Grass, grit, grapes...: Streets of London 2012

It's May, we have left April behind as it was a tad wet this year, but May has brought glorious sunshine and with it some small adventures. In this weather it can be a bit warm for energetic cycling or long walks so why not pack a hamper and come with us to Ham House.

The journey begins at Richmond station, easily reachable by bus, train and tube and not that far from Heathrow if you're coming by plane!

Make you way through the Richmond town towards the river Thames. Ask anybody and they will know the way as Richmond runs along the length of the river. Go south west away from London.

Follow the river promenade past bars and boat houses, under the old Richmond bridge and out of town towards Petersham Meadows. You will be walking parallel to Petersham Road A307. Notice above to your left as you pass the Terrace Gardens and Richmond Hill. A detour up Nightingale Lane will take you to a stunning vista and a great pub, the Roebuck, splendid views all year round across Surrey.

But our journey today takes us straight on following the river path next to Petersham Meadows. The walk is 2 miles from the station to Ham House, most of which is promenade and river path. You can access Ham House via small country paths leaving the river path or a wide clearing once you are directly in front of the house.

Ham House is a wonderful 17th Century pad, but the bit we love most is the grass and tree lined avenues that lay in front and beside the house. They are not Versailles size but they are often peaceful and quiet. Not many people make the journey from Richmond and as the house is well hidden from roads and can only be accessed by a small dead end road pass a housing estate. So it's usually very tranquil. The house is surrounded by trees and sits proud in its own grounds and comfortably next to the Thames.