Life in London offers so much in modern times. The capital has become the European epicentre of cultural, entertainment, and leisure activities with millions of people walking along its historic streets every day as workers, tourists, and residents together. This means that the pace is electric with barely a moment to catch your breath before getting ready for your next appointment, engagement, or big evening out. However, London’s location in the south of the country and its world-leading transport links also make it primed for a huge selection of breaks and getaways that can be simply planned and quickly taken.
Weekend Getaways From London
Taking a weekend away has fantastic restorative and re-energising powers that allow you to connect with a partner or family and enjoy new places, new ideas, and new experiences with the thrill of exploration and discovery at your feet. Let’s take a look at our pick of the best weekends away from London.
The Cotswolds
The classic image of a quintessential English countryside with rolling green hills and bucolic charm could very well be based on The Cotswolds, with over 750 square miles of paradise that looks and feels like a watercolour painting. This area of England spreads over the six counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire, and as a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you will be spoilt for choice on which view to wake up to. The Cotswold Way is a stunning 100-mile long-distance walking trail that runs from Bath to Chipping Campden with unsurpassed views of the area and offers a great foundation to plan where to stay, visit, eat, and relax. The village of Bourton-on-the-Water would be our pick, a destination often referred to as the Venice of the Cotswolds because of the beautiful low bridges that stand over the River Windrush here. There are plenty of quaint bed and breakfast options for cosy couple evenings together and some luxury inns for a more dynamic and activity-planned weekend. The Cotswolds can be reached from London in around two and a half hours by car or one and a half hours by train.
The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales offers a landscape of drama and beauty with towering cliff faces, rushing rivers over ragged rocks, and lush colourful acres of English countryside to marvel upon. This area is perhaps the most famous of all the National Parks in the country and is extremely well maintained and preserved with some stand-out places of interest that will all be clamouring for a spot on your weekend away itinerary. The natural limestone formation of Malham Cove which delivers breath-taking views after a considerably challenging climb is a firm favourite here, immortalised as a location in the final Harry Potter film to strengthen its magic credentials. After a day’s stroll, or climb, the inimitable North Yorkshire places, produce and people are ready to welcome you with some exquisite local breweries such as The Black Bull close to the town of Sedbergh also offering meals and rooms for the complete experience. The drive can be around three to four hours from the capital, with some faster options by train via Leeds, but the clear air and open views are well worth the journey.
Brighton
At only 54 miles from London with transport links that will take you there comfortably in around an hour, Brighton is the perfect spontaneous choice for a weekend out of the city when a break is required. There is a brilliant mix of bohemian style and classic country to be experienced here with some invigorating options to walk the unforgettable white chalk cliffs of the South Downs and Seven Sisters before an evening of modern luxury out in the town. And what a town it is too. The buzzing boutiques, independent arts shops, and venues that make this place such a vibrant community are more than matched by some extraordinary culinary offerings along The Lanes, with lively bars and pubs available wherever you look. The world famous Brighton Pier and beach provide a classic English seaside charm too, with some great water sports facilities for those daring days in the waves. Brighton is definitely a must-see and must-stay for any discerning London resident.
Oxford
Oxford is a city so steeped in academic greatness that it simply demands surroundings and facilities that will engage and inspire those fortunate enough to live or visit here. The stunning architecture that has been informed by the world’s oldest, and arguably most prestigious, English-speaking university dominates the skyline with incredible examples of Gothic, English Palladian, Baroque and Neoclassical jostling for position amongst the famous dreaming spires. With so much history on these streets, it makes sense to take a walking tour on your weekend away to learn from the stories and people’s adventures that made this city great. It will offer some essential insight along the High Street and Cornmarket Street areas that are full of boutiques and independent cafes and guide you through the super cool suburb of Jericho that opens up along the canal and into Port Meadow, 300 acres of open park beside the river Thames. All of this is just one hour away from London by train, or slightly longer if you choose to take the rather scenic drive.
Bristol
Bristol in the 21st Century represents one of the most impressive cultural hubs in all of England with a sharp focus on building communities around music, arts and design. The identity of one of the city’s most famous sons, Banksy, may remain a secret, but there is no hiding the attraction of this bohemian hotspot with so many opportunities to see street art, hear live music and witness a place that positively vibrates with energy and life. It has also developed a thriving and diverse gastronomical scene that now draws thousands of food tourists every year to experience places such as Casa on Lower Guinea Street, that provides excellent Italian food or the Michelin-Starred Bulrush with a wonderfully unique tasting menu. The local craft breweries that have recently risen alongside the city also make it a great destination for those looking for a top tipple or two to taste. The journey to Bristol from London is just under two hours by train, alternatively a road trip would be a great way to get there in just under three hours.
All that remains is to take a look through your calendar and choose a date to get going. The capital will always be waiting for you on your return, and you will get to see some of the very best destinations the country has to offer as you relax and restore with some quality time away. Load up the car, or get to the train station, and be ready to leave London for a short while on your perfect weekend away.
