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The prettiest villages near London

By Oliver Smith

The prettiest villages near London

If you have had enough of the Underground and urban sprawl, fear not: a world of cottage gardens, hedgerows and tumbledown pubs lies just beyond the threshold of the M25. Some of England ’s prettiest villages are within an hour’s drive for capital dwellers, traffic permitting, and others are just a little further. They’re a diverse bunch, too: with Sussex inns among the contours of the South Downs ; Berkshire townhouses beside the current of the Thames; Essex windmills soaring over East Anglian plains; and Surrey hamlets lost in the thickets of the Weald. It’s very possible to combine some of the villages below into a route for a busy day trip – Thaxted, Finchingfield and Castle Hedingham form an arch stretching eastward from near London Stansted Airport, while Mickleham, Shere and Ripley could be visited as part of a circuit off the A24 and A3.

The prettiest villages in Essex

Finchingfield

Finchingfield

Presided over by an Elizabethan manor – now the domain of Jamie Oliver – Finchingfield has the perfect recipe for an English village: whitewashed cottages, a green with an expansive duck pond and, critically, a couple of excellent pubs (try The Finchingfield Lion ). It’s a quiet spot – except during the overnight Dunwich Dynamo rally, when villagers peek from behind their curtains to see scores of cyclists swooshing past on their journey from London Fields to Dunwich on the Suffolk coast.

Thaxted

‘Thaxted’ was the original name of a tune written by Gustav Holst – now more familiar as ‘I Vow to Thee, My Country’. The tiny Essex town that inspired the resident composer could still induce patriotic overtures: a topsy-turvy medieval guildhall at its heart, a sturdy windmill rising on its fringes. It’s also one of the homes of England’s oldest morris-dancing group – visit in early summer and you might hear the merry jingle of bells and the stomping of feet.

Castle Hedingham

Castle Hedingham

Its most famous attraction is – you might have guessed – Hedingham Castle , said to be the best-preserved Norman keep in the country, with storied stones rising stoutly over the treetops and parkland (admission £8.50). The village it guards is also worth a visit, with a smattering of other ancient buildings, plus the Colne Valley Railway which sees old steam engines puttering for a mile along the banks of the River Colne (tickets £8).

The prettiest villages in Hertfordshire

Ashwell

The River Cam’s most famous stretch is in Cambridge , where punters glide beneath college spires. The story begins, however, in the village of Ashwell, Hertfordshire, whose chalk springs are a source of the river and whose streets offer a scenic interlude northbound off the A1. Visit the towering, 14th-century Church of St Mary the Virgin, or pop into one of its many pubs – a reminder of a time when Ashwell was a brewing hub fed on spring water.

The prettiest villages in Berkshire

Cookham

Artist Stanley Spencer called Cookham ‘a village in heaven’ – this pretty plot beside the Thames was an unlikely muse for his religious paintings. Amble along its angelic streets in search of the Stanley Spencer Gallery which houses his works (admission £6) or else set out on the Thames Path to track down Ratty, Mole and Toad Hall; Kenneth Grahame, who grew up in neighbouring Cookham Dean, used this riverbank as the inspiration for The Wind in the Willows .

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Great Missenden

Great Missenden

A little spot with a big reputation, Great Missenden was the erstwhile home of two prime ministers – but it’s best known as the domain of Roald Dahl, who is buried in the churchyard and whose life story is told at the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre (admission £7.40). See his former house – though not open to the public – where there’s a gypsy-style wagon from Danny, Champion of The World in the garden, or silently peruse the Great Missenden Library, which provided inspiration for Matilda .

West Wycombe

West Wycombe

Not to be confused with its bigger neighbour High Wycombe, West Wycombe is largely in the care of the National Trust, with a cluster of inns and houses dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. To the south of the high street you’ll find the Palladian pile of West Wycombe Park , while to the north are the marvellously named Hellfire Caves : caverns hewn into the Chiltern Hills, and the sometime lair of an 18th-century gentlemen’s club (admission £8.50).

The prettiest villages in Surrey

Mickleham

Box Hill has long been a place of pilgrimage for cyclists from London, with its steep zig-zag road featured in the 2012 Olympics. Budding gold medallists should dismount and soothe weary legs in nearby Mickleham, snuggled among the wooded slopes of the North Downs. Overlooking the village church, the Running Horses pub dates back to the 16th century and was originally a space of respite for wayfarers on the London to Brighton road.

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Shere

To the eyes of Hollywood producers, Shere offers a vision of home-counties perfection: Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and Four Weddings and a Funeral were filmed amid its Tudor buildings, with the Surrey Hills acting as a backdrop. Set in a 15th-century former farmhouse, the White Horse pub now waters herds of humans – it too was used as a shooting location in The Holiday .

Ripley

Once a pit-stop on the road from London to the Portsmouth docks, Ripley is a destination in its own right: being only a few miles from the M25, it’s abidingly popular with motorists daytripping from the capital. The ivy-covered Talbot Inn and Victorian cyclists’ favourite The Anchor are both fine places to drop in for a pint. Alternatively, wander among the greenhouses and ponds at neighbouring Wisley, a garden of the Royal Horticultural Society .

The prettiest villages in West Sussex

Lurgashall

The local here is the Noah’s Ark Inn – a 16th-century pub offering sanctuary from modern life, from whose front garden you can survey one of the loveliest greens in the country and perhaps catch stray cricket balls without rising from your seat. Elsewhere in this glorious village there’s a small winery, a church of Saxon origin and, to the south, the sublime undulations of the South Downs.

The prettiest villages in East Sussex

Alfriston

A village of hanging baskets and thatched roofs nestled deep in the folds of the South Downs, Alfriston may not look like a den of vice – nonetheless this was once the haunt of a notorious smuggling gang, who carried their wares from the River Cuckmere and stashed it in secret nooks in the town’s pubs. Search for mislaid loot in the not so inconspicuously named Ye Olde Smugglers Inne or repent for crimes past in the surprisingly grand St Andrew’s Church, known as the Cathedral of the Downs.

Firle

This place was once synonymous with the Bloomsbury Group, with Virginia Woolf and her sister Vanessa Bell taking up residence in the handsome village not far from Lewes. Their base was Charleston (closed for 2020), an old farmhouse where visitors can usually tour the bohemian interiors and Mediterranean-accented gardens. For now, head to the Ram Inn to seek fuel before scaling the 712ft hill of Firle Beacon.

The prettiest villages in Kent

Aylesford

Set on the River Medway, Aylesford was the scene of a bloody battle between Britons and Anglo-Saxons in the fifth century. It’s calmed down since and is now ideal for a serene wander among the half-timbered houses and a game of Pooh sticks from the medieval bridge that spans the Medway’s murky waters. Peek into Aylesford Priory , whose grounds and buildings are dotted with striking religious art.

Biddenden

Kent may be closely associated with hops and beery lore, but Biddenden is in the heart of its wine country. Biddenden Vineyards was the county’s first commercial producer, while the acclaimed Chapel Down is a short drive to the south. The village itself is a corker, its streets flanked by Flemish weavers’ cottages and graced by a great pub in the form of The Three Chimneys .

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The New Forest is an unenclosed pasture area of northern England that is renowned for its forest trails, native ponies, and heathland. It is the hotspot for many interesting outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, horse riding, and hiking. The New Forest National Park is the prime attraction of this area where you can have a picnic with your family, or you can witness deers, tigers, rhinoceroses, and wild buffalo in the region. You should also visit the Hearst castle that is an artillery fortress designed by Henry XIII. Apart from that, Exbury Gardens is the ideal weekend getaways from London for a family day out, and you can even have an Exbury steam railway ride here. Distance from London: 69 mi. Best Time: May to September. How To Reach: You can board a train from Waterloo that will drop you at The New Forest in 90 minutes. Suggested Read:  Things To Do In Victoria London   Must Checkout:  Europe Honeymoon Packages

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Oxford

Known throughout the world for its unparalleled educational magnificence, the town of Oxford is a global educational hub. It is considered to be one of the best places to visit near London due to its historical buildings and covered markets. One such amazing place that you must visit here is the Christ Church Cathedral that exudes excellent architecture and beauty. Oxford Castle is another major attraction here that gives you a chance to have a 360 degrees view of London. You should also visit the Sheldonian Theatre, which houses the Museum of the History of Science. It has a splendid collection of ancient art and antiquities, Greek and Roman pottery, classical sculpture, Far Eastern art, and jewelry. While here, you should also consider going shopping in Cornmarket Street, which is pedestrian-friendly and sells a range of items. Among many branded shops and departmental stores, this street also has the historic Golden Cross arcade which is well-known for its jewelry and craft shops. Distance from London: 56.1 mi. Best Time: August and September, May & July. How To Reach: Board a train from Paddington Station to Oxford. It will take sixty minutes to reach Oxford from London. Checkout & Book:   London Tower Bridge Tickets    Suggested Read:  Places To Visit In London       

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Regarded as one of the best places to visit around London, the city of Brighton has some outstanding attractions and monuments. A must-visit attraction is the Brighton Palace Pier, a perfect example of a Victorian pleasure pier. You can have traditional seaside fun here while enjoying the rides and the delicious street food. Another great attraction over here is the Royal Pavilion, which was the home of Prince Regent. This pavilion is one of the most exotic and stunning architecture in the British Isles. During your trip to Brighton, you should also visit the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, which includes fashion & style, design & fine art and exciting interactive exhibitions. Distance from London: 56.4 mi. Best Time: May to September. How To Reach: Board a bus from Victoria Coach Station to Brighton. Book Now: Buckingham Palace Tickets  Recommended Read: Places In West London  

Canterbury

Located in the county of Kent, Canterbury is one of the heritage cities of Britain that has retained its old-world charm as well as modern glitz. It houses the Canterbury Cathedral that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for being the murder site of Archbishop Thomas Becket. You should also visit the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, which has a facility-part museum, an art gallery, and even a library. It displays a collection of paintings, prints, engravings, European ceramics, Anglo-Saxon jewelry, and Asian porcelain. Canterbury Castle is another major attraction here where you can discover the historical treasures of Canterbury. Distance from London: 60.8 mi. Best Time: May & September. How To Reach: South Eastern train runs regular service from St Pancras, Charing Cross and London Victoria. Do Read:   T hings To Do In Central London

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Cambridge

Known to be a rival of the Oxford University, Cambridge is claimed to have one of the most preserved historic buildings in England. The King's College Chapel is the most famous attraction over here that is renowned for its 12-bay perpendicular-style interior and incredible architecture. Besides that, the Mathematical Bridge is the major highlight of the city as it has been built without any nails solely relying on the calculative structuring. You should also visit the  Cambridge University Botanical Garden stretching across 40 acres in Cambridge. This garden boasts of having more than 8,000 plant species from across the world. Another must-visit place is the Fitzwilliam Museum, which is an architectural masterpiece. It displays collections of Egyptian antiquities, illuminated manuscripts,  potteries of English, China, Greek, and Roman origins. Distance from London: 64.0 mi. Best Time: June & July. How To Reach: ThamesLink Runway and The Great Northern Runway runs the fastest train to Cambridge. Check This Out:  Hidden Places In London    

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Winchester functioned as a former cultural and political capital of England until the 13th century. It is home to some of the best places to visit around London, such as the Winchester museum, which is one of Europe's largest cathedrals. Another such attraction is the Highclere Castle: Aka Downton Abbey that was featured in the English TV series of the same name. The Castle includes a spectacular gothic saloon, a library with 5,650 rare books and historic portraits. Another popular attraction over here is the Hospital of St. Cross, which is England's oldest almshouse. It features the 15th-century Hall of the Brothers, a kitchen, and a chapel. Other must-visit places are Winchester City Mill, Winchester's Military Museums, Marwell Zoo, and Winchester City Museum. Distance from London: 67.8 mi. Best Time: May to June. How To Reach: Take a train from Waterloo to Winchester. Best Offers On:  London Eye Tickets   Recommended Read:  Things To Do In London With Kids     

St Albans

If you're looking for one of the best places to visit around London, then St Albans should be your topmost choice. It is a vibrant city located in the northern belt of London known for its centuries-old medieval cathedrals and scenic parks. Verulamium Park is one of the beautiful spaces in St Albans that houses an ornamental lake, and you can witness here the remains of ancient Roman walls. If you wish to trace the rich history of this city, then the Verulamium Museum should be your ideal stopover. It has displays of gold coins, mosaic structures, and second-century Roman theater. Distance from London: 69 mi. Best Time: May to September. How To Reach: You can take a flight from Gatwick and Luton airport. Both these airports are linked directly to London. Do Read:  Things To Do In Shoreditch   

Mersea Island

Mersea Island

This is a small fishing town with sandy beaches and an impressive collection of cafes, shops, and restaurants. Due to its old-world charm and impressive landscape, it is considered to be one of the best places to visit around London. Mersea Island Vineyard is a popular destination here that is known for producing local and traditional wines, while also offering an enthralling view of lush greenery of nature. Get a glimpse of the history of Mersea Island by visiting the Mersea museum that houses the oldest sculptures and archeological relics. Distance from London: 69 mi. Best Time: May to September. How To Reach: You can catch a train from Liverpool Street to Colchester train station. From here you can board a taxi to Mersea Island. Check This:  Things To Do In Kings Cross   

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One of the beautiful and charming villages in South East England, Rye, is a haven for nature lovers. This adorable fairy-tale town has medieval cafes and inns, winding streets and quirky shops. It houses the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve that is spread in around 1,000-acres and has over 4,000 species of animals. Another attraction is the Rye Castle Museum and Ypres Tower, which has two sites, East Street and The Ypres Tower. The East Street site includes collections of the museum and is the best place to know about the rich history of Rye. You should also visit the Parish Church of St. Mary, Rye, which houses magnificent stonework and exquisite stained-glass windows. Another must-visit site is the Mermaid Street, lined with crooked timber houses and quirky cafes. It is considered to be one of the most photographed streets in Rye. Distance from London: 76.7 mi. Best Time: June to October. How To Reach: No direct train runs from London to Rye. You can however board a train from St Pancras. Do Read:  Things To Do Near Borough Market   

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is one of the most famous places to visit near London that serves as the base of the Royal Navy and contains around two-third of the surface fleet of the UK. It houses some of the most popular ships such as the Tudor carrack Mary Rose, HMS Warrior and HMS Victory. Further, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard gives you a chance to discover the eight hundred-year-old maritime histories of the town. You can also visit the Blue Reef Aquarium to witness the diverse species of aquatic animals housed here. Distance from London: 74.8 mi. Best Time: March to November & January to February. How To Reach: Board a train from Waterloo to portsmouth. Suggested Read:  Things To Do Near London Eye   

Dungeness

The stark landscape and the otherworldly beauty of Dungeness make it one of the best places to visit near London. It boasts of having the largest shingle beach in Europe where you can enjoy sunbathing, and you can also relish the seafood at the cafes and beachside shacks located here. Also, the RSPB Nature Reserve is an absolute paradise for the wildlife watchers as you can witness here a dazzling variety of migratory as well as domestic birdlife. Another major attraction that you must visit here is the Pilot Inn that is known for serving the best chips and traditional seafood. Distance from London: 77.8 mi. Best Time: March to May. How To Reach: Board a train from St Pancras to Ashford International. Board a taxi from Ashford to Dungeness. Recommended Read:  Museums Near London Bridge   

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Surrounded by sandy beaches, fishing villages, and family attractions, Chichester is one of the most popular weekend getaways from London. West Wittering Beach is one of the prime attractions of Chichester that has been awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness. It is a sandy and long beach where you can enjoy sunbathing and boating. Chichester Cathedral is also an important attraction that is the sacred church of the Holy Trinity and is the seat of Bishop of Chichester. Also, the city center is the main shopping arena of Chichester, where you can buy a variety of elite brands. Distance from London: 80.8 mi. Best Time: June to Early September. How To Reach: You can board a train from Victoria to Waterloo station. Check This Out:  Places In East London   

Bath

Well known as an elegant spa town since Roman times, Bath is built for relaxation and pleasure. This is one of the best weekend getaways from London where you can have an aromatic spa or Roman Baths to relieve your senses. It is a gorgeous city dotted with exquisite architectural monuments and cobblestone streets. Nestled between Somerset and Mendip Hills, it is considered to be one of the best places to visit near London because of its honey-colored Georgian houses and beautiful gardens and parks. Bath Abbey is also a popular site over here that is a Gothic cathedral with beautiful paintings and architecture. Furthermore, another popular attraction is Pulteney Bridge that is considered to be the departure point for various fun river excursions. Distance from London: 114.6 mi. Best Time: January to February. How To Reach: Frequent trains run from Paddington station to London after every thirty minutes. Do Read:  Adventurous Things To Do In London   

Bristol

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Also known as the capital of castles in Wales, the city of Cardiff is known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscape. Among many places to visit around London, Cardiff should be an ideal stopover in your itinerary due to its beautiful castles and historic houses. It houses the Cardiff Bay Barrage, which is located in a stunning maritime setting, perfect for a bike ride or a relaxing stroll. You should also pay a visit to the Albany Gallery and the Martin Tinney Gallery that depict some of the greatest art collections in the world. Some other attractions that you must visit over here are Hensol Castle Distillery, St. John's Parish Church, and Forest Farm Country Park. For a calming experience after a busy day of touring, you should surely visit the chic Mermaid Quay to have a romantic dinner with your partner. Distance from London: 150.6 mi. Best Time: Early June to Late September. How To Reach: 27 trains operate in a day from London to Cardiff. You can board any of the trains that will drop you at Cardiff in 2hrs and 28 mins. Also Read:  Things To Do Near Borough Market   

Manchester

Manchester is one of the most lively and vibrant cities in London, throbbing with architectural splendours and creative spaces. It houses the most popular football club in the entire world known as the Manchester United Football Club. Moreover, a paradise for the foodies, Manchester has a huge variety of street food markets as well as elegant cafes and restaurants. The city is also home to some of the oldest libraries, such as the Chetham's and John Rylands library that houses a collection of novels and books spanning across five millennia. Distance from London: 208.4 mi. Best Time: June and August. How To Reach: Take a bus from Victoria bus station to Manchester. Suggested Read:  Things To Do In London In September   

Guildford

Guildford is a beautiful town located on the southern periphery of London. It is considered to be one of the best places to visit around London because it is home to historic cathedrals and castles that offer peace and tranquility like none other. Apart from that, the city seems to be brimming with an array of pubs, restaurants, bars, and shopping venues as well. Moreover, the Odeon Cinema is a paradise for the film fanatics, and you can watch some of the best Hollywood movies over here. If you're a shopping enthusiast, then Tunsgate Quarter should be your ideal spot as it is home to some of the branded stores such as Cath, Loaf, and Kidston. Distance from London: 208.4 mi. Best Time: June and August. How To Reach: Direct buses don't run from London to Guildford. You can however board a bus from Victoria Coach Station and arrive at Friary Bus Station. Check This Out:  Thing To Do In London In October   

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Home of iconic music-band, The Beatles and Liverpool Football Club, the city of Liverpool, is one of the best places to visit near London. To start the tour of this city, you should visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum, which has an impressive collection of artifacts and sculptures. Another such attraction is the Pier Head area of Liverpool, which houses the Three Graces,  the traditional trio of harbor buildings. Moreover, the Museum of Liverpool celebrates the city's distinct history, geography, and culture with several displays. It houses various collections of decorative art and period costumes and other archaeological materials. Liverpool also has some of the best gardens and parks, such as the Sefton Park Palmhouse, that is lush with greenery and large varieties of flowers. Distance from London: 220.5 mi. Best Time: May to June. How To Reach: Board a train from Euston station in London to Liverpool. Suggested Read:  Places In North West London  

Belfast

The capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast is the birthplace of the sunken ocean liner, RMS Titanic. To recall the legacy of the ship, the Titanic Quarter has been built, which pays tribute to Belfast's maritime history. Another major attraction over here is the HMS Caroline museum, which houses one of the last surviving vessels to have witnessed service in both world wars. This floating museum also displays history related to WWI and WWII. You should also visit St. Anne's Cathedral, which is a neo-Romanesque style of a basilica featuring a beautiful mosaic ceiling and elegant stained-glass windows. Other worthwhile visits in Belfast are the Grand Opera House, Crumlin Road Gaol, the Belfast Castle and the Belfast Zoo. Distance from London: 470.0 mi. Best Time: April to October. How To Reach: Board a train from Euston station to Belfast. You can also take a car ferry from London that takes ten hours and four minutes to reach Belfast. Recommended Read:  Camping Near London   

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London Top Attractions

London

Located on London’s Southbank, the London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilever wheel and an iconic figure in the London sky. This wheel attracts nearly 4 million visitors every year, making it a popular destination among tourists and locals alike. If you're planning a trip to Europe, consider including the London Eye in your itinerary as part of our exciting Europe tour packages.Wheel consists of 32 capsules which are made of glass. On a clear day one can see up to 40 km from the wheel. There are multilingual guides giving a commentary on the details of the spectacular view of the city. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and other famous London landmarks can be seen from the London Eye.The slow rotation of the wheel enables one to take pictures of the famous landmarks. Apart from the stunning view, another major attraction is a 4D show that forms a part of your London Eye experience. Over the past 19 years, it has become an important feature of the London skyline.You can also look out for special themed events like pop-up dining events, Valentine day celebrations or an anniversary dinner. London Eye is one of the major attractions in London’s New Year day firework celebrations. Seeing London at a glance should definitely be a part of your London itinerary. The wheel was dedicated to the public in 2000. It was originally planned to be in public service for only 5 years. However, its popularity made it a permanent feature in the tourist map of London. Tourists love the experience of the thrilling ride on the wheel and observe the breathtaking view of the London city over the River Thames.If you are planning for a honeymoon trip to Europe, you can checkout Europe Honeymoon Packages

Kew Gardens

Popular as one of the unique UNESCO World Heritage sites in London, Kew Gardens is one of the pleasant getaways in the city to enjoy with your family and friends. Explore this captivating destination as part of our curated Europe tour, home to a fascinating collection of living plants and an internationally recognized scientific research center. With over 14,000 trees, Kew Gardens' exquisite natural landscape spanning 300 acres is truly spellbinding, making it a leading center of research, complete with a library, museums, and beautiful gardens.It invites people of all ages to discover a day of serenity in the city of London. The visitors here can enjoy a number of activities whether it is taking a stroll along the colourful canopies of trees or exploring the beautiful glasshouses. Some of the popular attractions of Kew Gardens include the Palm House, Princess of Wales Conservatory and the Waterlily House.There are activities which the visitors can enjoy at Kew Gardens like the 59 ft high Treetop Walkway, catching the views of the city by climbing the Great Pagoda and getting to know about its history at the Kew Palace. Kew Gardens is also a paradise for photographers who wish to capture the natural beauty of London at its best.

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17 Absolute Best Day Trips from London (+ How to Visit, Top Tours & Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2024

17 Absolute Best Day Trips from London (+ How to Visit, Top Tours & Map)

London is an amazing city with so much to offer that you could spend weeks and still not see it all. But in addition to all the top sights and attractions in the city itself , there are also so many beautiful places near London, many of which can easily be visited as a day trip from London.

However, with such an array of possibilities, how do you choose the very best day trips from London that are worth your time the most?

In this article, we feature the absolute best places that you can visit as a one-day trip from London, England . This guide includes all the ‘musts’, the very best day trip destinations near London for first-time visitors, but also for local travelers who want to (re)discover some of the most popular sights near London.

In addition, for each place, we include recommendations on how to visit on your own and also the best day tours from London . Because even though you can visit many of these places by train, often, you will be able to see so much more if you go on an organized tour.

Many tours combine several major landmarks in one day, allowing you to make the most of your time and see a lot in a short time. Furthermore, going with a local guide is a great opportunity to explore deeper, scratch beneath the surface, and discover things you didn’t even know existed…

Good to know: At the bottom of this article, you can find a map indicating all the places that you can easily visit as a day trip from London mentioned in this guide. It will give you a better idea of where everything is.

Best London day trips and most popular day tours from London

TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the entire article and are looking for the best day trips from London, here are the 4 most popular day tours among our readers:

  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath (also in combination with Roman Baths that you can add when booking).
  • Cotswolds .
  • Harry Potter Studio (also in combination with Oxford).
  • Seven Sisters & South Downs .

Interesting to know: Overall, the most-visited day trip destinations from London are Windsor Castle and Harry Potter Studios.

These are the best & most popular day trips from London:

1. Windsor Castle

If you visit just one place outside of London city, make it Windsor Castle ! Located just 20 miles (32 km) from the city center, a day trip to Windsor is a must on any London bucket list!

The spectacular Windsor Castle is one of the queen’s official residences and has been home to the royal family for 900 years! Kings and queens have been buried here, including the infamous Henry VIII and Jayne Seymour, his third wife. Most recently, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is also buried at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

An excellent example of church architecture in medieval times, Windsor Castle is still used for royal receptions and state occasions. In recent years it has been the venue of the weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

Open all year round, Windsor Castle is a great way to explore royal history, from touring the Castle Precincts to viewing the lavish staterooms and apartments. The Castle Grounds are both beautiful and peaceful and from there you can observe the iconic Changing of the Guard, which normally happens at 11 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from April until the end of July.

Good to know. At the moment, Windsor Castle is open daily except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Because it’s a working royal palace, sometimes parts of the castle or even the entire castle can get closed on short notice. Below, you can find all the practical information for your visit. Read on!

Windsor Castle is one of the best places to visit as a day trip from London

How to visit. You can easily get to Windsor by train from London. There’s a direct train from London Waterloo Station and it takes about 1 hour. From Windsor & Eton Riverside station, it’s just a short walk to the castle. Be sure to book your Windsor Castle tickets online in advance ! This is the best option for those who prefer to take their time and explore the castle at their own pace.

If you come here for a day, be sure to check out Windsor and Eton towns as well! The best way to do this is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus in Windsor . Another nice thing to do is take a boat tour and enjoy different views of the castle from the river.

Good to know: Entry to Windsor Palace is also included with the London Pass , which offers good value if you spend more time in London and plan on visiting many popular tourist attractions and museums.

Best tours from London. Windsor Castle is the most popular day trip destination near London, so there are many tours that can bring you here as well. Most tours that visit the castle also include one or several other nice places nearby – perfect for those who are short on time and want to make the most of their day.

Here are the most popular day tours from London that visit Windsor Castle:

  • Windsor Castle only – this is a convenient bus transfer from/ to London that also includes the tickets to the castle. This tour takes about 4 hours in total – the fastest way to visit Windsor Castle from London.
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – the most popular full-day tour from London.
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – with an option to visit Roman Baths.

Inside the Royal Windsor Castle - London Day Trips UK

2. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and another extremely popular destination for London day trips. Built almost 5000 years ago by farmers in the Neolithic period, this is a spiritual and architectural wonder that many people consider an absolute must-see in the UK!

Historians still debate its original purpose, although most agree that it was probably built for spiritual reasons. Meanwhile, engineers marvel at the extraordinary skill and size of the construction project, which must have involved hundreds of workers given the very simple tools they had available at the time.

Whilst the main attraction at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the mystical Stone Circle itself, you can also view the 5 on-site Neolithic houses. Their design was based on the remains of houses from this period that were discovered during a nearby excavation in 2006.

You can step through the doors of these houses to see just how the builders of Stonehenge might have lived thousands of years ago, with each house equipped with replica axes, pottery, and artifacts.

Stonehenge is one of the most popular places to visit near London

How to visit . Stonehenge is located about 90 miles (145 km) from London. There are no direct trains to Stonehenge, but you can take a train to Salisbury train station and then take The Stonehenge Tour Bus service from there. The easiest way to get here from London is either by car or by tour. If you drive, prepare for very busy traffic and count at least 2 hours one way. If you go without a tour, be sure to book your admission tickets online in advance !

Best tours from London. Since Stonehenge is quite a drive from the city, but it doesn’t require that much time to visit, it’s usually included as one of the sights of some of the most popular day tours from London.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Stonehenge from London:

  • Stonehenge only – a very popular half-day tour (morning or afternoon) that includes transportation and entrance tickets. It takes about 6 hours and is the fastest way to visit Stonehenge from London.
  • Stonehenge & Bath – the most relaxing full-day tour.
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – a very complete tour that also includes an entry to the Roman Baths.

Stonehenge - London day trips

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and the most popular town that you can easily visit as a day trip from London. This picturesque historic city is filled with stunning examples of honey-colored Georgian architecture and some of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Perhaps the most famous feature of this UNESCO World Heritage City is the ancient Roman Baths built around thermal springs and supplying water for over 2,000 years. Whilst the Baths are open for you to view, no bathing has been allowed there since 1978. Instead, the much more modern Thermae Bath Spa was opened in 2006, containing the only natural hot spring in England in which you are allowed to bathe.

In the city stands the magnificent Bath Abbey , with its unique ‘ladder of angels’ on the west front. This feature was inspired by Bath’s Bishop at that time, who saw angels ascending and descending in a dream. You will also see the iconic ‘Royal Crescent’ – 30 Grade I listed terraced houses built in the late 18th century, arranged in a crescent around a verdant lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park.

Another architectural gem is the Circus , also built in the latter half of the 18th century. This historic street of large townhouses forms a circle, which is how it got its name (Circus is Latin for a ring, circle, or oval).

And perhaps most beautiful of all is the romantic Pulteney Bridge , with its small, leaded domes, pilasters, and pediments. The bridge was named after the wife of William Johnstone Pulteney, an important figure in Bath at that time and owner of much of the surrounding land. A popular thing to do in Bath is to take a short boat trip on River Avon – it allows you to easily see some of the main sights of Bath in a short time.

Roman Baths in Bath UK

How to visit. Bath is about 120 miles (195 km), about 2.5 hours drive from London. If you drive, be sure to stop at Stonehenge along the way! The fastest way to get to Bath from London is by train – it takes less than 1.5 hours. And there are also many tours that visit Bath from London, usually in combination with other beautiful places nearby.

TIP. If you visit Bath on your own, you may want to take a walking tour of the city. It’s the best way to see a lot in a short time – you’ll be sure not to miss any important places, but it also gives you a better insight into the history and architecture of this unique town.

Best tours from London. Since Bath is so close to Stonehenge, most tours from London visit both of these places together. In addition, some tours also include one or several other places nearby.

Here are the most popular day tours from London to Bath:

  • Stonehenge & Bath .
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath .
  • Stonehenge and Bath Tour with Secret Site – a very highly rated small group tour.

Pulteney Bridge over River Avon in Bath UK

One of the UK’s most famous university towns, Oxford is also a place that you can easily visit as a day trip from London.

