I adore a spontaneous day trip – usually arranged via a furious Whatsapp conversation from my couch (or in person with Mr Kiwi) the night before we go, so I figured I’d share my favourite 9 London day trips that require zero planning. All you need to do is book the train tickets, hop on board and prepare for wandering. Usually to a local cafe or brunch place – hey, it’s fuel for exploring. Now, there’s all the usual suspects; Bath, Brighton, Oxford, Whitstable etc. but consider these for locations a little off the usual tourist trail.
You can buy your train tickets on the day for maximum lack of planning, but I like to grab mine via my telephonicular device when we’re discussing the trip so I have more time in bed the next day before rolling out for coffee – but you do you!
These are especially lovely on a sunny day – only a few of them would be less enjoyable on a rainy day due to a decent wander to the town centre from the train; Amersham, Gomshall, Hertford, the Lewes hills might be a little slippy and Margate is a beach town – but I do like a cool day listening to the ocean waves and there’s arcades that could be quite fun.
Canterbury
Enclosed by ancient Roman walls, Canterbury is a cathedral city with a medieval center – its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses, was a popular pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages – and I’d highly recommend exploring all of the little streets.
We spent a fair amount of time relaxing on the banks of the River Stour, and enjoyed a late leisurely brunch – a breakfast bap on an amazingly named Kentish Huffkin.
Denham
Now, I’m going to level with you – there’s not a great deal to do in Denham, but it’s perfection for a lazy afternoon, rolling from cute pub to cute pub across the village green – and I highly recommend the roast dinner in the Green Man.
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.
Lewes
The only problem with Lewes is that you’ll want to buy all the amazing vintage stuff…
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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.
Margate
The beach town of Margate is simply a vibe; it’s slowly being gentrified but seems to keep it’s rough diamond heart. You can tumble off the train to the beach which is a joy (many beaches in England are a decent walk from stations) and there’s a load of cute places to eat – from fish and chips to Michelin Starred spots. Top tip: the main beach is close to all of the restaurants, but if you go left out of the station it’s much more residential (a chipp and a small supermarket) but it’s much more chill.
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!
Cambridge
Somewhat the shadow of it’s academic sibling Oxford, I love a good wander around Cambridge. There’s just a vibe to it that appeals to me – that and my university has a campus there! I always forget it’s a bit of a wander from the train station to the city centre, but it’s well worth the ramble (or hop on a bus).
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.
Can’t be bothered hopping on a train, or there are rail works? Go an explore a bit of London you’ve always meant to go to. Crystal Palace, Richmond Park, Hampstead, Eltham Palace, Bethnal Green – there’s loads of areas to wander.
Which of these trips appeals the most to you? Happy day tripping!