Last Updated on 1st July 2025 by Charlotte Nadeau
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Whether you’re living in London or visiting for an extended period, it’s easy to find yourself craving a break from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Well, the good news is that the UK is littered with idyllic weekend getaways.
From stunning coastal escapes and relaxing weekend retreats to vibrant city excursions, there’s perhaps no other place in the world where such a diverse range of destinations can be reached just a train ride away. Here’s your ultimate guide to 10+ Weekend Getaways from London! (You’ll Want to Book ASAP)
Cotswolds
Quintessential England! The Cotswolds is a picturesque region in south-central England known for its rolling hills, honey-coloured limestone villages, and timeless rural charm. And, one thing that holds true for the entire region is that no matter which part you go to, it’s guaranteed to be beautiful.
This area of outstanding beauty can easily be reached from London in under an hour by train. Its historic market towns and villages make for the perfect weekend escape from the capital city’s buzz. Read our guide on how to spend 3 perfect days in the Cotswolds.
Rye
This quaint seaside town is situated in Sussex, just under 2 hours from central London by train. Rye is a vibrant destination where you can explore its cobblestone streets lined with medieval timber-framed houses, vine covered porch ways, and historic inns, where smugglers and their secrets are stowed away.
The town’s most famous street is Mermaid Street, the most photographed street in all of Britain. This pretty as a postcard spot has a fascinating history of smuggling, creative writers and visits from royalty.
Cambridge
Cambridge is a delightful university city with centuries’ worth of history. It is best known for its world-leading university, which comprises 31 colleges. Along with its countless cosy cafés, plethora of beautiful gardens, leafy college campuses, and ease of access as a day trip from London, this city makes for the idyllic weekend getaway destination.
One of Cambridge’s finest historic institutions has to be The Eagle, a.k.a – the very spot where “the secret of life” was announced, forever changing our scientific understanding of the world.
Bath
A stunning small city, Bath is a dream of buttery stone and ancient history, with evidence of human activity around its hot springs dating back to 8000 BC. It’s one of the most iconic places in the UK, and it can be visited in under 1.5 hours by train from central London.
Whether it’s exploring the city’s rich Roman heritage, perusing the vibrant city centre’s tempting shopping scene, or taking yourself paddle boarding down the River Avon, there are a multitude of activities to choose from in Bath.
Home to one of the best well-preserved Roman Baths, the city has been a go-to destination for relaxation and wellness for well over two millennia, so there’s really no better place to escape to for a weekend! Read our guide on how to spend the perfect weekend in Bath.
York
Perfect to visit over a long weekend, York is brimming with history. Not always for the faint-hearted…from public executions to cholera epidemics, Roman ruins and trembling madness, there’s a lot to unpack in this quaint northern English city.
Home to half-timber framed houses, cobbled alleyways known locally as snickelways, countless ghost stories, and Roman ruins. However, the city is probably most famous for its York Minster, a grandiose Gothic Cathedral that’s one of the largest in Europe (it’s the second largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe).
Despite not being far from Hadrian’s Wall, the city of York can be reached by train from central London in just two hours. Read our guide on how to spend a weekend in York.
Brighton
Where things are brighter! Brighton is a stylish, vibrant seaside resort city that is best known for its welcoming and diverse nature, historic pier, and lively arts and nightlife scenes. The city can be reached from central London in just under 1.5 hours by train.
Brighton is renowned for many things, but is perhaps most famously known for its significant LGBTQIA+ population. It’s also the destination for the biggest Pride event in the UK.
By way of attractions, one of the most fascinating and historical sights is The Royal Pavilion, stunning and ornate it was originally constructed as a seaside retreat for royalty. Brighton is also renowned for its pier, which is home to countless fairground rides, bars, restaurants and deckchairs, where you can enjoy a sea view.
Oxford
The city of Oxford, like Cambridge, is known worldwide as a city of learning, history, and architectural beauty. In a place where academia meets timeless charm, this charming cathedral city can be reached from London in just over an hour by train, but it feels a world away from the capital’s hustle.
In a city as rich in history and literature as Oxford, it can often feel like every stone has been turned and every landmark already discovered. However, there are many quirky and secret spots in Oxford to be discovered…
Portmeirion
Portmeirion is an unassuming splash of colourful Italianate architecture that resides in the north of Wales on the estuary of the River Dwyryd. This enchanting fantasy village can transport its visitors to a realm of somewhere reminiscent of that in the Italian Riviera; as such, it is often referred to as “Little Italy in Wales”.