Oxford University was established in the 12th century and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university is composed of 38 separate college buildings, whose architecture inspired the poet Matthew Arnold to name it the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ (see the picture of the All Souls College below, and you’ll understand where the name comes from).

Some scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Oxford, so it can be fun to try and spot them as you tour the city. Harry Potter fans can also opt for this popular walking tour of the filming locations .

In the heart of the city center is Christ Church College , home to the magnificent Hall and Christ Church Cathedral with its landmark spire and Tom Tower. The gardens of the 12th-century Cathedral inspired Lewis Carroll to write ‘Alice in Wonderland’. You can hunt for features of the story, such as the Alice in Wonderland motives in one of the large windows in the Great Dining Hall.

The Cathedral also contains the shrine and tomb of Saint Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford. Christ Church College – one of Oxford University’s largest colleges – has lots more for visitors to see, from the famous Bodley Tower to the stunning Meadow Building.

There are two main museums that are well worth seeing during a visit to Oxford. Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is Oxford University’s museum of art and archaeology. Free to enter, it’s a great place to learn all about human culture and societies across the world and throughout time, with its collections including everything from Egyptian mummies to contemporary works of art.

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History , meanwhile, houses a captivating collection of natural specimens, covering everything from Earth’s beginnings to a look inside an active beehive!

Connecting two parts of Hertford College is the Hertford Bridge , popularly known as the ‘Bridge of Sighs’. Named after its resemblance to Venice’s Bridge of Sighs , this particular bridge is a skyway that allows students to travel from one building to another. Designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and completed in 1914, this photo-worthy bridge is best viewed from the steps of the University’s Bodleian Library (another must-see in Oxford).

All Souls College in Oxford

How to visit. Oxford is just 60 miles (95 km), 1.5 hours drive from London. There are also direct trains from London and the journey takes about 1 hour – this is the best way to visit Oxford on your own. There are also organized tours that visit Oxford from London – usually in combination with one or two other places nearby.

TIP: If you visit Oxford for a day, consider this walking tour . It takes just 1.5 hours and is a great way to learn more about the city and the university. River cruises are also very popular and are a fun way to explore Oxford!

Best tours from London. While you could easily fill an entire day in Oxford, most one-day tours from London only spend a few hours here and combine a visit here with several other places.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Oxford from London:

  • Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford – a bucket list day trip for all Harry Potter fans!
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – see three of the most popular locations in one day.
  • Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – this is a great tour for those who want to see the English countryside. It’s also a nice addition to the popular Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath tours mentioned above. If you do two of these tours, you get to see most of the nicest day trip destinations near London in just two days.

Hertford Bridge in Oxford UK

5. Cotswolds

The scenic traditional towns and stone villages of the Cotswolds is one of the most popular London day trips for those who want to experience the true English countryside. This area is so picturesque! Below, you can find an overview of the most beautiful places not to miss.

Minster Lovell village is the home of Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote, which sits on the banks of the River Windrush. This 15th-century Oxfordshire manor house was built by William, Baron of Lovell and Holand – one of England’s richest men at the time. The house was eventually abandoned and now only the substantial ruins remain, giving lots of wonderful photographic opportunities against their beautiful rural backdrop.

A Cotswold village of outstanding beauty is Bibury , with its gorgeous stone buildings that run along the banks of the River Coln. Here you can see the iconic Arlington Row – a series of buildings that were originally built as a monastic wool store but were later converted into cottages. Now owned by the National Trust, Arlington Row is considered to be so quintessentially English that its image appears on the inside cover of UK passports.

Another village well worth visiting is Buford , with its 3 arched medieval bridges across the River Windrush. Famous for its High Street which runs down toward the river, Buford is popular for antique shopping and boasts lots of good restaurants, pubs, and tea rooms. It’s also home to a hotel in which King Charles dined with his mistress, Nell Gwynne.

Whilst there are many contenders for the title, most people will agree that Bourton-on-the-Water is the prettiest village in England. Also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, this ‘must-see’ village is named for the many beautiful bridges that cross its river at the center. Located in a small valley, Bourton-on-the-Water has many charming tea rooms and restaurants, plus a range of eclectic shops including pottery and the Cotswold Perfumery. Don’t miss the popular model village, which is a 1/9th scale replica of the entire center of the village.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting on the afternoon of the August Bank Holiday Monday, you’ll witness one of the village’s more curious traditions, in which a local team plays a full game of football right in the River Windrush. This bizarre game of soccer has been filmed and reported all over the world!

If you have more time in this area, here are some more really nice villages to see in the Cotswolds: Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester, Chipping Campden, Blockley, and Stanton .

Arlington Row in Bibury Cotswolds UK

How to visit. The Cotswolds are about 30 minutes drive west of Oxford and about 2 hours drive from London. Since the main attractions of the Cotswolds are its various villages, the best way to visit here is either by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. The beautiful Cotswolds region is just a short drive from Oxford, so many tours combine the two places. There are also popular Downton Abbey filming location tours that combine a visit here to that of the Highclere Castle, but because of time restraints, you usually only see one village on these tours.

Here is an overview of the most popular Cotswolds tours from London:

  • Cotswolds only – this is the best tour for those who want to explore the Cotswolds deeper as it visits several of the nicest villages and allows you more time to experience this beautiful area.
  • Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – the most popular day tour.
  • Oxford and Cotswolds Villages – the best small-group tour.
  • Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, and Cotswolds – this tour is packed, but well organized and you get to see some of the best places in a very short time.

Castle Combe village in Cotswolds UK - London day trips

6. Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small medieval market town and also a very popular place to see near London. The birthplace of William Shakespeare is probably at the top of most people’s must-see lists and the main reason to visit here.

The timber-framed house on Henley Street is where Shakespeare not only spent part of his childhood but also the first 5 years of his marriage after his father’s death in 1601. Live presentations from guides dressed in period costumes and the carefully restored Tudor rooms bring history to life.

In the many Tudor-style buildings of Stratford, you’ll also find 3 theatres owned by The Royal Shakespeare Company. They perform plays by Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and other, later writers. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is situated on the banks of the River Avon, panoramic views of which can be enjoyed from the theatre’s tower.

Also on the River Avon is the Swan Theatre , built on the side of the Royal Theatre and offering a more intimate atmosphere. The third theatre – the Other Place – is smaller and used as a center for performing arts.

For a taste of old-fashioned romance, pay a visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage a bit outside of town. This beautiful 500-year-old building was originally a farmhouse and was where William Shakespeare courted Anne, his future wife. Incredibly picturesque, the cottage still contains original features and furnishings and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Another must-see is the Hall’s Croft , the house of Shakespeare’s daughter, with stunning gardens. Inside, you can find original 16-17th-century furniture, paintings, and other items.

Hall's Croft in Stratford upon Avon

How to visit. Stratford-upon-Avon is about 100 miles (160 km), 2 hours drive from London. If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to visit here on a day trip from London is by joining a tour.

Best tours from London. Most tours visiting Stratford-upon-Avon from London combine it with other places nearby and only spend a few hours here. They usually include a guided walk in the town center and sometimes a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace.

Here is a small selection of the best day tours from London:

  • Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds – this is one of the few tours that spend more time in Stratford and also visits Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. It also brings you to three villages in the Cotswolds.
  • Oxford, Stratford, & Cotswolds – this popular tour spends about 2 hours in Stratford and covers more ground in a day.

Stratford-upon-Avon UK

7. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Fans of Harry Potter – and even those who have yet to experience the wizardly wonder of the movies – will enjoy a visit to the fascinating Warner Bros. studio near London . It’s one of the most popular day tours from London (after Windsor Castle), and a must if visiting London with kids .

Here, you can see firsthand some of the amazing sets used in the film’s production, including the Great Hall of Hogwarts (which went on to be used in 6 more films) and the Forbidden Forest filled with 19 trees, each with a diameter of over 12 feet. You can even see The Hogwarts Express locomotive at the elusive Platform 9¾.

There are prop rooms where you can take a close-up look at look at the elaborate props used in the Harry Potter movies. There are almost 2,000 potion jars and memory vials, all with labels hand-designed by the Graphics Department. You can also see Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which took 3 months to build and was intended to look as much as possible as a real 18th-century storefront.

If you have an interest in the making of movies, you will enjoy other parts of the studio as well. The Special and Visual Effects section reveals how some of the more incredible scenes were created, including how Harry and his friends were made invisible by the Invisibility Cloak and how they appeared to fly! Even more captivating is the Creature Effects section, where you can learn how the magical creatures in the Harry Potter films were created and brought to life.

A visit to the Making of Harry Potter Studio provides a magical and educational experience for adults and children alike. If you are looking for a fun relaxing day trip near London, this is a great option for the whole family!

Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio near London

How to visit. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio is located in Leavesden, Watford, about 20 miles from London city center. But because of the busy traffic, it’s quite a long drive. There’s a train from London to Watford, from where you’ll have to take a bus to the studios – the journey will take you over 1 hour not counting the time to get to the station. There are also several companies offering bus transfers from London – see below.

Best tours from London. The easiest way to get to Harry Potter Studios is by booking a transfer or a tour from London. That way you don’t have to worry about the tickets either.

This highly-rated  Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour  departs from Victoria Station, close to Westminster Catedral in the city center. There is also a popular  tour that departs from King’s Cross . The prices are usually the same and include a bus transfer and tickets. You’ll need about 7-8 hours in total for this day trip.

PRO TIP: One of the most popular tours from London is this popular tour that includes a visit to the studios and also visits Oxford . It’s a truly magical day trip as Oxford is one of the places where Harry Potter movies were filmed.

Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour London

8. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace , one of the Tudor Palaces, was the former royal residence of King Henry VIII. In addition to Windsor, this is another really nice place to visit near London, especially if you are a fan of royal history.

Hampton Court is a huge, impressive baroque-style palace located at the River Thames and surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland . If you visit in spring, you can see the magnificent tulip festival. But the gardens have something nice to offer in every season, and there are various events at the Palace throughout the year.

The interior of the castle gives you a chance to take a glimpse into the daily life of royals in the 16-17th centuries. You can visit the impressive State Rooms and private apartments of William III . Also, don’t miss the kitchens of Henry VIII , where over 200 people worked in the past, cooking and serving more than 800 meals per day.

Another highlight is the magnificent Great Hall that was originally a dining room, but afterwards became a sort of theatre that was used for entertainment, plays, and dances. Back in the day, William Shakespeare performed his plays here. The highlights here include a series of tapestries showing scenes from the Book of Genesis and the impressive timber roof with Anne Bollaine’s coat-of-arms.

This is also a very nice place to visit for families, with a maze in the garden, fantastic play areas for children, and plenty of places for a picnic. When the weather is nice, you could easily spend an entire day just exploring the gardens.

Hampton Court Palace near London

How to visit. Hampton Court Palace is located on the outskirts of London, about 15 miles southwest of the city center. You can easily visit Hampton Court Palace from London by train. There is a train from London Waterloo Station to Surbiton Station, and from there to Hampton Court. It takes about 40 minutes.

In addition, there are also several tours – see below.

Good to know: Hampton Court Palace entry is included with the London Pass .

Tours from London. Because Hampton Court is quite easy to get to and explore on your own, there aren’t many organized tours. The best ones are private tours like this one ; it combines a visit to Hampton Court Palace with that of Windsor Castle. That way, you get to see two of the most impressive royal palaces near London in one day.

There are also some nice bike tours or boat tours that explore the surroundings of Hampton, starting from different locations nearby.

Hampton Court Palace (inside) - London day trips

9. Brighton & Seven Sisters

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London and see some of the stunning nature of England, then definitely consider a day trip to the white cliffs of Seven Sisters and South Downs . At the same time, you can also visit one of the UK’s nicest coastal cities – Brighton .

Brighton is worth a trip in its own right, with all the little pleasures that a lively seaside resort has to offer. If you have some time to spare, check out the Royal Pavilion , an Asian-style palace that looks like it belongs in an Indian fairytale…

But for a sightseeing day trip from London, you can also opt for something slightly different and explore some of the beautiful nature outside of town as well.

The rolling hills of the South Downs offer so much to explore and enjoy, with spectacular views and popular spots with their own unique legends. One of the most famous is that of the Devil’s Dyke , a v-shaped dry valley whose creation was attributed to the work of the devil himself (although, as you will see, it’s far too beautiful for that!). The South Downs is also home to the Long Man of Wilmington – a 235 ft tall chalk figure on the side of a grassy hill and one of only two human hill figures in England.

Be sure to check out Beachy Head , which – at 535 feet – is the highest chalk cliff on the southern coast of England. From the top, you can see miles of coastline in either direction, plus the candy-striped lighthouse that sits just out to sea. Nearby is the Birling Gap – one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. Here you can see coastal erosion firsthand, with the cliffs eroding up to a meter a year at certain points.

Another highlight of any visit to the South Downs is the Seven Sisters – an undulating line of white chalk cliffs, each hill with its own name. They are best viewed from Seaford Head , where you can see evidence of an 8th hill beginning to form from the erosion of the sea.

TIP: Any visit to the Downs must include a visit to the popular Middle Farm , which offers such delicacies as local cheese, sparkling wines, and traditional Sussex cider.

White cliffs of Seven Sisters in southern England

How to visit. South Downs and the Seven Sisters are located near Brighton in south England. While you can easily get to Brighton by train from London, you’ll need a car for the other places. The best way to visit is with a tour – see below.

Best tours from London. There are just a few tours from London that visit this area. The best option is this highly-rated tour that includes a train ticket from London to Brighton and a small-group minibus tour of the sights along the coast. If you prefer to make your own way to Brighton, you can also book the same tour starting in Brighton .

TIP: If you rather book a private tour, there is one tour that offers a pick-up in your hotel in London and covers all these sights in and around Brighton.

Seven Sisters white cliffs in Sussex UK

10. Cambridge

Less than an hour by train from London, Cambridge is another beautiful town to visit for a day. Just as Oxford, it’s probably best known for its centuries-old University, and this beautiful town has lots of well-preserved historic buildings. But this medieval city is also a student town and has a very nice, relaxed atmosphere.

Don’t miss the King’s College Chapel , Queen’s College , Trinity College, and Wren Library . You can also climb to the top of the tower of Great St Mary’s Church for nice views over the city.

In addition to exploring the many colleges in the city (there are 31! of them), be sure to walk along the River Cam ! Also Cambridge has its own Bridge of Sighs . This covered bridge at St John’s College spans over the river and is a favorite photo spot for weddings as well as tourists visiting the town.

Other nice bridges worth seeing in Cambridge are the Mathematical Bridge , Clare College Bridge , King’s College Bridge , and there are many others.

A great way to explore the beautiful river, see the bridges, the town, and the surroundings is a punt tour . This traditional boat ride is a very typical thing to do in Cambridge – don’t miss it!

Bridge of Sighs Cambridge

How to visit. Cambridge is just over 60 miles (95 km) north of London, and the easiest way to visit is by taking a direct train from King’s Cross Station in London. It takes less than 50 minutes, so you can easily visit Cambridge on your own, without a tour.

Once in Cambridge, you can take a walking tour with a local or explore on your own. The earlier mentioned punt tours on the river are also not to be missed.

Best tours from London. If you rather visit Cambridge with a tour from London, there are several options as well. We recommend this 2-in-1 tour that visits Cambridge and Oxford . That way, you get to see two university towns in one day.

King's College in Cambridge - London day trips

11. Canterbury Cathedral & Leeds Castle

While Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral are over 20 miles apart, these two landmarks don’t require that much time and so are usually visited on the same day. In fact, they are usually combined with a short visit to Dover too, but more about it further below.

After a visit to Leeds Castle , you will not be able to help but agree with Lord Conway, who described it as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. With a romantic, fairy-tale appearance, this 12th-century gem was built in the center of a natural lake, surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland.

Leeds Castle was once used as a palace by Henry VIII and the private property of six medieval queens. Its rooms have been beautifully restored and give you the opportunity to learn all about its long and fascinating history.

In addition to the Lady Baillie Garden, which gives stunning views across the lake, the grounds also hold one of Kent’s most popular mazes, with 2,400 yew trees. Once you reach the maze’s center, a fascinating underground grotto takes you back to the real world!

Leeds Castle is a popular day trip destination near London

One of the most famous and picturesque Christian buildings in England, Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597, then extensively rebuilt from 1070 to 1077. It is the Cathedral of the leader of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and is still used for active worship.

The Cathedral contains the shrine of Archbishop Thomas Becket and you can stand on the spot upon which he was murdered, as told in Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous ‘Canterbury Tales’.

Also the medieval town center of Canterbury, with its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses, is a nice place to see if you have more time. It’s a popular day trip from London for locals. Also here, you can take traditional boat tours on the river.

How to visit. Unless you have a car, the easiest way to visit Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral is by taking a tour. If you just visit one of these places, you could also get there by public transport. For Leeds Castle, you have to take a train to Ashford, followed by a bus trip to the castle. For Canterbury, there’s a direct train from London, and you can make a nice relaxing day trip by visiting this picturesque town.

Best tours from London. There are several tours from London that visit these places. You can find them here and they are all quite similar in terms of itinerary.

Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury town aerial view

12. White Cliffs of Dover & Dover Castle

“There’ll be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover” went the words to the popular wartime song – and if you’re familiar with the song then it’s quite incredible to see the inspiring white cliffs for yourself. If you are looking for something different to see near London than historic towns and villages, Dover is a wonderful place to visit!

Composed of chalk, Dover’s cliffs are 350 ft high and stretch for 8 miles. They were on the front line of both world wars and were a critical part of England’s defenses at that time. Now, they provide wonderful views across the surrounding countryside and the English Channel. On clear days you can even look across and see France!

The unique chalky grassland habitat of the cliffs means that they are abundant in wildlife and you can see all sorts of flowers, butterflies, and birds as you walk, including the rarely spotted peregrine falcon.

You can either spend your visit simply enjoying the cliff-top views, or take a short trip to see Dover Castle too. Dover Castle is one of England’s biggest castles and was built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Ironically, he built it to stop anyone from invading the country using the way in which he’d invaded it himself!

A visit to the Castle includes exploration of the tunnels that go deep into the cliffs, where you can learn all about the dramatic evacuation from Dunkirk and see the Underground Hospital that was used to treat injured soldiers in WWII.

White Cliffs of Dover UK

How to visit. Dover is about 80 miles southeast of London. You can take a direct train to Dover from London and visit the town and the castle, and take a walk along the shore from where you can admire the beautiful white cliffs. Alternatively, you can also visit here with some day tours from London – see below.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that visit Dover from London, usually in combination with a few other places and Dover is often not more than a short photo stop. Here are the most popular day tours:

  • Dover, Leeds Castle & Canterbury Cathedral – the most popular and best price/quality tour from London.
  • Dover, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Greenwich – quite a full day, but you get to see a lot in a short time.

Dover Castle, UK

13. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a very impressive country house in Woodstock, about 65 miles northwest of London. This is England’s only non-royal country house that actually holds the title of a palace.

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill currently the home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is a stunning example of 18th-century Baroque architecture. During your visit, you will see the magnificent staterooms, which are filled with priceless works of art and beautiful tapestries. A grade I listed building and World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace also contains the finest collection of antiques to be found anywhere in Europe.

The gardens – set within over 754 hectares of land – are particularly wonderful to explore. Designed by the English landscape architect Capability Brown, there are several formal gardens to enjoy. Don’t miss the Rose Garden, the exquisite Water Terraces, the Secret Gardens, and the family-friendly Pleasure Gardens.

Historical monuments can be seen throughout, including the Column of Victory (built to commemorate the Duke of Marlborough’s military successes), the Grand Bridge which spans the two lakes and The Temple of Diana, where Sir Winston Churchill proposed to his future wife.

There are also a few recommended walks to take. Possibly the most beautiful is The Lake and Grand Cascade walk, which gives you breathtaking views of the countryside.

Blenheim Palace UK

Good to know: The Palace and the grounds are so big and have so much to offer that you can easily spend an entire day here. In fact, many people find that one day isn’t even enough and many locals get a yearly pass for the Palace. However, many tours only spend a few hours here and just cover the main highlights. So how to visit depends on what you want to see and do here.

How to visit. The easiest way to visit Blenheim Palace is by car or with a tour, but you can also get here by public transport. From London Paddington Station, take a train to Hanborough (a bit over 1 hour), and from there, take a bus to the palace (it takes 7-10 minutes). If you want to spend an entire day at the palace, this is the best way to visit on a day trip from London.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that shortly visit Blenheim Palace from London. The best tour that spends more time at Palace is this Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds tour. This tour also includes a few short photo stops at other popular locations nearby.

Blenheim Palace Gardens

14. Downton Abbey Filming Locations

Downton Abbey filming locations close to Oxford and the Cotswolds make another popular day trip destination from London. There are two main places that you’ll want to see here – Bampton village and Highclere Castle .

Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and another fine example of luxurious life in the English countryside. It has been used for various film sets but became hugely popular since the filming of the TV series Downton Abbey . It’s now a very popular place to visit from Oxford or from London. The castle belongs to the Carnarvon family and is kept as it is, without turning it into a ‘theme park’ like some other castles in the area.

Another must-see for Downton Abbey fans is the beautiful village of Bampton . You’ll recognize many of the buildings here from the series, and it’s great fun to try to spot them during your visit!

Be sure to locate the home of Isobel Crawley, the church (actually named St. Mary’s), two fictional pubs – the Grantham Arms and the Dog and Duck – plus the Downton Cottage Hospital. The building used for the hospital is, in reality, the Bampton Community Archive, which houses a collection of old photos of the village and its people.

Bampton is a lovely village to visit in its own right. It is mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 and was already a large settlement during the era of the Norman Conquest. On the other hand, it’s so small that you don’t need much time here.

Highclere Castle is a popular London day trip for Downtown Abbey fans

How to visit. Highclere Castle is located about 65 miles (105 km) west of London, whereas Bampton village is about 30-40 miles from here, very close to Oxford. The best way to visit these places is either by car or by taking a tour.

Best tours from London. There are several tours visiting Downton Abbey filming locations from London. Some of the tours also visit Oxford, some others pass several villages of Cotswolds as well. This tour has the most complete itinerary covering most of the Downton Abbey filming locations.

Bampton village in the UK (one of Downton Abbey filming locations)

The picturesque village of Lacock in rural Wiltshire near Bath is another place often visited on day tours from London. It’s a small village and you don’t need much time here, but it’s well worth a stop if touring the area.

The historic village of Lacock looks much as it did two centuries ago. Founded in the Saxon era, Lacock’s buildings originally made up part of a monastery complex (be sure to visit Lacock Abbey !). In the 19th century, it lost its main source of income from the wool industry, so very little development has taken place since then.

This means that this unspoiled little village gives an authentic look into days gone by. In fact, you can still see an old workhouse and medieval tithe barn in addition to the traditional stone cottages, with classic English pubs dotted throughout.

The village’s beauty makes it a popular choice as a TV and film location. Scenes from Pride and Prejudice were filmed here and Lacock Abbey was also used to film parts of Harry Potter.

Lacock was also used in Downtown Abbey, but because of its location, it’s usually a place you’d visit in combination with Bath and Stonehenge and not together with Highclere castle or Bampton. Unless you drive – in that case, you could make your own tour covering all three.

Lacock Abbey in the UK

How to visit. Because of its rural location, Lacock is best visited by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. There are many tours that stop in Lacock, usually in combination with a visit to Bath, Stonehenge, sometimes also with Windsor Castle. This is the most popular tour that also brings you to Lacock (in addition to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath).

Lacock Abbey cloisters

16. Warwick Castle

If you want to visit a real medieval castle near London, consider a day trip to Warwick Castle . With a history that goes back over 1000 years, a visit here takes you on a journey back in time, to a world of historic myths and battles for the English throne, but also lavish banquets, and royal splendor.

The castle was originally built as a wooden fort in 1068 and was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. As you arrive, you enter over the footbridge and find an impressive medieval castle with ramparts and towers. You can climb the stairs of the castle walls and explore this impressive castle inside out.

A visit to Warwick Castle is very different than the others mentioned in this guide – it has something of a theme park feel if you like. There are various events, shows, attractions, archery and sword lessons, and lots of other fun experiences all year round.

This is one of those places where locals visit with their children during weekends and school holidays, but it’s also fun and entertaining for tourists. Even more so if you are traveling with a family.

Medieval knights jousting at Warwick Castle

How to visit. Warwick Castle is located about 100 miles (160km), 2 hours drive from London. If you want to spend more time at the castle, by far the easiest way to visit Warwick from London for a day is by train.

There are direct trains from London Marylebone Station to Warwick Railway Station, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. From the station, it’s about 20-30 minutes walk to the castle. Be sure to check the official website of the castle for more info and book your tickets in advance!

Best tours from London. Most tours from London that visit Warwick Castle do this in combination with Oxford and Stratford. Some also stop at one or two villages in the Cotswolds. Here you can find a selection of tours that include a visit to Warwick Castle .

Warwick Castle in the United Kingdom

17. Liverpool & The Beatles

While not exactly next door, we feel that Liverpool also deserves a mention as a place that you can visit on a day trip from London. If you are a fan of The Beatles , a visit here is a bucket-list experience and well worth the journey.

A visit to Liverpool gives a fascinating look into the lives and times of 4 local lads who formed what would become one of the most famous bands in the world. A good starting point from which to enjoy this vibrant Victorian city is the Royal Albert Dock, which is made up of refurbished dock warehouses and is now packed with restaurants, cafes, and many attractions.

The Beatles Story is an award-winning, permanent exhibition totally devoted to the Fab Four! Located on the Dock, it contains lots of authentic memorabilia and provides an immersive experience for visitors. Even children are catered for in the Exhibitions Discovery Zone. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance !

Another interesting part of the visit for die-hard Beatles fans is the Magical Mystery Tour , which you take via a colorful tour bus that sets off from the Royal Albert Dock. In addition to the birthplaces, homes, schools, and original workplaces of the Beatles, you will also see the places that inspired some of their greatest hits, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Liverpool

The Beatles Story Liverpool

How to visit. The best way to visit Liverpool as a day trip from London is by taking a train (going by car would be about 4 hours one way). The journey by train takes 2 – 2.5 hours and there are many trains throughout the day, but be sure to book in advance and start your day as early as possible!

Once in Liverpool, you can take the earlier-mentioned Magical Mystery bus tour. Definitely visit the Beatles Story exhibition as well!

TIP: If you find it overwhelming to arrange everything yourself, you can also book a day tour to Liverpool from London. Most of these ‘tours’ are actually individual trips where everything from train tickets to all activities is pre-arranged for you. See below.

Best tours from London. This Liverpool and The Beatles day tour is the most popular and probably the best option. It includes reserved train seats, an entry to the Beatles Story exhibition, and also a ticket to the 2-hour Magical Mystery Tour!

Good to know: The above-mentioned tour from London to Liverpool starts at Euston Station in London and is normally available every day except Sundays. You’ll have to meet their representative at the station at 6.30 AM, so prepare for this to be a long day!

LEARN MORE: How to Plan a Day Trip to Liverpool from London

Liverpool UK - London day trips

Map of the best places to visit as a day trip from London & practical info

To give you a better idea of where all these places are located, we created a map indicating all the best day trip destinations from London mentioned in this guide. You can click on the map below in order to see it on Google Maps.

Good to know: As already mentioned, many of the most popular day trip destinations from London can be visited with organized tours or by train .

We don’t recommend renting a car if you are staying in London – the traffic is so busy in and around the city that it would be a nightmare for someone who’s not used to it. Renting a car would only make sense if you are planning a longer road trip, outside of the cities.

For organized tours , we recommend booking via the GetYourGuide website . They have a great selection of tours at the most competitive rates and the best cancelation policy and customer service out there. We personally book all tickets and tours via this website when we travel anywhere in the world.

Map of best places to visit as day trip from London

So, this is our guide to some of the most popular day trips and tours from London. I hope that this helps you choose a few nice places to visit near London and make your trip even more memorable.

For more travel inspiration for London and the UK, please see our featured articles below. Check it out!

More travel tips and inspiration for London:

  • Must-see in London: Top London Attractions
  • Hidden Gems of London
  • Camden Market
  • What to See in Camden Town
  • Best Views in London
  • London Travel Tips
  • Where to Stay in London
  • 1 Day in London
  • 2-day London Itinerary
  • London with Kids
  • Family Afternoon Tea in London
  • Best Things to Do in Greenwich
  • Painted Hall
  • Queen’s House and Tulip Stairs

READ ALSO: Traditional British Food & Where to Try It in the UK

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Best UK day trips near London, tours, and info on how to visit

More travel tips and inspiration for all over the UK:

  • Cities: Best Cities to Visit in the UK
  • Cornwall: Best Places to Visit in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
  • Yorkshire: Yorkshire Day Trips
  • Liverpool: Best Things to Do in Liverpool & The Beatles in Liverpool
  • Manchester: Best Things to Do in Manchester & 1-day Manchester Itinerary
  • Scotland: Isle of Skye Itinerary & Scotland Whisky Tour
  • Edinburgh: Top Places to See in Edinburgh & One Day in Edinburgh & Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
  • Glasgow: One Day in Glasgow
  • Seaside: Best Things to Do in Blackpool & Blackpool Travel Tips & Places to See Near Blackpool
  • …for more destinations, check our UK travel guide .
  • Read also: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Lacinda Mena

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

I am traveling with a group of six. We would like to depart London on September 4 and view Stonehedge, Windsor, and Bath on our way to Southampton. Do you know of any tours that would offer this service?

Hi Lacinda, no, I don't personally know any tours that offer this kind of service. I found this private tour that visits all the places that you mentioned from London. It's one of the cheapest and best-rated tours in its kind. However, I'm not sure if they wouldn't mind dropping you off somewhere else. You could probably book it and then contact them and ask what is possible. If it's not what you are looking for, you can cancel it. I see that the tour has free cancelation, so that's how I would do it. Otherwise, try to search the internet for private drivers and ask for a quote. Good luck!

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

Amazing blog! Was looking for something like this for my trip to London in a few days, and this has been really useful information; the detail with which you describe are amazing. Plus the alternatives to get there and the map, loved it all! Thanks for taking the time.

Thursday 27th of April 2023

Glad to help and thanks a lot for taking the time to leave this kind feedback, Alex! Have a great trip!

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Awesome! Thanks for the info!

Saturday 4th of February 2023

This was great information. Thanks

Monday 6th of February 2023

Glad to help. Have a great time in the UK!

