A weekend in Marylebone

Start on Marylebone High Street early, before the shops open, when the delivery vans are doing their rounds and the bakeries are the only lit windows. The street is a single clear idea: a long spine with side streets running off it at right angles.

Saturday morning

Cut through to Manchester Square and the Wallace Collection, a house full of paintings, furniture and armour that feels like visiting a very well-read relative. Then turn north towards Regent’s Park, along terraces with sash windows and painted doors.

Lunch and a look at the architecture

The mews lanes behind the terraces are worth a detour. They were built for horses and carriages and are now some of the quietest homes in central London. Look at how the doors and windows are set in the brickwork; there is always something worth noticing.

Sunday

Walk into the park by the Inner Circle, past the rose gardens, then out again towards Primrose Hill if you have the energy. Marylebone rewards walking. The neighbourhood is small enough that you can find your own loop, and good enough that you will want to repeat it.