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Top 10 weekend getaways near London

temple bar dublin
Image: Diogo Palhais / Unsplash
E-lyn Tham
By E-lyn Tham2 June 2022 4 minutes read

There’s so much going on in London that it’s easy to spend a week or two just exploring the city. When you’re done ticking off all the must-do and must-see things in London, it’s time to explore nearby destinations that are a couple of hours away by train or plane.

We’ve rounded up 10 of the best weekend getaways near London:

1. Bath, England

bath england
Image: Management / Tripadvisor

Best for: Spa and wellness retreats

Getting there: 1.5 hours by train

Sometimes, we all need a little respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Bath offers the perfect remedy; it’s a charming, historic town that’s perfect for a relaxing weekend spa break. Home to ancient Roman baths, the town is popular with couples and adults looking for some R&R.

Other than soaking in the baths, take a stroll along the ornate Royal Crescent, learn about all things Jane Austen or, if you’re there at the end of the year, check out the Christmas Market (that’s one of England’s largest!).

2. Bristol, England

 Bristol england
Image: Stella / Tripadvisor

Best for: art and culture

Getting there: 1 hour 40 minutes by train, or 2.5 hours by coach

There’s just so much to see in Bristol: explore Wapping Wharf, a new quarter of shipping containers home to an eclectic range of eateries and bars; hunt down street art at Stokes Croft, walk across the Clifton Suspension Bridge, shop at the Old Market, and more.

With multiple art galleries and creative spaces, Bristol is a haven for cultural enthusiasts—see it all with these walking tours. And if you’re lucky to visit during summer, the Foodies Festival is a glorious explosion of food, music, performances, and workshops.

3. Cardiff, Wales

cardiff wales
Image: Management / Tripadvisor

Best for: food and people watching

Getting there: About 2 hours by train

Experience the famous Welsh hospitality firsthand in Cardiff. Spend the weekend people-watching, enjoy a taste of Wales at these restaurants, discover the central market, or visit Cardiff Castle.

Don’t miss out on buying some traditional trinkets from the Royal Arcade, or have a whale of a time with your family at the Infinity Trampoline Park and Treetop Adventure Golf.

4. Dublin, Ireland

dublin ireland
Image: Management / Tripadvisor

Best for: nightlife

Getting there: 1 hour by plane

Perfect for a getaway with friends, Dublin is a vibrant city filled with countless things to do. The Irish sure know how to have a good time; say cheers with a pint of Guinness or a shot of Irish whiskey, best enjoyed at the iconic Temple Bar that dates back to the 1300s. Not sure where to start? Go on an epic bar and pub crawl armed with this list.

Or visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn all about the beverage, before visiting the city’s major sights such as Dublin Castle, the Spire, Trinity College Library, or St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

5. The Cotswolds, England

Kevin M / Tripadvisor
Image: Kevin M / Tripadvisor

Best for: the English countryside

Getting there: 1.5 hours by train

Looking for somewhere relaxing far away from the crowds? The Cotswolds is just what you need. Venture out to the English countryside, where you’ll find around 750 square miles of tranquility, spanning over six counties like Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Worcestershire, among others.

Get back to nature, be surrounded by cattle, have a picnic on rolling hills, discover medieval villages, try the local produce, and travel back in time at nostalgic cottages. There’s just so much to see and do; take it all in with one of these fascinating tours.

6. Manchester, England

manchester london
Image: MrMyerz / Tripadvisor

Best for: nightlife

Getting there: 2 hours by train

Best known for its team in the English football universe, Manchester appeals especially to youngsters looking to have a good time. Down a craft brew at the Port Street Beer House, trawl the Great Northern Warehouse district, attend a concert at The Warehouse Project, hunt down a vintage record at Piccadilly Records, or party it up at Canal Street.

That’s not to say that Manchester isn’t for families as well: entertain the kids at Play Factore, a family entertainment extravaganza complete with laser tag, virtual reality, a zip wire, and the UK’s tallest indoor slide.

7. Brighton, England

Brighton, England
Image: Management / Tripadvisor

Best for: seaside break

Getting there: 1.5 hours by train

Go on an adventure to Brighton, a lovely family-friendly seaside resort. Get a sun-kissed tan at the beach, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque promenade, go on a fairground ride at Brighton Palace Pier, enjoy the burgeoning coffee scene, marvel at the intricate Regency architecture, or lose yourself in The Lanes art district.

Kids will love discovering creatures of the deep at Sea Life Brighton, riding on the Volks Electric Railway, or enjoying a panoramic view from the 150-meter-high British Airways i360 observation tower.

8. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Scotland
Image: VisitScotland2018 / Tripadvisor

Best for: nature and culture

Getting there: 1 hour 20 minutes by plane, or 4 hours 20 minutes by train

A paradise for explorers, Edinburgh is a charming destination full of zest. Scale the 251-meter-high Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that offers one of the best views of the city. Wander around Edinburgh Castle, and marvel at its stunning crown jewels collection.

Explore the Royal Mile, which is home to restaurants, shops, and the like; or discover the city’s different personalities on a comedy walk, darkside walking tour, or underground walking tour. The city also transforms into a pulsating wonderland every summer, when the popular Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes over.

9. The Peak District, England

peak district england
Image: Paul Deverill / Tripadvisor

Best for: nature

Getting there: 2.5 hours by train

This one’s for all you outdoor lovers out there. You can easily spend the whole weekend at the scenic Peak District National Park; go on a hike, cycle along rugged trails… the possibilities are endless.

You’ll never be bored here—see the architectural marvel of Ladybower Reservoir, discover the idyllic Bakewell village, venture deep into the Peak Cavern (if you’re lucky, you might chance upon a music performance in the cave), step into the shoes of Charlotte Bronte at Hathersage, scale the cliffs of Stanage Edge, explore Thor’s cave, and more.

10. Windsor, England

Windsor England
Image: marketingWindsor / Tripadvisor

Best for: history

Getting there: 30 minutes by train

Windsor is one of the most popular weekend breaks near London for people of all ages, and it’s easy to see why. Steeped in history, the city was home to the British royal family for nearly 1,000 years. Compact in size, the area can be easily covered on foot.

Drop by the iconic Windsor Castle, discover every nook and cranny of the Old Town, take the kids to Legoland Windsor Resort, or frolic at Windsor Great Park.

E-lyn Tham
E-lyn is a writer by day, and adventurer by heart. She aims to discover all the magic in this world, inhibitions thrown asunder – all best done with a good glass of wine in hand, and her dog by her side.