Thursday 15th of December 2022

Love this blog!!! I am planning a trip to London with my son in February! This is exactly the information we are looking for! Super helpful!!

Friday 16th of December 2022

Glad to help, Holley. Have a great time in London!

scenic places to visit near london

12 Sensationally Scenic Drives Near London To Explore

Chocolate box villages, legendary landmarks, wildlife-rich habitats
 they’re all here on this roundup of the best scenic drives near London.

Samuel Hopkins

Okay, so even though London was recently ranked the worst city in the world to drive in , that doesn’t mean that there are some pretty epic road trips actually outside the city. Whether you’re North, East, South or West, there are a whole bunch of routes you can take to with four wheels. So if it’s road trippin’ you’re looking for and you want to get out of the big smoke for a day or two, then here’s our rundown of 12 scenic drives near London. Happy driving!

Table Of Contents

🚗 Scenic drives from North London

🚗 scenic drives from east london, 🚗 scenic drives from south london, 🚗 scenic drives from west london, 1. to the chocolate box-esque cotswolds.

The beautiful village of Castle Combe in the Cotswolds surrounded by blue skies

Now, we couldn’t do a roundup of the best scenic drives near London without mentioning this one now, could we? I mean, you couldn’t really get anywhere more quintessentially British than this cutesy pocket of rolling green hills, chocolate box-esque villages and cutesy country pubs . And with a lack of major public transport here, it’s well worth bringing your own set of wheels to explore – just for the ease of village hopping!

Whilst you can’t really go wrong here, we’d recommend meandering your way through the villages of Snowshill, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Bibury– billed as ‘ the prettiest village in the UK ’ in a study by William Morris ! A drive to this idyllic neck of the woods takes around two hours.

2. To historic Cambridge and the Wimpole Estate

The serene River Cam and a man punting on it in Cambridge, a spot on one of the best scenic drives near London

Come rain or come shine, if you go to Cambridge it’s generally recommended that you go punting down the River Cam. It’s one of those ‘when in Rome’ moments that you’re sure to remember for the rest of your days. But there’s plenty else to do here, too. Amble through the pretty cobbled streets, hire a bike, admire the beauty of the magnificent, historic buildings and the lovely green parks 
 you name it, it’s here!

A drive to Cambridge should take under a couple of hours, though there is restricted parking, so make sure you plan ahead! Post-exploring the city, why not head back to the capital via the Wimpole Estate – a National Trust estate founded in 1640 surrounded by acres of beautiful farmland.

3. To the Chiltern Hills AONB

A sunset over the rolling hills of the beautiful Chess Valley in Hertfordshire, England

The Chiltern Hills AONB is a serene spot covering 324 square miles’ worth of countryside right across the counties of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire. It’s synonymous with hamlets tucked away in quiet valleys, woodland glades packed full with resident species of wildlife and historic hill forts rising high above the surrounding countryside. Basically – it’s a #lovely spot in which to take to four wheels and go for a drive.

There’s plenty to see and do here, but standouts of the area we’d argue include Missenden Abbey, Berkhamsted Castle and the Ashridge Estate – an area known for its rolling chalk hills, wildlife-rich meadows, panoramic views and 5,000 acres of woodland. All of these can be explored by car, and they’re a short 90-minute drive from the capital.

4. To the sweeping sands of Winterton-on-Sea

A grey seal pup surrounded by adults at Winterton-on-Sea in Norfolk

One of Norfolk’s best-kept secrets, Winterton Beach boasts an absolutely huge expanse of soft sand, backed by the rolling, grassy dunes of the Martham Broad National Nature Reserve. The sheer size of it means this beach never feels crowded, and if you make your way north to Horsey Gap, chances are you’ll spot the hundreds of grey seals that pup here!

If you ever get bored of lazing about on the sand, you can always wander through the picturesque village of Winterton-on-Sea and get yourself a hefty portion of fish and chips . A drive here should take around two-and-a-half hours, though you can break up your journey with a jaunt through the stunning Norfolk Broads – another Area of Outstanding National Beauty.

5. To Mersea and Horsey Islands

Some boats on the beach while the sun is setting at Mersea Island in Essex

Mersea Island is located just ten or so miles to the South of Colchester at the confluence of where the River Blackwater joins the River Colne. It’s a peaceful spot joined to the mainland by an ancient Roman causeway called The Strood – and twice a day, it becomes an actual island cut off from the mainland.

Certainly one of the most scenic drives near London, it’s a great spot to come for a bit of peace and quiet and is under two hours’ drive away – just make sure you check the tide times! If you’re looking to add even more adventure, then head a bit further north to Horsey Island – a wildlife-rich spot with wide open skies that can only be reached at low tide.

6. To Aldeburgh and Southwold via the Suffolk Coast

A row of colourful beach huts in Southwold, site of one of the best scenic drives near London

Another fantastic scenic drive here taking in the charming seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold – both of which overflow with genteel charm and lie within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB. While there’s plenty to see in both, we’d recommend perusing the individual boutique stores and art galleries dotted about to see what kind of treasures you can find.

There are three National Nature Reserves in the area and many Sites of Special Scientific Interest here too – so keep your eyes peeled for rare species of wildlife such as bitterns and marsh harriers too. The drive to the area should take a little bit over three hours, but with views this good – who’s complaining?

7. To the Surrey Hills AONB

The magnificent view from atop the Box Hill vantage point in Surrey

When it comes to scenic drives near London, this one is probably the nearest to actual London. Set just outside the M25 – and in some cases actually adjoining it – you really don’t have to go far to enjoy this AONB, which was first designated as one back in 1958.

There’s plenty to see on a drive here, but we’d recommend visiting the picturesque village of Shere – which is featured in Hollywood films such as Bridget Jones’s Diary and The Holiday – and Box Hill – which offers outstanding panoramic views over the surrounding North Downs. Don’t also miss a visit to Leith Hill Tower, the highest point in southeast England, and from where you’ll be able to see all the way to the English Channel and Big Ben – when the sun’s shining of course. A drive out to this serene spot should take just over an hour.

8. To Brighton , Rye and the South Coast

A picturesque cobbled street in the charming village of Rye in East Sussex

This one might require a whole day, but it’s well worth the time trust us. Start off by driving the two-and-a-bit hours or so to Brighton – a bohemian, eccentric and effortlessly cool spot that’s the self-proclaimed LGBTQ+ capital of the UK and the only place with a Green Party-elected MP. After whiling away the hours here rifling through the shops of the lanes and soaking up the sea air, head East to Rye, enjoying English Channel views along the way.

Rye itself is a beautiful, fairytale-like town filled with crooked, medieval, half-timbered houses, quaint pubs and cobblestone streets – the perfect spot to amble around for a couple of hours and take a step backwards in time.

9. To Botany Bay via Whitstable and Margate

The white cliffs and bright blue skies at Botany Bay in Margate

Backed with dramatic white cliffs and towering chalk stalks, the tranquil Botany Bay beach in Kent is an absolute gem. Perfect for fossil hunting, rock pooling and generally just enjoying the sea air, it’s one of the South East’s most charming spots . And it’s only a two-hour drive away from London! Dreamy
 It’s also just a stone’s throw away from Margate, which is currently enjoying a cool-as-a-cucumber status.

Along the way, make sure you call by Whistable – which is famed for its fantastic rock oysters – contemporary art galleries and beachfront boozers. Just remember you’re driving


10. To the New Forest National Park

A herd of cattle wandering through the village of Brockenhurst in the New Forest, Hampshire

Now the New Forest National Park doesn’t exactly need an introduction. Despite its name, it’s actually an ancient woodland that first sprouted after the withdrawal of ice sheets some 12,000 years ago. Designated as a protected area by none other than William the Conqueror, it’s pretty damn old, and is packed full of historic artefacts, Bronze Age barrows and *ahem* wild horses and ponies, heathland birds, deer and even reptiles!

Suffice to say, it’s a great place for a drive, and while it’s all very scenic, we’d recommend taking a pootle down to Beaulieu, which has an ornate manor house that dates back to the 13th century. It’s a peaceful spot that is located close to Brockenhurst – also well worth a visit. A drive down here should take around two-and-a-half hours give or take.

11. To the North Wessex Downs AONB

The fantastic view from atop Combe Gibbet, one of the stop-off points at one of the best scenic drives near London

Our penultimate entry onto this roundup of the best scenic drives near London is the North Wessex Downs AONB, which spans the counties of Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire & Wiltshire. Undoubtedly among Britain’s most beautiful landscapes, they offer spectacular views, a wide range of different habitats and some postcard-worthy villages.

While you can’t really go wrong anywhere here, we’d recommend heading to the area surrounding Hungerford – a historic market town bisected by the River Kennet – which is around a two-hour drive. There’s plenty to do in the town itself, but if you make your way to nearby Ham and Combe Gibbet, you’ll be able to enjoy incredible views of the surrounding countryside. You may even spot kestrels, buzzards and elusive sparrowhawks here too! Add on a visit to nearby Highclere Castle – AKA the real Downton Abbey – and you’ve got yourself one heck of a scenic drive here!

12. To Somerset via Salisbury and Stonehenge

The iconic stones of Stonehenge in Wiltshire at sunset

Rounding off this list of the best scenic drives near London is a real bloomin’ gem it has to be said. Heading West along the A303 – which be warned often has majorrrrr traffic jams – you’ll pass by Stonehenge – one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks which dates back to around 3000 BC. Continue on to Salisbury – which is famous for its towering cathedral – before you drive across Cranborne Chase AONB and into Somerset.

Famous for the legendary Glastonbury music festival , the town of Glastonbury is also famous for its eclectic history and legends – it’s even rumoured to be the burial place of none other than King Arthur! Don’t miss a chance to climb up the mighty Glastonbury Tor here, which is the highest vantage point in the region and is ​​topped by the roofless St. Michael’s Tower – a Grade I-listed medieval ruin. To get here will take around two-and-a-half hours or so.

So there you have it – a roundup of 12 of the most scenic drives near London. From the silky sands of Norfolk to the ancient ruined castle of Glastonbury Tor, there are many incredible places not too far from London you can visit with four wheels. What are you waiting for? Put your pedal to the metal and let’s go!

scenic places to visit near london

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21 Top-Rated Day Trips from London, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Sep 29, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley has visited England many times, including an eight-week trip in the spring of 2022.

While London has plenty of attractions to keep tourists busy, so many wonderful places to visit lie close by that you're certain to be tempted to take at least one day trip while you're here. Some of the best day trips from London are as close as the magnificent palace of Hampton Court, but you can travel farther in a day — all the way to Paris, in fact, thanks to high-speed trains.

Punting on the River Cam in Cambridge

Within easy reach from London are the beautiful and historic cities of Bath and Oxford, the soaring cathedral at Canterbury, along with some of the best castles in England . Legendary Windsor Castle is also close, and not far beyond is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stonehenge, one of the top attractions in England.

Renting A Car: Getting to these destinations is relatively easy and there are several options. Rental companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Europcar have many locations in and around London, and convenient online reservations mean more time exploring the countryside than spent lining up to get a car.

Trains: London is also the UK's major hub for passenger rail travel. And while train companies vie for business over some of the busiest routes, you can keep things simple by using online booking platforms such as Trainline and National Rail . Simple searches will not only show the best routes to get to your day trip destination but also the best prices, including cheap day returns and other money-saving options.

Find the best places to visit and things to do with our list of the top day trips from London, England.

1. Stonehenge, Wiltshire

2. hampton court palace, east molesey, 3. windsor castle, berkshire, 4. oxford and the cotswolds, 5. leeds castle, kent, 6. kew gardens: royal botanic gardens, surrey, 7. bath, somerset, 8. canterbury, kent, 9. paris, france, 10. highclere castle & downton abbey sites, hampshire, 11. harry potter warner bros studio, hertfordshire, 12. brighton beach & royal pavilion, east sussex, 13. stratford-upon-avon and warwick castle, west midlands, 14. cambridge, 15. hatfield house, hertfordshire, 16. chessington world of adventures resort, surrey, 17. rhs garden wisley, surrey, 18. syon house and conservatory, middlesex, 19. claremont landscape garden, surrey, 20. brooklands museum, surrey, 21. osterley park and house, middlesex, frequently asked questions, when is the best time to visit, which places can i visit with a london transport pass, what are the best day trips from london for children.

Stonehenge

High on the list of England's top tourist attractions , Stonehenge has mystified scholars, scientists, and historians for centuries. The giant stones that rise from the Salisbury Plain have been here for at least four millennia.

Before circling the megaliths, spend some time in the Stonehenge Visitor Centre to learn about the stones and the people who built them. In addition to beautifully conceived audio/visual exhibits, its fascinating displays include more than 250 ancient artifacts. This UNESCO World Heritage site also includes authentic replicas of Neolithic houses illustrating everyday Neolithic life.

An easy way to get to Stonehenge is on a 6.5-hour London to Stonehenge Shuttle Bus and Independent Day Trip . This popular tour includes admission tickets to see the stones and all the related exhibits, plus a complimentary audio-guide.

Prefer to make the journey from London to Stonehenge yourself? If you're planning on driving the 88-mile route, allow at least 2 hours each way, traffic depending. As there are no direct trains to Stonehenge, you'll want to make the 90-minute journey to the pretty cathedral city of Salisbury and pick up a Salisbury Red shuttle bus for the short final leg of your Stonehenge adventure.

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire

Hampton Court Palace

Perhaps the most interesting of Britain's royal palaces, Hampton Court lies southwest of London on the north bank of the Thames. The Great Hall and other parts of the palace date from Henry VIII's time, and five of his six wives lived here as Queen; the ghosts of two of them are said to still haunt the palace. This is also where Elizabeth I learned of the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

Highlights of the palace include the Clock Court with its astronomical clock dating from 1540; the State Apartments, including the Haunted Gallery ; the Chapel Royal; the King's Apartments; and the Tudor tennis court. Visitors should also explore the Privy Garden, the Pond Garden, the Elizabethan Knot Garden, the Broad Walk, and the Wilderness, especially in mid-May when in full bloom .

One of the other popular things to do at Hampton Court Palace , particularly for children, is wandering through the palace's famous maze .

Hampton Court is easy to reach by a 45-minute train ride from London's Victoria Station. Although only 15 miles away from central London, driving there isn't recommended as it'll take as long, if not longer, by car.

Address: Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey, Richmond Upon Thames

Windsor Castle

The summer home of the British Royal Family, Windsor Castle is also the longest-occupied royal residence in Europe. Inside its walls is St. George's Chapel , begun by Edward IV in 1474 and among the finest examples of the English Perpendicular Gothic style. In its vaults and sacristy are the tombs of several monarchs.

One of the highlights of visiting Windsor Castle is a tour of the State Apartments , where the Queen's Gallery and the Dining Hall each have magnificently painted ceilings and wood carvings. The palace's art collection includes works by Michelangelo, Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Canaletto, and Rembrandt. Queen Mary's Dollhouse and the beautiful gardens are other highlights of the castle complex.

Windsor Castle is easy to combine with other nearby attractions on a Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London tour by luxury coach. The tour includes visits to both St. George's Chapel and the State Apartments, with an expert tour guide to point out the most important features and fill in the castle's history.

Other options for getting to Windsor Castle from London , a distance of only 23 miles, include by car, bus, or train. That said, given the usually busy roads in and around London, the 20-minute train journey is as good as it gets.

Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire

Oxford

One of Europe's oldest and most beautiful university towns, Oxford is easy to reach by direct train from London. A distance of around 58 miles, trains will swoosh you through the picturesque countryside in around an hour. Prefer to drive? Sure, it'll take a little longer, but Oxford's location on the edge of the Cotswolds means you can actually cross two items off your London day trip bucket list.

While its main draw for tourists is the university, Oxford is certainly an attractive place to visit for other reasons. Topping the list are its many pleasant parks and gardens, the historic Covered Market, and Christ Church Cathedral .

Highlights of the university are the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College , which gained new attention when it was featured in several Harry Potter movies. Other fun things to do in Oxford include exploring the historic city center, visiting the History of Science Museum , and enjoying some shopping in Cornmarket Street.

Close to Oxford and easy to combine on a day trip from London is the Cotswolds , a beautiful region of rolling landscapes and picturesque villages. The Cotswolds have been named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty due to the rare limestone grassland habitats and old-growth woodlands. But, for most visitors, the region's appeal is in its charming villages and towns, such as Bourton-on-Water , Castle Combe, and Chipping Norton.

An easy way to visit this beautiful region is on the Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London . This 10-hour excursion by motor coach includes a guided walking tour of Oxford, as well as visits to Bodleian Library and Christ Church College.

For those who prefer to go it alone, this same route can easily be covered by car, with online admissions secured in advance from major attractions saving you both time and money.

Leeds Castle

Often named as the loveliest castle in the world, Leeds Castle in the county of Kent certainly has one of the prettiest settings. Surrounded by water, its stone towers are reflected from almost every angle. The first castle was built here in 1089, and Leeds became a favorite royal residence of King Edward I in the late 13th century.

Later, it was the home of Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. It continued as a country house through the Jacobean and Georgian eras, and finally as the retreat of an Anglo-American heiress and her fashionable friends in the 1920s. You'll see reminders of all these eras and lives in the lavish rooms and in the Gatehouse Museum.

Leeds Castle

The gardens are known for the yew hedge maze. You can explore Leeds Castle on a private guided tour before the castle is open to the public and have time to stroll in the gardens as part of the Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover, and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour . Traveling from the city on a comfortable coach, you'll have state-of-the-art headphones throughout the tour, so you can easily hear the expert guide's commentary throughout the day.

Although just 42 miles from London, a day trip to Leeds Castle is one of those rare instances when you might want to forgo the train for a car or organized tour. Situated mid-way between the towns of Ashford and Maidstone, the need for a bus ride to tackle the last few miles from either destination can add an hour or more to your journey each way.

Location: Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent

Kew Gardens: Royal Botanic Gardens

Officially called the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Gardens is situated in southwest London on the south bank of the Thames. And it's easy to get to. Just 8 miles from central London, Kew is served by the London Underground (yes, the "Tube"), with easy connections to the District Line available from almost anywhere in the city. So save the car for a more remote day trip destination.

The world's most important collection of living plants contains more than 50,000 specimens and a library of as many volumes of botanical literature. So important a collection is it that Kew Gardens has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list , making it the best day trip from London for garden lovers.

The gardens were laid out in 1759 and became government property in 1841. A thatched cottage built for Queen Charlotte between 1754 and 1771 was a long-time favorite of Queen Victoria.

An entire pavilion is dedicated to water lilies, and throughout the gardens are a variety of buildings that include a Japanese house, England's smallest royal palace, and a pagoda. Also worth seeing are its two galleries of botanical art and several conservatories.

A river cruise along the Thames is a great way to get to this spectacular 300-acre garden with its many musical and cultural events.

Address: Kew, Richmond, Surrey

Bath

The name of this beautiful city gives a clue to its origins and its most famous site: the remarkable 2,000-year-old Roman Baths built around the city's natural hot springs. But Bath continued to be a spa town long after the Romans left, and later became a center for fashionable, wealthy English in the Georgian and Regency periods.

Several Bath tourist attractions recall that era immortalized by Bath's most famous resident, Jane Austen. Recapture her world at the Jane Austen Centre and learn about Regency fashions at the Fashion Museum, located in the stunning and historic Assembly Rooms . Be sure to see the Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon, lined with shops and said to be patterned after the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy.

Royal Victoria Park in Bath

You can visit this UNESCO World Heritage city as part of an 11-hour Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London tour, accompanied by a guide who will explain the history as you explore the famous Roman Baths.

Alternatively, getting to Bath from London yourself is pretty easy, with regular train services covering the 100 miles in just 90 minutes. Driving is also doable, but factoring in parking on the city outskirts and bussing in adds at least another 30-45 minutes to your trip, each way.

Canterbury Cathedral

A beautiful medieval city in its own right, Canterbury is best known for the soaring Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Home to the Archbishop of Canterbury, this cathedral has been the center of English Christianity since St. Augustine, its first bishop, converted the Anglo-Saxons here in 597.

The cathedral was also the site of the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170, an event memorialized in TS Elliot's Murder in the Cathedral . Along with strolling the charming streets of medieval houses, step outside the city walls to visit the remains of St. Augustine's Abbey and the graves of St. Augustine and King Ethelbert.

Canterbury

You can tour Canterbury Cathedral with an expert guide on the Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour , a 10-hour excursion from the city by a comfortable coach that also includes two more of southern England's outstanding sights.

If you're only interested in Canterbury, this picturesque 65-mile journey through the heart of Kent can easily be done yourself in about two hours by car or train each way.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Canterbury

Eiffel Tower

With an early morning departure by the fast Eurostar train, you can be across the Channel for a full day's sightseeing in magical Paris from London in under 3 hours. You could take a car, but the additional 2 or 3 hours needed to cover the 300-mile route only works if you're planning on staying longer and touring more of France.

By train, however, you can reasonably expect to see several of the top Paris tourist attractions , including the Eiffel Tower and the magnificent 45-foot-tall stained-glass windows of Ste-Chapelle. You'll even have time to admire the highlights of the Louvre or the Impressionist collections at the Musée d'Orsay. All in a single day, and still be back in London for bedtime.

Alternatively, you could spend the day exploring the charming streets and attractions of the Left Bank. Here, you can spend time browsing in boutiques, pausing in cafés to absorb the Parisian atmosphere, and taking a leisurely cruise on the Seine for views of Paris landmarks.

Choose whether you want to explore Paris with the expert help of a guide, or independently on a Paris Rail Day Trip from London with an Optional Guided Tour or Sightseeing Bus tour . The fully escorted rail tour option includes a guided Paris city tour, a sightseeing cruise on the Seine River, and time to explore. The independent tour option includes a Paris hop-on-hop-off bus tour and time to explore the city as you wish.

Highclere Castle

Until the hit British TV series Downton Abbey was filmed here , very few people had heard of the stunning English manor house of Highclere Castle . Now its opulent halls, the Red Stairs, the music room, the sumptuous saloon, and even the bedrooms are a familiar sight to audiences all over the world.

The castle is open to visitors both for seasonal public viewings and for special tours for smaller groups that are themed around food, gardens, or the filming of Downton Abbey . Not far from Highclere are several other locations that fans will recognize as settings, including the Cotswolds village of Bampton , featured as Downton Village.

Get the inside scoop on the hit series by taking the Small Group Tour of Downton Abbey and the Village Tour of Locations from London . On this full-day tour, you'll visit the little village in Oxfordshire that doubled as Downton and hear behind-the-scenes stories about the series. Then you'll continue on to Highclere with time to explore the castle and gardens independently. The tour includes Highclere admission and return transport.

If you prefer to go it alone, you'll want to rent a car for the 67-mile journey to Highclere. If you do, you'll get there in around 2 hours, ensuring you'll have a full day to explore the famous manor home, plus even a little time to explore the historic city of Winchester , just a 20-mile drive to the south.

Address: Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury, Hampshire

Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio

Around 30 miles northwest of London, the studio where the Harry Potter films were produced is filled with original sets, costumes, and props used in re-creating the world inhabited by J.K. Rowling's characters. Visitors can step into the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, see the actual Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 Ÿ, and stand in the Forbidden Forest.

The actual costumes are on display, along with props, including the hundreds of potion jars lining the walls of the classroom, each with its own individually designed labels and spooky contents, from shrunken heads to dried animal bones. Exhibits explain how magical creatures were crafted and brought to life, and how special and visual effects made Harry and other characters fly.

The studios are about an hour's drive from Oxford where many of the scenes were shot. You can experience the studio and visit a few Oxford shooting locations, such as Bodleian Library, Christ Church College, and other university buildings used in the films, on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter and Oxford Day Trip from London .

Another good option is to take the train for the 70-minute journey, hopping on a bus in Watford which will deposit you at the attraction. If you drive, stop at nearby St. Albans for a few hours. This often-overlooked city is home to one of the most unusual, uncrowded cathedrals in England.

Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford, Hertfordshire

Royal Pavilion in Brighton

On a hot summer day, when you want to escape the city's soaring temperatures and head for the seaside, Brighton is the place to go. Getting from London to Brighton , a distance of 55 miles and around an hour's travel time, is easy and well worth the time and effort.

Not only is there a great beach and the charmingly retro Palace Pier loaded with old-fashioned penny arcades and entertainment, but Brighton also boasts many fun things to do . Highlights include shopping in the historic Lanes, eating fish and chips on the seafront, or spending time on the beaches .

Brighton Beach and pier

The prime tourist attraction is the famous Royal Pavilion & Garden . This stunning structure was built for George IV and is pure frothy fantasy, a multi-domed and minareted faux-Indian palace faced in cream-colored tiles.

The interior is equally exotic and is furnished with Chinese wallpapers, silks, bamboo and lacquer furniture, and Oriental-themed art. The chandelier in the banqueting hall is a glittering tower held in place by a dragon.

Address: 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, East Sussex

Warwick Castle

One hundred miles northwest of London, the Elizabethan market town of Stratford-upon-Avon is known primarily as the birthplace of William Shakespeare . But even without this famous poet and playwright, its importance as a stage and research center for his works, Stratford-upon-Avon is worth visiting for its charming half-timbered homes and the historic Stratford-upon-Avon Canal.

Most tourists come here, however, to follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare, visiting his well-preserved birthplace and several other homes of those associated with him. About a mile from the town center is the lovely thatched cottage of Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway, with its cottage garden.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle

Just 9 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon is medieval Warwick Castle with its impressive ramparts. You can tour the huge castle complex from the top of its towers to the dungeons and watch jousting matches or demonstrations of falconry and other medieval skills. Its theme park atmosphere provides plenty of things to do with children. Afterward, spend time exploring the historic town center and Warwick attractions , including the medieval Lord Leycester Hospital.

Warwick Castle and Shakespeare's birthplace are easy to combine with two other highlights of this part of England on the Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London . After traveling from the city by coach, you'll have plenty of time to tour the castle and explore the Shakespeare sights.

Thanks to good road and rail connections, both of these historic English cities are doable in a day either by car or train.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon

King's College in Cambridge

Every inch the equal to Oxford, Cambridge is as popular a day trip destination as it is for those wanting a fun weekend break . Only an hour (60 miles) from London by train or car, this university city offers plenty of great attractions that are walkable from the train station, meaning it's easy to cross off multiple places to visit in a day.

Start your exploration at Cambridge University Botanic Garden . Just a five-minute walk from the station, this 40-acre site is a great place for a picnic or a coffee break before delving deeper into the city.

From here, it's only a 15-minute stroll to the Fitzwilliam Museum . Set in an impressive Neoclassical structure built in 1816, this museum is home to rare antiquities from across Europe as well as many artworks by the world's leading painters.

You'll want to spend the bulk of your remaining time exploring some of the 31 colleges of Cambridge University itself, some of them dating back to medieval times. Highlights include King's College and its famous chapel; Queens' College , home to the remarkable Mathematical Bridge ; and Trinity College with its attractive grounds.

For a truly memorable Cambridge experience, take a "punt" along the River Cam. These flat-bottomed vessels are propelled by a long "setting pole" that's thrust into the shallow river to push the boat forward. They can be rented by the hour, or better still, find a punt that comes with a tour guide and punter.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cambridge, England

Hatfield House

This imposing Jacobean Hatfield House is surrounded by beautiful parkland and was designed at the beginning of the 17th century for the Earl of Salisbury (the home remains in the family today). The magnificent interior contains valuable period furniture, paintings and 17th-century tapestries in one of the largest and most impressive Jacobean mansions in England.

In addition to the house, the spectacular gardens and park encompass Hatfield Park Farm , complete with animals, a miniature train, play areas, and a restaurant.

Only an hour north of London by train (around the same by car if the traffic's light), it's well worth making this 22-mile journey for a pleasant day out in the Hertfordshire countryside.

Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire

Leaping tiger in the zoo at the Chessington World of Adventures Resort

After all that historic sightseeing, Chessington World of Adventures , about 12 miles south of London, is a great place to unwind, particularly for those traveling with kids. One of Britain's biggest theme parks, Chessington features thrilling roller coasters and rides in its several themed areas, which include Market Square, Mystic East, Pirates Cove, Transylvania, and Land of the Dragons.

Chessington is also famous for its zoo (it's how the park began in 1931), today split into areas including the Children's Zoo, the Sea Life Centre, and AMAZU Treetop Adventure. The zoo features over 1,000 exotic animals, including tigers, lions, gorillas, monkeys, and penguins.

Just 17 miles from central London, this is yet another great day trip from London where you'll want to forego the car and opt for public transit, which will get you there in just over an hour.

Address: Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey

RHS Garden Wisley

The Royal Horticultural Society's showpiece garden, the 350-acre RHS Garden Wisley , showcases the widest range of gardening styles and techniques in the world. Among its nearly two dozen different gardens are a walled garden, alpine meadow, cottage garden, rose garden, mixed borders, and a Bonsai Walk.

The Glasshouse features plants from tropical, moist temperate, and dry temperate habitats. The woodland garden, Battleston Hill, is its most beautiful in the spring, when its winding paths are bordered in blooming camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons, and azaleas. One of the oldest, constructed between 1910 and 1912, is the naturalistic Rock Garden, showcasing alpine plants with dwarf conifers.

The newest, opened in 2017, is the Exotic Garden, filled with palms, ginger, banana plants, and large vibrant tropical blossoms you might not expect to see flourishing outdoors in northern European latitudes.

If driving the 25-mile distance from London to the gardens, you can expect to spend just under an hour on the road. You can travel the same distance by train and bus in 90 minutes.

Address: Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking, Surrey

Syon Conservatory

Originally a 15th-century monastery, Syon House in Brentford was one of the architectural jewels on the periphery of London, especially from the point of view of its interior, redesigned in the 18th century by architect Robert Adam.

As well as its imposing columns and statues, valuable paintings and fine silken wall coverings, Syon House is noted for its 54-acre park and gardens, which include the magnificent Great Conservatory built in the 1920s.

Just 10 miles from Central London, you can easily get here by bus or tube, with a journey time of around 45 minutes. Either way entails a little walking, but it's only a few minute's stroll through a pleasant park.

Two other excellent museums in Brentford are the Kew Bridge Steam Museum with its working steam engines, and the Musical Museum at Kew Bridge with its fine collection of automated musical instruments.

Address: London Road, Brentford, Middlesex

Tranquil lake at the Claremont Landscape Garden

This lovely 300-year-old National Trust property features a serpentine lake, an island with a pavilion, a turf amphitheater, and numerous pleasant viewpoints and vistas. Located 21 miles southwest of London and accessible either by rail (plus a short bus ride) or car, Claremont Landscape Gardens are where many of England's best-known gardeners have left their mark, most notably Capability Brown .

