The best things to do in west London

What is it? Covering a staggering 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is the largest royal park in London. 

Why go? There are hundreds of red and fallow deer who have a grand old time roaming the grounds. They’re pretty chill, except in rutting season (September-October) and birthing season (May-July) when it’s best to give them more space. After an eyeful of deer, head to King Henry’s Mound for panoramic views of the city, right across to St Paul's Cathedral.

What is it? An otherworldly haven of exotic flowers, plant life and even a treetop walk.

Why go? There’s a whopping 300 acres to explore at Kew Gardens, which includes the world’s largest surviving Victorian glasshouse, a Chinese Pagoda built in 1762, and a lively selection of exhibitions and conferences. There’s plenty going on behind the scenes too, where scientists work tirelessly to preserve the future of plant life in not one, but two national bases for research into botanical studies. 

What is it? A buzzing treasure trove of antiques, street food and vintage clothing along the pretty pastel-coloured streets of Notting Hill. 

Why go? Notting Hill has become one of London’s most affluent and desirable areas, but Portobello Road Market still retains some of the laid-back coolness that kicked it all off. Browse through stalls packed with oddities, collectables and eccentricities, before refuelling in one of the area’s brilliant restaurants. We’d recommend the local institution Lowry & Baker, or any of the top street-food vendors that pitch up on Fridays and Saturdays.

What is it? Chef Fadi Kattan’s Palestinian restaurant serves up near-perfect cuisine in a converted Notting Hill townhouse

Why go? While Akub isn’t the first proudly Palestinian restaurant in London, or even in Notting Hill – it is still a rare thing. This place is free and creative in its expression with a menu full of lens-friendly small plates in pretty pinks, yellows, and greens. Tuck into bold Palestinian flavours as well as aesthetics, with plates by third-generation ceramicist Nur Minawi in Jaffa.

What is it? Glorious stews, spot-on kebabs and delightful dips distinguish this peach of a Persian venue. 

Why go? It’s‬ hard to find a bad word to say about Sufi, a restaurant we’ve consistently praised since it opened in 2007. Sufi is just about smart enough for a date, though rugs and instruments hanging from‬ the walls are as exciting as the decor gets. But for exquisite Persian food at low prices, it’s a fantastic option.‬ ‬  

What is it? London’s most picturesque narrowboat hangout, Little Venice is a floating idyll of waterside cafés, bars and shops. 

Why go? A walk along the canalside picking out your dream houseboat is the perfect antidote to inner-city living. A visit to Little Venice will also reveal some of the city's most-loved eccentricities, such as the charming Puppet Theatre Barge or the bustling comedy venue, the Canal Café Theatre. 

What is it? This celebration of West Indian culture and Europe’s biggest street party always takes place on August Bank Holiday. 

Why go? Sunday is family day, and on Monday the streets get especially crowded, so arrive by tube then walk to Chepstow Road, Ladbroke Grove or Westbourne Grove. Sound systems on the street and in the squares are a big draw, but some of best DJ sessions feature at the warm-ups and after-parties.

What is it? Based in the Tudor stomping ground of Hampton Court Palace, the Palace Maze was commissioned around 1700 by William III, and has seen a number of kings and queens getting lost among its hedges. Covering a third of an acre, this bad boy is referred to as a ‘puzzle maze’, and takes around 20 minutes to crack.

Why go? The hedge maze (the oldest in the UK, fyi) is just one of the top sights at the grand Tudor pile that Henry VIII ‘acquired’ from Cardinal Wolsey. Visitors can also wander down the corridor where Catherine Howard was dragged screaming, see how George I’s chocolatier prepared the king’s favourite tipple, and take a peek at King Charles II’s royal toilet. 

What is it? Holland Park is lovely enough – packed with sports facilities, play areas, woodland and an eco centre –but hidden inside it is a little haven of relaxation known as the Kyoto Garden.

Why go? The Japanese garden was a present from the city of Kyoto to London, and boy are they good at gifting. Inside you'll find enough coy carp, waterfalls and serene ponds to chill out even the most stressed city slicker. Visit in the early morning for a more peaceful visit – the park opens daily at 7.30am. 

