Behind Markfield Beam Engine is the River Lee which travels from the Chiltern Hills all the way to the Thames via Tottenham Hale. There is a special light along this stretch of the river possibly due to there being about 10 massive reservoirs behind the levee on the other side of the river, offering an amazing sense of space. A great place to walk, cycle and feed the ducks, swans, geese and coots.

Museum exploring connections between medicine, life and art. Fascinating range of exhibitions and great shop, library and cafe. Free entry too. 

Archive collection of surgical instruments - anatomy and pathology - dental instruments - medicine and surgery (basically a lot of dead things in jars, really interesting to draw from).

A short walk from Oxford Circus tube station, Kaffeine is easily one of the best coffee houses in London. Whenever I'm working in the area I pop in beforehand to kick start my day with a well-made cappuccino.

THE place for birthday presents and bookcases (mine was 50p).