10 Best Weekend Trips from London – Getaways from London

London is an incredible city, but if you explore nearby places, then there are many unique things to do near London. From storybook villages and historic university towns to dramatic coastlines, national parks, and charming seaside escapes, there are many amazing weekend trips from London.

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Weekend Trips from London – Places to Visit outside London by Car – Road Trips from London

Whether you’re craving a slow countryside break, an easy beach getaway, or a scenic adventure, these Getaways from London prove that you don’t need a long holiday to feel refreshed. This guide covers some of the best places to visit outside London by Car and Train, with helpful details on distance, how to reach, must-do experiences, tours, and helpful tips — perfect for anyone planning Road Trips from London or looking for the best Things to do near London over a weekend.

The Cotswolds — quintessential English countryside (Best for: slow, storybook weekends)

If your brain needs hush, honey-coloured stone cottages, thatched roofs, pretty village pubs and gentle rolling hills, the Cotswolds is the classic answer. It smells like Sunday roast and history, and every lane seems Instagram-ready without trying. It’s a comforting, slow-paced getaway where you can unwind by walking rivers, poking around independent shops, and eating delicious local food.

Distance from London & travel time: roughly 90–100 miles (about 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on where in the Cotswolds you head). The region’s size means travel times vary — the southern Cotswolds (near Bath) can be a different drive from the north (near Moreton-in-Marsh).

How to reach:

• By car: the easiest. Take the M4 (for the southern Cotswolds) or M40/A40 via Oxford (for the northern/eastern villages). The joy of a car is hopping from tiny town to tiny village.
• By train: take a mainline train to Moreton-in-Marsh (from London Paddington or Marylebone via Oxford) or to Cheltenham/Stroud, depending on the area you choose.

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Things to do in the Cotswolds

• Village-hopping (Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway). Each village has a different character — shepherd ’s-pie pubs, antique shops, tearooms — and walking between them is an immediate mood change to a slower time.
• Walk a stretch of the Cotswold Way (even a short 3–6 mile leg), for exploring stellar panoramas, and the route threads through historic villages and limestone scenery you won’t get near London.
• Visit an English pub for a long lunch (look for local ales). The pubs are the social core here — wood-smoked food, roaring fires in winter, and locals who love telling eccentric village lore.
• Gardens & historic houses (e.g., Sudeley Castle, Hidcote, Westonbirt Arboretum nearby). Exploring historic English-style cottages is a great rainy-day plan and gorgeous for photos.

Tours & attractions:

• Guided walking tours in the main villages — often led by local historians.
• Food tours focusing on producers (cheese, cider, tea rooms).
• Seasonal events: village fêtes, Christmas markets, and local arts festivals.

Pro tips:

• Parking: village car parks are small. Arrive early on summer weekends, or aim for mid-afternoon.
• Pacing: plan only two activities a day; the point is slow discovery.
• Accommodation: charming B&Bs, converted farm cottages, and a few small country hotels — book in advance for spring/summer weekends.

Bath — Roman baths, Georgian crescents, elegant city break (Best for: culture + spa weekend)

Bath feels like being inside a period drama with modern coffee shops. The Roman Baths and the Georgian architecture around the Royal Crescent are world-class. Still, the city is compact: you can soak in history, eat brilliantly, and (if you want) have a proper spa experience in a day and a half. Bath is elegant and manageable — brilliant for a relaxing, cultured weekend trip from London.

Distance from London & travel time: about 95–115 miles (roughly 1.5–3 hours by car, depending on traffic). By train from London Paddington, it’s often around 80–90 minutes on faster services.

How to reach:

• By train: frequent services from London Paddington to Bath Spa — fast and stress-free.
• By car: M4 westbound; be ready for some narrow roads once you get close.

Things to do in Bath

• Roman Baths museum and the Great Bath. It’s an ancient bathing complex in superb condition — you can almost feel the layers of history.
• Bath Thermae Spa is a modern rooftop bath with city views; lovely after a long walk exploring the city.
• Walk the Royal Crescent and The Circus. Why: iconic Georgian architecture — especially magical at sunrise or sunset for photos.
• Jane Austen Centre / Regency walking tours. Why: literary fans will love seeing locations linked to Austen’s life and work.
• Bath’s foodie scene: independent cafés, award-winning restaurants, and farmers’ markets. Why: the city punches above its size with restaurants and local produce.

