Craven House luxury serviced apartments in Hampton Court and Claygate sit on the fringes of South West London: an area packed with all the fun, charm, history and beauty a visitor to the capital could dream of. There is plenty to see and do, we’ve rounded up ten places we love in South West London. Read on for more:
1. Exceptional food and drink at The Mitre
The Mitre, situated on the banks of the Thames, boasts a wealth of fantastic food and drink options. The elegant High Tea is the epitome of the English afternoon while they also offer refined, luxury dining from their two restaurants before capping it all off with the pièce de résistance – a whispering Angel bar on the outdoor terrace, complete with a fabulous view of the River Thames.
2. Hampton Court Palace
Right on Craven House’s doorstep sits the iconic Hampton Court Palace. Once housing Henry VIII, it boasts a world-class art collection and fabulous gardens all overlooking the Thames. We see it every week, and it never gets boring. Remember to book your tickets in advance.
3. Royal Parks
We are lucky to have two glorious Royal Parks nearby. Richmond Park boasts 3.7 miles of perfectly preserved natural landscape, right in the heart of London. You won’t believe you’re still in the city. Packed with historic buildings, ancient woodland and a variety of wildlife (including 630 deer), it’s the perfect spot for a stroll along leafy paths and is truly beautiful no matter the time of year. And the smaller, but no less beautiful, Bushy Park is packed full of botanical gardens, playgrounds, water features and a tasty café. Plus, it’s right on our doorstep.
4. Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road houses the world’s largest antiques market. But you don’t have to be a collector of antiques to enjoy a trip here. The vibrant mix of colour, culture, people and architecture makes it one of London’s best places to simply walk and people-watch. Set yourself up in one of the many pubs, order an ale and just watch the whole thing unfold.
5. Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens houses the ‘largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world’ and is a World Heritage Site. It is, quite simply, the biggest and best collection of plant life, and is a must-see for nature lovers and gardeners.
6. A drink on the river in Putney
There’s nothing quite like having a drink on the Thames. And one of the best places to spend an afternoon this way is Putney. It has everything from craft breweries to upmarket bars, and all in the most beautiful riverside setting.
7. Get lost at the London Wetland Centre
With 100 acres of bustling, untamed wetland bursting with wildlife, the London Wetland Centre offers the perfect chance for an adventure right in the midst of South London. Whether you’re interested in a good old fashion explore, a spot of bird watching, a safe and fun play area for the little ones, or to simply enjoy some wide-open spaces and crisp, fresh air, the centre has a little bit of something for everyone. Keep in mind that you will have to book your visit ahead of time, but it is well worth it.
8. A spot of golf
We happen to find ourselves in amongst a wealth of rolling golf courses so if you fancy a round or just a visit to the 19th hole, you’re in the right spot.
9. Pub Lunches and afternoon walks in Wimbledon Common
You simply can’t pay a visit to South West London without sitting down for a traditional pub lunch at one of the many famous old establishments on offer. While some of them may feel as old as time itself, their modern take on pub dining will leave you rubbing your belly as you saunter through the delightful surroundings of Wimbledon and Putney Commons nearby. A personal favourite is the Fire Stables, but with options such as the Crooked Billet, Fox and Grapes and Hand in Hand, we’ll leave you with the tricky task of picking just one – good luck! Just remember to book in advance!
Wherever you’re headed, check out number 10: Craven House!
We’re a little biased, but of the ten places we love in South West London, we have to mention our serviced apartments. They are within easy access of all of the above attractions and will make your trip to London extra special. We have eight elegant, award-winning luxury serviced apartments in two extraordinary settings: Hampton Court in South West London and Claygate, Surrey. Find out more here or give me a call to discuss your needs.
If you are considering relocating, get a feel for the area in our latest article on relocating to South West London.
