London Escapes: Quick Getaways
London is great, but sometimes you just need a break from tube delays, pigeons with too much confidence, and the overwhelming choice of brunch spots. Whether you fancy seaside serenity, countryside charm, or a medieval castle (because why not?), here are the best places to escape to, all within a couple of hours from the capital.
1 | Brighton: The Londoner’s Beachside Playground
Fun Fact: Brighton Palace Pier was originally built to be a classy Victorian attraction. Today, it’s more about roller coasters, arcade games, and the best fish and chips you’ll ever eat while fending off seagulls.
Where to Stay: The Artist Residence: A quirky boutique hotel where every room looks like it was designed by someone far cooler than you.
Where to Eat: The Salt Room: If you like seafood with a side of stunning sea views, this is the place to be; the sharing platters are legendary.
What to Do: Wander The Lanes for vintage shopping, take a ride on the British Airways i360 for panoramic views, and embrace your inner child at the pier’s amusement park.
2 | The Cotswolds: The English Countryside Dream
Fun Fact: The Cotswolds is so picturesque that it’s been used as a filming location for everything from Bridgerton to Harry Potter. It’s basically England’s answer to a storybook village.
Where to Stay: The Wild Rabbit: A stylish but cosy pub with rooms, owned by the same people who run the ultra-luxurious Daylesford farm shop. Prepare to feel like a countryside aristocrat.
Where to Eat: The Wheatsheaf Inn: The kind of pub where the food is so good, you’ll seriously consider moving to the countryside permanently.
What to Do: Visit Bibury (often called the prettiest village in England), go on a scenic walk through rolling hills, and treat yourself to a proper cream tea (jam first, then cream - - don’t start a war).
3 | Cambridge: Punting, History, and Intellectual Vibes
Fun Fact: Cambridge University is over 800 years old and has produced more Nobel Prize winners than any other institution in the world. So just by visiting, you’ll feel 10% smarter.
Where to Stay: University Arms: Think old-school luxury with a literary twist, right in the heart of the city.
Where to Eat: Fitzbillies: Famous for their sticky Chelsea buns. They’re messy, delicious, and totally worth it.
What to Do: Go punting on the River Cam (basically gondolas, but English), explore the stunning college buildings, and visit the Fitzwilliam Museum for a dose of culture.
4 | Bath: Spa Days and Roman Ruins
Fun Fact: The Romans were the original spa enthusiasts, and they built the famous Roman Baths nearly 2,000 years ago. Bath has basically been a wellness retreat ever since.
Where to Stay: No.15 by GuestHouse: A boutique hotel that feels like stepping into a whimsical dollhouse, complete with chandeliers and clawfoot tubs.
Where to Eat: Sotto Sotto: A cosy Italian restaurant tucked underground, where the food is just as comforting as the ambiance.
What to Do: Relax at the Thermae Bath Spa (the rooftop pool has killer views), explore the Roman Baths, and channel your inner Jane Austen at the museum dedicated to her work.
5 | Oxford: Hogwarts IRL
Fun Fact: Several Harry Potter scenes were filmed in Oxford’s colleges, so yes, you can technically walk in the footsteps of Professor McGonagall.
Where to Stay: The Old Bank Hotel: A chic stay in a historic building, right in the heart of the city.
Where to Eat: The Turf Tavern: Hidden down an alley, this pub is a favourite of Oxford students, including a certain former Prime Minister named Bill Clinton (who may or may not have ‘not inhaled’ here).
What to Do: Tour the historic colleges, browse Blackwell’s (one of the biggest bookshops in the UK), and climb the University Church of St Mary’s tower for unbeatable views.
6 | Rye: Quaint, Coastal, and Quintessentially English
Fun Fact: Rye was once a smuggler’s haven, with secret tunnels and hidden passageways still lurking beneath the cobbled streets.
Where to Stay: The Mermaid Inn: A historic inn dating back to the 12th century, allegedly haunted (but in a charming way, of course).
Where to Eat: The Standard Inn: Traditional pub vibes with modern, mouthwatering food.
What to Do: Explore Mermaid Street, visit the stunning Camber Sands beach, and sip tea while pretending you’re in an Agatha Christie novel.
7 | Canterbury: Medieval Marvels and Cathedral Wonders
Fun Fact: Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest in England and was the site of the infamous murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170.
Where to Stay: The Falstaff: A historic coaching inn with timber beams and plenty of charm.
Where to Eat: The Goods Shed: A farm-to-table restaurant inside a converted railway shed, offering fresh, seasonal delights.
What to Do: Visit Canterbury Cathedral, explore the medieval streets, and take a peaceful boat ride along the River Stour.
8 | Windsor: Castles and Royal Encounters
Fun Fact: Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, and yes, the Queen actually used to spend her weekends here.
Where to Stay: The Macdonald Windsor Hotel: Overlooking the castle, so you can wake up feeling like royalty.
Where to Eat: Gilbey’s: A charming restaurant serving modern British fare in a historic building.
What to Do: Tour Windsor Castle, take a boat ride along the Thames, and stroll through the beautiful Windsor Great Park.
9 | Whitstable: The Oyster Capital of England
Fun Fact: Whitstable’s oyster festival dates back to the Norman times, proving that people have been obsessed with seafood here for centuries.
Where to Stay: The Hotel Continental: A seafront stay with stunning views and easy beach access.
Where to Eat: The Sportsman: A Michelin-starred pub serving some of the best oysters and seafood in the country.
What to Do: Feast on oysters, take a coastal walk, and browse the town’s quirky independent shops.
10 | Deal: A Hidden Gem by the Sea
Fun Fact: Deal was once a notorious smuggling hotspot, with hidden tunnels running beneath the town.
Where to Stay: The Rose: A stylish boutique hotel with retro decor and a great cocktail bar.
Where to Eat: Victuals & Co: A hidden gem offering seasonal, locally sourced dishes.
What to Do: Walk along the charming seafront, visit Deal Castle, and explore the independent shops on the high street.