23 Stunning Cities Close to London

At the moment I wish to share my information to essentially the most stunning cities close to London with you. From Sussex to Kent and the Cotswolds, there are storybook cities in simple driving, prepare, and tour distance from the UK capital. It’s value taking a particular journey to see the very best of them. Learn on for my favourite locations. I’ve included a map as nicely.

Cities Close to London

It’s difficult to make a listing of the very best cities close to London as a result of there are such a lot of to select from. The House Counties and different areas close to the UK capital are full of idyllic locations. You’ll discover a few of the finest locations to go to within the UK right here.

From verdant hills to woolly sheep, this inexperienced and nice land is dotted with cities which can be straight out of a fairy story. However since this land is actual and I’ve dedicated to drawing up a listing of the prettiest cities close to London, I’m going to offer it my finest shot.

Whether or not you’re searching for locations with thatched-roof cottages, locations for nation breaks close to London, inspiration for day journeys from London and not using a automotive (or with one), or concepts for 2-day journeys from London, there’s a city on my checklist for you.

1. Rye

In East Sussex, Rye deserves a spot on my checklist of essentially the most stunning cities close to London. This place is full of cobbled streets, haunted inns, half-timbered facades, and fairly cottages. It’s a straightforward prepare journey from London as nicely.

There are many issues to do in Rye, too. From climbing the church’s bell tower to visiting the house of author Henry James, the city has quite a bit to supply guests.

Rye can be a straightforward stroll from Camber Citadel, a fortress with connections to Henry VIII. It’s certainly one of my favourite castles close to London. And that’s to say nothing of the city’s proximity to Camber Sands, among the best seashores in East Sussex.

If this appears like your sort of vacation spot, you possibly can e book a spot to remain in Rye right here. If you’d like one thing distinctive, it’s stated that the Mermaid Inn is haunted. You’ll be able to e book your room right here to seek out out.

2. Lewes

Lewes is one other of my favourite cities close to London. Not removed from Brighton, it’s dwelling to slim cobbled lanes, a great deal of historical past, and nice outlets. Due to the hills, there are sweeping views over the city and surrounding countryside.

The homes in Lewes are spectacular, too. Not solely are you able to discover a dwelling that belonged to Virginia Woolf right here, but in addition one which was owned by Anne of Cleves, the fourth spouse of Henry VIII.

There’s a Norman citadel in Lewes as nicely. Perched on a hilltop, the medieval fortress dominates the skyline and serves as a reminder of the city’s lengthy historical past.

Add to that a number of cafes, pubs, eating places, and gardens, and Lewes is value a visit.

The city is round an hour from London by rail, and it’s certainly one of my prime picks for day journeys from London by prepare. That stated, there are sufficient issues to do in Lewes to benefit an in a single day keep.

If that appeals, you possibly can e book lodging in Lewes right here. There are many locations to remain on the town, together with a Tudor teaching inn identified for its connections to political thinker Thomas Paine. He spoke of his revolutionary politics inside.

3. Windsor

Subsequent on my checklist of fairly cities close to London is Windsor. Together with neighboring Eton, this city is full of charming streets, expansive parks, and royal magnificence.

Windsor Citadel is the must-see attraction right here. An official residence of the monarch, it’s probably the most well-known castles in England. It’s a deal with to tour the interiors and see St George’s Chapel. You’ll be able to e book tickets right here.

There’s extra past the fortified partitions, too. Windsor and Eton are full of retailers, historic buildings, and inexperienced areas. It’s simple to spend time exploring them after you go to the citadel.

Then there’s Windsor Nice Park. This expansive inexperienced house is value discovering, not least as a result of it’s a fantastic place to stroll. The traditional Royal panorama options forests, lakes, grasslands, and gardens.

If that sounds good, Windsor is shut sufficient to the UK capital that it’s solely a 40-minute prepare experience from Paddington station. It’s so shut you possibly can even do it as a half-day journey from London.

You can even come right here on a guided tour. You’ll be able to e book the one I like to recommend right here. You’ll be able to even mix it with different locations like Stonehenge, Bathtub, and/or Hampton Court docket. You’ll be able to see choices and e book a tour right here.

If you wish to keep longer, you possibly can e book lodging in Windsor right here. There are many good choices, from resorts to inns and flats.

4. Henley-on-Thames

Out in Oxfordshire, Henley-on-Thames is one other of my favourite cities close to London. With its historic church, picturesque City Corridor, impartial outlets, and market sq., there’s quite a bit to like about this place.

