Spring has sprung. Ben Fogle is jolly thrilled and so are we. Let’s get massively over ambitious, head out without a coat because that’s how we roll (with a disposable poncho in the back pocket) and see what blossoms.

Here are GLP’s top ten great little greeneries in London for a mad hatter’s party, careless whisper or other cartwheel based activity. Be sure to add your own personal favourites if they’re not on the list. Here goes:

North:

Queen’s Wood, Highgate
Escape the city and head to this area of ancient woodland where bluebells carpet the floor in spring. It’s not technically a “little” place, more a very large Garden of Eden. But you’ll forgive us.
http://bit.ly/9Ao6zc

Abney Park Cemetery, Stoke Newington
Formerly one of the ‘magnificent seven’ garden cemeteries of London, Abney Park is now a woodland memorial park and Local Nature Reserve. Possibly a little dark for matters of the heart, but with so much history literally at your feet this makes for a fascinating stroll.
http://bit.ly/d63L3G

South:

Ebury Square Gardens, Pimlico
A quiet shaded oasis within Pimlico. Pick up two 99 Flakes and relax together on a bench while the world passes you by. Old school.
http://bit.ly/aeEZ1i

Cleaver Square, Kennington
Not the greenest but it is tree-lined. The reason it makes our list: you can play a game of Boule. At The Prince Of Wales on the square, you can rent out one of their sets and fling your boules around. Amen to that.
http://bit.ly/9m8qTn

East:

Postman’s Park, St Paul’s
A centuries-old tribute to ordinary people who have lost their lives helping others but also a damn fine tribute to nature and a solid cucumber sandwich.
http://bit.ly/cbcXTI

Allen Gardens, Brick Lane
If wild gardens are your thing, check out this little paradise lost. Right next to Spitalfields City Farm. Baa.
http://bit.ly/9cJUmk

West:
Kyoto Garden, Holland Park
It had to be on the list. A little Japanese garden within Holland Park, fitted with all the best mod-cons like a delightful pond with waterfall. Say hello to the Coi for us.
http://bit.ly/c8RtfE

Chelsea Physic Garden, Chelsea
The name might not set the heart racing but this little gem will. We’ve mentioned it before but we’ll mention it again. Also, second oldest botanical garden in Britain. Proper vintage.
http://bit.ly/ckIBBQ

Central:

Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Holborn
Lincoln’s Inn Fields is the largest public square in London. Fact. Rumour has it that it was the inspiration for Central Park in New York City. Big name. This has mother nature’s seal of approval stamped all over it and it’s only a stone’s throw away from the magnificent Sir John Soane’s Museum (could we plug this anymore?).
http://bit.ly/b8jj32

New Square, Holborn
For a little more boutique chic, pass by Lincoln’s Inn Fields and pop into New Square to admire the fountains and manicured gardens.
http://bit.ly/aI9UzO

Go wander you blooming heroes.