22 brilliant places Londoners love in spring

'A walk in Battersea Park to see the blend of old and new colours is absolutely stunning. A nice Sunday for me is usually meeting a mate at the King’s Road and doing an hour-long stroll through the park to Clapham where we reward ourselves with a well-deserved roast.'

Anureet Randhawa, @anureetrandhawa26

'Spring is the best season for spending Sundays at Columbia Road Flower Market – for obvious reasons. Plus it’s warm enough to hang around and enjoy the vibe, the people and the street musicians, preferably with a pint in hand.'

'Epping Forest can feel a bit Blair Witch Project in winter, but come spring it's perfect for a bluebell-spotting trip. Wild rabbits run through the undergrowth and the snap of twigs underfoot will get you feeling all Beatrix Potter again - that's what we are all aiming for right?'

'I love heading over to Greenwich Park to spend the day or early evening with a picnic and a beer.'

'Hackney Marshes is my favourite place in spring because you feel like you're in the countryside despite being in zone 2. All the trees and plants are waking up again and it's good for the soul after winter.'

'The beginning of spring means going for the first exhilarating dip of the year in the chemical-free Hampstead Ponds. After powering through the cold with a few yelps before that awkward shuffle to the nearest towel, I'm ready to take on the day.'

'I like venturing to the beautiful, tranquil Japanese gardens in Holland Park to see the frogspawn and tadpoles. There are majestic peacocks roaming free, too.'

'That first bright morning of the year, I always grab myself a coffee and walk into work through Hyde Park. There is something truly magic about the smell of dewy grass and feeling like you’re actually in a Richard Curtis film.'

'I like going to the park and seeing the flowers in full bloom. My favourite is Kew Gardens and one day I might be to afford a F&M picnic hamper to complete the whole experience. For now, Sainsbury's Taste the Difference sandwiches will suffice.'

'Once it's sunny and the flowers are out you have to explore London's hidden green spaces. My fave is Lambeth Palace Gardens, owned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who lets the public in for a fiver every first Friday of the month (April 7 until September 1).'

'I love to take my dog to Peckham Rye as its Japanese Gardens start to bloom again. This beautiful park is the best kept secret in Peckham! I'll then have a coffee in the dog-friendly Clock House pub nearby.'

'I don't think you can spend a spring morning in London any better way than taking a stroll down Regent's Canal. It's lined with hidden gems: barges selling books and vintage clothes stalls pinned to the railings of Victoria Park. Best of all, if you finish up in Broadway Market you can treat yourself to some delicious food.'

'I love walking through Regent’s Park in spring, when the trees are in full blossom and it has that fairytale feel about it. if you notice a woman skipping and spinning around it’s probably me.'

'Hello again to rooftop bars! London has so many and often they provide lovely, snuggly blankets when the chill comes in later in the evening. My firm favourite is at Madison. You overlook St Paul’s but you get a great view of the ever-changing London skyline. When it’s cold you can pop inside.'

'I love hiring a bike from inside Richmond station with two or three friends and cycling along the river all the way to Hampton Court Palace. We might stop along the way for a picnic on the banks of the Thames and treat ourselves to an ice cream or hot chocolate (weather depending!).To celebrate our return to Richmond, we’ll stop off at one of the pubs near Richmond Bridge.'

'Seven Dials in Covent Garden manages to portray every single season's magic, beautifully. I like to walk in the cute little streets there and stop by all the delicious restaurants that buzz with so many options to offer.'

‘I love to walk along the South Bank. I start at Borough Market where I get a coffee and snack and then walk all the way down to the London Eye. There is always so much going on, with great views across the Thames and the opportunity to see some great London landmarks. My dog Ted also loves this walk.’

'Coming from Canada I'm always amazed by how early the flowers bloom in London. I love seeing the daffodils dotted around London in early spring and the field of them in St James’s Park is particularly beautiful.'

'Spring is a great time to be outside – despite TS Eliot's verdict that "April is the cruelest month"! So I love hitting all the street markets and craft fairs in London, such as Maltby and Druid Street.'

'I assemble a picnic basket while strolling down Stoke Newington Church Street – cheese from Whole Foods, wine at Clissold Wines, a fresh loaf at The Spence Bakery. I then head to Clissold Park for a grand picnic and a bit of swan, deer, people and puppy-watching.'

'I'm a regular at Tooting Common, and not only are the spring flowers in bloom, but the trees are blossoming. Also, it's lovely to hear the birds!'

'I love sitting on the grass near the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace with a good book and some music. Every so often I look up from my book to people-watch, take in the atmosphere and feel in absolute awe about what a fab city London is.'