London is one of the best cities in the world, flooded with around 20 million tourists every year.
Among the most popular attractions are places like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral.
There are also many of the world’s finest museums and galleries where you can see everything from preserved Egyptian mummies to masterpieces from artists ranging from Turner to Damien Hurst.
Then there’s the legendary theatreland with world-class actors performing in everything from musicals to Shakespeare.
So while the tourists stick to central London, what can Londoners enjoy off the beaten track in the south west?
Nightlife
Around Clapham and Brixton is the area that you want to head for if you’re looking for a great night out.
Both the Brixton Academy and the Clapham Grand have an ever-changing number of great acts including music, comedy and other events.
If you’re looking for a bingo night without a dobber in sight then Old Skool Bingo at Pop Brixton is the place to head for.
The online version of the old favourite has given the game the shot in the arm it’s needed and it’s live events like this that have been another result of its renewed popularity.
Digital entertainment
South west London offers a rich digital entertainment mix: interactive gaming hubs and esports are growing rapidly, with venues combining virtual and tabletop experiences.
There is the VR arcade in Hammersmith, the Gravity Esports Arena in Wandsworth and more.
London also has a thriving iGaming scene, so if you want some time to yourself, you can try the best online casinos for high payouts, William Macmaster of Casino.org has listed them so you can maximise your winning potential.
Open spaces
London is famous for its parks and gardens, and some of the finest examples are in the area.
Take Richmond Park, for example. Its 2,500 acres make it the biggest of all of the capital’s parks and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a walk amongst nature.
If you’re lucky you’ll even come across one of the many herds of deer that live there.
Then there’s the nearby Kew Gardens which is famous the world over for its glass houses and the sheer range of plant species on show. You can even enjoy a treetops walk there.
Eating and drinking
Take a walk over Hammersmith Bridge and you’ll find plenty of choice.
For lovers of the finest Italian food there’s the now legendary River Café.
But be warned, with main courses touching on the £70 mark this is probably best for special occasions rather than a quick bowl of pasta.
A far more budget friendly option would be to enjoy a drink ad a bite to eat at one of the nearby riverside pubs like the Blue Anchor, The Rutland Arms or The Dove where, so the story goes, the poet James Thomson composed “Rule Britannia”.
Sport
If football’s your thing then head for Craven Cottage to watch some Premier League action at Fulham or a little way away, you could watch local rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
And while tickets for the championships might be very hard to get hold of you can always visit the All England Club in Wimbledon to visit their tennis museum and shop.
England’s home of rugby at Twickenham also has stadium tours to enjoy which are often even led by former international players.
Historic houses
If your taste is more for history and heritage then there are several treats in store for you.
The most famous of these attractions has to be Hampton Court Palace, the country estate of Henry VIII. Don’t forget to visit the gardens and try to puzzle your way out of the famous maze.
Then there’s Chiswick House and Gardens. The stunning 18th century Palladian-style mansion sits within 65 acres of carefully manicured grounds, complete with mini temples, statuary and ornamental ponds.
Shopping
Forget the hustle and bustle of shopping in the West End. For anyone looking for a little retail therapy head deep into south west London instead.
Barnes village is an undiscovered gem, even for many Londoners, with its independent shops selling everything from pottery to artworks.
On a larger scale, Richmond town centre has a good mix of big name stores with smaller, more quirky establishments.
Putney High Street is also a good choice and even boasts a shopping centre in The Exchange – you’ll find it towards the bottom of the street heading for the river.
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