8 Getaways From London You Have to Visit
Do you live in London or visiting and are looking for a way to escape the chaos of the city? Even just for a day? We got you covered
Many are the gems that surround the British capital, all of them can be reached easily by taking a train, renting a car, or just taking a bus. We always recommend taking the train as often as possible.
However, Zipcar and Turo are applications that offer wide options of hybrid and fully electric cars, (with Turo having the best value for money), alternatively, if you prefer being a passenger you can check out Blabla Car, this app will tell you if anyone is going in your same direction and they can give you a ride.
Once decided on the best transport it’s time for the first stop:
Situated just 41 miles away from London’s center, Hever Castle is a popular tourist attraction for a good reason. Finished being built in 1539, is one of the best-preserved castles in England. The entrance to the venue costs £21 per person (they do discounts for students and kids), more info is on the castle’s website.
The ticket is definitely worth the money, it grants access to the caste with a free audio tour of the most important rooms, such as the dining room in the picture below.
Included on the ticket you will also visit a War Museum, the beautiful Italian Gardens which face a lake where is possible to rent a little rowing boat and relax in the lake, but the main attraction of the Gardens is the maze made of bushes, followed by the aquatic maze. Directly across from the Castle’s entrance, there is s typical British pub. A little bit further down the road (10 minutes drive) there is a quaint restaurant called, The Spotted Dog.
This restaurant which was built in 1420, serves up typical British pub cuisine and offers outdoor terrace seating and indoor booths.
2) Bodian Castle
Transport yourself back to the 14th century, and visit one of Britain’s most picturesque moated castles. Bodiam Castle is another destination located just over an hour outside of London. Converted from a manor house in 1385 by its resident, Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, who had fought in the hundreds-year war, came into the ownership of this Manor with his wife, Elizabeth Wardeux, upon returning from the war.
An 11£ entrance ticket will grant you full access to the castle, and its towers which offer a lush viewpoint of the interior of the castle and the rolling hills in the distance. You can also explore the castle grounds surrounding the lake which includes small gardens and a cafe with outdoor reclined chairs. From the bridge guests can admire very large carps swimming around the castle, before 2020 people could come and fish in the pond but now with new regulations the fish are thriving.
3) Epping Forest District
Epping Forest District is known for the 55,000 ancient trees that live in Epping forest. This enchanted woodland is located 1.5 hours outside of London. There are direct links to Epping Forest from London by train, bus and car. The website: ‘Walking and running in Epping Forest – City of London’, will allow you to pre-plan your jogging or hiking route. They even have pdf files available for you to download.
Waltham Abbey is a town in the Epping Forest District. This ancient market town is also the resting place of King Harold. Epping Forest District Museum offers a rich account of this town’s heritage. For more information on admission prices and the thecollections on display visit the Mumseums website at the link above.
Redwings Ada Cole Horse Sanctuary is a 25-minute car ride from Epping Forest. To schedule a group visit you must email, education@redwings.co.uk. To confirm their availability. Access to the grounds must be pre-arranged via email but entrance is free! Donations are strongly advised as the sanctuary is a non-profit organization and relies on generous donors to adopt and sponsor the animals in rehabilitation.
4) St. Andrew Lakes
St Andrew Lakes is open year round and hosts a wide variety of watersports and activities for children, adults and families.St Andrews Lake is one hour away from Lodon when driving. If taking public transportation, the journey can take up to 2 hours.
You can book and find their availability online, St Andrews Lakes.Watersports.UK.
You are able to bring your own equipment such as kayaks or paddle boards for a reduced rate or rent onsite, Beach access must also be booked in advance.
Longer courses for adults and children are available for paddle boarding and dinghy sailing. Group bookings can be made online or over the phone for birthday parties, school trips or work team building events.
Located on the lake- Cafe facilities and toilets are located on premise. Unfortunately there is no general admission to relax on the watersports beach or swim in the lake. Only organised swimming is permitted.
Also available to book on their website, St Andrews Lake hosts a number of gorgeous retreats on the lake for a romantic getaway.
It is also worthwhile taking a look at their events lists which promotes moon swims, cold water workshops and more.