Other highlights include a grotto, Camellia Terrace, Belvedere Tower and a café. There's also the Victorian Thatched Cottage , a great place for younger kids to play and dress up in period costumes.

Address: Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey

The Concorde at the Brooklands Museum

The Brooklands Museum in Weybridge is one of Surrey's most popular museums and is home to the only Concorde in the southeast with public access. Brooklands opened as a racetrack in 1907 and is now famous as the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation.

Just 21 miles from London and easily accessible by a 30-minute train ride and a 20-minute walk, the museum contains the Malcolm Campbell Workshop, a racing car collection, a Wellington bomber rescued from Loch Ness, and an aircraft collection spanning 85 years.

Another excellent display of aircraft can be seen at the De Havilland Aircraft Museum in London Colney, Hertfordshire . The oldest aviation museum in Britain, the museum has three historic Mosquito fighter-bombers as well as a variety of jet fighters.

Location: Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey

Osterley Park and House

This National Trust property located near Heathrow Airport is a stunning 18th century Georgian villa set in 140 acres of parkland with an interior designed by Robert Adam. Once the home of Thomas Gresham, founder of the Royal Exchange, it was described in his time as the "palace of palaces."

The house is preserved exactly as it would have looked in the 1780s. The estate also includes colorful formal gardens, roses and vegetable beds, as well as a lovely summer house with lemon trees and scented shrubs.

Just a 10-minute drive (4 miles) from Heathrow Airport, Osterley Park and House makes for an excellent final stop before catching your plane home.

Location: Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex

Southern England's climate is temperate, so extremes of heat and cold are rare. But late March to mid-June, and September to mid-November, are likely to have the least rainfall . If you plan to visit several of the gardens, most are at their height in May and June, but there will be something in bloom, and the gardens will be lovely from spring through fall. Remember, Kew Gardens has extensive glasshouses, so there's plenty to see there year-round.

London hotel prices are the cheapest during the off-season: November and January through March. The highest rates are from mid-June through August. If you plan day trips to several stately homes, consider December. Even though the weather may be cold, most of them decorate for the holidays, some quite spectacularly.

A few of the tourist attractions above are accessible on a Visitor Oyster Card , the preferred London transport pass for tourists. You can buy these online or at any Visit Britain shop. Fares are determined by which zones you will be traveling in. You can also simply "tap in, tap out" using your credit card, an easy and convenient option that's available on most train, underground, and bus services.

Kew Gardens is in Zone 3 and has its own station, about 500 meters from the garden's Victoria Gate. It is served by the Richmond branch of the District Line.

Oyster cards are accepted on trains to Hampton Court, leaving from London Waterloo station at half-hour intervals. For Syon House and Conservatory, you can take the Piccadilly Line to Boston Manor, then an E8 bus to Brentlea Gate bus stop. Hatfield, unfortunately, is just outside the Oyster Card Zone.

The two theme parks, Chessington World of Adventures and Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio are especially appealing to young visitors. But historic sites and even gardens often have features specially designed for children.

Hampton Court Palace has excellent programs and special brochures to engage children, as well as costumed performers who impersonate, often humorously, figures from the palace's history, bringing them to life for kids.

Warwick Castle is filled with theme park activities and experiences that include learning swordplay and, for older kids, an interactive dungeon tour. The Brooklands Museum will interest auto-crazy teens with its racing cars, and younger kids will like the Hatfield Park Farm animals and miniature train rides.

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England Travel Guide

London x London

Posted on Published: 16th June 2023  - Last updated: 17th July 2023 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

40+ Beautiful Places in London You Have to See

40+ Beautiful Places in London You Have to See

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Looking for the beauty in the concrete jungle? Here’s where you can find it.

The other day something in an old episode of In Our Time with Melvyn Bragg caught our attention (yes, sometimes a few of us like pretend we’re 90, wrapped up in a warm, cosy blankets listening to podcasts about the history London – we’re just * cool* like that). 

Imagine this. 

We’re just sitting there, listening to historians (im)politely bicker about the interpretation of events that shaped the city’s history and half thinking about dinner when something made us sit up and pay some f*cking attention. 

You see, one of the guests, Claire Tomalin casually threw out this statement: “London is not a beautiful city.”

Sorry. Wut? 

Views from Sky Garden

Look, the programme was filled with all kinds of controversial points of view. We can accept their chat about the plague not necessarily being that bad for everyone because Samuel Pepys had a bit of a blast as the city’s poor died in their droves…. 

But to say that London isn’t pretty? Well, that’s straight up horrifying. 

No. Just no. 

London is a beautiful city. 

Aerial shot of London and The Thames

We might not have some ridiculous nickname like the city of love or ridiculous waterways that are distinctly out of place in the 21st century but what we do have is a vibrant, handsome city filled with lots of gorgeous spots. 

We’ve always loved photographing London, so you can take this as our visual ode to the city. Beautiful places  photographed throughout the years, gathered here in one epic guide.

Want to discover some of the most beautiful places in London for yourself? Here’s where to start. 

Beautiful Places in London 

St dunstan in the east .

St Dunstan in the East

The tale of St Dunstan in the East might be a sad one (TLDR version: wrecked by the fire of London, rebuilt, almost collapsed, rebuilt again, destroyed by The Blitz) but the upshot is that it’s now one of London’s prettiest spaces. 

It’s not often that you get to chill in the ruins of a church that has been transformed into a nature-filled park is it? 

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral

There’s really only one question when it comes to St Paul’s Cathedral. Which is prettier: inside or out? 

Inside St Pauls

Honestly, St Pauls is one of those places you just take for granted on the London skyline but if you really stop and look, you see just how striking Christopher Wren’s domed cathedral is.

That’s all before you get inside too, where the beautifully OTT clash of patterns, gilt and opulence come together to create one of London’s most opulent spaces. 

The Millennium Bridge 

Millennium Bridge

Like most Londoners, I was so busy taking the p*ss out of the Millennium Bridge for the fact it had to be closed for another two years almost as soon as it opened because it wobbled so much that I really didn’t pay attention to how striking the bridge was for years. 

My bad. The bridge provides the perfect frame for St Paul’s Cathedral – but is also pretty striking in and of itself. 

Royal Naval College 

chapel st peter paul

The outside of the Royal Naval College in Greenwich is pretty enough. The buildings were designed by Christopher Wren and their sneaky symmetrical design meant that they didn’t block the view of the river enjoyed by the Queen’s House (oh to have such power). 

Still, it’s inside the Royal Naval College where things get really jazzy. 

The Painted Hall is often referred to as London’s Sistine Chapel (IMHO, it’s better) and the Chapel of St Peter & St Paul also does it’s own razzle-dazzle wow that’s pretty thing. 

Queen’s House

Queen's House

No, not that boring monstrosity Buckingham Palace: this Queen’s House is in Greenwich, much prettier and you’re actually allowed inside. 

Once you’ve gotten over the Neoclassical exterior, go inside where you’ll find the much photographed Tulip Stair and some gorgeous palatial interiors. 

Leighton House Museum 

Leighton House

If you’ve never been to Leighton House Museum, let me tell you, you’re missing out. 

Tucked away in a rather unassuming building in Holland Park, Leighton House boasts one of the most decadent interiors you can find in the city. 

I mean, what else would you expect from the former home of Sir Frederick Leighton, a prolific (and moneyed) Victorian artist and head of the Royal Academy of Arts? 

Eltham Palace 

That Eltham Palace has been described as a ‘maximalist’s wet dream’ tells you everything you need to know. 

Not much of the medieval part of the palace is still standing but the buildings, many of which date from the 1930s when it was purchased by Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia Courtauld, are an Art Deco fantasy.  

Is it beautiful? Is it just insane? In my mind, it’s both – and all the better for it. 

Nunhead Cemetery 

Nunhead Cemetery Entrance

Cemeteries are pretty divisive. 

For some people, the idea of spending any time in a cemetery outside of attending a funeral or paying respects at a grave, is lunacy. 

For everyone else… there’s Nunhead Cemetery . 

Nunhead Cemetery is what you get when you take one ornate Victorian Cemetery, age it a century or so and then abandon it for a couple of decades so nature can effectively re-wild large parts of it. 

Sound intriguing? It is. 

The Tate Britain

Tate Britain

Light years away from the Brutalist in-your-face architecture of the Tate Modern, The Tate Britain is delightful. 

Immerse yourself in the vast collection of art, but also take the time out to appreciate the fabulous buildings designed by Sidney RJ Smith which culminate in a jaw-dropping domed rotunda with a monochromatic terrazzo floor. 

Goodwin’s Court 

Goodwin's Court

Lots of people (including me) have waxed lyrical about the Victorian edifices in nearby Cecil Court near Covent Garden – but there’s a much more hidden gem around the corner that really is like stepping back in time. 

Goodwin’s Court is the land that time forgot: the gloomy light that filters from above illuminates a narrow alley of slightly-bulging windows and Victorian gas lamps. 

No wonder it’s said to have inspired JK Rowling to create Diagon Alley.  

Hill Garden & Pergola 

Hill Garden and Pergola

The well-manicured gardens of Hill Garden, complete with its elaborate pergolas couldn’t be further away from the unkempt beauty of the rest of Hampstead Heath – north London’s wildest park . 

The once lavish pleasure gardens of the nearby Inverforth House and the former setting of many a high-end soiree now has an aura of faded grandeur that is enchanting and appealing in equal measure. 

Streatham Rookery 

Streatham Rookery

It’s not often that you can say that a place is truly hidden, but only a select few are in the know about Streatham’s Rookery . Atop the rather unremarkable South London park Streatham Common, The Rookery is a flower-lover’s delight. 

Arbor after arbour, trailing with fragrant roses, draped in wisteria – The Rookery dates back to 1913 and is based in one of the mineral spas that transformed Streatham from a rural backwater to one of the spa destinations of the 17th century. Imagine that. 

Westminster Abbey 

Westminster Abbey

Like all naughty Londoners, it took me a long, long time to actually get round to seeing many of the city’s most famous sights. 

Westminster Abbey was one of the many spots I used to rush past during those heady teenage years when I was (as always) late for my shift at the London Eye.  

Can you believe that I’d never had the chance to see how marvellous it is inside – until last year that is. The shame. 

It is rather ravishing – a hodge podge of architectural styles and baubles, not to mention the setting for so many important historical events. 

Westminster Cathedral 

No, I’m not going mad and no, they’re not the same. 

Less well-known than its Protestant Westminster counterpart, the Roman Catholic Westminster Cathedral is hidden just around the corner from Victoria railway station. 

The Neo Byzantine architecture is rather… distinct. Plus there’s a viewing tower from which you can stuff your eyes with birds-eye views of London. 

St James’s Park 

St James Park

Seeing as it’s just across the road from Buckingham Palace, it kind of figures that St James’s Park is one of the most scenic places in London. 

Can you imagine if the Queen had to look at some barren wasteland each morning? Yeah… thought not. 

Filled with romantic winding pathways and a peaceful lake, St James’s is a strong contender for the title of prettiest park in London. 

Queen Mary’s Gardens, Regent’s Park 

Rose Garden

Can I be honest? For the most part Regent’s Park leaves me a bit cold. 

It lacks the prettiness of St James’s Park or the can’t-believe-I’m-in-a-city herds of deer of Richmond Park. 

That said, Regent’s Park does have a few heavy hitters up its sleeve of which Queen Mary’s Gardens is the best. 

Visit and you’ll find yourself surrounded by London’s largest collection of roses – over 12,000 of them in fact. 

Luckily for us, we’re on the cusp of the best time to visit, which is the first two weeks of June. 

Colourful Houses of Notting Hill 

Colourful Houses Notting Hill

I really paused for a moment before including the colourful houses of Notting Hill  in this guide because a) they’ve been done to death and b) like literally to freaking death. 

Clichéd as they are though, like most clichés they became such for good reason. 

Rows of candy-coloured houses sloping off towards the end of the rainbow invite you to wish you were rich enough to live in one of them (you aren’t) and look as hawt as Julia Roberts did in the famous film (you probably don’t). 

One Tree Hill

The Shard from One Tree Hill

If you’ve been reading the blog recently, you’ll know that this is one of my most recent discoveries (if not, tap that notifications bell so you can start following along with the adventure). 

One Tree Hill is a woodland nature reserve in deepest leafiest South London that only a few locals know about. 

What’s the big deal? Erm. I’ll let you take a look at a picture of that view. 

The Landmark Hotel

It takes a lot to get in the running for the title of London’s most iconic hotel – after all, the city has more prestigious hotels than most. 

Still, The Landmark isn’t just any hotel… it’s that one with the gargantuan palm-filled atrium that’s almost certainly made an appearance on your Instagram feed recently. 

That, my friends, is the winter garden. 

Don’t worry though, you don’t have to stay there to see it IRL, you can book in for a cheeky afternoon tea, cocktail session or dinner in the striking space. 

Upstairs at Rules 

Upstairs at Rules

It’s a well-known fact that Rules is London’s oldest restaurant. Less well-known is the fact that if you head upstairs you’ll find one of the city’s best cocktail bars .  

The cocktails are stellar and so is the decor – particularly the newish winter terrace, filled with secluded nooks for gossips and romantic dates. 

Burlington Arcade 

Burlington Arcade bills itself as “the original department store” which tells you two things. 1) it’s old AF and 2) it’s not the kind of arcade filled with slot machines and dodgy people trying to make their fortunes on those penny machines. 

What that description doesn’t tell you is that it’s drop dead gorgeous: a light-filled homage to elegance, taste and the finer things in life, complete with carved archways and a refined monochromatic decor. 

Somerset House 

Nelson Stair Somerset House

The last remaining bastion of the numerous Thameside palaces that used to line this stretch of the river, Somerset House is one of London’s cultural hubs. 

Nowhere near enough people venture inside though – do so and you’ll find the beguiling rotunda of the Nelson Stair. 

Leadenhall Market 

Leadenhall Market

The golden lettering, cobbled walkways and red-hued archways of Leadenhall Market always guarantee it a place on any list of pretty places in London. 

The market dates back to Medieval times but is still in use today. 

It also makes an appearance in several films – perhaps most notably as one of the entrances to Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. 

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge and Girl with the Dolphin

Is Tower Bridge London’s most iconic landmark? It’s certainly the spot many people conjure up when you ask them to think of London sights. 

That iconic status doesn’t detract from the fact that it really is rather pretty and a must-visit even if you don’t hang around for one of the rare openings. 

Walk to the Girl with the Dolphin statue for a classic shot. 

Mercato Mayfair 

Mercato Mayfair

Sister to the decidedly less pretty Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle, Mercato Mayfair opened at the end of last year. 

Like it’s older sis, Mercato Mayfair houses a collection of street food traders purveying delicious artisanal food, except this time it’s located in a cavernous old church. 

Read Next: The Mayfair Area Guide

Holland Park Mews 

Holland Park Mews

People love to go gaga over London’s many mews – but of them all, Holland Park’s is the best. 

The Grade II listed buildings are hidden behind an archway just steps away from Holland Park – expect to see many of the original features including the elegant wrought iron staircases. 

The Churchill Arms 

Churchill Arms

London loves to show its bonkers side from time to time – resulting in gloriously bizarre places like The Churchill Arms. 

What might have been just a plain old pub boozer in Kensington has been transformed into a floral extravaganza that changes throughout the seasons. 

Need more of an excuse to go? The interior is just as crazy and they serve brilliant Thai food. 

Guildhall 

So many of London’s elaborately carved Medieval stone buildings are churches, and there’s nothing wrong with that. 

It’s a little known fact that the Guildhall, the ceremonial centre for the City of London corporation is the only non-ecclesiastical stone building of the Medieval times to survive. 

All very interesting but this isn’t a history lesson… It just so happens that the Guildhall is also rather easy on the eye – it’s free to enter too. 

Victoria & Albert Museum 

V&A Museum

It took a long time for me to come around to the charms of the Victoria & Albert Museum – as a child I loathed it as a missed opportunity to go to the much more fun Science Museum next door. 

That’s all changed though – who could resist the grandiose architecture and vast collections of this palace of design? 

Daunt Books

Daunt Books Marylebone

What does it say about today’s society that London’s best-known independent bookshop has been largely catapulted to fame for its looks? Nothing good I suspect. 

Look, Daunt Books is gorgeous (particularly the Marylebone branch) but it really annoys me when I go in there to stock up on my next stack of reads and see a parade of posers snapping their pictures and leaving without so much as a glance at the books themselves. 

If you go, have a ferret, find a book and buy it, that is what it’s there for after all. Rant over. 

Natural History Museum 

Natural History Museum

It says something that I had to feature not one but two museums from South Ken’s Museum Mile in this guide. 

First of all, the exterior of the Natural History Museum’s Victorian Neo Gothic buildings are too magnificent to be ignored. It doesn’t end there though – the interior is just as dramatic, particularly the cavernous Hintze Hall. 

Parliament Hill 

Views from Parliament Hill

There’s been enough written about the view of the city from Parliament Hill to fill many, many books. 

Just know that it’s grand and you can play the fun game of which weird central London contemporary monstrosity is that (joking… kind of). 

Julianna Barnaby at Sky Garden

Sky Garden . Isn’t that the public garden you can only access by booking a lot of the time and for which it can sometimes feel like it’s impossible to snag a ticket for. 

Confused? I wouldn’t blame you. 

Let’s make it nice and simple. Go to Sky Garden for breakfast when all the queue-forming suckers are still in bed and you can see the sunrise without queuing, booking ahead or the bother of other people. Worth the pain of getting up at butt-ass am for. 

Little Venice 

Canal Boat on Regent's Canal

It’s hard to imagine a bit of Venice called Little London – what would that look like? 

In fairness, you can see where they were coming from when they named the idyllic area of Little Venice – surrounding a section of the Regent’s Canal where the peaceful waterway belies the fact you’re not far from the city centre. 

Barbican Conservatory 

Barbican Conservatory

I was half minded to include the Barbican in this guide to the most scenic places in London but tbh, I couldn’t be bothered dealing with the raving foaming anti-Brutalist brigade who seem to take exception to the idea that it could be considered beautiful by anyone on the planet. 

Still, I love to get my own way so… may I present the Barbican Conservatory . 

All the brutalist London beauty but filled with enough curtains of hanging greenery and exotic plants that no one can dispute its entry. Sneaky I am. 

Thames Barrier 

Thames Barrier

Proving that functional can indeed be beautiful, the Thames Barrier plays the very important role of ensuring that London doesn’t get washed away by the freak tidal waves that sometimes surge up the river. 

Thankful as I am (and that’s genuine thanks, not my normal sarcastic eye rolling thanks), it’s also an oddly graceful sight. 

Go for sunrise or sunset when the barrier picks up the sky’s golden hues. 

Chinatown 

Chinatown

Anyone who has stood in the middle of Chinatown, sun streaming through the iconic red paper lanterns, will know what I’m talking about when I say that Chinatown is not only one of London’s most unique areas, it’s also one of its most handsome.  

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens

Visitors and locals alike flock to Kew to see its near encyclopaedic collection of flora. 

It’s impossible not to have a place filled with flowers and not create some kind of beautiful spectacular…  but sh*t gets real ravishing when you throw in a Victorian wrought iron and glass greenhouse or two. 

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in Neasden, London

This little-known hindu temple in Neasden is a beautiful hidden gem, and definitely one you should check out. The temple is built entirely of cut stone – some of which had to be shipped to India in order to be worked on by the few craftsmen in the world capable of handling such intricacies. 

The result is an enormous structure that would be just at home in India as it is in north London, with a multi-domes roof that’s really quite a marvel to behold.  

Be sure to check out the exhibition on hindu spiritualism beneath the temple. 

Kyoto Gardens 

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir isn’t the only place in London where you can go for a slice of the exotic. If you head to Holland Park over in Notting Hill you’ll find a corner of the space given over to what’s known as the Kyoto Gardens. 

These gardens were donated by the government of Japanese City Kyoto as a symbol of friendship between our two countries. 

They’re also a beautiful place to visit. Styled the Japanese way you’ll find paths winding through the neatly kept flowerbeds and stone lanterns guiding your way. There’s also a few interesting animal friends in the pond…

Fenton House 

There are loads of gorgeous stately homes around London but one of our favourites is Fenton House in Hampstead. Built by a wealthy 16th century merchant the house is now owned by the National Trust. 

They keep it the way it would have been hundreds of years ago and manicure the gardens to a tee. Highlight of the whole space? The orchard. It contains 32 varieties of pear and apple tree, but most of all it’s just stunning – especially in low, evening light. 

Sessions Arts Club

London loves a good dinner, and we love a beautiful restaurant to eat one in. While London’s got more than its fair share of stunning places to dine , Sessions Arts Club really steals the show. 

The space used to be the dining room of magistrates and has since fallen into beautiful disrepair. Peeled paint and potted plants, splashes of art on the walls all help reclaim the place into one of the most atmospheric dining rooms in the city. 

Let’s not forget that Florence Knight’s cooking is some of the best you can find in London too…

Shad Thames

Remarking that somewhere looks a lot like the setting for the first act of Once Upon a Time in America might not be the best way of saying that it looks beautiful, but this stretch of ex-industrial building on the riverfront has its own charm to it. 

The space between the red-brick warehouses is crisscrossed by walkways jutting across at varying heights making the winding path a very atmospheric place for a quick stroll. 

It’s also exactly the type of place you can knock up an edgy instagram picture in front of. 

Gordon Square Garden

London has loads of these lovely gardens and squares in its posher neighbourhoods. In our humble opinion one of the finest is Gordon Square Gardens. 

It’s easy to see why on a summer’s day. Flowerbeds grow out in all sorts of directions, creating quiet places to sit and there’s plenty of dapple from the trees that line the roads outside. 

Part of the beauty of this place, though, comes from its history. That history being that Gordon Square Gardens was once the hangout of many notable London writers, including a young Virginia Woolf who lived in one of the adjacent buildings who was often encouraged to take her books out into this very park and read. 

Whew. There we are. 

Hopefully you now have a  whole list of beautiful places in London you really, really want to see (if you don’t, what have you been doing for the duration of this guide – reading it backwards?). 

Pretty Places in London: Practical Tips 

  • If you’re looking to visit a place that’s not open 24/7 like, for example, Chinatown, make sure you check for opening times and tickets. They may sell out of the latter so try to book ahead if you can. 
  • London is full of pretty places, we find that generally the whole city looks most beautiful in the hours just after sunrise, and just before sunset. 
  • Don’t ruin other people’s day by spending all your time taking selfies. Remember to soak in the beauty for yourself – it’s more important than your instagram likes!

Pretty Places in London: Map

Click here for a map with the locations of the destinations featured in this guide.

Pretty Places in London

  • The Instagrammer’s Guide to London – The Locations You Shouldn’t Miss
  • Where to Find the Best Views of London 
  • 25 Stellar Parks in London That are Perfect for Summer Jaunts and Picnics

Your Apartment I Brixton

Glynis Harrison

Wednesday 8th of July 2020

Hi Julianna, I've recently found your site and absolutely adore it. I live in Birmingham and try to visit London regularly to take photos (my hobby) - there are so many beautiful and interesting places to visit and you have given me tons of ideas! Your descriptions and enthusiasm shines through - just love your comments!

Julianna Barnaby

Hi Glynis, thank you for the lovely comment! I'm so glad the site is giving you plenty of inspiration for your trips down to London, I'm all about helping people discover new places and it's so nice to hear your positive words. Thanks again and hope you make it down soon - Julianna

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scenic places to visit near london

27 Beautiful Country Walks Near London: Nice Scenic Places to Walk

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Best Walks Near London

Find Nice Country Walks Near London for a Day Out

One of the best ways to escape the city is going on country walks near London on the weekend. London is a busy place, and I often need a quick escape from all the bustle. A peaceful walk is a perfect cure for any city stress and a great way to reinvigorate me for the week ahead.

There are plenty of beautiful walks outside of London that you can access by train, car, tube, or even overground. It is possible to get to the countryside, enjoy nature and return all in one day. Discover rural places to walk your dog, forests to explore with your family, or scenic landscapes for a romantic stroll with your other half.

Say goodbye to the smog and hello to fields of wildflowers with this list of the best country walks near London below.

walks near London

Find country walks near London!

Ashridge & Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire

Ivinghoe Beacon, Buckinghamshire

This walk near Berkhamstead is a circular walk with a few stunning viewpoints along the way. The most famous view is the Ivinghoe Beacon .

This walk includes: three miles of The Ridgeway trail, a mile from the Icknield Way trail, walking along with Ashridge Estate

  • Best for  Breathtaking views
  • Distance: 14.5km (9 miles)
  • Duration: 3 to 4 hours
  • Map of the walk: Ashridge & Ivinghoe Beacon Route (about-britian.com)
  • Start & finish: Tring Station
  • Getting There: You can get a train from London Euston to Tring Station. The journey is 36 minutes in length. The Ridgeway footpath starts 300m from the station.
  • Where to take a break: Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre
“All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.” – Friedrich Nietzsch

scenic places to visit near london

Ashridge Estate in Berkhamsted

Primrose Hill in London

Ashridge Estate offers beautiful woodland trails. In the autumn, you can find orange and yellow colors all around. In the spring, there are stunning clusters of bluebells. Not to mention a wide variety of wildlife, such as deer and birds, throughout the seasons. This walk is about 6 miles and starts at the Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre. This is a moderate stroll through the woods that are marked. You can learn more about Ashridge Estate here .

  • Best for Autumn colors, bluebells, and a day out with your family
  • Distance: 9.4 km (5.9 miles)
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Route details: Ashridge Estate Walk (National Trust)
  • My review: Find my review and more photos of this walk in autumn
  • Start & finish: Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre
  • Getting There: By train – Trains are running from London Euston to Tring train station (journey time 45 minutes). This station is 1.75 miles from Ashridge Estate. You can get a taxi upon arrival or even walk to Ashridge. On the way home, take the train from Tring station to London Euston (journey time about 40 minutes). There is an entrance to Monument Drive, and the Estate Visitor Centre is off the B4506 between Berkhamsted and Dagnall if you drive there. Parking is free.
  • Where to take a break: Have lunch at the visitor center

Epping Forest, The Oak Trail in Essex

The Oak Trail, Epping Forest

This is a 6.6-mile circular hike that starts and finishes at Theydon Bois underground station. There is half a mile of walking on the street, but the rest of the walk is in Epping forest. Green waymarkers mark this walk. You will pass Ambresbury Banks , an iron age fort along the way (the site of Boudica’s last stand against the Romans), and a deer park.

  • Best for: An iron age fort and deer spotting!
  • Distance: 10.6km (6.6 miles)
  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Start & finish: Theydon Bois station
  • Getting There: You can take the London Underground from Liverpool Street to Theydon Bois station. Journey time is 35 minutes on the Central line. You can also take the underground from Marble Arch (journey time 48 minutes).
  • Where to take a break: The Bull Pub (near Theydon Bois station)

Flatford & Constable Country Walk in the Stour Valley & Dedham Vale

Constable Country, Dedham, Essex

This moderate-level walk allows you to explore the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale . This area was made famous by the paintings of 18th-century English landscape artist John Constable . He painted many views of the area and described the area to his friend John Fisher as ‘The sound of water escaping from Mill dams… Willows, Old rotten Banks, slimy posts, & brickwork. I love such things… As long as I paint, I shall never cease to paint such Places……’

  • Best for  Picturesque landscapes
  • Distance: 6.4km (4 miles) or 9km (7 miles)
  • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (or 3 hours 45 minutes on optional loop)
  • Start & finish: Manningtree station
  • Getting There: Trains run to Manningtree station (London Liverpool Street to Ipswich line). If you are driving, go off A137 Harwich to Ipswich road, and there is a car park at Manningtree station.
  • Where to take a break: Stop at the Manningtree Station Buffet

Saunderton via West Wycombe Circular in Buckinghamshire

Hughenden Manor

This is an easy walk through the Chilterns with woodlands and sloping meadows. Go southeast over the Chiltern Hills to Bradenham (you are given the option at this point to cut the walk short by 6km with a diversion off the main route). From Bradenham, head to Naphill Common and Flagmore Wood to Hughenden Manor . The road from Hughdenden heads west across Downley Common to the West Wycombe Caves . You might like to stop for lunch at this point at a cafe in the caves. Then, climb from the caves to Dashwood Mausoleum and return to Saunderton.

  • Best for: A family walk
  • Distance: 16km (10 miles)
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Start & Finish: Saunderton Station
  • Getting There: Trains are running hourly between Marylebone and Saunderton. The journey time is 42-51 minutes. There is a free car park at Saunderton Station if you are driving.
  • OS Landranger Map: 165
  • OS Explorer Map: 172
  • Where to take a break: Cafe at the caves or The Golden Cross (near Saunderton station)

Chorleywood & Chess Valley in Hertfordshire

Chorleywood, Chess Valley

The Chess Valley in the Chiltern Hills runs northwards from Rickmansworth. You can access these hiking trails through the countryside and parkland from Chorleywood station. This walk goes on The Chiltern Way trail and is on rural paths (except for the final mile along residential roads).

  • Best for  Beautiful valleys and countryside
  • Distance: 9.6km (6 miles)
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Map of the walk: Chorleywood & Chess Valley Route (from about-britain.com)
  • Start & Finish: Chorleywood Station
  • Getting There: Trains are running from London Marylebone station to Chorleywood station. The journey time is 27 minutes. There is pay-and-display parking at Chorleywood station if you are driving.
  • Where to take a break: The Rose and Crown Pub (near Chorleywood station)

Henley via Stonor Circular in Oxfordshire

Stonor Valley, The Chilterns

If you want to shorten the walk, enjoy the country lanes from the Rainbow Inn in Middle Assendon. This will shorten the route to 14km (8.8 miles).

  • Best for  Beautiful valleys and woodland
  • Distance: 21.9km (13.7 miles)
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Start & finish: Henley on Thames station
  • Getting There: Some trains run hourly between Paddington and Henley, changing at Twyford. The journey time is one hour. If you are driving, there is a railway station with a car park that charges ÂŁ2.20 per day, or you can park in Henley town center.
  • OS Landranger Map: 175
  • OS Explorer Map: 171
  • Where to take a break: Crown Inn, Crispins, or Henley Tea Rooms
“Walking is also an ambulation of mind.” – Gertel Ehrlich

Cliveden Green Walking Trail in Maidenhead

Cliveden Estate

This walk offers beautiful views over the River Thames and the pleasure of walking through Cliveden’s country estate. The Cliveden Estate and Gardens is open daily for most of the year. Find woodlands and views of the countryside.

