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Freezing temperatures. Tax returns. Post-Christmas detox… Could the first month of the year be any more drab? But it’s not all doom and gloom! Here are 8 amazing things to do in Wandsworth, all guaranteed to make you smile, even if you are doing dry January.

1 Run (or walk. Or saunter) around Wandsworth’s green spaces
Looking for fun things to do that don’t cost the earth? Then make a B-line for any of Wandsworth’s green spaces. Wandsworth is spoilt for choice in this area; take your pick from commons in Tooting, Clapham or Wandsworth or take a stroll around beautiful Battersea park. Don’t be put off by the chilly weather – a coffee-to-go from Brickwood or Coffee Affair in Queenstown Road station (where you will find arguably the best coffee in London) will keep you warm before the blood starts pumping.

2 Get Thai and go Dutch at Firefly
Firefly is Balham’s best kept secret… if you don’t live in Balham, that is. The locals cottoned on to this lively neighbourhood bar and Thai kitchen ages ago. Go on a weeknight to guarantee a table – come weekends, Firefly is packed with Balhamites enjoying some of the best Thai food in Wandsworth (if not London). We could rave about the friendly service, the  cool vibe and carefully curated cocktail list but it’s the reasonable prices that make it such a gem: split the bill and you and your partner can dine like royalty for under £20 a head.

3 Make your new watering hole The Antelope
There is a touch of Narnia about The Antelope in Tooting. From the outside it looks like a regular, albeit smart pub, but go inside and you’ll be greeted by acres of space, a wide and funky bar, cosy nooks for couples and long tables inhabited by families and groups of mates. Oh, and there’s a garden, too. The drinks are good, the food is even better and the atmosphere is perfect for lazy lunchtime lounging.

4 Listen to the stars of the future at  The Bedford
If you’re after some culture this January, The Bedford has an events calendar to rival venues three times its size. Comedy, sport and theatre are all on the bill, along with lots of family friendly events if you’re coming with little ones in tow. But this Balham hot spot is most well-known for its live music. Over the years it has provided pivotal support for the likes of Ed Sheeran, KT Tunstall and James Morrison and it is allied with world-famous music festivals like SouthxSouthWest in Austin, Texas. This is a little place that makes a big noise.

5 Bounce off the walls at Flipout Wandsworth
Put the spring back in your step with some indoor trampolining at Flipout in Wandsworth. Jump up, down and sideways across the trampoline floor, getting a serious aerobic work out in the process. Go for a slam dunk at the bouncing basketball (harder than it looks) before testing your metal with a jumping tumble into the foam pit. They host birthday parties here so hop over in the evenings to avoid the mini madness.

6 Have some fun and games at the Four Thieves
Forget 8 things to do in Wandsworth; the games room at the Four Thieves pub has at least 20,  including ping pong, table football and mini golf. The main attraction is the remote-control go-karting track where you’ll sit in your own F1 seat as you drive your car to glory. There’s a great bar downstairs and they host a pub quiz ever Tuesday if you prefer your games a little more cerebral.

7 Taste a new tipple Brick and liquor
If your idea of dry January means carrying an umbrella, why not treat your tastebuds to something adventurous this January. Brick & Liquor is one of Wandsworth’s newest editions, having opened its doors in Tooting Broadway at the end of 2016. Go for the exposed brickwork cool and friendly neighbourhood vibes; stay for the cocktail list, which includes such intriguing concoctions as the Salted Caramel Old Fashioned, the Pisco Fever and the Side Car Named Desire. Oo-er.

8 Watch – and feel – a flick at Wandsworth Cineworld
London’s very first 4DX cinema is now open at Wandsworth Cineworld, offering movie-goers a revolutionary screening experience. Feel the wind and rain on your skin, be mesmerised by fog and bubbles that drift out of the screen and smell all the scents in the film for real. Saturday night at the movies will never be the same again.