These two tours provide an escape from the congestion of the business districts, heading to two of the city's popular villages. At Hampstead, you'll feel like part of a previous century, dwarfed by rows of Georgian terrace cottages and the wooded sanctuary of the heath. In Greenwich the choices are many, from traditional sights to cool parks, eclectic shops and village markets.

Get your tour map HERE, a free city sights and tube map, a camera, your Travel Card and a day pack. OK? Let's go!

Clocks, culture & the Cutty Sark
View some of London’s famous landmarks while cruising the Thames to beautiful Greenwich Village. Return through the rejuvenated Docklands, where contemporary architecture documents the area’s transformation to a centre for 21st century art and culture. Catch the tube to Victoria (Victoria/Circle/District Lines) to start this tour.

* A walk through Westminster (1) to the British art treasures of the Tate Britain (2) reveals marvellous 19th century architecture. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament (3) are best viewed from the Westminster Bridge before boarding a boat to Greenwich.
* Enjoy panoramic views over the city, Docklands, Queen’s House and Naval College from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park (4), where you can decipher the 24-hour meridian clock.
* Greenwich Village has classic buildings, quaint shops, and the wonderfully restored Cutty Sark (5) – once the world’s fastest sailing ship. At Canary Wharf on the Isle of Dogs (6) you can explore technology’s attempt to revitalise the wharf area.

***** DAVE'S FAVE - If there's one thing you MUST spend five quid on in London, it's a cruise down the Thames to Greenwich. There's landmarks galore and the running commentary provides plenty of laughs. This is London's biggest bargain!

Hobnobbing in Hampstead
This exclusive village has seen a parade of famous people since the 17th century. Keats, Freud and de Gaulle have preceded Glenda Jackson and Boy George. It’s picnic perfect and a couple of classic pubs provide a diversion. Catch the tube to Hampstead (Northern Line) to start this tour.

* Exit Hampstead station to explore atmospheric High Street (1) before entering Hampstead Heath.
* Over 300 hectares of woods and meadows is a haven for bird-life and a sanctuary from the city. At the northern boundary are the neo-classical treasures of Kenwood House (2).
* Marvel at stunning city views from Parliament Hill before exiting the heath to visit Keats’ House (3) and its vivid collection of mementoes.

***** DAVE'S FAVE - The old weather-boarded pub of Jack Straw's Castle in the north west of the Heath heaves atmosphere. It was named after a leader in the Peasant's Revolt of 1381 and must be one of the city's most authentic watering holes. When you tire of the barside chatter, wander over to nearby Whitestone Pond where all the model boaties congregate - it's serious stuff!