There is something special about London in the summertime. People smile, there is a spring in their step and a buzz in the air as everyone welcomes those sacred few days when sun beats down on London town.
For many, lunchtimes are spent soaking up the rays in one of London’s many parks giving them instant boost and clearing the mind of any work troubles. After hours, pubs swell as happy workers spill out onto the streets – plastic cup in hand – tales of the day regaled, laughter exchanged, a quick pint turning into several then a drunken scramble to catch the last train home.
Surrounding them, the true magnificence of London is showcased: rays bounce off every brick, window and statue – hundreds of years of history gleaming down at those walking past.
Yes. London is an amazing place to be in the sunshine but, as I was reminded of this weekend, the sun not only brings out London’s best features, it also brings out the people. Lots of them.
‘How nice’, I thought this Saturday, ‘to walk from Waterloo to St James’ Park’ – where I was meeting friends for lunch. As Waterloo has step free access I could avoid stairs completely and have a lovely walk in the sun.
I disembarked the train just after midday, the mercury creeping towards 30 degrees. The walk started well but I hadn’t bargained on the popularity of Westminster bridge. It was heaving with tourists from all corners of the world. As I attempted to drive the buggy through the crowd, I noticed that many were not moving AT ALL. Taking pictures I can accept (I am a sucker for that myself) but standing still watching hawkers sell tat and con artists perform card tricks blocking the WHOLE of the bridge off is, in my book, unacceptable! I wouldn’t have minded so much but they were so absorbed by it all, they couldn’t even see there was a small mum armed with a buggy, attempting to cross the bridge without bring forced onto the road. I had to graze a fair few ankles with the front of the buggy as I attempted to drive a path through the tourist throng. It must have taken me 15 minutes to go a few meters, my pores filling with sweat. All the while, Mrs T (thankfully) was blissfully asleep. Fortunately the day picked up and I met friends for lunch and enjoyed the sun in the relative peace and sanctuary of St James’ Park.
The next day I gave central London another try. Early that morning, I wandered across South Bank to Trafalgar Square. Having hailed the step free accessibility of the South Bank on a previous blog post, I have been disappointed by the temperamental nature of the lifts. This was the case (of course) on said morning when I happened to be on my own with Mrs T in the buggy, without many helpful people around to help me up the stairs. I felt invisible. Lugging a buggy up and down stairs, step by step, on your own, in the heat is exhausting and frustrating.
My advice? Try to avoid the popular tourist hotspots in London at the weekend when the sun is at its peak. Typically, I glanced across at the pavement on the opposite side of Westminster Bridge and it was not nearly as busy. Be aware of your surroundings and pick the quietest route especially if you have a buggy- makes it far more difficult to barge your way past! Definitely make use of the parks. Most, like St James’ Park, have lots of trees to provide shade on a hot summer’s day and calm from the hustle and bustle of the street.
It was a huge relief to return home to the quiet of my garden and local park – where I could finally relax – before watching the breathtaking tennis match in which Andy Murray win Wimbledon – the first British man for 77 years! Amazing. I guess the day turned out right in the end. Although I am not sure my daughter fully appreciated the significance of the occasion.
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