Sunday Strolls in London

Sundays have long been labelled ‘The Day of Rest’, the one day of the week where you’re meant to put all of the rubbish stuff to one side and take the pressure off. Time to turn off those alarms, put the gym bag to one side and ignore your inbox.

What this looks like is, of course, different for different folks. For some it’s a chance to wallow hungover in your PJ’s and binge on box sets and Deliveroo, for others it’s a roast with mates or a leisurely walk. The options and preferences are endless. 
 
Here we take a look at a few of our favourite ways to spend a Sunday in the Capital.
 
 
Herne Hill to Dulwich
 
This leafy and affluent enclave of South East London was under the radar to the large percentage of the population for many years due to its lack of tube line. However, in recent times people have been flocking here on their days off, and for good reason.
 
Starting at Herne Hill station, grab a coffee at Perks and White inside the foyer before you hit the  excellent Sunday Farmer’s Market, which has been a mainstay in the area for some time.
 
There is a wide variety of artisanal offerings here including local artists and makers, meat and vegetables, vintage furniture and clothing and food stalls. You may have to sharpen your elbows to get to the best bits as it can get pretty busy at peak times.
 
Just across the road from here is Brockwell Park, home to the famous lido which is open all year round as well as duck ponds and a walled garden. Take the exit opposite Rosendale Road and pull in a quick pint at The Bullfinch Brewery which offers an ever-changing selection of small batch beers, predominantly brewed by their own fair hands.
 
Hang a left (or just use Googlemaps) and you head towards Dulwich Village. Many London spots lay claim to being a “village” but Dulwich truly does feel like you’ve been transported from Zone 2 into some quaint Surrey backwater.
 
Make your way past the small selection of shops and restaurants to find the famous Dulwich Picture Gallery to take in some culture. Immediately opposite the entrance to the gallery is the charming Dulwich Park.
 
Once you’ve walked around here and taken in the woodland walkways chances are you’ve worked up a hunger and are ready for your roast. Take the Eynella Road exit and once you reach the library you are on Lordship Lane. Some ten minutes walk along said road you will find a host of top roast spots, our picks of the bunch are Franklin’s and The Palmerston. 
 
Either of these are thankfully only a short, full-bellied waddle to East Dulwich station to end your Sunday in the South.
 
 
Shoreditch to London Fields
 
For a more urban option, head East and start at Old Street tube station. Take the newly installed Cowper Street exit and head up adjacent Leonard Street. Here you can build up some energy early doors for the upcoming travail with some top shelf coffee and brunch at hip industrial styled roastery Ozone.
 
Work off some of the caffeine and calories by strolling past some of the iconic street art on Redchurch Street, Rivington Street and Shoreditch High Street before progressing onto Hackney Road, which starts as you pass Shoreditch Church.
 
The third turning on the right is Colombia Road, home to the famous flower market every Sunday for generations. Here you will find any manner of foliage from house plants to bulbs to shrubs to herbs. It can get heaving here so be prepared for a bit of a queue, but it is worth the wait.
 
Traders line the narrow streets peddling their wears, flanked by a selection of alluring and interesting independent shops. Grab a beer from The Royal Oak if you fancy before heading off for the next leg of your journey.
 
At the end of Colombia Road you will rejoin Hackney Road before crossing directly over to Hackney City Farm on the edge of Haggerston Park. Here you will find sheep, ducks, pigs chickens and a donkey in somewhat unusual surroundings.
 
Once your rural urges have been quenched proceed by the edge of Haggerston Park, crossing the canal before ending up on Broadway Market.
 
It’s a fantastic Victorian street where independents grocers and bookshops rub shoulders with the likes of Aesop and Planet Organic. Our fave spots here include Climpson and Sons coffee and Pavilion Bakery.
 
Once you’re done perusing here then head over to London Fields. In the warmer months you’ll find many locals sharing a bottle of wine or a couple of beers on picnic blankets, you can either join them or head to the Pub On The Park before you board your onward train home from London Fields Station.
 
 
Hampstead to Kentish Town via The Heath
 
You’ll struggle to find a more picturesque part of London than Hampstead, which is probably why it’s been immortalised in film so often. As you meander this well-trodden path then you’re highly likely to see some spots that you recognise, even if it’s your first visit.
 
Alight the Northern Line at Hampstead tube station. Feel free to have a wander around the historic centre and pick up a coffee should you wish, but our route starts by bearing right through the top of the centre onto Heath Street.
 
Theres a lovely steep hill on the left called The Mount which takes you past enviable townhouses and cottages via Hampstead Grove before bringing you out by a pond. This is where you head into the Heath via the “Haywards Heath Extension”.
 
It’s a bit of a myriad in here but without too much trouble (and a bit of help from Googlemaps if necessary) you should end up by the stunning pergola. After a wander around here cross the road onto the Heath proper. It’s one of the few areas of London where you truly feel like you could be miles away from the smog.
 
Here you can swing by the famous swimming ponds before taking in the famous views of the city at Parliament Hill before heading downhill, past the tennis courts, towards Kentish Town. 
 
Almost upon exiting the park by the tennis courts you will see The Bull and Last gastropub on the opposite side of the road. This spot is widely regarded as offering one of the city’s best Sunday roasts. Be sure to book in advance though as it’s always reassuringly in demand.
 
Once you’ve had your fill then waddle a short distance down the main drag (Highgate Road) and just past the railway bridge you’ll find one of the best traditional boozers in London, The Southampton Arms. There’s always an excellent selection of beers and a great atmosphere on offer here.
 
Finish up here and stroll (or sway) in the same direction, past the O2 forum and towards Kentish Town station where this route ends. If you spent long enough in The Southampton Arms for that roast dinner bloat to fade then grab a kebab from E. Mono for the best kofta this side of The Thames. Food critic and local resident Giles Coren swears by it and who are we to argue?