spring on the water

This season has really been a rollercoaster! wonder | wander | women are dressing in layers and making sure that the cotton shirts and the fleece pants are available, because we never know how the weather will change from one day to the next. 

Postman's Park by the Postal Museum

April started grim and blustery, not good for cherry blossom viewing at all. One day it even hailed, snowed and sleeted in a single storm, which is a "fun" feature of British springtime. This is why whenever even a tiny bit of sun appears, the Brits will snatch time outside even if it's 10 degrees Celsius with chilly winds.

Grassy bleachers at Granary Square

Sometimes a warm day really does appear out of nowhere and then vanishes into another spell of wind and rain. This triggers an immediate reaction with the British public, who will instantly fill every slightly grassy patch available with impromptu snack picnics, even on a working day.

Cherry, apple and pear trees along Regent's Canal

Rain or shine, the canals and waterways in the neighbourhood make a wonderful walk. The canal and its basins have a long history too. The plaza of Granary Square used to be a large basin used for the loading and unloading of barges at the Granary Building, which is now Central St. Martins.

There's a thriving community of houseboats all up and down the canal and marina. Some of the moored boats open up into art galleries, bookstores, mini pubs or secondhand stores, perfect for the crowds lured out by sunshine on the water.

Camley Street Park and cafe

Camley Street Natural Park is our favourite spot alongside this part of the canal. It's a wetland nature preserve with ponds and marshes that shelter numerous waterbirds. There's even an observation deck where you can see the floating habitats that conservationists have built for the birds to nest.

Nearby is St. Pancras Lock, a historic water gate often used by boaters passing along the canal heading upward to Camden or down to Islington Tunnel. The residence of the lock keeper is equally historic and is a Grade II listed building with a little private garden along it, visible to passersby along the lock.

There have been studies on how being near bodies of water has a positive and often healing effect on mental health. We are privileged to be able to come and enjoy the walk and the views along this beautiful area for free. 

These are not the blue and dynamic waters of home, but the canals and wetlands of London have their own peace and enchantment. A sunny day brings out the true appeal of the landscape, but we're grateful to have it in walking distance - rain or shine.