  • Best for  Views overlooking the River Thames
  • Distance: 3.75km (2.33 miles)
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Route details: Cliveden Green Walking Route (National Trust)
  • Start & finish: woodland car park
  • Getting There: Trains are running to Taplow station (1.3 miles from the start of the walk). Trains are not running to Taplow station on Sunday. You can also train to Burnham (3 miles from the beginning). If you are driving, the postcode for your Sat Nav is SL6 0HJ, and there is a car park upon arrival. Please keep in mind admission charges may apply.
  • Where to take a break: Have lunch at the Orangery Cafe

Coulsdon South Circular in Surrey

Coulsdon South Circular Walk

This walk begins in the suburbs of London and heads through Farthing Downs , Kenley Common, Riddlesdown, and Coulsdon Commons (all ancient grazing lands). In the spring, there are many wildflowers. In the summer, there are many places to stop for a picnic. If you want to stop somewhere for lunch, there is The Fox in Coulsdon Commons .

  • Best for: A picnic break
  • Distance: 14.2km (8.9 miles)
  • Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Start & finish: Coulsdon South Station
  • Getting There: Two trains per hour (more at peak times and one per hour on Sundays) run from London Bridge and London Victoria to Coulsdon South. The journey time is 23-39 minutes. If you are driving, remember that there is minimal parking at Coulsdon South.
  • OS Landranger Map: 187
  • OS Explorer Map: 146 (and 161 if you begin in Riddlesdown)
  • Where to take a break: The Fox Pub

Woldingham & North Downs in Surrey

The North Downs Way Trail

This walk goes along the North Downs  in a completely rural location. You will go past Woldingham school, past Godstone Vineyards, along the North Downs Way trail, through Great Church Wood nature reserve, and back to the station. You should expect a lot of ups and downs!

  • Best for: A challenging walk
  • Distance: 8.6km (5.4 miles)
  • Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
  • Map of the walk: Woldingham & North Downs Walk Route (about-britain.com)
  • Start & finish: Woldingham Station
  • Getting There: Trains are going from London Victoria to Woldingham station. The journey time is 32 minutes from London, Victoria. If you are driving, there is a park and display car park at Woldingham station.
  • Where to take a break: At Godstone Vineyards for some wine tasting
“I have two doctors, my left leg and my right.” – G. M. Trevelyan

Egham to Runnymede Circular Walk in Windsor

Magna Carta Memorial in Runnymede

The meadows at Runnymede have a long-running history dating back to the sealing of the Magna Carta . This circular walk takes you around the Runnymede nature reserve – through ancient woodlands, wetlands, and bright wildflower meadows. Langham Pond and the ancient forests are considered a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the many endangered species and since it is a place of historical significance.

  • Best for: Discovering history and rare wildlife
  • Distance: 5.9km (3.7 miles)
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Route details: Egham to Runnymede Walk (National Trust)
  • Start & finish: Egham train station
  • Getting There: You can get a train from London Waterloo to Egham station (journey time varies from 37 to 57 minutes). On the way home, you can get the train from Egham station to London Waterloo (journey time 41 to 49 minutes). If you are driving, there are pay and display car parks in Egham town center, or you can park at the National Trust Runnymede’s car park and start the walk at a different point.
  • OS Landranger Map: 160
  • Where to take a break: Golden Cafe (20 High Street, Egham)
  • For a short break in Windsor: Check out affordable package deals here

Petts Wood in Bromley

Petts Wood in Bromley

This walk starts at Jubilee Country Park and passes through Hawkwood Estate and across Kyd Brook River. You will pass the Edelman and Willett Memorials and Brickley Manor .

  • Best for  Woodland and meadows
  • Distance: 6.4km (4 miles)
  • Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Route details: Petts Wood Walk (pdf) (from the Borough of Bromley)
  • Start & finish: Tent Peg Lane Car Park
  • Getting There: Trains are running to Petts Wood train station regularly. You can then walk .3 miles (7 minutes) to start the walk. If you are driving, there is a Tent Peg Lane car park off Crest View Drive, Petts Wood.
  • Where to take a break: The Rising Sun for some sushi (near Petts Wood station)
“An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” – Henry David Thoreau

Osterley Park Stroll in Isleworth

Osterley House

Osterley Park has a beautiful landscape of parkland and gardens. This walk includes flat grassy paths perfect for a gentle stroll at Osterley Park House , trees, parks, playgrounds, and a pond/stream from three long lakes. Please keep in mind that this park is closed in the evenings.

  • Best for Beautiful lakes, gardens, and accessible paths
  • Distance: 2.5km (1.5 miles)
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Route details: Osterley Park Walk (National Trust)
  • Start & finish: visitor car park
  • Getting There: You can get the train to Isleworth station (1.5 miles from the park) or Osterley underground (.5 miles from the park). If driving, take the A4 between Hammersmith and Hounslow and follow brown tourist signs. From the west M4, exit three, then follow A312/A4 towards central London. The main gates with Thornbury and Jersey Roads are at the junction. The car park is open from 7 am to 6 pm.
  • OS Landranger Map: 176
  • OS Explorer Map: 161 and 173
  • Where to take a break: Stables Cafe

Ham House From Richmond Walk

Thames Path in Richmond

This walk covers footpaths and gravel paths. The walk begins at Richmond Station and passes the main entrance to Ham House . This circular walk has excellent views and takes you for a rural riverside stroll along the Thames Path .

  • Best for: A peaceful riverside walk
  • Distance: 7km (4.5 miles)
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Route details: Ham House from Richmond Walk (National Trust)
  • Start & finish: Richmond Overground/Underground Station
  • Getting There: You can quickly get to the station from Central London (within 40 minutes). Many bus routes will get you there – 65, 190, 371, 391, 419, 490, 493, H22, H37, R68, and R70. Richmond station has a pay-and-display car park if you are driving.
  • OS Explorer Map: 161
  • Where to take a break: Pizzeria Rustica (near Richmond station)
  • Octavia Hill Centenary Trail in Toys Hill

Octavia Hill Centenary Trail

This walk celebrates the life of Octavia Hill, founder of the National Trust. You will pass Crockham Hill village, the church where she was buried, head up Mariners Hill , and pass the former home of Winston Churchill.

  • Best for: Celebrating and remembering Octavia Hill (founder of the National Trust in 1895)
  • Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Route details: Octavia Hill Centenary Trail (National Trust)
  • Start & finish: Toys Hill National Trust car park
  • Getting There: Trains are run to Sevenoaks station, and then you can take the 404 bus to Ide Hill. If you are driving, take the A25, and in Bradsted village, take Chart Lane leading to Toys Hill Car Park.
  • OS Landranger Map: 188
  • OS Explorer Map: 147
  • Where to take a break: Raj Bari Indian Restaurant (near Sevenoaks station)

Box Hill to Leatherhead

Box Hill Viewpoint

This walk gets its name from the box trees along the way. However, yew, beech, and oak trees can also be seen along the path. This route involves crossing the River Mole on stepping stones. You might have to make a detour if these are underwater! After crossing the river, head up the steps on the North Downs Way to the top of Box Hill , where you will get a nice view of the valley. This route takes you through woodland, Juniper Top, and White Hill onto Mickleham Downs. You might want to stop for lunch in Mickleham at one of the pubs listed below. Finally, head back along the River Mole valley, through Norbury Park , and into the center of Leatherhead. You should expect two steep climbs at Box Hill and the next at White Hill.

  • Best for  Box trees and hilltop views
  • Distance: 11.5km (7.1 miles)
  • Route details: Box Hill to Leatherhead Walk (walkingclub.org)
  • Start & finish: Box Hill & Westhumble Station
  • Getting There: Trains run from Victoria station to Box Hill & Westhumble. The journey time is around 50 minutes long. There are six trains an hour (4 on Sundays) from Leatherhead to Victoria or Waterloo (journey time 45 minutes). You should buy a day return to Box Hill & Westhumble. The station has a pay and display car park if you are driving.
  • Where to take a break: Running Horses Pub or the King William IV Freehouse
“Walking is man’s best medicine.” – Hippocrates

Alton Circular in Hampshire

Jane Austen's House Museum (also known as Chawton Cottage)

This is the place of inspiration for two famous writers – the naturalist Gilbert White and romantic fiction novelist Jane Austen . This walk takes you past fields to East Worldham and past woods and hidden pastures in Selborne (about which White wrote ‘ Natural History ‘). You might like to stop at the Station Cafe or The Queens in Selborne for lunch. Then, go past Selborne Common to Chawton (the home of Jane Austen). Many buses are along the way if you ever want to shorten the walk. During your hike, you might like to stop at Gilbert White’s House or Jane Austen’s House .

  • Best for: For those who love Jane Austen or Gilbert White
  • Distance: 21km (13.1 miles)
  • Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Start & Finish: Alton Station
  • Getting There: Two trains per hour run between London Waterloo and Alton (one hourly on Sundays). The journey time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes. A car park at Alton Station costs ÂŁ3.60 a day if you are driving. You can also find a free car park near Kings Pond or park anywhere in the town. OS Landranger Map: 186
  • OS Explorer Map: 133
  • Where to take a break: Station Cafe (near Alton Station) or The Queens (in Selborne)

Pluckley Circular in Kent

Wildflowers along the Pluckley Circular Walk

This walk takes you past small farms, timber-framed houses, pastures, apple orchards, and ancient oaks. This route is almost entirely flat with very gentle gradients. Later on, in the walk, you get a spectacular view across the plains of the Low Weald . There are loads of wildflowers, gardens in bloom, and abundant fruit hanging from trees in the orchards in the summer months. Next, you might stop by the Dering Arms near Pluckley station. This former hunting lodge is now an award-winning pub with superb seafood. If you want to stop walking earlier, you can stop at the Swan Inn, where you can catch a bus to Ashford.

  • Best for  Apple orchards and stopping at a country pub along the way
  • Distance: 11km (6.8 miles)
  • Start: Pluckley Station
  • Finish: Pluckley or Ashford stations
  • Getting There: Two trains per hour (one per hour on Sundays) from Charing Cross to Pluckley. Journey time is one hour, 12-26 minutes. You can expect trains to return to London from Pluckley once every hour. There is a car park at Pluckley Station that costs ÂŁ2 per day on weekdays but is accessible on the weekends if you are driving.
  • OS Landranger Maps: 189
  • OS Explorer Maps: 137
  • Where to take a break: Dering Arms Pub (book in advance!)

The Balcombe Circular

Nyams Garden, West Sussex

The start of this walk takes you past a nature reserve and a lake with a Japanese pavilion. You will also come across Nyams Park , a paradise for any garden enthusiast. This beautiful National Trust garden is set around the ruins of a manor house. Discover daffodils, wildflowers, magnolias, camellias, and rhododendrons. You will also pass St Mary’s Parish Church in Slaugham, home to a 600-year-old yew tree—the ruins of Slaugham Place, once a tremendous Elizabethan manor house. The final part of the walk is along the River Ouse, where you can see a Roman arch and columns. The walk ends through fields and woods to the village of Balcombe.

  • Best for  Beautiful gardens at Nyams Park
  • Distance: 17.6km (10.9 miles)
  • Route details: Balcombe Circular Walk Instructions (walkingclub.org)
  • Start & finish: Balcombe train station
  • Getting There: Trains are run from London Bridge Station to Balcombe train station (journey time 40 minutes). In addition, there are services from Victoria (journey time 50 minutes). On the way back to London, hourly trains are running from Balcombe.
  • OS Explorer Map: 134 and 135
  • Where to take a break: The cafe at Nyams offers a choice of seasonal food and also a Grab & Go kiosk in the tea garden.
“Once I dreamt of a form of poetry created by the sound of feet walking in the grass.” – Cecilia Vicuna

Hurst Green to Oxted in Surrey

Hurst Green to Oxted Walk

This walk takes you through north Kent and Surrey hills and along Greensand Way . Your route is marked by Wolf Woods (with pretty cottages).

  • Best for: A gentle and relaxing walk in the woods. Lovely for autumn colors and bluebells in the spring!
  • Distance: 8km (4.7 miles)
  • Start: Hurst Green Station
  • Finish: Oxted Station
  • Getting There: Two trains per hour (one on Sunday) go from London Victoria to Hurst Green. The journey time is 39 – 49 minutes on Sunday. If you are driving, you can park at Hurst Green and get the train back from Oxted at the end of the walk.
  • Where to take a break: The Carpenters Arms (part-way through the walk) or Robertson’s Tearoom (next to the station)

Guildford to Chilworth in Surrey

Guildford Castle Grounds & Gardens

This route takes you through hidden valleys, ancient woodlands, and pretty farmland below the Downs. You can start the walk by stopping at Guildford Castle and admiring the views over the town from the top of the tower. The walk begins with a climb out of Guildford and into Pewley Down . You will find a concrete plinth commemorating the purchase of Pewley Down in 1920 and as a memorial to those who died in World War 1. There are some benches here that are perfect for a picnic. From this point, head through meadows and woods and along a path between hedges. Head downwards into the valley bottom until you eventually reach the North Downs Way . Follow this path to the church of St Martha-on-the-Hill (see St Martha’s Hill ). From here, the route goes through farmland beneath the North Downs escarpment. Turn south towards Chilworth to head toward the station.

  • Best for: A lazy stroll.
  • Start: Guildford Station
  • Finish: Chilworth Station
  • OS Landranger Maps: 186 and 187
  • OS Explorer Maps: 145
  • Getting There: Trains run several times an hour between London Waterloo and Guilford. The journey time is 38 minutes. You can park at Guildford Station and return to Chilworth by bus or train if you are driving.
  • Where to take a break: The Percy Arms near the station (75 Dorking Road)

Ashtead Common, Epsom Common & Princes Coverts in Surrey

Epsom Common

This is an accessible route through the Ashtead Common National Nature Reserve, Epsom Common, and the Crown Estates woodland of Prince’s Coverts. You can access the nature reserve from the north side of Ashtead station. You will see well-marked hiking trails. This route is under 5 miles in length. You might want to stop by a pub by the A243 ( The Star , Malden Rushett).

  • Best for: A wonderful nature reserve
  • Distance: 7.4km (4.6 miles)
  • Map of the walk: Ashtead Common, Epsom Common & Princes Coverts Walk Map (from about-britain.com)
  • Start & finish  Ashtead Station.
  • Getting There: Trains go from London Waterloo to Ashtead station. The journey is 41 minutes from London Waterloo or 45 minutes from London Victoria.
  • Where to take a break: The Star Pub

The Polesdon Lacey ‘Big Walk’ in Dorking

Meadow flowers at Polesdon Lacey Estate

This walk is rich in history since it goes through the 1,400-acre estate of the Polesdon Lacey House , with land dating back to Roman Times. There are fantastic views over Surrey Hills. This challenging hike takes you into the heart of Ranmore Common , past working farms, and ancient woodlands.

  • Best for  Views over Denbies Hillside and wildlife
  • Distance: 6.48km (4.2 miles)
  • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Route details: The Polesdon Lacey Walk (National Trust)
  • Start & finish: Polesdon Lacey Theatre Lawn
  • Getting There: Trains run to Box Hill and Westhumble stations (2 miles from the start). Or trains to Dorking station (4 miles from the beginning). If you are driving, a car park is open at Polesdon Lacey House from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm.
  • Where to take a break: Polesdon Lacey House
“Beauty surrounds us, but usually we need to be walking in a garden to know it.” – Rumi

Lewes via West Firle Circular in East Sussex

Castle and town of Lewes

This walk begins in the historic town of Lewes, with views over the city and Lewes Castle . You will eventually reach a valley. The middle section of the walk takes you along the South Downs Way with views toward the port of Newhaven . The final part of the walk re-enters Lewes and takes you along the banks of the River Ouse . This walk has a few steep hills, but the periods in between are level.

The stations help break up each section of this walk: Lewes to Glynde (5km), Glynde to Southease (11.8km), Southease to Lewes (6.5km)

  • Best for  Views over Lewes Town
  • Distance: 23.3km (14.5 miles)
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Start & finish  Lewes, Glynde, or Southease stations.
  • Getting There: Trains are running twice hourly from London Victoria to Lewes. The journey time is one hour and 5 minutes. From London Bridge, change at East Corydon. If you are driving, you can park at Lewes station.
  • OS Landranger Map: 198
  • OS Explorer Map: 122 and 123
  • Where to take a break: Firle’s Ramm Inn or cafe at Southover Grange Gardens

Hastings Circular in East Sussex

Hastings Castle, with the Pier and Town Centre in the background

This walk starts at Hastings Station and takes you through Hastings Old Town and along the seafront at Rock-A-Nore . The walk continues along a steep coastal path in Hastings Country Park with the East Hill funicular railway to your right and towards Fairlight Glen. Head towards the sign ‘Fairlight picnic site 1 mile, North’s Seat 1.25 miles’ and turn left. After passing some woodland on a single path, you will pass the house of Titus Oates (a notorious fraudster), the entrance to Clements Caves, and the ruins of Hastings Castle .

  • Best for: A cliff-top coastal walk
  • Distance: 9.5km (5.9 miles)
  • Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Start & finish: Hastings Station
  • Getting There: Two trains per hour (one on Sundays) go from Charing Cross to Hastings. If you are driving, you can park in Hastings.
  • OS Landranger Map: 189 and 199
  • OS Explorer Map: 124 and 125
  • Where to take a break: White’s Seafood & Steak Bar (44 George Street, Old Town)

Seaford to Eastbourne in East Sussex

Seven Sisters, East Sussex, Seaford

This is a stunning cliff-top walk and is often considered one of the best coastal walks in England. There are beautiful views of the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head along the way. This walk is perfect in the summer since you can swim in the sea at Cuckmere Haven or Birling Gap . Please remember this is a challenging walk with a few steep climbs! The section between Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap has a few steep ascents and descents. Also, there is a long climb up to Beachy Head. To make things easier, you can take the bus (the 12), running from Seaford to Eastbourne via Exceat four times an hour on Mon-Sat. On Sundays, you can catch the 13 (twice an hour) at Beachy Head and Birling Gap.

  • Best for  Sea views!
  • Start: Seaford Station
  • Finish: Eastbourne Station
  • Getting There: Two trains (one an hour on Sunday) go from London Victoria to Seaford, changing at Lewes. The journey time is 1 hour, 27-34 minutes. There are two direct trains hourly from Eastbourne to Victoria (only one on Sunday, change at Brighton for the other). The journey time is one hour 29 minutes. If you are driving, you can park at Seaford or Exceat and get a bus back at the end of the walk from Eastbourne. You can also park in Lewes, catch trains to Seaford, and return from Eastbourne.
  • OS Landranger Map: 199
  • OS Explorer Map: 123
  • Where to take a break: Front Room Cafe or Frankie’s Beach Cafe

The Park Circular Walk at Ankerwycke

Ankerwycke Yew Tree

This is a very leisurely stroll through the park at Ankerwycke. The path is generally flat, perfect for a relaxed Sunday afternoon excursion. This walk takes you across pretty meadows. Enjoy spotting woodpeckers, dragonflies, or a carpet of snowdrops in the spring! The fascinating part of this walk is finding a 2,000-year-old Ankerwycke Yew at the end of the walk.

  • Best for  A lazy Sunday afternoon and to admire an ancient yew tree.
  • Distance: 1km (.6 miles)
  • Route details: Ankerwycke Walk Details (National Trust)
  • Start & finish: Car park at Ankerwycke
  • Getting There: Trains are running from Wraysbury railway station (this is .8 miles from the start of the walk). If you are driving, head to Wraysbury Road, follow the road round to the left, and after 1 mile, you will find Magna Carta Lane on your left.
  • OS Landranger Map: 175 or 176
  • Where to take a break: A National Trust tea room is open daily from 9 am-5 pm at the nearby Runnymede visitor center.
“We live in a fast-paced society. Walking slows us down.” – Robert Sweetgall

What are your favorite walks near London? Please share below!

Read more posts about london:, —> discover the best walks in london, —> inspiration for uk walks, —> find places to visit in london, —> find luxury spas in london.

Amy Pritchett

Amy Pritchett

If you truly love nature like me, you will find beauty everywhere.

21 thoughts on “27 Beautiful Country Walks Near London: Nice Scenic Places to Walk”

Hi, there are no route details for route 7 Henley.

Fantastic info im trying out these walks soon!

such an informative article and this made our long weekend super fun! Having been to Ashridge estate alrady, I again went there with the sole purpose of giving work to my legs. It was a beautiful walk with chirping birds and colorful trees, thank you so much for the work you are doing here, Keep it up!

Love this. Amazingly detailed and precised with beautiful photos! I am new to London and this is an Easter Egg for me and my husband! Thanks a bunch! and please keep posting I love all of your work.

Hi Sumayyah – thanks for your positive feedback. I really hope you had a nice visit and enjoyed some lovely walks.

Absolutely beautiful and so helpful. Thank you!!

Hi Carol – You are very welcome! I hope you can enjoy one of these wonderful walks soon. 🙂

Thanks for this! I moved to the UK a few months ago and have been itching to explore the country. Can’t wait to take some of these walks 🙂

Hi Anna – you’re welcome. Enjoy 🙂

I’ve lived in London for almost three years, after moving from Australia, and have so missed the outdoors. I’ve just discovered your webpage and can’t wait to try some of these very accessible walks. Thank you for sharing!

Hi Sarah – Yes, there are so many amazing walks just outside of the city! Enjoy x

These walks look wonderful, and I would like to give them try. The text seems to suggest that you have a specific route in mind, but I’m not finding the detailed decriptions, or even a marked-up map, for many of them. Numbers 24 and 26, for example. What am I missing? Thanks!

This is so wonderful! I’ve lived in London for 8 years now, and haven’t even known of most of these walks. Such a well research article. Thankyou so much. I’ve got some things to look forward to in the summer sun now 🙂

Hi Nada – Thanks for the positive feedback! I hope you have an amazing summer in the sunshine and walking through nature 🙂 xx

why don’t any of these walks have links to directions or maps?! Otherwise this is great!

We enjoyed walk 8 – Cliveden, but the comment about parking was rather understated: they charged us ÂŁ25 for parking (ÂŁ12.50 per person). This includes access to the Cliveden grounds but the walk as shown doesn’t even reach the gardens, so I’d suggest allow 2 hours and go a bit further North to check out the gardens and the house (exterior).

What an outstanding website.i am in FishHoek,South Africa and my daughter from London is walking Trail No 6 today.she sent me this link and i am busy going thru all the trails one by one.its almost like being there.hope i can do some of them one day.

Have saved it to my favorites. Thanks for the detailed information & videos

I am torn between Hastings Circular in East Sussex and Seaford to Eastbourne in East Sussex. Have a 7 year old and wants to see the seaside. Any advice on which one would be better?

Possibly the most comprehensive list I’ve seen. I know a few of these walks, but many are knew to me. Really helpful and inspiring collection thanks so much for taking the time so that they can all enjoy the great outdoors even more 🙂

Thanks Siobhan – happy walking to you!

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The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog

21 Perfect Road Trips From London & Short Trips From London By Car!

Categories England , London , U.K

There are so many places to visit near London! There are many day trips from London by train that you can do, but if you really want to get out of the big smoke, into nature and somewhere new, a road trip from London is the answer !

Below are ideas from myself and my blogging friends on short trips from London and the best places to visit in the UK .

These include road trips from London that you can do as day trips from London and 2-5 day trips from London if you want to make a London road trip into a UK Staycation !

Road trips are all about getting into nature so these road trip from London ideas are based on visiting the coast , countryside and small villages  outside of London to provide a more exciting road trip from London adventure!

Whether you live in London, or you are visiting London as a tourist, here are UK road trip ideas from London and the best road trips from London to help you start planning your London getaway!

Road Trips from London

Road Trip From London

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Road Trip From London Map

Here is a map with the below road trip from London destinations on it to help you work out which part of the UK will be best for your London Road Trip depending on the time you have!

Car Hire From London

If you don’t have a car as most Londoners don’t, I’ve found the best place to hire a car from in London is from one of the London Airports ! I recommend using Rental Cars as they search all the top car hire companies!

Search for the best car hire prices in London here!

TRAVEL TIPS

🏘️Book your accommodation

Booking.com and Hostelworld will help you to book accommodation and check availability in advance

🚘To get your car rental in advance

and to make your trip more convenient, you can use Rentalcars.com and find the most suitable option for you

🧾Get your tickets and guided tours

with Viator and GetYourGuide to get the most out of your journey

Best Road Trips From London

Here are the best recommendations for road trips from London!

The Channel Island of Jersey is a great island escape form London and the UK, without leaving the UK. Drive down to Poole and catch the 4 Hour 40 Minute scenic car ferry from Poole to Jersey Channel Island .

Jersey works perfectly as a 3 day road trip from London!

Jersey is a small island which makes road-tripping around Jersey a lot of fun because you can see so much!

However although small, Jersey is packed with natural attractions, historic attractions and amazingly good food, perfect for a weekend road trip from London!

Things to do in Jersey:

On your Jersey Channel Island itinerary , I recommend trying a surf lesson on the West Coast of the Island. Going hiking along the North Coast of the Island and going out on a RIB Boat Trip Adventure on the East Coast in search for seals!

I also really recommend having dinner at The Boat House in the pretty village of St Aubin. You’ll be sure to return back to London refreshed and relaxed from all that island air!

Diving Distance from London: 7 Hours by Road & Ferry

Suggested By: The Wandering Quinn

Road Trip from London, Jersey Channel Island

2. Cotswolds Villages

If you’d like to escape London for some peace and relaxation, there’s no better place to go than the beautiful English countryside !

Not too far away from London is the Cotswolds “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”, a collection of charming little villages surrounded by rolling green hills and stunning scenery. 

Whether you’re looking to take a day trip from London or searching for the perfect weekend getaway, visiting a few of the Cotswolds villages makes an excellent choice when it comes to planning a road trip from London, no matter the length you choose.

Some of the most picturesque villages to visit in the Cotswolds region are Bibury, Lower Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Castle Combe (but there are so many more!).

The beauty of the Cotswolds villages is that they are all located close to one another and they are easy to reach from London in just a few hours making it a great road trip in England from London.

The best things to do when visiting any of the villages are exploring the pretty cobbled streets admiring the beautiful historic buildings, popping into a cosy historic pub for a bite to eat, and taking a scenic walk around the countryside to soak up the peaceful atmosphere!

Diving Distance from London: 87 Miles. 2 Hours.

Suggested By: The Road is Life

Click here to book a full day tour to Cotswolds from London via get your guide

Road Trip from London, The Cotswolds

3. Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile stretch of jagged coastline in southern England. Famed for its beautiful beaches, iconic country landscapes and captivating coastal hiking paths, it’s the ideal setting for a weekend from London where being in nature is your top priority.

Doing a r oad trip from London along the Jurassic Coast will encapsulate the best places in Dorset and Devon for a full Dorset and Devon Road Trip !

The defining icon of the Jurassic Coast is Old Harry Rocks ; a collection of dazzling white limestone stacks arranged along the coast like a jigsaw puzzle waiting to be assembled.

It’s the perfect place to unwind and watch the sun go down in front of iconic scenery.

Lulworth Cove is a circular cove surrounded by a sweeping arc of pebbles, backed by steep cliffs. It’s a beautiful part of England and the best way to see it is on a stroll along the coast to Durdle Door.

This walk, with towering cliffs on one side and bucolic countryside on the other, is one of the best short walks on the Jurassic Coast .

Corfe Castle , an 11th-century ruin, is an engrossing and atmospheric spot to catch the sunrise and Lyme Regis is a lovely seaside town to visit.

From the short but steep climb up nearby West Hill, the view as the sun lights up the decaying stone is a mesmerising way to experience the Jurassic Coast, a fantastic UK road trip from London!

Diving Distance from London:  125 Miles. 2 Hours 45 Minutes.

Suggested By: Anywhere We Roam

Road Trip from London, Jurassic Coast

We know that staycations are all the rage right now so also see these 15 UK Staycation Ideas for this year!

4. Suffolk Coast

At about 2.5 hours from London , the Suffolk coast is a great choice for a day trip from London, but it’s such a beautiful part of the world and so quiet that you’ll want to stay for a weekend.

Suffolk is one of the most unspoiled parts of the UK and with over 50 miles of heritage coastline, there’s plenty of space to go and stretch your legs on its many beautiful and uncrowded beaches.

On a Suffolk road trip from London, the most popular beaches to visit are Aldeburgh, Southwold and Thorpeness , but if you’re looking to completely get away from it all, then Dunwich, situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a great choice.

It’s home to the National Trust owned Dunwich Heath, which is a beautiful spot for walks.

If you’re looking to do an overnight road trip from London by car, the Cliff House Holiday Park is a lovely campsite right on the cliffs where you can pitch a tent, caravan or hire a lodge

Diving Distance from London: 100 Miles. 2 Hours 30 Minutes.

Suggested By: UK Family Travel

Road Trip from London, Suffolk Coast

Devon is often overlooked because of the popular county of Cornwall but a Devon road trip is a brilliant trip to do and the benefit of visiting Devon from London instead of Cornwall from London is that going to Devon will shave off a good 1-2 hours from your journey!

Devon has a North Coast and South Coast to visit plus inland places like Dartmoor National Park , I spent 3 days in Devon exploring all 3 areas and it was enough time to see a lot!

Devon still has the Jurassic Coast , just like Dorset so walking From Branscombe to the pretty village of Beer along the coast is a popular thing to do. So is going to the Victorian seaside town of Sidmouth and visiting the nearby Donkey Sanctuary.

On the North Coast of Devon there is Woolacombe beach , a popular place for surfing and families to visit and it isn’t too far from the edge of Cornwall where Bude is, so you can do a Devon and Cornwall Road Trip in one go!

Diving Distance from London: 180 miles / 3 hours 40 minutes

Suggested By:   The Wandering Quinn

Road Trips from London, Devon

6. Brecon Beacons, Wales

A road trip from London to the Brecon Beacons will take you through some beautiful spots in England and Wales and it’s easily accessible via the M4!

Once in the Brecon Beacons National Park , you can spend a few days hiking. Popular hikes are to the top of Pen Y Fan , the biggest peak in South Wales and South England, there’s also a great Brecon 4 Waterfalls Walk .

Because you’ll have your car you should drive along the Black Mountain Road which offers stunning views and is known as the Top Gear Road.

For relaxing the Brecon Beacons is filled with lovely towns and villages like Hay on Wye which is perfect for those who like literature and unique places!

