LONDON

Every visitor to London should first do a general tour to get an overall appreciation of the city. Because of its history it is more varied than any other great city and its geography more complicated. A major reason for this is the fact that it grew out of not one but TWO cities ( the Roman city now the City of London, and the Viking built City of Westminster). But having done that so much to see in terms of the less well known sights in Central London of course, but also in outlying areas which it is easy to miss. This section ensures you do not.

London Villages

Roman London covered 1 square mile, but in the 1600 years since has grown to 620 sq. miles, along the way engulfing once rural villages, many of which still retain something of their original character, and indeed quite separate towns like Richmond. From these we have picked a few for special attention.

Hampstead, Highgate, Islington

Situated in North London on the slopes of Hampstead Heath. 17th and 18th century cottages and houses, old pubs and leafy lanes. Hampstead is considered to be the oldest suburb in the modern meaning of the word. Nearby is Kenwood House, built by Robert Adam in the 18th century, one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture, famous for its wonderful collection of paintings. Highgate Cemetery has beautiful monuments and most famously the grave of Karl Marx. Islington is famous for its antique shops in Camden Passage ½ day tour

Chelsea , Kensington and Notting Hill

Now exclusive central London residential and shopping districts, but still full of their original "village" atmosphere. Chelsea on the bank of the River Thames evolved into the haunt of writers and painters. Oscar Wilde, Thomas Carlyle, Turner, Whistler and Thomas More all lived there. More recently with its epicentre oat the King's Road, it became the heart of swinging London in the 60's. Kensington is a major shopping centre now, but still with such hidden treasures as the Roof Gardens ( on top of a department store, Leighton House Art gallery with Arabic interior, and Kensington Palace, last home of Princess Diana.

Notting Hill is famous for its Saturday Antiques Market, which on weekdays operates as a traditional general market as portrayed in the film Notting Hill. With its highly individual boutiques, pretty town houses, and the market it is a curious mixture of the fashionable, pop-celebrity and one of the most vibrant multi-ethnic communities makes it one of the most interesting districts of London.

Entrance to Kensington palace not included, as often incorporated on a Central London tour.
½ day tour ; Full day tour covers both above areas

Chiswick & Richmond

Hidden just off the road to Heathrow Airport on the Thames riverside at Chiswick is Chiswick Mall which has some of the loveliest 18th century houses in London, with gardens running down to the river. Close by is Hogarth House William Hogarth's country cottage, now a small museum which is not hidden but on the main road. Hogarth was a painter and engraver famous for depicting London Low life in the 18th century. Just nearby is another hidden treasure, Chiswick House. This is an 18th century Palladian style villa, surrounded by a park with grottoes, follies, and beautiful gardens, and greenhouses which contain a spectacular collection of camellias.

Richmond once had a royal palace of which only the stables remain. Although effectively part of London it is in fact a separate town with a long and interesting history. It has lovely houses and delightful small shops, and nearby is Richmond Park which until Queen Victoria opened it to the public had been a private royal park, originally designated as such by Charles I. Although effectively in London it has herds of wild deer, and considerably wildlife.

On the other side of Richmond are the Kew Gardens, probably the greatest botanical gardens in the world. Magnificent 19th century greenhouses with giant tropical plants, the Temperate House, and Princess Diana greenhouses where you can walk through 5 different climatic zones from tropical to desert. Something to see at all times of the year.
Kew Gardens is now building a world seed bank which is based at their country gardens at Wakehurst Place in Sussex. N.B. Entrance charge Adults £6.50, children free.

½ day or full day tour depending on time wanted for at Kew Gardens, shopping in Richmond, or Chiswick House and Gardens.