Christmas Trees: Fulham Palace Garden Centre

Located in the superb riverside stretch of greenery that is Bishops Park, Fulham Palace Garden Centre is a popular destination for Christmas tree hunters because it can be combined with a nice stroll by the Thames. Trees are in store from the last weekend in November (potted Blue Spruces a little earlier) until they run out, so early birds catch the right Yuletide worm, so to speak. There's a huge choice in all varieties (Nordman, Spruce, Noble) and size (1.2m to 3m), with potted trees starting at ?15.95 and cut trees from ?35 upwards (profits go to a London youth charity called Fairbridge). The centre also stocks a huge supply of festive decorations, wreaths, candles, present ideas and gourmet food such as chutneys and mince - so it's definitely worth a visit even if you're not in the market for a strapping six-foot Nordic Fir.