Tours & attractions:

• Bath city walking tours (Roman/Georgian architecture tours).
• Evening ghost walks — Bath has a surprising, spooky history.
• Day trips from Bath into the nearby Mendip Hills or to Stonehenge (if you want to combine two big hits).

Pro tips:

• Book the Roman Baths and Thermae Spa slots in advance on busy weekends.
• Bath is hilly — comfortable shoes are a must.
• If you’re on a tight schedule, take the train, as you will waste time driving in heavy traffic.

Brighton — pebbles, pier, lanes, and creative buzz (Best for: seaside escape and lively nights)

Brighton is the closest full-on seaside city to London, where creativity meets the coast. It’s lively, inclusive, perfect for wandering The Lanes, checking out independent shops, lounging on the pebble beach, and finding excellent local food and quirky bars. It’s a classic for weekenders: quick to reach and full of mood. (Brighton is a leading pick for many Weekend Trips from London lists.)

Distance from London & travel time: around 50–80 miles, depending on the measurement — typically ~1.5 hours by car and ~1 hour by train from London Victoria or London Bridge (fast trains). The driving distance can vary depending on your starting point in London.

How to reach:

• By train: very frequent and fast. Trains from London Victoria typically take ~1 hour.
• By car: A23/M23 south — traffic can be slow at peak times, and parking in town is limited.

Things to do in Brighton

• Walk the Brighton Palace Pier and try the arcade rides. It is seaside nostalgia and a lively atmosphere for all ages.
• The Lanes & North Laine for shopping, narrow alleys full of independent boutiques, vintage shops, and cafés.
• Royal Pavilion. An eccentric, Indian-inspired palace with lavish interiors — such a contrast to the seafront.
• Undercliff walks and Devil’s Dyke for short hikes and views. Quickly get to the hilltop to enjoy the vistas and the quiet countryside.
• Brighton’s food & nightlife: excellent local food, vegan-friendly places, and an intense live-music scene.

Tours & attractions:

• Guided walking food tours in the Lanes.
• Brighton walking tours focused on LGBTQ+ history and the city’s creative culture.
• Volk’s Electric Railway — a tiny historic seaside ride for a cute experience.

Pro tips:

• Bring layers — the wind off the sea is real even in summer.
• Weekends are busy — arrive early to secure a pier-side spot or a beach blanket.
• If you love small independents, avoid chain-heavy areas and explore side streets.

Oxford — dreaming spires, punting and bookshops (Best for: short, cultured break)

Oxford is a compact university city that’s perfect for wandering. It has magical college courtyards, atmospheric bookshops (hello Blackwell’s), punting on the river, and a surprisingly buzzing modern cultural life. It’s ideal for a short getaway that still gives you a proper sense of place.

Distance from London & travel time: about 55–100 km, depending on the measure; driving is about 1.5 hours (60 miles/≈97 km), and trains from Paddington take about an hour.

How to reach:

• Train: London Paddington direct to Oxford — fast and convenient.
• Car: M40/A40 route — easy but watch for university term traffic.

Things to do in Oxford

• College walking tour (Christ Church, Magdalen, Bodleian Library). The architecture is stunning, and Christ Church has Harry Potter connections if you want that fun angle.
• Punting on the River Cherwell or Thames (college-owned punts in summer). It’s serene, slightly eccentric, and a special way to see the city.
• Visit museums (Ashmolean — superb for art and artifacts) to admire world-class collections in a compact city.
• Do for Book-hunting and cafés in Blackwell’s and the surrounding streets. Here it is, bibliophile heaven; stop for a tea and watch the world go by.

Tours & attractions:

• Guided college tours (many colleges only allow tours at certain times; book ahead).
• Ghost walks and literary tours for a slightly different vibe.

Pro tips:

• Oxford gets busy during term dates; consider weekdays if you can.
• If you want punting, early morning is quieter — and cooler — in summer.