What is it? Sipsmith were one of the first distilleries to open with the new wave of craft gin, and booze fans can take a tour of their Chiswick site to learn all there is to know about mother's ruin.  

Why go? Tours include a short history of gin in London, before you get to meet three copper ladies – Prudence, Patience and Verity – the three giant copper stills. Gin fans then get a tutored tasting of the Sipsmith range of gins. Cheers!

What is it? Housed within the garden centre, this Café resembles a stately greenhouse, hung with Indian prints and pictures, and furnished with rickety tables and chairs.

Why go? The ultimate in rustic charm, complete with a real meadow on its doorstep, Petersham Nurseries is the perfect balm for the frazzled urbanite. There’s a delightful seasonal menu serving top-notch plates. There’s also a Tea house, where light lunches and cakes are served, a shop and of course, the Nurseries. 

What is it? A temple to contemporary architecture and design with a minimal interior that even Marie Kondo would approve of, designed by John Pawson. 

Why go? The name might ring a bell, but this is the new and improved Design Museum. The £83m premises opened in 2016 with a bigger and better line-up of exhibitions, shows and talks. Check out their Friday Lates series, where on the first Friday of every month the museum stays open till 9pm with everything from free sketching workshops to open discussions sparked by themes in the exhibits. 

What is it? A stonking eighteenth-century mansion set in 350 acres of parkland. It was described by Horace Walpole as ‘the palace of palaces’. We couldn't have said it better ourselves. 

Why go? As well as dazzling architecture and cheering grounds, the estate has recently upgraded its cycle track which stretches the perimeter of the park. It's good for prams and wheelchairs and perfect for a leisurely pedal. 

What is it? A warehouse full of 100% jumping action, with 150 interconnected trampolines, squishy foam pit and a giant air bag.  

Why go? Why wouldn’t you go? Visitors can jump across the expanse in any direction they wish, bounding onto 'walk the wall' trampolines or over obstacle courses in 27,000sq ft of space. As well as these freejump sessions, there's a trampoline academy, fitness classes, family sessions and even dodgeball.

What is it? Chef Kris Yenbamroong’s cult California restaurant Night + Market Song comes to London, situating itself in the newest branch of The Hoxton hotel in west London. 

Why go? To sample Yenbamroong’s deeply Californian take on Thai food. Sure, a few trad dishes are present and correct: there’s authentic larb gai and lemongrass seared sea bass fillet. But Chet’s goes hard on the Americana angle to give British palates a beautifully balanced taste of the Golden State. Like the gloriously gloopy blue-cheese-slathered wedge salad and fried chicken khao soi. For extra kick there are bespoke Chet’s bottles of culty fermented fave Kold Sauce on every table. Bliss. 

What is it? Reopened a few years ago after a three-year restoration, Pitzhanger Manor is Sir John Soane’s restored Grade I-listed Georgian villa.

Why go? As well as getting an eyeful of Soane’s architecture, visitors can take in some art with the launch of the new gallery housed in the former lending library. Hosting three exhibitions a year, visitors will find a changing selection of work from artists, designers and architects, kicking off with a series of reflective sculptures by Anish Kapoor. 

What is it? The Dove’s prime riverside location means it comes into its own on Boat Race day, but this welcoming, cosy pub is worth a visit any time.

Why go? It’s packed full of history (check the pictures that line the walls for more info) and holds claim to being London's smallest pub. Don't worry too much about not having enough space to enjoy a tipple – most drinkers come here to sit in the vine-entangled conservatory or the riverside terrace overlooking the houseboats. If you’re looking for a cosy, atmospheric boozer, The Dove is always a reliable option. 

What is it? A self-styled private palace of art, Leighton House reopened in April 2010 after a £1.6 million refurbishment that uncovered and restored many of the dazzling decorative features. 

Why go? The dour exterior doesn’t let on to the intricate decor inside. Expect magnificent reception rooms downstairs designed for lavish entertaining, and a dramatic staircase leading to a huge, light-filled studio taking up most of the first floor. Four extensions were added over the years, the most striking addition is the ‘Arab Hall’ – designed to showcase Leighton’s huge collection of sixteenth-century Middle Eastern glazed tiles. 

