Blackheath
London SE3

Blackheath, to the south-west of Greenwich Park, and its 170 acres of open heath have a long history.

The area was a rallying point for large groups entering London from the east.  The Danes camped at Blackheath in 101,1 and Wat Tyler's band of rebels grouped here during the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. 

It was at Blackheath that James I introduced the game of golf from his native Scotland, to the then sceptical English. 

The heath has two ponds, one used for boating at the weekends.

Blackheath Village, on the far side of the heath, is worth strolling around, with Georgian houses and terraces. 

The Paragon, a crescent on the edge of the heath, is lined with colonnaded houses dating from the late-18th century. It was built to attract well-to-do people to the area when Blackheath was trying to lose its reputation as an area plagued by highwaymen. In the early-20th century the area fell into disrepair and suffered serious bomb damage during World War II.   However, the crescent has been fully restored to its original state.  

The prettily named 'Tranquil Vale' to the south has shops selling antiques, books and prints, and All Saints Church has an unusually sharp spire, the appearance of a witch's hat.                                    

Admission free