Many of us will be feeling as gloomy as the cold January weather looks this weekend after the first week back at work following the Christmas festivities.

If you want to treat yourself to a fun weekend to help banish those New Year blues, there are plenty of great things to do and places to eat at around south-east London.

Here are some ideas for getting out the house and having a good time:

Go for a pretty walk in Hilly Fields

Hilly Fields has something for everyone. The park is 175 feet above sea level which means you get amazing views over Lewisham and the city. There is a children’s playground, tennis and basketball courts. There is even a cafe. The name says it all, Hilly Fields really are quite hilly so bear this in mind.

Then ….Why not have brunch at The Brockley Deli?

The Brockley Deli prides itself on the quality of the foods and wine. It apparently sells the best sausage rolls ‘in the world’ and has lots of vegetarian options too.

Royal Observatory

Sit back and marvel at a spectacular star show as astronomers take you on an epic journey to the Sun, a distant galaxy, Mars or other cosmic wonders. The planetarium, where you can enjoy themed shows, activities and sci-fi film screenings on selected evenings, is open daily.

Then … Why not go for coffee at The Green Cafe in Greenwich?

Not only does it sell vegetarian and vegan dishes, it also does amazing coffee and cakes for those chilly days of exploring.

Airjump Trampoline in St Mary Cray

Airjump believes in the importance of a healthy lifestyle and more importantly family time so it has merged the two together to create a trampoline park. Based near Orpington, there is 14,000 square feet of the best trampolines.

Then ...Why not eat lots of yummy cake at Finch House, Orpington?

Finch House has all the treats you could need after a busy morning trampolining. There is something for everyone here and it also sells gluten-free food.

Horniman Museum, Forest Hill

Open since Victorian times, when Frederick John Horniman first opened his house and extraordinary collection of objects to visitors. Since then, the collection has grown and includes internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as an acclaimed aquarium, a butterfly house and natural history collection.

Then...Why not go for a cosy lunch at Canvas and Cream?

These guys pride themselves on using the most local ingredients to create a yummy menu. How about halloumi, fresh avocado, eggs, grilled tomatoes and toast after a morning of exploring?

Greenwich Market

There is so much to see at Greenwich Market set in the historic World Heritage site. Surrounded by independent shops means you are sure to find something different. There is a range of bars, gastro pubs and restaurants within walking distance.

Then… Why not go for dinner at Goddards at Greenwich?

What more could you want after a busy day of shopping than a hearty, warming pie and mash? Literally every pie you could want is on this menu and you can even order to take away so you can go sit in the lovely Greenwich park.

Eltham Palace and Gardens

Eltham Palace will transport you back to the 1930s just in time for cocktail hours. It was created for millionaires and is part showpiece of Art Deco design. Try on clothes, play games and listen to music. Explore the 19 acres of award-winning gardens, gold winner of London in Bloom Awards 2017.

Then … Why not go for coffee at Fresh Ground Coffee House in Eltham?

After the decadence of Eltham Palace, why not sit and reflect over a coffee or two? It’s a comfortable child-friendly coffee house with lots of lovely food for lunch as well.

Hall Place, Bexley

Hall Place is a stunning Tudor house with magnificent gardens sitting on the banks of the River Cray in Bexley.

Then...why not treat yourself to lunch at Melucci’s Italian Deli?

From fresh gnocchi to wild boar pasta dishes, this is serving the best quality comfort food. Using only the best ingredients, there is something for everyone here.

Chislehurst Caves

The reputedly haunted 22 miles of tunnels have a fascinating history that includes being used as chalk and flint mines, an ammunition depot in the First World War, for mushroom cultivation in the 1920s and 1930s, as an air raid shelter for up to 15,000 people in the Second World War and as a venue for the likes of Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie in the 1960s.

Then… Why not go for a fry-up at The Chestnut in Chislehurst?

This is a great little cafe serving lots of yummy food to keep you full throughout the day. From breakfast to lunch, it serves hot meals all the way.