In leafy southwest London, Merton offers the perfect mix of city convenience and wide open space. The borough’s Deen City Farm is a great example of the local area, with donkeys, pigs, sheep and plenty more just off the busy A24.
To really take advantage of Merton’s dual location, it’s best to book a hire car. With your own wheels, Chessington World of Adventures, one of the UK’s best-known theme parks, is just 20 minutes away. Here you can ride the Croc Drop, the Vampire and the Kobra – and still be back at your hotel in time for dinner.
For more traditional British pursuits, hop on the A3 to Hampton Court Palace, once home to Henry VIII and all six of his wives. Or head north to Richmond and escape the sounds of the city entirely in the UK’s largest Royal Park.