The Saturday List #169 - My Top Ten Days Out!

I'm writing this blog on a Train somewhere north of Stafford. We are having a day out to celebrate our 23rd Wedding Anniversary on a Steam train to Carlisle and back having a slap up breakfast. It is very civilised! I thought that I'd lost my top ten days out, so that if you are trying to think of a great way to treat yourself, it may give you a few ideas. The only rule is it must be doable in a day and must be doable from Mill Hill.

1. Chiswick Fullers Brewery Tour.
If you like real ale, then this is a must. It is really interesting and you get to taste the ales!

2. The Great British Beer Festival at Olympia.
Another great day out if you like your beers. There are hundreds of beers, ciders and other drinks to try and a whole host of great food stalls. If you are not male, white or a beardy type you are also likely to be interviewed by one of the many telly crews that show up, as they like to show a good cross section of beer lovers.

3. Brighton via Thameslink.
 This is always fun. There are numerous restaurants, great shopping, the Pavillion is well worth a visit and the Pier is always a blast. If a bit of nudism is your thing, there's the nude beach (not recommended when the Beast From The East is blasting through). Personally, I love eating a few Whelks on the beach in the sun.

4. The Science Museum.
This is always a treat for a day out. The museum has great displays and is really interactive. Best viewed in school term if you are not taking the kids.

5. St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster. Cathedral via the South Bank.
This is a great way to spend a sunny day. Get the train to City Thameslink, visit St Paul's, which is fascinating. It really s worth dong a guided tour if you can. The cross the Thames, walk toGabriels Wharf of the South bank for lunch. There are several great places to eat, I particularlyWrstmin like the pie hut. Then walk up the South Bank and cross the Thames via Lambeth Bridge and walk to Westminster Cathedral. It is great to compare and contrast Londons two great Christian Cathedrals.

6. Kings Cross Canal Museum and canal walk to Camden Town.
Before roads and rail, canals were the countries arteries. The canal museum on York way is a great way to learn of this almost forgotten part of Londons heritage. A walk up the canal to Camden Town is a nice way to while away an hour. It is always a surprise to find such tranquility so close to the centre of our City.

7. River boat to Greenwich and the Royal observatory.
This is a lovely way to spend the day.the river boat is fun and a great way to see the city. The Royal observatory and the Meridian line is a splendid place to visit.

8. The Totteridge Valley pub crawl.
Returning to the theme of a few beers. This is a great way to spend the day. Start with a coffee or brunch at the Three Hammers. Then a quick stroll to the Adam and Eve for a pint of IPA. The burgers and chips are not bad either.then walk down Burtonhole Lane, there is a lovely tea shop at Finchley Nurseries if you are still thirsty and the lemon cake is lovely. From therea walk around Darland Nature Reserve, the Totteridge Valley and the Long Ponds, followed by a refreshing Ale at the Orange Tree. Finally a stroll along Totteridge lane for a sumptuous dinner at The Rising Sun, probably the best pub grub around. With all that walking, you can indulge guilt free!

9. St Albans.
A quick 15 minutes up the Thameslink line is St Albans. There is the Abbey, the Roman Amphitheatre, the oldest (allegedly) pub in England, the Cock, and many fine restaurants to boot. Highly recommended and not expensive.

10. The Epping and Ongar Railway.
At the Eastern End of the Central line, we have the Epping and Ongar Railway. This is a restored Steam Railway with a heritage centre. It is a fun way to spend the day and they often have special events. The next being an Easter Egg Hunt.