Wimbledon Common, London

Once an area famous for duels, and still famous for the children's TV characters, The Wombles, Wimbledon Common is a wonderful place to go to escape the frenetic pace of London life. Dotted with lakes and ponds, the common is a great sporting (horse riding, bicycling, golf and football are favorites), picnicking and walking spot. Stretching on for miles, it's possible to walk or ride all the way to Richmond Park, although you will have to cross the busy A3 via the footbridge to do it. It's worth making your visit incorporate the Wimbledon Windmill, which was built in the early 1800's and has a museum attached. Pop in next-door to the tearooms for refreshment or for a weekend fry up. It's also worth visiting the Georgian Cannizaro House Hotel nearby. Just off West Side on the Common, the gardens are open to the public. With its ornamental lake, peaceful woodlands and rolling lawns, you feel as if you've rolled back the clock to another century.