London is filled with lovely places like the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands, and Cornwall. Foreigners consider these places as perfect spots for a vacation. However, most Londoners enjoy a short vacation outside the capital now and then. If you're in London and share this fantasy, you're in luck! There are lots of easy destinations from London where you can go for a brief escape from the capital's bustle.
Sometimes, you need to visit a wonderful location or resort with natural scenery and plenty of fresh air. For Londoners who cannot afford time for long trips, we are here to help.
Fascinating Easy Destinations From London
This post highlights the most amazing staycation destinations near London. We have picked some of the best spots for every kind of trip and personality. Check them out, and you'll be amazed!
1. Windsor Castle Hotel
Windsor is an ideal destination for a luxurious and regal staycation. It offers a chance to visit the magnificent Windsor Castle and admire the red deer of Windsor Great Park. The Castle Hotel is strategically located just opposite Windsor Castle, where you can witness the Changing the Guard ceremony and unwind in a tranquil environment.
If you need a break from the royal attractions, you can indulge in the history of the charming boutique hotel. The hotel has an afternoon tea named after Captain Sir Tom Moore, a remarkable war veteran and philanthropist. The hotel's restaurant, Leaf, serves delectable dishes inspired by nature. The hotel also has an open-air terrace perfect for enjoying cocktails under the sun.
2. Mitre Hotel, Surrey
The Mitre Hotel is situated near the River Thames. This region feels very different but is merely about 40 minutes away from London. The serenity here will help recharge you after weeks of hard work.
You can get the best whisky from the honesty bar in the cosy Library to go with oysters and steak at the chic 1665 Riverside Brasserie. If you're looking for a homely, easy destination from London for a weekend getaway, you can't go wrong with Mitre Hotel. The hotel is elegant and calm, with the historic Hampton Court Palace just opposite.
This charming location lets you enjoy classy dining, beautiful spaces, and friendly faces. The sun-drenched terrace in summer is as attractive as they get.
3. Oxford Castle
The City of Oxford is popular for its exceptional education and history. One of its most famous landmarks is the Christ Church Cathedral, which boasts a beautiful architectural design.
Visitors should also check out the Oxford Castle, a medieval castle that played a significant role in the Anarchy conflict. The castle has a partly ruined structure as most of its original motte and bailey castle was replaced between the 12th and 13th centuries.
For art lovers, the Sheldonian Theatre is an excellent place to visit. It houses an impressive collection of ancient art and antiquities, including classical sculptures, Roman and Greek pottery, Far Eastern art, and jewellery.
4. Artist Residence Brighton, East Sussex
Artist Residence is a cool townhouse in the coastal town of Brighton and Hove. It is located in the iconic Regency Square and offers you epic views of Brighton's coastline. This is one of the easy destinations from London, situated merely 47 miles away. You get to enjoy a brief scenic road trip on your way.
The townhouse sits directly opposite the old pier and i360 tower, packed with quirks and surprises. The area lives up to its name in terms of artistry. Most rooms here were designed using rustic vintage furniture, and others by creative local artists.
5. Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
This castle was first built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror. It started as a wooden fort but was later developed into a majestic castle. It is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in England.
The castle is known for featuring in over 200 events held throughout the year. This makes it a perfect destination for anyone seeking an eventful trip from London. Visitors can enjoy various live shows, including the UK's largest bird of prey display and live arena jousting competitions. Anyone interested in a historic vacation would find this location ideal.
6. Boys Hall, Kent
Boys Hall in Kent is nestled on the leafy outskirts of Ashford. It offers an epic location for a weekend trip from London. A good glass of local fizz on the sunny terrace is worth sitting on a train for one hour from London St Pancras. It is popular for the scented wild English garden. You also get to enjoy a game of Scrabble and a spicy Margarita in the oak-panelled lounge.
You can enjoy the best produce from the Garden of England and dine out on zesty delights such as mint, lemon oil, burrata with garden peas, and broad beans. There is also charred cod with butter curry, mango, and chilli salsa, or try a rare breed T-bone pork chop cooked on an Asado-style grill. These meals are served with local Kent wines in the beamed dining room of the 17th-century Manor House.
7. Cliveden House, Berkshire
The elegant Cliveden House has a way of making guests feel like royalty. This unique country house is on 376 acres of formal gardens and woodland. This resort is superb for a royal-inspired brief vacation featuring the most decadent spaces you can imagine. The Cliveden Spa is sophisticated, with cool activities and equipment to relieve all city stress. You can enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools with beautiful settings. The outdoor pool is fantastic during summer. You will also enjoy a long soak in the hot tubs with Cliveden's stunning clocktower towering over the area.
8. Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle, tagged as ‘The loveliest castle in the world', has been mentioned in the Domesday Book. It is a popular destination for those travelling from London. Originally a Norman fortress, the castle has also served as a royal residence in the past. It is situated on two islands in a beautiful lake, making it a stunning sight.
The castle's history dates back to 857 AD when it was first built as the Royal Manor for an ancient Saxon royal family. After the Norman Conquest, a stone fortress was constructed on the site. Later, in 1278, the castle was transformed into a royal palace for Edward I and his wife, Eleanor of Castile. Despite undergoing multiple renovations, the castle's magnificent architecture and royal heritage have been well-preserved. The Barbican, which includes three sections, each with its own portcullis, gateway, and drawbridge, is a notable feature of the castle.
