March in London 2018 begins with snow and ends with a bike ride through Hyde Park. Between those two outings, I visit the St Patrick’s celebrations in Trafalgar Square and warm up in a couple of Irish pubs. This monthly film follows the change from a long, cold winter to the first hints of spring.
Filmed in March 2018 and originally published on YouTube on 9 April 2018. This article records the visits and conditions shown in the film, including the cycle-hire arrangements at that time.
March in London 2018 begins in the snow
The film opens with snowy paths, bare trees and a very different-looking London. A familiar walk feels quieter beneath that white covering. I make my way to Buckingham Palace, wrapped up against the cold, to begin this month’s look at life in the city.
From there, the evening continues through streets and squares under snow. The fountains in Trafalgar Square glow against the dark sky, while the lights of the National Gallery shine behind them. Later views take in the river and the West End. These are places I film often, but the weather changes their appearance completely.
A winter walk before thawing out
There is little need for much commentary during this opening section. The snowy paths, lamps and buildings carry the walk, with music accompanying the changing views. By the time I finish, I am ready to sit beside a fire and thaw out.
I hope the next outing will be warmer. As it turns out, winter has another appearance to make before the month is over. For more from this snowy spell, see my London snow film from the Beast from the East in 2018.
St Patrick’s celebrations in Trafalgar Square
The next visit brings me back to Trafalgar Square for the St Patrick’s celebration. The atmosphere is lively despite the freezing weather. People gather around the stage, dance and keep the party going as the cold settles in.
Then snow begins to fall again. I have been to plenty of events in the square, but this one feels particularly cold. The energy of the crowd makes a strong contrast with the weather. After watching the celebrations, I decide it is time to head indoors and continue the outing at an Irish pub.
Warming up at the Porterhouse
On Maiden Lane in Covent Garden, I reach the Porterhouse. Inside, its different levels and smaller spaces make the large pub feel more intimate than its size suggests. The camera looks across the bars and seating, showing why it is an interesting place to explore as well as somewhere to escape the cold.
In the film, I talk about the Porterhouse’s own beer and stout and its Dublin brewing connection. It is a good fit for this Irish-themed afternoon. However, the next stop is for anyone following the familiar pull of a pint of Guinness, so I head back out and continue the walk.
Snow outside Waxy O’Connor’s
By the time I reach Waxy O’Connor’s, the snow is coming down heavily. Balloons decorate the entrance for St Patrick’s Day. Beyond that doorway, the pub opens into a much larger interior than the first bar suggests.
I describe the experience of walking further inside and descending into its different spaces. The scale and decoration make it feel like another world after the cold streets outside. It is the final stop of this outing before I head home, hoping that spring will finally arrive later in the month.
Kensington Gardens at the end of March
For the last part of the film, I arrive from Notting Hill and head into Kensington Gardens. The sky is still grey, but it is lighter and the weather feels less severe. After the winter we have had, that is enough to make a walk in the park appealing.
First, I visit the Italian Gardens, where fountains, swans and views along the water give me plenty to look at. I enjoy coming to the parks at weekends to relax before the week ahead. The film also catches a light-hearted conversation about one of the birds before I continue towards Hyde Park.
The Diana Memorial Fountain and a change of plan
Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park sit next to one another, and I point out a crossing between them as I walk. Soon I reach the Diana Memorial Fountain beside the lake. The surroundings are a complete change from the snowy paths at the start of the episode.
I had planned to pick up a hire bike nearby. However, the car park has been resurfaced and the cycle-hire bay I remember is no longer there. Instead, I find a bike near the Albert Memorial and ride back towards Rotten Row. That small detour becomes part of the afternoon.
A spring cycle ride beside Rotten Row
Rotten Row’s sandy strip is the bridleway. I use the cycle path beside it, heading towards Hyde Park Corner. It is one of my favourite rides, and on this visit I reach the route without having to mix with traffic on the open road.
At the end, I find a bike bay near Hyde Park Corner and bring the outing to a close. March in London 2018 has taken us from snow around Buckingham Palace to celebrations, warm pub interiors and a gentle ride through the park. Watch the full film above to follow the change of season at street level.
