Beyond the Big Smoke: My 6 Favourite Day Trips from London (No, Not Just Oxford)

Let’s be honest—London is brilliant. It’s the moody ex you can’t quit. But even the most die-hard urbanite needs a cheeky escape now and then. Luckily, London is basically the Beyoncé of basecamps: you’re a train ride away from castles, coastlines, vineyards, and villages where people say “hello” without suspicious side-eye.

After over a decade of criss-crossing Britain with nothing but a tote bag and questionable weather apps, here are my top day trips from London. No fluff. No overhyped nonsense. Just genuinely good jaunts that’ll have you back in time for a pint and a Pret.

1. Whitstable – The Seaside Rebel

📍 Direct train from London Victoria or St Pancras, 1.5 hours

Whitstable is what happens when a fishing village gets mildly hipster. Think candy-coloured cottages, bobbing boats, and oysters so fresh they practically slap you. It’s not polished—thank god—but it’s got soul. Grab a paper-wrapped cone of chips from VC Jones (order the curry sauce like a local) and wander along the pebbled beach.

Hidden gem: The Forge is a no-frills seafood shack where they’ll hand you half a dozen oysters and a glass of local fizz like it’s no big deal. It is a big deal.

Pro tip: Aim for low tide and walk out on The Street, a natural sandbar that juts into the sea. Feels a bit like walking on water. Slightly biblical, mostly Instagrammable.

2. Lewes – Quirky, Quiet, and Questionably Spelled

📍 Direct train from London Victoria, 1 hour

Lewes (pronounced “Lewis,” because of course it is) is Sussex’s best-kept secret. It’s got castle ruins, antique shops that smell like your grandmother’s attic, and pubs that pour real ale with zero irony.

Do this: Visit Harvey’s Brewery. Yes, it’s family-owned. Yes, they do tours. Yes, you will leave with a buzz and a tote bag.

Hidden gem: Pop into Flint Owl Bakery for bread that will ruin supermarket loaves for you forever.

Weird local fact: Every November, Lewes goes full medieval with bonfire parades, burning effigies, and firecrackers that feel slightly illegal. It’s wild.

3. Rye – Storybook Meets Smugglers’ Den

📍 Train to Rye via Ashford International, ~1.5 hours

Rye looks like it fell out of a fairytale and got mildly tipsy on cider. Cobbled lanes? Check. Wisteria-draped houses? Check. A pub called The Mermaid Inn with a 600-year history and ghost stories? Oh, absolutely.

Must do: Climb the tower of St Mary’s Church for one of the most charming rooftop views in England. It’s all weathered tiles and twisting chimneys and smug satisfaction.

Eat this: The Fig does an absurdly good brunch. Order anything with eggs and thank me later.

Tip: Don’t just stop in Rye. Hire a bike and head to Camber Sands—golden dunes, proper sea air, and shockingly warm (in August if you squint and believe).

And if you can’t bring yourself to leave? That’s where 20Property Stays saves the day. We manage some gorgeous short-term lets just outside London too, so if Rye captures your heart—and your camera roll—we can help you stay a little longer. Think fully serviced homes with hotel-quality comfort and zero awkward key handovers.

4. St Albans – Rome’s Little British Cousin

📍 Direct train from London St Pancras or Blackfriars, ~20 minutes

It’s absurdly close, wildly historic, and criminally underrated. St Albans is like London’s well-behaved cousin who reads Latin and makes great roast dinners. Roman ruins? Tick. Old pubs? Tick. Boutique shops that make you say “Ooh, just a quick look”? Tick.

See this: Verulamium Park is where the Romans used to chill. It’s big, green, and unexpectedly peaceful for a place with an ancient hypocaust system.

Drink here: Ye Olde Fighting Cocks. Yes, the name is ridiculous. But it might be England’s oldest pub, and it serves a cracking Sunday roast. Get there early. Locals are ruthless.

5. Margate – Seaside, Rebranded

📍 Direct train from London St Pancras, ~1.5 hours

Margate has opinions. It’s part faded glory, part East London-on-Sea, part Tracy Emin shrine. It’s weird, wonderful, and a little bit chaotic—which is why I love it.

Must-do: Turner Contemporary for modern art, then walk 30 seconds to stare dramatically at the sea and contemplate your place in the universe.

Hidden gem: The Old Kent Market is a converted cinema full of independent stalls and food that actually slaps. Try the Jamaican patties or whatever’s hot at the vegan stand.

Wildcard: There’s a shell grotto here. No one knows why it exists. Over 4.6 million shells arranged in swirling patterns under the town. Spooky. Delightful.

Insider bonus: We’ve got 20Property Stays homes near Margate, too. Perfect if you fall head-over-heels for the sea air and aren’t ready to hop back on the train. Beach views? Tick. Boutique interiors? Tick. Smooth, guest-friendly booking process? Double tick.

6. Arundel – Castles and Cream Teas

📍 Train from London Victoria via Barnham, ~1.5 hours

If your soul needs a castle fix (who doesn’t, honestly?), Arundel delivers. The town is stacked on a hill with views that look painted on. There’s a proper moat, drawbridge, turrets—full Disney, but make it British.

Don’t skip: Arundel Castle. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s worth it. Especially in tulip season.

Afternoon delight: Belinda’s Tea Rooms. Tiny. Old-school. You’ll order a cream tea and feel like a duchess with jam on your chin.

Pro tip: The Wetlands Centre nearby is peaceful and packed with birds that have more frequent flyer miles than you.

Final Sip…

So there you go. Six day trips that don’t feel like you're doing the same loop everyone on TikTok is recommending. You’ll see a different slice of England, stretch your legs, and possibly eat something involving clotted cream. Wins all around.

And if one of these little escapes leaves you plotting a longer stay, don’t settle for a boring rental. My team at 20Property Stays manages curated, stylish homes around London and select getaway spots—perfect for spontaneous weekenders, romantic retreats, or pretending you live in a castle for a few days. We’ve got seamless self-check-in, hotel-quality linens, and real recommendations from people who actually know the area.

✨ Ready to escape the city for real? Browse our stays, pack a weekender, and let us sort the rest. Go on—London will still be here when you get back. Probably raining.