Clapham Common is perhaps the least well known of these areas but it is in fact one of the most visited areas in south London. With 220 acres of open parkland for people to make use of, the Common is the perfect hangout on a sunny day.

The park centres on a bandstand. More than 120 years old, the bandstand was built in 1890 and is the oldest and largest of its kind in London. Although not in its original form, the bandstand was recently renovated to keep it suitable for modern day use and concerts are held twice weekly, with the Sunday show a spectacle that causes many locals and tourists congregate to see.

The Common also formerly housed a number of windmills – the inspiration for the name of a popular nearby pub – but nowadays these have all been removed after becoming defunct.

Clapham Common has long been a centre of meeting and back in 1790 houses were built in close proximity so people could make use of the grassland. Because of the associated class with the parkland, these houses were all lavish and accusations were made that they were unaffordable for the common man. At this time Clapham was outside London’s city boundary but as business expanded the two places grew and merged. While these extravagant houses do still exist in the area, there are many more affordable houses near the Common and estate agents Clapham will be able to help you find something that’s in your price range.

Clapham Common allows you to socialise with friends you know or to meet strangers at special occasions – whether it’s the cultural events held on certain dates throughout the year such as the yearly fireworks display held on Guy Fawkes Night. Regular events – such as an open air cinema or concerts – take place throughout the year which allow people to come for an enjoyable night out free of charge.

Because of its value to the city the park is visited regularly by both tourists and regulars and is the perfect mingling spot during the summer whether you want to play sport, have a picnic or walk your dog. Whether you can afford to visit on a daily, weekly or monthly basis or if it’s just as a one-off, Clapham Common has plenty to offer everyone in London.

Gladstone Brown is a freelance author who writes for both business and pleasure. He uses this site for both purposes and all articles should be used for information and not as pieces of advice.

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The Lure of Clapham Common

Recreational driving is not only a great way to unwind after the stresses of the week, but it can also be an excellent chance to explore the unknown with all its offerings of animal life, castles, country houses and beautiful scenery. Whichever country you are in, there is an abundance to see and do, and driving through the countryside can offer an unparalleled opportunity to view the world first-hand.

However, when driving in rural areas, there are certain factors that must be taken into consideration, which differ greatly from the rules of city driving.

For instance, it is not that common to come across a flock of sheep or herd of cows in inner city traffic, yet when driving in the country the sight is not so unusual. It is therefore wise to think carefully about where you will be driving and factor in the possibility that you could, at some point, run into animals that are not used to motor vehicles. Rolling down the window to shout at said animals usually has no effect and it is better to exercise a degree of patience with them until they have moved on.

According to research, two main factors of road deaths and injuries in the countryside are speeding and driving whilst tired. Tiredness is usually due to the fact that people are driving longer distances than they are otherwise used to, says the research.

However, tempting as it might be, high speed driving is extremely dangerous – and illegal, regardless of where you drive – and it is very easy to lose control, particularly when careering along a narrow country road. What’s more, unfamiliarity with the route, animals in the road and road surfaces are very different to those in the city are all potential hazards on country roads – regardless of whether you drive at speed or not.

The findings also suggest that in order to avoid having an accident, it is advisable to get plenty of rest before undertaking a long journey and that you should start your trip early so that you are not driving in darkness. It is also sensible to take a break every couple of hours; with so much to see, this should not be too hard a task!

Nevertheless, even the most careful and conscientious of drivers have accidents and it is consequently very important to make sure you have a car insurance policy – a mandatory requirement of driving in the UK, whether in the city or countryside.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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Escape Inner City Madness With a Trip to the Countryside

Hundreds of parks, gardens and waterways mean almost 40% of London’s 1,600 sq km consists of green space or water. With so much greenery on offer you are spoilt for choice when navigating your way through some of the finest natural beauty spots to be found in the ‘big smoke’.

London has eight Royal Parks which stretch across 5,000 acres and combine rich cultural heritage with vast green expanses. Standing at almost 2,500 acres, Richmond is the largest of the Royal Parks and was recently named London’s favourite picnic spot for the second year running.

Home to 650 deer who roam freely in the grounds, the landscape varies between woodland, ponds, hills, gardens and grasslands. The assortment of terrains mean Richmond Park is ideal for an abundance of different outdoor activities including cycling, fishing, and horse riding.

Bushy Park is the second largest and has the same rural feel as Richmond. The famous Arethusa ‘Diana’ Fountain forms the centrepiece to Chestnut Avenue and is recognised by English Heritage as one of the most important groups of sculpture in Britain.

At the heart of London lies St James Park with its resident pelicans, ducks and geese. Dedicated cycle paths allow quick and easy access. Hunger pangs can be satisfied at the park’s very own restaurant and café, ‘Inn the Park’, renowned for using fresh seasonal ingredients from small independent producers.

Neighbour to St James is the peaceful Green Park, which spreads over 47 acres and is bordered by Constitution Hill, Piccadilly and Queen’s Walk.

Sports enthusiasts will be impressed with Regent’s parks 410 acres, 100 of which are devoted to athletes of all abilities. The largest outdoor sports area in London, the community pavilion and pitches are no stranger to a game of tennis. Cricket, rounders, football and rugby are also played here and an athletics track is available.

Greenwich Park is home to a boating lake and the well-known observatory which allows great views across the city whilst Hyde Park lies in the west and hosts the Serpentine Gallery, one of London’s favoured venues for modern and contemporary art. Close to Hyde Park lies Kensington Gardens whose cycle paths and walk-ways are popular with those living in or visiting Central London.

Outdoor activities in London are not limited to the Royal Parks, however. An abundance of alternative green spaces provide quiet spots to take refuge from city life. The maze of canals and rivers allows exploration of the city by boat and offer boundless opportunities for alfresco dining.

What’s more, many of the main hotels in London are located in close proximity to at least one of the parks mentioned so on your next visit to London you can make the most the city’s natural environment.

Victoria Cochrane writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

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The Royal Parks of London