For people visiting England from abroad, London is naturally the place to visit. There’s so much history and culture in such a small space that you could spend weeks touring the city and still only see a tiny portion of it. However, England is about so much more than just London, and it’s well worth taking a day to get out of the city and take in the sights of Southern England.
If you’re looking for a day trip or an overnight trip outside of the big smoke, then there are lots of options and many fine places to see.
Weybridge
Located just an hour’s drive from the city, Weybridge showcases the beauty of the English countryside, surrounding a town that offers something for everyone.
Do as the locals do and get the best Sunday lunch in Surrey, filling you up with everything you need for an evening of exploring the waterways and checking out amazing attractions, such as Mercedes Benz World and the London Bus Museum.
The Cotswolds
If you’re looking for the quintessential picture box English scenery, then the Cotswolds is an amazing place to visit. You can get into the Cotswolds from London in just over an hour, and the scenery is in stark contrast to the city.
As soon as you get into this wonderful area, the countryside begins to sprawl, and the villages just seem to get prettier. Some great places to stop off are Bourton on the Water, Cirencester and Bath, where you will see the best of English countryside, local culture and ancient history.
Stonehenge
Talking of ancient history, it’s hard to come to England and not see Stonehenge. These ancient stones are a World Heritage Site, and one of Europe’s best known prehistoric monuments.
Learn the story surrounding the stones and come up with your own theory as to why they’re there!
Hampton Court Palace
For some slightly more modern history, try visiting Hampton Court Palace, the home of Henry VIII, the king with six wives. Opened in 1514, this gorgeous palace has enough history to keep the entire family entertained for days on end, without having to stray too far out of London.
The palace isn’t far from Weybridge either, so it’s a perfect trip to combine the Palace with a visit into the town of Weybridge.
The New Forest
A little further afield but well worth the trip, nonetheless, is the New Forest. The natural landscape shows off the beauty of England and offers lots of activities for the whole family.
If you’re going to visit London, then why not see the other side of England? The New Forest is a great place to get everyone out in the fresh air and have a fun couple of days exploring the beautiful countryside.
There are also plenty of top-class hotels, restaurants and bars in this area, which makes it well worth an overnight stay. Keep heading South, and you can even check out the English beaches!
