There’s nothing quite like a good domestic holiday. Getting out of your home town, seeing the sights in another city or drinking in the natural landscape of Great Britain; these very reasons see Brits taking well over 100 million domestic trips each year! London is consistently at the top of lists for popular holiday destinations, but the South of England has much more to offer than its capital alone. Here are just four fantastic destinations that are a stone’s throw from London by train.
Surrey
The county of Surrey borders Greater London at the south-east, and is perhaps best-known for its calm, semi-rural landscape, taking in the grassy ridges of the Surrey Hills and North Downs. There are wildlife retreats and protected areas aplenty to explore and enjoy – but many families visit the county for its man-made attractions, chief amongst them the amusement park Thorpe Park. All of this, and more, as short as 40 minutes away from Waterloo station!
Cambridge
Cambridge’s reputation precedes itself, being home to one of the oldest higher education institutions in the world. It is also an easily accessible destination, present on many popular train routes from London and the surrounding South of England. The county town is a perfect place to visit for a more laid-back kind of weekend break, especially if you take to the River Cam in one of Cambridge’s signature punts. Cambridge is a little over an hour from London by train, putting an easy weekend within easy reach.
Peterborough
Peterborough is perhaps an unassuming entry on this list, but a deeply underrated destination for a weekend city break – and just shy of an hour’s travel from London Kings Cross station. Its best-known tourist attraction is the Peterborough Cathedral, a 12th century cathedral with a unique Gothic façade and one of the most important intact Medieval landmarks in the UK. History aside, Peterborough is a city brimming with activity and adventure, from an active wakeboarding community to a thriving regional theatre scene. You simply cannot run out of things to do or discover!
Brighton
A mere 55 minutes from Victoria station, Brighton remains one of the best holiday destinations on the UK’s coast, being a veritable melting pot of traditional pursuits and contemporary culture. The beach is home to the inimitable Brighton Pier, itself host to fun attractions and amusements for all the family, while the city of Brighton and Hove offers incredible cultural experiences in the form of music, theatre and art.