When you can, it’s enjoyable to time your journey to coincide with the annual Henley Royal Regatta. However even on quieter days this riverside city is the proper place for afternoon tea and a stroll by the water.

Rail providers function from London to Henley-on-Thames, making it a straightforward day journey from the capital by prepare. If you wish to make an extended journey of it, you possibly can e book a spot to remain in Henley right here.

5. Burford

Subsequent on my checklist of gorgeous cities close to London is Burford. This place is dwelling to picturesque thatched-roof cottages, a historic church, and many outlets and eating places.

Burford is for you if you wish to discover probably the most well-known cities within the Cotswolds. Strolling up and down the excessive road is a feast for the senses, and the facet streets are stuffed with little surprises.

You’ll be able to even go on a ramble if you wish to see the countryside across the city. You’ll be able to see the complete route and map for one I’ve achieved on my weblog publish a few Burford round stroll. There are many stunning villages close by.

Whereas there’s no prepare station in Burford, you possibly can take the prepare to Charlbury and pre-book a taxi to and from Buford to go to and not using a automotive. You’ll be able to even mix this one with Charlbury if you wish to see two cities within the Cotswolds in sooner or later.

Alternatively, you possibly can go to on a guided tour. Most day excursions to the Cotswolds cease right here, so it’s a straightforward one to go to. You’ll be able to see the tour I like to recommend right here. You’ll be able to see one other that features Oxford right here.

If you wish to keep an evening, you possibly can e book lodging in Burford right here. There are many nice locations to remain, together with historic inns. The Angel at Burford is a good pub with rooms.

6. Deal

On the coast in Kent, Deal is one other of essentially the most stunning cities close to London. Situated the place the North Sea meets the English Channel, this place options huge pebble seashores and a protracted pier.

Deal is finest identified for what lies behind the shore, although. The seafront is beautiful, and the pastel homes and historic pubs on Center Road are each picturesque and steeped in smuggling lore. There’s enjoyable buying on the town as nicely.

There’s heritage galore, too. Deal Citadel is famous, and close by Walmer Citadel has lush gardens. They’re in strolling distance of each other, and you may get free entry to each for those who’re an English Heritage member. You may get a membership right here.

There’s a prepare station in Take care of direct providers from London, so that is the proper journey if you wish to journey by rail. Stylish resorts like The Rose make it tempting to remain an evening as nicely. You’ll be able to e book a room right here.

7. Amersham

Amersham is subsequent on my checklist of essentially the most stunning cities close to London. Situated simply outdoors the UK capital, this market city in Buckinghamshire is so shut you possibly can attain it on the tube.

Amersham is thought for the historic buildings and heritage homes on and across the excessive road in Outdated Amersham. From the Market Corridor to houses that date again to 1450 and the Thirteenth-century St Mary’s Church, there’s quite a bit to see within the historic village.

Outdated Amersham is round a 20-minute stroll from the tube station within the coronary heart of city. The route goes by stunning woodland, and it’s a picturesque method to arrive.

Talking of which, Amersham can be identified for being an excellent place to go for walks close to London. It’s situated within the Chiltern Hills Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, and it’s a fantastic place to do a mix of a village go to and a rustic ramble.

An Amersham day journey is right for those who’re fascinated with occurring a straightforward journey from London with as little time in transit as potential. It’s additionally a fantastic choice for those who’re on a funds, because it’s among the best low-cost days out from town.

It’s value staying an evening to immerse your self within the native space, although. When you’re , you possibly can e book a spot to remain in Amersham right here. Outdated teaching inns just like the Tudor-era Kings Arms Lodge are simply the ticket.

8. Charlbury

Subsequent on my checklist of gorgeous cities close to London is Charlbury. Situated within the Evenlode Valley in Oxfordshire, this place was identified for being a glove-making hub in 18th and nineteenth centuries. At the moment it’s widespread with guests who come to admire its magnificence and stroll within the Cotswolds.

From quintessential cottages to cozy pubs and a church, there’s quite a bit to like about this place. The Cotswold stone homes listed below are the stuff of English countryside goals. You may get right here by direct prepare from London, too.

Charlbury can be a preferred place for nation rambles and round walks within the Cotswolds. Yow will discover the complete route, map, images, and video for one I’ve achieved on my weblog publish a few Charlbury stroll.

If you wish to make an extended journey of it, there are some nice locations to remain in Charlbury. You’ll be able to e book one right here. You can even check out my weblog publish about easy methods to spend 3 days within the Cotswolds and not using a automotive.

