Hang out in Merton Abbey Mills market for a relaxing weekend in South London and have a look at the handmade goods, antiques, jewellery and crafts. In the old watermill they still have a working pottery.It's lovely to visit for unusual presents! There's even a little textile museum attached recording the site's history...

I loved Stapehill Gardens (by Bournemouth in Dorset)...there's an old abbey onsite, amidst beautiful themed gardens (which are easy to negotiate) and an interesting museum of farming and country life...

HMS Belfast is also located close by the Tower of London on the Thames, but you have to walk across the Tower bridge for access-from the north to the south side of the river-down to Morgan's Lane which is off Tooley Street

The Queen's Gallery is the museum on the side of Buckingham Palace...so factor in extra time if you want to do this along with the Palace itself (and money- it adds up at £8.50 per adult, £4.25 for kids aged 5-17, OR go for the family ticket-2 adults + 3 kids for £21.50 which is more reasonable)