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Hampstead Heath is a vast park, a slice of ancient countryside, covering 790 acres in north London. It includes woodland and heathland as well as ponds and leisure facilities. Notable features are Parliament Hill, well-known for its views of London and kit-flying, the Hampstead Heath Barrow, or Tumulus, once thought to be the burial place of Queen Boudicca and Kenwood House, an 18th century mansion famous for its art collection and concerts. The heath was once renowned as a lair of highwaymen; today, it is popular with walkers, runners and families.

Hampstead Heath is managed by the City of London Corporation. It is accessible from a variety of places - the address given is a guide only. Click on the link to the City of London website and download a useful map.

Harrods is a luxury brand, its iconic Knightsbridge shop the biggest department store in Europe with over 300 departments on a 5-acre site. It is eye-opening to visit, even if you don't buy anything - though be warned, a dress code is applied. The brand was founded in 1824 by Charles Henry Harrod, who opened a store on Borough High Street. Harrods moved to Knightsbridge in 1849. A disastrous fire in 1883 resulted in the present, grand, building. Harrods motto is 'Omnia Omnibus Ubique' - 'all things to all people everywhere'.

The Houses of Parliament is the home of the UK Parliament and consists of two 'houses' - the Commons (elected) and Lords (unelected). It is possible to take a tour, even take tea, or watch a debate. Information about visiting can be found on the UK Parliament's website - link below.

The Houses of Parliament is situated on the site of Edward the Confessor's 11th century palace and is still known as 'the Palace of Westminster'. It has been the traditional home of the English parliament since medieval times and much of the UK's parliamentary democracy developed here. However, most of the current building dates from the 19th century and was designed by Charles Barry, following a disastrous fire in 1834 that destroyed most of the old palace. The oldest building on the site is the magnificent Westminster Hall, which has witnessed 900 years of British history.

The Jewel Tower is a small, but fascinating, remnant of the medieval Palace of Westminster. It was built in the 14th century and once housed Edward III's treasures. It was subsequently used to store records from the House of Lords - including notable Acts of Parliament - and went on to be the National Weights and Measures Office.

The Keats House Museum was home to the poet John Keats between 1818 and 1820. He is said to have written several of his great works here, including Ode to a Nightingale and Ode on a Grecian Urn. Keats was born in Moorgate, London, in 1795 and died in Rome in 1821. The house was built between 1814 and 1816.

Photo credit: Alphauser via Wikimedia