What is it? This historic Grade I listed cemetery is the final resting place of more than 200,000 people, including such illustrious Londoners as suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst and public-health pioneer Dr John Snow.

Why go? Cemetery seekers will find 39 acres of peaceful open space to explore, plus a visitors' centre and the glorious, recently restored chapel. Visitors can opt to take an eerie trip around the historic catacombs on a guided tour – yikes! Tours are drop-in and a small donation of £10 is suggested. We think it sounds dead good. Find out more here. 

What is it? The Queen’s Club was established in 1886, becoming the first multipurpose sports complex to be built anywhere in the world.

Why go? Wimbledon ain’t the only lawn tennis club in London. The pre-Wimbledon men's tournament is a joy to watch, and members can grab a racket and use all the sporting and recreational facilities themselves.

What is it? This Kensington event space, first opened in 1886, includes the Olympia Grand and Pillar Hall and boasts a big ol' venue for annual conventions.

Why go? It hosts a huge range of headline events, such as the Ideal Home Show, A Place in the Sun Live, and the London International Horse Show. No matter what's on, you'll find new toys to play with and experts to share their deep knowledge of their field. 

What is it? Now officially known as the Eventim Apollo after a spell as the HMV Apollo, Hammersmith Apollo is a live music emporium that began life as an art deco cinema.

Why go? Highlights from the Apollo's glittering history include 38 Beatles gigs from 1964-1965, David Bowie's last gig as Ziggy Stardust in 1973, and several concerts by Queen in 1979. It now doubles as a 3,600-capacity all-seater theatre and a 5,000-capacity standing-room-only gig space, hosting everyone from Kenny Rogers to Slipknot.

What is it? A romantic house built in the 1500s, featuring spectacular bedrooms (one of which was used by Queen Victoria) and a grand Roman hallway in black-and-white marble to the Red Drawing Room, with crimson silk walls and Roman statues. 

Why go? Its magnificently preserved grandeur has made it a popular filming location: ‘The Madness of King George’ was filmed here, as were Poirot, Downton Abbey and Stephen Poliakoff’s Dancing on the Edge. Outside, children will love exploring the vast gardens and the restored nineteenth-century Great Conservatory, with its huge iron-and-glass dome. 

What is it? After extensive restoration in 2011, Hogarth’s House holds a huge collection of William Hogarth’s prints and a set of his engraving plates. The panelled rooms also house replica pieces of eighteenth-century furniture.

Why go? This free-to-enter museum is a bewitching little jaunt; the gallery in the former kitchen wing hosts a changing programme of exhibitions, and in the garden are mulberry trees, the fruit from which the Hogarths are said to have made mulberry pies for the Foundling children who stayed with them. 

What is it? A 105-acre city wildlife area created by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in 2000. 

Why go? Formerly disused Victorian reservoirs have been transformed by landscaping and weathered by nature to become an extensive landscape of lagoons, islets and pastures. At intervals along the serene walkways are hides where you can gaze at all manner of birds through your binoculars – kingfishers, falcons, herons and lots more frequent this little urban oasis. 

What is it? A rustic, family-run Greek Cypriot taverna in the west London hinterlands where you’ll be fed like a long-lost relative. 

Why go? To fill up on all the souvlaki (pork and chicken) your heart desires and to immerse yourself in the magical meze menu. For £35 a head, you get everything that’s good that day, from hummus and feta salad to fish and flesh from the grill and moussaka and tender kleftiko from the oven. 

What is it? The largest stadium in the UK, and the home of English football. 

Why go? To see all the hidden bits of this footie Mecca that you wouldn’t normally experience from home or with a normal match ticket. The Wembley Tour revisits the stadium’s golden moments from the 1920s to the present. The 75-minute tour includes the England Changing Rooms and Players’ Tunnel, as well as the chance to sit in the England manager’s press conference and to lift a replica FA Cup. 

What is it? One of London’s most legendary record stores.  

Why go? Because you’ll be in good company. The racks of wax here have been rifled through by some of British music’s greatest, like The Clash’s Mick Jones and Elvis Costello. It’s also been stocking incredible records from a breadth of genres long before the tribal nature of music fandom was dismantled by the internet. Come here to find the best music you’ve never heard or reggae, jazz and African gems.