36 Weekend Getaways From London For Busy Travellers

Because sometimes weekend getaways from London are just what you need when you’re bitten by the travel bug, but your hands are tied to the work desk. For a travel lover with a busy schedule, weekend getaways are just as good as a trip somewhere foreign. They take a few hours to plan (and arrive at!) and are affordable. From romantic weekend breaks from London to ones for kids or for a tight budget, get ready to mark the calendar for an amazing weekend. You’re not a Londoner but rather a traveller who has just landed in London? Well, consider these as a lovely excuse to stick around England for two more days. Read on, and grab everything you need after to have the time of your life in your next favourite destination. What is the best place to visit outside of London? There are plenty of weekend getaways from London, and they’re not just the same things over and over either. For the best day out, start with these 4 classic day trips which are just 1-2 hour from London. 1. Oxford The conical, pointed spires are a staple of the Oxford skyline. Photo by Keith Barnes Photos on Adobe Stock. Travel time by train: about 1 hour from London Paddington Oxford, home to the world’s oldest university, is worth every bit of hype it gets. The town’s nickname, “City of Dreaming Spires”, tells you enough about what it offers - Gothic architecture and dreamy atmosphere. Oxford is very walkable. The city centre is small, with connecting streets. You can definitely walk most parts of the town in a day. Things to do in Oxford: visit Bodleian Library and the Ashmolean Museum, go punting along the River Thames, and take a walking tour of Harry Potter filming locations. Note: Oxford University is not open to tourists, but you can visit its colleges, Magdalen College, New College, and Christ Church. Quality Backpack For Your Weekend Getaways Shop Now! When exploring London and its surroundings, a backpack is infinitely superior to a suitcase. The tube, streets, and stairs don’t take suitcases kindly. With the right backpack, things become dramatically easier; your hands stay free for Oyster cards, moving through crowded streets and hopping buses on and off is no longer a problem. Cabinzero backpacks tick all the boxes a traveller needs. At light as 600g, they won't weigh you down during day-long explorations. Their under-seat-approved dimensions mean you'll breeze through budget airline restrictions while maximising your packing space. Ready to travel light and smart? Check out the CabinZero backpacks now – designed by travellers, for travellers. 2. Cambridge Winter is also a great time to visit. Photo by Pawel Pajor - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: about 1 hour from London King’s Cross Should I visit Oxford or Cambridge? The answer is both. However, if you only have time for one, then know that Cambridge is a university town, while Oxford is a town that happens to have a university in it. Therefore, Cambridge is smaller and less touristy. Nevertheless, it’s a stunning town featuring some of the most picturesque spots in England, such as The Bridge of Sighs and King’s College. Things to do in Cambridge: Explore King's College Chapel, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, visit The Cambridge Gin Laboratory, and walk around the Cambridge University Botanic Garden (it’s as pretty as a Monet painting). 3. Brighton A day at Brighton is a day satisfied. Photo by Sandor Szmutko - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: about 1 hour from London Victoria Brighton has been a designated leisure spot for locals and travellers alike for decades. And surely there are good reasons why, including the sleepless vibe, cute pebble beach, the Royal Pavilion with unique Indian architecture, and colourful festivals and shops year-round. Things to do in Brighton: swim in Brighton Beach, enjoy seafood and quirky shops in North Laine, visit the garden and palace of Royal Pavilion, visit Booth Museum of Natural History for fossils, and walk Devil’s Dyke, an impressive dry valley northwest of Brighton. 