The hustle and bustle of London calls for an escape every now and again. The area surrounding London is home to a variety of places that offer not just a change of scenery but also an exploration of the rich cultural legacy and varied landscapes of England. We’ll explore some of the most charming and easily accessible getaways that offer a welcome diversion from the chaos of the city for both locals and tourists. These destinations range from charming getaways to historic places near London. See what’s nearby for people looking for a quick but unforgettable getaway: hidden treasures, historical wonders, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Hastings
Distance from London: 1hr 30min by train from St Pancras or 1hr 40min by car.
What to bring: Wrap up and bring a raincoat if you’re visiting during winter.
Tip: Keep an eye out for ‘twittens’, narrow winding streets lined with picturesque houses.
Most people immediately associate this town’s name with the Battle of Hastings in 1066, in which William the Conqueror overthrew King Harold and assumed the English throne. Take a ride up the East Hill Lift funicular railway to start your day off with fantastic views of the town and the English Channel. Return to the ground and explore the Old Town. Before going to the West Hill Lift, stop at any of the beachfront restaurants for an early lunch; they’re close to Hastings Castle, built by William the Conqueror. Its stone remnants, which are typically accessible from March to October, serve as a reminder of the town’s past. Smugglers Adventure is worth seeing while you’re on West Hill, particularly if you’re travelling with children.
Margate
Distance from London: 1hr 50min by train or 1hr 40min by car.
What to bring: Swimwear and sunscreen if you’re visiting in summer.
Tip: Margate is close to other Kent towns like Broadstairs and Ramsgate. Consider hopping on a bus to pack visiting two towns into one day.
Dreamland is a retro theme park inspired by classic seaside funfairs that is located in this idyllic coastal town. The UK’s oldest wooden rollercoaster is called the Scenic Railway. Enjoy some traditional carnival fare at one of their ice cream or candy floss carts. If funfairs aren’t your thing, this seaside resort has much more to offer. Visit Margate Old Town on the harbour, where ancient buildings surround a prominent Georgian Square. Margate’s primary beach is, as its name implies, Main Sands. Here is the ideal place to spread out a beach towel and swim in the tidal pool on a warm day. One of the best-kept UK secrets is also in Margate: The Margate Shell Grotto. This underground passageway is intricately lined with gorgeous seashells, and its origins remain a mystery.
Brighton
Distance from London: 1hr by train from Victoria Station or 1hr 30min by car.
What to bring: You’ll want beach shoes or flip-flops at Brighton’s Pebble Beach.
Tip: An all-day bus pass is £5 and makes it easy to get around.
The shops along North Laine provide a variety of old items and trinkets. Brighton’s city streets are characterised by their vibrant colours. As you travel throughout the city, you’ll come across many visually striking street art, especially along Dukes Lane, where art enthusiasts can also purchase prints by modern artists at They Made This.
Two well-liked locations for capturing the iconic Brighton image of vibrant houses are Blaker Street and Albion Hill. You can stop into Wild Cherry, a quaint deli/café, for a coffee or grab a meal to eat or a drink at The Independent Taproom, which is located at the top of Albion Hill. Of course, there is also the beach itself, which has many activities, including beach volleyball, kayaking, bike rentals, and colourful beach boxes. And if you’re feeling courageous, visit Brighton’s nude beach, the first certified nudist beach in the UK.
Deal
Distance from London: 1hr 25min by train from St Pancras or 2hr 30min by car.
Tip: If you’re not driving, Taphouse Beer Café has a wide selection of beers and friendly staff.
Deal is a hidden treasure in the Kent area and the ideal weekend getaway for foodies. Deal Beach Parlour is a classic ice cream shop that serves milkshakes, sundaes, and cones and has views of the pier on a summer’s day. Cake and tea are served in a warm, inviting setting at Little Harriett’s Tea Room. Visit Frog and Scot for dinner. It offers inventive small plates that are prepared with ingredients that are obtained locally. They have a set menu available as well as a well-curated wine list (booking advised).
Whitstable
Distance from London: 1hr 20min by train from St Pancras or London Victoria or 1hr 55min by car.
What to bring: If you take an oyster farm tour, you’ll usually be given waders to wear, so wear something fitted and bring socks for the built-in boots.
Tip: If you’re with children, they’ll love the treasure hunt at Whitstable Castle.
Whitstable honours Kent’s oyster farming heritage in mid-September with the Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival. The “Landing of the Oysters” has marked the festival’s opening in previous years. The oysters are blessed on the beach before being delivered to the neighbourhood restaurants. Tankerton Slopes in Whitstable often has a food fair where you can grab artisan beer and cider to go with your oysters. To learn more about how these delectable seafood ends up on your plate, take an oyster farm tour.
New Forest
Distance from London: 1hr 30 min by train or 1hr 40 min by car.
What to bring: Comfy walking shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Tip: Visit between July and August to see New Forest Lavender Farm in bloom.
There are abundant wildlife populations amid the acres of forest glades and foggy moors that make up New Forest National Park. The New Forest’s quaint villages can be cycled across, or you can explore it all on the well-marked walking routes. In the heart of the New Forest, get a bite to eat at the dog-friendly Bell Inn pub and treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea at Exbury Gardens’ Eddy’s Café. Situated on the banks of the Beaulieu River and adorned with expertly manicured azalea and rhododendron shrubs, Exbury Gardens is one of the most picturesque locations in the New Forest region. Families will appreciate the chance to unwind by riding the steam train through the most picturesque sections of the garden when you’ve grown tired of wandering.
The Rollright Stones, The Cotswolds
Distance from London: 2hr 10min by train or 2 hr by car.
Tip: Reenergise after your walk at the Blue Boar pub in Chipping Norton.
There are many beautiful walks and hikes in the Cotswolds, but this is one of the most intriguing. You’ll pass over Neolithic and Bronze Age structures and stone circles along the way. You’ll have time to explore the charming town of Chipping Norton, where the path begins and concludes, as it takes roughly three hours.
Epping Forest
Distance from London: 1hr 15min by train from Liverpool Street or 1hr 20min by car.
Tip: Visit during the summer months to see longhorn cattle grazing in the forest.
Just outside of London, Epping Forest has several marked trails you can spend a day exploring. It’s one of the easiest cheap day trips from London by train. With acres of woodland to explore for free, this is an excellent choice for those looking for cheap day trips from London by train. There’s also a small zoo in the heart of the forest, just off Epping Road. There are snakes, turtles, squirrel monkeys and more, but the real highlight here is the staff. They’re always helpful and can help you hold some of the animals in your arms. Grab dinner near Theydon Bois Station, at Queen Victoria Pub or near the Knighton Lane car park, at Toby Carvery.
