Within Reach of London

Fantastic Places to Visit Outside The Capital City

London can be an ideal location for a short break, with so much to see and do within the capital. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world flock to the apital each year to explore the many sights that have become synonymous with the City – including the Changing of the Guard, Parliament, The London Eye and the theatre shows of the West End.   London is also within driving distance of other historical cities, including Oxford and Cambridge, as well as a number of other familiar attractions, making it a great base for those who want to explore some of the UK’s most historic cities as part of their holidays in the UK.  So why not make base in one of the many hotels in London and explore outside of the city? Here are a few ideas of where to visit during an excursion to the south east of England:

Oxford (approx 1hr 20mins drive)

Oxford is a city truly steeped in history, home to one of the oldest universities in the world and to the Bodleian Library – one of the oldest in Europe, as well as being the setting for many popular film and television characters – from Harry Potter to Inspector Morse.  As well as a proud literary tradition – including the original Blackwells’ bookstore – Oxford is also within easy reach of attractions such as the stately Blenheim Palace, walk amongst lemurs at the Cotswold Wildlife Park or pay a visit to Didcot Railway Centre – where you can take a ride on a steam train.

Cambridge (approx 1hr 30mins drive)

Cambridge is the location of one of the most famous universities in the UK, which competes in the Boat Race each year against neighbouring Oxford.  Indeed, the university grounds are renowned for their many historical buildings and the punts on the River Cam, which you can either rent for yourself or relax and enjoy a scenic tour with commentary from your boatman, who will point out sights as you gently cruise down the river. With a number of historic buildings outside of the universities’ grounds, including the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, the racecourses at Newmarket and the ancient market town of Ely – which was once home to Oliver Cromwell.

Bath (approx 2hr 15mins drive)

Bath is a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site, with a wide variety of attractions to explore and enjoy, from ancient architecture and ancient bath houses to the majestic Abbey at the centre of the city.

This historic city was once famous for its grandiose bathhouses and medicinal springs; indeed you can still indulge and bathe in the warm mineral waters at the Thermae Bath Spa – which mixes historical buildings with modern facilities for a luxuriating experience.

Salisbury & Stonehenge (approx 1hr 45mins drive)

The market town of Salisbury, where you can explore a twice-weekly market and take in the local food and drink before exploring the majestic cathedral and its’ ancient English architecture. The cathedral is also the home of the worlds’ oldest working clock and one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta, as well as being about 10 miles from the ancient site of Stonehenge.

The prehistoric site of Stonehenge is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the south of England, with thousands of tourists flocking to the bizarre stone structures each year. The site is also an important location for the annual Solstice event, with druids from all over the UK making a pilgrimage to the ancient site each year to perform rituals and prayers.

Thorpe Park (approx 1hr drive)

Located around 20 miles from the centre of London, Thorpe Park is one of the UK’s most popular theme parks, and there is plenty here to keep the adrenaline flowing during your visit. Home to rides such as the Samurai, Colossus and the Tidal Wave log flume, as well as two rides based on the SAW franchise, one coaster and one live-action maze – both of which are equally terrifying.  There’s plenty for the little ones as well, with child-friendly rides and attractions dotted around the park, including carousels, water slides and the Neptune’s Beach area, where kids can build sand castles while their parents relax.  An ideal day out for thrill seekers, Thorpe Park is within easy reach of the city of London, so if you fancy combining royal sights with rollercoasters on a short break to the capital then Thorpe Park is certainly a location to consider as part of your trip.

Paris (approx 2hr 30mins from London St Pancras)

London St Pancras station is a base for the Eurostar train service, and runs a regular service between both cities,  as well as the family-friendly world of Disneyland Paris, with journeys lasting about 2 and a half hours. For a touch of the continental, why not combine a stay in London with a trip to Paris, home of romance and quaint little boutiques, as well as some of the most iconic tourist attractions in Europe, including the Arc Du Triomphe, the Louvre gallery and the Eiffel Tower.

We are delighted to publish another guest post from the author, Mr David Collins.