Leisure

The Wandle Valley makes for a fabulous place to enjoy the outdoors, shop, soak in the rich history of the area, exercise and relax

  Merton Abbey mills, dubbed 'London's best kept secret, is a great place to spend the day strolling around the craft market, learning about the history of the site, enjoying delicious food and listening to live music.
  Deen City farm is a unique, fun educational resource that will allow you to learn about life on a working farm whilst saying hello to the sheep, pigs, rabbits, cows and poultry. There is also a riding school offering a range of riding opportunities for all abilities, a community growing garden filled with all sorts of interesting plants and vegetables, a giant nature search and picnic area, cafe and farm shop.
  The National Trust's Morden Hall Park (named as one of the "top 40 things to do in London on a Sunday", by Timeout London) is a beautiful parkland easily explored by foot or by bike. There is a fragrant and colourful rose garden, local historic estate buildings, the Snuff Mill evironmental centre and the Riverside Cafe. Not forgetting the meandering Wandle river with plenty to explore.
  The Wandle Valley Festival is an annual celebration of what the Wandle has to offer with tonnes of fun activities to take part in. This year there were arts and crafts, heritage and nature discovery archaeology 'digs', historical displays and talks, river clean ups, music, cycle rides, walks and sports activities, planting and much much more. 
  The Sutton Ecology Centre in Carshalton is a great way to learn more about the local and global environment. It's a great place to have a stroll and find out about wildlife habitats, alternative energy, recycling, composting and organic gardening. The grounds are open 10-4pm Monday to Saturday all year round. 

The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3NY.
For more information, please telephone: 020 8770 5820.