When you think of London, the first things that probably come to your mind are Big Ben, Buckingham Palace or perhaps the London Eye.
Little Venice, Ruislip Lido? No, they are not on the top of the average Londoner's to do list.
But here in west London, we are surrounded by many hidden gems which often go unnoticed.
So here is a guide to some of our favourite places in west London.
Fulham Palace
With other attractions such as Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace proving highly popular with tourists, Fulham Palace often gets overlooked.
Home to the Bishop of London since 704, there is plenty to discover and you can explore the history of the house along with the gardens free of charge.
After recently receiving a £1.88million lottery grant, the Grade I listed building and surrounding garden will shortly be receiving a makeover.
Where: Fulham Palace, Bishop's Ave, Fulham, London SW6 6EA.
Little Venice
With boat trips along the canals and plenty of places to enjoy a bite to eat or a drink by the canal, Little Venice makes for the perfect day out.
The area comes to life in the summer, so when the weather hots up, rather than rush to the Hyde Park serpentine, why not give this little venetian secret near Paddington a try.
Where: Little Venice, London, W2 1XB.
The Thames Path
With almost 80 miles of pathway taking you past some of London's greatest sights, this is certainly a walk not to be missed.
The 128km route is split into four sections on both the North and the South bank of the River Thames and here in west London it takes you past the likes of Syon Park, Hampton Court Palace, Chiswick Pier and Kew Gardens.
So lace up those walking boots and take a walk down the river, why not stop for a tipple at a riverside pub on your way round?
Ruislip Lido and Woods
Yes, would you believe it, west London has its very own beach, Ruislip Lido.
Granted, there aren't many days in the year when Londoner's can enjoy a beach for its true purpose, but who says you cant wrap up and head out for a winter walk along the beach?
The lido is located within the picturesque Ruislip Woods and on site there is a pub and a railway which is a popular attraction for children.
Where: Ruislip Lido, Reservoir Road, Ruislip, HA4 7TY.
Chelsea Physic Gardens
If you are looking to escape the rush of the city, then this secret garden in Chelsea is the perfect place for you.
Home to around 5,000 different edible, historic and medicinal plants, these gardens are horticultural heaven.
The garden hosts events throughout the year and standard entry is £10.50 for adults, £6.95 for students and children aged 5-15 and free for under 5s.
Where: 66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, SW3 4HS.
Secret Bars
There are many speakeasy bars dotted around London, so don't miss those located on your doorstep.
Evans and Peel Detective Agency
A night with a difference is certainly what you should expect when heading to Evans and Peel Detective Agency.
Make sure you prepare your case in order to enter the bar through a hidden door in the form of a bookcase, behind which you will be greeted with a bar providing an array of cocktails and there is also food on the menu.
Where: 310c Earls Ct Rd, Kensington, London SW5 9BA.
The Little Yellow Door
This little pop-up bar is based on the concept of a flatshare.
Behind the yellow door at Number 64 Notting Hill Gate you will find an informal restaurant and cocktail bar with cocktail master classes also on offer.
So for a night with a difference, look for the yellow door in Notting Hill and relax with a drink in a home from home atmosphere.
Where: 68 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3HT.
Gin hotel
Yes, believe it or not we have an actual gin hotel here in west London.
Located in Notting Hill, The Distillery opened in December 2016 and has three boutique hotel rooms and four floors purely dedicated to gin, housing a museum, a shop and a 400-litre gin copper still.
There are even gin tasting classes on offer if you want to learn a little more about the spirit.
Where: 186 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LA.
Strawberry Hill House
Another beautiful building which can sometimes be overlooked as it does not boast a prime central London location.
Strawberry Hill House is a Gothic building, created by Horace Walpole in the 18th century.
Aside from the house, there is also a landscape garden to discover.
A standard adult ticket is £10.80, with those under 16 qualifying for a free ticket.
Where: Strawberry Hill House, 268 Waldegrave Rd, Twickenham TW1 4ST.
Partridges Food Market
Notting Hill claims fame as the most popular market in west London, but there are other places to get street food in London, and Partridges Food Market is one of them.
The market first opened in 2005 and boasts around 70 different food stalls from local British foods, to cuisine's from around the world.
It was the brain child of a family run food shop, who decided to make use of the space outside their shop, opening up a market for all to enjoy.
Where: 2-5 Duke of York Square, King's Road, London, SW3 4LY.
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