9. Alton Towers Resort
The Alton Towers Resort is situated on over 500 acres of land in Staffordshire, near the village of Alton. This rural park provides visitors with a theme park, water park, mini golf, and hotel complex, making it one of the easiest and most fantastic easy destinations from London.
To make your visit even more worthwhile, the most popular attractions at the resort include stargazing pods and luxury treehouses in a charming village. Additionally, there are around 40 other top-quality rides and attractions that you and your children can enjoy to the fullest.
10. Converted Barn House, Surrey
This is another cool spot in Surrey, about 40 minutes away from London. It features a traditional barn in the woodlands of the Surrey Hills. The Barn House is located near the market town of Dorking. The space here is especially fantastic because only walkers and horses make up the traffic.
A few games and entertainment activities are here, like the pool table. The apartments have amazing features like exposed beams and a picturesque garden. This is one easy destination from London that is ideal for family trips.
11. Mersea Islands Vineyard
Mersea Island is a small fishing town with sandy beaches. It also features an excellent collection of cafes, shops, and restaurants. Since it's an old-world area with a fantastic landscape, many consider it to be one of the most refreshing, easy destinations from London.
The Vineyard is popular on Mersea Island for producing the best local wines. The vineyard grows four primary grape varieties, including Muller Thurgau, Ortega, Reichensteiner and Solaris. It also features a fascinating view of the lush greenery of nature. You can get a satisfying view of the history of Mersea Island by visiting the Mersea Museum, which houses the oldest sculptures and archaeological relics.
12. Stonehenge, Salisbury
Stonehenge is the most structurally complex stone circle in the world. It is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. This location is a prehistoric structure where you learn about the Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial and burial traditions, with related monuments and their surrounding environments. The stones of Stonehenge consist of huge standing stones topped by horizontal lintel stones.
There is an old tale from Arthurian mythology saying that the stones were brought from Ireland by giants who had erected them there by the wizard Merlin. Some others believe that the stones were erected by Danish invaders. However, the most likely conclusion is that they are remnants of an old Roman temple. The common fact about Stonehenge is that the stones have existed in their positions since the Medieval times.
13. Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is a highly favoured destination for an enjoyable time with loved ones. It is one of the easy destinations from London. This extravagant country house serves as the residence of the Dukes of Marlborough, and it holds the title of palace despite not being a royal or episcopal establishment.
If you're interested in discovering the rich history of the luxurious country estate, consider planning a day trip here with your family or friends. This also happens to be the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. A private tour is available, providing both entertainment and education.
You should hire a private driver and purchase your tickets online. This would grant you full access to the palace, lavishly decorated interiors, and exquisitely planted gardens.
14. Sopwell House, Hertfordshire
Sopwell House is a magnificent Georgian manor located in the breathtaking countryside of St. Albans. It's an ideal getaway spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London for a weekend. The property boasts two restaurants, a sophisticated cocktail lounge, and a conservatory bar, all of which offer stunning views of the 12-acre gardens. With such a variety of spaces available, you can take in the wonderful scenery from many different angles.
In addition to the main house, Sopwell House features Cottonmill, a spa that has a garden with private hot tubs and a fire pit. The spa also has a panoramic sauna, salt and botanical steam rooms, and a dining area. You'll be able to relax and unwind in style at this luxurious retreat.
15. Pennyhill Park, Surrey
Pennyhill Park is an opulent 18th-century manor that houses a spa and a four-AA Rosette restaurant. Within the spa, you can take a dip in one of the eight pools while listening to underwater music. You can also sip on Champagne while lounging in the outdoor tub, and the waiters are available to serve drinks both in and around the pools.Â
Don't forget to indulge in the exquisite cuisine at The Latymer restaurant. Here, you can learn about the origins of the artistically presented dishes.
16. Rocksalt Rooms, Folkestone
If you're looking for a weekend getaway from London by the sea, consider visiting Folkestone in Kent. While there, you can treat yourself to a meal at Rocksalt, a highly acclaimed restaurant that conveniently offers rooms on-site. The restaurant is located right by the harbour, so you can enjoy stunning views of the Channel as you indulge in dishes such as Rye Bay scallops with apple and celery beurre blanc, Folkestone crab with sherry caramel, and baked mussels with Kent cider. During the summer season, you can take advantage of the terrace and soak up the sun. Also, since Folkestone is one of the sunniest parts of England, you're likely to enjoy good weather during your visit.
17. The Grove, Hertfordshire
The Grove is situated in Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire. It is one of the fascinating, easy destinations from London. You can reach it by taking a 20-minute train journey from Euston to Watford Junction and then a quick taxi ride. Alternatively, you can travel from London Marylebone to Rickmansworth. Despite its proximity, the area is not suburban.
The Grove has its own beach located by the pool within the 300-acre estate. The hotel is located in the former residence of the Earls of Clarendon and is a popular choice among actors filming at the nearby Elstree Studios. We're confident that they appreciate the Bamford spa, championship golf course, and various restaurants available on-site.
Conclusion
London is great, but if you want a little getaway from the city to reset your mind, consider visiting one of these easy destinations from London. The places explored in this post are all about an hour's drive from London. More importantly, you can also enjoy the same scenic views and refreshing atmosphere as in London.
