Once you get over being surrounded by people talking loudly in accents that sound like the Queen, Chelsea Physic Garden is a relaxing place to spend a few hours and even forget you are in London. And also while you’re in the area you can visit a great art shop, Green & Stone, on the Kings Road, which tends to be a bit pricey but you can get stuff here that you can’t get elsewhere. I bought materials for the Natural Pigment Experiment (more about this later) and the shop assistant was very helpful (she also sounded like the Queen). After leaving this quaint old-fashioned art shop with a much lighter wallet and heavier bag, I set off for the garden.

You have to enter the garden in Swan Walk and it costs a hefty £7.50 for an adult to get in. The cafe has lovely food, but also lightens your wallet considerably so don’t expect this to be a cheap day out. You can go on tours (included in the price) or wander aimlessly like I did taking lots of random photographs. To see a selection see my page Chelsea Physic Garden