Oeschinen Lake, Kandersteg, Switzerland

A punchy hike uphill or gondola ride from Kandersteg, Oeschinen Lake is a popular beauty spot overlooked by a cafe-restaurant. Although you are unlikely to have the footpaths to yourself, it is well worth taking in at least some of the views from the dramatic slopes bordering the lake.

The Real Thing, Lambeth Country Show, Brockwell Park, South London

Headlining at the Lambeth Country Show, The Real Thing work their way through an upbeat repertoire of rather dated soul music.  Much of the crowd were born after the band's heyday in the 1970s.

The Pullens Estate, South London

The surviving parts of the Pullens Estate, just south of Elephant & Castle, feel like they belong in a museum, albeit one with bohemian bars and cafes. The estate encompasses three cobbled yards - Peacock Yard, Illiffe Yard and Clements Yard - lined by two-storey late Victorian workshops, which are now used as studios for artists, artisans and other creative businesses. They back onto late 19th century tenement buildings, which are four storeys in height, with an ornate central entrance to a common stairwell. The front elevations of these buildings have decorative bands of nail-head decoration in moulded brick, and detailed painted terracotta windows and door heads. 

Waterloo Gardens West, Carlton House Terrace, Central London

Serving the Reform Club, the Travellers Club and the Athenaeum Club, Waterloo Gardens West was developed on part of the former royal garden of St James’s Palace, when Regency architect John Nash built the surrounding Carlton House Terrace, according to the London Historic Parks & Gardens Trust. Since 1832 this pleasant green space has been managed by the Crown Estate Paving Commission. The Trust says the garden underwent restoration in 2008 and its 19th Century character has been retained with serpentine paths, trees and shrubs. Although is not normally open to the public, Waterloo Gardens participates in the London Open Gardens programme each year.

Stone Buildings, Lincoln's Inn, Central london

Dating from the 1770s, Lincoln Inn's Georgian Stone Buildings were designed by Robert Taylor. Damaged in both World War One and World War Two, the Grade I listed buildings have since been restored and continue to conjure up eighteenth century London. If the Inn would only exclude the parked cars, visitors could truly step back in time.

Balham, South London

A major transport hub, the Victorian suburb of Balham has become a magnet for young professionals. Its origins can be traced back to the old coach route out of London to the south and west. But serious development only came with the opening of the railways in 1863, according to Wandsworth Council's official history. Balham's Art Deco tube station was designed by Charles Holden and opened with the extension of the Northern Underground Line in 1926.

The Dog Star, Brixton, South London

 

The Dog Star pub, a Brixton institution, is housed in a distinguished nineteenth century building on the bustling junction between Coldharbour Lane and Atlantic Road.

Regency Cafe, Regency Street, Central London

 

Opened just after the Second World War, this old school and keenly-priced cafe often has a queue of hungry office workers outside late morning on a weekday.