It’s fair to say that for us Londoners the masses of people in the city can get overwhelming at times. If you’re fed up of queuing for a tables in restaurants and feeling like a sardine on the tube, a day trip to a picturesque spot outside the city could be a great idea. We’ve created a list of 8 day trips near London for under £20, for a spontaneous getaway or a fab weekend activity.
1. Brighton
Brighton is one of the UK’s most vibrant and colourful cities and it’s only an hour long train journey from London Bridge or Victoria station. Buy a ticket with your 16-25 railcard for just £12.90 and spend the day strolling on the seafront, shopping in the Lanes or ice skating at the Royal Pavilion. Whatever the weather, Brighton always guarantees a great day out. If you want to update your sustainable wardrobe, Brighton’s thrifting scene is also definitely one of the best!
2. Oxford
Home to the world’s second oldest university, a day in Oxford promises lots of history, culture and picture-perfect moments. Be transported back in time as you walk around the university’s different colleges, visit a museum or if you’re a self-proclaimed Potterhead, seek out the various spots seen in the movies! You can get there in under an hour from London Paddington and you really will feel another world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Canterbury
If you’re familiar with Chaucer, you’ll know that Canterbury is one of the UK’s oldest cities. This beautifully quaint city transports visitors back in time with its historic architecture and many museums, and boasts the country’s oldest cathedral, dating all the way back to 597 AD! Whether you want a day filled with culture or fancy wiling the time away in a pub, Canterbury is only an hour journey from London Victoria and is perfect for an idyllic day away from the Big Smoke.
4. Henley-on-Thames
Famed for its annual Oxbridge rowing regatta, Henley-on-Thames is another beautiful spot for a relaxing day away from the city. Have a stroll around the town centre and find some hidden gems in their boutiques or if you fancy a spot of afternoon tea, Henley has a whole host of cute little eateries on the river that are lovely to visit. If the weather is looking good, a boat trip on the river would be another blissful way to spend the day.
5. Windsor
A day out fit for the Queen, literally! Queen Liz’s favourite weekend getaway spot is home to the world’s oldest inhabited castle and was also where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot! Windsor is a mere 40 minute train ride from London Waterloo and is perfect for a idyllic stroll in the Great Park, an educational tour around the castle or a shopping spree in the town centre.
6. Rye
Rye is a beautiful little corner of East Sussex that is another blast into the past. Walk down cobbled lanes lined with medieval, thatched-roof houses and lots of lovely, traditional eateries. For a winter getaway, wander around the streets and opt for a brew in a cosy pub. Or if the weather is looking more forgiving, fish and chips on the beach at Camber Sands is another perfect way to spend the day. Train tickets are less than a tenner, so all the more money for lunch and an afternoon treat!
7. Whitstable
Whitstable is a charming little seaside town in Kent that’s perfect for city folk looking for a break from the hubbub of London. It’s the English seaside at its best, with an infectious community spirit, beautiful beach views and of course, some deliciously fresh seafood. And the best part- train tickets are only £6!
8. Hastings
Breathe in some fresh sea air in another idyllic seaside town. Hastings is situated on a cliff and offers some stunning beach views, all year round. The town is also filled with lots of rich history to discover, and is the perfect place to get some fish and chips while taking in the beautiful scenery.
As Londoners, that buzz of the city will always have a special place in our hearts. However, these spots are perfect for discovering somewhere new and for some much needed RnR from city life. They’re easy to get to, cheap and ooze with culture and history that make for a great way to spend a day.