Afterwards, you can stop in Cardiff and check our Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay before going back to London!

Diving Distance from London: 180 miles / 4 hours

Road Trips from London, Brecon Beacons Wales

7. Pembrokeshire, Wales

The drive from London to Pembrokeshire isn’t the shortest so this is best if you have at least 3 days or even 1 week to spend on a short trip from London.

However, Pembrokeshire is an amazing part of Wales and the most visited for holidays because of its endless beaches , a full coastal walk linking every beach, family fun activities, a huge amount of campsites, holiday parks and pretty Welsh villages.

Tenby is the most popular place to visit in Pembrokeshire and there are lots of cottages in Tenby and campsites near Tenby to stay.

Saun dersfoot Beach and Barafundle Bay are also popular beaches to visit.

Bosherston Lilly Ponds , Stack Rock Fort and St Govans Chapel are my recommended hidden gems in Pembrokeshire to visit to make your short trip from London to Wales really memorable!

Diving Distance from London: 240 miles / 4 hours 40 minutes

Road Trips from London, Pembrokeshire Wales

8. Barry Island, Wales

Visiting South Wales is a great idea for a road trip from London as both places are either end of the M4 and takes around 3.5 hours by car .

One of the best places to visit on a road trip from London in Wales is Barry Island especially if you’re looking for a trip to the seaside for some tasty fish and chips and easy hikes around the coast. 

When going on a road trip to Barry Island from London, there’s cheap and all-day parking in close walking distance to the attractions and two accessible roads because it’s not an actual island (anymore).

The best things to do on Barry Island include riding the fairground , indulging on candy floss and stick-a-rocks, making sandcastles, renting a colourful beach hut and playing crazy golf on the promenade. Here are the best beaches in Barry !

If you’re brave enough, you could dip in the freezing ocean for a swim or attempt to win prizes in the arcade grabbers.

The unmissable thing to do on Barry Island, however, is enjoy everything Gavin and Stacey which was set and filmed around the area.

On your visit, be sure to read this guide to Gavin and Stacey filming locations and take a selfie with the cast billboard at Marco’s cafe for a memorable weekend road trip from London!

Diving Distance from London: 160 Miles. 3 hours 15 minutes.

Suggested By:   The Happy Days Travels

For Wales ideas also see: Places to Visit on a Wales Road Trip & Places for Staycations in Wales !

Road Trip from London, Barry Island Wales

9. Isle of Wight

One of the most unique places you can visit on a road trip from London is the Isle of Wight .

Located just a stones throw away from the southern coast of England is a great place to spend a weekend away with friends and family.

From a few amazing beaches like Ryde beach to unusual experiences like visiting the Garlic Farm – there are so many things to do on the Isle of Wright.

Don’t forget to drive the famous Military Road , full of stunning cliffs views and to visit the Needles – one of the main landmarks on the Isle of Wight.

It’s better not to visit the isle of Wight during Bank Holidays in May but apart of that little island is a less touristy place – perfect for everyone willing to have great walks without crowds.

Diving Distance from London: 90 Miles. 3 Hours 10 Minutes.

Suggested By: Darek and Gosia

Road Trip from London, Isle of Wight

10. Ashdown Forest, Sussex

Ashdown Forest is a great place to stop on a road trip from London. For those who don’t know, Ashdown Forest is the real-life inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood where Winnie the Pooh lives.

A. A. Milne stated that he believed Ashdown Forest was enchanted, and spent many hours wandering through it.

Today, visitors can also walk through various parts of the forest and even try to find different characters from the books. The most popular activity is playing Poohsticks by the river.

Nearby is, of course, Pooh Corner the sweetshop where A. A. Milne would take Christopher Robin.

In addition to getting out and enjoying nature, it is worth stopping by many of the surrounding towns. In  East Grinstead  you can learn about the town’s fascinating connection to WWII or stand on the Meridian Line.

Or head South to Fletching and take an alpaca for a walk. The beautiful Tudor Hever Castle is just a 20 minute drive away!

Diving Distance from London:  36 Miles. 1 hour 20 minutes.

Suggested By: Cultura Obscura

Road Trip from London, Ashdown Forest

Campervan Hire for UK Road Trips

Before we get into all of the best UK road trip ideas from London. If you want to go on a memorable road trip with the freedom and flexibility to stop and camp where you want , why not hire a Camper??

Let me introduce to you Indie Campers ! They provide Campervan hire in the UK and Europe and their London depot is close to Heathrow Airport which is the perfect place to start and end your London road trip! 

Indie Campers own a range of high-quality Campervans and provide a high level of assistance before your booking and during your booking. Best of all, you can change the dates of your booking FOR FREE up to 48 hours in advance in case your plans change, or the weather looks like it could be bad and you can reschedule for a sunnier trip!

When planning a road trip around the UK, visiting less-visited places  like the suggestions below, and staying self-contained is going to be the future of travel for a while, but that’s not a bad thing as it provides a new adventure! So be sure to look into Indie Campers for a unique Road Trip from London !

Road Trip From London

11. Camber Sands, East Sussex

Camber Sands in East Sussex is a wonderful day out or weekend away from London. The beach is over two miles long so there’s plenty of space for everyone to spread out.

In summer time Camber Sands is a wonderful spot for a swim or a paddle. Children love to visit for sandcastle building or flying a kite.

In wintertime, the beach is popular with horse riders and dog walkers and the sunsets are magnificent making this an all year round road trip from London!

Camber Sands is located just outside the medieval town of Rye near the border with Kent. There are plenty of interesting walks in the area as well as some good places to buy a take away lunch.

If you don’t want to stray too far from the beach, there are several restaurants next to the beach although most of Camber Sands is backed by sand dunes, making it very picturesque.

Ensure you arrive early at Camber Sands, on warm days the car parks can get very busy so plan your London road trip accordingly.

Diving Distance from London: 80 Miles. 2 Hours 10 Minutes.

Suggested By: Smudged Postcard

Road Trip from London, Camber Sands

12. Lyme Regis, Dorset

When looking for a trip out of London, there is no greater escape from the crowds than the beach. A few hours drive from London and you can find yourself in the tranquil county of Dorset.

Famed for the beaches, cliffs and fossils , the charming seaside town of Lyme Regis is a great place to base yourself.

Due to the long drive, I would recommend spending at least a night, or perhaps even a weekend, in Lyme Regis  on this road trip from Lonon.

There are many things to do in Lyme Regis , the beach here is naturally pebbled, and you will often see people searching under the cliffs for fossils. There is also a man-made sand beach, great for when the sun comes out.

The main street of Lyme Regis is dotted with independent shops , and there is also an old working mill. In the summer, there is also the opportunity to take a boat trip from the harbour, wither for sightseeing or fishing.

In addition to this, there are some wonderful walks in the area. Many offer amazing views of the southern coastline.

Diving Distance from London: 154 Miles. 3 Hours.

Suggested By: Around The World With Her

13. Kent Villages

Kent isn’t known as “The Garden of England” for nothing. Kent is home to many quaint villages, amazing landscapes, historic castles, award-winning seaside resorts and breathtaking coastline views. 

There are indeed many beautiful villages in Kent to visit within 1-2 hours drive of London. You can reach Aylesford village in an hour which is on the River Medway, 4 miles to the northwest of Maidstone.

There are free car parks for visitors where you can find a walking path which leads you to the village and the countryside around it making Kent one of the great London road trip ideas for scenic drives near London.

Or, you can go to Godmersham, where you can find Godmersham Park. Keep in mind this park is not like any other parks, it is featured on 10 pounds notes. 

Fordwich, the smallest town in the UK With a population of 381 is also located in Kent on the River Stour. You can rent a boat and go on the river or just have a walk around. 

For the coastal walk, you can drive to Broadstairs, a pretty town on the Isle of Thanet, where you can visit Charles Dickens’ favourite holiday spot.

Diving Distance from London: 36 Miles. 1 Hour.

Suggested By:  Travel With Mansoureh

Road Trip from London, Kent Villages

14. Peak District

Nestled between the big cities of Manchester, Sheffield and Derby, The Peak District National Park is the oldest National Park in the UK.

It’s only a 3-hour drive from London , and standing on the craggy edge of one of the Peak District’s escarpments, overlooking the expansive landscape of green rolling hills and quaint villages below, you will feel a million miles away from life in the Capital.

Grab your Ordnance Survey map and hiking boots and head for a hike in the hills. Whilst Mam Tor in the North, or Dovedale Stepping Stones in the South, are popular hiking destinations, perhaps head to Curbar Edge or the rolling hills around Monyash, which will be much quieter.

Alternatively, bring your bike in your car and cycle along the miles upon miles of disused railway tracks that criss-cross the National Park. These have been transformed into gravel paths that are entirely traffic-free.

Whilst it is very doable to do a day trip from London with an early start and late finish, a visit to the Peak District is all about connecting with nature and slowing the pace.

So really, you want to book in at least a full weekend to reap the benefits of this road trip from London.

Diving Distance from London: 150 Miles. 2 Hours 50 Minutes.

Suggested By: Peak District Kids

Road Trip from London, Peak District

15. New Forest

The New Forest is a great place for a day trip from London or weekend road trip from London. There are several campsites in the area, where you can truly unwind and enjoy being close to nature.

You can take bikes with you or rent some, as the area has some great cycling trails. It is also a good destination for people, who want to go hiking near London .

You will most likely spot some wild horses on your outing. They are a common sight in the New Forest National Park. You can also book horse riding lessons and tours at most stables.

In the summer wild swimming is quite popular. There are several rope swings hung up by locals along the Lymington River.

Brockenhurst has a nice little area by the river, which is suitable for small children to paddle in the water. Families often come for a picnic at the river bank so this is a great option if you’re wanting to take a family road trip from London.

Diving Distance from London:  88 Miles. 1 Hour 40 Minutes.

Suggested By:  Travel Hacker Girl

Road Trip from London, New Forest

16. Cornwall

A Cornwall road trip is best enjoyed on a long weekend road trip from London.

National Trust members can park for free in the specified car parks scattered around Cornwall, and the coastal paths are the best way to see the rugged Cornish coastline. 

One of the most scenic routes on the Cornish coastal path is the route from Sennen Cove to Lands End , which gives walkers views over the beautiful Sennen beach and harbour area.

It’s the perfect spot to see Cornish wildlife, including red-billed choughs, peregrines, kestrels and grey seals. Further along the Mayon Cliffs coastal path, you can also walk to Maen Castle and see the lighthouses/shipwrecks lining the path. 

As well as the coastal path walks, Cornwall has a plethora of beaches and coves to visit where you will find secluded spots to enjoy minus the other tourists.

Even tourist favourite, Kynance Cove has a variety of coves and rock pools to enjoy away from other tourists. The coastal path from Kynance Cove to Lizard Point takes 47 minutes to walk or 15 minutes to drive. 

Timing is often everything when it comes to visiting places like Cornwall, and getting up early to explore or visiting the beaches in the late afternoon/early evening are a great way to get around and see the sights without hordes of other tourists.

Cornwall has various National Trust and English Heritage sites to visit, including the legendary Tintagel, as well as waterfalls and green areas to visit. 

There’s no doubt that Cornwall is a tourist hotspot, it is the place to visit if you want to get a taste of The Med without leaving England, but there are plenty of places to visit minus the crowds so looking into a London to Cornwall road trip !

Diving Distance from London: 260 Miles. 5 Hours.

Suggested By: The Life of a Social Butterfly

Also see: Hidden Gems in Cornwall to Visit & Things to do in Padstow !

Road Trip from London, Cornwall

17. Norwich

Norwich is the perfect road trip destination from London as it is not as far as you think, just over 2 hours from Central London . It is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the country, and has a thriving independent food and shopping scene.

Home to one of the largest open-air markets in the UK , a 12th-century castle, two cathedrals and a maze of cobbled stone streets.

It is a city that offers everything! After a day of exploring there are plenty of pubs, cocktail bars and restaurants serving local produce for you to enjoy.

Norwich also provides a great starting point to discover some of Norfolk’s most stunning countryside.

The beautiful North Norfolk coastline stretches for over 100 miles and things to do in Norfolk include discovering gorgeous beaches, adorable coastal villages and some amazing wildlife – the seals live here all year round!

Closer to the city you can find the Norfolk broads . A man-made warren of waterways which provide beautiful views and a great day trip out! A perfect weekend getaway with a mix of country and city. 

Diving Distance from London: 118 Miles. 2 Hours 25 Minutes.

Suggested By: Where Charlie Wanders

Road Trip from London, Norwich

18. Stonehenge

A Stonehenge day trip from London is both easy and fun because you can easily drive from London to Stonehenge and I recommend stopping in Salisbury, a town with a wonderful cathedral, along the way.

Once you get there, you may be surprised by the fact you can’t actually enter the stone circle, but only see it from a distance.

The only time of the year when you can enter is Summer Solstice when you can access Stonehenge for free on a first come first served basis to see the sunrise aligning perfectly with the rocks.

All other times of the year, you can learn about Stonehenge at the visitor centre, where you’ll discover theories about how and why it was built, plus see a 360° audiovisual view, allowing you to stand virtually in the centre of the stone circle and see how it changes in different seasons. 

Visiting Stonehenge, touring the visitor centre and admiring the stone circle from different angles takes about 3/4 hours, making this destination ideal for a day trip from London by car.

For a weekend away, you could add Salisbury and nearby Avebury so you have enough to do to fill two days on your road trip from London.

Diving Distance from London: 88 Miles. 1 Hour 40 Minutes.

Suggested By: The Crowded Planet

Click here to book yourself a Stonehenge Tour via get your guide!

Road Trip from London, Stonehenge

19. Glastonbury

Most people think of the festival when they hear the name ‘Glastonbury’; few know that the town is well worth visiting in its own right. If you like nature, history and unique shops, you’re in the right place!

Quirky Glastonbury is a fantastic day trip from London or weekend road trip from London – it’s manageable in a day, but if you have time, it’s best to camp out nearby, or stay in one of the lovely guesthouses in town to make it a weekend trip. 

The drive from London to Glastonbury enjoys lush green scenery as you cross the beautiful rural counties of Wiltshire and Somerset.

Glastonbury is surrounded by nature, and plenty of hiking opportunities can be had close to the town, including the famous Glastonbury Tor, a hill that is awash with Pagan and Christian legend and has spring water that is said to be healing running out from underneath.

In the town, there are the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, and lots of shops, where amongst the usual clothes and books, you can also buy tarot cards and crystal balls!

Its culture and history have given it the title of ‘England’s most magical town’; and any tourists there will definitely feel a mystical air as they walk around!

Suggested By: Go South West

Book yourself a full day tour of Glastonbury via Viator!

Road Trip from London, Glastonbury

20. Avebury

Take a day trip from London and visit the largest stone circle in the world at Avebury in Wiltshire. Avebury Stone Circle has been there for since between 2850 and 2200 BC.

Avebury is set on a mound with a ditch running around it. The area has been used for farming for nearly 6,000 years and sheep still roam round the stones. Unlike Stonehenge, you can get up close and even touch the stones.

If you want a break from walking, you can stop for a bite to eat in the café at the barn or the Red Lion Pub, or have a look around the shops in the village.

The Alex Keiller Museum in the Museum Barn gives you an insight into the history of Avebury and the archaeological finds that have been made.

Walking tours around the stones can be booked at the museum too. The stones are free to walk round, though there is a charge for entering the Museum.

There is a large carpark which costs £4 per day for non-National Trust members and is free for members. The ticket machine only takes coins, so make sure you have change with you. There is parking for the disabled in the Old Farmyard.

Driving Distance from London: 83 Miles. 2 Hours

Suggested by: The Silver Nomad

Road Trip from London, Avebury

21. London To Scotland

Finally, for something a bit different, if you have the time, and especially if you are flying into the UK for this UK Road Trip, why not look into a London to Scotland Road Trip or a Scotland to London Road Trip.

Indie Campers who I mentioned in this post have a depot near London Heathrow Airport and Edinburgh Airport which means you could start in Edinburgh and do a road trip to London visiting lots of places in Scotland and England in between, or a London to Edinburgh Road Trip. 

It would be best to do this as a 3-7 day road trip in the UK!

Diving Distance from London: 400 Miles. 7 Hours.

Road Trip from London, Edinburgh

FAQs About Road Trips from London:

Here the answers to frequently asked questions about road trips from London:

What are good day trips from London?

Good day trips from London are those down to the South Coast to see the White Cliffs, Brighton, Kent and Bournemouth. More day trips from London that are great are to towns and cities like Windor, Bath, Bristol, The Cotswolds.

Where can you drive from London?

Once you get out of London driving is much easier so there are many places to drive from London like the South Coast of England, Essex, Kent, and to the West like South Wales, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

Where can I go close to London?

The best places close to London to go are places in Kent, Brighton and Surrey

Where should I go within 2 hours in London?

You can get very far into South England with a 2 hour drive from London, you can get to Kent, Dorset, Surrey, Somerset and into The Cotswolds.

What are scenic road trips from London?

Scenic Road trips from London to go on are to the Jurassic Coast, the Sussex Coast, into Surrey, into The Cotswolds and the New Forest National Park.

Now you’re set with plenty of ideas for epic road trips from London!

More of my trips from London posts:

  • 25 Day Trips from London by Train!
  • 10 Alternative Day Trips from London to do!
  • Things To Do in Oxford on a Day Trip from London.
  • Things To Do in Brighton on a Day Trip from London.
  • How to Visit the White Cliffs of Dover from London.

This post is in collaboration with Indie Campers.

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A Lady in London

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s Top Places to Visit Near London

Today I want to share my top picks for places to visit near London with you. From day trips to weekend getaways, scenic drives to stately homes, there are a lot of spots you can go to escape the city and enjoy other parts of Britain. Whether you’re into the seaside or the countryside, the coast or castles, this guide has a destination (or three) you’ll love.

Places to Visit Near London

Places to Visit Near London

I’ve published a lot of blog posts about places to visit near London since I moved to the UK over a decade ago. Today I want to pull them all together into one easy-to-access place. I hope it inspires you to explore more of the UK.

You can bookmark it or pin it on Pinterest for easy reference if you want to.

Hastings Beach View

Day Trips from London

Since they’re the easiest, I’ll start my guide to places to visit near London with day trips.

I’ve written about 15 day trips from London , 17 more day trips from London , day trips from London by car , day trips from London by train , cheap day trips from London , beach day trips from London , seaside day trips from London , scenic drives near London , and more.

I’ve also published blog posts about seasonal day trips from London. I’ve covered summer day trips from London , autumn day trips from London , winter day trips from London , and spring day trips from London .

If there’s a particular time of year you’re looking for places to visit near London, they have you covered.

Mathematical Bridge, Cambridge, England

I’ve also written a lot of posts about specific day trips from London.

From Brighton to Oxford , Cambridge , Ramsgate , Hastings , Deal , Winchester , Ely , the New Forest , Windsor Castle , and the Cotswolds , there’s no shortage of places you can read about on the A Lady in London blog.

If you want to find a specific destination you’re interested in, you can use the search box to find it. The box is on the sidebar of the blog if you’re on desktop and at the bottom if you’re on mobile.

Hospital of St Cross, Winchester, England

If you prefer tours, I’ve reviewed plenty of day tours to places to visit near London. From an Oxford and Cotswolds day tour with Rabbie’s to a Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon tour , I’ve covered a lot.

They’re great if you want to visit places like the Cotswolds without a car , as transportation is included.

There’s a lot more about these and other places in the beautiful book Escape London: Days Out within Easy Reach of London . You can get it here .

Ely Cathedral View

Weekend Trips from London

I’ve also published blog posts about places to visit near London for a weekend. I’ve written about weekend trips in the UK , weekend getaways from London , and more.

And as with day trips, I’ve published seasonal posts about weekend trips from London .

I’ve covered an autumn weekend in the Cotswolds , a spring weekend in the Cotswolds , a summer weekend in Wales , a summer weekend in Hampshire , a winter weekend in Wales , a winter weekend in Rye , a winter weekend in the Cotswolds , and more.

Pink Thatched Roof Cottage in the Village of East Meon, Hampshire, England

I’ve published lots of blog posts about specific weekend trips to places to visit near London, too. From West Sussex to Norfolk , Cambridge , Stratford-upon-Avon , the Wye Valley , and Bath , I’ve covered a range of places.

If you want to read more about a destination you’re interested in, you can use the search box on the blog to find it.

There are a lot more ideas in the book 52 Great British Weekends , too. You can get it here .

Bath Abbey is one of the best places to visit near London

Longer Breaks Near London

If you want to go away for more than a weekend, I’ve written about a number of places to visit near London that I’ve been to for three or more days. They’re great for bank holiday weekends or week-long getaways.

From Southwold with its great beaches to Surrey with its beautiful countryside, there are a lot of easy travel destinations close to London.

I’ve also reviewed a small-group tour of southwest England with Rabbie’s that includes places like Stonehenge , Durdle Door , Exeter , Glastonbury , Bath , and destinations in Devon like Tavistock and Dartmoor. It’s perfect for seeing a lot in one trip.

If you want more ideas, you can take a look at my blog posts about 3-day trips from London and 4-day trips from London .

Southwold Fish and Chip Shop in England

Themed Places to Visit Near London

If you’re interested in a particular theme when it comes to places to visit near London, you’ll find an abundance on the A Lady in London blog.

I’ve published posts about country walks near London , stately homes near London , places to go to the seaside near London , and castles near London .

If you like urban areas, I’ve written about the best cities in England . If you enjoy the countryside, I’ve written about beautiful places in England , a lavender field near London , and National Trust Cotswolds properties.

If you love village charm, I’ve published posts about the prettiest villages in England , the best villages in Wiltshire , and the top Cotswolds villages .

And if you’re into literature, you can find posts about literary places to visit in England and Jane Austen locations .

Stratford Upon Avon Garden in England

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to places to visit near London and that it’s inspired you to discover more of Britain.

If you want to go further afield, take a look at my blog post about the best places to visit in the UK . Happy travels!

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The best road trips from London that take 2 hours or less

GettyImages-857589702-scaled

Editor's note: This story has been updated with new information.

With an ever-increasing range of car rental options, a day trip out of town is easy to plan. But with time so precious, we don't want to spend all day in the car.

From historic cities, national parks and seaside scenes, you won't even have time to play "I spy." Here are some ideas for your next London road trip — all in under two hours from central London — and some inspiration on where to have lunch while you're there.

Never miss a thing by subscribing to our daily newsletter .

Before you set off, don't forget to check the best credit cards to use for car rental. When you are road-trip planning, make sure you avoid the London Congestion Charge zone.

Related: 7 of the best road trips around the UK

Distance from London: 35 miles (around an hour).

Marlow Lock on the River Thames. (Photo by GordonBellPhotography/Getty Images)

Marlow and the Home Counties are really close by with plenty of things to do. Marlow is right on the river, so start by crossing Grade I-listed Marlow Bridge and go for a stroll along the Thames Path to spot wildlife (and the occasional rowing boat) on the river. After that, check out The High Street and venture on a blue plaque-hunting escapade. Look hard enough and you will find the building that TS Eliot called home during World War I and the house where Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein. Car parking can be a little tricky especially at lunchtime, but Liston Court Car Park lets you park for up to six hours for $5.

Where to have lunch : Marlow is a Michelin-star mecca but just a few miles away is Hurley House Hotel where there is a smorgasbord of lunch options from sushi to steak. And there's a lovely outdoor terrace and garden with weekend BBQs.

2. Stonehenge

Distance from London: 90 miles (just under two hours).

scenic places to visit near london

If I didn't live in London, I would live in Bath . But that's over our two-hour threshold. So instead, a day trip to Stonehenge is called for, especially as the summer solstice draws ever closer. From London, it's an easy drive down the M3 to this 5,000-year-old Wiltshire stone circle. Stonehenge remains a truly remarkable relic of the prehistoric world — older than the Great Pyramids and still largely a mystery. On average, a visit to Stonehenge takes around two hours, so if you have time, head over to the Army Flying Museum on the way back to London, which tells you about the journey of British soldiers in the air from the pioneering days of balloons and kites right through to the modern chapter of helicopter operations.

Where to have lunch : The Stonehenge Inn is the closest pub to Stonehenge and even hosts a mini-Stonehenge, an exact replica of the great monument. Here you can expect classic pub grub and also a pizza kitchen.

3. The New Forest

Distance from London: 84 miles (just under two hours).

(Photo Travelpix Ltd/Getty Images)

A trip to the New Forest is about as close as you can get to a safari without buying a plane ticket. As you make your way down dappled lanes and across the heather-covered heath, you'll be watched by ponies that have grazed there for thousands of years with cattle and pigs casually hovering up fallen acorns. Every July to September, the New Forest open-top bus tour is a hop-on, hop-off experience with three different routes. You can even bring your bikes and (well-behaved) dogs along.

Where to have lunch : New Forest pubs are an important part of the area's heritage. The Pilgrim Inn is what Londoners imagine a country pub to be with a thatched roof, roaring log fires and a cozy dining room for lazy lunches.

4. Mersea Island

Distance from London: 59 miles (1.5 hours).

(Photo by Anna Wator/Getty Images)

Attached to the mainland by a causeway that floods at high tide, this island getaway is great if you love water. Mersea Island has beach huts, ice cream, windsurfers and lots of boats. A boat trip around the harbor from the Causeway Jetty on Coast Road will show you the local sights from the water. Mersea Island's sometimes sunny south-facing beach looking over the Blackwater Estuary and is a curious a mix of sand and shingle but has great views. If you visit Mersea at the end of August you could also pop into the Clacton Airshow, which is free and includes a good mixture of activities from The Red Arrows to historic aircraft shows.

Where to have lunch : The big draw is The Company Shed , which serves seafood platters that pull in crowds from all over the country every weekend. It doesn't take bookings, and it's open for takeaway only at the moment. Get there before midday to feast on local oysters, prawns and dressed crab. Talking of which, catch-and-release crabbing is fun and it's free. Just watch out for those crab claws!

5. Whitstable

Distance from London: 60 miles (1.5 hours).

(Photo by Oscar Wong/Getty Images)

The Kent coast is dotted with picture-perfect towns like Margate and Deal, but Whitstable is really pretty with its pastel-painted beach huts and thriving arts scene. Explore Whitstable's arty side with a wander round its galleries including the Fishslab Gallery , which used to the local Fishmonger. Whitstable's historic Harbor Street is a must-visit for every day-tripper who comes, followed by The Harbor Market to pick up curious knick-knacks and furniture with character.

Where to have lunch : The Lobster Shack is a local favorite, famous for local oysters and live shellfish. With beach views and lots of outdoor seating, it's the place for people-watching in the summer and getting cozy by the log burner in colder times. Bookings are not accepted.

6. Leeds Castle and the White Cliffs of Dover

Distance from London: 43 miles (one hour) to Leeds Castle then 39 miles (45 minutes) to the White Cliffs of Dover.

(Photo by mbtaichi/Getty Images)

Staying in glorious Kent, this two-stop day trip starts at Leeds Castle (not in Leeds), which is picturesquely placed in the middle of a lake surrounded on all sides by forests and parklands. Stroll through the Lady Baillie Gardens before a quick drive to the truly iconic White Cliffs of Dover . A symbol of home, hope and freedom, their dazzling white chalk faces reach 350 feet. Also look out for two herds of resilient Exmoor ponies whose mission is to graze away to keep the coarse grasses, bushes and trees at bay so that the chalk grassland of the cliffs can thrive.

Where to have lunch: Meander 10 miles up the Kentish coast from the gorgeous cliffs to the village of St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe where you will find The White Cliffs Hotel Bunkhouse Kitchen Bar . Here you can expect a proper Kentish experience with Folkstone fish, foraged herbs and home cultivated ice creams.

Bottom line

We do love London — most of the time. It just so happens that it's also conveniently located in the middle of a bunch of great road-trip destinations, all under two hours away by car. So jump in the car, get your sat nav out and away you go.

Join The London Crew: Grab this checklist with 110 things to do in london from a local.

Hues Of Delahaye

14 Cities Close to London To Visit By Train [2024]

Are you planning a short trip to England and want to explore  cities close to London ? Look no further!

Roman Baths England

This Londoner has you covered whether you’re an experienced traveller or new to exploring the UK, there is plenty of great days trips from London within easy reach.

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best dat trip from tour is this  Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Full-Day Tour with a near-perfect ⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating.

Stonehenge trip from London

From quaint cobbled streets and lively markets, these destinations offer unique experiences that take in all the culture, beauty, and history of these historic English towns, villages and cities close to London by train.

14 Cities Close to London – Outside UK

Here’s a look at some of the  best places near London  to explore— all within 2 hours away by train or car.

1. St Albans – 25 Minutes Away By Train

Things to Do in St Albans

Just 25 minutes away from London, St Albans is the closest city to London by train. St Albans has plenty of history for visitors to explore. It was once a major Roman settlement and its cathedral dates back 1,400 years.

Visit Verulamium Park, which lies on the site of what was once one of the largest cities in Roman Britain. Tour the beautiful 11th-century St Albans Cathedral or visit the Verulamium Museum, filled with fascinating ancient artefacts and some of the most breathtaking mosaics you’ll find outside of the Mediterranean.

For more inspiration read my guide on  things to do in St Albans one of the cities nearest to london?

2. Chelmsford – 30 Minutes Away By Train

This city is located just 30 minutes away from London by train. Chelmsford was granted city status on 1 June 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

This small city is filled with exciting attractions such as Hylands House and Park—a Grade 11 Neo-classical mansion surrounded by parkland.

The Chelmsford Museum offers interactive exhibits about the history of Chelmsford and Essex and Central Park, which is home to several outdoor events throughout the year in one of the top cities around London.

3. Brighton (England) – 1 Hour By Train

Brighton Pier

Brighton is one of England’s most popular seaside resorts just an hour away from London by train.

This quaint yet modern seaside escape from London has been a beloved bathing sea resort since the 18th century and is well known for its iconic Royal Pavilion.

Built by King George IV between 1787 and 1822, visitors marvel at the exotic palace constructed of Indian-style domes and minarets accented with lavish decorations. 

Additionally, tourists flock from all around to take strolls and take in sights along Brighton Palace Pier, a 1,722ft long Victorian pier located near downtown Brighton.

If you’re feeling adventurous, float up to 450ft in the spacious glass viewing pod of Brighton i360 for 360 views of the South Downs and the surrounding.

Last but not least, be sure to visit Brighton Museum & Art Gallery with its rotating collection of contemporary art exhibits and historical artefacts. They are so many things to do in Brighton!

