Queen Charlotte's Cottage, Kew

This lovely little place is a sanctuary within a sanctuary. Queen Charlotte's Cottage is at the end of a secluded paddock in Kew Gardens. This 18th-century rustic cottage was built as a country retreat for the royal family. Open in the spring and summer months only, it seems to be one of the less popular attractions in the gardens, which makes it perfect for those seeking a bit of tranquility. The paddock originally housed exotic animals including kangaroos, but is now a fine flower garden which, in the springtime, displays more bluebells than you've ever seen in your life. 

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (kew.org, adults £13.90, children under 17 free). Kew Gardens tube or Kew Bridge overground station. The conservation area surrounding the cottage can also be seen along the Thames path (thames-path.org.uk)