Looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of London, London Weekend Break? Look no further than these nine incredible weekend getaways that are just a train ride away. Whether you’re in the mood for a countryside retreat, a historic city break, or a coastal adventure, these destinations offer the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries and explore new horizons. And the best part? You can reach them all in two hours or less, making them ideal for a spontaneous weekend break. So pack your bags, grab your train tickets, and get ready to discover some of the UK’s most unforgettable destinations, all within easy reach of London.
1. Oxford
“A city of dreaming spires and academic excellence”
Things To Do In Oxford
Looking for things to do in Oxford? Worry not. Oxford offers a wide range of activities for a London Weekend breaks. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just having fun, there’s something for everyone. Here are my to recommended activities-
🚣♂️ Punting- Punting is a must-do activity in Oxford. It involves propelling a flat-bottomed boat along the river using a long pole. As you glide along the river, you’ll see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Bridge of Sighs and the Botanic Gardens. It’s a relaxing and fun way to see the city’s historic landmarks and picturesque scenery.
⚡Harry Potter Tours- If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll love exploring the magical locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s books. Want to know where Harry Potter was filmed> You’ll visit Christ Church College, which was used as a filming location for Hogwarts’ Great Hall, as well as the Bodleian Library, which was used as the Hogwarts library in the movies. You can go for Harry Potter Oxford Locations: A Self-Guided Tour or book a guided tour from companies – Get Your Guide, Viator.
🖼️ Museums- Oxford is home to some of the most fascinating museums in the world, including the Ashmolean Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the Pitt Rivers Museum. You can spend hours exploring the exhibitions and learning about the history of the city and the world.
🎓University Tours- Oxford is renowned for its prestigious universities, including the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University. You can take a guided tour of the colleges and learn about their history, architecture, and famous alumni. One of my favorites is Christ Church Oxford College.
London To Oxford Train
The journey from London to Oxford train takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Trains to Oxford depart from several stations in London, including London Paddington, London Marylebone, and London Victoria. Choose the station that’s most convenient for you.
My preferred way from London Paddington to Oxford is the GWR. It offers a direct train ride to reach Oxford. You can book your ticket online or at the station. If you book in advance, you can often save money on your ticket.
Best Places To Eat In Oxford
1. The Covered Market: The Covered Market is a historic market in the heart of Oxford, and it’s home to a wide variety of food stalls and shops. Here you can find everything from fresh produce and artisanal bread to coffee shops and eateries. Some of the most popular food stalls include Pieminister, a pie and mash shop, and The Oxford Cheese Company, which offers a wide range of British cheeses.
2. The Ashmolean Dining Room: Located in the Ashmolean Museum, the Ashmolean Dining Room is a sophisticated restaurant that offers a fine dining experience. The menu features modern British cuisine, with dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list and a beautiful view of Oxford’s skyline.
3. The Trout Inn: If you’re looking for a traditional English pub experience, The Trout Inn is a must-visit. Located just outside of Oxford, this charming 17th-century inn offers classic pub food and a cozy atmosphere. The menu features dishes such as fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and sticky toffee pudding, and the outdoor seating area offers beautiful views of the River Thames.
4. Gee’s Restaurant and Bar: Gee’s Restaurant and Bar is housed in a stunning Victorian conservatory that’s filled with greenery and natural light. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also has a great selection of cocktails, making it a popular spot for a night out in Oxford.
2. Brighton
“A seaside city of quirky charm, culture and diversity”
Things To Do In Brighton
🌊With its seaside charm and vibrant cultural scene, Brighton is the perfect destination for a weekend away. Here are some great things to do in Brighton for a weekend break from London-
Explore the Brighton Pier: Brighton Pier is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and is home to a variety of attractions, including arcade games, fairground rides, and food stalls. Take a stroll along the pier and enjoy the seaside atmosphere, or try your hand at some of the games and rides.
Walk along Brighton Beach: Brighton Beach is a beautiful pebble beach that stretches for miles along the city’s coastline. Take a walk along the beach and enjoy the stunning views of the sea and the city. There are also plenty of beachfront cafes and bars where you can stop for a drink or a bite to eat.
Visit the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery: The Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is home to a diverse collection of art and artifacts, including works by local artists and items from around the world. The museum also has a fascinating collection of fashion and textiles, as well as a section dedicated to Brighton’s history.
