A mere 15 minute Tube ride from the energy of central London, Hampstead Heath sits as a tranquil oasis in north London. Not only does the heath boast of swimming ponds, dense woods and plenty of paths for joggers and dog-walkers to enjoy, it also holds a stately home open for the entire public - free of charge!
Kenwood House recently went through an extensive renovation project. Previously it felt a bit worn and a tad unloved, but now the house is back to its glorious grandeur. Visitors can admire the majestic rooms and sumptuous decor with plenty of English Heritage staff to provide answers to your questions. If you're not careful, you may miss out on some of the outstanding works of art, including a Rembrandt self-portrait and Vermeer's 'The Guitar Player'.
My favourite room of Kenwood House is the library. It's everything what I imagine my ideal library to be - full of leather bound books, stunning paintings and plenty of light. I also enjoy the expansive lawns behind the house - perfect for a lazy picnic with friends.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
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Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.
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It was once the site of the Eel Pie Hotel, a 19th-century guesthouse turned jazz venue and now it’s been transformed into a hippie artists’ colony...
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The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.
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Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year...
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Tucked away in Bermondsey, Morocco Bound does it all, it is at once a bookshop, café, co-working space, beer bar and intimate events venue.
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The Phoenix Garden is remarkably inconspicuous: a bombsite turned car park turned community garden hidden behind high hedges and wrought iron railings.
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"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
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"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
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"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
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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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222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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