The winner:
'The smell of roses at Queen Mary's Rose Garden in Regent's Park is a wonderful starting point for anyone's quest.'
Friedrich J Sutton recieves a weekend for two at Threadneedles luxury boutique hotel.
The runners-up:
‘Visit Carlyle’s House in Cheyne Row and feed the tame blackbirds in the garden. ‘
‘Lord’s, the home of cricket, is where the sport originated. It still has the headquarters of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and it’s the dream of every cricketer to play there. ‘
‘See two famous pictures in one hidden gem. Don’t miss Fragonard’s The Swing and Frans Hals’s Laughing Cavalier and all the other treasures at the refurbished Wallace Collection.’
‘Visit Primrose Hill at dawn. As the sun rises over Canary Wharf and illuminates the skyline from St Paul’s, The Eye, and stretching back to Crystal Palace, this ranks as one of the best views in the whole world. The last 400 years of the history of London in one simple vista. ‘
‘The trench experience at the Imperial War Museum. Everyone should be made aware of just how lucky we are to be born at the right time and not to have had to experience this first-hand. ‘
‘Watch democracy in action at the Strangers’ Gallery in the House of Commons.’
‘West Norwood Cemetery is the burial place of the richest, most famous, iconic and inspirational people to have set foot in or shaped the city of London. With thousands of plots, monuments and mausoleums — each with a unique story to tell — and the fascinating history behind the ancient catacombs, it’s here that you’ll get a real glimpse of the movers and shakers of the city’s past.’
‘Hire a deckchair in Green Park. Whether you choose to doze in the sunshine or read a book in the dappled shade, it’s the perfect way to escape the hectic pace of London life.’
‘For a slice of history, visit Temple Church near the embankment. It’s one of the most beautiful, magical and historical places you’ll see. It dates from the 12th century and was built by the Knights Templar. The church is nestled among a collection of ancient buildings, which make up the Inner and Middle Temple. If you can, attend a service there — the choir is second to none. ‘
‘For a unique and highly amusing experience, see the overstuffed walrus at the Horniman Museum. The taxidermist of the time (circa 1870) failed to account for the folds of skin that would normally be present. It’s certainly one of the more unusual pieces in the natural history collection.’
‘Keats House in Hampstead is a beautiful, peaceful museum dedicated to the world’s greatest poet. ‘
‘The Greenwich Foot Tunnel, designed by Sir Alexander Binnie, opened in 1902. Made up of 200,000 white tiles, which line the walls, this historical phenomenon links the London Docks with Greenwich. ‘
‘The garden in the middle of the Victoria and Albert Museum is an oasis of calm and beauty. Free (well, a donation) entry and a wonderful place to visit.’
‘Shop at Alfie’s Market on Church Street near Marylebone. Inside the former Jordan’s department store is a magical labyrinth of small shops. A real treat for both trophy-hunting tourists and fans of 20th-century design.’
‘Watch a West End musical. The sets and costumes are breathtaking. Great entertainment for all the family. ‘
‘Visit the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. It’s an incredible way to absorb the atmosphere of the Tower without thousands of other tourists. By the end, you feel honoured to have been allowed to witness it.’
‘Brixton Market is the new Borough. Here you’ll find the best pizza outside of Italy at Franco Manca, and great cupcakes, service at Rosie’s Deli Café in London.’
‘Number One London, more commonly known as Apsley House, is a unique Grade I-listed mansion built by Robert Adam and was once the home of the Duke of Wellington. It is full of opulent interiors and paintings by the masters like Rubens and Goya as well as furniture and artefacts from the period.’
‘The Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum give you a real sense of wartime London. An absorbing experience where time stands still.’
‘Stand on the bridge in St James’s Park and look towards Whitehall – all the different roofs make a magical fairy-tale scene.’
‘Few people realise that London is one of the most important urban archaeological sites in the world due to the history along the Thames. Pull on some wellies and head out at low tide to spot 200-year-old clay pipes, bits of Tudor pottery and many other wonderful items.’
‘Hide away from the hustle and bustle of the city at Postman’s Park, a stone’s throw from the Barbican.’
Read the other 999 reasons to visit London.
