I’m not a born and bred city dweller so sometimes I find myself craving wide open spaces. Thankfully I’ve found the perfect fix – South Norwood Country Park. It’s the place I go to breathe deeply, see the sky and hear nothing but birdsong.

Yes, if you climb the large viewing mound, you can glimpse the docklands, but only beyond a mass of green calmness – 116 acres of it in all! You won’t find manicured lawns or cafes so come prepared to relax with a picnic basket, a blanket and the papers. Find a sun dappled spot and set up camp for the day. Admire the wild flower meadows and teaming hedgerows. Climb the mound and fly a kite. Bring your bike and go for a pootle.

Everyone I have taken there has been amazed at the wildness of it all; it’s quite easy to forget you’re still in London. And best of all, sometimes there’s barely another soul in sight to share it with.

Images by Claire Woollam