in and around London
 

We are now settled in London and since the weather's great at the moment, we were wondering if you could suggest any- off the beaten tracks,( not the usual oxford/cam/bath etc that we already know of..) around London that could be covered in a day..

FOR SOMETHING VERY DIFFERENT…consider visiting London’s Magnificent Seven…cemeteries that is…time capsules of art and architecture in stunning garden surroundings. Three of the easiest are Brompton, Kensal Green, and the downright amazing Highgate. Check a guidebook for directions or check the phone book for the “Friends of…” each cemetery. Highgate may be the most interesting, but the old side, the west, is available only in small tour groups. There is a charge but it is for a worthy cause. Kensal Green and Brompton are free.

Take along the makings for a picnic and go up to Hampstead Heath - beautiful park, nice view of London. You can also visit Kenwood House while there.

Stroll along the South Bank of the Thames. Visit Southwark Cathedral, or you could go across Tower Bridge and turn left and walk along the Thames that way. Stop and have lunch at a cafe on the river or shop at Hayes Galleria.

Within London, don't miss Borough Market on Fridays (around lunchtime onwards) and Saturdays if you're a foodie.
Not totally off-the-beaten tracks, but Greenwich to Blackheath Park also within London.
For good day-trips outside of London, I'd recommend stately manor houses in Kent--Ightham Mote in Sevenoaks or Scotney Castle in Turnbridge Wells.
Just watch out for a potential rail strike if you're taking a train.

Sir John Soanes' museum is fascinating, at Lincoln's Inn Fields - see website at www.soane.org

Why not look at the English Heritage website - they have a lot of interesting sites in and around London, e.g. Chiswick House. Ditto the National Trust.

If you've got a car drive into Sussex to Petworth House or Goodwood. Or take the train to Winchester or Salisbury.

thank you-interesting ideas!!

Wisley Gardens in Surrey are lovely.

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Hi there. We are now settled in London too. But, I think the weather is HOT. The forecast is for 90+ tomorrow.

u bet-its been hot but today seems good!!!!

We like to go to Hever Castle. The castle itself is small but lovely and the grounds are gorgeous. We have 2 children and they love the playground and water/splash area in the grounds. Once we made a day of going to both Hever and Leeds Castles as they are near each other but we barely got both in.

How about a trip to Barnes and a visit to the Wetland Centre?

You can also walk along the Thames Path as far as Richmond if you are feeling fit.
Of course you could also walk as far as one of the nice pubs along the path ;-)