Cambridge — rivers, colleges, and riverside cafés (Best for: lazy academic charm)

Cambridge offers a slightly calmer collegiate charm than Oxford — long riverside walks, picturesque punts, and a compact city where everything is within walking distance. It’s perfect for a relaxed one- or two-night break.

Distance from London & travel time: about 50–65 miles; driving c.1.5 hours, trains from King’s Cross or Liverpool Street can be around 50–70 minutes depending on the service.

How to reach:

• Train: frequent trains from King’s Cross and Liverpool Street.
• Car: M11 north — straightforward.

Things to do in Cambridge

• Punting on the River Cam through College Backs is a relaxing, very photogenic experience.
• Walk the colleges (Trinity, King’s College Chapel) – The chapels and courtyards are spectacular; midday services can be beautiful.
• Explore Fitzwilliam Museum and independent shops in the historic centre.

Tours & attractions:

• College tours and punting tours (with guides who point out historical sites and share anecdotes).
• Bicycle hire — the city is famously cycle-friendly.

Pro tips:

• If you want peace, explore slightly off-centre lanes and find a riverside café.
• Cycling is a fast, fun way to see Cambridge — but stay alert for busy cycle paths.

Stratford-upon-Avon — Shakespeare, timbered houses, storybook riverside (Best for: literary weekend)

The birthplace of Shakespeare is small but atmospheric — Tudor timbered buildings, theatres, and the Avon River. It’s a perfect cultural weekend with a literary focus, and the town rarely disappoints if you like theatrical history.

Distance from London & travel time: roughly ~100 miles by road — about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours driving from London; trains exist but may require changes depending on route.

How to reach:

• By car: M40 and then A46/A3400 routes; straightforward on off-peak days.
• By train: routes from London Marylebone or Euston with changes; check direct services from Marylebone if available.

Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon

• Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, for tactile, human history, and lovely gardens.
• Watch any performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and get immersed in world-class theatre in an intimate setting.
• Riverside walks and boat trips on the Avon to experience the calmness of this place, which is beautiful, and a great way to end a day.

Tours & attractions:

• RSC performance and backstage tours.
• Historical walks with local guides who know the Bard’s stories.

Pro tips:

• Book RSC tickets in advance if you can — great performances sell fast.
• The town is walkable — park and enjoy a stroll.

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Canterbury — cathedral city and medieval streets (Best for: history + cathedral day)

Canterbury’s cathedral is one of England’s great spiritual and architectural sites; the city pairs this with medieval lanes, independent shops, and riverside walks. It’s an easy, contemplative weekend with lots of cafés and history.

Distance from London & travel time: around 60 miles by car (just over an hour if traffic is light); trains from London St Pancras/Liverpool Street take about 55–80 minutes, depending on service.

How to reach:

• Train: fast Southeastern services from St Pancras/London Victoria.
• Car: M2/A2; parking near the city centre is straightforward with several car parks.

Things to do in Canterbury

• Canterbury Cathedral and guided tours for admiring stunning architecture and centuries of history.
• Stroll the medieval streets and visit the Canterbury Tales attraction (if you want something immersive), which offers fun, family-friendly insights into historical life.
• Riverside boat tours and nearby coastal spots (Whitstable for oysters). for exploring history with fresh coastal food and seaside views.

Tours & attractions:

• Cathedral guided tours and choral evensong — emotionally resonant and atmospheric.
• Local food tours.

Pro tips:

• If you want choral evensong, check cathedral schedules — it’s an unforgettable cultural experience.
• Combine Canterbury with an afternoon in Whitstable if you love seafood.

New Forest — wild ponies and ancient woodland (Best for: outdoorsy, dog-friendly breaks)

The New Forest is a short hop from London with ancient woodland, heathland, and free-roaming ponies. It’s a peaceful, natural haven for cycling, walking, and pubs with roaring fires — an ideal counterpoint to city noise. Great for families and dog owners.

Distance & travel time: about 90–120 miles, depending on area; roughly 1.5–2.5 hours by car. (Train options reach Brockenhurst and other stations with onward cycling/walking).

How to reach:

• Car: M3/M27 depending on which part of the New Forest you head to.
• Train: South Western Railway services to Brockenhurst or Lymington.

