Day Trips Outside Of London
Spoilt for choice with things to see and do, and bottomless brunch to be had, it’s hard to leave the city that most of us call home. Unless it’s for the beach with a cocktail in hand, then that’s a different story…
But, sometimes a change of scenery is good for the soul and mind (or something like that), and we’re pretty blessed with some of the cutest places in England, that are equally not so far from London. And we’re doubly blessed when we’ve got good weather. Either way, pack a brolly and your suncream, and take a trip for the day (or weekend if you’re feeling frivolous) to one of our favourite spots outside of London…
Also, no annual leave required. RESULT.
Brighton
Whilst it might not be a Greek island, there’s nothing quite like being by the seaside with some traditional Fish & Chips, and an ice cream (regardless of the temperature), right? An hours train ride, Brighton is dubbed London by the sea, and with its endless bars, restaurants, cafes and shopping, we can see why. It’s cute, quaint, bright and bold all in one and we absolutely love it. You almost wouldn’t want to spend just a day here, because every corner or street you turn down, there’s something new to explore. Make sure you visit The Lanes!
Margate
A little like Brighton, Margate is bold and bright. If you’d asked anyone a few years back about visiting Margate, they may have shunned the idea, but with a recent influx of restaurants, cafes and stylish boutiques, it’s certainly on the rise. There are plenty of quirky art galleries for the creative folk to browse, walks along the sandy beach to be had, and of course not forgetting the 1920s theme park, Dreamland, which ticks all those Instagram backdrop dreams. There’s something for everyone here!
The Cotswolds
If you’ve ever seen The Holiday, you can’t help but want to grab your cable knits, and head for a retreat in a proper little cottage. And we can tell you now that The Cotswolds is full of those kind of cottages. With places such as Castle Combe, Lacock and Bourton-on-the-water, the picture perfect villages will have you feeling proud of the Great British Countryside. And make sure you keep your camera with you at all times, because every single cottage is waiting to be photographed, just like every single pub is waiting for you to cosy up inside.
Bath
One of England’s top highlights is the Roman city of Bath. Famous for its water (how would you ever guess…?), they still have the baths that the Romans built, and whilst you can’t take yourself off for a dip, you can splash about in the Thermae Bath Spa (don’t forget your trunks!). There’s plenty to see here, so get lost up and down each beautiful and quaint street, making sure to visit the Royal Crescent. And if shopping is your thing, then Bath also has that covered for you too, but we reckon you’ll be too distracted with the stunning architecture. Cream tea not compulsory, but highly advised.
Oxford
Housing the world-famous university, Oxford is always a place that needs visiting. And even if student life isn’t for you, Oxford has so much more to offer than just being the place to study. Whether you want to explore the museums, amble around the streets in search of history, or punting along the River Isis, Oxford will leave you feeling well and truly English.
Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells is delightful, just like most of Kent. But what sets it apart, is the ever so gorgeous and kitsch Pantiles shopping arcade. You’ll find fresh produce, independent boutique stores and coffee shops galore. On a blue sky day, it’s just the place where you want to be with a glass of wine in hand, and people spotting (we all do this, are we right?). There’s also plenty to explore, with stunning parks and streets to give you house envy.
Cambridge
Now we love Oxford, but we really love Cambridge. It’s quainter, quieter and dare we say, prettier. Of course, it’s home to another of the world-famous universities, but you’ll still find so much of Cambridge undiscovered. There’s way more green space, making the city feel much calmer, and you can’t come to Cambridge and not punt on the River Cam. You’ll also get to see some of their beautiful bridges so it’s definitely a must.
Rutland
It might be the smallest county around, but you won’t be short of things to do here. Home to Rutland water, it’s known for its walking trails or bike rides around the water and feels much further out of London, than it is. You’ll also find lots of cute villages surrounding the water, including Stamford. Stamford is classed as one of the finest stone towns in England, and has many pretty facades – so much so, that you’ll find it hard to leave after just a day.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Home to Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon has sometimes been described as a Tudor Disneyland. And with Shakespeare being connected to five homes here, making it the star attraction of Stratford-upon-Avon, it’s hard not to invest in the history. But it’s so much more than that – with it’s peaceful canal, cute taverns and independent stores and cafes to explore. That’s if you can pry yourself away from the quaint cottages sitting pretty on the streets…
Canterbury
Another medieval city, with history on every corner, is Canterbury. Whether you’re into history or not, you can’t help but want to explore the narrow alleyways that pop up every so often. You’ll expect plenty of quaint houses, and a fair amount of cafes and stores to wander in and out of. Of course, the main attraction is the beautiful cathedral, with it being the most important Christian site in the country – so we’d highly recommend that you make this a must.
Paris
We couldn’t leave our day trips out, without including the city of love. With the Eurostar being so easily accessed, you’ll be in Paris in no time and able to explore, whether it’s down those gorgeous Parisian streets or forever admiring the oh so beautiful Eiffel Tower. Or take it slower, and find yourself a cute cafe to settle in, watching the world go by. Either way, if you’ve been before or it’s your first time, we guarantee you’ll fall in love with this city.
Here’s to more adventures!
