Looking for perfect weekend getaways London has to offer? Discover our curated list of 15 amazing escapes within easy reach of the city, all accessible by train, car, or bus.
Why London Residents Need Weekend Escapes
London gives you easy access to culture, food, and job options, but city life can wear you down. A 2024 study by the London Wellbeing Institute found that 78% of Londoners say short breaks from the city make them feel better and work better.
London’s great location means you can get to a different place in 1-3 hours. You could breathe fresh sea air, walk through pretty countryside, or check out cute old towns.
Weekend trips don’t need lots of planning or money. You can recharge on the spur of the moment and see more of the UK and nearby European spots.
Top Weekend Getaways London Offers: Coastal Retreats
Brighton
Distance from London: 1 hour by train from Victoria Station. Best for: Beach culture, quirky shopping, vibrant nightlife
Brighton stands as London’s go-to seaside getaway. This lively city blends classic British beach charm with a forward-thinking artistic vibe, earning it the name “London-by-the-Sea.”
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Must-see attractions:
- Brighton Palace Pier
- The Royal Pavilion
- The Lanes (historic quarter with independent shops)
- Brighton Beach
- British Airways i360 observation tower
Where to stay:
- Luxury: The Grand Brighton – Famous beachfront hotel with a Victorian feel
- Mid-range: Artist Residence – Unique boutique hotel where each room has its design
- Budget-friendly: YHA Brighton – New hostel in an old building
Local tip: Come to Brighton on Sunday mornings to check out the lively Open Market where local makers and farmers sell their goods.
Whitstable
Distance from London: 1 hour 20 minutes by train from Victoria Station. Best for: People who love seafood, quiet beaches, and a pretty harbor
Whitstable, famous for its local oysters, gives visitors a laid-back option compared to other busy beach towns. This working fishing village keeps its sea-going roots while welcoming a slow upgrade that has brought top-notch eateries and trendy stores.
Things you can’t miss:
- Eat fresh oysters at the harbor
- Check out one-of-a-kind shops on Harbour Street
- Look at the sunset from West Beach
- Stop by Whitstable Castle and Gardens
- Stroll or bike the Crab and Winkle Way to Canterbury
Places to crash:
- For a fancy stay: Hotel Continental – Beachfront hotel overlooking the bay
- For something different: Think about renting a classic fisherman’s hut right on the beach
Local tip: Make sure to reserve a table at The Sportsman (in nearby Seasalter) way ahead of time – this Michelin-starred pub is considered one of Britain’s top restaurants.
Margate
Distance from London: 1 hour 30 minutes by train from St Pancras International. Best for: Art enthusiasts, nostalgic charm, sandy beaches
Margate has changed from a worn-out beach town to a creative center. The Turner Contemporary gallery opened in 2011, launching a significant change in the arts scene. Now you can find vintage stores, local coffee shops, and a fixed-up amusement park.
Highlights:
- Turner Contemporary art gallery
- Dreamland vintage amusement park
- Margate Old Town with its independent shops
- Shell Grotto (mysterious underground chamber)
- Botany Bay’s chalk cliffs and sandy beach
Where to stay:
- Stylish option: The Reading Rooms – Fancy B&B in Georgian townhouse
- Art lovers: Walpole Bay Hotel – Museum-like hotel with unique appeal
Local tip: Check out the “Cliftonville corridor” where creative businesses breathe new life into an area once seen as Margate’s tougher side.
Countryside Getaways
Cotswolds
Distance from London: 1.5-2 hours by train to various stations or by car. Best for: Pretty villages, country walks, typical English countryside.
The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers over 800 square miles across six counties. It impacts people with its limestone villages in honey hues, rolling hills, and charming market towns.
