Living in, or travelling from, London, you have the whole world on your doorstep. Whether you are taking a train or a plane from the metropolis, there is always somewhere fantastic to go. Try one of these 11 superb suggestions for size.
1. Stonehenge
Leave London by mid morning and you can enjoy lunch in Stonehenge’s cafe before heading off to marvel at the mysterious stone circle itself.
2. Bath
A Jane Austen lover’s paradise, Bath is home to the fascinating Jane Austen Centre, the majestic Assembly Rooms (where many Austen films were shot) and of course to the Roman Baths. Book in for lunch or dinner at the elegant Pump Room restaurant beside the Baths and try some spa water after your gourmet meal. The journey from London Paddington to Bath Spa station takes around an hour and 20 minutes.
3. Oxford
Visit the city of dreaming spires, punt lazily along the river Cherwell and check out the Alice in Wonderland Dodo at the Natural History Museum. Oxford train station is just an hour away from Paddington.
4. Edinburgh
It may take 6 hours on the train to Edinburgh Waverley station, but it is a mere hour’s flight from London to Edinburgh. Get up super early and do a day trip, or spread things over two days and see the National Gallery of Scotland, the Walter Scott Monument and listen to the pipers on Princes Street.
5. Cambridge
Another gorgeous university town home to treasures such as the Fitzwilliam Museum and smaller galleries such as Kettle’s Yard. Take a tour of the colleges and walk on the roof of King’s College Chapel if you dare.
6. Paris
Gay Paris is a mere two and a bit hours from St Pancras station on the Eurostar. The journey itself is delightful, taking you through some beautiful countryside both sides of the channel. Once you arrive, check out the Louvre the Tuilleries and of course the wonderful bars and cafes.
7. Brighton
Hop on a train from Victoria and in an hour you will be in Brighton, home of the resplendent Pavilion, the world famous pier with its seemingly endless amusement arcades and the lovely stoney beach.
8. The Cotswolds
The train to Cheltenham Spa takes around 2 hours from London Paddington, but if you get off half an hour earlier at Kemble Station, you will be right in the heart of the rolling hills of the Cotswolds (and this station is beside the source of the Thames too) – perfect hiking country.
9. Margate
Potted shrimp, sandcastles and a bizarre shell grotto await you at Margate, home both of classic British seaside delights and eccentric Victorian remnants (such as the aforementioned grotto).
10. York
York’s cathedral, cobbled streets and delightful tea shops make it the perfect location for a getaway from the capital.
11. Windsor Castle
Explore this ancient royal castle before finishing your day with a waterside dinner on the banks of the river. Trains from London to Windsor via Slough take less than an hour.
Remember to book your Heathrow airport transfer with Holiday Taxis.
