Wimbledon
With fantastic shops and a great atmosphere, this leafy London area is best known for one of the world's top sporting events.
Shopping, eating and chilling out away from the hectic pace of Central London: there are few better places to enjoy some rest and relaxation than Wimbledon. The exception is during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships when the area welcomes crowds of eager spectators. You don't even have to book a ticket in advance, instead join the queues for this unique event in the London sporting calendar. You can experience the magic any time of year at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and Tour.
Full of beautiful buildings and independently owned shops, Wimbledon Village is a place where locals take time to say "hello" to each other and the clip-clop of horses' hooves echo in the streets. You could be forgiven for thinking you're in the countryside. But shopping is rarely this good when you're out in the sticks. In this relatively compact area you'll find Molton Brown, Diane von Furstenberg, LK Bennet, Max Mara, Question-Air and Cath Kidston.
The Wimbledon windmill was once the headquarters of the National Rifle Association
After giving your credit card a serious work-out, you could take up the sport of people watching. The Lebanese and Mediterranean eatery Maison St Cassien has one of the best vantage points over the village. Or, if all that shopping has worked up an appetite, why not splurge on exemplary cuisine at the smart Lawn Bistro or the sumptuous Cannizaro House Hotel?
If the sun is shining, there's nothing better than taking a picnic onto Wimbledon Common. Bayley and Sage stocks delicious pastas, wines, cheeses and other tasty morsels. And as you're tucking into your lunch, you could even spot a Womble – they're native to these parts!
After dark, enjoy a drink at traditional pubs such as the Prince of Wales and the Swan, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Henry J Beans or Hemmingways.
If you're looking for things to do, swing by the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and Tour. Sport fans can get active at the golf club or Wimbledon Village Stables, which offers horse-riding across the area's green spaces.
Visit the UK's original Buddhist temple and wander around its ornamental lake, flower garden and orchard.
Wimbledon is home to many great contemporary art galleries, including Canvas, the Hicks Gallery and the David Curzon Gallery.
Learn about the area's past at the Wimbledon Museum of Local History, or wander round the unforgettable Southside House and marvel at this treasure trove of furniture and art. You can also learn about the fascinating history of windmills at the Wimbledon Windmill, then relax at the Windmill Tea Rooms.
You can also take in a show at the New Wimbledon Theatre which has a varied and exciting programme including productions destined for the West End.