http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33538 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33538 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33527 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33527 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31915 Pasha also hosts a hotel and a sauna and hammam (Turkish steam bath) on the premises. Quite an unusual venue and a great, if somewhat wacky, night out.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31915 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31913 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31913 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31908 Actually, I need no excuse to pop into the Brockwell Park's Lido Cafe, swim or no swim, I'll be there enjoying a cup of coffee or a hot chocolate. The menu is extensive and inspired with smaller portions for kids, and food served throughout the day. When the outdoor pool is open, there's even a little hut where swimmers and 'sunbathers' (ha!) can get snacks.
Special events include live jazz and flamenco evenings and five-course supper parties.
Art Deco fans can also admire the interior, when not gazing at all the beautiful bodies by the pool. Dream on!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31908 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31748 Best of all, it's accessible on the Metropolitan tube line and a round trip will cost all of £7. En route, the Cock Inn at Sarratt and the Rose & Crown at Chorleywood make splendid stopping off points for sustenance and liquid refreshment. We passed a watercress farm too, and a huge bunch of freshly-harvested greens cost £1.50 and tasted a hundred times better than the stuff from the supermarket.

Take the Metropolitan Line from Baker Street or Marylebone Station to Chalfont & Latimer. Follow the river walk along the Chess river to Chorleywood village.
Chorleywood is on the Metropolitan tube line also.
The walk is about 7km.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31748 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31736 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31736 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31375 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31375 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31368 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31368 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31325 Hill (1838-1912) was an amazing woman and way ahead of her time. She was a pioneer of affordable housing and many consider her the founder of modern social work. She campaigned tirelessly for the environment and open spaces and co-founded the National Trust, which today protects over 300 historic properties and keeps 250,000 hectares of land open to everybody.
Hill believed in humane housing conditions and arranged for the construction of two rows of pretty cottages and a community hall, designed by Elijah Hoole. The garden predated the buildings and was laid out in 1887. It was created to provide ‘an open air sitting room for the tired inhabitants of Southwark’ and had an elaborate layout of curved lawns, flower beds and serpentine paths, an ornamental pond with fountain, bandstand and covered children's play area. There were once two mosaics in the garden. One showing ‘The Sower' was restored in 2005 and can still be seen.
Bankside Open Spaces Trust used Heritage Lottery funding to restore the garden to its former glory, complete with pond, bridge, fountain, flower beds and paths winding through this lovely Victorian garden.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31325 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31163 Created by a collective of urban gardeners, designers and a team of volunteers, and shaped by a hospital department, the UPG also hosts a series of talks, workshops and film screenings.
The Rambulance restaurant nestles in the corner of the space in an old ambulance and serves up a seasonal menu of homegrown veg and herbs.
This lovely garden provides a space for artists, gardeners and health workers to explore the role of plants in the nation's health.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31163 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29191 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29191 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27896 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27896 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22096 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22096 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19674 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19674 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19673
It also has a fabulous set of places to drink inside, an onsite bowling alley and a Cowshed spa. Very possibly the best place to chill out in the capital.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19673 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19672 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19672 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19662
My other recommendation would be Green Park, it has a better location right next to Buckingham Palace. Deck chairs are available to rent (£2 for 4 hours) and many food shops nearby mean that you won't go hungry. Great for running or relaxing - take advantage of London's green parks.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19662 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19652
One great tip is to start your business day off here with a meeting. Breakfast is sublime with excellent bakery from the kitchen. Its central location makes it great for anyone staying in the city. High tea is also a great treat. Speciality teas, fine finger sandwiches, moist scones and the most delicate pastries found this side of Paris.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19652 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8100 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/8100