All the fun-filled day trips you can make if you want to escape London
Ever have those sacred days off where your Oyster card is at the ready but deep down all you really want to do is escape the concrete jungle further - just for one day?
Sorry, London, there's still a special place in our hearts for you, just not today. Plus, now that jaunts abroad have been thwarted due to the pandemic, now is the perfect time to rediscover Great Britain.
There's so many brilliant places to visit on your doorstep and now is the perfect time to venture out of London after months trapped in your flat and give our tourism industry a much-needed boost. Plus, if you can't bear to leave, we've also found some great overnight stays that are just a stone's throw from London - but a much-welcome break from your pokey flat.
For more brilliant day trips (or long weekend trips) from London, scroll down...
Brighton
So, how long? Grab the Gatwick Express from Victoria Station and find yourself in the sunny (hopefully) seaside coast of Brighton Town in just under an hour.
See.. The OG Brighton landmark, the Royal Pavilion, is a must-see. Not only will its beautiful exterior make you feel like you’ve just stepped off a plane to India, but take the tour inside and you might be mistaken for time travelling.
MOST importantly, is a trip to Brighton really a trip to Brighton without some not-so cheap thrills on Brighton Pier? Daytime or at night, Brighton Pier, although hella expensive, makes up for it in fun, games and some super scary rides.
Shop… The Laines! A collection of small and quirky independent shops. From cute cafes and antiques stalls like the infamous ‘Snoopers Paradise’, to some of the best vintage shops you’ll see; think old school Camden Lock at its finest – just a bit more hipster and a bit less punk-rocker… although you never really know with Brighton.
Stuff your face… Whether you’ve a got a sweet tooth or you’re a more savoury kinda gal, Brighton’s got you covered. Brighton’s old school traditional food favs vary from Fish and Chips (Buddies on the Seafront is a Brighton staple), to, yep you guessed it, Brighton Rock. However, Brighton’s recent Vegan takeover means this town holds some of the best vegan & vegetarian restaurants for miles, Foodillic, food for friends and Purezza- vegan pizza, yes please! – are to name but a few.
Sip If you're looking for a drink on the seafront, The Tempest Inn is where you need to be. With a beautiful seating area that spans almost as far out as the sea during the day and turns into a great place for a dance in the evening.
Oxford
So, how long? From London Paddington, the train journey to Oxford takes exactly an hour (if not a few minutes less) and you will find yourself inside ‘the city of dreaming spires’.
See.. What’s the first thing you think of when you think of Oxford? Oxford University! Although you may think a tour of the University may not be for you, with themed tours based on periods of history, architecture, famous alumni, fictional characters and even the option to request your own theme, there really is something for everyone.
Shop… In the home of literature’s greats, where better to browse than an old independent bookshop? Albion Beatnik Bookstore is a charming, quirky bookshop, implementing a wifi-free zone, offering tea, coffee and cakes and often open till after midnight – as after dark, Albion hosts poetry readings, reading groups and literary-themed evenings.
Stuff your face… At Cherwell Boathouse. This family-run restaurant offers the view of the river Cherwell as it sits on the banks of the river alongside the punt station. Offering classic British dishes such as Sunday Roasts and a cheese menu to melt over, this scenic location is the perfect place to take in the nature Oxford has to offer.
Sip The Eagle and Child is a must-see for any literature buff – or Lord of the Rings fanatic for that matter, having once been the local for CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. Sit amongst these famous minds and enjoy a host of seasonally sourced cask ales in this quintessentially British pub.
Harry Potter World - Warner Bros Studio
So, how long? Jump on the train from London Euston to Watford Junction station, which takes only twenty minutes. Then all aboard the pimped-out Harry Potter double decker bus for another 15 minutes straight to the wizarding world. – And at only £2.50 for a return, there’s no need to wear your invisibility cloak.
See.. What isn’t there to see? This tour lets you get up close and personal with the sets, props, costumes and art department, as well as letting you in on all the special visual and creative effects. Explore Hogwarts like you never have before in all its physical form.
Shop… If, like us, you’re a sucker for any Harry Potter memorabilia – look no further than the Harry Potter World gift shop. Selling everything you have ever set your eyes on from the films, including the wands and Quidditch jerseys.. even parchment & quills, this gift shop ensures you can bring a little bit of magic home with you.
Stuff your face… Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, Explosive Bon Bons, Jelly Slugs; HoneyDukes’ promises to sprinkle some magic in your step… even if it is a result of a sugar rush.