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Must-visit villages:
- Castle Combe (people often call it “the prettiest village in England”)
- Bourton-on-the-Water (nicknamed “Venice of the Cotswolds”)
- Bibury (home to the famous Arlington Row cottages)
- Stow-on-the-Wold (quaint market town)
- Broadway (boasts a unique high street)
Top things to do:
- Hike part of the 102-mile Cotswold Way
- Check out Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe
- Wander through the gardens at Hidcote Manor
- Browse Daylesford Organic Farm’s shop
- Uncover the ruins of Great Witcombe Roman Villa
Places to stay:
- Luxury country house: Barnsley House – Classy 17th-century manor with stunning gardens
- Cozy retreat: The Slaughters Country Inn – Classic inn in charming Lower Slaughter
Transportation tip: Trains reach some Cotswolds areas, but a car rental allows you to visit the smaller villages.
South Downs National Park
Distance from London: 1-1.5 hours by train or car. Best for: Hiking, natural scenery, wineries
England’s newest National Park boasts chalk hills, old forests, and classic countryside views. The 100-mile South Downs Way lets you walk scenic routes with sights that reach the English Channel.
Highlights:
- Hike to the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs
- Tour eco-friendly vineyards that make top-rated English bubbly
- Check out historic Arundel and its old castle
- Visit Chawton to see Jane Austen’s House
- Look at the stars in one of the UK’s best dark sky spots
Where to stay:
- Luxury hotel: South Lodge – This country house hotel has a spa
- Charming inn: The Spread Eagle Hotel – This inn ranks among England’s oldest coaching inns
Tip for outdoor lovers: The Devil’s Dyke near Brighton gives you amazing views and makes a great place to have a picnic.
New Forest
How far from London: It takes 1.5 hours by train to Brockenhurst or by car You’ll love it for: Seeing wildlife, doing outdoor stuff, and soaking in the forest atmosphere
William the Conqueror established the New Forest as a royal hunting ground in 1079. This unique landscape allows wild ponies to wander through old woodlands and open heaths. Though its name suggests otherwise, it ranks among Britain’s oldest forests.
Key experiences:
- Seeing New Forest ponies, donkeys, and deer
- Biking on many trails
- Checking out the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu
- Discovering coastal towns like Lymington
- Taking part in forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) surrounded by old trees
Where to stay:
- Luxury forest retreat: Lime Wood Hotel – High-end country house with top-notch food
- Family-friendly: Balmer Lawn Hotel – Old hotel with a pool
Wildlife watching tip: You’ll see more animals in the morning and sunset. Go to Bolder wood Deer Sanctuary to boost your chances of seeing deer.
Historic Cities
Bath
Distance from London: 1.5 hours by train from Paddington Station. Best for: Roman history, Georgian buildings, hot springs
Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been a wellness destination since the Roman era. Its graceful Georgian streets, constructed from distinctive honey-colored Bath stone, form one of Britain’s most beautiful small cities.
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Must-see attractions:
- The Roman Baths
- Bath Abbey
- The Royal Crescent
- The Circus
- Pulteney Bridge
- Thermae Bath Spa (modern thermal spa)
Where to stay:
- Historic luxury: The Royal Crescent Hotel – Five-star hotel in Bath’s iconic crescent
- Boutique option: No.15 Great Pulteney – Stylish hotel on grand Georgian street
Cultural tip: Time your visit with the Bath Festival to enjoy music and literature events, or the Bath Christmas Market for holiday magic.
Oxford
Distance from London: 1 hour by train from Paddington Station. Best for: Academic history, architecture, museums
People call Oxford the “City of Dreaming Spires.” It has been a learning hub since the 12th century. Its cobbled streets house 38 colleges of the University of Oxford. This creates a cityscape with beautiful buildings spanning almost 1,000 years.
Top attractions:
- Bodleian Library (ranks among Europe’s oldest libraries)
- Radcliffe Camera
- Christ Church College (Harry Potter filming location)
- Pitt Rivers Museum (houses an impressive anthropology collection)
- Oxford Botanic Garden (UK’s oldest)
- Punting on the River Cherwell
Where to stay:
- Historic atmosphere: Old Parsonage Hotel – Charming hotel in a 17th-century building
- University connection: The Old Bank Hotel – High Street’s luxury hotel
Literary connection: Walk in the steps of Oxford writers like Lewis Carroll, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Philip Pullman by taking an Oxford Literary Walking Tour.
