Transport for LondonPicnic season is almost upon us
And you certainly don't need to leave London to find some stunning surroundings.
Here are a few suggestions for finding that perfect spot.
A taste of park life
You can't beat London's Royal Parks for a range of scenic spots.
Feed the ducks on the lake then listen to music in the bandstand in St James's Park (nearest Tube: St James's Park) on sunny days.
The area around the Serpentine in Hyde Park (nearest Tube: Knightsbridge or Lancaster Gate) is a lovely place to get away from it all, as are the benches at the top of Greenwich Park (nearest Tube: Greenwich DLR) where you can take in the views.
Primrose Hill, (nearest Tube: Regent's Park) meanwhile, combines character and tranquillity; take a walk up the hill to enjoy the view over Regent's Park (nearest Tube: Great Portland Street) and the city.
Set on a hillside in Highgate with panoramic views over London, Waterlow Park deserves a visit and includes historic Lauderdale House (nearest Tube: Archway) with its ornamental gardens.
Or prepare to be transported to a different world with a trip to the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, (nearest Tube: Holland Park or High Street Kensington) built for the 1991 London Festival of Japan.
Square up to new finds
London is often described as 'a city of garden squares'; there's always one close by, wherever you are in central London.
Russell Square is one of the largest and has a pleasant café and a fountain, while Soho Square, just south of Oxford Street, is perfectly located for weary shoppers.
Lincoln's Inn Fields (nearest Tube: Holborn or Chancery Lane) is a popular picnic spot for office workers and a short walk from Covent Garden.
Pop into Postman's Park tucked away next to St Botolph's Church (nearest Tube: Aldgate East) and you'll find a 19th century memorial to ordinary people who lost their lives trying to save others.
And you may remember Natalie Portman and Jude Law visiting it in the movie 'Closer'.
To find out more about what the Capital has to offer, go to www.visitlondon.com/outdoors
You can plan your route at tfl.gov.uk/journeyplanner
Win a hamper
MetroTravel has teamed up with Visit London to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a fantastic Fortnum & Mason's Weekender Hamper worth £75.
It includes a sweet selection of dark chocolate and macadamia nut biscuits, champagne truffles, lemon curd and strawberry preserve, together with Earl Grey Classic tea and Afternoon Blend coffee.
And to finish off, two bottles of wine, rosé and muscadet.
To enter, simply answer the following question: For information on what's going on in London, what website would you visit?
Email your answer to metrocompetitions@tfl.gov.uk, with 'hamper' in the subject field, together with your full name, address and telephone number by 17:00 today.
The winner will be chosen at random.
