Of course millions of people travel to London to enjoy the sites, but what if you’re already there and need a daytrip? We’ve taken a look at the best places to go to escape the city, all with less than an hour of travel on public transport.
1. Windsor: Royalty and Riverside Charm (30-50 minutes by train)
Why Visit?
Windsor is home to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. The town offers charming streets, riverside walks, and the picturesque Windsor Great Park, making it a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.
Getting There:
– Train: From London Paddington, the journey takes about 30 minutes to Windsor & Eton Central. Alternatively, take a train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside, which takes around 50 minutes.
– Cost: Off-peak return tickets start at around £10.
Value for Money:
– Windsor Castle: Tickets cost around £30, but allow for re-entry within a year.
– Free Attractions: Enjoy free activities like exploring Windsor Great Park or walking along the Thames Path.
2. St Albans: A Historic Roman City (20 minutes by train)
Why Visit?
St Albans offers a rich historical experience, from the stunning St Albans Cathedral to the Verulamium Museum, which highlights the city’s Roman heritage.
Getting There:
– Train: A direct train from London St Pancras to St Albans City takes around 20 minutes.
– Cost: Return tickets can be as low as £12 if booked in advance.
Value for Money:
– St Albans Cathedral: Entry is free, though donations are welcome.
– Roman Theatre and Museum: Affordable entry fees of around £6 for the museum and £3 for the Roman Theatre.
3. Richmond: Riverside Bliss and Royal Parks (20 minutes by train)
Why Visit?
Richmond offers beautiful riverside walks, the expansive Richmond Park with its free-roaming deer, and the world-renowned Kew Gardens.
Getting There:
– Train: Richmond is a short train ride from London Waterloo, taking approximately 20 minutes. The District Line also serves Richmond.
– Cost: A return train ticket from London Waterloo starts at around £8.
Value for Money:
– Richmond Park: Entry is free, with numerous walking and cycling trails.
– Kew Gardens: Entry costs around £17, but offers a full day’s worth of exploration.
4. Hampton Court Palace: Tudor Grandeur (35 minutes by train)
Why Visit?
Hampton Court Palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Tudor history, with its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and the famous maze.
Getting There:
– Train: Trains from London Waterloo to Hampton Court take around 35 minutes.
– Cost: Return tickets start at about £10.
Value for Money:
– Hampton Court Palace: Admission is around £26, but includes access to the palace, gardens, maze, and an audio guide.
– Free Exploration: Enjoy free walking trails along the Thames and Bushy Park.
5. Epping Forest: A Natural Escape (45 minutes by Tube)
Why Visit?
Epping Forest offers a vast green space on the edge of London, perfect for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.
Getting There:
– Tube: Epping Forest is accessible via the Central Line, with the journey from central London to Epping Station taking about 45 minutes.
– Cost: A return trip on the London Underground costs around £10.
Value for Money:
– Free Access: Entry to Epping Forest is completely free.
– Pack a Picnic: Bring your own food to enjoy a budget-friendly day out.
6. Box Hill: Walks with a View (50 minutes by train)
Why Visit?
Box Hill, part of the North Downs, offers some of the most stunning views in the South East. It’s popular with walkers and cyclists.
Getting There:
– Train: A train from London Victoria to Box Hill & Westhumble station takes around 50 minutes.
– Cost: Return tickets can be purchased for as little as £10.
Value for Money:
– Free Walking Routes: Numerous trails are free to explore, with free maps provided by the National Trust.
– Affordable Refreshments: The National Trust café offers reasonably priced food, or bring your own picnic.
7. Greenwich: Maritime Heritage (15 minutes by train)
Why Visit?
Greenwich is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a wealth of historical attractions, including the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory.
Getting There:
– Train: Trains from London Bridge to Greenwich take about 15 minutes. The DLR from Bank or Tower Gateway is also a scenic and direct route.
– Cost: A return train ticket costs around £6.
Value for Money:
– Free Museums: Entry to the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House is free.
– Greenwich Park: Spend time in Greenwich Park, where entry is free, with spectacular views of London.
8. Rochester: A Dickensian Delight (35-45 minutes by train)
Why Visit?
Rochester is rich in history and literary connections, particularly to Charles Dickens. The town features Rochester Castle and Cathedral.
Getting There:
– Train: Trains from London St Pancras or Victoria to Rochester take about 35-45 minutes.
– Cost: Off-peak return tickets start at around £12.
Value for Money:
– Free Attractions: Explore the town and visit the cathedral for free. Dickens-themed self-guided walking tours are also available at no cost.
9. Hatfield House: Elizabethan Splendour (25 minutes by train)
Why Visit?
Hatfield House is a prime example of Jacobean architecture and is steeped in history, known for its connection to Elizabeth I.
Getting There:
– Train: A direct train from London King’s Cross to Hatfield takes about 25 minutes.
– Cost: Return tickets are around £12, offering affordable access to this historical site.
Value for Money:
– Hatfield House: Admission costs around £22.50 for adults, but the ticket includes access to the house, gardens, and parkland.
– Free Parkland: The surrounding parkland is free to explore, offering beautiful landscapes for walking.
Conclusion
London’s proximity to these diverse destinations makes day trips easy and affordable. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply a change of scenery, these spots provide excellent value and can be reached within an hour. By planning ahead and taking advantage of off-peak travel and free attractions, you can enjoy a memorable day out without overspending.