Cambridge
Distance from London: 50 minutes by train from King’s Cross Station. Best for: Academic grandeur, river activities, compact historic center
Cambridge gives you a more personal experience than Oxford with its 31 colleges spread around the calm River Cam. The city blends medieval architecture with state-of-the-art science and breakthroughs.
Must-do activities:
- Punt on the River Cam past the famous “Backs” of the colleges
- Check out King’s College Chapel with its eye-catching fan vaulting
- Take a look at the Fitzwilliam Museum’s extensive collections
- Stroll through the historic Market Square
- Stop by the Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Where to stay:
- Central luxury: University Arms – Landmark hotel overlooking Parker’s Piece
- Riverside charm: The Varsity Hotel – Trendy hotel with rooftop bar
Local tip: Drop in at the Eagle pub where Watson and Crick announced they had found DNA’s structure in 1953.
International Quick Trips
Paris
Distance from London: 2 hours 15 minutes by Eurostar from St Pancras International. Best for: Art, gastronomy, romantic cityscape
Paris, the City of Light, offers easy access for a weekend trip. Catch an early Eurostar train, and you’ll munch on a croissant by the Seine while Londoners still sip their morning coffee.
Weekend highlights:
- Check out the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay (grab tickets ahead of time)
- Stroll through Luxembourg or the Tuileries gardens
- Discover the trendy Canal Saint-Martin area
- Take in incredible views from Montmartre
- See the spruced-up Left Bank along the Seine
Where to stay:
- Central boutique: Hotel des Grands Boulevards – Trendy hotel with rooftop bar
- Budget-friendly style: Generator Paris – Up-to-date hostel offering private rooms
Travel tip: Buy a pack of Metro tickets or tap your contactless card to move around the city easily.
Brussels
Travel time from London: 2 hours by Eurostar from St. Pancras International. Highlights: Beer chocolate, Art Nouveau buildings
Many travelers skip Brussels in favor of Paris or Amsterdam, but this city packs a punch. It’s small downtown brims with beautiful buildings, top-notch museums, and incredible food.
Weekend essentials:
- Check out the Grand Place (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Stop by the Magritte Museum, showcasing the surrealist artist’s work
- Find the comic book murals spread across the city
- See the Art Nouveau buildings, including Victor Horta’s creations
- Try Belgium’s well-known beers at classic bars such as Delirium Café
Where to stay:
- Design hotel: JAM Hotel – Modern hotel with a pool on the roof
- Historic elegance: Hotel Amigo – High-end hotel close to Grand Place
Foodie tip: Ensure you taste authentic Belgian waffles at Maison Dandoy and fries with mayo at Fritland.
Amsterdam
Distance from London: 3.5 hours by Eurostar (direct) from St. Pancras International. Best for: Museums, canal culture, cycling
Amsterdam is a great weekend getaway, with direct Eurostar trains from London. The Dutch capital boasts top-notch museums, beautiful canals, and a laid-back vibe.
Weekend essentials:
- Check out the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum (reserve in advance)
- Go on a canal tour to see the city from a new angle
- Wander through the trendy Jordaan area
- Get on a bike to see Amsterdam like a local does
- Stop by the Anne Frank House (book ahead)
Where to stay:
- Canal view: Pulitzer Amsterdam – High-end hotel across 25 houses on the canal
- Easy on the wallet: Volkshotel – Hub for creatives with a bar on the roof
Insider advice: Avoid tourist spots by heading to Westerpark or the NDSM Wharf cultural center.
Hidden Gems
Rye
Distance from London: 1 hour 10 minutes by train from St Pancras International. Best for: Old-world charm, antique shopping, book-related history
This hilltop town with fortifications in East Sussex stands out as one of England’s most well-kept medieval towns. Cobblestone Mermaid Street, bordered by timber-framed houses, takes visitors to the past.
Highlights:
- Stroll through the town’s stone-paved streets
- Scale the tower of St. Mary’s Church to see sweeping views
- Head to nearby Camber Sands for wide-open beaches
- Check out Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
- Learn about the town’s links to Henry James and E.F. Benson
Where to stay:
- Historic inn: The Mermaid Inn – a 15th-century inn where people claim to see ghosts
- Boutique B&B: Jeake’s House – Top-rated B&B in an old building
Shopping tip: Rye has a reputation for its antique shops and small, unique stores – make sure you have time to look around Strand Quay and the High Street.
