Known as the seat of the British Government and for its status as one of the world’s greatest cities, London truly is among everybody’s dream destinations. There are a lot of places to go in London and the whole of England as well, which include the Big Ben, the London Tower Bridge, the Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Tower of London, the British Museum, Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, River Thames and so much more. But if you are already done exploring the city, why not explore towns and cities outside of London? Here are some of the best weekend trips from London, England.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. Dover (from USD 117)
Reasonable pricing, especially for short stays near Dover port.
Convenient on-site Bella Italia, comfortable rooms, good parking, and free room service app.
Excellent location for early ferry departures, close to Dover Ferry Port and local attractions.
Delicious and varied breakfast, good dining options, including gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian choices.
The town of Dover is very known to the Brits as their gateway to France via a channel tunnel to Calais. But aside from being a drop-off point, the town is also known for its rich history. You may want to visit their old town hall called the Maison Dieu Hall, which was built in 1203 by Hubert de Burgh to serve as a hostel for the pilgrims. You should also visit the lighthouse on Castle Hill and the Roman Painted House. Dover is around 140 kilometers (87 miles) away from London, which is around a two-hour drive away. When you’re in Dover, you must definitely stay at Leaf Hotel Dover which is only 3.4 kilometers (2.11 miles) away from the famous Dover Beach.
Holiday Inn Dover, an IHG Hotel
Address: Singledge Lane
188.35 km (117.1 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
2. York (from USD 188)
York is known to have more attractions per square mile than any other city in the whole United Kingdom, and we are sure that you’ll surely have fun in every landmark that you visit. Be amazed at the majesty of the iconic York Minster and the masterpieces at the York Art Gallery, experience watching breathtaking horse races at the York Racecourse, or explore the history of the city at the York Dungeon. Experience the best of York as you travel 208.8 kilometers (336.03 miles) away from London or about four hours’ drive away. While you are in York, make sure that you stay in Principal York as it is only a short distance away from the best landmarks in the city.
Principal York
Address: Station Road
244.9 km (152.2 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
3. Cambridge (from USD 198)
Aside from its very famous university, the city of Cambridge surely offers something for everyone when it comes to entertainment. Galleries like the Fitzwilliam Museum, Kettle’s Yard, and the Ruskin Gallery showcase a very impressive variety of art. Theaters such as the ADC Theater, Cambridge Corn Exchange, Mumford Theater, and the Cambridge Arts Theater offer diverse genres where you can enjoy all kinds of live music. Not only that, Cambridge also has a lot of natural attractions and historic places for you to visit. Cambridge is only an hour away from London (64 miles or 103 kilometers away). Your trip to Cambridge won’t be complete without a stay in The Varsity Hotel and Spa, where all of Cambridge’s best attractions are just a few steps away.
The Varsity Hotel & Spa
Address: Thompson's Lane
106.63 km (66.3 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Stratford-Upon-Avon
Being the birthplace of the renowned writer William Shakespeare, the quaint market town of Stratford-Upon-Avon is a must-visit especially if you are looking for somewhere quiet and peaceful. The town is beautifully surrounded by all kinds of greenery and the charming areas of the riverbank, as well as the historic Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. A lot of blocks of half-timbered houses were well-preserved, including the home of Shakespeare. Tourists can even follow the footsteps of the world’s most famous playwright. The distance from London to Stratford-upon-Avon is about 163 kilometers (101.4 miles) and is only a two-hour drive away. When you are in Stratford-upon-Avon, make sure to book a stay in Bend in the River Lodge, as the property offers an uninterrupted view of the river and the surrounding countryside.
Bend in the River Lodge
Address: Warwick Road
57.42 km (35.7 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
London Tour Guide
Robert Woolf
I am a London tour guide and my tours include talking about people who have shaped the city plus the many connected places such as Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the commercial centre of the city: the City of London, and London’s world class museums and galleries. I have been guiding for 12 years. I am a licenced London Blue Badge Tour Guide, a City of London Gu... Read more
Tours by Robert
5. Frome (from USD 140)
Great value for money with comfortable rooms and beautiful surroundings.
Well-appointed rooms, vast grounds with lakes and a play area, fully equipped kitchenette, and an indoor swimming pool nearby.
Beautiful countryside location near Bath, Wells, and Glastonbury, with stunning parkland and easy access to local attractions.