4. Bath Pulteney Bridge connects Bath’s centre to its neighbourhoods. Photo by irisphoto1 on Adobe Stock. Travel time by train: 1,5 hours from London Paddington It’s quite funny how what makes Bath one of the best weekend getaways from London is its…baths. Not a regular bathtub, but the Roman Baths - a complex of thermal springs built by the Romans. It’s one of Europe’s most well-preserved historic sites. Treat yourself to the luxurious Gainsborough Bath Spa (from ~£200/night), which even has thermal waters. Bath is also home to some pretty niche attractions. To name a few, the Frankenstein museum, Jane Austen Centre, and Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum (because who knows sipping cream tea and sampling medieval dishes can be so fascinating). Note: You cannot swim in the original Roman Baths, but nearby natural springs are open to the public like Thermae Bath Spa. 5. Salisbury When you visit the cathedral make sure to do the spire tour. Photo by Lightning Strike Pro - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: 1,5 hours from London Waterloo People probably come to Salisbury to take the bus to Stonehenge. The stone structures are the world’s most famous monuments. Many also came for Stonehenge but stayed for the town itself. Nevertheless, Salisbury is still home to many breathtaking landmarks, one of which is the Salisbury Cathedral. The cathedral has England’s tallest spire. Think of the town as your crash course into Medieval England 101. Things to do in Salisbury: Other than Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral, visit Queen Elizabeth Gardens. Hike from the cathedral to Old Sarum Castle ruins. If you’re in Salisbury with kids, visit Cholderton Farm to see rare breeds of farm animals. 6. Cotswolds ‘Tis the perfect weekend holiday for an idyllic countryside escape. Photo by acceleratorhams - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: 1,5 hours from London Paddington Cotswolds will never be an overrated weekend getaway from London by train because the region gets more poetic with every visit. What is the nicest area of Cotswolds? It’d be a shame to miss Cirencester, the main town of Cotswolds. Cotswolds is also famous for its stunning, side-by-side villages, especially Bibury. Each has their own distinctive character, but the common traits you will find anywhere in the region are picturesque cuesta, archaeological sites, cosy pubs, and Cotswold-stoned villages. 7. Cirencester A visit to the Cirencester is recommended if you are interested in Roman history. Photo by Ben - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: less than 1 hour from London Paddington No need to travel to Rome to see the Colosseum. Cirencester is home to one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in all of Britain. After the exploration, go find the most authentic bits of Cirencester, which are in its very walkable streets. They are lined with hidden pubs and quirky shops. Things to do in Cirencester: Visit the amphitheatre and the Roman Corinium Museum, walk Cirencester Park, and shop at The Market Place. 8. Bibury Cottages on Arlington row inspired Lord of the Rings. Photo by Colin & Linda McKie on Adobe Stock. Travel time by train: about 1 hour from London Paddington to Kemble, then taxi from Kemble to Bibury. Bibury is one of England’s most photographed villages. The stoned cottages of Arlington Row have been the source of inspiration for so many artists, and they probably give you nostalgia even though you have never been there before. It’s a perfect change of scenery for a city dweller. Things to do in Bibury: Walk along Arlington Row and Colne River, visit Bibury Trout Farm, and explore the medieval St. Mary’s Church. Historical Weekend Getaways From London These are some of the best weekend getaways from London for the history buffs. 9. Lewes The entrance to the Castle, an unmissable place. Photo by wittayayut - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: 1 hour from London Victoria Lewes used to be the home of Anne Of Cleves after her divorce with King Henry VIII. The town is also famous for its deep ties with the birth of English democracy and the legend of Guy Fawkes. Apart from its rich history, Lewes is a market town. You will probably find a lot of antique and art shops. Things to do in Lewes: Visit Lewes Castle and Anne of Cleves Museum. Hiking from Lewes to South Downs is also a popular activity. Note: The Bonfire Celebration takes place on the 5th of November this year. 11. Stratford-upon-Avon The home of the most well-known poet and playwright of all time. Photo by dudlajzov - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: around 2.6 hour from London Stratford-upon-Avon is forever known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and that’s probably why the town is one of the most popular family weekend getaways from London. You can learn about the history of the writer himself as well as relax in historic Tudor settings. It’s touristy but in a lively way instead of overwhelming. Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon: Visit Shakespeare’s house and the cottage of Anne Hathaway (his wife), cruise along River Avon, and visit the Tudor World Museum. 