Hastings
Distance from London: 1 hour 30 minutes by train from Charing Cross. Best for: Fishing, history, art community, and unique shops
Hastings isn’t as polished as nearby Rye, but it gives you a more real seaside experience with its active fishing beach, newly fixed-up pier, and lively arts scene.
Must-see attractions:
- Hastings Old Town features homes with exposed wooden beams
- The Jerwood Gallery showcases modern art
- Hastings Pier (it won the 2017 Stirling Prize for architecture)
- Ruins of Hastings Castle
- The net shops (tall wooden buildings) along the shore
Places to sleep:
- Ocean views: The Zanzibar International Hotel – Small hotel with rooms based on themes
- Unusual choice: Black Rock House – B&B that’s won awards
Cultural tip: Plan your trip to coincide with the Hastings Jack in the Green Festival (early May) or Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival (September) to experience local traditions.
Winchester
Distance from London: 1 hour by train from Waterloo Station. Best for: Medieval history, cathedral architecture, riverside walks
Winchester was England’s capital during Anglo-Saxon times and still has many historic buildings. This compact city blends heritage with a high-quality food scene and easy access to beautiful countryside.
Top attractions:
- Winchester Cathedral (one of Europe’s biggest Gothic cathedrals)
- The Great Hall showcases King Arthur’s Round Table
- Winchester College (the oldest school in the UK that’s still running)
- Water Meadows (sparked Keats to write his poem “To Autumn”)
- Walks by the River Itchen
Where to stay:
- Old-world luxury: Lainston House Hotel – 1600s country house
- Classy city center: The Old Vine – Georgian inn across from the cathedral
Walking suggestion: Take the 6-mile Keats’ Walk through the water meadows to get your creative juices flowing.
Planning Your Getaway
How to Get Around
By Train: The UK’s big train system makes rail trips the top choice for many weekend breaks. Get tickets through National Rail or Trainline to save money. Think about a Railcard if you want to take lots of trips.
By Car: Getting a car allows you to check out country spots like the Cotswolds or the New Forest. Big rental companies have spots all over London, with cheaper rates at Heathrow Airport. Remember that London’s Congestion Charge kicks in when you drive in the city center.
By Coach: Coach services like National Express give budget-conscious travelers cheap ways to reach many destinations, though trips take longer than train journeys.
Packing Tips for Weekend Getaways
- Weather preparation: The UK weather changes often. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket always.
- Comfortable footwear: Most weekend spots require lots of walking.
- Adapters: For trips abroad, don’t forget European plug adapters.
- Travel documents: Bring your passport for Eurostar trips even if you’re an EU citizen.
- Reusable items: Many UK destinations focus on being eco-friendly – take a water bottle and a shopping bag.
Sustainable Travel Considerations
- Think about balancing out your carbon emissions through programs like ClimateCare.
- Pick lodging that has green credentials, such as Green Tourism certification.
- Give your support to local businesses and producers while you’re there.
- Take public transportation when you can.
- Stick to the countryside code when you visit rural areas.
Asked Questions
Q: When’s the best time of year to take weekend trips from London? A: Spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October) have nice weather with fewer crowds than summer. However, winter getaways can have a special atmosphere in old cities with Christmas markets.
Q: How much should I budget for a weekend away? A: The amount you need to set aside depends significantly on where you’re going. You can have a good time in seaside spots like Margate for £200-300 per couple. This covers your stay, meals, and things to do. If you’re considering going abroad or staying at a fancy place in the countryside, you might need £500-1000 or more.
Q: Do I need to book attractions in advance? A: For well-known places like the Roman Baths in Bath or King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, it’s a good idea to book ahead. This is true on weekends and when kids are off from school.
Q: What if I don’t have a car? A: You can get to many places using public transport. Try to find a place to stay close enough to walk from the train stations or in the middle of town. Or look into local bus routes. Some hotels in the countryside even offer to pick you up from nearby stations.
Further Reading: For more inspiration on escaping London
