Afternoon tea with Prosecco!🥂🥂
#afternoontea #ukfoodie
The Runnymede on Thames Hotel.
We had afternoon tea booked here on a Saturday. Parking was easy in their large carpark. Reception was polite when asked where to find the restaurant area. And we were guided to our table by a pleasant waitress, (although as usual with many restaurants, we had to ask to sit where we wanted and not where she wanted right next to a crowded table.)
The main restaurant was at the rear of the hotel and was large and airy with a mezzanine floor along the mid section and a huge glass wall looking out into the Thames river along the rear facing elevation. One could also sit out there on the veranda under big umbrellas and also order food from an outside food bar that was doing barbecue chicken at that time.
Our table was inside next to the glass door leading out but this wasn’t a problem.
The tea and cakes, when they finally arrived, were very good quality, all looked freshly hand made and extremely delicious. But we found that the service was very slow and we had to constantly try getting the waitress’s attention.
We also should have had two glasses of prosecco with the food when it arrived but again had to get the waitress to bring it over after another wait as they had forgotten it.
Before leaving, the waitress just did not come to our table at all to show us the bill, forcing us to get up and start walking out. When we finally caught her at the exit to the restaurant, we asked what there was to pay, but she said that as we were using a voucher, it had already been taken care of. But it would’ve been nice to have been told this at the table, and also to have been asked if everything was ok with the food after starting. So no tip for her!
All in all; clean, airy restaurant, lovely riverside location, polite staff and great food. But, spoilt by lack of decent table service!
SweetDumpling
#backpacking2026
🌳 RICHMOND PARK
Official Circular Trail
If you’re looking for a proper escape from London without leaving the city, this is the trail I’d recommend.
Start from Richmond Gate. It’s only a few minutes from Richmond Station, so it’s really easy to reach.
Walk towards King Henry’s Mound first. On a clear day you’ll get one of the best views in London, and yes… you can even spot St Paul’s Cathedral over 16 km away.
From there, head over to Pen Ponds. Bring a coffee, sit on a bench for a while and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you’ll already see deer wandering nearby.
Don’t rush. One of the best parts of Richmond Park is simply getting lost along the smaller woodland paths.
Next, make your way to Pembroke Lodge. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch, coffee or even just the view from the terrace.
Before heading back, don’t miss Isabella Plantation. It’s probably my favourite part of the park. In spring it’s covered with colourful flowers, but honestly it’s beautiful all year round.
If you’ve got some extra time, take one of the quieter trails through Sidmouth Wood. Hardly anyone goes there and it’s one of the most peaceful spots in the whole park.
💡 My tip: Arrive before 9am or after 6pm. That’s when the park is at its quietest and you’ll have the best chance of seeing lots of deer.
⸻
⛰️ BOX HILL
Official National Trust Circular Trail
Want to feel like you’ve left London without travelling very far?
Jump on a train from London Victoria and in about an hour you’ll be surrounded by rolling hills and incredible countryside.
Start your walk from Box Hill & Westhumble Station and head straight towards the famous Stepping Stones across the River Mole. It’s one of the best photo spots on the trail.
From there, begin the climb up to the main viewpoint. It’s a bit steep, but trust me, it’s worth every step.
Take your time at the top. The views across the Surrey Hills are absolutely stunning.
After that, follow the official National Trust trail through the woodland. It’s much quieter than the main viewpoint and one of my favourite sections.
When you’re ready for a break, stop at the National Trust Café. Grab a drink, enjoy the scenery and recharge before finishing the loop.
If you want somewhere even quieter, take a small detour to Juniper Top. Most visitors never make it that far, which makes it feel even more special.
💡 My tip: Wear proper walking shoes. Some parts can get muddy after rain, but that’s all part of the adventure.
⸻
🌲 EPPING FOREST
Official Oak Trail
Most people have no idea that one of England’s oldest forests is only a short Tube ride from central London.
Start from Theydon Bois Station and follow the official Oak Trail into the forest.
Within minutes you’ll forget you’re anywhere near a city.
Take your time walking through the ancient woodland until you reach Theydon Oak, one of the oldest trees in the forest.
Keep following the trail to Connaught Water. It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the view and maybe even have a picnic.
After that, head towards High Beach for one of the best viewpoints in the forest, then stop at Butler’s Retreat for a coffee or lunch before continuing.
If you enjoy history, don’t skip Loughton Camp. These ancient Iron Age earthworks are hidden in the woods and most visitors walk straight past them without even noticing.
One of my favourite things about Epping Forest is that every season feels completely different. Spring brings carpets of bluebells, summer is wonderfully shaded, and autumn transforms the whole forest into shades of orange and gold.
💡 My tip: Download the trail map before you arrive. It’s easy to follow, but mobile signal can be unreliable in some parts of the forest.
#TripMoments
#Tripcom
#VisitLondon
#UKTravel
#HikingUK
#RichmondPark
#BoxHill
#EppingForest
#HiddenLondon
#DayTrip
#NatureLovers
#ExploreBritain
#WalkingTrails
#TravelInspiration
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thegrove
A breathtaking paradise that’s hard to leave. 🌿🎈
Just 40 minutes from central London, The Grove transforms its gardens into one of the UK’s most magical dining experiences.
Imagine enjoying a multi-course meal inside a beautifully decorated hot air balloon basket, surrounded by lily ponds, elegant gardens and the peaceful countryside. Every course is beautifully presented, the atmosphere is unforgettable, and for a few hours, it feels like you’ve travelled far beyond London.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a unique experience, this is one you’ll be talking about long after dessert.
Would you try it? ✨
#TheGrove #TheGroveHotel #LuxuryDining #HotAirBalloon #HiddenGem #LondonDayTrip #VisitHertfordshire #LuxuryTravel #BucketList #TravelUK #Foodie #UniqueExperiences #TripMoments #ExploreEngland #Tripcom