Spring is upon us, so now is a great chance to get outside and enjoy the fabulous weather. London really comes alive during the spring and summer months, so why not plan a trip to the capital to soak up the sun? We’ve rounded up a pick of the best sights and activities to keep you and your family busy this season.

london sundial tower bridge

Take a dip

London has a number of outdoor pools which are family-friendly. Hampstead Heath is a popular spot with three pools formed from dammed-off clay pits. Alternatively, Tooting Bec Lido has been open for over one hundred years and continues to draw crowds. This is the largest outdoor pool in the country, and features a kid’s pool and café.

See a play

Catch an outdoor play at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The programme is varied – expect comedy, drama, Shakespeare, musicals and more. The seating is in the style of an amphitheatre, allowing for plenty of attendees and good views all around. You can either take your own picnic or purchase food at the site: there is a barbeque as well as a hot and cold buffet available.

Festival fun

Lovebox is a music festival held annually at Victoria Park. This is the tenth year of the festivities, so expect big names like Plan B, Goldfrapp, Azealia Banks and Jurassic 5. Tents, stages and themed areas are spread out across the site and the event runs for a whole weekend from 19th – 21st July.

Check out a garden

Take the chance to have a snoop around gardens which are usually out of bounds, with the Open Garden Squares Weekend. Around 200 communal gardens are throwing open their gates to the public and as the event incorporates 27 boroughs, there is bound to be one near you. The event is run in association with the National Trust and gardens vary from roof-top spots to allotments. You can even take a peek at the garden of Number 10 Downing Street!

Have a blooming lovely day

For gardens and plants of a more refined type, visit the Chelsea Flower Show which runs from 21st – 25th May. Many gardens have been months in the making and the flower displays in the floral tents are stunning. This is also a great place for the green-fingered to pick up gardening tools, seeds and accessories. Keep your eyes peeled for celebs too, as the BBC reports daily from the show.

City farm

Mudchute Animal Park and Farm is open year-round, but as its spring at last, now is a great chance to enjoy the animals outside and maybe see some spring babies too! The site covers 32 acres, so there is plenty to see and do – fields of animals, a petting zoo, equestrian centre and duck pond.

Alternatively, Spitalfields City Farm is just a stonethrow from the City and is another great way to teach children about farm life and animal welfare. Every March on the same day as the Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race, Spitalfields holds the Oxford v Cambridge goat race to raise money for the farm!

Guest author Pat has been living in london for 6 years and is still discovering great things to do!