Travel Diary - London Getaways (almost) in London

Petworth House & Deer Park, Petworth

Let's be honest, with this lovely weather approaching and summer holidays still so far away we have all started dreaming of exotic beaches and magical destinations, but the limited time or complicated flight routes often don’t make it easy to organise, turning that initial excitement into lazy days wasted at home.

Here’s where I escaped from chaotic London during Easter break and how I felt completely immersed in nature without almost leaving the city…

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Kew Gardens is one of those places that I promised myself to visit since I moved to London, and yet the long queues and not-so-central location made me postpone it for four long years.

Featuring the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are a beautiful escape for plant passionate and anyone else; from the iconic greenhouses to flying bridges and even a pagoda-shaped viewing platform, this place will make your imagination travel the world in a day, from the tropical Palms, to Japanese Bonsai’s, passing from Monet’s water lilies and the Cactus of american deserts...

Hampstead Heath

With it’s lovely village and stunning park overlooking London, it’s difficult not to think of Hampstead when I need a break from the city, with elegant vintage shops and independent cafes making it just the perfect destination to leave everything behind ( wallet included :) )

Start with a delicious brunch at Ginger and White, fighting for one of the tables on the cobbled street, before heading towards Flask Walk, home to upscale antiquaries, flowers shops and an iconic pub, The Flask.

Few minutes away begins Hampstead Heath, ideal for relaxing walks, sunny picnics and its terrific view; between picturesque ponds and shady paths lays Kenwood House, a neoclassical villa with a renowned collection of art that is definitely worth a visit.

If you happen to be around, make sure you don’t miss The Spaniards Inn, perched between Hampstead and Highgate since 1585, this historic English pub was mentioned in Charles Dickens Pickwick Papers and serves some of the most loved British classics, including Sunday Roast or fish and chips.

Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill has a charm unique in its kind; separated from Regent’s park by the famous London Zoo (home to Lubetkin-designed Penguin Pool), this 65 meters high hill offers an amazing view of the city’s skyline without losing that sense of peace and calm that attracts serial picnickers and kids flying their kites around.

Just behind the summit starts the picturesque village, characterized by colorful houses, bookshops and independent cafes like the Ripe Kitchen, ideal for starting the day with a hearty brunch or an afternoon tea after a relaxing walk in the park.

Petworth Deer Park

Part of the National Trust Estate since 1947, this stunning 700 acres park (and 17th century country house) is only an hour drive from central London and yet, with it’s almost one thousand deer wandering around the landscape designed by ‘Capability’ Brown, makes you feel like you’ve just landed on another planet.

The village of Petworth (East Sussex) itself is as cute as it sounds and its cobbled streets and quiet shops make it ideal for a relaxing walk after indulging in a serious Sunday lunch at the Horse Guards Inn, a casual (yet nothing left to the case) 350 years old pub with a hidden garden and delicious seasonal menu.