A great place to wander get lost and and escape the city.

Go check out this very untypical gallery in the underground. You don't need a ticket and it does only take you a second to soak in the art displayed.

Lots of traditional charming country pubs around the area, but it can a bit hit and miss. A really friendly one with amazing food (and a unusually large veggie selection…) is the Beehive in Epping Green; close to the Great Wood. It's friendly enough you dare going there by yourself with the paper and are not at the mercy of local rubbernecks ("the rubberneck" = person who stares at strangers without any sign of guilt)

I can't pass without dropping in, Orcs Nest is a small independent boardgame, D&D etc store that's been around forever(1987)... and has the best logo. Good selection of games for younger kids too.

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