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One of the Royal Parks.  You could lose yourself wandering around Greenwich anyway where, in addition to pay-to-visit attractions like the Cutty Sark, there are free places like the Queen’s House and the National Maritime Museum to see.  Greenwich Park, once part of the grounds of Greenwich Palace (birthplace of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I), overlooks the Thames and is packed with things of interest.  There’s a deer park, orchard – and it is home to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian (which you need to pay to visit).  Less well known is Elizabeth’s oak, alleged scene of Tudor picnics and what-not, and a Saxon cemetery.

Post code is approximate

Worcester’s current Guildhall is an impressive Queen Anne style building, completed in 1723.  It is home to the Council Chamber, the City’s former Court Rooms and the Mayor’s Parlour and an impressive and imposing Assembly Room, described by King George III as "a handsome gallery" when he visited in August 1788. Praise indeed (George was obviously not prone to excessive enthusiasm).  Statues of King Charles I and King Charles II were erected either side of the main entrance, lest anyone doubt Worcester’s Royal allegiance, and above is a statue of Queen Anne.  The building is open to the public – though check before visiting because some rooms may not be open.  The City’s tourist information office is also located in Worcester's Guildhall and has its own entrance, on the left.

Haddon Hall dates from the 11th century, was formerly the seat of the Duke of Rutland, and is currently the private home of Lord and Lady Edward Manners.  The Manners acquired Haddon through marriage and can therefore claim to have owned it for its entire existence; the hall is one of the oldest houses in the country.

From the 1700s, the family preferred their main seat at Belvoir Castle, so Haddon was empty for two centuries.  Unaltered by Georgians or Victorians, venturing into Haddon Hall has been described as like stepping back in time.  The Medieval Banqueting Hall remains furnished with its original Dais table, behind which hangs a tapestry gifted to the family by visiting Henry VIII.  The Parlour boasts its glorious Tudor painted ceiling of Tudor roses and marvellous heraldic panelling.  Exquisite and rare 15th century frescos adorn the walls of the Medieval Chapel.  In contrast to the Tudor and Medieval Rooms below, the light and airy first floor Elizabethan rooms culminate in the spectacular 110ft Robert Smythson designed Long Gallery; reputed to be one of the most beautiful rooms in England.

Outside, the terraced Elizabethan Walled Gardens cascade down to the River Wye and provide spectacular views over ancient parkland to the Peak District beyond.

Haddon is a favourite film location, featuring in no fewer than three different film adaptations of Jane Eyre, as well as Mary Queen of Scots, The Other Boleyn Girl, Pride & Prejudice and various documentaries.

Image credit: Historic Houses

A mound, which is known as Boadicea's Burial Mound, between Parliament Hill and Kenwood House, west of Highgate Ponds. No one knows what it is - theories include the remains of a windmill, a folly - or it could be a genuine Neolithic or Iron Age burial. We're giving it the benefit of the doubt.

Post code is approximate. Pedestrian access only.

Hardwick Hall is one of the most impressive Elizabethan Houses in Britain, built in the late 1590s for the remarkable Bess of Hardwick, Countess of Shrewsbury (c1527-1608).  Her initials, ES, are proudly on the turrets.  It was designed by the architect Robert Smythson to replace Hardwick Old Hall, which stands next door, and is renowned for its windows – ‘more glass than wall’, so it is said.  Set in attractive gardens, inside is what the National Trust claims to be the “finest collections of Elizabethan tapestries and embroideries in Europe.”  Much of the furniture and other house contents are listed on an inventory that dates from 1601.

Hardwick Old Hall in next door, in ruins and as of 2021 closed.  Although just a stone's throw from the back garden, the National Trust may insist you walk right round the grounds to get to it, rather than through a convenient gateway.