If you’re based in London, then you’re likely used to having everything you could dream of at your fingertips. From the incredible cultural offerings of the UK’s capital city and the famous culinary smorgasbord to a wide range of shops, activities, and spaces to socialise, work and relax, London has it all.
But there will also be times when you want to get away from the city and experience something different. If you’ve only got a long weekend available, you need to choose carefully to ensure that you make the most of your time.
In this article, we’ve suggested five of the best places to visit for a long weekend from London, including recommendations of what to see and do and details of how to get there.
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A Long Weekend from London: 5 Hot Spots
Bristol
Our first suggestion is Bristol, which is less than two hours away from central London on the train. This Somerset city is a hub of art, culture and exceptional food, providing a colourful location for you to spend a weekend in the southwest.
Whilst Bristol is a relatively large city, it’s not somewhere that feels particularly urban, providing a refreshing contrast from central London. The city’s different neighbourhoods each offer a different experience, making it a destination that should suit everyone.
Spend summer days walking around the harbourside, enjoy peaceful luxury up in Clifton village by the famous suspension bridge, explore independent shops and bars along North Street in Bedminster, or appreciate the culinary delights of Cotham.
There’s a thriving music and nightlife scene in Bristol that is perfect for weekends with friends, but you’ve also got quieter green spaces and beaches only a 30-minute drive from the city if you want to diversify your experience even more.
The Cotswolds
If your main motivation for leaving the city is to surround yourself with nature, there’s no better place to escape than the Cotswolds.
You’ll need a car to reach this beautiful part of the English countryside, but once you arrive, you can take your pick of the chocolate box villages and check into a luxury hotel or cosy bed and breakfast.
Or even better, find a holiday cottage on the fringe of a village and enjoy some of the best relaxing hot tub breaks in the UK.
When relaxation is top of the agenda, you might just want to stay put all weekend and enjoy lying in, full English breakfasts, afternoons browsing village shops and then hearty pub meals in the evening.
But the Cotswolds is also full of walking trails that lead you between towns and villages whilst surrounding you with the kind of pastoral scenery you simply don’t get in and around London.
Some highlights of this popular travel destination include pretty Bourton-on-the-Water with its photogenic waterways, historic Upper and Lower Slaughter, and Burford which has some lovely antique shops.
The city of Cirencester offers a greater range of places to eat and things to do, but the majority of visitors are more than happy mooching around the sleepy villages for a few days.
Oxford
Oxford is another UK city that is easily reached by train from London, meaning you can finish work on Friday evening and check into your hotel in under three hours.
A location that is perhaps best known for its famous university, Oxford is an ideal place to escape for a long weekend if you want to relax and enjoy a laid-back cultural break.
The colleges that make up the prestigious University of Oxford are dotted all around the city centre, so walking around means you’ll be greeted with incredible architecture and a real sense of history.
It’s the perfect city break for lovers of literature or stories from the past, with a wide range of brilliant museums and locations that have been featured in many popular books and films.
Visiting Oxford in the summer means that you can make the most of the city’s lovely parks and gardens, but it’s also a great destination for a long weekend in the spring or autumn.
Make the most of opportunities to spend time browsing in bookshops or sipping drinks in the window seats of cafes, and simply soak up the atmosphere and unique experience created by the city.
Kent
If you’re craving time by the sea, Kent is the perfect place to spend a long weekend outside of London. The southeastern county is very easy to reach from London, both by train and by car, making it incredibly accessible for all kinds of travellers.
The coastline in Kent is where many visitors congregate, although cities like Canterbury or Rochester are also very easy to spend a lovely few days in.
The Kent Downs National Landscape deserves an honourable mention too, especially if you want to spend your holiday walking. And many luxurious seaside towns are home to some incredible accommodation options, so you can experience villa holidays without having to travel far at all.
One of the most popular places in Kent to spend a weekend is Margate, which is rapidly making a name for itself as an artsy seaside hub. But Whitstable is another gorgeous seaside town with a more laid-back vibe, home to many incredible cafes and restaurants and miles of pretty pebbled beaches.
Paris
Our final suggestion for a long weekend holiday from London takes you further than the south of the UK.
But with the Eurostar tunnel making it easier than ever to reach France in under three hours, Paris is the ideal destination for a short holiday that will make you feel as though you’ve escaped the city.
France’s capital city is known and loved for so many things: its romantic atmosphere, its iconic architecture, its impressive collection of galleries and its fantastic cafes and restaurants.
It’s always been a perfect place to come for a romantic trip with your partner, but also offers an unforgettable experience for a girls’ weekend and is ideal for solo travellers who want to feel like the main character for a few days.
You don’t need to have mastered the French language to get along just fine in Paris, so it’s a trip that’s easy to take from London without too much hassle.
Treat yourself to getting out of the country and enjoy the ease with which you’ll arrive in the City of Light, ready to spend the entire weekend soaking up its iconic atmosphere.
Plan an Unforgettable Long Weekend
Planning a long weekend from London only requires a small amount of research, as you are spoilt for choice with all of the places that are easy to reach.
You don’t even need to have a car to travel far, so the moment the city starts to feel like it’s closing in on you, you can pack a bag and whisk yourself away for a rejuvenating break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most budget-friendly destination for a long weekend from London?
Oxford and Bristol offer the best value, followed by Kent. The Cotswolds and Paris tend to be more expensive.
Do I need a car for these weekend trips?
Only for the Cotswolds. Bristol, Oxford, and Paris are train-accessible; Kent has good public transport to the main towns.
Which destination is best for couples?
Paris for romance, the Cotswolds for cosy retreats, Oxford for culture lovers, Kent for seaside walks, and Bristol for artsy vibes.
What’s the best season to visit?
Spring/early autumn for most destinations. Summer for Kent’s beaches, winter for cosy Cotswolds pubs and Paris’s festive atmosphere.
Conclusion
Whether you’re after rolling countryside, coastal charm, cultural exploration, or a romantic city break, there’s no shortage of incredible long weekend destinations just a short trip from London.
From the artistic energy of Bristol and the timeless elegance of Oxford to the idyllic Cotswolds, coastal Kent, and even a quick jaunt to enchanting Paris, each location offers a unique experience for every kind of traveller. With easy access and diverse options, escaping the city for a refreshing and memorable weekend has never been easier.