4 places for the perfect ‘daycation’ just an hour from London

The long weekend is off and the daytime vacation begins.

New research shows that less is actually more, and when it comes to travel planning, we’re looking for short but fun trips.

Research by London Luton Airport (LLA) shows that more people are using their long holidays to take day trips, with daycations set to become a top trend in 2024.

Data shows that almost two-thirds (64%) of vacationers choose off-peak, low-cost travel to minimize their vacation time with a 24-hour round trip.

It all seems to be down to us feeling the pinch – cutting travel costs by not booking accommodation (39%), booking last-minute travel (35%), and choosing not to spend the night on your own. Being able to sleep in bed (35%) was the biggest reason for this change.

Of course, it’s possible to take a day trip somewhere overseas, but it’s not very environmentally friendly (two flights on the same day). However, you also have the option of taking the Eurostar to Paris or Brussels.

But for those who are a little more conscious of their travel carbon footprint, staying a little closer to home can be just as effective. In fact, there are plenty of places perfect for day trips, many just an hour from London.

We’ve rounded up four spots with everything from quaint villages to spas and beaches. Also, consider the cost of getting there.

st albans

Just 18 minutes by train from London’s King’s Cross takes you to the cathedral city of St Albans in Hertfordshire.

Transylvanian BBQ (I’m referring to the style of cooking, not the flavor) You can easily spend a few hours wandering around and filling your stomach with food markets selling everything from donuts to Scotch eggs.

At the end of your trip, be sure to visit St. Albans Cathedral.

“As every online guide proudly claims, it’s the oldest place of continuous Christian worship in Britain, so we really wanted to see it,” wrote recent visitor James Bethenbert, writing for Metro. ing.

Finish off your afternoon with a visit to Ye Olde Fighting Cox. This is one of several pubs that claims to be the oldest in England, as evidenced by the low ceilings.

If you’re looking to spend the night, be sure to check out Re Cabins, a self-contained luxury boutique cabin resort just a 15-minute drive away.

directions: Trains from London to St Albans depart from King’s Cross (from £10.50) and accommodation at Re Cabins starts from £360.00.

alesbury

Hidden inconspicuously on the edge of Alsbury, Buckinghamshire, lies Hartwell House Hotel, Gardens and Spa, an extravagantly luxurious luxury hotel just 40 miles north-west of London.

The real star of Hartwell is the mansion itself, which was once rented to the exiled King Louis XVIII of France and hosted a variety of dignitaries and royals due to its proximity to Checkers. The impressive building, with both Jacobean and Georgian facades, has beautiful rooms with Rococo ceilings, antique furniture and wall-to-wall paintings.

History buffs will enjoy a quick tour from our knowledgeable concierge. Or you can pretend you’re in Saltburn, singing “Murder on the Dance Floor” and jumping up and down, except for that bath scene. Both approaches are equally valid.

As nature lovers, we enjoyed exploring every nook and cranny of the 94-acre garden to whet our appetites before heading to the dining room. It serves a menu of traditional British and European cuisine, using local ingredients, including those from the hotel’s own kitchen garden (the cheese soufflé is highly recommended).

If you visit in the summer, you can enjoy playing tennis or croquet. But for our cozy January trip, afternoon tea in a warm, sunny room was just the ticket.

If you are staying overnight, please use the spa, which is open to all overnight guests. A small but tranquil space with a Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and pool, perfect to enjoy in the evening under the sultry, enveloping lighting. At the end of the day, enjoy a massage or facial from one of our talented therapists.

directions: Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR. The fastest route by train is from Marylebone Station to Haddenham & Thame Parkway Station, which takes just 35 minutes on some trains. Then it’s a 13 minute taxi ride. It’s also easy to get down the M40. Hartwell House.com rates start from £295 per room per night and include use of the spa facilities.

Rachel Moss’s words

cambridge

Cambridge is just 50 minutes by train from London’s King’s Cross, making it the perfect location for a day trip. The prestigious university (founded in 1209) isn’t the only thing you should add to your itinerary.

A classic must-do activity when visiting Cambridge is punting. There are several companies that offer both guided punt trips and self-punt rentals.

If you head to Cambridge for the weekend, you’ll find a lovely craft market in All Saints Garden and the main Saturday market in Market Square. We recommend stopping by Fitzbilly’s to grab a glass of Cambridge Wine Merchants bubbly and eat one of their famous Chelsea buns.

There are plenty of other things to do as the city center is surrounded by great architecture, history and old pubs for the grown-up soul.

Want to extend your stay? The Graduate Cambridge Hotel offers an oasis in a historic city. The beautiful and unique riverside location allows visitors to enjoy all that the city has to offer right on their doorstep, while soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.

directions: Trains from London to Cambridge start from £14.50 one way.

Rosie Sherman’s words

brighton

Sea Air is just an hour’s train ride from the British capital.

Brighton’s pebble beaches and famous pier are just an hour from London’s Victoria, making it the perfect place for a day trip.

Plus, there’s something for everyone, whether you want to spend some time at the pier’s recreational facilities or simply sit on the shore and enjoy the coastal views while eating fish and chips.

But no trip to Brighton would be complete without a visit to Brick Lanes, in the heart of the city’s historic centre. Visit Snooper’s Paradise to find a treasure trove of vintage knick-knacks, vinyl, clothing and more. And don’t forget to take a photo at the photo booth for an iconic Brighton souvenir.

directions: Trains from London to Brighton start from £21.50 one way.

Read more: London trains will soon be cheaper – make the most of them with 5 days free

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