Five Cities near London to visit within an hour

Discover the five best Cities near London to visit: London is a bucket-list destination for people worldwide. From the Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace, a show in the West End to a football match at Wembley. It’s a hive of activity and the cultural and historical heartbeat of the UK.

However, there’s also plenty going on around it, with many towns and cities less than an hour away from the capital, all worth exploring. A great escape from the hustle and bustle of London, they’re well worth a visit for a slightly slower-paced few days and one in which you can get a sense of what the country is like too.

So, if you’re looking for some additional places to visit on your trip to the UK, here are five cities near London to visit within an hour…

Oxford

If you’re looking for a gentler pace with greenery and plenty of space to kick back and relax, follow the Thames upstream to Oxford.

Around an hour by train from Paddington, Oxford, of course renowned for being a prestigious university town, but it’s far more than that and a perfect place to seek solace and calm. For those that struggle with their mental health, that’s especially the case. The wide green spaces are ideal to just slow things down, so much so that you’ll find many alcohol and drug rehab Oxford-based, as well as other mental health services, due to their calming nature.

Following the Thames pathways is a great option for doing this, while if you want to take in the city’s rich history, then just walking the streets, you can’t not do that. Taking a guided tour around the universities is also a must, while punting on the River Cherwell is another option for really kicking back and relaxing, away from the hectic nature of London.

Cambridge

Oxford’s eternal academic rival, Cambridge, is another beautiful university city worth exploring. Located slightly over an hour from London by train (with faster services from King’s Cross), it offers a similar mix of Gothic architecture, college courts, and riverside views.

Cambridge is a cyclist’s dream, with flat streets and bike hire readily available. Visit King’s College Chapel, the Fitzwilliam Museum, and the bustling market square. Like Oxford, punting is a must — but here you can hire a guide to do the rowing while you sit back and take in the sights.

Brighton 

Fancy a change of pace and some sea air? Head south to Brighton, a vibrant coastal city that’s bursting with personality. Just over an hour by train from London Victoria or London Bridge, Brighton combines pebble beaches, independent shops, and a thriving arts and music scene.

Visit the flamboyant Royal Pavilion, stroll the pier with its retro arcade, and lose yourself in the Lanes — a maze of narrow alleys filled with quirky boutiques and cafes. Whether you’re after fish and chips by the sea or a bit of people-watching, Brighton is a fantastic day out.

St Albans 

Often overlooked, St Albans is a small city with big history — and it’s less than 30 minutes by train from London St Pancras. Once a major Roman settlement, it’s home to ancient ruins, a beautiful cathedral, and a charming old town full of character.

The St Albans Cathedral is one of the oldest sites of continuous Christian worship in Britain, and Verulamium Park offers a peaceful green escape with remnants of Roman walls and a well-curated museum. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in one of the many historic pubs or independent eateries.

Winchester

Finally, Winchester is around an hour from Waterloo – a train ride that will take you from the capital to the former Anglo-Saxon England. Yes, Winchester has a rich history and is home to one of the finest cathedrals in Europe.

That, naturally, is a must-see, while there’s so much more to do as well, from the walking trails along the River Itchen to taking in the Great Hall, where you’ll find a replica of King Arthur’s Round Table. It’s an incredibly beautiful city and also a stone’s throw from Stonehenge if you want to continue the history lesson in this green and pleasant land.

Also read –  

The Needles, Isle of Wight

The Mystery of Stonehenge

Discover Fingal’s Cave near England

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