Chiswick House and Gardens

A magnet for architecture and garden lovers, Chiswick House (1729) is one of London's finest examples of neo-Palladian design, and offers a calming and uplifting respite to the occasionally frantic nature of central London. Created by Lord Burlington and William Kent, the beautiful grounds —characterised by architectural features, meandering paths and gardens including one of the world's two existing deep pink Middlemist's Red camellias — are credited with being the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement (and the template used for New York's Central Park). Unlike the House, the Gardens are open all year round from 7am until dusk. A trip to Chiswick House might be combined with a walk along the river or a trip to Kew Gardens [see entry]. The gardens had major restoration works in 2010.