REGENTS PARK & REGENTS CANAL

You guys know there are a million and one reasons I am madly in love with London and believe me, there's no city on Earth I'd rather call my own. I know not many people are lucky enough to live in or nearby to London, so this year I want to take you with me and show you the real London. Not Big Ben and Embankment but all the hidden paradises within the city.

Today, we're cutting right through the heart of Regent's Park and heading straight to Regent's Canal, aka one of my favourite secret hideaways. I discovered this little place at the end of last summer and in summer, it was so beautiful but it didn't shape up too bad on my return last week.

There's nothing like London's parks in the summer. Crowded by people wanting a little bit of that country escape in the middle of the city; but they're also gorgeous this time of the year what with spring just around the corner. 

Anyway, onto Regent's Canal. 

Once you've cut straight through the heart of Regent's, you'll come out onto possibly the most wealthy street you'll ever lay eyes on. I'm talking armed guards at the gates of these houses, it's crazy. You'll then cut down onto a little side road that brings you out to a bridge over the canal. Take the bridge, once across, make your way down onto the walkway beside the canal, it looks dodgy as hell but if you're into that dingy vibe it's pretty rad. Just keep walking. 

[ALSO en-route make sure you ruin all your friends artist photography shots with the lunge-stance]

THEN...after walking for so long you kinda wanna hurl yourself into the canal...you find this...

It's such a cool vibe there and it's the perfect place to take some rad snaps. Me and Maddy [in her trainers...if you're reading this Maddy hahahahahahahaha] chilled with a stray cat, strolled through here and enjoyed the last of the days sunshine. It's just a little place that not many people go, it's kind of the shitty version of Little Venice but with just as much character. 

NOTTING HILL

It's days like yesterday that make me super appreciative that I live [part-time] in the East of the City. It means as soon as the sun comes out I can nip 'cross town on an adventure. After a rocky start to the week I set my sights on hanging out in Notting Hill, joined by one of my favourite humans ever, Maddy. 

Why Notting Hill you may ask? Well, not only do I rarely ever travel West [except the occasional trip to Shepherd's Bush and/or Ravenscourt Park], Notting Hill also happens to be the location of my favourite film on the entire planet..."Notting Hill."

Now, I should probably explain that when it comes to films I hate chick-flicks/romantic comedies, if there's no explosions and guns within the first 60 seconds you've lost me [I'm a boy, I know] but there's something about "Notting Hill" I love. It's so damn British, it's sarcastic and pokes fun at itself but it's one of the reasons I fell so madly in love with London. From the sunshine and flower markets on Portobello, to the quirkly little coloured houses to the private gardens. I remember when I first saw the film, I just fell in love with how magical London seemed. Don't get me wrong, I know it's romanticised as hell and sneaky editing cuts out all the rubbish bits of the city. Although I spent a lot of my childhood in and around the city, I just wondered whether when I grew up the city would still be as magical to me. And it totally is. Even if it's for different reasons.

It wouldn't have been a trip to Notting Hill without visiting the book shop featured in the film...even if it's actually located hidden away in Portobello.

Of course I was such a nerd and took a selfie [which will never see the light of day] outside and then went inside and brought a canvas bag, chatting to the ladies about how I was wondering if Hugh Grant was about. [They were lovely, I'm sure they've heard it a million times]. 

Then, Maddy and I got completely lost. For girls that know all the short cuts and back alleys around the city, we're hopeless. BUT I discovered the house of my dreams. 

Just look at that quirky design, that ivy, those white walls...damn. *loser alert*

 All in all, it was the perfect breath of fresh air, I don't feel like I'm in London morning. I really needed to go and wander about in the sunshine for a while. 

Notting Hill is really sweet but I wouldn't change my Shoreditch in for it.