If you’re facing a long wait until your next holiday, it might be time for a day trip. A day out is a great way to clear the cobwebs and recharge your batteries without spending a heap of money. You might have a few extra annual leave days to use up before the end of the year or a spare autumn weekend.
You don’t want to waste too much time travelling on a day trip. Try to keep your destination just under an hour away and make the most out of the UK’s rail network. Here are a few day trips that are less than an hour away from London.
Hitchin
Commuter towns are vastly underrated and are often home to some of the most beautiful houses and countryside views. Catch a short train to Hitchin Lavender Farm in the summer months to see the flowers bloom. They often run an outdoor cinema event at dusk with the lavender feels in the background. Nothing says relaxation like a lavender field and movie night, right?
Cambridge
Suppose you fancy a busier day out, head to Cambridge to explore the cobbled streets and breath-taking architecture. In term time, the students walk and cycle through the colleges and study amongst the autumn leaves. Cambridge is brimming with independent shops, museums and a few galleries.
Brighton
Take a train to the south coast and spend a day on Brighton Pier. You can play volleyball on the sand or grab a few photos from the Royal Pavilion. Walk down the lanes and enjoy an afternoon shopping for sustainable clothing, unique prints, and interior décor. Make sure to stop off for food along the way and enjoy a delicious dinner at Chin Chin. Brighton truly has something for everyone and makes for a fantastic day trip.
Lewes
When you live in London full-time, sometimes all you need is a day in the countryside and fresh air. Catch a train to Lewes and enjoy a laidback day with antique shops, local pubs and farmland views. You could take a hike through the Glynde route to see the Mount Caburn hill fort, Glyde Palace and the Ouse Valley. Lewes is also home to the largest Bonfire Night celebration in the UK with burning crosses and marching bands. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’ve never celebrated Bonfire Night before.
Take some time to explore the quaint villages and historic towns of the south of England this year.
