London is a great place to be, but there is more to do here than just the big famous tourist attractions. Local areas in the suburbs are also home to their own array of events, especially in the spring and summer months. Here are just a few of the things I have done:
Heritage Festival
This was held over a couple of weeks and we had a whole booklet of events that were being held to choose from. Some were free and others required pre-booking. Where you did have to pay it was pretty cheap.
I went to see Henry Tate Mews, now a housing estate, but the grounds are listed and have some intriguing features from the time it was built.
I went on a history based, guided tour of Emmanuel school. It has an archive in its library and has some rather famous alumni, including the founder of the world wide web. There is a new bridge to enter the school and when we went they were just preparing to open a new building.
The Wandsworth Prison Museum was also an interesting stop. It is open at times other than during the festival and is curated by a serving prison warden. It is tiny and is basically housed in a garden shed in the car park. There are some historical artefacts alongside information about famous inmates and events.
Wimbledon Village Fair
This was a day full of events on Wimbledon Common. My favourite event of the day was the jousting. This was held in the main arena by the Middle England Jousting team and was a great re-enactment of a medieval joust. I think the 'good guys' one in the end. There was also a birds of prey display and a whole range of dog competitions. You can also eat and shop to your heart content, but nothing will beat the two cuddly toy Vikings I got from the Viking Cruises display. Look out for the freebies at fairs like this and you will not be disappointed.
Other
If you drive just out of London into Surrey you will find a whole array of villages with their own little tea shops and village Churches, which are generally left open for visitors. They are all beautiful little places. The one in the photo below is from Headley. Surrey is basically countryside and is very green and pretty. It is a short jump from city life to rolling country if you need a break from the city.
Heritage Festival
This was held over a couple of weeks and we had a whole booklet of events that were being held to choose from. Some were free and others required pre-booking. Where you did have to pay it was pretty cheap.
I went to see Henry Tate Mews, now a housing estate, but the grounds are listed and have some intriguing features from the time it was built.
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| Henry Tate Gardens |
Wimbledon Village Fair
This was a day full of events on Wimbledon Common. My favourite event of the day was the jousting. This was held in the main arena by the Middle England Jousting team and was a great re-enactment of a medieval joust. I think the 'good guys' one in the end. There was also a birds of prey display and a whole range of dog competitions. You can also eat and shop to your heart content, but nothing will beat the two cuddly toy Vikings I got from the Viking Cruises display. Look out for the freebies at fairs like this and you will not be disappointed.Other
If you drive just out of London into Surrey you will find a whole array of villages with their own little tea shops and village Churches, which are generally left open for visitors. They are all beautiful little places. The one in the photo below is from Headley. Surrey is basically countryside and is very green and pretty. It is a short jump from city life to rolling country if you need a break from the city.
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