Getting lost is an age old suggestion but a good one. Put away your cell phone or your A-Z and just wander around. I still do this regularly even though Ive lived here for nearly 10 years. London is a big city and it drip feeds you its secrets sometimes. You will come across things you wouldn't usually, in amongst the Starbucks and pret a mange there are some amazing sights. Just 'being' somewhere is a great experience and one no guide book can help you find.

A go to spot for me that is close to home! Place image not by me

Warm summer nights should be spent in the high grass in Hampstead Heath above the ponds. For midsummer bring herring, snaps and songs and stay until sunrise!

I grew up in the countryside, and if you're ever in need some instant escape from the city, this place is like a time warp. It's a huge space full of over grown mausoleums and graves, feels like a movie set. They also do tours.

I often stop when passing this artery of city traffic. The dwarfing structure casts shapes and shadows which can easily be missed when speeding in/out of the city.