Places To Go


Wildlife at the London Wetland Centre

Wildlife at the London Wetland Centre

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) complements its fabulous conservation work with a network of UK visitor centres. Here at Barnes, an impressive man-made habitat of lakes, pools and gardens is home to a wide variety of creatures. ... Read More ›

English Heritage at Marble Hill House

English Heritage at Marble Hill House

Set in 66 acres of riverside parkland, Marble Hill House was built for Henrietta Howard, mistress of King George II when he was Prince of Wales. The house and gardens were designed as a retreat from crowded 18th century London and still evoke the atmosphere of fashionable Georgian life. ... Read More ›

Gothic history at Strawberry Hill House

Gothic history at Strawberry Hill House

In 1747, man of letters Horace Walpole acquired and began to transform a couple of unremarkable cottages near Twickenham into an utterly extravagant home. Soon the castle that emerged was drawing crowds, although children were not allowed inside. Fortunately things have changed. ... Read More ›

Floating down the Thames

Floating down the Thames

Flowing through the heart of Richmond borough, bordered by such jewels as Ham House, Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace, the Thames is a major local attraction in itself. ... Read More ›

17th century splendour at Ham House

17th century splendour at Ham House

A stone's throw from the Thames, Ham House is a beautifully preserved 17th century property in the care of the National Trust. Largely the creation of Elizabeth Murray... Read More ›

Roaming in Richmond Park

Roaming in Richmond Park

Covering an area of some 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London. From the gardens of Pembroke Lodge, high above the 'Matchless Vale' of Petersham, Richmond and Ham, the views extend as far as Windsor Castle, while in the other direction a famous keyhole vista brings St Paul's Cathedral into view. ... Read More ›

Beautiful Bushy Park

Beautiful Bushy Park

A stone's throw from Hampton Court Palace, Bushy Park is a distinctive landscape shaped in part by its origins as a royal hunting ground. ... Read More ›

Botany and beauty at Kew Gardens

Botany and beauty at Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens is home to the world's largest collection of living plants, along with a library and archive containing one of the biggest botanical collections ever known.... Read More ›

History galore at Hampton Court Palace

History galore at Hampton Court Palace

Scene of Henry VIII's infamous compulsory purchase from the discredited Cardinal Wolsey, Hampton Court Palace is quite simply one of the most impressive historic buildings in the world. With its combination of Tudor and late 17th century architecture, its gorgeous gardens and infuriating maze and its spectacular riverside setting, it is a core visitor attraction on almost anyone's agenda.... Read More ›

Top 10 family days out

Top 10 family days out

Fun for all the family can be had in innumerable places around Surrey but here is our selection of the best... Read More ›

Local National Trust Sites

Local National Trust Sites

Some of the UK's finest houses and most beautiful landscapes are now protected by the National Trust. Aside from Ham House (see separate page), here is a local selection:... Read More ›