Sip Two words: Butter. Beer.
Pennyhill Park
So, how long? 54 minute drive
See and stay: A day trip to Pennyhill is the perfect respite after lockdown - because with great food, ambience and an unbelievable spa, you won't want to leave. This epic country house located in Bagshott, Surrey, literally has it all. Set in the most picturesque 120 acres of Surrey parkland, it's ideal for spa days or minibreaks when you want total rest and relaxation.
No trip to Pennyhill Park would be complete with a couple's trip to the out-of-this-world spa. The all-seasons hotel has a Mediterranean-feel in the summer (ideal now we can't jet off on an actual holiday), to an indulgent thermal vibe in the winter for cosy spa days when the weather is a bit grim. You'll be seriously impressed by the sheer number of pools and jacuzzis (both indoors and outdoors, and one indoor/outdoor one) on offer. There's also so many thermal cabins of differing temperatures, humidities and aromas to discover, as well as those epic 'rainforest' showers, relaxations rooms and even foot baths so you can spend hours on your spa journey. They've also just added an Ice Igloo, Herbal Steam Room and Salt Inhalation Steam Room, as well as Finnish and Juniper Saunas, with a redecoration of the Members’ Lounge and changing rooms too. All gyms and fitness rooms across the collection have been finessed with the latest equipment and upgraded kit, from Technogym bikes to treadmills and free weights for all those looking to abandon the home workouts and ramp up their fitness training.
When you're not eating or spa-ing, a jaunt around the manor's vast grounds is a must. Reward yourselves with a cocktail and pizette from the woodfired oven around the Lily Pond terrace. Bliss.
As for the food, if you're tempted to stay for dinner, it's worth treating yourself to the award-winning Michelin starred dining in Latymer - think tasting menus offering bold flavours in dishes using locally sourced ingredients inspired by the seasons. There's also the brilliant new Hillfield restaurant and bar - a hyper-local English restaurant showcasing the very best of Surrey’s finest produce. It's a super relaxed but chic space with incredibly tasty dishes. Kick off with homemade bread (served with lashings of the best butter we've tasted) and naughty-but-nice Surrey chipolatas, followed by summer's perfect starter: a plant-based salted beetroot and orange salad. Juicy lobster and peri salted chips has to be the only option for a main and Pennyhill Park honey mousse with caramelised white chocolate ice cream using honey sourced on-site at the hotel rounds proceedings off sweetly. At GLAMOUR, we are massive sustainability advocates which is why we love Hillfield's focus on working with farmers who preserve and enhance the landscape with a commitment to high welfare and sustainability.
Cambridge
So, how long? Grab an off-peak train from King's Cross Station and you can be looking at a 50-minute journey to Cambridge Station – and don’t worry, even a peak train will get you there in just over an hour.
See.. Is there any way more iconic to sightsee Cambridge than punting? Propel through Cambridge’s river Cam with your trusty pole sailing guide and soak up one of Britain’s most beautiful and historic cities. Who needs to go all the way to Venice for a gondola when you’ve got punting less than an hour from London?
Shop… Cambridge General Market is not only in the heart of the city but the square on which it's sat has been a trading hotspot since the Middle Ages. Selling a wide variety of goods from food to books and even second-hand bikes, get a real sense of the Cambridge community from Monday through to Saturday.
Stuff your face… At the Old Bicycle Shop. If you're looking for historic Easter eggs, you may be on to a winner. It’s said that this is the very spot of the first bike shop in Britain and not just that but it's clientele supposedly boasts the likes of Charles Darwin. However, most importantly, with a drool-worthy brunch menu (you know they’ve got avo toast) and bicycle-themed cocktails guaranteed to take you on a ride.
Sip The family-run Calverley’s Brewery Tap is a hidden gem. Extending from a converted workshop and brewing their own variety of brew, you feel like you're in an old Medieval tavern.
Getty ImagesMarlow
So, how long? A 30-minute train from London Marylebone.
Stay: In this luxe Airbnb slap bang in the middle of Marlow high street. Situated in the heart of beautiful Marlow, this modern four bedroom house for up to 10 guests is the perfect place for groups of friends/family looking for a luxurious break in the riverside town. Marlow’s vibrant restaurants, buzzy bars and quaint shops are just a few minutes’ walk away, whilst the Higginson Park and River Thames are a 10-minute walk. The house benefits from a private garden and free private parking right outside your door. Handy.
