Early morning weekend activities for the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
Words Helen Brown
Defined by detox, January often brings with it abstinence in abundance. Why not make the most of your hangover-free weekends with one of London’s early morning offerings. The city can provide much more for those curious enough to try. Here are some suggestions to start the day differently.
Royal Park Walk
London has a bounty of parkland to enjoy a brisk morning walk, the finest of which can be found at Regents and St. James Parks. The best way to enjoy the city’s green spaces is on a Royal Parks Walk. There are five in total across the city and it only takes three hours to walk across them all using the website’s interactive maps.Various locations; royalparks.org.uk
Borough Market
Undoubtedly the most important meal of the day, start your day as you mean to go on with a breakfast of champs from one of the multitude of culinary delights on offer at Borough Market. From freshly baked bread, cured meats and seasonal soups, to exquisite cheeses and artisan pastries; London’s oldest food market truly is a display of gourmet food finery. Head over hungry to take advantage of the multitude of free samples.8 Southwark Street, SE1; boroughmarket.org.ukSaturday 8am-5pm
See the Sunrise at Duck & Waffle
As the city sleeps, take to the skies for a breathtaking view of the sunrise over London. Duck & Waffle serve from sunrise to sunset and every hour in between, on the adrenalising 40th Floor of the Heron Tower. The delicious namesake dish, Duck and Waffle is a ever popular and a real crowd pleaser, as is the fantastically indulgent Full Elvis; a peanut butter and jelly, banana brulee combination that is absolutely worth the early start.
Book here.
Columbia Road Flower Market
A visual feast for bleary-eyed early Sunday-risers, Columbia Road Flower Market is a botanical haven of bulbs, herbs, shrubs and bedding plants. The market is flanked with a brilliant array of independent shops, art galleries, cupcake shops, vintage clothes stores, garden and antique shops, and English and Italian delis to explore also. The market opens at 8am, arrive early as possible to chose from the cream of the crop. Sunday 8am – 3pm; more information here.
Cities At Dawn Photography Class
Discover London’s deserted streets at dawn and learn how to capture the stunning vistas on camera. Leading photographer Anthony Epes heads up these weekend workshops beginning at 4.15am and capturing the beauty of the early morning city. More information here.
Headspace Meditation in the Park
Headspace are working to get people to take 10 minutes out of their day and practice meditation, as scientists believe it makes a hugely positive psychological, emotional, and physical difference to your life. Wrap up and make the most of an early start to find headspace in one of the most conducive environments, London’s Royal parkland.More information here.
Horse Riding Hyde Park
You can’t miss the all-weather paths snaking their way through the 350 acres of Hyde Park. Hyde Park Stables offer adults and children group and private horse rides, horse riding lessons and arena lessons, all year round. A brisk 7:30am ride is the perfect way to wake up away from the City’s overbearing skyscrapers. More information here.
Early Morning Yoga Class
A tried and tested method of relaxation and rejuvenation, a yoga session is undoubtedly one of the most positive starts to the day. Triyoga offer an assortment of practises including Hot Yoga, a Cleanse and Flow workshop and Yoga for Runners. Classes start from 6:30am in various Triyoga locations. More information here.
