Boltholes: Influencers reveal favourite London spots

With lockdown easing, we’re still advised to stay local as much as possible. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or searching for the most beautiful parts of the city to relax in, there’s a perfect nearby getaway for you. 

We’ve been looking for London’s coolest and most accessible boltholes (or as the dictionary defines them: a place where a person can escape and hide). To help us in our quest, we teamed up with London-based influencers to hear about their favourite escapes.

Here are their recommendations – tested and approved by the Bolt team.

Green escape 

With nearly 3,000 parks just in London, there’s a big chance that your perfect oasis of calm is just around the corner.

• Waterlow Park – “There’s something about this particular little park and the way it’s laid out that feels a lot more personal and garden-like”. Found in north London, this recommendation from Leigh has been particularly special for her during lockdown given that she has a gardenless flat.
• Gunnersbury park – The ideal location for meeting friends, walking the dog, or boating on the lake on a Sunday afternoon. Gunnersbury park offers the perfect escape to relax and restore for west Londoners. Influencer Amy is particularly attached to its historic buildings and flowery landscape.
• Isabella Plantation – If you’re looking for more blossoming landscapes, then Isabella Plantation is your go-to location. Tucked away in the heart of Richmond Park, it’s the perfect spot to recharge without leaving London. According to Anoushka who shared this beautiful recommendation with us, “there’s always something different to admire each season. From the fragile spring magnolias to the show-stopping summer azaleas”. 
• Walthamstow Wetlands – Another recommendation from Anoushka is the urban nature reserve Walthamstow Wetlands. “This is a beautiful patch of nature in the city. It’s been a real lifeline in lockdown being able to go for regular walks in the area, and taking a moment in nature when there hasn’t been much else to do!”

• Forty Hall Country Park – A bit further away from central London, Forty Hall Country Park is worth the extra mile. We heard from Ruby who shared this peaceful location with us — “It never gets crowded and the scenery makes me feel like I’m on vacation.” 

For more greenery, check out our latest article with London’s most beautiful parks and best walks.

Hidden gems in the city 

London is known for its thousand facets — from ancient buildings to colourful houses to breathtaking views. Here are a few metropolitan suggestions for the perfect escape within the city.

• Duchess Walk – Recommended by Mel, Duchess Walk is just near London Bridge. “This is the perfect spot to walk around with a podcast on — it feels like a little piece of magic in the city. Very metropolitan, with its old-meets-new brickwork, it reminds me a little bit of Brooklyn.” 
• St Katharine’s Docks – For a change of scenery, head out to St Katharine’s Docks and spend a day like Anoushka who shared her hidden gem with us. “A charming old dockside pub nestled away behind Tower Bridge. It’s relatively undiscovered by tourists and a great spot to sit outside with a drink on a sunny day admiring the boats!” 

• Greenwich –  A safe bet for a successful day out with friends, family or simply to relax, Greenwich is Eboni’s favourite.  “Greenwich is a place I have been visiting since I was a young child, as I have always lived in South East London. I absolutely love the pockets of joy and history spread around the town, from the large Cutty Sark ship, the beautiful university buildings, the row of Instagrammable cherry blossom trees that appear every Spring and the many trendy food and drink stops.”
• Notting Hill – How can we not mention the colourful houses of Notting Hill? If like Verity you want to get that holiday feeling within a short distance, Notting Hill remains a classic but inevitable gem. “This spot is special to me as it’s full of colour! During lockdown, whenever I needed that feeling of escape and not to look at the 4 white walls of my flat, I would jump in a Bolt to go just a short distance away to have a stroll around the colourful streets. It always lifts my mood!”

• Crossrail Roof Gardens – The perfect illustration of nature in the heart of the city. This beautiful location was recommended by Juti as her meeting ground to escape for a day after lockdown. “It was the first place we went to have a walk, so it has a lovely link to being able to see loved ones again for me.” 
• Somerset House – Another gem suggested by Juti. “Ideal for a coffee break that feels like you’re in Paris.” Crossing the Channel has never been so easy.

Thanks to all influencers for sharing their secret gems with us. Whenever you need to escape for a few hours, Bolt will get you there safely and affordably. Download the app now.