🏪Brighton is home to a number of bustling markets where visitors can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
Here are a few of the most popular markets in Brighton:
The Open Market: The Open Market is a covered market located in the heart of Brighton’s London Road neighborhood. The market features a wide range of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts, as well as a variety of food vendors. The market is open every day except Monday.
Brighton Flea Market: The Brighton Flea Market is a popular destination for vintage and antique enthusiasts. The market features a wide range of stalls selling vintage clothing, furniture, and other unique items. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday, as well as on bank holidays.
North Laine Market: The North Laine Market is located in the heart of Brighton’s North Laine neighborhood and is home to a variety of independent shops and stalls. The market features everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry and crafts. The market is open seven days a week.
Brighton Farmers’ Market: The Brighton Farmers’ Market is a weekly market held in the city’s historic Brighthelm Garden. The market features a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, including locally grown fruits and vegetables, meat, cheese, and baked goods. The market is open every Saturday from 9am to 2pm.
London To Brighton Train
The journey from London to Brighton train takes a total of 1 hour. The shortest London weekend break. It’s recommended to take the Thameslink train from London Bridge station for a direct trip to Brighton, as this is the most convenient way to reach the city.
Best Places To Eat In Brighton
From fresh seafood to delicious Indian cuisine, there’s something to suit every taste and budget in this vibrant seaside city. Here are a few good Brighton restaurants you can try-
The Coal Shed: The Coal Shed is a popular steakhouse in the city, serving up high-quality meat dishes in a stylish and contemporary setting. The restaurant uses locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, and also offers a selection of delicious seafood and vegetarian options.
The Chilli Pickle: The Chilli Pickle is a vibrant and colorful Indian restaurant located in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes neighborhood. The restaurant serves up a variety of delicious and authentic Indian dishes, from classic curries to street food-inspired snacks.
The Salt Room: The Salt Room is a seafood restaurant with stunning views of the Brighton seafront. The restaurant serves up a variety of fresh and sustainably sourced seafood dishes, as well as some tasty meat and vegetarian options. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the freshest ingredients available.
Plateau: Plateau is a stylish and contemporary restaurant that specializes in modern European cuisine. The restaurant uses locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to create innovative and flavorful dishes, and also offers an impressive wine list and cocktail menu.
🔥 If you’re a seafood lover, then you absolutely must try the oysters in Brighton. Try Riddle & Finns The Lanes, an open kitchen serving oysters, champagne and classic seafood dishes at marble-topped tables.
3. Dorset (Jurassic Coast: Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove)
“Travel back in time to the age of dinosaurs on the Jurassic Coast”
Things To Do In Dorset
Dorset is a county located in the southwestern part of England, known for its breathtaking landscapes, picturesque seaside towns, and rich cultural heritage. Let’s explore some of the top things to do in Dorset on london weekend break!
⛰️🌊Visit the Jurassic Coast (Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove): Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the UK. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Dorset, England. These two landmarks are located on the Jurassic Coast.
Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch that was formed by the forces of the sea over millions of years. This arch is one of the most photographed landmarks in the UK, and for good reason. Lulworth Cove is another unique feature of the Jurassic Coast.
🌊🤩Visit to Chapmans Pool: Secluded and unspoiled nature beach tucked away behind a steep hill, making it a hidden gem that’s often overlooked by tourists. The crystal-clear waters of Chapmans Pool are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. The area is also rich in wildlife, with seabirds, dolphins, and seals often spotted offshore.
⛺Visit Cranborne Chase AONB: An area of outstanding natural beauty that encompasses over 380 square miles of rolling hills, lush valleys, and ancient woodlands. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities here, including hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The area is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, including deer, badgers, and a variety of bird species.
London To Dorset Train
From London to Dorset by train, the entire trip will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can catch a direct train ride by taking the South Western Railway from London Waterloo to Wareham. It’s recommended to hire a car in the city to move around places freely, without relying much on public transport.
Best Places To Eat In Dorset
Restaurants in Dorset offer a range of cuisines and dining experiences. Making them great options for anyone looking for a delicious meal while visiting Dorset.
The Crab House Café– A seafood restaurant located in Wyke Regis that serves fresh seafood caught daily from Chesil Beach and Weymouth Bay.
Brassica Restaurant– A contemporary British restaurant located in Beaminster that offers locally sourced and seasonal dishes.
The Salt Cellar– A Michelin-starred seafood restaurant located in the heart of Weymouth, offering a daily changing menu based on the freshest seafood available.
