Bromley
Down House
It was at Down House that Charles Darwin worked on his scientific theories, and wrote On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, the book which both scandalised and revolutionised the Victorian world when it was published in 1859. Built in the early 18th century, the house remains much as it was when Darwin lived here. The rooms on the ground floor have been furnished to reflect the domestic life of the family and the first floor offers an interactive exhibition on his life, his research and his discoveries. English Heritage has restored the gardens to their appearance in Darwin's time.
Chislehurst Caves
A seriously underlooked attraction, the caves are not in fact caves but a twenty-mile long network of passageways, carved from the chalk deep under Chislehurst over a period of 8,000 years. Used as a massive air-raid shelter during World War II, the Caves are now a local tourist attraction. Tours often last for an hour, were you'll learn the fascinating history as well as hear ghost and horror stories. It can also be rented as a venue, and is used for by those into D&D 'cosplay' games.
Crofton Roman Villa
The only villa open to the public in Greater London. It was inhabited from about AD 140-400 and was the centre of a large farming estate. Today you can see the remains of 10 rooms protected inside a public viewing building. Remains include tiled tessellated floors and the under-floor heating system hypocaust.
Croydon
Woodside Green
Visit for a villagy experience and go to the Joiner's Arms or Beehive pubs for a pleasant drink or meal.
The Town Hall
Very impressive with a huge clock tower.
Clock Tower Museum
Exhibitions on the gifted black composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor 1875-1912 who lived most of his life in Croydon. His works include The Song of Hiawatha, a great favourite before World War II at the Royal Albert Hall conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent.
The Whitgift Almshouses
Form a fine Tudor courtyard.
Because it was heavily bombed in WW2, Croydon features a patchwork of old and new architecture.
Kingston
The Coronation Stone
Whilst not full of sights, an item of some interest is the coronation stone, on which seven English kings from Edward the Elder to Aethelred the Unready were crowned. The stone is located outside the Guildhall, and is close to the market.
The Thames
Kingston borough has recently put a lot of effort into redeveloping the riverfront, and it is an extrememly pleasant way to spend a summer day. It can get very busy, and to avoid the crowds you can cross over Kingston bridge and walk along the quieter Richmond side.
Out of Order
For a good photo opportunity seek out the phone boxes, a sculpture by artist David Mach in Old London Road featuring a number of disused red telephone box leaning against each other like dominoes.