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Original poster

What's a good bit of London to potter around?

62 replies

Greenbeanmcgee · 02/05/2023 13:37

I don't want to go to Central London. At least not the touristy bits. Nothing wrong with touristy things btw, I'm just not in the mood for them right now and I want somewhere slightly quieter.

Somewhere with some book shops(or charity shops that sell books), nice cafes and restaurants(Not looking for Michelin star) and independent shops that I could just potter around over 4 or 5 days. A small museum or similar place of interest would be a bonus.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

TIA

OP posts:
InglouriousBasterd · 02/05/2023 13:39

Richmond? Very pretty, lots of little independent shops and cafes - you could go to Kew Gardens for the day or take the boat up to Hampton Court if the weather is decent enough?

Original poster
Greenbeanmcgee · 02/05/2023 13:43

Thank you! Richmond looks perfect for what I want.

OP posts:
Riverlee · 02/05/2023 13:43

Why London? Maybe a town just outside of London - St Albans was my first thought. Market town, cathedral, Roman museum, nice park etc, about twenty five minutes by train from London.

FrankUnderwoodsWife · 02/05/2023 13:44

Wimbledon Village

Original poster
Greenbeanmcgee · 02/05/2023 13:46

I like London and it's so diverse in terms of different types of areas that have their own character but I'm very grateful to have other suggestions too as I'd love to have a "bucket list" of places that are perfect for this type of holiday so I'll definitely check out St Albans too. Thank you.

OP posts:
DietCokeUser · 02/05/2023 13:47

Highgate/Hampstead- lots of nice little shops, Highgate Cemetery, Hampstead Heath (including Kenwood House), Keats House, beautiful Hampstead Church where John Constable and John Harrison are buried.

Hedjwitch · 02/05/2023 13:48

I love the Spitalfields area. Fascinates me

Notjustabrunette · 02/05/2023 13:51

How about crouch end and muswell hill? You can walk between them via Alexandra park.

OhBanana · 02/05/2023 13:54

Greenbeanmcgee · 02/05/2023 13:43

Thank you! Richmond looks perfect for what I want.

If you go for Richmond there are some other nice towns accessible by bus and train easily that are good for pottering - Teddington, Barnes and Chiswick in particular come to mind. When I lived in Teddington the charity shops were always amazing, they even have a book charity shop! I would just be aware that Richmond is looking a bit tired at the moment - quite a lot of empty shops etc but of course the riverside is still absolutely lovely!

Snoken · 02/05/2023 14:29

Angel, Highury, Primrose Hill, Hampstead (including Flask Walk to the heath) and thereabouts.

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 02/05/2023 14:32

DietCokeUser · 02/05/2023 13:47

Highgate/Hampstead- lots of nice little shops, Highgate Cemetery, Hampstead Heath (including Kenwood House), Keats House, beautiful Hampstead Church where John Constable and John Harrison are buried.

As soon as I read the OP I thought "oh, you want Hampstead"!

PainAuChocowhat · 02/05/2023 14:35

Another vote for Richmond - Kew Gardens, Ham House, Hampton Court to fit the ‘place of interest’ bill, nice riverside walks, some decent cafes and shops in nearby Kew, St Margaret’s and Teddington (plus Farah books in the latter) and, if you’re a Ted Lasso fan, you can do yourself an informal DIY tour.

mynameiscalypso · 02/05/2023 14:37

Richmond has gone down hill a lot in the last couple of years. Very sad to see. I also vote for Hampstead/Primrose Hill. I love it around there.

kezziecakes · 02/05/2023 14:45

Greenwich is my favourite part of London.

Houseplantmad · 02/05/2023 14:56

Highbury and Islington.

plominoagain · 02/05/2023 14:58

I'd have said Richmond too ! Lots of transport options to do Barnes and Kew too , do a boat trip to Hampton Court which also has some nice shops to potter round opposite the train station , a visit to Syon Park across the water - nice !

waterrat · 02/05/2023 14:58

Primrose hill. Agree richmond gone a bit sad and chain store like although the bones of course still gorgeous.

Hampsted also or greenwich altho greenwich quite dominated by traffic

HaroldeVwilliam · 02/05/2023 16:45

Primrose Hill, hampstead and Camden all in a short walk of each other. The heath, the hill with special views on primrose Hill and the totally different vibes of Camden.

JustDanceAddict · 02/05/2023 16:51

I immediately thought Hampstead too - you also have the Heath on your doorstep.

Lcb123 · 02/05/2023 16:53

Richmond, Hampstead or Greenwich. if you have 4-5 days you could stay in one area but take day trip(s) to others. I'm not there's enough in one of those places to fill 4-5 days

Frances0911 · 02/05/2023 16:56

Clapham Junction/Battersea -Northcote Rd end has a great indoor antiques market and lots of charity shops nearer the station end.
Clapham common quite nice to laze on, people watch, and lots of cafes/restaurants. Abbeville Road for a village like feel and nice pub/restaurants.
Balham lots of charity shops including an Oxfam book shop.
All close together, can walk or plenty of buses.

sapphiredrago · 02/05/2023 17:19

Richmond and Greenwich are both lovely and tick your boxes.

baddecisionsmakegreatcompany · 02/05/2023 17:22

Marylebone High Street and Daunt Bookshop, lovely way to spend a day

AngeloMysterioso · 02/05/2023 17:22

Hampstead/Highgate or Wandsworth/Battersea/Clapham

doadeer · 02/05/2023 17:24

Highgate / Hampstead, lots to wander and look at.

Or Richmond

Or Greenwich

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