One of London’s most well-known features is its pubs. London has plenty to offer when it comes to nightlife and day life, but Londoners know that there are times when you just want a change of scenery. The city can be overwhelming at times, so many people take weekend breaks outside London for a chance to relax and enjoy themselves without the noise and crowds. Here are six awesome places you can visit in less than one hour from London!
The Cotswolds
We all know London is a great city, but it can be nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of London. The Cotswolds are an excellent place for weekend break-aways because they offer people plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities—ranging from cycling to walking trails, fishing lakes, and waterfalls. They also have some charming little villages with lots of pubs that you should visit while you’re there!
The area has loads for tourists to do in their spare time too: take a trip through one of two National Trust properties (Chavenage House or Westonbirt) or explore specific points on over 400 miles worth of public footpaths throughout the region.
Brighton
Among places near London that make for an awesome weekend break, Brighton has to be one of the best. Londoners looking to escape from the hectic life in their city can find a much more relaxed atmosphere in this seaside town.
Brighton is a place you can really feel at home – its population tends to describe themselves as friendly outsiders who are tolerant and accepting with others, unlike London’s strict social structures! It offers endless opportunities for fun activities like taking boat trips on nearby waterways or even exploring new creative outlets by visiting the open-air art gallery near The Pier called ‘The Lanes’.
If you want something less touristy then why not have a wander down Western Road where there are plenty of independent shops selling eclectic items.
This is a favorite London break destination for people who want to explore the seaside and Brighton has plenty of accommodation options including hotels, bed and breakfast establishments as well as self-catering flats.
Oxford and Cambridge
Visiting places around London can be expensive, but Oxford and Cambridge offer a great opportunity for Londoners to visit some of the best university towns in England.
Oxford is home to one of the most prestigious universities in the world – University College Oxford – which has educated figures such as Virginia Woolf, Oscar Wilde, Stephen Fry, and John Cleese amongst others. You can come here for any purpose you choose: whether that’s studying at one of the Colleges such as Christ Church College where Harry Potter was filmed or spending time visiting other areas like the Bodleian Library or Magdalen College Garden. This weekend break offers plenty of opportunities to indulge your inner academic by visiting their library (the Bodleian Library), taking a tour, or going on an expedition with The Archaeology Society!
Similarly, Cambridge’s famous university was founded over 600 years ago and it continues to attract high achieving students from all around the globe every year. You can come here for any purpose you choose: whether that’s studying at one of the colleges, exploring around on a guided tour, or simply taking in some of their stunning architecture.
Bournemouth
Another place to visit on your London weekend break is Bournemouth. This seaside town has been a popular destination for Londoners since the 1850s when it became an accessible resort from London (previously, people would have to take a ferry across).
Bournemouth was also known as ‘Pleasure Town’ and there are still many ways you can enjoy yourself in this coastal city today. You will have many things to do in Bournemouth – whether that means renting bikes and exploring the beautiful coastline or spending some time on one of the beaches such as Boscombe Pier Beach which offers stunning views out onto Poole Harbour. Alternatively, why not go birdwatching? The famous New Forest National Park provides excellent opportunities for wildlife watching by foot, bike, car, or horseback.
Bournemouth is also a great place for golfing enthusiasts as the Royal London Golf Club and The Dunes are both within easy driving distance of Bournemouth.
In addition to this, there are various other sports you can take part in including water sports such as sailing and canoeing which can be enjoyed at one of the many beaches along the coast.
Bath
The city of Bath is just southwest London and offers a great place to go for the weekend. For those who wish to indulge in their culture, this destination has Roman baths that are now overseen by English Heritage (a government organization). It’s also famous for its Georgian architecture as well as being mentioned in Jane Austen novels.
The Pump Rooms offer visitors an insight into what was once considered one of the most fashionable places to be seen during Regency England. There’s plenty on offer at Bath including shopping, drinking, and dining experiences so you’ll never feel bored! You can even take boat trips along the River Avon or explore caves – all without needing your car.
Windsor Castle and the Royal Ascot Horse Race in Berkshire
Last but not least, Windsor Castle is one of London’s most iconic destinations. This ancient castle has been the home to British monarchs for centuries and its rich history can be seen in every nook and cranny. The Royal Ascot Horse Race, which takes place at Windsor’s Home Park each June, is a spectacle not to be missed by any horse racing enthusiast!
So if you are in need of a break from the hustle and bustle, or just want to explore some new places that offer very different lifestyles than your own, then get yourself down to England. There is something for everyone- whether it be rural, coastal, urban, or historical. You’ll find great food and drink; old-world charm with modern conveniences; lots of green space for outdoor activities; and so much more!
