At more than 300ft long and 100ft wide, the centrepiece of the Royal Botanic Gardens is no ordinary greenhouse. You can imagine a T Rex stalking its prey among the prehistoric cycads, or close your eyes and let the warmth and perfumes transport you to a tropical isle. Underneath is the equally primordial Marine Display.

Kew Gardens, tube Kew Gardens, Richmond

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A beautiful Victorian garden in the middle of Streatham Common. Queen Victoria visited for the now gone spa waters (is there a way they can be brought back?). Tranquil even at the height of summer, an oasis in the middle of south London. Plus, there is a lovely old-fashioned cafe run by quirky Italian old women.

Streatham Common - the nearest train station is Streatham.

www.lambeth.gov.uk/AboutLambeth/TownCentresStreatham.htm

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The Temperate House is the largest of the glasshouses at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; in fact it's the largest, extant Victorian glasshouse in the world. Despite this fact, many visitors never reach it because it's a fair way from the main gate and it's hidden from view until you're almost upon it.

This is a shame because the Temperate House contains some fabulous specimens, including the world's rarest plant - a cycad called Encephalartos woodii - and the world's largest indoor plant, the 52-foot high Chilean Wine Palm.

www.rbgkew.org.uk/index.html

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The cheapest and prettiest place to have a snack in Kensington. Avoid the overpriced sandwiches and go for the baked potatoes, pizza slices and pasta dishes. And then take a gander in the Japanese garden.

Holland Park, Holland Park/High St Kensington tube

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