5 Autumn Day Trips from London

Tis the season… for Pumpkin Spice Lattes, crunching through leaves and lingering at firesides. Call me basic, but I’m a scarf-loving, autumn-obsessed girlie through and through. These are my favourite 5 Autumnal Day Trips from London from recent wanders – all under an hour by train – the perfect length of time to sip something spiced from the train station.

Oh, and make sure you’re using your railcard to ensure you’re getting the best deal on your train tickets – many of these are discounted via the Network Railcard, which all adults can get. (Not sponsored, just good advice!)

Hever Castle

Forget snow-white steeds tossing their manes and knights in chain mail-baring swords. All the modern princess of today needs is a train ticket, great music and a glass of bubbly in the sunshine. Leaving London quickly behind (it’s only a 40-minute train ride, the perfect day trip from London Bridge Station.) There’s a very pretty 20-ish minute walk from Hever Station so you can really soak in the autumnal air. (Above image courtesy of Hever Castle.)

Shere via Gomshall

The two historic villages of Shere and Gomshall sit snugly in the Tilling- bourne Valley at the foot of the North Downs. They are tremendously popular with trippers – the North Downs are a huge draw for hikers. For me, the draw of Shere is the profusion of cozy pubs and cafes, and historic homes. Catch the train to Gomshall, then there’s a 15/20-minute wander to the heart of Shere. The village is tiny but adorable – just make sure you book a lunch table if it’s a bank holiday.

Hertford

Hertford has a rich history, a wealth of shops, restaurants, attractions and events – and of course a castle that’s currently being used as council chambers. We loved our afternoon there – stopping in for brunch, wandering around the shops and castle grounds, then settling into one of the many pubs for a cozy beverage. It’s a modern town but has a bevy of historic buildings well worth mooching past.

Old Amersham

Technically accessible via the tube (via the Metropolitan Line) or the train from Marylebone, Old Amersham is so cute and quaint – and has a bevy of restaurants and cafes to keep you entertained. Just avoid walking through the forest/wooded bit at the top of the hill if it’s been raining recently, as those muddy bits are deep!

Winchester

I’m going to level with you – this time we day tripped to Winchester for pie (Piecaramba to be exact – a fantasy character-filled restaurant with video terminals to play whilst you wait for your delicious pie & mash) but it reminded me just how lovely a destination it is. With a burgeoning foodie scene, knights of the round table and mysterious statues in flooded cathedral vaults, why wouldn’t you want to visit? Winchester was fabulous.