4. Cotswolds
“Escape to an idyllic countryside of rolling hills and honey-coloured cottages”
Things To Do In Cotswolds
Cotswolds offers a great escape from the city, with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the beauty and charm of the English countryside. My fav london weekend break. There are a few things you can do on your London weekend break to Cotswolds.
🏡Explore the Cotswold Villages: The Cotswolds is known for its picturesque prettiest villages with honey-colored cottages, traditional pubs, and quaint shops. Some of the most popular villages to visit include Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Castle Combe.
👨🌾Visit Blenheim Palace: This magnificent palace, located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Explore the stunning grounds, gardens, and palace interiors.
🚶♀️Hiking and Walking: The Cotswolds is an ideal location for hiking and walking. There are many trails to choose from, such as the Cotswold Way. This covers 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath. Here is a link to a walking and hiking trails guide in Cotswold.
🌲Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens: This award-winning wildlife park and gardens located in Burford, Oxfordshire, is home to a vast collection of exotic animals, including giraffes, rhinos, and lions.
🐑🐦Cotswold Farm Park: The Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power, Gloucestershire, is a popular family attraction with rare breeds of farm animals and many other fun activities.
London To Cotswolds Train
The quickest train journey from London to Cotswolds takes 1 hour and 29 minutes. To get there, you can take the GWR train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh, which is a non-stop trip.
Best Places To Eat In Cotswolds
Here are some of the tops restaurants in Cotswold you can visit-
The Wild Rabbit: This award-winning gastropub located in Kingham is a popular spot for visitors to Cotswolds. They pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients and their menu changes with the seasons.
The Potting Shed: This delightful restaurant located in the picturesque village of Crudwell has its own kitchen garden and serves up seasonal dishes made with fresh, locally sourced produce.
The Kingham Plough: This country inn located in the charming village of Kingham has a cozy, inviting atmosphere and serves up modern British cuisine with a twist. The menu changes frequently and features local produce.
The Feathered Nest Inn: This cozy inn located in the heart of the Cotswolds has been awarded a Michelin star and offers a fine dining experience. Their menu features locally sourced ingredients and the dishes are carefully crafted by their team of skilled chefs.
5. Cambridge
“Where ancient architecture meets cutting-edge research”
Things To Do In Cambridge
Cambridge is home to one of the world’s most prestigious universities, the University of Cambridge. There are plenty of things to do in Cambridge, and here are some ideas for your London weekend break to Cambridge
🚣♀️Punting on the River Cam: Punting on the River Cam is one of the most popular activities in Cambridge. You can hire a punt and take a leisurely ride along the river, admiring the beautiful architecture of the colleges and the scenery.
🏺Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum: The Fitzwilliam Museum is a world-renowned art museum located in the heart of Cambridge. It has a fantastic collection of art and artifacts from all over the world, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
🌻Explore the Cambridge Botanic Garden: The Cambridge Botanic Garden is a beautiful garden located in the heart of the city. It has over 8,000 different plant species and is a great place to explore and relax.
⛪Visit the Church of St. Mary the Great: The Church of St. Mary the Great is a beautiful church located in the heart of Cambridge. It has a beautiful interior and is home to the largest fan vault in the world.
London To Cambridge Train
It takes approximately 50 minutes to travel from London to Cambridge via train. Simply board the Great Northern train at London King’s Cross and you’ll have a direct ride to Cambridge.
Best Places To Eat In Cambridge
Here is a list of highly recommended restaurants in Cambridge
Urban Shed – This cozy café serves up delicious breakfast, lunch, and brunch options, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices.
Bread & Meat – If you’re in the mood for a tasty sandwich, look no further than Bread & Meat. Their specialty is slow-cooked meat served in a freshly baked roll, and they also offer salads and sides.
Nanna Mexico – For tasty and authentic Mexican food at a reasonable price, Nanna Mexico is a great choice. They have a variety of burritos, tacos, and quesadillas on the menu, with most items priced between £5-£7. They also have vegetarian and vegan options available.
Midsummer House – This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a fine dining experience like no other. With exquisite tasting menus and a beautiful setting overlooking the River Cam, Midsummer House is a top choice for a special occasion meal.
The Oak Bistro – This cozy bistro offers modern British cuisine with a French twist. The menu changes regularly to reflect the seasonality of the ingredients, and there is an excellent wine list to complement the food.
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