Quaint Towns to Visit from London
London is an amazing city to live and work in, with everything you need on your doorstep. However, it can be overwhelming at times, so escaping for a day trip to a quieter town can be a welcome break.
If you’re looking for a charming location a short drive or train ride away from the big city, check out our guide below.
Discovering Historic Market Towns
There are dozens of market towns within short driving distance or a direct train from London. Henley-on-Thames, in Oxfordshire, is a 30-mile drive from central London and is widely considered one of the most beautiful towns in England. It boasts over 300 buildings designated as special or architectural interest, with many Georgian frontages. It’s also known for its rowing regatta and summer arts festival.
In the Chiltern Hills, Amersham is a historic market town 27 miles northwest of central London. This commuter belt town was famously a film location for Four Weddings and a Funeral and has Buckinghamshire’s greatest concentration of listed buildings. It also offers practical amenities. If you’re driving, you’ll find tyre fitters in Amersham that are convenient for any car needs during your trip.
Exploring Picturesque Villages in the Surrey Hills
The Surrey Hills is an Outstanding Natural Beauty area that boasts several picturesque villages perfect for a romantic getaway. Shere, a village between Guildford and Dorking, is a quintessential English village in the Surrey Hills. Its proximity to Newlands Corner and the Silent Pool makes it a popular walking destination.
Chiddingfold, near Haslemere and the West Sussex border, features pretty Georgian houses, a forge, and a pond. It was an important centre for glass-making between the 14th and 17th centuries and boasts the Crown Inn pub, one of the oldest inns in England.
Coastal Retreats: Seaside Towns Near London
For those yearning for a coastal escape, towns like Whitstable in Kent provide the seaside experience. It’s celebrated for its oyster scene, with an annual summer festival celebrating a tradition that goes back to Roman times.
Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, is a quiet, rustic town full of colourful beach huts. It’s a haven for nature lovers, with The Naze’s unspoiled headland and backwaters dotted with scenic walking trails around the estuary.
Romantic Escapes to the Cotswolds
With its honey-coloured stone cottages, the Cotswolds is perfect for a weekend away with your partner. It’s home to Castle Combe, often called “the prettiest village in England.”
No new houses have been built in its historic village centre since around 1600, preserving its historic architecture. South of its upper village is the Castle Combe motor racing circuit, which has held Rallday, an annual demonstration event for rally cars, since 2001.