9. Hastings

Hastings is without doubt one of the finest seaside cities close to London. Down in East Sussex, it’s identified for its Norman historical past, however its seashores are what draw nearly all of guests.

There’s no scarcity, both. Hastings Seashore encompasses a huge apron of pebble shoreline, Hastings Pier, and iconic striped seaside huts. Rock-A-Nore Seashore is thought for having steep cliffs behind it, and The Stade is a shingle seaside lined by colourful fishing boats, nets, and seafood stalls.

The waterfront in Hastings is full of historic internet huts, energetic eating places, and carnival rides. Behind them you’ll discover a fantastic maze of streets with heritage homes and two funiculars.

Then comes the clifftop fortress. Hastings Citadel dates again to 1066. It was established by William the Conqueror as he made his approach from Normandy to Battle in the beginning of the Norman Conquest. It developed over time to be a stone fortress of strategic significance.

Taking a Hastings day journey is easy and simple by rail, as there are direct providers from London to the center of city. It’s one of many best seaside day journeys from London by prepare.

It’s value staying longer to immerse your self on this place, although. If that appeals, you possibly can e book a spot to remain in Hastings right here. There’s a number of nice lodging on the town, from resorts to B&Bs and condo leases.

10. Southwold

In Suffolk, one other of my favourite cities close to London is Southwold. This seaside spot has large seashores, a pleasure pier, and picturesque streets with fairly cottages.

Southwold affords a mixture of waterfront leisure, energetic pubs and eating places, and enjoyable boutiques to browse. It’s additionally beloved for its colourful seaside huts, which make for excellent images and movies.

There are such a lot of issues to do in Southwold that it’s the proper place to go for a weekend getaway or a mid-week escape.

If all that sounds good to you, you possibly can e book someplace to remain right here. From cottages to resorts, there are plenty of nice choices in and across the city.

11. Painswick

Again within the Cotswolds, Painswick is one other of essentially the most stunning cities in England. With its fairly stone buildings and larger-than-life topiary timber, this place is bursting with wow-factor.

There are enjoyable issues to do in Painswick, too. The streets are stuffed with heritage particulars, and the Painswick Rococo Backyard is a shocking 18th-century quantity in a hidden valley with views over the English countryside.

If this appears like your sort of village, you possibly can e book a spot to remain in Painswick right here. There’s a wide range of choices to select from, together with resorts and inns. My favourite is The Painswick. I’ve stayed right here many occasions, and I really like its fairly rooms.

12. Faversham

Subsequent on my checklist of gorgeous cities close to London is Faversham. With fairly lanes, outlets, and heritage pubs, this place is ideal for a weekend journey from London.

The streets on the town are full of historic buildings and nice particulars. The city can be dwelling to Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer. You’ll be able to take excursions whereas visiting.

Past the city, Faversham is in among the best areas in Kent for visiting well-known producers of English drinks. If you wish to go on a Kent cider tour or go to vineyards close to London, it’s the proper base.

Simply accessible by prepare from London, Faversham is a fantastic vacation spot. If you wish to keep an evening, you possibly can e book lodging right here. My favourite is The Solar Inn. I’ve stayed right here and I cherished the historic environment and decor.

13. Moreton-in-Marsh

Subsequent on my checklist of fairly cities close to London is Moreton-in-Marsh. This historic market city within the Evenlode Valley is a good place to go to within the Cotswolds.

Located in Gloucestershire, Moreton-in-Marsh options every little thing from traditional outlets to cozy pubs. The Cotswold stone homes listed below are beautiful, and there are good cafes and eating places on the town.

Moreton-in-Marsh can be a preferred place for walks within the Cotswolds. Yow will discover the complete route, map, images, and video for one I’ve achieved on my weblog publish a few Moreton-in-Marsh stroll.

This city is right if you wish to discover the Cotswolds and not using a automotive. There are direct trains from London, and so they’ll transport you to the center of the Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence in simply 1 hour and half-hour.

If you wish to spend an evening right here, there are nice locations to remain in Moreton-in-Marsh. You’ll be able to e book one right here. From resorts to inns, there’s a wide range of selections.

14. Whitstable

Situated on the north coast of Kent, Whitstable is one other stunning city close to London. It’s the proper place to journey for those who love consuming shellfish by the seashore.