12. Canterbury The town is medieval yet modern. Photo by Henk Vrieselaar - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: around 55 minutes from London St Pancras Canterbury might not have big-name attractions, but what makes the town a perfect weekend escapade is its explorable streets. You can take a walk around and encounter many things - medieval gates, secret gardens that have been around since the Middle Ages, and eccentric restaurants. Don’t miss its best spot - the Canterbury Cathedral. Things to do in Canterbury: Visit its series of religious landmarks, including Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey, and St Martin’s Church. Go punting on the River Stour that runs through Westgate Gardens. 13. York York is a perfect stop on your way from London to Edinburgh. Photo by Leonid Andronov on Adobe Stock. Travel time by train: 2 hours from London King’s Cross This is one of the best places for families with young kids in the UK. To describe York: Viking history, Gothic architecture, and ancient pubs. It’s one of many remaining places in the UK that still have an old-timey and timid vibe, despite the number of tourists. You won’t be disappointed. Things to do in York: Visit York Minster - one of Europe’s oldest cathedrals, stroll The Shambles medieval street and the city walls, visit Jorvik Viking Centre, and go on a ghost story tour at night. 14. St Albans The old market town is simply stunning. Photo by Nicola - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: around 30-45 minutes from London St Albans used to be Verulamium, one of the largest Roman towns in the UK. Today, its modern name is still tied to history; Alban is Britain’s first-ever Saint. Besides a rich history, St Albans has pretty countryside and, conveniently, a beautiful forest (Heartwood) for all sorts of adventurous activities. Things to do in St Albans: Visit St Albans Cathedral and Verulamium Museum, drop by St Albans school where Stephen Hawking used to study, and take pictures by The Clock Tower. H2. Seaside Weekend Getaways From London The best weekend getaways from London are by the sea. After all, London is just around 2 hours away from the South East Coast, where some of the UK's prettiest coastal sceneries reside. 15. Whitstable Compact yet brilliant enough for a day trip. Photo by erika8213 - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: 1.20 hours from London St Pancras Whitstable is our favourite coastal escapade, not because there are endless things to do like Brighton. Quite the opposite, really. The town is where you go for the weekend from London just to stretch your legs, breathe, relax, swim, and eat good oysters. After dipping your toes into the water, be sure to have a drink or two at The Old Neptune (with a sea view to boot). Things to do in Whitstable: Cycle Crab and Winkle Way, hike Whitstable Coastal Trail, swim in Whitstable Beach, and visit Whitstable Museum and Gallery. 16. Seven Sisters Cliffs Travel time by train: 1,6 hours from London to Seaford. The Seven Sisters are a collection of chalk cliffs running from Seaford to Eastbourne. The scenery is stunning. The walk is rewarding, and the height is dramatic. If you’ve been stuck to the desk all week, it’s time to stretch your legs. The popular route is taking the train from London to Seaford then walking to Eastbourne. From Eastbourne, take the bus or drive to the cliffs. It’s one of England's most loved coastal walks, so the facilities and navigation are pretty ample. 17. Ramsgate Ramsgate Royal Harbour & Marina: a lovely spot with various local shops, bars galore, and more. Photo by Christopher - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: 1,15 hours from London St Pancras If you have to pick on locations in Thanet District, pick Ramsgate. We’re not saying you should ditch Margate and Broadstairs, but Ramsgate is like the balance point between the two towns. It has its own share of stunning beaches. You don’t have to worry about running out of things to do either, given how vibrant its art scene is. There has got to be a reason King George IV gave it a Royal Harbour status. Things to do in Ramsgate: Explore the harbour and Main Sands beach, visit the Maritime Museum, and take a guided tour through Ramsgate Tunnel - a WWII shelter. 