By the end of January we are usually fed up with dull, cold, wet days and try to brighten things up by taking a short break. For several years we have done this by staying in south London and visiting Kew Gardens for their Tropical Extravaganza and other green house displays . We also visit Wisley Gardens for their alpine house and huge display greenhouse with tropical butterflies. Then weather permitting go to the London Wetland Centre to the bird collection and wild bird hides.