It’s the season for leaving the cosseting confines of a pub — briefly — and getting out on the water. Sunhats should be mandatory, reciting Keats is strongly encouraged. Though London’s stretch of the Thames is hardly relaxing (too busy, too tidal), the canals and park lakes are ideal for a wistful afternoon of splashing about in a self-drive hire boat. They’re fun, not the usual, and usually even better if you get going on the rosé.
