Are you going to London Fields?

London Fields. The name alone sounds romantic and on a spring day, the city’s love birds flock to this chill-out zone in the heart of Hackney.

London Fields is one of the largest and most popular green spaces in east London. It gets so crowded in the warmer months that there’s something of a festival atmosphere. And it’s not just barefoot chicks and unbuttoned blokes checking each other out.

You’ll find elderly couples ambling, groups playing footie, musicians, even hoola hoopers doing their thing (I was with a class winding and tossing our hoops around last weekend).

The park’s got loads on offer for families with two play areas, cricket pitch, cycling lanes and tennis courts to hire.

London Fields is probably most famous for its Lido, the Olympic-sized outdoor heated swimming pool that’s practically sizzling with bodies in summer, especially during a heatwave. If your babes are too young for a big dip, there’s a paddling pool set to open later in the summer.

For refreshments, bring your own picnic or bbq or grab a spot at the trendy Pub on the Park. At weekends, scope out Broadway Market for unusual finds or if you’re a foodie, visit the Farmer’s Market at London Fields Primary School.

Head to London Fields this Saturday May 22 to join Parks for Life, a day of celebration with food and craft stalls, street theatre, stage acts, chefs and free health advice.

Visit the London Fields web site for more info.