Definitions by .l
Carshalton
Drop-dead gorgeous village that could be a hundred miles from central London, but is actually under ten miles away in the London Borough of Sutton.
Why all this incredible enthusiasm, I hear you say?
For a start, the setting - two lovely ponds at its heart with an Italianate bridge, surrounded by trees such as weeping willows, fine period buildings including a museum and a Grade II listed church. Next a very pretty high street popular with local hipsters for its stylish independent coffee houses, trendy art and gift shops and its small theatre, the Charles Cryer Theatre.
I could go on about its museum, its ecology centre, its conservation areas, the fact that it's home to one of CAMRA's favourite pubs in the whole of Britain and that it's only 25 minutes by Southern Rail from London Victoria train station; but I suggest you just visit it for yourself and have a lovely day out.
Why all this incredible enthusiasm, I hear you say?
For a start, the setting - two lovely ponds at its heart with an Italianate bridge, surrounded by trees such as weeping willows, fine period buildings including a museum and a Grade II listed church. Next a very pretty high street popular with local hipsters for its stylish independent coffee houses, trendy art and gift shops and its small theatre, the Charles Cryer Theatre.
I could go on about its museum, its ecology centre, its conservation areas, the fact that it's home to one of CAMRA's favourite pubs in the whole of Britain and that it's only 25 minutes by Southern Rail from London Victoria train station; but I suggest you just visit it for yourself and have a lovely day out.
(one year ago)
- Ruby:"Let's go for a day out, maybe Richmond on Thames."
- Leonora:"No, sure it's fab there, but we've been too often."
- Ruby:"How about we go to Carshalton then; I hear it's the prettiest village in England."
- Leonora:(struck by the brilliance of this suggestion) "Best idea you've ever had, Ruby; I've just read that it's totally cool there. Let's leave immediately!"
(now)
Ruby and Leonora now share a flat in Carshalton.
- Ruby:"Let's go for a day out, maybe Richmond on Thames."
- Leonora:"No, sure it's fab there, but we've been too often."
- Ruby:"How about we go to Carshalton then; I hear it's the prettiest village in England."
- Leonora:(struck by the brilliance of this suggestion) "Best idea you've ever had, Ruby; I've just read that it's totally cool there. Let's leave immediately!"
(now)
Ruby and Leonora now share a flat in Carshalton.
Carshalton by .l April 26, 2014
Morden
Great district of outer London at the end of the Northern Line, just within the Surrey post code zone. Plays host to the genuinely stunning Morden Hall Park, a huge and varied expanse of green space, complete with rivers, streams, historical mansions and a wondrous flower garden.
Wallington
Attractive middle class town within the London Borough of Sutton with the great distinction of being the site of three of the best Grammar schools in the entire country.
Wallington by .l April 26, 2014
Carshalton
Carshalton by .l April 24, 2014
Epsom
Beautiful town in Surrey 16 miles from London with parks, a theatre and great shops and restaurants.
Epsom is pretty cool.
Mitcham
Mitcham is a - perhaps unexpectedly - rather picturesque small town located within Greater London. It's got some genuinely pretty period architecture - for example see photos below of the town's churches and "White House" (no not that one). The area has perhaps been a tad looked down on in the past (often by people who have never been there). But it's smartening up, and its innate visual appeal - especially in its older parts - makes it a perfectly pleasant, green little area to live in or visit. And local borough council plans for town centre improvements will provide a further spur towards it realising its full potential before long.
Question one: What sort of people would Mitcham appeal to?
-- Those who appreciate pretty buildings and plenty of green open spaces (such as Mitcham Common and Mitcham Fair Green).
Question two:Where is it precisely?
-- It's a mile or two further out of central London than Wimbledon, just within the Surrey side of the London/Surrey border. But officially it IS in London, as it's in a London borough (Merton). It is exactly eight miles from Charing Cross (the official central point of London).
-- Those who appreciate pretty buildings and plenty of green open spaces (such as Mitcham Common and Mitcham Fair Green).
Question two:Where is it precisely?
-- It's a mile or two further out of central London than Wimbledon, just within the Surrey side of the London/Surrey border. But officially it IS in London, as it's in a London borough (Merton). It is exactly eight miles from Charing Cross (the official central point of London).
Sutton
The town in outer London in which the Rolling Stones were spotted by a notable music promoter in 1963 during an early gig at the then Red Lion public house (now the Winning Post) in Sutton High Street. The rest is history.
But, I hear you say, there must more to the town than *just* that. Well, yes: Sutton is just ten miles from London's Charing Cross, and is a very leafy and pleasant place to be. Much of Sutton was build during Victorian times, so the architecture has the character of that era. In recent years there's been something of an influx of young professionals, whose presence has helped lead to the current plethora of trendy restaurants, stylish coffee houses and cool bars, like All Bar One.
But, I hear you say, there must more to the town than *just* that. Well, yes: Sutton is just ten miles from London's Charing Cross, and is a very leafy and pleasant place to be. Much of Sutton was build during Victorian times, so the architecture has the character of that era. In recent years there's been something of an influx of young professionals, whose presence has helped lead to the current plethora of trendy restaurants, stylish coffee houses and cool bars, like All Bar One.
PERSON 1: Are there any "hidden gem" areas in and around London?
SAGE: There were a few years ago, and I'd have said SUTTON was one. But it's not hidden any more.
SAGE: There were a few years ago, and I'd have said SUTTON was one. But it's not hidden any more.