Surroundings, London

Ham House, a National Trust property set in a large park near Richmond, is now an annex of the Victoria and Albert Museum displaying 17th C furniture and furnishings. The original Ham House was a modest country house built by Sir Thomas Vavasour in 1610. In the middle of the 17th C Elizabeth, Countess of Dysart, inherited it, and she, after her marriage to the Duke of Lauderdale, Charles II's favorite and minister, rebuilt and enlarged it in the lavish Baroque style of the period (1673-75). German, Dutch and Italian artists were employed in the decoration and embellishment of the interior, and Ham House soon came to be compared with a princely mansion. The house re-opened in 1994 after extensive renovation, and, with its beautiful grounds, is an impressive example of a sumptuous 17th C country mansion.The 17th C formal garden looks onto River Thames. It has cut-flower borders of period plants, parterres of box and lavender and a wide variety of shrubs and examples of regional plant life.

This public park with its children's zoo, ornamental ponds, boating lake and artificial ski-run is a popular resort for Londoners. Its principal attraction is the collection of lifesize plaster models of prehistoric animals - the only relic of the Great Exhibition of 1851 - on an island in the lake. The Crystal Palace from which the park takes its name was the central feature of the Great Exhibition of 1851 - a masterpiece of cast-iron, steel and glass architecture designed by Sir Joseph Paxton - which was compared in its day to a waterfall suddenly petrified in mid-flow. It was brought here in 1854 from its original site in Hyde Park and was one of London's most notable landmarks until its destruction by fire in 1936. The site is now occupied by the National Sports Centre and is 11km/7mi south of central London.

At Wisley, near Woking, is the Royal Horticultural Society's showpiece garden, RHS Garden Wisley. It is set in 250 acres and boasts the widest range of gardening styles and techniques in the world. It is of great interest to the home gardener and offers many model gardens of ordinary lot size.RHS Garden Wisley claims to be Britain's best loved gardens for more than 100 years and with good reason. There are four main gardens and the rose gardens and innovative plantings are a sight to behold. There are two guides available for visitors at the gift shop, an audio version and a printed version. A free leaflet is also available for download on the RHS Garden Wisley website.

Made famous by his accurate measurement of the speed of sound, William Derham was Rector of Upminster for nearly half a century. The St Laurence church just off the business center of Upminster holds a tablet listing all of the rectors from 1336 onwards. A special notice of Derham's accomplishments is to be found on this plaque.The town of Upminster has many Victorian and Edwardian houses, a golf course, a bowling green and several parks.

Dartford (pop. 78,400) is on the Darent 15mi/24km southeast of London and is a popular commuter town. It is the site of the first papermill in England and scene of the outbreak of the Peasant's Revolt.The town of Dartford has two performing arts centre - the Orchard Theatre and the Mick Jagger Centre featuring drama, music and community arts.

Gravesend is located on the Thames estuary 22mi/35km east of London. The town is noted as the site of Pocahontas death and burial. Gravesend has a number of notable sites including the clock tower started in 1887; St George's Church, restored in 1731; and Windmill Hill, which offers spectacular views across the Thames.

Crayford is located in London's southeast area, south of the Thames. The town has a small observatory and a greyhound racing track as well as a theatre. Hall Place in Crayford is an ancient monument with gardens and a nursery located along the River Cray.

Down House was the home of Charles Darwin for forty years. It was in this house that he worked on the theories published in Origin Of Species.The house has been preserved in much the same fashion as when Darwin himself lived there in order that visitors may catch a glimpse of some the things that inspired Darwin to make his discoveries.

Bruce Castle is a Grade I listed 16th C manor house in 20 acres of parkland. The Museum opened in 1906 and now houses the Borough of Haringey's local history collections and archives. Documents and objects concerning the history of the British Post Office until 1840 are featured.

This 18-hole, par 70 course (SSS 68) is 6073 yards long. The course is set within 140 acres of landscaped parkland. The leisure center on site, with 4 all-weather tennis courts, 4 racket / squash courts, a gymnasium, aerobic studio and spa facilities.

Osterley Park House is a National Trust property located near Heathrow Airport in Isleworth. It is an 18th C villa set in 140 acres of parkland with an interior designed by Robert Adam. This is the house and park of Sir Thomas Gresham, the founder of the Royal Exchange.

Alexandra Palace is set in 196 acres of beautiful parkland with excellent views of London. The Palace has been renovated and is now the venue for a variety of national and international events.It is notable as the birthplace of television.

Eastbury Manor House is an Elizabethan brick house, owned by the National Trust, in the borough of Barking. The house is used for a wide range of arts and heritage activities.

The Red House, in Bexleyheath southeast of London, was completed in 1859 for William Morris by the architect Philip Webb. It was the first building of the Arts and Crafts movement.

The Red House, in Bexleyheath southeast of London, was completed in 1859 for William Morris by the architect Philip Webb. It was the first building of the Arts and Crafts movement.

The Bromley Museum is housed in a medieval / post-medieval building. It offers displays on the London Borough of Bromley and Sir John Lubbock, the man responsible for Bank Holidays.

The museum in Farnborough is found in the countryside near the location of the Civil War Battle of Edgehill. Displays of the weapons and armor used in the first of the English Civil War battles is enhanced by organized tours.

Hogarth House contains many of the 18th C artist's famous etchings and engravings. The interior of the house has been renovated and features exhibits which documents the artist's life and work.

Hounslow is a borough of Greater London and includes the site of a Roman camp. The town centre of Hounslow is being re-developed to offer diverse shopping opportunities, a cinema and cafes.

Twickenham is the headquarters of the Rugby Football Union at Twickenham Stadium and the home ground for the England side. The town is also home to the Royal Military School of Music and has a notable arts heritage.

Brixton Market has Caribbean imports, exotic goods and everything for reggae and Rasta fans.

The Surrey Heath Museum in Camberley presents permanent and temporary displays illustrating the history of the area and the heathland.

Chessington World of Adventures is one of Great Britain's premiere theme parks. It features rides, a large zoo and a rock and roll circus.

This historic house was designed by Lord Burlington in 1725-1729, and he used it for entertaining. The gardens are the work of William Kent.

The club has two mature 18-hole golf courses, as well as a fully-equipped health spa, a swimming pool, squash court and two outdoor tennis courts.

Esher (pop. 61,446) is located 15mi/24km southwest of London. Claremont Landscape Gardens in Esher is a beautiful garden to visit year-round.

Weybridge is located south of London at the point where the Wey River enters the Thames. The town has several distinct shopping areas at the town centre and Monument Hill / Queens Road. Weybridge Heath has a variety of rare insects, plants and birds, and is being restored.

Ottershaw is located in the southwest regions of London on the A319. A notable landmark on Ottershaw is Christ Church, a gift from Sir Thomas Edward Colebrooke. He provided land from his own estate for the church, churchyard and vicarage, and paid all the construction costs.

Ruins of one of the first stone castles built by the Normans. The moat and remains of the curtain wall and hall can still be seen.

Rainham Hall is a Georgian house which was built in 1729. It is a National Trust Property located in Rainham in the Havering district.

Sheperd's Bush Market is known for its selection of Caribbean and Indian goods and food.

The Southall Railway Center contains London's largest independent preserved railroad collection.

Located in the house of the social reformer William Morris. The gallery features occasional exhibitions relating to Morris's circle.

The town of Brentford lies to the west of London.