See: From Tom Kerridge's famous Hand and Flowers to beautiful riverside walks and some of the best shopping we've experienced, Marlow really does have it all. Be sure to take a stroll through Higginson Park, have a pint at a local pub along the River and sample some of the town's finest eateries.
Cowdray Estate
So, how long? 45 minutes on a train from London Waterloo to Midhurst then a 15-minute cab.
Stay: The Spread Eagle Hotel. Dating back to 1430, the walls of this quaint hotel breathe history, character and charm. The staff are some of the friendliest we’ve ever encountered, making you feel right at home seconds into your stay. A night at this thirty-nine bedroom hotel is an absolute treat for city dwellers seeking a cosy night away from London. Think four poster beds, ornate trinkets adorning the cabinets, and cosy fireplaces at every turn. The bar boasts an extensive selection of gins, while the restaurant serves up traditional fare such as hearty steak and chips, fresh seabass and a deliciously fresh gazpacho. Breakfast is a real highlight with a DIY drinks station that includes a virgin Bloody Mary mix laid out next to a bottle of vodka, homemade granolas and boiled eggs with soldiers served in delightful china. The hotel is also famous for its spa, which features a good-sized pool, treatment rooms and lovely outdoor sunbathing area for warmer days. Interesting tidbit: Elizabeth I actually stayed in the aptly named Queen’s Suite.
See: Everything the 16,500-acre, family-owned Cowdray Estate has to offer (and trust us, it has something for everyone). Your visit can be tailored dependant on your preferences and trust us when we say you’ll want to soak up everything the estate has to offer but here’s what we’d recommend….
A spot of shooting: Kick off the day with a clay pigeon shooting lesson at Hownhall Shooting at Cowdray. Directors, Simon and Benita, are super welcoming so whether you’re a novice whose never touched a gun before or an experienced shot looking for a fun-filled day in the woodland, the school (which just scooped Silver Winner at the Great British Shooting Awards 2019), should be your first port-of-call for an unforgettable experience.
Horsing around: It goes without saying that a spot of polo should be on your itinerary. As the home of British polo (including the prestigious Gold Cup for the British Open), Cowdray’s Polo Academy is outstanding. Headed up by registered polo coach Guy Verdon, who has played polo for over 30 years and coached all over the world, the exceptional school enables complete novices to step into the very heart of the sport. Using a wooden horse to teach you the exact skills required to play, followed by a trip out onto the field on the attentive horses, polo enthusiasts can get a taste of the sport in as little as an hour. We highly recommend a visit to the school for an experience like no other.
A delicious lunch: After building up quite the appetite, a pit stop at the Farm Shop is an absolute must. Be sure to leave at least half an hour before your lunch to explore all the delights the Farm Shop has to offer, from gin tasting to a must-try coffee bean grinder machine. The Farm Shop gets extra brownie points from GLAMOUR thanks to its sustainability credentials and strong focus on locally-sourced produce (including clever nut and seed dispensers to cut down on packaging and a menu packed with the very best Cowdray and local produce.) From the Susana & Daughters Kefir, which is collected from Cowdray’s very own dairy herd, to the in-house pastry chef whose culinary treats are so popular, they sell out instantly, we couldn’t help but wish we could bring the entire Farm Shop back to London with us.
A game of golf: After a hearty and healthy lunch, a trip to Cowdray’s impressive 18-hole championship golf course is next on the agenda. Immaculately manicured, the course suits all levels, with a range and academy course designed for beginners.
A twilight wildlife tour: Before you leave, enjoy a guided wildlife tour across the South Downs National Park. The three-hour tour will allow you to channel David Attenborough and marvel at the wildlife in its natural habitat with a Ranger teaching you all about the fascinating indigenous wildlife in all its glory.
Good to know: We were treated to a small slice of life at Cowdray. There’s an abundance of extra activities and experiences available, from a trip to the wellbeing centre (think gong baths, Yoga, Pilates, Mindfulness, Meditation, Chanting and Tai Chi and even an animal communication workshop), to an amble around the incredible historical ruins. Check out the website yourself for a full breakdown of what’s available. Our only advice: Add a trip to Cowdray Estate to your bucket list.
Thorpe Park
So, how long? Ok, so we may be stretching this one, but this journey will take you max an hour and 20 and you know it's going to worth it! From Waterloo to Staines, you can be looking at a journey time of just under an hour – as long as you get the train towards Reading and then either a 12 minute coach or a 5 minute cab to Thorpe Park grounds.
See.. See, feel, hear, taste the adrenaline with some of Britain’s scariest rollercoasters.
