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Charming towns just an hour away from London
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SONIA VITIELLO| the 8th of October 2023
Even if the heat seems not to give up, we are in the Fall.
This is the best time to plan small trips and explore the towns around London. Not too hot or too cold, the weather is perfect to give us the chance to glance at the next outdoor exploration.
If you're looking for the best towns to visit within 1 hour from London, here are my suggestions
​You can reach the listed cities by car, but if you are looking for a hassle-free trip, you can opt for the train.
Book your ticket with Trainline and if you have a travel companion consider purchasing a two-together railcard. You can have a 30% discount on every trip you book.
The weather in the UK is always unpredictable. Remember to bring an umbrella, a raincoat, and suitable shoes, we don't want to let some rain ruin our day, do we?
Canterbury
You may have heard of the Canterbury Tales at school.
Geoffrey Chaucer wrote his masterpiece between 1387 and 1400.
He imagined a group of travelers on a journey from London to Canterbury engaging in a storytelling contest. The prize consisted of a free meal.
Canterbury is a gathering point for many literature passionate but not only.
The town has a lot to offer:
In the city center, you'll find England's ancient Canterbury Cathedral.
Explore Canterbury's historic street to discover remnants of its medieval past.
Get in touch with nature and visit Westgate Gardens.
Oxford
Within 1 hour and 30 minutes commute, you can also reach Oxford.
Oxford is one of the biggest and famous city universities in the UK but is also a city full of history.
Delight yourself with a visit to the university, the libraries, and more. You can book a guided tour through Get Your Guide
If you like museums you can visit the Ashmolean Museum for free
Stroll around the various university buildings. If you are a Harry Potter fan you don't want to miss the dining hall of Christ Church College.
Cambridge
As per Oxford, Cambridge is well-known for its University.
Also in this case you can book a tour of the university and discover the history of the building.
In Cambridge, you can have some street food or shopping in the local market. Head to Mill Road if you're a vintage nerd and love vibrant street.
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Pubs, charity shops, and street food, what else do you need?
Brighton
If you love the seaside, you should go to Brighton.
Walking on the seaside is always a good choice if you want to break free from the city chaos.
Brighton is a great mix of relaxing walks on the beach and an infinite choice of pubs and restaurants.
Grab some fish and chips from the closer shops, head down to the beach, and enjoy the view.
Watch out for seagulls, they are particularly confident here, they stole my food once.
Whitstable
A good alternative to Brighton is Whitstable.
The seaside city is well known for its oysters.
At Whitstable, you can't miss a visit to the beach. Right on the beach check for the Harbour market. Here you can find arts and crafts, and have some street food and fresh fish for a convenient price
Within 2 hours from London, Salisbury
If you have more time on your hands, you should visit Salisbury.
Salisbury is the closest town to the ancient site of Stonehenge.
Within a 2-hour trip by train, you can reach the station and pick up a bus that will take you to the Stonehenge site. Check out Get Your Guide for good suggestions that can help you save time and money.
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Salisbury town center is vibrant and full of local kitchens. Choose where to have some nice scrambled eggs.
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