That’s not least as a result of the annual Whitstable Oyster Competition takes place right here yearly. It’s a enjoyable occasion to attend for those who like seafood and beachfront leisure.

However Whitstable is a good place to go to at different occasions as nicely. The seaside is the proper spot to absorb the solar, and the excessive road has a number of outlets, eating places, and cafes to find.

There’s a prepare station in Whitstable with direct hyperlinks to the UK capital, so this is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to the seaside close to London if you wish to journey by rail.

When you’re fascinated with staying an evening, you possibly can e book lodging in Whitstable right here. There are many good choices for locations to remain on the town.

15. Cirencester

Subsequent on my checklist of essentially the most stunning cities close to London is Cirencester. It’s one of many largest cities within the Cotswolds, and it’s also known as the Capital of the Cotswolds.

Based in Roman occasions, Cirencester’s wealthy historical past lends the city a singular attraction. The Market Place and Church of St John the Baptist dominate the city heart, and slim lanes like Black Jack Road have a number of eating places and pubs.

The expansive grounds of Cirencester Park are value exploring for those who like inexperienced areas. They make the city among the best locations to go to within the Cotswolds for getting the very best of all worlds.

If that appeals, you possibly can e book a spot to remain in Cirencester right here. I’ve spent an evening at Wild Thyme & Honey, and I cherished it. It’s a brief drive from the center of city, and the rooms have stunning decor.

16. Bradford-on-Avon

Subsequent on my checklist of fairly cities close to London is Bradford-on-Avon. This picturesque a part of Wiltshire is on the sting of the Cotswolds dealing with the River Avon (therefore the identify).

Courting again to historic Roman occasions, Bradford-on-Avon options fairly riverfront surroundings and hills. The Bridge Tea Rooms have probably the most photographed facades within the space, too.

It’s enjoyable to go to this city on a visit to Bathtub and the Cotswolds. You’ll be able to simply see it and villages in Wiltshire like Lacock and Citadel Combe in a day.

If you wish to keep an evening, you possibly can e book a spot to remain in Bradford-on-Avon right here. There are some nice locations to name home-away-from-home on the town.

17. Broadstairs

Broadstairs is one other of essentially the most stunning cities close to London. This seaside gem on the Isle of Thanet in Kent is full of chalk cliffs, sandy seashores, and scenic shoreline. From Botany Bay to Viking Bay and Joss Bay, there’s a lot to like about it.

There are plenty of nice issues to do in Broadstairs past the seashore, too. From buying to consuming fish and chips, the city has no scarcity of leisure to supply guests.

There are scenic coastal walks you are able to do whilst you’re visiting as nicely. You’ll be able to see my favourite on my weblog publish about walks in Kent.

Add to that Charles Dickens connections, well-known ice cream outlets, enjoyable pubs, and scenic paths just like the Viking Coastal Path, and there’s a lot to get pleasure from on this city.

In reality, there’s a lot to get pleasure from that it’s value staying an evening or two in Broadstairs. You’ll be able to see choices for lodging and e book a spot to remain right here. From resorts to B&Bs, there’s no scarcity of locations to select from.

Broadstairs is a good weekend journey from London by prepare. There are direct rail providers from the UK capital, so there’s no excuse to remain away.

18. Stamford

In Lincolnshire, probably the most stunning cities close to London is Stamford. This place is thought for its picturesque streets and heritage buildings. It’s enjoyable to discover on foot, and there’s fairly surroundings alongside the River Welland.

It’s simple to go to Stamford and Burghley Home in a single go to. The latter is a Sixteenth-century mansion that’s a primary instance of Elizabethan structure.

With lavish interiors and expansive gardens, this nation home is without doubt one of the most spectacular stately houses in Britain.

The mix of Stamford and Burghley Home is a good day journey from London by automotive for those who like historic homes and English cities with wealthy heritage.

If you wish to keep an evening, you possibly can e book lodging in Stamford right here. There are many choices, together with resorts and B&Bs.

19. Cheltenham

Subsequent on my checklist of essentially the most stunning cities close to London is Cheltenham. Situated in Gloucestershire, it’s dwelling to stunning heritage buildings and many museums, outlets, and eating places.

Typically thought-about the cultural capital of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a regency spa city on the outskirts of the Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence. There are many enjoyable issues to do in Cheltenham, to not point out nice occasions on all year long.

The city hosts the annual Cheltenham Literature Competition. The ten-day occasion is the longest-running literature pageant on the earth. It celebrates all issues studying, writing, and storytelling.