Things to do in New Forest

• Gentle walks and cycle routes. Why: easy access to quiet trails and scenic picnic spots.
• Visit village pubs in Lyndhurst or Beaulieu (National Motor Museum nearby). Why: the forest has a surprising variety — both rustic and culturally fascinating.
• Wildlife spotting (ponies, deer, birds). Why: the free-roaming ponies are iconic and wonderfully photogenic.

Tours & attractions:

• Guided wildlife walks and cycling tours.
• Beaulieu Motor Museum is for you if you love vintage cars.

Pro tips:

• Drive slowly — ponies and livestock often wander across roads.
• Keep cameras ready; early morning offers the best wildlife moments.
• Book accommodation within or just outside the forest for easy access.

Dorset & Jurassic Coast — dramatic coastline and fossil hunting (Best for: geology and dramatic coastal walks)

The Jurassic Coast is England’s answer to dramatic seaside cliffs — great for long, bracing cliff walks, fossil hunting, and coastal villages with top coastal food. It is perfect for having active weekends and is a gorgeous, longer Road Trip from London.

Distance & travel time: roughly 150–200 miles, depending on which point you target (Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Lyme Regis). Driving typically takes ~3–4 hours from London. For a weekend, leave Friday or be ready for a solid return drive Sunday.

How to reach:

• Car: M3/M27 then A31/A35 depending on final destination. Driving allows you to hop between stunning spots.
• Train: services to nearby towns are available, but a car offers the most flexibility for cliff walks and coves.

Things to do in Dorset & Jurassic Coast

• Walk around Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Why: striking limestone arches and coves that feel otherworldly.
• Fossil-hunting at Lyme Regis. Why: hands-on, fun — and you might find a real fossil to take home (check local rules).
• Coastal walks with clifftop panoramas (South West Coast Path). Why: endless vistas and energising air.

Tours & attractions:

• Guided fossil walks from Lyme Regis or Charmouth.
• Boat tours for different perspectives of the cliffs.

Pro tips:

• Wear strong shoes for cliff paths — it’s rough underfoot.
• Check tide times before coastal walks and keep your phone well charged.
• The off-season (autumn/spring) can be quieter and atmospheric, though it can be chillier.

The Lake District — long, scenic weekend or short break if you’re spirited (Best for: full-nature immersion)

If you want grand landscapes, hiking, lakesides, and dramatic panoramas, the Lake District is England’s iconic national park. It’s longer to get to from London, but if you can manage the drive (or take a fast train north), the pay-off is big: real mountain walking, lakeside pubs, and remote beauty.

Distance & travel time: roughly ~250–270 miles from London; driving will take around 4.5–6.5 hours depending on route and traffic. Trains go from London Euston to Oxenholme or Penrith, often taking ~3.5–4 hours on fast services.

How to reach:

• Car: M6 north — plan fuel/stops; allow time for narrow country roads in the Lakes.
• Train: London Euston to Oxenholme or Penrith, then local connections or bus/taxi to towns like Windermere or Keswick.

Things to do in the Lake District

• Hikes (Helvellyn, Scafell Pike, if you’re up for a challenge, Orrest Head for a gentler view). You will explore classic mountain stuff, and the views from there are serene.
• Lake cruises (Windermere, Ullswater). Go for calm and cinematic, an easy way to appreciate scale.
• Visit Beatrix Potter spots and literary connections (Dove Cottage — Wordsworth). It is a combination of cultural threads in a wild landscape.
• Pubs and hearty food after a day on the fells. Food in the Lakes is comforting and well-deserved.

Tours & attractions:

• Guided fell walks for safety and local knowledge.
• Boat cruises and wildlife-spotting tours.

Pro tips:

• Weather changes fast — layers, waterproofs, good boots.
• If you only have a weekend, prioritize a small area (e.g., Windermere + Ambleside) to avoid spending all your time driving.
• Book accommodation well in advance for bank holiday weekends.

