On a hot day there is nothing better to do in London then go for a swim in the Heath ponds. You get completely transported you out of the city as Hampstead feels like being in the countryside except you're in central London?!

If you want a peaceful day out of the busy city, Highgate doesn't really feel like London. The cemetery is interesting and peaceful, there's a tour of the old half which is definitely worth the money. Karl Marx, among others are buried there.

There is a rather beautiful faded glory to these mythical creatures, which flank the steps guarding the ruins of the Italian Terraces in front of the former Crystal Palace, which dramatically burnt down in 1936.

Quick, easy, cheap thai food. It's fairly new to me, but easily makes this list.

One of those rarely found shops that inspires one to craft and creativity. A huge selection of high quality papers to print and draw on, to cut, fold, glue or just wrap presents with.