Autumn is arguably the most beautiful time of the year in the UK; the leaves are changing colour and the nights are drawing in, yet before the temperature really drops, it is still possible to spend time outside. Whether it be by train or car there is ample opportunity to explore the UK and we’ve rounded up some of the best day trips that are all a short distance from London.
Live like royalty at Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
Hampton Court is a vast Grade I listed palace 12 miles from central London. Over five hundred years old, the royal residence was King Henry VIII’s favourite place to be. Home to countless pieces of priceless art, as well as one of the largest mazes in Europe and a chapel with a timber ceiling, which Historians have called “the most important and magnificent in Britain” there is an abundance of culture and heritage to enjoy. It is easy to immerse oneself in the rich history of the palace and experience staggering Tudor architecture up close and see how the most famous family in history lived over five centuries ago.
Tuck into delicious seafood at Angela’s, Margate
People travel from far and wide to visit this exquisite seafood restaurant in Margate, Kent. Renowned for using the highest quality ingredients, Angela’s has an ever-changing menu serving whatever the local fishermen have caught that morning. Oysters, scallops and Dover Sole are all featured on the menu and the food is served in an elegant and modern dining room. Located just off the seafront in this iconic British seaside town which attracted the painter JMW Turner three centuries ago, Margate has recently been revitalised with a new art scene thanks to the artist Tracey Emin, which in part contributed to Margate being voted “the coolest town in the UK” last year. The town stretches across a large sandy beach and has iconic Georgian townhouses.
Relax in Richmond Park, Surrey
Richmond Park is at its very best in autumn. An explosion of colour is found across London’s largest park, which is internationally important for its exceptional commitment to wildlife preservation. Not only is the park brimming with natural beauty but it is also home to important architectural landmarks including the staggering Grade I listed lodge which was formally a royal residence and is now home to the Royal Ballet School. With its plethora of fauna, the park feels a million miles from the city despite being right on the edge. This makes it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature.
Unwind in style in the spa at The Langley, Buckinghamshire
Constructed during the mid-18th century to serve as a hunting retreat for the third Duke of Marlborough, the Palladian marvel that is Langley Park has metamorphosed into The Langley, an exquisite sibling of the renowned Wellesley in Knightsbridge, seamlessly integrated into Marriott's esteemed Luxury Collection. The hotel is a mere twenty miles from London yet when you enter you will instantly feel as if you have been transported into another universe. With an indoor pool and state-of-the-art facilities, the spa is the jewel in its crown. It has everything you need to relax and unwind, including tailor-made packages to ensure all your needs are met and your experience is perfectly catered for you.
Rub shoulders with tomorrow's prime ministers in Oxford, Oxfordshire
Oxford is known globally for being home to the most prestigious university on earth which is nearly 1000 years old - over half of Prime Ministers in the UK were educated there. We think that it may not have just been the education that drew these politicians to the city. With its rich history comes incredible architecture, the beautiful streets have to be seen to be believed. From the Bodleian Library, home to over thirteen million pieces of literature to the esteemed gothic chapels, there is beauty and culture at every turn. The large and eclectic student population means there is something for everyone to enjoy; vintage clothing stores, an array of pubs and up-and-coming restaurants mean it’s the perfect place to spend the day.