18. Hastings Hastings funicular, or West Hill Lift, takes you to Hastings Country Park. Photo by david hughes on Adobe Stock. Travel time by train: 1,30 hours from London Charing Cross Many might know Hastings as the place where The Battle of Hastings took place in 1066, but the town is full of other coastal charms. Pelham Beach is an award-winning family beach, and Hastings Beach is adored for its cliffs. Hastings is divided into two parts: East and West Cliff. East Cliff is where you go to see the views of the English Channel, while West Cliff is where the locals hang out. Things to do in Hastings: Explore Old Town Hastings to see fishermen’s huts, visit Jerwood Gallery and the Hastings Museum, and access Hastings Country Park by the funicular train. 19. Bexhill-On-Sea De La Warr Pavilion is now a hotspot with a view to Beachy Head. Photo by philipbird123 - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: 1,5 hours from London Victoria Hastings without the crowd. Bexhill has a quiet and secluded atmosphere. It has an unspoiled promenade, clean beaches, and lovely Art Deco architecture. If you have some spare time after making the trip from London to Hastings, drop by Bexhill afterwards. It’s less than 30 minutes away. Things to do in Bexhill: visit De La Warr Pavilion - an Art Deco arts centre, go boating and bowling in Egerton Park, and have a picnic in Manor Gardens. 20. Cromer The clean beach is the highlight of this seaside town. Photo by Radomir Rezny - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: 1,5 hours from London Liverpool Street to Norwich, then a bus/train ride to Cromer. Located in Norfolk county, Cromer is good for weekend getaways from London under 2 hours with a little company because of its amazing food scene. You just have to share those fish-n-chips and Cromer crabs with a friend. Other than that, Cromer is a classic Victorian seaside town in both look and feels. Things to do in Cromer: eat local delicacies, especially Cromer crabs and fish-n-chips, walk around the beach and pier, and hike the clifftops. 21. Sheringham Thanks to quartz and shell fragments, the beach has a golden glittering at low tide. Photo by Radomir Rezny - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: 1,5 hours from London Liverpool Street to Norwich, then a bus/train ride to Sheringham. Sheringham is a tad livelier than Cromer. If you’re looking for the same historic Victorian seaside town vibe as Cromer but with more activities, Sheringham is the way to go. Things to do in Sheringham: explore Sheringham Beach, Sheringham Park, and Priory Maze Garden, ride the North Norfolk Railway, visit the Sheringham Museum, hit the arcades, and drop by Hilltop Outdoor Centre to go zip-lining. 19. Southwold Travel time by train: 2.5 hours from London Liverpool Street It’s not the closest place to the typical weekend getaways from London, but we promise the journey will be worth it. The town boasts long sandy beaches, bustling fish-n-chips shops down by the harbour, hipstery sweet shops, and picturesque maritime attractions like The Southwold Lighthouse and Alfred Corry Lifeboat Museum. The best stop in Southwold to justify the 2.5 train ride — Adnams Brewery. It’s been one of England’s most iconic breweries since 1872. Romantic Weekend Getaways Near London These next weekend getaways from London for couples are proof you don’t need to go far to revive romance. 20. Royal Tunbridge Wells Travel time by train: 1,5 hours from London Charing Cross Similar to Bath, Royal Tunbridge Wells is known for its thermal baths. The town has been originally known as a “spa town” since the 17th century. While Bath is for historic site exploration, Tunbridge Wells is for shopping, cafe-hopping, sightseeing, and admiring its extravagant administrative buildings on top of the baths. Things to do in Tunbridge Wells: Explore the many stores in The Pantiles, which was once a Georgian colonnade. Unwind in Dunorlan Park or Calverley Park, visit Scotney Castle, explore the Wellington Rocks. 21. Rye Travel time by train: around 1 hour to 2 hours depending on which line you take from London, but fastest routes usually require at least 1 change of train as there is no direct train to Rye from London. It seems that time has forgotten about Rye since its establishment in the 13th century. Its most famous street is Mermaid Street, where you come across pubs and inns that walk out from a fairytale book. Hold hands with your loved one walking down this street at sunset after soaking in the sun on the quaint and raw Camber Sands beach. Things to do in Rye: Stay in the 400 year-old Mermaid Inn, spot wildlife in Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, explore Lamb House and Camber Castle, and shop for books in Mermaid Street. 