Best of British: Countryside day trips for Londoners
While it’s hard to prise a Londoner away from the big city, there is something to be said for the British countryside. From rolling hills to quaint little villages, it’s certainly a stark contrast from the high-rise buildings and busy tube stations city dwellers are used to.
It’s often said that country air can work wonders and with that said, here are some of our top picks for countryside getaways in the UK.
Bookworm haven in Cambridge
You can’t get any more quintessentially British than a day trip to Cambridge.
With regular trains departing from Kings Cross, there’s no excuse to not visit the world-famous university and marvel at the beautifully crafted architecture of the campus buildings.
Set in the leafy Cambridgeshire county, Cambridge itself is surrounded by green fields as well as the much-loved River Cam. Here, you can take the typical punting trip on a warm summers day to get the best sights of the city. This, topped off with a picnic on the Backs, is a great break from the stresses of city life.
Royal visit to Windsor
A little closer to home, Windsor is great for those who are looking for a quick fix away from the city. The town itself is everything you’d expect it to be. What better way to enjoy a pint than at a quaint pub lining one of the many cobbled streets?
The main thing to see here though, of course, is Windsor castle. Many a royal has wed here and its tradition to approach the castle via the Long Walk. The straight road that leads to the beautiful castle gives you time to relax and unwind while strolling around this peaceful place.
No royal visit is complete without the Changing of the Guard, so plan your day ahead!
Walking routes galore at Stonehenge
If you’re looking for something a little more active, take a trip through time with a visit to Stonehenge. The infamous prehistoric stone circle is believed to have been erected a staggering five thousand years ago. While you can’t touch the stones themselves, there are plenty of walkways surrounding the area for the best views.
Instead of just pitching up, looking at the stones and heading straight back home, why not make a day of it?
There are plenty of hiking routes around the area for a proper trek in the surrounding landscape. If you’re planning on a day of walking, make sure you’re properly prepared. Places like Orvis offer all the outdoor clothing and equipment you’ll need to make sure you’re properly prepared for an unpredictable day in the British outdoors!
Stepping back in time in Bath
Often referred to as one of Britain’s most beautiful cities, Bath is a real treat for any history lovers out there.
The Roman Baths complex showcases the best of Roman architecture and is split into four sections: The Bath House, the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple and finally, the museum.
Close by, Bath Abby gives you the iconic Medieval church synonymous with many British cities. Make sure to wander around both the exterior and the interior and prepare to be marvelled by this extraordinary building.
You can easily get the Bath from Paddington station, so make sure to add this spot to your weekend escape list if you need a bit of time out.
London is one of the best-connected cities in the world, so why not make the most of it and take a trip outside of the M25 every now and then!
