Park & Farm in east London’s Isle of Dogs will be a welcome sanctuary from all the hustle and bustle of the city.

Thirty-two acres of farmland is home to cows, pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, llamas and a whole lot of different birds.

There’s a petting zoo of the smaller farm animals such as rabbits. Since the farm café has closed down, you’d be glad to know there’s also plenty of green space to stretch out and enjoy a picnic on.

Free entry - mudchute.org
Pier Street, E14 3HP (020 7515 5901)

Party in the sun

South City 2012 will be bringing Ibiza vibes to London town on Sunday on top of Bussey Building, a warehouse located a stone’s throw away from Peckham Rye station.

With some of the best house and dance DJs hailing from the party island (Jody Winsternoff, Alex P, Colin Dale) and 360 degree views across the capital, there’s set to be a lively 90s rave atmosphere until the very end.

Starting at 2pm and going on until midnight, there will still be time to catch the last train home.

Tickets are £10 from residentadvisor.net
Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST (020 7565 5000)

Dip and dive

Swimming in the Thames is a murky gamble and the seaside is a bit of a journey away, but rest assured that London is host to a handful of lidos where you can cool off in the heat and top up the tan.

Hackney, Hampstead and Tooting Bec all have outdoor swimming pools where it only costs from £2-£6 to enjoy, with Hampstead also having a female-only pool in addition.

Advice is to get there early as they can get very busy at around 11am-noon with people vying to nab the last sun loungers.

Sit on a roof

Pretend you’re in the Mediterranean by relaxing on one of London’s various rooftop venues.

A hundred feet above clattering and groaning Kensington High Street, Kensington Roof Gardens hosts a three-course barbecue and Pimm’s night on balmy summer Friday and Saturday evenings from 7-10pm.

With real-life flamingos, lush greenery sashaying in the breeze, and an ice-cold drink in your hand, you’d forget you were in London at all.

Barbecue three-course meal - £45 roofgardens.virgin.com
99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA (020 7368 3993)

Dodge traffic

Dean Street will be holding Soho Flea Market on Sunday, where artists, designers and creatives will lay out their wares in support of the sexual health charity, the Terence Higgins Trust.

It’s not every day that a central London road is closed off for pedestrians, and the pleasure of no cars chugging past whilst tucking into your street-food from local restaurants is an added bonus.

Free entry - sohofleamarket.com

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