22. The New Forest The New Forest is incredibly romantic in Autumn. Photo by Andrew on Adobe Stock. Travel time by train: 1,30 hours from London Waterloo The New Forest is a magical national park in Hampshire. You can hike through mystic woodlands and encounter the cute wild ponies. Most weekend breaks from London to The New Forest start in Lyndhurst - a whimsy little village at the heart of the park. Then take a bus ride down to Beaulieu, which is home to the National Motor Museum. Things to do in New Forest: Hike the Solent Way, visit the famous Beaulieu Palace House and the National Motor Museum, spend a day at the lovely beaches Milford on Sea and Lepe. 23. Bristol Travel time by train: 1,40 hours from London Paddington Bristol is a colourful place, both day and night. You will find a bunch of date ideas as a couple to do in Bristol, from street-art hunting to afterdark swimming. The best way to explore Bristol is with a bike. It’s one of the UK's most cycling-friendly cities. Things to do in Bristol: go on a Banksy graffiti hunt around the city, go night swimming in Bristol Lido, and visit Bristol Zoo Project. 24. Windsor Travel time by train: 40 minutes from London Paddington or Waterloo Windsor is regal. Windsor Castle, the heart of the town, has been home to the British monarchs for centuries. Also, Windsor Great Park, located south of the city, was the filming location for the hit romance series Bridgerton. Gives you a clear idea of how gorgeous the scenery is! It’s a spectacular backdrop for romantic activities. Things to do in Windsor: tour the town on horse-drawn carriage, explore St George’s Chapel and the State Apartments, visit Legoland, and relax by the Thames or in Windsor Great Park. Cheap Weekend Getaways From London Tight budget? Don’t worry. Pack your stuff for these cheap weekend getaways from London. 25. Welwyn Garden City Travel time by train: around 40 minutes from London King’s Cross Welwyn Garden City is newly established, and it’s England’s second garden city. The town is charming with lots and lots of green spaces. It’s great for getting some fresh air without stressing out your budget. Sherrardswood Park and Stanborough Park are testaments to its “garden city” status. You can hike the woodlands for free or rent a boat for a small price. The Welwyn Roman Baths are only £3/entrance ticket. 26. Isle Of Wight Old Harry Rocks and many other natural formations can be seen from Isle Of Wight. Photo by Ian Woolcock - stock.adobe.com Travel time by train: 2,30 hours from London + 10 minutes ferry ride from Portsmouth Harbour Transportation and food are probably what you will spend the most money on in Isle of Wight. Apart from that, there are an abundance of free attractions to enjoy. In fact, the island itself is one big scenic feast. Cheap things to do in Isle of Wight: Go beach-combing, enjoy the views of the island’s landmarks such as The Needles and Ventnor Park for cheap, and visit Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. 27. Ely Travel time by train: 1,10 hours from London King’s Cross Ely is an alternative to Cambridge that is easier on your wallet. It’s closer to Cambridge, about 15 minutes, than it is to London. The Ely Cathedral is the town’s most famous attraction. If you’re a fan of Gothic architecture and history, Ely has you covered. Cheap things to do in Ely: Visit Ely Cathedral and Oliver Cromwell’s House. The town is very explorable on foot; start in Old Hall Ely. Ely Market has a lot of budget food options. 28. Folkestone Travel time by train: 45 minutes from London Stratford After the regeneration of the harbour, Folkestone becomes one of the best cheap weekend getaways from London for many, especially families. While there is not a lot going on at the moment compared to its neighbour - Brighton, Folkestone is still pretty entertaining. And hey, Folkestone’s Sunny Sands beach can rival Brighton’s. Cheap things to do in Folkestone: hike, cycle, spot wildlife in Lower Leas Coastal Park. Also in the park, the picturesque Zig Zag path, a picnic area, and a beach. Stroll Harbour Arm for cheap restaurants and cafes. 29. Exeter Exeter is a mix of ancientry and modernity. Photo by Alexey Fedorenko on Adobe Stock. Travel time by train: around 2 hours from London Paddington Exeter will surprise you. You probably won’t expect a tucked away town like Exeter will have so many charms to offer. Underneath its historic surface, is a modern hub. To some extent, it feels like London but with far less commotion and is cheaper too. Cheap things to do in Exeter: visit Exeter Cathedral and Rougemont Castle, walk along Exe Estuary, take an Underground Passages tour, and hang out at the quay. Weekend Getaways From London To Europe Not many can say they get to go somewhere foreign for their weekend getaways from London. But that’s the best thing about London as a base. It’s incredibly easy to get to both local and foreign destinations. The transportation and the out-and-about of flying might eat up half the time. Therefore, factor in a Friday night or a Monday morning for the trip if you can. There are the best places that are just a 2-hour flight away from London. 