Top Weekend Getaways from London for Nature Lovers
When London gets tiring, it's time to get away. If you are looking for a short and sweet break from the city, discover the best weekend trips from London on our list. You'll find out the closeby gems where there is beautiful nature and various activities you can do.
Whether you want to take your family somewhere lovely, go solo or with your partner, you'll find our article helpful.
A Relaxed Weekend Away in Rye
It takes 1 hour and 9 minutes from London St Pancras International to get to Rye.
Rye in East Sussex is a charming old town with cobbled streets and a classically English atmosphere. Although famous landmarks such as the Lamb House, Rye Castle Museum, Camber Castle and the Parish Church of St. Mary might be closed, you can still stroll on Mermaid Street and visit the Camber Sands to fly a kite or enjoy the sunset.
A Tranquil Hiking Weekend in North Wessex Downs
It takes 40 minutes to get to Newbury from London Paddington station.
Lake District may be the country's most popular hiking destination, but North Wessex Downs should definitely be on your list if you like hiking, camping or cycling. Escape the city life to reconnect with nature. You could walk alongside Kennet & Avon Canal, visit Avebury (a Neolithic henge monument site), and see the magnificent Highclere Castle or the Wilton Windmill.
A (Hopefully) Sunny Escape to Norfolk
It takes 2 hours and 24 minutes from London Liverpool Street to Norfolk.
Norfolk is known for its vast sandy beaches, making it a better destination than Brighton or Bournemouth. Usually, there is space for a family picnic or games on the beach, even on the busiest summer day. If you'd rather spend time exploring the landscape, you can walk in the pine forests or visit in the summer to walk on salt marsh flats in a sea of lavender.
Camber Sands
A Serene Getaway in Somerset
It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to get to Bath Spa from London Paddington.
For the best representation of serene rural English countryside, head to Somerset. Whether you want to follow the Cider trail or make your own path through Somerset's hills, caves and fields, you will enjoy exploring here. Make sure to visit the Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole Caves. Somerset is also the best cheese destination in England, as it's the home of the Cheddar cheese. When you visit between May and September, make sure to go to Lavender Gardens for an unforgettable experience.
A Creative Weekend in Cotswolds
It takes 1 hour 20 minutes to Kingham from London Paddington station.
This idyllic classic English region is full of medieval cobblestone houses worth photographing. You can spend your weekend exploring the small picturesque villages around Cotswolds and hunt for filming locations. If you are an avid fantasy reader, head to Puzzlewood in Gloucestershire, a forest that inspired both JR Tolkein and JK Rowling.
A Weekend of Time-Travelling in Yorkshire
It takes 1 hour and 52 minutes from London King’s Cross to get to York.
Yorkshire's medieval ruins, Gothic cathedrals, Roman and Viking heritage take you back in time as if you are in a historical drama. This historic northern county is also a foodie destination. You can also visit Harry Potter's Diagon Alley in York, or if you want to avoid crowds, you can head to The Yorkshire Dales to see the Bolton Priory, Aysgarth Falls, and more. If you want to be adventurous, head to Malham Cove for rock climbing.
Yorkshire
A Short and Sweet Trip to Canterbury
Canterbury is 1 hour and 30 minutes from London Victoria station.
There are many medieval sites to see, and history lovers will love learning about the Roman and Celtic roots of the city. Perhaps you can go on a Historical River Tours, or visit the Canterbury Castle, see the Canterbury Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and walk on the city walls on foot. Hedonists can head to the beach (provided they can still social distance) and enjoy a day in the sun. Nature lovers can choose one of the many hiking trails in Kent Downs.