Since Portmeirion is tucked away in the far north of Wales, getting there from London is quite a lengthy journey. However, if planned with according time, it makes for a dreamy escape which can transport you to a completely different space than that of the busy city centre.
Lake District
The Lake District was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. This unforgettable region of the UK draws over 15 million visitors each year and is renowned for its mirrored lakes, lush green landscapes, and dramatic mountain peaks.
One of the coolest places to visit in the region is Rydal Cave, a large cavern that’s the result of human quarrying from over 200 years ago. Today, visitors can see how nature has reclaimed the space, much of the cave is now flooded by a stagnant pool, which is home to small fish and mirrors the outside world, making it a stunning photography spot.
Unfortunately, getting into the heart of the Lake District can be a bit tricky since there are no direct train lines. However, you can take a train from central London to Kendal, then rent a car or use local buses to reach your desired destination. Read our guide on how to spend 3 perfect days in the Lake District.
Cardiff
The capital of Wales is a charming coastal city that feels delightfully intimate, more like a bustling town as you wander through. Cardiff is rich with history that’s intertwined with its many castles, arcades, and proximity to the sea.
Home to 20 castles and palaces, the city boasts the most castles per square mile in the world. Cardiff is also often referred to as the ‘City of Arcades’ because of its high concentration of Victorian and Edwardian arcades. It’s possible to reach the Welsh capital from London in around 2 hours by train. Read our guide on how to spend one perfect day in Cardiff.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s historic and culturally rich capital is famed for its striking architecture, medieval Old Town, and the dramatic peak of Arthur’s Seat offering panoramic views over the city. Despite being located at the other end of the UK, thanks to a high-speed train service, it’s possible to reach Edinburgh from London in just over 4 hours.
The city truly feels as though it’s been plucked straight out of a fairytale. From its striking Gothic architecture and the castle perched atop a volcanic plug, to the cobblestone Royal Mile that snakes through narrow closes, the city is full of magic and history, just waiting to be explored. Read our guide on how to spend 3 perfect days in Edinburgh.
Travelling to edinburgh any time soon?
This is the ultimate travel guidebook, filled with insider knowledge (from a local), the best go-to spots, practical tips and stress-saving hacks that will make your trip truly unforgettable!
Cornwall
Of all the best places to visit in Britain, few destinations are quite as dynamic as the English county of Cornwall. Tucked away in the most southerly corner of mainland UK, Cornwall is characterised by its many quaint fishing villages, rugged coastline, and several millennia worth of history.
St Michael’s Mount is a windswept island that lies half a mile off the southern coast of Cornwall, and it is easily one of the most beautiful and iconic landmarks you could hope to visit. For those who know their castle’s, you might be aware that St Michael’s Mount is the smaller, lesser-known sibling of Mont Saint Michel in Normandy.
Full of mystery, legend and surrounded by the sea, Cornwall is home to several more fortresses, medieval ruins, and fanciful country mansions. If taking a high-speed service, it’s possible to reach the Cornish coast from London in just under 5 hours. Read our local guide on how to spend a weekend in Cornwall.
Devon
Diverse and picturesque, this south-west county is best known for its rolling countryside, stunning coastlines on both the north and south, quaint villages, and two national parks. A must-see spot in Devon has to be Lundy Island, a mystical little islet that is home to only one pub, Britain’s strangest treasure hunt, and more puffins than people!
Whether it’s porpoise spotting at Berry Head, drinking local ale in historic pubs, uncovering tin mining history, or exploring the thatched villages and twin sandy beachs of Hope Cove, Devon makes for the perfect city escape. Plus, it’s easily reached by train from London in 3 hours.
Paris
If you’re feeling adventurous (and, with money as no object), you could even head to Paris! After all, the Eurostar is super speedy and it only takes just over 2 hours to reach the City of Light from central London.
The French capital is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities to visit. From the iconic Eiffel Tower and the grandeur of the Louvre to cosy cafés and charming neighborhoods like Montmartre. Paris is a timeless city known for its rich history, world-class art, and romantic charm. Read our guide on how to spend 3 perfect days in Paris.
Psst…I wrote a book!
I lived in Paris for several years, and have over 10 years of experience writing about the city. I lived in Paris for several years, and have over 10 years of experience writing about the city.
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