Day trips and getaways in and around London

Escapes Top news

National Express has just released 100,000 discounted fares for £7 or less in a bid to encourage more spontaneous summer travel – here’s how you can get your hands on one

If the sunshine in London has got you in the mood to head off on a little summer stay-cation, I come bearing some news that'll be right up your alley motorway. The UK's largest coach company, National Expr...

Escapes Things to do

Just 40 minutes by train from London, you can hire kayaks or canoes right below the walls of this stunning 11th-century castle to escape the summer crowds along peaceful Kentish waterways

Just 40 minutes from central London, the River Medway in Tonbridge offers a refreshing escape that feels worlds away from the capital’s summer crowds. Set against the backdrop of the striking 11th-cen...

Escapes Things to do

This gorgeous Grade II listed urban spa retreat will make you feel like you’re on holiday when you’re actually on the Elizabeth Line – and it’s home to one of the oldest outdoor pools in the UK

Whilst I would personally love to be on holiday at - quite literally - all times, my bank account and my boss strangely don't seem as keen on the idea (strange, right?). And so I've become pretty adept at...

Escapes Things to do

Abandoned for decades on the River Medway, a 150-year-old Victorian sea fort near London is set to undergo a massive transformation – and it could become one of Britain’s most unusual attractions

A 150-year-old Victorian sea fort in Kent could soon be transformed into a quirky new visitor attraction, with plans that include ghost-hunting tours, live events and wellbeing activities. 150-year-ol...

Escapes Things to do

An immersive Alice in Wonderland steam train experience is coming to one of the most beautiful heritage railways in England – with tickets from £14

If you fancy stepping into a storybook with the kids this summer, this magical train ride in Kent might just be your kids' ticket to Wonderland. Alice’s Wonderland Express is rolling into the Spa Valle...

Escapes Things to do Visit London Wellness & nature

There’s a magical crystal grotto hidden on the outskirts of London – tucked away in a park that also features a lake, a Gothic Tower, an amphitheatre, and more

Chalk this one up for yet another London(ish) sight that makes absolutely no sense - and yet we're completely here for it. Did you know there's a crystal grotto just hidden away in a park on the outskirts...

Escapes Things to do

This thrilling water park just an hour from London sits on a 150 acre lake – with a giant inflatable obstacle course, wakeboarding and open water swimming

Set across 150 acres of scenic lakes and lush parkland, this lively outdoor water park is a go-to summer escape for anyone looking to cool off with a splash of adventure. Just an hour from central Lond...

Escapes

This award-winning chocolate box village near London is full of history – and it played an important role in one of Disney’s greatest films

The UK is home to a wealth of gorgeous villages, each vying for attention for your next day trip out of the city. Some boast cobbled lanes and buildings straight out of fairytales. Others are (or have bee...

Escapes

This medieval market town is home to an 1000-year-old castle that looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a storybook – and it’s less than 90 minutes from London

Grab your rucksacks and your railcards, folks - because I come bearing yet another scenic spot that should be immediately catapulted to the top of your must-visit list this summer. Today's dreamy day-trip...

Escapes Things to do

Just 40 minutes from London, this towering aqua park in Kent offers the ultimate summer escape -complete with giant slides, a private sandy beach, and a dazzling 70-acre blue lake

When the London heat starts to feel this intense, a quick getaway can make all the difference — and this one comes with slides, splash zones, and a seriously scenic setting. Nestled in the Kent countr...

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