Sometimes what we really need, as much as we love this city, is to get out of London. The hustle and bustle of the capital is exactly what gives us energy and excitement to get out and explore. But sometimes we just need to relax. Fortunately, for days like that, LNER has done the research to find the best spots for a peaceful day trip from London. Their pick for the best nearby ‘quietcation’ destination? None other than the charming medieval town of Arundel.
LNER’s research considered a variety of factors to rank destinations around the country. They looked at things like “population density, air quality, dark-sky conditions, access to blue and green spaces, nearby nature designations, and the availability of quiet activities such as visiting tea rooms, bookshops and walking trails” They also checked how easy each place was to visit by train.
Arundel ultimately came out on top, in the South East at least, thanks to “216 nearby walking trails, three bookshops, two nature designations within 5 km, 2.93 hectares of blue space and 5.88 hectares of green space.” Plus, it’s easy to get to, and you can be there in less than an hour and a half, thanks to a fast train from London Victoria.
Two other spots in the South East were also singled out for praise as great spots for a ‘quietcation’. These were Rye and Petworth. Both spots can easily be reached by train from London, and provide a respite from London’s hectic city pace.
The best ‘quietcation’ spots
Looking for somewhere to escape for a day or two? According to LNER’s research, these are the best ‘quietcation’ spots around the country:
Yorkshire and the Humber
- Settle
- Robin Hood’s Bay
- Grassington
South West
- Salcombe
- Lyme Regis
- St Ives
East of England
- Hunstanton
- Aldeburgh
- Wells-next-the-Sea
North East
- Rothbury
- Alnwick
- Hexham
North West and the Lake District
- Windermere
- Keswick
- Ambleside
East Midlands
- Bakewell
- Hope
- Matlock
South East
- Arundel
- Rye
- Petworth
Scotland
- Aviemore
- Callander
- Dunkeld and Birnam
Read LNER’s full guide to ‘quietcation’ destinations across the country here.