If you are looking to make watersports the core of your life think about applying for a position, as they are currently hiring!
5) Wilder Blean: Thornden Woods
Located just, 15 minutes drive from Canterbury and 1 hour and a half from London, this extraordinary nature reserve offers a unique wildlife experience. As you wander through the ancient woodland trails of Thornden Woods, you’ll be captivated by the tranquil atmosphere and enchanting flora. But what truly sets Wilder Blean apart is the presence of European bison. Witness these magnificent creatures roaming freely, their imposing figures adding a touch of wilderness to the landscape. The conservation efforts here aim to restore the natural balance of this habitat and create a haven for both the bison and other native wildlife. Immerse yourself in the magic of Wilder Blean, where nature thrives and ancient species reclaim their rightful place. A visit to this extraordinary reserve promises an unforgettable encounter with the wild.
The entrance to the park is free, however, visitors are requested to pay just 3£ for the parking space right outside the reserve.
If you’d like to spend more than a day and explore the area we found the best eco-friendly and affordable hotel in the area!
6) The Fenn Bell: Conservation Project
Another animal reserve just 1 hour drive from London, nestled in the picturesque countryside of Kent, this unique sanctuary is dedicated to preserving and protecting wildlife. Experience the magic as you stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds, where a variety of animals find refuge. From endangered species like lemurs and meerkats to majestic birds of prey, The Fenn Bell provides a safe haven for these remarkable creatures. Witness passionate conservation efforts firsthand, as the dedicated team works tirelessly to rehabilitate and release animals back into their natural habitats. With educational programs and interactive exhibits, visitors of all ages can learn about the importance of wildlife conservation. The Fenn Bell Wildlife Conservation Project is not just a place to admire animals, but also a testament to the power of compassion and preservation. Come and be inspired by the incredible work being done to protect our precious wildlife.
7) Windsor Castle
Experience the grandeur and history of Windsor Castle, an iconic landmark nestled in the picturesque town of Windsor, England. This magnificent fortress, dating back to the 11th century, is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Step inside to explore its opulent State Apartments adorned with priceless artworks and lavish furnishings. Marvel at the exquisite St. George’s Chapel, the final resting place of monarchs and a true architectural gem. As you wander through the castle’s sprawling grounds, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Keep an eye out for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a spectacle of military precision and pageantry. Windsor Castle offers a glimpse into centuries of British royal history, blending tradition with regal splendor. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a captivating day out, a visit to Windsor Castle is sure to leave you awe-inspired and enchanted.
Last but definitely not least, visit to the enigmatic Stonehenge. As you approach the mystical Stonehenge, be awestruck by the towering stone circle rising from the Salisbury Plain, shrouded in ancient tales and mysteries. Explore the visitor center’s engaging exhibits, unraveling the secrets and significance of this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site.
Many are the agencies that offer day tours of this unique site, we found that Tiquets offered the best packages when considering value for money.
Click here for entry tickets with the free option of a 2:30h guided tour.
Or if you prefer to follow an organized day trip from London, click here!
Afterimmersing yourself in the wonders of Stonehenge, venture to the charming town of Salisbury, just a short drive away. Discover its picturesque streets lined with timber-framed buildings and stunning medieval architecture. Find the perfect spot for a well-deserved lunch, be it a traditional English pub offering hearty fare or a cozy café serving delightful sandwiches and pastries.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Salisbury Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic masterpiece housing the world’s oldest working clock and an original copy of the Magna Carta. Take a leisurely stroll through the Cathedral Close, a peaceful oasis with beautifully manicured gardens.
Indulge in the rich history and culinary delights of Salisbury, creating cherished memories on your London day trip. The combination of ancient wonders, delicious food, and captivating surroundings promises an unforgettable experience for all.
Conclusion:
Many are the amazing places to visit surrounding London. We decided to promote the most sustainable and fascinating trips. From the most popular destinations such as Stonehenge to the less frequented hidden gems. We have selected to showcase England’s rural and ancient landmarks in this article, purposely avoiding city centres.
However, there are many other worthy landmarks that we would like to tell you about! So stay tuned, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
