5 day trips from London
If you’ve been following me on Instagram for a while, you may have noticed that there’s nothing I love more on a weekend than escaping the city and exploring further afield in the UK. From Cumbria to the Kent coastline, I’ve done my fair share of in-land travelling this year. Given that it’s the last summer Bank Holiday next weekend, if you’re strapped for ideas and want to escape the Big Smoke for the day, see below for my top recommendations of 5 of the best places for a day trip from London…
There’s nowhere quite like the British seaside in the summertime, and Brighton is the poster child of this phenomenon. Kick off with brunch at The Set inside the gorgeous Artist Residence, or the Flour Pot Bakery for a quick homebaked pastry. Lap up the sun on the beach, or head to the pier for fish and chips and a gander around the seaside shopfronts. For coffee, make a pitstop at Bond Street Coffee before spending the afternoon getting lost in The Lanes and its endless boutique shops.
Train ride: 1 hour from Victoria
Seaside fun with a dash of nostalgia. Start with coffee and pastries at Storeroom by Curve Roasters, or head to The Greedy Cow for a cooked breakfast before a wander around the Old Town. Spend the afternoon at Dreamland, or head for a walk along the coast to Botany Bay. End with dinner at Wyatt & Jones in nearby Broadstairs.
Train ride: 1 hour 30 minutes from St Pancras International
Super easy to get to, and one of my favourite cities in the UK…start with a delicious brunch and coffee at Hot Numbers Coffee before having a wander around the colleges. If it’s sunny, hire a punt (or sign up to a punt tour) along the river, or if you’re more of a culture vulture, head to the Fitzwilliam Museum instead. Stop for a cup of tea and Chelsea bun at Fitzbillies, before finishing with dinner at Pint Shop.
Train ride: 45 minutes from King’s Cross
Steeped in history, Oxford has much more to offer than just being a university town. Head to Gee’s for brunch in a beautiful space, followed by a walk around town admiring the colleges and boutique shops. Stop for coffee at Society Cafe, before heading to the Pitt Rivers Museum for a dose of history. You’ll find the best cake in town at Barefoot Bakery before a walk through Port Meadow, ending with dinner at Turl Street Kitchen.
Train ride: 1 hour from Paddington
Shuck down oysters on the beach, or stop for a seafood-based brunch at famous Wheeler’s before heading for a stroll along the coast. Mooch around the design stores on the high street before pausing for coffee and cake at Blueprint Coffee. End the day winding down at Samphire for dinner.
Train ride: 1 hour 20 minutes from St Pancras International
