Popular Gardens in Thames Ditton

"The botanic gardens at Kew, in Richmond, were first opened to the public in 1840 after the royal family established the gardens initially and started to bring plants from overseas from 1759. Because of the royal family’s continued interest in Richmond, the areas of Kew and Richmond became one of the most fashionable places to live, especially in the 18th century. Today, Kew Gardens focuses on plant and fungi research whilst housing the largest collection of plants in the world."

"Enjoy the huge outdoor space – 330 acres (134 hectares) – at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. See the peaceful Japanese garden, the amazing trees of the arboretum and explore the stunning glass conservatories. Pack a picnic (or pick up food from one of the restaurants) for the perfect relaxing day out in London."

"One of Richmond’s most famous attractions is perfect for visiting all year round. Wander around the ever-changing gardens and explore the wildlife, with attractions that include an indoor rainforest climate in the Palm House, an 18-metre high Treetop Walkway and guided walking tours."

"The ferns, fig trees and purple African lilies that clamber up the final three storeys of the 'Walkie Talkie' skyscraper are mere wallflowers at this 155m-high rooftop garden – it's the rather extraordinary 360-degree views of London (the best in the City) that make this vast, airport-terminal-like space so popular (advance booking recommended). Located on the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch St, the Sky Garden has front-row seats for the Shard and vistas that gallop for miles east and west."

"Sky Garden pairs epic views with tasty cocktails and an indoors garden, how can you not love that?. Sky Garden has a 360° view all around London and a number of different bars and restaurants inside it. Access to Sky Garden is free but you have to book in advance if you want to skip the queues, don’t worry if you forget about booking, you can still access Sky Garden but you will have to wait a little longer before taking your perfect Instagram shots."

"Sky Garden is on top of one of the skyscrapers found in London. You can visit levels 35 through 37 of the "Walkie Talkie" for free—just make sure to book a ticket in advance."

"The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill (South London) is similar to the Natural History Museum but on a much smaller scale, with collections spanning natural history and anthropology. The museum is particularly known for its elaborate taxidermy exhibition as well as the large 16 acres of gardens with a conservatory, nature trail, animal enclosure, butterfly house and sound garden with giant musical instruments you can play. With its smaller size and fun interactive exhibitions, Horniman is one of the best free museums in London for kids."

"This South London treasure has been open since 1890, when tea trader and compulsive collector, Frederick John Horniman, decided to share his wealth of extraordinary items that he had gathered on his travels. The collection includes insects, rare animals, masks, carved dolls, Egyptian mummies, tribal clothing, musical instruments, and even the skeleton of an alleged merman (a male mermaid). But the star of the show is a walrus with a rather comical backstory."

"I’m thinking Windsor Castle, or Hampton Court Palace – both eminently explorable, and easy to reach with a car. If you want to save money on the above attractions, and will be visiting a few, then you should definitely consider investing in a London Pass. Available in 1, 3 and 6 day versions, the savings can really be quite impressive if you plan on visiting a few locations. You can read a full break down on if the London Pass is worth buying here, and buy one yourself here."

"The beloved seat of Henry VIII's court, sprawled elegantly beside the languid waters of the Thames, Hampton Court is steeped in more…"

"The Princess Diana memorial playground in Kensington Gardens is a fantasy land, very much inspired by Peter Pan, for children up to about 12. It is a safe, fenched area for families only. This playground has remained open, but with reduced capacity, maximum 150 children at a time, because of this you may have to queue to get in."

"In a nutshell: Canary Wharf gets a Cuban cocktail bar Where is it?. 2 Reuters Plaza, London E14 5AJ Why should you care?. Expect strong drinks and a bar food menu to match at this Havana style cocktail bar in Canary Wharf from the Caso do Frango team."

"Chiswick Gardens arguably spawned England’s most influential cultural export, second perhaps to The Beatles (who happened to film one of the first ever music promos here). In the 1720s, architect and designer William Kent experimented at Chiswick, inventing what became known as the English landscape garden. He loosened the fussiness of the formal garden, introducing a far more natural feel – sweeping lawns and lakes, classical temples and monuments nested in banks of trees or hedges."

"This extraordinary Georgian house is set up as if its occupants – a family of Huguenot silk weavers – have just walked out the door. Each of the 10 rooms is stuffed with the minutiae of everyday life from centuries past: half-drunk cups of tea, emptied but gleaming wet oyster shells and, in perhaps unnecessary attention to detail, a used chamber pot by the bed. It's more an immersive experience than a traditional museum; explorations of the house are conducted in silence."

"The remarkable interiors of this extraordinary time machine of a house are the creation of Dennis Severs (1948–99), a performer-designer-scholar…"

"However, today visitors can still see one remaining section of the palace complex, the Banqueting Hall (fee*) designed by famous architect Inigo Jones with a ceiling painted by Peter Paul Reubens. Today Whitehall is the center of the Government of the United Kingdom and you’ll pass a number of buildings home to various departments and ministries, including the Ministry of Defense and the Cabinet Office. Along this street you’ll also find The Household Calvary Museum (fee*), located in the 18th century stables of the Horse Guards, which gives information on the history of the Household Cavalry and displays a small collection of uniforms and weapons."

"36 Duke Street, St James's, St. James's, London SW1Y 6DF Why should you care?. Taking the former address of Greens, Maison Francois is a brasserie and wine bar, featuring a finalist of Masterchef: The Professionals as chef. Expect Gallic/European cuisine and excellent terrines."

"This French brasserie from Francois O’Neill and MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Matthew Ryle is a purely joyous dining experience from start to finish. Don’t miss the decadent trolley of Parisian puddings which steals the show."

"Restaurants Australian Shoreditch. Lantana’s weekend brunch menu rings the changes when compared to the standard menus on offer throughout the week. A few classics (think smashed avocado and honey granola with Greek yoghurt) sit alongside more unusual assemblies including duck and sweet potato hash, a salmon poke bowl and a pork belly bánh mì burger with gochujang mayo."