Chesney Hawkes

Chesney Hawkes shot to fame playing Roger Daltrey’s son in the film Buddy’s Song. He then when on to top the charts with his massive hit,The One and Only. Since then he has become a successful songwriter and producer for other artists. He now lives in LA with his family.

What are you up to?

I spend a lot of my spare time working with smaller charities like Little Princess Trust, Chestnut Tree House and White Lodge Centre that need some good old fashioned awareness and much needed funds to keep doing the incredible work they are doing for the community.

What was your favourite place to visit in London as a kid and why?

I clearly remember visiting the Natural History Museum when I was very young, six or seven, and being awed by the building. I still think it’s the most beautiful building in London. And then to see the huge dinosaur set in the great Central Hall with its glass ceiling was an experience a young boy would never forget.

Where in the UK would you recommend to another family?

Cerne Abbas via news.bbc.co.uk

We have always enjoyed the West Country. Our favourite town is Cerne Abbas in West Dorset. IT has been described as Britain’s most desirable village.

Where is your favourite place to eat with your family?

Any pub that serves cask ales and has a fireplace and bubbles for the mrs and skinny fries for the kids!

What would be your perfect day out with the family?

A picnic in Richmond Park where we enjoy the great open spaces, watch the deer roaming around and sit by Pen Ponds. I would also recommend tea and scones at Pembroke Lodge, the beautiful home where the eminent philosopher Bertrand Russell grew up.

Name three places you love going to with your kids:

Anywhere on the River Thames

The Tower of London

The Southbank

Best place to catch a film?

IMAX

IMAX in Waterloo!

Bus, tube or taxi?

Eurostar train, an official K-Rated attraction, in St Pancras International station © Eurostar

All three – as well as the train. London has an amazing public transport system. I live in LA now which has practically no way of getting around except by car.

I miss being able to jump on a train and be taken to where I want to be.

Give us a tip or London life-hack…

The London Bridge Experience

I would cautiously recommend the London Bridge Experience although it can be genuinely scary. Once the first part of the tour is over, there is the option to continue in ‘the tombs’. That’s the scary bit. I wouldn’t recommend it for children under 10…and even then!!!