4. Cambridge England – 1 Hour By Train

How To Get To Cambridge From London

Cambridge, England is a bustling university city and county town located in Cambridgeshire. Cambridge is one of my favourite cities in the United Kingdom to visit, with so much to explore and things to do in Cambridge . Why don’t you start your visit by seeing Trinity College or the free-to-enter Fitzwilliam Museum.

Why not climb the 123 steps of the University Church tower of the Great St Mary’s Church and get a 360-degree view of the market square and the Colleges from above.

For a unique experience, why not take a punting tour along the river Cam and take in the beautiful views of the college “Backs”.

For more inspiration read my guide on  the best photo spots in Cambridge

While punting, keep your eyes peeled for the famous Mathematical Bridge too. Built in 1749 by James Essex (the Younger) and designed by William Etheridge, this architectural wonder stretches across the river Cam connecting Queens’ College with other colleges.

Check out King College Chapel, one of Cambridge’s most iconic buildings.

And if that wasn’t enough for you, take a stroll around Cambridge University Botanical Garden or join an exciting 90-minute Cambridge tour led by a past Cambridge student for firsthand insight into the prestige University.

Green Street Cambridge

A Cambridge day trip from London by train is easy from St Pancras train station with a journey time of within one hour.

Cambridge Uni Tour Led By Alumni w/ Optional Kings College

Come take a walk with one of Cambridge University’s graduate students and tour some of the most popular colleges, like King’s College, Clare College, and Trinity College.

⭐ RATING:  4.8 out of 5 Stars (710+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2.5 hours | BOOK NOW

5. Winchester – 1 Hour By Train

Winchester is a charming Cathedral city in Hampshire, England. The ancient walls of the cathedral had stood since 1093 when William the Conqueror was in charge, and its Great Hall has King Arthur’s Round Table pride of place. This is a must-see city for those looking to transport themselves back in time.

Many centuries’ worth of history can be explored throughout the city, from Winchester Cathedral to the magnificent remains of Winchester Castle, which still stands strong in the form of its Great Hall.

There’s also the Hospital of St Cross founded in 1132 one of the oldest charities in Great Britain with Grade I listed buildings.

Don’t forget the Royal Armouries either – Fort Nelson hosts an unbelievable collection of artillery that you won’t want to miss out on.

And if that isn’t enough? Then you can experience victory through the Exercise Hockley Viaduct Way; this historic railway dates back to 1891.

For those seeking a guided experience, take a stroll around Winchester with a guided walking tour.

6. Canterbury – 1 hr 30 Minutes By Train

PUNTING CRUISE Canterbury

Canterbury is another excellent destination for those looking to escape from London for a day trip . Located an hour and a half away by train, this ancient city offers plenty of attractions such as Canterbury Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

The mother church of Anglicanism has sections that date back to the 11th Century, the Anglo-Gothic and Romanesque structure has been the site of major historical events.

The Canterbury Roman Museum is the perfect place to travel back in time. With its original Roman pavement mosaic, you can explore what the town would have been like 100 years ago.

Discover the history behind England’s largest medieval gateway at the Westgate Towers Museum and Viewpoint. Learn about how it was used to defend the city while enjoying spectacular views of Canterbury. Then, take a walk through the beautifully kept Westgate Gardens nearby.

Visit Canterbury Cathedral

However, one of the top things to do in Canterbury is to do a Canterbury river tour.

London: Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle, and White Cliffs

From London, take a day trip by mini-bus to Kent, known as the Garden of England. Visit Canterbury Cathedral, see the fantastic White Cliffs of Dover, and tour Dover Castle – the largest castle in the country!

⭐ RATING:  4.3 out of 5 Stars (186+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10.5 hours | BOOK NOW

7. Oxford 1 hr 30 Minutes By Train

Oxford UK

Located just an hour and a half away by train, Oxford is another great destination for those looking to explore England’s past. Oxford is also one of the major cities in the United Kingdom.

If you have just a short amount of time to explore Oxford, let me offer you the perfect sightseeing itinerary. Start with the University of Oxford it’s an absolute must-see. Here are a few things you can do in Oxford:

Take a stroll along its grounds, admire its magnificent architecture, and peek into some of its famous lecture halls. From there, head straight to Christ Church College, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Oxford , UK and known worldwide for its connection with Alice in Wonderland.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Radcliffe Camera. This stunning Thematic Library is a perfect symbol of Oxford’s architectural heritage. Its eye-catching 18th-century baroque-style design is renowned for its morning sunlight and striking shadow patterns – it’s a sight you won’t forget.

Home to over 200,000 rare books from the 16th, 17th and 18 centuries, Radcliffe Camera Oxford also showcases impressive displays like the exhibit of John Selden’s legacy.

After that jaw-dropping experience, make your way to Pitt Rivers Museum, where you’ll find fascinating collections from many cultures, postcards from all around Great Britain, and incredible exhibitions on anthropology and archaeology from all over the world.

The Bridge of Sighs Oxford Oxfordshire England

Bridge of Sighs is  one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. This beautiful footbridge will transport you back in time as you meander over its Gothic arches, connecting two quadrangles at Hertford College.

The bridge provides spectacular views of wooded gardens and meadows that are simply not seen elsewhere in Oxford, making it well worth a few moments of your time if you’re fortunate enough to make it there during sunset.

Finally, top off your visit with a scenic boat ride along the River Thames. Just don’t forget your camera—this picturesque view is one for the ages.

Oxford: University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide

Take a walking tour of Oxford University with one of its current students, who will provide extensive knowledge about the school, and take you to a filming location for Harry Potter.

⭐ RATING:  4.8 out of 5 Stars (1397+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | BOOK NOW

8. Bath 1 hours 30 Minutes By Train

Bath Itinerary

Bath, England, has so much to offer! If you want to learn more about the history of this beautiful city, visit the Roman Baths and explore Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Bath is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage cities near London.

Once you’re done there, head over to Thermae Bath Spa and soak in some of their natural hot spring water. And don’t forget to check out The Holburne Museum, where you can experience a bit of Bath’s culture. Then relive the Georgian era with a tour of No.1 Royal Crescent.

For more inspiration read my guide on things to do in Bath UK

After that why not stroll through the Fashion Museum and take in some of the beauty and style of Bath.

For those up for an adventure, climb the 154 steps to get a magnificent view from the top of Beckford’s Tower located on Lansdown Hill.

Finally, visit The Jane Austen Centre and let it transport you back in time as you explore Austen’s time spent living here in Bath, UK. Believe us when we say it doesn’t stop there – pop into Sally Lunn’s for their legendary Bath bun or enjoy some high tea at one of the local establishments for a real taste of English culture.

Bath: 1.5-Hour Walking Tour with Blue Badge Tourist Guide

Let a professional tour guide, guide you through this UNESCO World Heritage City, its major landmarks of Bath and its captivating history.

⭐ RATING:  4.9 out of 5 Stars (567+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | BOOK NOW

9. Bristol 1 hr 35 Minutes By Train

Where to See the best views in bristol UK

Located just an hour and a half from London, this vibrant city has plenty of things to see and do, including excellent shopping in The Galleries, exploring Bristol Cathedral, or taking a stroll along the picturesque Harbourside.

For more inspiration read my guide on  things to do in Bristol UK

While you’re in town, visit the Bristol Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world, or take a day trip to the nearby Bath. You won’t miss out on this charming city with its fascinating history, elegant architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings.

Bristol: Tootbus Bristol Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Tour

This open-top bus tour of Bristol’s major attractions gives you 14 different stops to hop off and explore the parks and attractions in a leisurely manner.

⭐ RATING:  4.4 out of 5 Stars (44+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 Day | BOOK NOW

It’s one of the large cities easy to travel to London Paddington with a journey time from London to Bristol Temple Meads of one and half hours from  London Paddington.

best views in bristol

10. Norwich 1 hr 50 Minutes By Train

If you are looking for an exciting day trip outside of London, consider visiting Norwich, UK.

You’re in for a real treat when you travel to Norwich, this beautiful cathedral city located in Norfolk, England.

It was the first UNESCO City of Literature in England to receive the title award in May 2012. There’s so much you can do while in Norwich like:

Visit the famous Norwich Castle, which has stood since 1067, and explore the Roman ruins at Venta Icenorum – the remains of a once-thriving ancient town.

See the spectacular Norman architecture of Norwich Cathedral, built nearly 900 years ago in 1096-1145, this impressive structure is an unmissable part of the city’s skyline.

Better yet, catch up on local history by heading to the Museum of Norwich at The Bridewell.

Go shopping at Castle Mall or Chapelfield Mall, admire the beauty of St John the Baptist Cathedral or take in stunning views of part of the Norfolk Broads National Park.

You’ll never forget your time in this delightful city with its wealth of fascinating history and you’ll see why is is in the to 10 UK cities closest to London.

11. Salisbury England – 2 Hours By Train

This cathedral city is located in Wiltshire in the UK, where the rivers Avon, Nadder, and Bourne meet. The sights here are sure to take your breath away.

In the heart of it, all is Salisbury Cathedral – one of England’s four original Magna Carta manuscripts has its home there dating back to 1215AD.

Further exploring can be had at nearby Cathedral Close, where attractions like Arundells, Mompesson House, The Rifles Military Museum and Salisbury Museum await in the 10 cities closest to London.

And don’t forget to check out the traditional Charter Market in the Market Place when you’re in town.

12. Chichester 2 Hours By Train

Chichester in West Sussex has a rich Roman past. In fact, there is historical evidence of Roman settlement within the city. Examples of this can be found in the remarkable Roman baths and the Georgian wall that replaced the old city walls.

The Chichester Cathedral stands tall and proud as an impressive testament to the city’s past – having been constructed in the 11th century, it replaced an additional cathedral founded in 681 at Selsey.

If you want to learn more about what Chichester City Centre has to offer, then check out The Novium Museum. You can go on a fascinating learning tour there, as it’s free to enter. Plus, here is a fun fact – it was built on the remains of a Roman bathhouse.

Then take a stroll through Bishops Palace Gardens to appreciate nature’s beauty while taking in some spectacular views. What are you waiting for

13. Manchester 2 Hours By Train

If you’re looking to explore Manchester, England, you’ll have no shortage of things to see and do. Manchester is one of the major cities near London worth visiting.

The Manchester Opera House and Palace Theatre in the city centre is a great first stop.

Visit the Manchester Cathedral not only was it built almost 800 years ago, in 1421, but this historically significant UK landmark also features beautiful remnants of old English Gothic architecture, such as its unique two-toned masonry work.

The cathedral houses the world’s largest stained glass window in a three-part design called ‘The Good Samaritan’, which is worth taking a few moments to admire.

If you’re a sports fan, then be sure to check out Old Trafford while you’re there.

RHS Garden Bridgewater is worth a visit to experience something extra special. Reviving the gardens of the historic 156-acre Worsley New Hall estate has created an idyllic landscape everyone should see at least once.

For a unique tour of Manchester, try one of the river cruises or take in all Manchester United has to offer with its museum and stadium tour.

Don’t forget there’s plenty more beyond just Manchester, like the beautiful countryside, including the Lake District and Peak District, and cosmopolitan cities such as Chester, Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Old Trafford: Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour

Visit Manchester United and get a rare look at the dressing room, tunnel, players’ dugout, and other exclusive areas.

⭐ RATING:  4.7 out of 5 Stars (1900+ reviews) | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | BOOK NOW

14. Liverpool 2 Hours By Train

If you’re looking for a truly iconic and quintessentially British experience, then look no further than Liverpool one of the cities closest to London.

Pay a visit to the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and relive its industrial heritage, or wander through the Beatles Story Experience to feel the electrifying force of 1960s counterculture.

To learn about Liverpool’s literary and artistic past, explore Liverpool Cathedral and the Walker Art Gallery.

Why not check out the British Music Experience if music is more your thing? Its interactive galleries will have you rocking around the clock!

Sports lovers should head to Anfield Stadium to witness Liverpool F.C. in action or take a 360-degree tour of the Royal Liver Building, one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks.

History buffs can explore the Georgian Quarter, where centuries-old architecture stands proud.

Immerse yourself in independent culture in the Baltic Triangle, one of Europe’s most cutting-edge creative hubs. However you choose to experience it, Liverpool has something to offer everyone.

Cities Near London FAQs

Visit Windsor Day Out

What towns are close to London?

The towns close to London are Maidenhead, Windsor, Hampstead and Richmond-upon-Thames and are less than an hour away from London city. Maidenhead  is just a short 34-minute drive to the West of London. This picturesque town offers quaint little cafes and lovely scenic walks and is perfect for a day trip excursion or even a weekend staycation . Windsor  is another great town to explore, just a 25-minute drive out of London. Wander through its beautiful castle or discover the many shops and restaurants in the stunning high street.

Hampstead  is also just a short 15-minute drive outside of London. Hampstead is the perfect place to relax and unwind with its charming village vibe and beautiful parks and gardens.

Greenwich  is a great option too, just 20 minutes downriver by boat and packed with historic sites such as the Cutty Sark , The National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory.

Richmond-upon-Thames  is a 40-minute drive from London and offers great hiking trails and beautiful green spaces.

For those who fancy something further away, Folkestone in Kent is well worth checking out; it is famed for its beachfront promenade along the coast, where you can enjoy some of the best views of The White Cliffs of Dover . 

I have tried to select towns 30 minutes from London or within an hour from London.

What cities are 1 hour away from London?

These are the top cities within just one hour’s drive of London like St Albans, Chelmsford, Winchester, Brighton and Cambridge these are amongst the 10 closest cities to London.

What are the 2 cities in London?

London isn’t just one city; it’s actually two: the City of London and the City of Westminster . The City of London is a smaller area consisting primarily of the financial district, while the City of Westminster is made up of a variety of neighbourhoods and boroughs on both sides of the River Thames and takes in prominent landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Houses Of Parliament and Trafalgar Square.

 UK Cities Closest to London Conclusion| City Near London

These cities near London are some of the best places to visit if you’re looking for an escape from London but don’t want to travel too far, then these cities are perfect for you.

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9 Great Places To Visit Near London

London’s a great place to visit, but it would be a shame if you didn’t also grab the chance to see a bit of what else England has to offer whilst you’re there. Here’s our list of places we’d visit.

Each idea is meant to be able to be done as a day trip although you can, of course, spend longer there.

We’ve also included ideas for a range of age groups and interest – families with kids, culture vultures and the like – and so there should be something for everyone here.

( This post was updated in January 2023 )

Table of Contents

The internationally renowned seat of learning is also extremely pretty.

The University is actually a collection of about 40 colleges, each its own distinct ethos – some are new, whereas others are over 800 years old – but the prettiest are within a mile radius of the center.

Explore some of these colleges, punt on the river or just wander around soaking up all that history and learning…

Oxford’s an hour on the train from Paddington Station in London.

Update: We recently published a post focusing on Oxford here>>> 10 Must See Sites In Oxford

2. Stonehenge

If you think Oxford’s old then you’ll think it positively juvenile compared to Stonehenge, reckoned to be over 5000 years old.

Comprising huge blocks of stone arranged in a circle in the middle of Salisbury Plain, it is one of the most recognisable monuments in the world.

It’s a bit tricky to get there given its remote location.

However its a short drive from London – or you could take one of the many tours from London.

3. Legoland

A change of take: this is one for the kids (and big kids).

Legoland is a short trip west of London – there are several coach operators such as Golden Tours – and will suit kids of all ages.

4. Cambridge

Given we’ve listed Oxford, it would be unfair not to mention its arch rival Cambridge.

If anything it’s even prettier than Oxford and quieter – Oxford a reasonably sized city whereas Cambridge is much smaller in relation to the university.

There are frequent rail services from Kings Cross station.

5. Stratford Upon Avon

One for the more culturally inclined.

Stratford Upon Avon was the home town of William Shakespeare. You can visit his actual birthplace and where he lived with his wife, Anne Hathaway (no, not that one).

It’s also the home of the world famous Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and so you can always catch a play whilst you’re there.

6. Bletchley Park

Fans of the movie ‘The Imitation Game’ will know that Bletchley Park was where codebreakers – especially the genius Alan Turing – broke the German Enigma code during the second world war. This allowed the Allies to spy on German naval communications.

The Bletchley park trust now does a great job of explaining how it was done – great for scientifically mided older children.

Again, it’s a short train ride from London.

7. Windsor Castle

Windsor was Queen’s favourite castle – she stayed there often – and also one of the most accessible.

Windsor itself is a beautiful place to visit, but the highlight is the castle itself, available for tours.

Here’s our post on the castle: Windsor Castle

Another beautiful place, Bath in Somerset has been a spa town – renowned for its mineral water, well, baths – since Roman times. Indeed one of the major attractions is the well preserved Roman baths which can be toured year round.

In later years it become one of the best sites of Georgian architecture – be sure to visit the streets around the Royal Crescent for great examples of this popular building style.

Here our post on this lovely town>>> Bath

9. Cotswolds

No trip to England could be considered complete without a trip to its beautiful countryside, shaped by thousands of years of human activity- especially farming.

One of the best examples is the Cotswolds, gentle rolling hills dotted with pretty villages built with the local Cotswold sandstone.

Update – we just published a post focusing on the best places to visit in the Cotswolds .

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40 Villages Near London You’ll Regret Falling in Love With!

Escape the London bustle for picturesque villages that you’ll regret falling in love with. From Surrey’s serene hills to Essex’s charming spots, our sarcastic guide uncovers the worst best countryside near London for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Prepare yourselves, dear readers, for a countryside disaster. We’re about to introduce you to top villages near London that are so painfully gorgeous, that you’ll regret ever laying eyes on them. The English countryside is a nasty place filled with lush greens, winding roads, and quaint cottages that look like they’re ripped straight from a postcard – truly, a terrible sight to behold.

If you’ve ever thought that London was getting too loud, too busy, or too much, then you’re definitely not going to find refuge in these villages. After all, who would want to exchange urban hustle and bustle for peace and serenity? Not us, surely.

So sit back and grit your teeth as we take you on a journey through the most deplorable villages you’ll ever have the misfortune of falling in love with. Trust us, you’ll wish you’d stayed at home.

Best countryside near London

Where to find the best villages near London?

The best villages near me from London? Good luck tearing yourself away from the captivating scenery of these so-called “idyllic” spots. Surely, you’d rather be stuck in a Tube station at rush hour, right? You could venture out to the Surrey Hills, but be warned, the tranquillity might just bore you to tears. Essex villages like Finchingfield are another terrible option – unless you’re into that whole “historic charm” thing.

And let’s not even talk about Buckinghamshire ; places like Hambleden are so lovely, they might just ruin the city for you forever. There, you’ve been warned.

Where to find the best villages near London

Countryside near me from London

If you are ready to head out of London and take a breath of fresh air, then check out these villages near London;

1. Kersey, Suffolk

Picturesque villages near me? Kersey sets the gold standard for nauseatingly idyllic settings. If you find timber-framed houses charming, Kersey will ruin you for any other form of architecture. Truly, a crisis for your design sensibilities.

Beautiful village near London - Kersey, Suffolk

2. Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire

Beautiful villages near me? Just the name, Lower Slaughter , is enough to make you run back to the safe embrace of London’s smog. Cobblestone streets that your heels will hate, a river too calm for its own good, and don’t even get us started on the mill-turned-tea-room. Gosia and I were absolutely miffed by its storybook aesthetic.

Rural areas near me - Lower Slaughter

3. Finchingfield, Essex

Think you’ve seen charm? Finchingfield will prove you wrong. Its pond is like a mirror reflecting your poor life choices. Even the ducks here seem like they’re from a Disney film. Gosia and I tried to have a peaceful afternoon here once; the serenity was unsettling.

To Ruin Your Day

  • Pond: A reflective trap
  • Village Green: Basically, a stage for your own rom-com

Village outside London - Finchingfield, Essex

4. Hambleden, Buckinghamshire

Best countryside near London? Hambleden makes you question whether you’ve stumbled into a historical drama. With its St. Mary’s Church dating back to the 14th century and countless cottages that appear as if they’re baked from gingerbread, this village is an ambush for your modern sensibilities.

Darek and I found Hambleden to be a most egregious offender in making us reconsider our urban loyalties. You’ve been warned.

Best villages near London - Hambleden, Buckinghamshire

5. Peaslake, Surrey

Beautiful villages near London? If you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, avoid Peaslake at all costs. This village in the Surrey Hills will make every other hiking trip look like a dismal walk around a car park. Miles of bike trails and footpaths will ruin your appreciation for flat, concrete surfaces. Trust me, after trudging through forests and fields, you’ll find that the city’s grey hues have never looked so good.

Not only are the views stunning, but the local pub will destroy any semblance of a diet with its comfort food. Darek and I tried to escape the magnetic pull of its culinary offerings, but alas, we failed.

Country villages near me - Peaslake, Surrey

6. Ashton under Hill, Worcestershire

Best villages to visit near me? Oh, Ashton under Hill, you sly fiend. How you lure with your open gardens and seduce with your annual festivals. Do you want your sense of time and reality to be distorted? Come here and before you know it, you’ll be wondering if you’ve transported to an earlier century where smartphones are as alien as space invaders. Ashton under Hill is a black hole of nostalgia. You enter, and you may never come out the same.

Quaint village near me - Ashton under Hill

7. Beaulieu, New Forest

Nice villages near me? If you still have an ounce of affection for London, don’t go to Beaulieu in the New Forest. Ponies and donkeys roam freely here, and you’ll find yourself irrationally wanting to relocate and adopt all of them. The Beaulieu River adds to the disarming charm, almost like nature’s own conspirator against city life.

And then there’s the Beaulieu Motor Museum, another ambush. Think you love London’s museums? Wait until you witness a collection of over 250 automobiles. It’s not just an attack on your urban life but also on your interests.

Historic villages near me - Beaulieu, New Forest

8. Shere, Surrey

Nice countryside near London? Shere does a brilliant job pretending to be just another English village. But this is where they filmed scenes from The Holiday, and you’ll leave wanting to write your own rom-com script, even if you can’t stand rom-coms. This village is so ridiculously cinematic that you’ll curse your regular life for not having a movie-worthy backdrop. The streets are made of material stronger than cobblestones: pure, concentrated charm. Gosia and I nearly commissioned a local artist to paint us into this setting – fortunately, reason prevailed at the last moment.

Perils in Shere

  • St. James’s Church: Adds the “historic” to “scenic”
  • Local shops: A gauntlet of irresistible crafts and antiques

Best villages near me - Shere, Surrey

9. Wendens Ambo, Essex

Pretty villages near me? The final nail in the coffin is Wendens Ambo in Essex. With a name that sounds like a Harry Potter spell, the place is enchanted in the worst possible way for city-lovers. It has a train station that offers a ride to London, a taunting reminder of the world you’re missing while you’re ensnared here. The village green here is the kind where families play and dogs frolic. It’s so insufferably delightful that you’ll resent the absence of such greenery in your London flat.

Small village near me - Wendens Ambo, Essex

So there you have it, five more compelling reasons to stick to the grit and grime of London’s streets. Venture out, if you dare, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.

10. Sonning on Thames, Berkshire

Countryside near me? We were loath to include Sonning on Thames , mainly because its riverbank setting is a complete travesty. How dare they elevate the simple act of having a pint by the water to something approaching the sublime? It’s as if someone decided to slap together the best of both worlds – nature and creature comforts – just to create discontent with city life. This Thames-side haunt is the worst.

Seductive Sights in Sonning

  • The Mill at Sonning: A dinner theatre. Yes, you read it right.
  • George Clooney’s House: As if the village wasn’t insufferable enough.

Best villages near London - Sonning on Thames, Berkshire

11. Cuxham, Oxfordshire

English countryside near London? Ah, Cuxham. How you mock us with your medieval history and your maddeningly preserved architecture. You’ll feel as if you’re in a fairy tale, which is just the worst for us rational, skyscraper-loving folk. The Holy Cross church in this village is a medieval marvel that’ll leave you aghast, pondering why you ever valued city skyscrapers.

Scenic villages near me - Cuxham

12. Stanton, Gloucestershire

Rural villages near me? Stanton might as well be the setting for an Agatha Christie novel. It’s so disarmingly pleasant that you’ll start looking for hidden secrets behind every wisteria-covered wall. And the Stanton Guildhouse?

A former manor turned into a community centre that offers arts and crafts courses, making the village an even deeper pit of deceptive allure. Darek and I signed up for a pottery class, but it took all our strength to pull ourselves back to reality.

Picturesque village near me - Stanton

13. Chiddingfold, Surrey

Beautiful countryside near London? Chiddingfold pulls you in with its gorgeous green, tricking you into believing that it’s a harmless place to be.

What you won’t realize is that you’ll leave a piece of your heart behind on that village green, which hosts bonfire nights so captivating that Guy Fawkes would reconsider his life choices. And the Crown Inn? It’s been serving drinks since the 14th century, likely causing existential crises for generations.

Best village near London - Chiddingfold, Surrey

14. Ickleford, Hertfordshire

Nice villages to visit near me? Visiting Ickleford is like watching a rom-com that you swore you’d never watch. Yet, here you are, being charmed by its thatched cottages and swooning over its ridiculously photogenic countryside. It’s a village so ridiculous in its allure that you’ll find yourself questioning your urban loyalties. Let’s not even mention its ancient church; it’s just overkill.

Ridiculous Elements

  • Thatched Cottages: Just too storybook
  • Local Events: From country fairs to beer festivals, oh my!

Best villages near me - Ickleford, Hertfordshire

15. Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire

Pretty villages near London? Last, and by no means least, Chalfont St Giles is the epitome of a trap. With its award-winning duck pond and idyllic village green, you’ll be duped into thinking life couldn’t be better. The Merlin’s Cave pub is the final straw, ensnaring you with its ambience and hearty British fare. Gosia and I stopped by for what was supposed to be a quick lunch, and two hours later, we were still there, helplessly ensnared by its cosy aura.

Best villages near London - Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire

Don’t say we didn’t warn you. These villages are nothing short of enthralling traps designed to make you abandon your cosmopolitan aspirations. If you decide to venture to any of these locales, prepare to question everything you thought you loved about city life.

16. Aldbury, Hertfordshire

Villages near London to visit? Aldbury is a village so twee, you’d think it’s a film set. In fact, you wouldn’t be completely wrong, as it’s been used in films and TV shows. With its two ponds and a village green that is an utter disgrace in its loveliness, Aldbury is like the popular kid in school who’s good at everything. The village stocks and whipping post are now just a photo opp, reminding us of a dark past we’d rather romanticise than face head-on.

Oversights You Might Swoon Over

  • Village Stocks: Historic and totally Instagrammable
  • Aldbury May Fair: The fair you wish you could avoid but can’t

Local villages near me - Aldbury

17. Cookham, Berkshire

Small villages near me? It’s almost as if Cookham was designed to be an artist’s paradise. In fact, Sir Stanley Spencer called it ‘a village in Heaven.’ If you’re into art, you might risk never leaving. I mean, could you even imagine? A lifetime supply of beautiful landscapes but zero Pret a Mangers. Dreadful, really.

Best villages near me - Cookham, Berkshire

18. Ashwell, Hertfordshire

Countryside places near London? Ashwell springs. The name alone suggests a village you should definitely avoid. Imagine, natural springs supplying fresh water in a setting of medieval architecture. It’s like a Tolkien novel got a Pinterest makeover. Gosia and I accidentally discovered the Ashwell Village Museum and were baffled. Why would anyone want to preserve this unsettling charm?

19. Burley, New Forest

Countryside outside London? Burley makes you want to write poetry. Not because it’s poetic, but because it’s so unsettlingly idyllic you’ll need a creative outlet for your disquiet. And don’t even get us started on the witchcraft history. It’s as if Burley is trying too hard to be ‘quirky’.

Things that Will Make You Doubt Reality

  • Burley Ice Cream: Bewitchingly tasty
  • Witchcraft Shop: Over-the-top, really

Country villages near London - Burley

20. Hascombe, Surrey

Villages within 1 hour of London? How dare Hascombe have such a delightful village pond surrounded by willows? The mere sight is a slap in the face to anyone who values their London lifestyle. And if you ever dare to take a walk in Hascombe Hill, beware. The views over the South Downs will make you question why you ever settled for the London smog.

Old village near me - Hascombe, Surrey

We’re positive you’ll deeply regret falling in love with these places. Each village is a cunning labyrinth designed to lure you away from the buzzing life you’ve come to love. So, go ahead, visit them. But don’t say you weren’t warned.

21. Turville, Buckinghamshire

Countryside villages near me? Turville is a picturesque conundrum, cheekily posing as the backdrop for the Vicar of Dibley. This village is actually a 3D postcard. If you’re keen on losing yourself in its idyllic settings, then brace yourself. Rolling hills and the impossibly scenic Cobstone Windmill await you. Darek and I couldn’t decide whether to be stunned or disgusted by its fairytale-like charisma.

Best villages near me - Turville, Buckinghamshire

22. Brockham, Surrey

Nice village near me? Brockham sits in the shadow of Box Hill, as if it weren’t picturesque enough. With its stunning village green that practically screams “Look at me, I’m adorable!”, this place could melt even the iciest Londoner’s heart. Brockham Bonfire, the yearly November event, can cause an unnatural fondness for the communal and the rural. It’s embarrassing, really.

Horrifyingly Lovely Traditions

  • Brockham Bonfire: Weirdly Unifying
  • Village Green: Insultingly Idyllic

Best villages outside London - Brockham, Surrey

23. Haddenham, Buckinghamshire

Lovely villages near me? A village so unique, it has its very own type of witchert construction. But really, who wants buildings made of local puddingstone? If you find medieval churches and duck ponds charming, you’ll likely never escape Haddenham’s clutches. The village has not one, but three duck ponds. Yes, you heard that right. Unbelievable.

The village of Haddenham was used as the backdrop for Midsomer Murders and other popular TV programs.

Best villages near London - Haddenham, Buckinghamshire

24. Whitchurch on Thames, Oxfordshire

Villages close to London? Whitchurch on Thames, as its name suggests, is stationed along that all-too-famous river. The place is so keen on its riverfront view, it slapped it in its name. There’s an audacity to its appeal, from the 17th-century toll bridge to the nearby chalk hill figures. Gosia and I were torn between admiring its beauty and running back to the sane chaos of London.

Best countryside near London - Whitchurch on Thames, Oxfordshire

25. Fingest, Buckinghamshire

Quaint villages near London? Talk about a village with a bizarre name! Fingest sounds like the antithesis of interest, but that’s where you’re wrong. With its 12th-century church and oddball graveyard, it seems like Fingest is begging to be in a Tolkien book. Its olde-world charm is potent enough to stir a longing for an era you never lived in, which is deeply concerning.

