But our beloved capital is always throwing up surprises one way or the other. So, if you fancy a city break without leaving the city, head to these London villages for some pretty-as-a-picture places:
1. Warren Mews, Fitzrovia
Smack bang in the heart of London you’ll find a secluded area of cobbled streets and cute houses (but, oh boy, they’re costly), where you can catch a moment of peace and quiet. The little area is near the enclosed pristine patch of green, Fitzroy Square Garden, and can be reached best from Great Portland Street tube station which is just a quick amble away.
🚇 Nearest station is Great Portland Street.
2. Barnes
A little bit trickier to get to, but worth the journey south of the river if you want a real taste of countryside community. The central pond and surrounding area of Barnes has a real village-like feel. There’s even a farmer’s market every Saturday, held in Essex House Surgery’s carpark (right by the pond). The nearest station is Barnes Station – but even that’s a bit of a walk to the village’s centre! Don’t miss out on a visit to the WWT Wetland London Centre – home to countless species of wildlife including the bittern – one of the UK’s most elusive breeding birds – as well as the incredibly rare Leisler’s bat and Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat.
🚇 Nearest station is Great Portland Street.
3. Highgate Village
With plenty of green space and gorgeous 18th-century architecture, Highgate Village is a unique sanctuary within North London. And although it feels like a long way away from Central London when you’re there, you can’t completely forget about the city. Perched upon a hill, the panoramic views of the capital’s skyline are utterly glorious. Take some time out strolling around the romantic grounds of Highgate Cemetery or grab a cuppa at one of the area’s delightful cafés.
🚇 Nearest station is Highgate.
4. Clapham Old Town
If you make your way past Clapham’s busy, strip-like High Street, at the other end, on the corner of the Common, you’ll find a hub of vibrant and cutesy restaurants, bars and cafés. Clapham Old Town, notorious for its ‘yummy mummy’ vibes, is the perfect spot for brunching, drinking and al fresco dining – when the weather’s playing ball of course. We’d recommend Minnow – it serves fantastic food and is an ideal place for people watching.
🚇 Nearest station is Clapham Common.
5. Blackheath, Greenwich
South East of the river and right on the outskirts of Greenwich Park lies Blackheath. Along with its village-like feel, it has some great traditional pubs, as well as a cosy and modern French wine bar, Le Bar A Vin, right on the corner of the park. It’s an ideal place for a glass of vino and a nibble.
🚇 Nearest station is Blackheath.
6. Little Venice
North of Paddington, Little Venice is a tranquil area right by London’s Regents Canal. Take a stroll along the waterside and houseboats (you may even want to take a Narrowboat trip towards London Zoo or Camden), and while away the hours soaking up the chilled-out atmosphere. For a bite to eat, take a trip to The Summerhouse, set right on the Grand Union Canal near Warwick Avenue.
🚇 Nearest stations are Warwick Avenue and Paddington.
7. Chiswick
The vibrant High Street, complete with numerous restaurants, brasseries and bars for pavement dining, is not the only attraction of Chiswick. The beautiful Chiswick House and Gardens, home to an opulent 18th-century Roman-style Palladian villa, is definitely worth considering when you want to take your next walk in the sunshine. Although there is a café within the grounds, visitors are more than welcome to picnic within the gardens.
🚇 Nearest stations are Chiswick and Stamford Brook.
8. St. Katherine Docks
Set within London’s Tower Hamlets and right by the landmark Tower of London, the once-commercial St. Katherine’s Docks have now been completely transformed into a primarily residential area. While it lacks the village-like vibes of some of the other locations on this list, the enclosed harbour is certainly a step away from the hustle bustle and offers a nautical break from the city. For a waterside pint, head to the former brewery The Dickens Inn – one of the best boozers in the area.
🚇 Nearest station is Tower Hill.
9. Pembridge Mews, Notting Hill
The whole of Notting Hill is bloody beautiful it has to be said, but the tucked away Pembridge Mews flaunts some particularly pretty-as-a-picture houses. Think pastel colours, wisteria-covered walls and cobblestone roads. it’s well worth having a nosey down and a post on the old ‘gram!
🚇 Nearest station is Notting Hill Gate.
10. Hampstead Village
Another North London hilltop hideaway offering unbeatable city views of the city, Hampstead – also known as Hampstead Village – has understated and rural air. If you’re a fan of antiques and boutique shops, as well as cute cafés and ambling down narrow streets, then take spend your next day off up ‘North’. Of course, while you’re up here, you’ll have to go for a ramble across the rolling green hills and wooded glades of the beautiful Hampstead Heath.
🚇 Nearest station is Hampstead.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best London villages to make you feel like you’re out in the countryside. So whenever the hustle and bustle gets a little too much, you know exactly where to head!