Shop… I mean, did you really go on Stealth if you didn’t get a picture of it? The answer is no. Ride photos are everyone’s guilty pleasure and you’d be lying if you said you and your mates had never organised a pose for when the camera flashes at least once. Money well spent, we say!
Stuff your face… We all know you go to Thorpe Park for a bit of adventure, so why not go completely out your comfort zone with a ‘Bug Pot’ from Bush BBQ and Bar? And yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like, a luxurious pot offering the choice of crickets and mealworms as part of the “I’m a Celebrity” maze. There’s also a Critter Coleslaw and Meelworm Mayo….or, if you're not feeling quite so ballsy, you can enjoy their yummy burgers or ribs – normal meat, we promise!
Sip on refillable cups! Thorpe Park do refillable cups for just £6, meaning you can get your fizzy pick-me-up after a long day of highs and lows (see what we did there?).
Lainston House
So, how long? 1.5 hours
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and sit in an incredibly historic home that is a far cry from your poky Peckham flat, Lainston House is the ideal spot. The 17th century luxury hotel sits within 63 acres of rural Hampshire countryside and the drive up to the hotel itself certainly sets the tone for your peaceful day ahead. Lainston feels like a location fresh off the set of Bridgerton - think four poster beds, chintz interiors and regal afternoon teas on the terrace with the slickest crowd outside of London.
If you're a foodie, you have to book into Season cookery school, conveniently set within the grounds of Lainston House. With state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, a dedicated modern dining space and a kitchen garden complete with pizza oven and outdoor seating, guests are given the chance to pick up some valuable culinary skills from the hotel's award-winning and Michelin starred chefs.
When it comes to the food, everything is 10/10. Lunch can be enjoyed in the cosy Cedar Bar or out on the stunning terrace (the afternoon tea is a must!), while dinner at The Wellhouse, which champions seasonal produce (much of which is grown in the grounds), is worth staying for. The Wellhouse aims to celebrate the simplicity of wood-fired cooking and is set in the historic rustic-luxe outbuilding; it's super intimate and the staff are hugely welcoming. The food is mouthwateringly unique - think warm woodfired bread of the day best enjoyed with whipped black garlic butter, followed by stone oven baked beetroot grissini, charred aubergine and tahini dip. For mains, try the wood flame grilled whole Portland lobster, Lyburn cheese and mustard glazed or carnivores will love the Tuscan grilled prime Aberdeen Angus porterhouse steak with apple oak smoked salt with sides such as seasonal crisp Lainston garden slaw and kitchen garden glazed beetroots, goats curd, toasted pine nuts and tarragon.
If you have time to tear yourself away from this incredible countryside abode, head out to explore local attractions, with the historic city of Winchester just 10 minutes drive, as well as the River Test, Bombay Sapphire distillery and Paultons Park all within 15 miles.
Want to make a night of it? The rooms are some of the most luxe you can stay in and feel akin to a night at a castle. Honeymooners should opt for a Four Poster Junior Suite, which is wonderfully romantic (and sprawling!) complete with a hand-carved four poster bed and huge walk-in 'rainforest' style shower, plus a ginormous spa-esque bath tub kitted out with a TV and rubber ducky. If you really want to amp up the romance, spend a night in the Hot Tub Suite, which as the name suggests, has its own private hot tub on its terrace over looking the chapel ruins (oh and you can bring your dog along, too!).
Windsor
So, how long? For just £10.50, you can hop on the train at London’s Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside and arrive in under an hour.
See.. There’s a reason why the Queen uses Windsor Castle as one of her principle residences and there was a rather big Royal Wedding there this summer. Whether you’re a history buff, royal family super fan or just want to feel like royalty for a day, Windsor Castle has it all; the perfect escape from London’s concrete jungle.
Shop… Windsor’s Royal Shopping Centre is a must-see site even if you're not looking to splash the cash. This Grade 2 listed Victorian railway station, which has been converted into a shopping centre, is a beautiful merge of history and present day.
Stuff your face… At Gilbey’s Eton. After taking in all the British history Windsor has to offer, what else would you want to sink your teeth into other than Modern British grub? With fantastic lunch and evening set menus, Gilbey’s also won’t break the bank.
Sip Two Brewers Pub, an 18th century Inn is still as atmospheric as it would have been in its prime. Perfect pub Grub, great beer and as it is situated right by the entrance of Windsor Great Park, there’s no better resting point after a long day of sightseeing.