Delicious breakfast with a good range of options, including a pancake machine, and accommodating staff. Cafe Nouveau offers excellent coffee, lunch, and cakes.
With the town’s very long and diverse history, Frome indeed has established a lot of historical sites and places of interest that will surely give you a glimpse of its medieval history and heritage as a quaint, small mill town. Make sure to visit Catherine Hill, Longleat and its Hedge Maze, Frome Museum, and Shearwater Lake. Traveling to Frome from London is about 179 kilometers (111.2 miles) or a two-hour drive away. If you are looking for a place to stay in Frome, book a night’s stay at The Lighthouse, where you get to walk around the quiet town like a local while enjoying an Old English stroll.
The Lighthouse
Address: The Lighthouse, Bulls Quarries Road, Tytherington
96.63 km (60.1 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
6. Brighton (from USD 105)
If you are looking to spend the weekend at the beach with your family or your friends without spending or traveling too much, then you must consider Brighton as your next beach destination. The city offers a very budget-friendly and picturesque sandy beach, a lot of activities for both kids and adults, and a very vibrant nightlife. Even meet underwater creatures at the SEA LIFE Center, or go back in time at the Royal Pavillion. Then you can wrap up your trip for a night at the Brighton Marina. Brighton is only 86 kilometers (53.5 miles) away from London, or only an hour and a half’s drive. Maximize your trip to Brighton by staying at The Grand Brighton, located just in front of the Victoria Gardens.
The Grand Brighton
Address: 97-99 King's Road, Brighton, England, GBR, BN1 2FW
129.63 km (80.6 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
7. Norwich (from USD 162)
The beautiful city of Norwich boasts of its rich, millennium-long history that every tourist should take a glimpse of. Once home to the Romans and the Normans, this thriving city is now one of the biggest outside of London and is hailed as England’s first UNESCO City of Literature. Take a step into their rich history as you visit the Norwich Cathedral, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Plantation Garden, and the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery. Norwich is only located 161 kilometers (100 miles) outside of London and can be reached after two hours of driving. Dunston Hall is probably the best place for you to stay in Norwich as it is centrally located to the city’s must-visit landmarks.
Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Address: Ipswich Road
195.28 km (121.4 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
8. Winchester (from USD 130)
Located just 109 kilometers (67.8 miles) northeast of London, the city of Winchester doesn’t run out of world-class attractions, architecture, shopping destinations, and dining places to go, aside from their breathtaking countryside trails where you can walk and bike. Make sure to visit the Theater Royal Winchester, Winchester Science Center and Planetarium, Winchester Cathedral, Winchester College, and the Avington Park. Complete your Winchester experience by staying at the Winchester Hotel and Spa.
The Winchester Hotel and Spa
Address: Worthy Lane
76.78 km (47.8 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
9. Oxford (from USD 353)
Known to be home of one of the world’s most prestigious and respected universities, the city of Oxford indeed doesn’t need a fancy introduction. Aside from being touted as a university town, Oxford has a lot more to offer. You can venture in one of their walking tours, or explore the Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Library, Pitt Rivers Museum, Christ Church, Magdalen College, and the Sheldonian Theater. A trip to Oxford from London takes about one hour of driving with a distance of 91 kilometers (56 miles). With its proximity to all of the prestigious universities in Oxford, tourists love to spend the night at the Old Parsonage Hotel, and we think you might want to stay here, too.
Old Parsonage Hotel
Address: 1 Banbury Road
358 meters (0.3 ft) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
10. Manchester (from USD 170)
You may only know this place because of the popular football club, but this bustling city has more to offer! Being England’s second biggest city, Manchester is known to be a very vibrant urban center that boasts of its excellent nightlife, culture, and arts. It is also home to the world’s first inter-city passenger railway station. Must-visit places in the city include the Manchester Museum, John Ryland’s Library, Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Town Hall, and the Museum of Science and Industry. From London, you can drive 336.19 kilometers (208.9 miles) to Manchester, which is about four hours away. When you’re in Manchester, make sure to stay at Princess St. Hotel which is just a few meters away from the city’s best landmarks.
Princess St. Hotel
Address: 18-24 Princess Street
202.46 km (125.9 mi) from Oxford University Museum of Natural History
There's more outside London
London is a great city with a lot of landmarks that is worthy to be visited. But there’s even more to the cities and towns that surrounds the great city! Make sure to spend a weekend with your family, friends, and loved ones in these great places outside London.
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