It’s unlikely SW16 appears high on your list of places in London to step out for some solace, however, nestled at the top of Streatham Common is a locals’ secret garden known as The Rookery, a haven of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of city life and ideal for those of us not blessed with our own bit of outdoor space.

Peace and quiet in the capital does not come much better than this beautifully maintained Victorian hillside garden, which also plays host to several outdoor plays and concerts throughout the summer. Amazingly, it remains peaceful here even in the height of summer and is certainly somewhere you can go to avoid the crowds on a sunny day.

The perfect spot for a quiet picnic or even a Sunday stroll, follow the steps down past an enormous cedar tree planted more than 200 years ago (one of the oldest in England) and you reach the tennis courts. From here there is a lovely wander (ideal for dog walkers) across the field to Norwood Grove, one of the few grand country houses to survive the London sprawl of the late 19th century.

After that hike, treat yourself (and your canine companion) to a well-deserved ice cream in the slightly eccentric cafe.