30. Abergavenny, Wales Travel time by train: 2,30 hours from London Paddington Abergavenny is often known as a transition destination between Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains. However, for weekend getaways from London in UK, you can absolutely treat it as an independent location. It’s a haven for food lovers and hikers. Visit in September for the Food Festival. The Skirrid and Sugar Loaf trails are the most popular, but if you just want a lazy day out, go to Abergavenny Castle and Museum. It’s a museum located on the same ground as a castle ruin. 31. Edinburgh, Scotland Dean Village is the textbook definition of a classic Edinburgh’s charm. Photo by Jenifoto - stock.adobe.com Flight time: 1,20 hours from London (4+ hours by train) Edinburgh is a blend of all things travel-worthy: fantastic history, Instagrammable streets, and amazing nightlife. It’s touristy, but the experiences are not mainstream. Start the day with a Royal Mile walk. The, hike to Arthur’s Seat. By evening, hit the pubs in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Remember to make some time for a stroll in one or two of Edinburgh’s storybook villages. 32. Lisbon, Portugal Flight time: around 2,30 hours from London Change the scenery with a Mediterranean vibe… and some sun. Lisbon sits on top of seven hills, which means stunning views are not hard to find. To experience an authentic Lisbon trip, ride Tram 28 through Alfama streets and visit the Belém Tower. Once you’re in Lisbon, don’t miss out on its amazing culinary scene, specifically the Pastéis de Nata (cinnamon dusted egg tart). Conclude the day by joining a party in Bairro Alto. 33. Amsterdam, Netherlands Flight time: 1,15 hours from London (4+ hours by Eurostar) As soon as you step off the plane (or train), rent a bike and cycle along the canal. On your way, you will find golden-age townhouses, boutique streets of Jordaan, and the Anne Frank House. World-class museums such as Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam is never short on them. If you love to experience history interweaving with modernity, spend a weekend in Amsterdam. 34. Lille, France Travel time by train: 1,20 hours from London St Pancras Lille to Paris is like Ely to Cambridge - the former smaller, quieter than the latter, yet equally as charming. Don’t miss Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, which is France’s second largest art museum. The city’s Flemish heritage is reflected in its food scene. Try moules-frites (mussels and fries) and carbonnade flamande (beef stew with beer). Overall, Lille is a perfect little place for a dreamer with a wide palate. 35. Paris, France Flight time: around 1,20 hours (2+ hours by Eurostar) Not every weekend break needs to be quaint. Sometimes, you’ve got to go where the crowds are. For 2 days in Paris, spend the first exploring iconic locations like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Montmartre neighbourhood. Save the second day for the less touristy places, such as Parc Monceau and La Butte aux Cailles. Touring the Seine on a boat is a great mode of exploration. 36. Gdansk, Poland Flight time: around 2 hours 15 minutes Gdansk is a honey-coloured port city. Its cobblestoned streets, amber monuments, and red baroque houses leave a warm, fuzzy feeling. Even if you pick Gdansk as one of your weekend getaways from London in winter, the city through the snow will still remind you of the sun. With no extravagant travel activities, Gdansk is for admiring history in world-class museums like the Museum of the Second World War and the Amber Museum. Gdansk is for those who enjoy long walks through ancient streets and slowly sampling Polish delicacies like pierogi and amber-infused vodka. Shop Now! Weekend Getaways From London With Ease We bet there are still a lot more amazing weekend getaways from London to be covered. For now, these are some of the best ones. We have historic towns with streets as old as time. We also have cities bordering white coasts and sun-kissed beaches. Don’t forget villages for whirlwind romance and foreign locations for a scenery change. London is so accessible to and from that all you’ve left to worry about is packing. But we guess you don’t have to worry about that either if you’re starting your journey with CabinZero’s Classic Backpacks! For more travel guides like this, check out our blog and social media. Gia Khanh