Richmond

One of the capital's great rural and riverside outposts

From some early morning head space, nothing beats standing on top of King Henry's Mound in Richmond Park. On a clear day, you can see St Paul's Cathedral in the distance. The town has charming back alleys. The White Horse is one of Richmond's best pubs with tables on the tiny balcony overlooking the Thames. There are farmers markets (Saturday at Heron Square). Paradise Road and Red Lion Street is an area that is rarely discovered by tourists. It is home to comic collectors shop They Walk Among Us and also the atmospheric Tea Box where a quick stop for scones and a cuppa can easily turn into an afternoon sampling the cafe's impressive array of blends.