Inconveniently Tempting Oddities

  • 12th-Century Church: Outrageously Alluring
  • Fingest Lane: Almost Otherworldly

Best villages near London - Fingest, Buckinghamshire

These next five villages are a diabolical trap. Beautiful but wily, each will ensnare you in a web of bucolic charm that will challenge your city-slicker ethos. Do tread cautiously; your urbanite soul may never recover.

26. Rye, East Sussex

Best villages around London? If you’ve ever fancied living in a history book, Rye is your unholy grail. This village is practically a living museum, its cobbled streets meticulously preserved as if waiting for Shakespeare to strut back in. While we were there, it felt like the village was practically auditioning for its own period drama. Its medieval half-timbered houses and Georgian buildings offer an unsettlingly flawless backdrop.

Best villages near me - Rye

27. Eton, Berkshire

Home to that infamous school, Eton’s practically groomed for the elite. Whether it’s the students in tailcoats or the finely preserved architecture, there’s a sophistication here that feels almost sarcastic. Can a village be too polished? We think so. While Gosia loved the riverside walks, I was questioning if we’d accidentally strolled onto a film set.

Arrogantly Charming Features

  • Eton College: Annoyingly Iconic
  • Riverside Walks: Excessively Beautiful

Best villages near London - Eton, Berkshire

28. Guiting Power, Gloucestershire

Quaint villages near me? Ah, Guiting Power, where even the name sounds like a rock band. A rather show-offy village in the Cotswolds , this one’s brimming with honey-coloured stone cottages and all that jazz. It’s so idyllic it’s practically screaming for you to leave before you’re caught in its spell.

Village to visit near London - Guiting Power

29. Ripley, Surrey

Beautiful countryside near me? Ripley, unfortunately, won’t rip your heart out. Quite the opposite, it’s likely to make you a bit soppy. With the surreptitious charm of a village fair and farmers’ markets, you’ll find yourself unwittingly dreaming of your own little vegetable garden and white picket fence. Frankly, it’s mortifying.

Best villages near London - Ripley, Surrey

30. Amersham, Buckinghamshire

Closest countryside to London? Finally, we have Amersham , a dichotomy of old and new that’s bound to give you an identity crisis. The Old Town is like a stage waiting for its performers, while Amersham-on-the-Hill offers modern perks like, oh I don’t know, electricity. As if deciding between city and country life wasn’t already hard enough.

Perplexingly Magnetic Sights

  • Old Town: Scandalously Quaint
  • Amersham-on-the-Hill: Deceptively Modern

Best villages near me - Amersham, Buckinghamshire

If you’ve made it this far, give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve navigated the treacherous waters of village allure without completely losing your urban bearings. Mind you, the journey is far from over. These next batch of villages are so craftily charming, they’ll have you rethinking your life choices. Tread carefully.

31. Little Milton, Oxfordshire

Old villages near me? Little Milton is the sort of village that would win a village beauty pageant, if such a horrid event existed. Think mature oak trees, historic churches, and a pond that has its own personality. How sickeningly sweet, right? During our visit, we couldn’t shake off the feeling that we were on the set of a quintessential British rom-com.

Little villages near me - Little Milton

32. Hambledon, Surrey

Small villages near London? You would think Hambledon had been designed in a lab to create the perfect antidote to city life. It’s tranquil to the point of causing existential angst. There are also vineyards around, as if this village wasn’t intoxicating enough. Gosia couldn’t resist the charm, while I mentally prepared myself for a life of rural bliss and subsequent monotony.

Despicably Idyllic Aspects

  • Vineyards: Sinfully Tempting
  • Tranquillity: Ridiculously Calming

Countryside areas near London - Hambledon, Surrey

33. West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

Picturesque villages near London? Ah, West Wycombe , where even the air feels as if it’s been curated for a photo shoot. With the notorious Hellfire Caves and an Italianate-style mansion, this village has its quirks. It’s like walking through a history lesson you never asked for but can’t help but enjoy.

Best villages near me - West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

34. Aylesford, Kent

Nice villages near London? Just when you thought villages couldn’t get any more manipulative, in walks Aylesford. With an ancient bridge and a freakishly photogenic priory, it’s the sort of place you wouldn’t want to visit if you have a low threshold for charming, historical nonsense.

35. Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Pretty village near me? Last but not least on this leg of the cursed journey is Great Missenden . Great in name, and infuriatingly, great in nature. With its Roald Dahl Museum and eye-wateringly idyllic woodland walks, this village will sucker-punch your urban sensibilities. I for one was flabbergasted by its unabashed loveliness.

Maddeningly Endearing Features

  • Roald Dahl Museum: Offensively Educational
  • Woodland Walks: Shamefully Serene

Best villages near London - Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

If you’re still reading this and haven’t packed your bags to escape to one of these horribly enchanting villages, you deserve a medal. Or maybe therapy, as you could be too rooted in the urban jungle. Either way, take heed. These next clusters of picturesque doom will make even the sturdiest city-dweller wobble.

36. Lavenham, Suffolk

Beautiful village near me? You’ll want to steer clear of Lavenham , truly. This medieval wool town is a labyrinth of crooked half-timbered houses and narrow lanes. A photographer’s nightmare, obviously. During our visit, Gosia insisted on capturing every nook and cranny. All while I marvelled at how the place defied architectural logic.

Lamentable Distractions

  • Medieval Houses: Maddeningly Quaint
  • Narrow Lanes: Unjustly Picturesque

Villages outside of London - Lavenham, Suffolk

37. Dorchester on Thames, Oxfordshire

Little village near me? Another Thames-related abomination. Dorchester , with its Abbey and antique shops, will make you question your very existence. Its perfection is a front, I’m telling you.

Frustratingly Perfect Spots

  • Dorchester Abbey: Spiritually Confusing
  • Antique Shops: Materially Misleading

Best villages near London - Dorchester on Thames, Oxfordshire

38. Cuddington, Buckinghamshire

Rural area near me? If you’ve ever wondered what ‘too good to be true’ looks like, Cuddington is your answer. With its Thatched houses and beautiful village greens, you’ll be fooled into thinking life is but a dream. Beware!

Best villages near London - Cuddington, Buckinghamshire

39. Goring on Thames, Oxfordshire

Nice village to visit near me? Goring , where even the Thames is prettier. With its water meadows and bridges, you’ll be hoodwinked into believing you’ve stumbled into a watercolour painting. The riverside walks are a trap, don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Best villages near me - Goring on Thames, Oxfordshire

40. Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire

Country side near London? And here we are, at the final stage of this dreadful list. Long Crendon comes at you with courthouses from the 15th century and a Parish church that’s determined to steal your heart. I lost count of how many times we caught ourselves standing in awe. A disgrace, really.

Inexcusable Charms

  • 15th-century Courthouse: Historically Insidious
  • Parish Church: Spiritually Arresting

Best villages near me - Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire

There you have it, folks. Forty villages you’ll regret falling hopelessly in love with. They’ll pull you into their idyllic grips and never let go. So, continue living your city life, for these villages are but siren songs in a world of chaos. Trust us, we’ve seen it. Or, if you dare, visit and suffer the delightful consequences. You’ve been warned.

Are villages near London good for scenic drives?

Scenic drives near London? A downright dreadful idea if you prefer gridlock and car horns. Whether it’s the Surrey Hills or the Chiltern Hills , the winding roads and lush landscapes will completely ruin your love for city traffic. Essex also has some tragically scenic routes that make you forget the joy of red traffic lights.

Gosia and I were absolutely miserable driving through Buckinghamshire; its stunning vistas were just too much to bear.

What countryside is closest to London?

When London’s buzz gets a bit too loud, you might find yourself yearning for a slice of the tranquil countryside. But where to go when the urge strikes? Luckily, your country retreat doesn’t require a journey to Scotland or the Lake District. Some of the closest countrysides to London are practically on its doorstep, just a short train or car ride away.

Surrey Hills

Surrey Hills is so close you could practically smell the fresh air from your London flat. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Surrey Hills offers walking trails, quaint villages like Shere and Peaslake, and even vineyards. It’s only 30 to 40 minutes from London by car .

Essex Countryside

Don’t let the stereotypes fool you; Essex has some stunning landscapes. Finchingfield and Wendens Ambo are just a couple of the charming villages you could visit. It takes just about 45 minutes by train to reach certain areas of Essex from London.

Chiltern Hills

The Chilterns are another designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, boasting picturesque villages like Hambleden and Turville. It’s approximately a 40-minute train journey from London Marylebone to get to the heart of the Chilterns.

Kent, The Garden of England

Kent is famous for its orchards, historic sites, and, of course, its stunning countryside. Aylesford and other charming villages are just around an hour’s drive from London. Gosia was particularly taken with the gardens and orchards here; let’s just say we didn’t leave empty-handed.

So, while London has a lot to offer, the neighbouring countryside is not to be overlooked. Whether you’re craving scenic walks, fresh produce, or simply some peace and quiet, there’s a rural escape closer than you think. Cheers to breathing in some fresh country air without straying too far from London!

Nice villages near me from London

Is it worth visiting the best villages near London?

We’ve been to these villages, and it’s a terrible idea – terrible because you’ll find yourself entrapped by their undeniable charm. You’ll leave a piece of your heart behind in each of these villages, only to find it increasingly hard to readjust to the hustle and bustle of London life. It’s a vicious, albeit beautiful, cycle.

In all honesty, visiting these villages is a decision you’ll regret only because you’ll fall head over heels in love with them. From the dreamy waters of Sonning on Thames to the maddeningly quaint streets of Lavenham , these places offer an escape that’s almost too good to be true. So, is it worth it? Absolutely, but you’ll pay the price – a lifetime of longing to return.

Oh, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to snap a pic or two. Darek couldn’t resist capturing the British countryside, while Gosia had a field day photographing those lovely cottages in Lower Slaughter . So grab your camera, and be prepared for some serious village-induced nostalgia!

Further reading

Day trips from London by car darekandgosia.com

35 ‘Horrible’ Places You Can Visit by Car Just Outside London!

Discover underwhelming yet strangely alluring day trips just a car ride away from London. Darek and Gosia guide you through Britain’s most lacklustre gems, where the disappointment is as real as the beauty. Perfect for those who enjoy irony as...

Nice places to visit near London beautiful places near me

Places to Visit If You Hate Yourself: Top 50 Near London!

Discover the best places near London you’ll wish you’d never heard of. From yawningly historic sites to nature spots that are natural letdowns, we’ve got the ultimate guide to boredom. Warning: May contain high levels of British...

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

This is the best place to live in London — but the average home will cost you almost £900,000

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People on Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell, London, UK.

We know London is a hot-spot for tourists, but if you’re looking to put down roots in the capital, you might want to check out Clerkenwell.

The north London neighbourhood was named in the annual  Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide as the best spot to live in London.

According to their panel of experts, the area ‘captures the spirit of the capital past, present and future.’

Historical sites including the priory on St John’s Square wowed the judges, and the area is also said to be where Stalin and Lenin first met.

It’s though that literary giants, including Shakespeare and Charles Dickens also used to wonder around the streets of Clerkenwell.

But nowadays, the area has a thriving culinary scene, with cool cafes, quirky bars and thriving restaurants. And you could easily while away an afternoon in the buzzy Exmouth Market.

Yes, it does sound like a great place to live, but of course, there’s a catch. According to Rightmove , houses in Clerkenwell will set you back an average of £888,921, which is more than three times the price of the average UK house price of £285,000.

People outside Caravan coffee shop in Exmouth Market in Clerkenwell, London, UK.

What to do in Clerkenwell

You can catch a show at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, sample the goods at Chapel Street Market, or make the most of local museums like The Charterhouse, Postal Museum, and the Museum of the Order of St John.

And you can’t go to Clerkenwell without visiting Exmouth Market, a pretty pedestrianised street with food stalls and independent shops.

Local pub the Exmouth Arms is perfect for not just a tipple with your friends, but also a Sunday lunch with your family. 

Or, if it’s fine dining you’re after, the area is home to not one, but two Michelin-starred restaurants in St John Street: Italian fusion eatery, Luca, and no frill British offering, St John,.

Latest London news

  • Commuters evacuated from busy London station due to ’emergency’
  • Banksy’s newest work has been ruined after just two days
  • The London tourist attractions that have seen the biggest price hikes revealed

To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

Best places to live: The 10 regional winners

  • East of England: Wivenhoe, Essex
  • London: Clerkenwell
  • Midlands: Stirchley, Birmingham
  • North and northeast of England: Leeds
  • Northern Ireland: Portstewart, Co Londonderry
  • Northwest of England: Stockport, Greater Manchester
  • Scotland: West End, Dundee
  • Southeast of England: Folkestone, Kent
  • Southwest of England: Sherborne, Dorset
  • Wales: Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.

What are house prices like in Clerkenwell?

As we’ve learnt, living in Clerkenwell doesn’t come cheap, with the average cost of home at a staggering £888,921.

But the good news is, house prices are dropping in comparison to previous years. Sold prices in Clerkenwell over the last year were 2% down on the previous year, and 12% down on the 2020 peak of ÂŁ1,008,512.

So, if you’ve got that kind of budget, there’s really never been a better time to move.

Charles Dickens Museum in London, UK

How to get around in Clerkenwell

As one of the most well-connected places in London, you’ll have no trouble finding your way around Clerkenwell. Its nearest station, Farringdon, is right next to numerous National Rail services, and is served by the Elizabeth Line along with the Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City and Circle lines.

Via the Lizzy line, Clerkenwell is just three minutes away from Tottenham Court Road, five minutes from Bond Street, and four minutes to Liverpool street. So, if you feel like being a tourist in your own home, you’re in the perfect place for it.

In terms of buses, it’s well connected and services the 4, 56, 153, 55, and 243.

Best places to live 2024

  • North Berwick, East Lothian
  • Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
  • Boston Spa, West Yorkshire
  • Buxton, Derbyshire
  • Cardigan, Ceredigion
  • Chorleywood, Hertfordshire
  • Christleton, Cheshire
  • Cirencester, Gloucestershire
  • Clerkenwell, London
  • Clevedon, Somerset
  • Conwy, Clywd
  • Crouch End, London
  • Dartmouth, Devon.

What people think of Clerkenwell

On TripAdvisor , Clerkenwell boasts a 4-and-a-half-star rating, and has several glowing reviews.’

This is an area that under went a huge regeneration in the last 20 years with more being built as you pass through here,’ user TERRAvelista wrote. ‘Everything looks more clean cut, safer and more elegant.’

Similarly, user therichastill praised Clerkenwell for its ‘nice architecture,’ with Nicholas H adding: ‘The area is packed with restaurants, pubs and cafes. It’ll take a whole day to do justice to visiting it and even then you’ll run out of time to see it all.’

So, instead of packing it all into a day trip, why not go the whole hog and move there instead?

MORE : What I Rent: I escaped London for a ÂŁ1,225 per month Hertfordshire flat

MORE : London Gaming Market – thousands are expected but what is it?

MORE : Travel warning for all UK tourists with holidays booked to Turkey this year

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Cotswold village in winter snow

10 chocolate-box villages near London to visit this winter

They’re pretty, they’re quaint and they’re a lot closer to London than you might think – here are 10 picture-perfect English country villages to visit

The colder months in London can be a lot of fun, what with all the twinkling light shows  and vast ice-skating rinks  popping up, not forgetting the dazzling pantomime performances . It’s also the ideal time to get out into the proper countryside, though (and not just wander around the Heath). So where should you head on your next festive day trip? There are plenty of relaxing country walks , picturesque seaside towns and secluded areas of outstanding natural beauty within easy reach of the city. But there are also loads of gorgeous, sleepy villages – many of which wouldn’t look out of place on a Christmas card. We’ve collected ten of the prettiest ones you can easily visit, taken from the book ‘Escape London’ by Yolanda Zappaterra . You may have experienced their period charm in a film or TV show, but nothing beats a leisurely stroll through their winding streets, followed by a well-earned pint by a roaring pub fire. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

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10 unbelievably cute villages near London to visit

Ashwell, Hertfordshire

1.  Ashwell, Hertfordshire

Human habitation can be traced back 4,000 years in Ashwell, proving that Bronze Age man was just as adept at finding a top slice of country life as commuter-belt man. Ashwell Springs makes a great picnic spot, but before you break out the wicker basket, make sure to explore the fourteenth- and fifteenth-century Forester Cottages on the high street and the sixteenth-century timber-framed cottages at the junctions of Rollys Lane and Mill Street. For more modern architecture fans, Victorian residence the Bury, designed by Edwin Lutyens with a garden by Gertrude Jekyll, won’t disappoint. Get there: Trains run from King’s Cross to Ashwell and Morden, taking about an hour. By car, it’s 45 miles from central London.

Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

2.  Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

The home and workplace of Roald Dahl has changed little since the storyteller’s arrival here 70 years ago, its cobbled alleys and handsome high street still taking in Gipsy House, where he lived, and many of the sites that inspired his stories. The easy charm of the large village, established in the late Middle Ages as a major stop on the coaching route between London and the Midlands, coupled with its setting in the pretty Misbourne river valley, makes it hugely appealing whatever your age. Great Missenden's good looks have been heavily featured in ITV's 'Midsomer Murders' over the years, though in real life it's obviously a perfectly safe place to stroll around and explore.

Get there: Trains run from London Marylebone to Great Missenden, taking about 45 minutes. By car, it’s 38 miles from central London.

Alfriston, East Sussex

3.  Alfriston, East Sussex

Alfriston is a real walkers’ delight, set as it is in the beautiful Cuckmere River valley and with the South Downs Way going through it. But you could do no more than walk around the village and still have a great day out; highlights include the fourteenth-century thatch-and-timber Clergy House (the National Trust’s first purchase, in 1896), the lovely St Andrew’s church, from the same period, and the village green it’s set on (the Tye). End your day with a pint or two at the obligatory Tudor-style inn, the Star. Back in the early Twentieth-Century, Alfriston so captivated author  Eleanor Farjeon that she wrote the classic hymn 'Morning Has Broken' (later recorded by Cat Stevens) while staying here.

Get there: Trains run from London to Polegate or Lewes, taking about 1hr 15mins. From both, the 125 bus reaches Alfriston in about 15 minutes. By car, it’s 80 miles from central London.

Chilham, Kent

4.  Chilham, Kent

Overlooking a bend on the chalk downs above the river Stour, the village of Chilham is as pretty as they come. Much of its architecture dates back to medieval times, with the best of it to be found around the elegant village square. Standouts include the beautiful fifteenth-century timber-framed houses on its north side, St Mary’s church (whose tower offers great views of the surrounding countryside and Canterbury Cathedral, six miles away) on its east side, and the entrance to the grounds of Chilham castle on its west side. White picket fences, perfectly clipped cottage gardens and quaint tearooms and pubs complete the picture-postcard appeal.

Get there: Trains runs from St Pancras to Chilham, with a change at Ashford, taking about 1hr 30 mins.  By car, it’s 60 miles from central London.

Cookham, Berkshire

5.  Cookham, Berkshire

Exploring the places that inspired an artist is always interesting, and doing it in as pretty a spot as Cookham is a rare delight. Sir Stanley Spencer lived here for most of his life, and painted many of the village’s features. It’s easy to see why. Cookham has lots to offer, including the church of the Holy Trinity, where Norman features are still visible and the cherry orchards at Cookham Dean, which was once home Wind in the Willows author Kenneth Grahame. Further afield, Enid Blyton’s childhood home at Bourne End makes a nice three-mile round walk from the village; Bray, home to Heston Blumenthal's world-famous restaurant The Fat Duck, is just four miles away. 

Get here: Trains run from Paddington to Cookham, with a change at Maidenhead, taking about an hour. By car, it’s 30 miles from central London.

Lavenham, Suffolk

6.  Lavenham, Suffolk

A visit to this Suffolk village, which gained its market charter from Henry III in 1257, offers a perfect picture of prosperous medieval England, thanks to its high street of half-timbered houses and more than 340 listed buildings. The lime-washed and brightly coloured buildings are a delight, with standouts including Corpus Christi Guildhall and the De Vere House, which starred in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’. The richly decorated fifteenth and sixteenth-century St Peter & St Paul Church dominates the village with its soaring 141ft tower. Get there: Trains run from Liverpool St to Sudbury, seven miles away, taking about 1hr 20mins. From there, the 753 bus runs to Lavenham. By car, it’s 76 miles from central London.

Castle Hedingham, Essex

7.  Castle Hedingham, Essex

Close to the more famous Constable Country in the equally lovely Colne Valley, pretty Castle Hedingham has far fewer tourists and something just as winsomely picturesque in the 150-year-old Colne Valley Railway, which, at just one mile, must surely qualify as one of the shortest lines in Britain. So if you like your half-timbered coaching inns and high streets backed by steam trains puffing through green fields in the distance, this is the place for you. Oh, and the Norman church and castle are pretty special too.

Get there: Trains run from Liverpool St to Braintree, eight miles away, taking about an hour. From there, the 89 bus runs to Castle Hedingham. By car, it’s 64 miles from central London.

Brockenhurst, Hampshire

8.  Brockenhurst, Hampshire

Humans and animals alike are drawn to this idyllic spot. On any given day you might catch a wild pony wandering down Brookley Road, or glimpse a deer in the woodland, or donkeys grazing on the green, and if it’s been raining heavily, even find your route blocked by cows wandering through the flooded streets of the village. Plus, where else would you find a beach in the heart of a forest? Just out of town outside the Balmer Lawn Hotel, you’ll find the small sandy Brockenhurst Beach, on the banks of the stream that runs through the heart of the village. Neighbouring Beaulieu is an equally pretty spot which is home to Palace House, an  imposing Thirteenth-Century pile, and the National Motor Museum.

Get there: Trains run frequently from Waterloo to Brockenhurst, taking about 90 minutes. By car, it’s 90 miles from central London.

Lurgashall, West Sussex

9.  Lurgashall, West Sussex

You can’t really go wrong enjoying a pint in the sixteenth-century Noah’s Ark inn, but there are plenty of other pleasures here. Wander at will and you’ll come across picturesque half-beamed cottages, a watermill, a beautiful row of village green cottages, and, a 15-minute walk west along Dial Green Lane, even a winery selling mead, honey, gin and raspberry liqueur.  

Get there: Trains run from Waterloo station to Haslemere, taking about an hour. From there, it’s two buses or a short taxi ride to Lurgashall. By car, it’s 50 miles from central London.

Shere, Surrey

10.  Shere, Surrey

Surrey has a ridiculous number of swoonsome villages to choose from, but we’ve plumped for Shere because, with its riverside setting and super-cute cottages, it’s as quintessentially English as a bulldog in a bowler hat. Its churches (St James’s Church), manor houses (Manor House Lodge, designed by Edwin Lutyens), pubs (the fifteenth-century White Horse) and general chocolate box loveliness have starred in heaps of British movies, including ‘A Matter of Life and Death’, ‘ Bridget Jones – the Edge of Reason’, and ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ – so watch out for lighting rigs and A-list actors as you go about your strolling.

Get there: Trains run from Waterloo to Gomshall, with a change at Guildford, taking about an hour. From there, it’s a 30-minute walk to Shere. By car, it’s 35 miles from central London.

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  1. Amazing Places In London You Can't Visit: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

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  1. 17 Best Day Trips From London

    17 dreamy day trips from London. 1. The New Forest. A trip to the New Forest is about as close as you can get to going on safari without buying a plane ticket. As you make your way down dappled ...

  2. The prettiest villages near London

    Box Hill has long been a place of pilgrimage for cyclists from London, with its steep zig-zag road featured in the 2012 Olympics. Budding gold medallists should dismount and soothe weary legs in nearby Mickleham, snuggled among the wooded slopes of the North Downs. Overlooking the village church, the Running Horses pub dates back to the 16th ...

  3. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty near London to discover nature

    Stay here: Live out your pastoral dreams at Thornington Lodge - a seventeenth-century building with bucket-loads of character, beaches within easy reach and long walks straight from the door ...

  4. 30 Places to Visit near London: 2024 (Updated List)

    Places to Visit near London: Here is the curated list of places to visit around london with 2400+ Traveler's Reviews and Photos.EXPLORE NOW!! ... It is a vibrant city located in the northern belt of London known for its centuries-old medieval cathedrals and scenic parks. Verulamium Park is one of the beautiful spaces in St Albans that houses an ...

  5. 17 Absolute Best Day Trips from London (+ How to Visit, Top Tours & Map)

    Here are the most popular day tours: Dover, Leeds Castle & Canterbury Cathedral - the most popular and best price/quality tour from London. Dover, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Greenwich - quite a full day, but you get to see a lot in a short time. Dover Castle. 13.

  6. 10 Charming Villages Near London For A Lovely Day Trip

    6. Wendens Ambo, Essex. This charming village in the countryside near London is packed full of thatched cottages and lovely country gardens. It got its unusual name from the joining of the villages of Great and Little Ambo back in the 1600s, and means "both Wendens" or "Wendens together".

  7. Scenic Drives Near London: 12 Different Ones To Explore

    Scenic drives from East London. 4. To the sweeping sands of Winterton-on-Sea. Photo: Martin Charles Hatch, Shutterstock. One of Norfolk's best-kept secrets, Winterton Beach boasts an absolutely huge expanse of soft sand, backed by the rolling, grassy dunes of the Martham Broad National Nature Reserve. The sheer size of it means this beach ...

  8. 21 Top-Rated Day Trips from London, England

    Hampton Court is easy to reach by a 45-minute train ride from London's Victoria Station. Although only 15 miles away from central London, driving there isn't recommended as it'll take as long, if not longer, by car. Address: Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey, Richmond Upon Thames. 3. Windsor Castle, Berkshire.

  9. Lady's 7 Scenic Drives Near London with Maps

    7. Scenic Drive from London to Kent. Last on my list of scenic drives near London is one to the coast in Kent. This one covers some of the best places to go to the seaside near London. From the UK capital, the driving route goes along the northern edge of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, past Faversham, and out to Whitstable.

  10. 16 Best Seaside Towns to Visit Near London

    16 seaside towns near London. 1. Whitstable, Kent. What's the vibe: Chocolate-box seaside town with a modern, indie undercurrent. Why go: The Kent coast is dotted with pretty towns, and ...

  11. 30+ Epic London Weekend Trips: Places to Visit Near London

    21. Margate. 🏖 Why you should visit: The seaside town of Margate along the Kent Coast is one of the best weekend retreats near London. Home to a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, plenty of hip cafĂ©s, and lots of unique cultural attractions, this creative town has been nicknamed 'Shoreditch-on-Sea'.

  12. 24 Must-Visit Castles in and Near London

    Bodiam Castle. Bodiam Castle. Everyone knows that the best castles have moats - and Bodiam Castle in East Sussex has a great one. The castle was built in the 14th century by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a celebrated knight of Richard II. Today, it is one of the most beautiful castles in all of England.

  13. 40+ Beautiful Places in London You Have to See

    Fenton House. There are loads of gorgeous stately homes around London but one of our favourites is Fenton House in Hampstead. Built by a wealthy 16th century merchant the house is now owned by the National Trust. They keep it the way it would have been hundreds of years ago and manicure the gardens to a tee.

  14. 27 Beautiful Country Walks Near London

    Distance: 14.5km (9 miles) Duration: 3 to 4 hours. Map of the walk: Ashridge & Ivinghoe Beacon Route (about-britian.com) Start & finish: Tring Station. Getting There: You can get a train from London Euston to Tring Station. The journey is 36 minutes in length. The Ridgeway footpath starts 300m from the station.

  15. 21 Perfect Road Trips From London & Short Trips From London By Car!

    There are so many places to visit near London! There are many day trips from London by train that you can do, but if you really want to get out of the big smoke, into nature and somewhere new, a road trip from London is the answer!. Below are ideas from myself and my blogging friends on short trips from London and the best places to visit in the UK. ...

  16. Places to Visit If You Hate Yourself: Top 50 Near London!

    Reality. Gold Hill. So charming, it's an eyesore. Near me nice place to visit - Shaftesbury. Well, if you weren't put off before, you probably are now. It's just a little more than an hour from London, and it's far too quaint for its own good. Proceed with caution, especially if you're allergic to charm.

  17. 30 Best Day Trips From London By Train

    By seeing the prehistoric stones of Stonehenge, Roman Baths and driving along the fabled Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Top Stonehenge Day trip from London Tours: Stonehenge, Windsor, and Bath: Day Trip from London. From Bath: Stonehenge Private Half Day Tour. Stonehenge Tours from London - Half Day.

  18. Places to Visit Near London

    Day Trips from London. Since they're the easiest, I'll start my guide to places to visit near London with day trips. I've written about 15 day trips from London, 17 more day trips from London, day trips from London by car, day trips from London by train, cheap day trips from London, beach day trips from London, seaside day trips from London, scenic drives near London, and more.

  19. The best road trips from London that take 2 hours or less

    When you are road-trip planning, make sure you avoid the London Congestion Charge zone. Related: 7 of the best road trips around the UK. 1. Marlow. Distance from London: 35 miles (around an hour). (Photo by GordonBellPhotography/Getty Images) Marlow and the Home Counties are really close by with plenty of things to do.

  20. 14 Cities Close To London To Visit By Train [2024]

    1. St Albans - 25 Minutes Away By Train. Just 25 minutes away from London, St Albans is the closest city to London by train. St Albans has plenty of history for visitors to explore. It was once a major Roman settlement and its cathedral dates back 1,400 years.

  21. 9 Great Places To Visit Near London

    Again, it's a short train ride from London. 7. Windsor Castle. Windsor was Queen's favourite castle - she stayed there often - and also one of the most accessible. Windsor itself is a beautiful place to visit, but the highlight is the castle itself, available for tours. Here's our post on the castle: Windsor Castle. 8.

  22. 40 Villages Near London You'll Regret Falling in Love With!

    Finchingfield and Wendens Ambo are just a couple of the charming villages you could visit. It takes just about 45 minutes by train to reach certain areas of Essex from London. Countryside Near London. Approx. Travel Time from London. Surrey Hills.

  23. The best place to live in London revealed

    This is the best place to live in London — but the average home will cost you almost £900,000 Charlotte Colombo Published Mar 16, 2024, 5:11pm | Updated Mar 19, 2024, 11:03am

  24. 10 chocolate-box villages near London to visit this winter

    10 unbelievably cute villages near London to visit. 1. Ashwell, Hertfordshire. Human habitation can be traced back 4,000 years in Ashwell, proving that Bronze Age man was just as adept at finding ...