Feel transported away from the Big Smoke on just a bus or tube ride away to the hilly, green and vast Hampstead Heath. Many a heart has crumbled at the drooling of the dogs here as Man’s best friend in all shapes and sizes is absolutely everywhere.
Yes, Hampstead Heath is an open space, but it is not just for summer. Bring a picnic if you visit in the warmer months, bring your wellies if coming in winter, or bring a kite any season to fly from Parliament Hill if wind is forecast. There are plenty of drinking holes at both the Hampstead and Highgate ends to warm the toes after a bracing walk or for some much-needed and well-deserved liquid refreshment after a summer stroll. Well-deserved it will be as Hampstead Heath and the top of Parliament Hill is 98 metres (322 feet) above sea level.
The views are as equally impressive thanks to the skyline stretching from here to St Paul’s Cathedral being one of the eight protected views of London. City vistas, cute dogs, the most countryside pubs in London and a decent running or walking spot to get those daily steps in: what is not to like about this open space in the city?
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In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
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They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.
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Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.
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The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.
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With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night.
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"Hackney Wick Canal" in London once a quasi-industrial wasteland, now a prime hipster hangout... I like sitting at the canal side with a beer.
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"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!
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"The Thames Clipper" is an efficient machine, designed for London commuters. It's the perfect way to get on a boat on the Thames on a sunny evening!
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"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!
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"Tayyabs" in London is a legendary Punjabi run. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of their sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops & shami kebabs...
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"Sambrook's Brewery" in London is tucked among housing and insustrial estates; it's off the beaten track but should be on every beer lover's map...
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202 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 202 Insider Tips from our local Spotters