Spend Your Money

Re-capture the feel of the old market town by visiting the Market Square in Kingston, complete with its market

For something completely different, try a farmers' market, like the ones at Wimbledon Park, Barnes or Wallington where you are guaranteed to find fresh, healthy, tasty food sold to you by friendly farmers

When the weather's horrible and you have money burning a hole in your pocket, where better to head than one of the indoor shopping centres like St. Nicholas Centre in Sutton, Centre Court in Wimbledon or Bentall Centre in Kingston

Merton Abbey Mills between Mitcham and Wimbledon offers shopping with a difference - craft and other shops and stalls in old converted buildings

If you know where to look some of the best finds are in the back streets away from the high street. Check out the the antiques and designer stores on Richmond Hill, or the famous Beanos secondhand record store in Croydon

How often have you driven along a road and thought, "I must try walking along here one day"_ Now's the time to leave the car at home and explore on foot - try places like White Hart Lane in Barnes

You'll often find unusual things to buy in some of the gift shops at the museums and galleries. The tiny shop at Honeywood Heritage Centre is crammed with interesting small gift items and places like Kingston Museum and Wimbledon Museum often sell cards and books about local places of interest. The shop at Hampton Court Palace sells items inspired by Tudor times.

Some places are changing almost daily - for a great mixture of antiques shops and market stalls where you'll find a growing range of organic produce, visit Northcote Road, Wandsworth

Markets always offer more life and soul than your average high street. Try Bromley Arts and Crafts Market, Tooting Market, or Surrey Street Market in Croydon

Soak up the atmosphere of places that seem safe and far away from the hustle and bustle of London's West End - go to Wimbledon Village, Northcote Road in Clapham, or Cheam