Travel Tips & Practical Advice for Weekend Trips from London

1. Timing matters more than distance. Leaving London outside rush hours is golden. Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons can be traffic-heavy — if you can swing driving early morning Friday or late night Sunday, you’ll save time. For trains, book in advance (often cheaper) and check peak vs off-peak times.
2. Pack layers & adapt to microclimates. Even short drives can take you from windy coast to sheltered valley. Bring a light, waterproof jacket and walking shoes.  
3. Car or train? Choose by mood.
   • Drive if you want flexibility, countryside lanes, or to reach remote spots (the Cotswolds, the New Forest, Dorset).
   • Train if you want to relax, drink wine, or guarantee a predictable journey (Bath, Oxford, Brighton, Cambridge). Trains are fast and centre-to-centre.
4. Book key things in advance. Spa slots (Bath Thermae), theatre (RSC), and popular attractions often sell out on weekends — make reservations for dinners at good restaurants, especially in smaller towns.
5. Use apps and local info. National Park visitor centres, local tourism websites, and Google/Trainline for live train times help adjust plans quickly.
6. Consider guided tours for time-limited trips. If you only have one day, a guided tour (e.g., Stonehenge day trip from Bath or London, Brighton food tour, or Cotswolds small-group trips) squeezes in highlights without the planning headaches.
7. Support local businesses. Small towns thrive on weekend visitors — shop local, book local-guided walks, and pick independent pubs.
8. Look for quieter seasons. Shoulder seasons (late spring, early autumn) often offer the best weather and visibility, with fewer crowds. Avoid national holidays unless you enjoy a busy atmosphere.
9. If you’re doing a Road Trip from London, plan scenic stopovers. A small detour makes the journey part of the fun: coffee at a market town, a clifftop viewpoint on the coast, or an ancient pub en route.
10. Safety & sustainability. Pack a small first-aid kit, respect wildlife and footpaths, and consider train/car-sharing for lower carbon travel.

More ideas & mini-options – Things to do near London

• Hastings & Rye (southeast coast) — charming, historic town and good beaches.
• Lewes & South Downs — walking, vineyards, small-town charms.
• Whitstable — oysters and sea breezes, great as a Canterbury add-on.
• Winchester — a cathedral city with riverside walks and food markets.
• Margate — vintage, beachside art scene, and the Turner Contemporary gallery.

Packing checklist for a typical Weekend Trips from London

 

• Comfortable walking shoes and a small daypack.
• Waterproof layer and a warmer mid-layer.
• Portable phone charger and physical or downloaded maps if you go off-grid.
• Reusable water bottle and a small snack stash (useful for hikes).
• Copies of bookings (hotel, train/tour) and a printed route if you’re driving.

How to select the perfect weekend trips from London

• Want minimal travel and maximum relaxation? Choose Bath or Brighton.
• Want rolling hills and gentle strolling: Cotswolds or New Forest.
• Want literary or historic atmosphere: Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, or Canterbury.
• Want dramatic landscapes and proper outdoors: Lake District or Jurassic Coast.
• Need quick, lively seaside: Brighton — fast trains, big atmosphere.

Quick Summary of Getaways from London

• Cotswolds — ~1.5–2.5 hours by car; best for slow village charm.
• Bath — ~1.5–3 hours by car; ~1.5 hours by train; Roman Baths + spa. 
• Brighton — ~1–1.5 hours by train; seafront + creative scene. 
• Oxford — ~1–1.5 hours by train/car; colleges and punting.
• Cambridge — ~1–1.5 hours by train/car; punting + museums.
• Stratford-upon-Avon — ~1.5–2.5 hours by car; Shakespearean theatre.
• Canterbury — ~1–1.5 hours by train/car; cathedral city.
• New Forest — ~1.5–2.5 hours by car; ponies & woodland.
• Dorset/Jurassic Coast — ~3–4 hours by car; cliffs & fossil hunting.
• Lake District — ~4.5–6.5 hours by car; big landscapes & hiking.

One of the best things about London is that there are many relaxed places close by. Whether you choose a peaceful village in the countryside, a historic city filled with stories, or a windswept coastline that clears your head, these Weekend Trips from London offer the perfect balance of ease and escape. From relaxed getaways from London by train to flexible Road Trips from London by car, every destination in this list is a unique way to explore England.

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