Cheltenham is thought for horse racing, too. It’s a fantastic place to go to if you wish to spend a day on the races.

Cheltenham is accessible from London by prepare, so it’s a straightforward place to go to even for those who don’t have a automotive. It’s a fantastic day journey from London or weekend journey within the UK.

It’s value staying an evening or two to get essentially the most out of your go to. You’ll be able to see choices and e book lodging right here. I’ve stayed in every single place from Ellenborough Park to the Malmaison Cheltenham, and I’ve had nice experiences.

20. Stratford-upon-Avon

Subsequent on my checklist of gorgeous cities close to London is Stratford-upon-Avon. This medieval market city in Warwickshire is legendary for its Tudor buildings and Shakespeare connections.

Stratford is stuffed with homes The Bard and his household lived in, theaters exhibiting his performs, and historic streets and riverside pubs ripe for ingesting and eating.

Spending a weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or a mid-week break gives you ample time to go to all of the Shakespeare homes, see a play, and browse the outlets. You’ll be able to even do it as a day journey or day tour.

There’s extra, too. This place is full of historic streets that may take you again to a extra stunning time. The half-timbered facades are sufficient to make you fall in love with this city.

The riverfront space can be a fantastic place to discover. Seeing the swans float by as you stroll alongside the Avon is a enjoyable method to spend an hour.

If this city appeals, you possibly can e book a resort in Stratford right here. My prime choose is The White Swan. It’s been internet hosting company since 1560, and its historic Character Rooms and four-poster beds will make you are feeling such as you’re in a Shakespearean sonnet. You’ll be able to e book a room right here.

21. Petworth

In West Sussex, Petworth is one other of essentially the most stunning cities close to London. This beautiful place is stuffed with picturesque streets and outlets.

It’s additionally dwelling to the well-known Petworth Home, a Seventeenth-century stately dwelling close to London.

Petworth Home has an incredible artwork assortment and grounds designed by famend panorama architect Lancelot ‘Functionality’ Brown. It’s value a particular journey.

If all that sounds good, you possibly can e book a spot to remain in Petworth right here. There are nice locations to name home-away-from-home in and across the city, together with charming inns and pubs with rooms.

22. Chipping Campden

One other stunning city close to London is Chipping Campden. Its historic excessive road options Cotswold stone buildings, and there are beautiful outlets and locations to eat on the town.

Chipping Campden can be identified for its connections to the Arts and Crafts Motion. The historic dwelling of the Guild of Handicrafts is right here, and the Court docket Barn museum showcases the work of designers and craftspeople from the motion.

Additionally on the town is the Market Corridor, a Nationwide Belief property within the Cotswolds. Inbuilt 1627 by the city’s benefactor, Sir Baptist Hicks, it initially sheltered merchants of cheese, poultry, butter, and different items.

If that every one appeals, it’s value spending a weekend within the Cotswolds to see the highlights of the city and surrounding space. You’ll be able to e book a spot to remain right here. I’ve spent an evening on the Cotswold Home Lodge and Spa and I cherished the rooms and idyllic backyard.

23. Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks is one other nice city close to London. This place is rife with historic streets and buildings, and there are markets and pubs galore.

When you love historic homes, Knole is without doubt one of the finest stately houses close to London. This gigantic home in Sevenoaks is full of treasures from the royal family. When you’re a Nationwide Belief member, it’s free to enter. You may get a membership right here.

One other enjoyable factor to do in Sevenoaks is stroll by Knole Park. There are many paths with waymarked routes, and loads of resident deer to absorb alongside the best way.

When you have extra time, you possibly can take an extended Sevenoaks stroll and discover the Kent Downs Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence (AONB) and Sevenoaks Weald. Homes like Winston Churchill’s Chartwell and villages like Westerham are highlights, too.

Sevenoaks is close to the UK capital, so prepare tickets are comparatively cheap and driving doesn’t break the bank.

If you wish to lengthen your keep, you possibly can e book lodging in Sevenoaks right here. There are many choices, together with resorts and guesthouses.

Map of Cities Close to London

Stunning Cities Close to London

I hope you’ve loved my checklist of gorgeous cities close to London and that you simply’ve gotten some good inspiration in your future travels in England.

If you’d like extra concepts, you possibly can check out my weblog publish in regards to the prettiest cities and villages in Britain. When you’re fascinated with seeing villages near town, you possibly can take a look at my weblog posts about villages close to London and essentially the most stunning villages close to London by prepare.

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