Rumour even has it that Cecil Court provided the inspiration for Diagon Alley in J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter books (though others will argue until they’re blue in the face that the title should go to nearby Goodwin’s Court instead). For electoral purposes, all boroughs are divided into wards which may share the names of London districts, drawn to have equal head of voting population (electorate) they depart from true historic and building scheme boundaries and are redrawn every 8–12 years. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast or simply looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Dulwich Village has something for everyone. With its timeless beauty and welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with this charming enclave every year!

We Forest Hill-ers are not London’s only village people. Observers over the centuries have remarked that London is quintessentially a city of villages. Neighbourhoods like Dulwich, Hampstead and Richmond were historic settlements engulfed by the capital as it expanded—but now the name is applied to everything from Edwardian speculative estates (Furzedown Village) and 19th-century railway suburbs (Hither Green Village) to the growing number of new developments that call themselves villages. We always enjoy talking about Streatham Rookery. You know, the kind of smile that slides onto your face when you’re trying not to humblebrag that you know something the listener doesn’t, but you kind of are humblebragging all the same. All this stuff is on sale, so if you find something you like and you’ve got a few quid to spare you can even treat this as a shopping trip. Perhaps there’s a special someone who would really like a piece of some of this precious metal… The exclusive designer stores at Clarendon Cross showcase some of the finest luxury brands in fashion and lifestyle. You can indulge yourself with premium beauty products or invest in timeless jewelry pieces from renowned designers. From sitting canal side at the Summer House or overlooking the water whilst having drinks at the Waterway bar, there is no shortage of boutique restaurants and cafes in Little Venice.The Conservatory used to only be open on Sundays but it’s currently open every day (booking only). Whether that’s a long term change is unclear but you should grab the chance to go. City of London Distillery Julianna enjoying her handmade gin at the City of London Distillery

Nestled in a cove surrounded by cliffs, the fishing village of Polperro is a mish-mash of cottages and narrow, traffic-free streets. It has an interesting past: during the 18th and 19th centuries it was a notorious den for smugglers. You can learn all about it in the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing, which sits right on the harbour. As well as illicit alcohol and tobacco, the village was also famous for its pilchards. This is where the town’s oldest pub, The Three Pilchards, takes its name. Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire Perhaps it’s because it’s newer (it only opened at the beginning of 2019), perhaps it’s because people just don’t know about it. From the nineteenth century, there was a divergence between civil and ecclesiastic functions, and the ancient parishes gained a Civil Parish counterpart in almost all instances. Ecclesiastic parishes sub-divided to a great extent, to better serve the needs of a growing population, while civil parishes persisted on the same basis until 1900. We hope you have even a smidgen as much fun exploring these as we did! There’s so much to see in this city that you can’t help but get a little too excited when you find a new spot you’ve never heard of. Hampstead is a lovely place to walk around – the houses are incredible (there are apparently more millionaires in Hampstead Village than within any other area in the UK) and the streets are wonderfully leafy.Thus the parish system was the smallest unit of English administration that had any kind of defined boundary, it also provided great continuity as the basis of local identities.

Once you’ve got your reader’s card you can access all the previously inaccessible rooms. In them you’ll find plenty of empty desks and supreme quiet – something that’s missing from the BL’s main public areas. Clear your mind’s eye and think of an old London pub – we’re talking really old. What does it look like? Which part of town is it in? Got it? Houses on Dukes Avenue, Queens Avenue, Windermere, and Woodland Rise are some of the most sought after and don’t stay on the market for long, if they get there at all, with many homes being sold off-market. Primrose HillWith the exception of Nunhead Cemetery, so far I’ve steered away from the city’s more macabre spots, but Cross Bones Burial Ground is one of the secret places in London that truly fascinates us. Then there are the villages coined by overzealous estate agents. Do you know where Midtown is? Nor does anyone else, but for a fleeting moment estate agents thought that grouping Bloomsbury, St Giles and Holborn under this uninspiring moniker would raise the area’s profile (because these three areas are in dire need of publicity). And there really is no excuse for Swoho, which refers to south west Soho - what’s wrong with saying Soho without sounding like you have a dummy in your mouth?

Barnes is a hidden gem in London that offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nestled along the banks of the River Thames, Barnes exudes natural beauty and charm. Its idyllic riverside setting, historic buildings, and best pubs create an atmosphere that welcomes all who come to visit.Hopefully, you’ll have found here a handful of pretty neighborhoods to add even more depth to your trip to London. This former royal palace used to be a favourite until Henry VIII decided he liked his one at Greenwich better and it was sold off during the Commonwealth period before falling into disrepair for centuries.