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‘Country’ escapes you can get to without leaving London
London might be one of the busiest cities in the world, but if you look hard enough there are plenty of quiet corners that feel just like the countryside. Uplifting views, charming pubs and lovely rambling gardens are within easy reach of town – and as they are all within Zone 6 you won't even need a car...
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Kenwood House and the Spaniards Inn
Leafy north London is just a tube ride away, and there's plenty to reward your journey to Hampstead. To give your walking some focus why not aim for a stroll through the Heath to the Spaniards Inn, which is full of mahogany-lined corners. One of the oldest in London, the 16th-century pub allegedly takes its name from two former Spanish landlords, one of whom is buried in the garden. Don't go home without having a look around Kenwood House if you have time - and Keats House, and 2 Willow Road (modernist home of Erno Goldfinger) are also worth visiting for very different perspectives on design. Other picturesque pubs include The Holly Bush and The Flask, which are both very near Hampstead station.
Spaniards Inn, Spaniards Rd, London NW3 7JJ
How to get there: The Spaniards Inn is a 25 minute walk from the Northern Line's Hampstead station.
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Walthamstow Village and Marshes
Just at the northern end of the Victoria Line is charming Walthamstow Village. A short hop from the station you find yourself in a conservation area full of pastel-coloured cottages, independent shops such as God's Own Junkyard, and treelined avenues. After some shopping on Orford Road, relax at one of the many pubs - The Castle and The Queen's Arms come highly recommended. If you feel like a longer wander, then head to Lloyd Park where you can also nose around the William Morris Gallery, or head for the great open spaces of Walthamstow Marshes, which might easily convince you you're in the countryside (if you just ignore the tower blocks hoving into view).
How to get there: The Victoria line and the Weaver overground line will take you straight to Walthamstow Central.
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Chiswick House
There's plenty to see at this neo-Palladian villa for a day out in itself, but it's Chiswick House's 65-acre eighteenth century garden that makes it such a soothing sanctuary. With fragrant flowers, elegant vistas and rambling woodland areas, you really can lose yourself for a few hours when London's noise becomes too much. The gardens are free and open daily from 7am until dusk.
Chiswick House, Conservatory Yard, London W4 2QN
How to get there: From Hammersmith or Turnham Green stations you can get the 533 bus to within a short walk of Chiswick House, or it's about a 20 minute walk from Turnham Green.
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Chelsea Physic Garden
Most central of all is the diminutive Chelsea Physic Garden. It's a little west London oasis with a fascinating history. Founded in 1673 it was originally the 'Apothecaries' Garden', which was used to train apprentices in medicinal plants. Tucked away in Zone 1 and only a 10 minute-walk away from Sloane Square, it's a remarkably quiet corner of curiosity that's full of secluded spots.It's open daily (apart from Saturdays).
Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HS
How to get there: Chelsea Physic Garden is a 15 minute walk from Sloane Square station.
© Sladja Kisic/4Corners Images5/10Kew Gardens
Southwest London offers so many opportunities to pretend you're in the countryside, from the vast open spaces of Richmond Park to the more manicured grounds of the Royal Botanic Kew Gardens. There's plenty to enjoy here whatever the season thanks to all of its tropical plant houses, galleries and conservatories. It offers 300 acres of enchanting gardens to get lost in without having to venture outside the M25.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE
How to get there: Take the District Line or the Mildmay overground line to Kew Gardens station.
6/10London Wetland Centre
Elsewhere in south west London, the lovely village of Barnes is a brilliant escape from central London. There's plenty to explore here, but one of our favourite bits is the picturesque London Wetland Centre. Even on a rainy day, it has plenty of things to do undercover while you're waiting for the sun to shine - dotted around the landscape are six hides so you can enjoy a day of wildlife-watching and fresh air without getting too chilly.
WWT London, Queen Elizabeth's Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT
How to get there: Trains run regularly from London Waterloo to Barnes; alternatively take the Piccadilly line to Hammersmith and get the bus over the bridge.
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Marble Hill House / Ham House
For some breathing space in west London, a day out at Marble Hill is a real treat. This elegant Palladian villa is set in 66 acres of riverside parkland, making the rest of London seem a world away. The gardens were intended as an Arcadian retreat from crowded 18th-century London, and they are still just as soothing today. You can make a day of it by walking along the river from Richmond or Twickenham to Marble Hill, enjoying the park and house then hopping on the Ham Ferry across the river to Ham House for more historic house exploring. After that, wander back along the river or across Petersham Meadows to Richmond and stop in somewhere for a bit to eat – Petersham Nurseries itself is en route and always a good idea.
Marble Hill House, Richmond Road, Twickenham, London, TW1 2NL
How to get there: Trains run regularly from London Waterloo to Twickenham, or get the tube or overground to Richmond and walk.
© Sladja Kisic/4Corners Images8/10Hampton Court
This palace of two halves – the Tudor part which was one of Henry VIII's favourite homes and the later Baroque palace built by William III – is one of the best places to get a sense of British royal history, and it's a brilliant day out too. The grounds with their famous maze offer plenty for kids to enjoy. Just across the road, the historic pub The Mitre has had a colourful renovation by Nicola Harding, and is the perfect place for lunch or even an overnight stay.
Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
How to get there: Trains run from London Waterloo to Hampton Court station, and the 111, 216, 411 and R68 buses stop outside the gates.
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Greenwich Park
For a weatherproof trip Greenwich Park offers the best of both indoor and outdoor. Wander through the open spaces and take in the views across the Thames to St. Paul's Cathedral and the City, or visit the Queen's Orchard and discover a variety of seasonal produce. If the rain clouds move in, head to the National Maritime Museum, or the Greenwich Observatory to discover 'The Sky Tonight'.
Greenwich Park, London, SE10 8QY
How to get there: Trains run from London Bridge to Greenwich, or you can hop on the DLR if you're already in east London.
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Eltham Palace
Royal splendour meets art-deco glamour in this unique south London hideaway. Originally Eltham was a medieval palace, where Henry VIII spent his early years, but it also has the quirk of a 1920s wing added by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. After a 20-minute bus ride from the Lewisham DLR, you get a beautiful view back over London. From there you can head over to the manicured grounds and parkland, and finish up at the really good tea shop.
Eltham Palace, Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, London, SE9 5QE
How to get there: Get the train to Mottingham (Zone 4) from Charing Cross and London Bridge, and Eltham Palace is a 15 minute walk.
