There's always something to do in London, but occasionally, a weekend escape is necessary – for a breath of sea air, a countryside stroll or just a change of scenery. Here, we've compiled a list of five of the best weekend trips from London – all easily accessible from the capital. Taking in everything from craggy coastlines to historic towns, these are some of our favourite British staycations.
DK Great Britain
View BookTales and tipples in Canterbury
Under an hour from London by train, Canterbury is a complete change of pace. The cathedral city is small enough to get around on foot, but packed with things to do. The obvious first stop is Canterbury Cathedral, which has been a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages, as documented in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. This is a must-visit attraction for history, literature and architecture buffs, but even casual visitors will be awed by the scale and beauty of the building. You can delve even further into Canterbury's history at the Roman Museum, or by exploring the scenic ruins of St Augustine's Abbey.
The city also makes a great base for exploring Kent's excellent vineyards. Head out into the nearby countryside to visit estates including Chartham (accessible by train), Barnsole, Simpsons, and the Vineyard Café in Elham Valley.
The city also makes a great base for exploring Kent's excellent vineyards. Head out into the nearby countryside to visit estates including Chartham (accessible by train), Barnsole, Simpsons, and the Vineyard Café in Elham Valley.
Coast and culture on the South Downs Way
Walking the South Downs Way is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the rolling hills and dramatic seascapes of southeast England. Tackling the whole trail would take over a week, but with a couple of days to spare you can still see some of its most iconic sights.
Starting in the genteel seaside town of Eastbourne, which is about an hour and a half from London by train, the trail heads west to the precipitous chalk cliffs of Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters. The ancient market village of Alfriston, further inland up the Cuckmere River, makes a picturesque place to spend the night.
On day two, the route continues west towards Lewes, with glorious ridgetop views along the way. This area is filled with important historic and cultural sights, including the homes of some of the twentieth century's most fascinating figures. You can peek into the life of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant at Charleston House, Lee Miller and Roland Penrose at Farleys House, and Virginia and Leonard Woolf at Monk's House.
Starting in the genteel seaside town of Eastbourne, which is about an hour and a half from London by train, the trail heads west to the precipitous chalk cliffs of Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters. The ancient market village of Alfriston, further inland up the Cuckmere River, makes a picturesque place to spend the night.
On day two, the route continues west towards Lewes, with glorious ridgetop views along the way. This area is filled with important historic and cultural sights, including the homes of some of the twentieth century's most fascinating figures. You can peek into the life of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant at Charleston House, Lee Miller and Roland Penrose at Farleys House, and Virginia and Leonard Woolf at Monk's House.
The Regency life in Bath
To refresh yourself after the demands of London life, make like the Regency aristocracy and head to Bath – just 1 hour 20 minutes away by train. Even if you don't take to the waters, a stroll through streets lined with honey-hued buildings is sure to do you a world of good.
As well as its photogenic architecture, Bath is known for its beautiful abbey, Roman baths and many excellent museums. The Fashion Museum has a world-class collection, including items dating back to the 1500s, while the Holburne Museum displays its fine art collection in an elegant Georgian building, and the Jane Austen Centre explores the city's links to the beloved author.
Bath's parks and riverside paths are perfect for walking and cycling in fine weather. For slightly more strenuous activity, make for the undulating Mendip Hills nearby, where you'll find the dramatic limestone Cheddar Gorge.
As well as its photogenic architecture, Bath is known for its beautiful abbey, Roman baths and many excellent museums. The Fashion Museum has a world-class collection, including items dating back to the 1500s, while the Holburne Museum displays its fine art collection in an elegant Georgian building, and the Jane Austen Centre explores the city's links to the beloved author.
Bath's parks and riverside paths are perfect for walking and cycling in fine weather. For slightly more strenuous activity, make for the undulating Mendip Hills nearby, where you'll find the dramatic limestone Cheddar Gorge.
Getting active in the Wye Valley
For an active weekend break, head to the Wye Valley, on the border with Wales (Chepstow is under 3 hours from London by train). This scenic river valley offers everything from sedate woodland bike rides to adrenaline-spiking canoeing on grade II rapids. Symonds Yat is one of the best viewpoints for surveying the winding River Wye and the ancient Forest of Dean; it's also the starting point for several walking routes.
There are plenty of cultural and historical sights to break up the activities, including several castles; Chepstow and Wilton castles are now brooding ruins, but medieval Goodrich is still standing. The historic market town of Ross-on-Wye is known for its antiques and second-hand book shops, and makes for a great place to base yourself – though with the area's clear skies and beautiful nature, you might prefer to spend the weekend under canvas.
And of course, no visit to the Wye Valley would be complete without a stop at the atmospheric ruins of Tintern Abbey, as inspiring today as they were when the Romantic poets visited.
There are plenty of cultural and historical sights to break up the activities, including several castles; Chepstow and Wilton castles are now brooding ruins, but medieval Goodrich is still standing. The historic market town of Ross-on-Wye is known for its antiques and second-hand book shops, and makes for a great place to base yourself – though with the area's clear skies and beautiful nature, you might prefer to spend the weekend under canvas.
And of course, no visit to the Wye Valley would be complete without a stop at the atmospheric ruins of Tintern Abbey, as inspiring today as they were when the Romantic poets visited.
Smooth sailing on the Isle of Wight
To really feel like you're away from it all, leave mainland Britain entirely and head to the scenic Isle of Wight, under an hour by ferry from Portsmouth. It was a favourite of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and you can visit their opulent holiday home (or rather holiday palace), Osborne House, in East Cowes. Inland, Carisbrooke Castle and its tranquil gardens became the residence of Victoria's youngest daughter, Princess Beatrice.
While there's plenty to explore on the island itself, one of the best reasons to visit is to try your hand at sailing. Cowes is the birthplace of modern regattas, and the Isle of Wight is one of the best places in the country to take to the water.
If you have time for a long weekend trip, be sure to save a day for Portsmouth (under an hour from London by train). The birthplace of Charles Dickens, Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard and the redeveloped Gunwharf Quays show two very different sides of this maritime city.
While there's plenty to explore on the island itself, one of the best reasons to visit is to try your hand at sailing. Cowes is the birthplace of modern regattas, and the Isle of Wight is one of the best places in the country to take to the water.
If you have time for a long weekend trip, be sure to save a day for Portsmouth (under an hour from London by train). The birthplace of Charles Dickens, Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard and the redeveloped Gunwharf Quays show two very different sides of this maritime city.
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