For a Half Day

Kew Gardens: Situated on the western edge of the city, beside the River Thames, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Richmond, Surrey (tel: (020) 8332 5655; website: www.rbgkew.org.uk) is a 121-hectare (300-acre) site, first planted in the 17th century and now a horticulturist's heaven. There are several glasshouses, including the beautiful Palm House, which shelters rare orchids and palms, and the Alpine House, the only public glasshouse to be constructed at Kew in the past 20 years. It also has an exhilarating new treetop walkway allowing visitors to experience life at canopy level. Transport to the gardens is by London Underground to Kew Gardens; or by train from Waterloo to Kew Bridge. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 0930-1830, Saturday and Sunday 0930-1930 (Mar-Aug); daily 0930-1730 (Aug-Oct). Admission charge.

Hampton Court Palace: Just outside London, on the banks of the River Thames, is Hampton Court Palace, East Moseley, Surrey (tel: 0844 482 7777; website: www.hampton-court-palace.org.uk), once the residence of Henry VIII. As well as the magnificent State Apartments used by the Tudor court, there are immaculate riverside gardens to explore and the world-famous maze. After your visit, take a walk along the banks of the river or catch a boat to Kingston, Richmond or Kew. On a sunny day, this is one of the nicest days out to be had around London. Hampton Court Palace is open daily 1000-1800 (Apr-Oct); 1000-1630 (Nov-Mar) (last admission one hour before closing time). Admission charge.

London Wetland Centre: The London Wetland Centre in Queen Elizabeth's Walk (tel: (020) 8409 4400; website: www.wwt.org.uk) is a unique wildlife visitor attraction created by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) in Barnes, southwest London. A spectacular 43-hectare (105-acre) wetland landscape of lagoons, lakes and ponds offers a safe haven for hundreds of wild bird species, dragonflies, bats and amphibians. Exhibition areas include World Wetlands, with endangered wildfowl from around the world, and Waterlife, which features wildlife gardens and an impressive three-storey bird hide. The centre is open daily 0930-1800 in summer, 0930-1700 in winter (last admission one hour before closing time). Transport is by London Underground to Hammersmith, then a short bus ride from Hammersmith bus station, or by train from Waterloo to Barnes, followed by a short walk. Admission charge.

For a Whole Day

Brighton: Known as ‘London on Sea', Brighton is located 97km (60 miles) from London, on the south coast. Easily and relatively cheaply accessible from Victoria station or London Bridge, Brighton's young demographic, vibrant nightlife, top-class restaurants and relaxed vibe certainly make it the trendy coastal retreat of choice. Attractions include the Royal Pavilion (George IV's summer retreat), the renovated Museum of Brighton, and the old town around the Lanes. The Brighton Visitor Information Office, in the Pavilion shop (tel: 0906 711 2255; website: www.visitbrighton.com), can provide more information.

Oxford: The ‘dreaming spires' are located 97km (60 miles) northwest of central London. Harbouring one of the oldest universities in Europe, Oxford is not only steeped in history, architecture and traditions (such as punting on the river) but is also a bustling commercial city with good shops and excellent pubs. Trains to Oxford depart from Paddington station, while frequent 24-hour coaches leave from Victoria - the Oxford Express X90 from Victoria coach station and the Oxford Tube from Grosvenor Gardens outside Victoria train station. The Oxford Tourist Information Office, 15-16 Broad Street (tel: 01865 252 200; website: www.visitoxford.org), can provide further information.