There are plenty of lovely day trips within a couple of hours of the capitalOn the beach at Whitstable, UK. Colourful​ beach cabanas lined up ready for the summer vacation.There are plenty of lovely day trips within a couple of hours of the capital(Image: Getty Images)

London is a beautiful city with lots to keep us entertained, but every now and then, an escape from the capital offers a breathe of fresh air. With winter approaching, there are plenty of lovely day trips within a couple of hours of the capital for a wander and explore.

Condé Nast Traveller has put together a list of 25 of the best places to visit from London. These locations stretch from Kent to Oxfordshire, Surrey to Sussex – all reachable by train in under two hours.

There are costal getaways, such as Margrate and Brighton, if you fancy a walk on the beach or dip in the sea. If you would rather get a taste of countryside living, there are the rolling hills of Surrey or the historic town of Canterbury.

Plenty of bustling cities are also close enough for a day trip from London. The picturesque and arty city of Bristol has plenty of spots to explore, while Bath is renowned for its spa hotels.

Top 25 day trips from London 20261. Margate, KentView of Margate bay, sandy beach at low tide, King's Steps, and buildings on The Parade in Margate, Kent, Great Britain.Margate is a thriving seaside town in Kent(Image: Getty Images)

Margate is a thriving seaside town in Kent which is perfect for foodies. It is full of places to get a bit to eat, such as Peter’s Fish Factory or Williams Ice Cream Bar, says Condé Nast Traveller.

This Kent town is famous for its colourful beach huts which sit on its shore. Just behind site Dreamland, a funfair for children to enjoy – making Margate a perfect day out for the family.

You can catch a train from London St Pancras to Margate that takes around an hour-and-a-half.

2. Windsor, BerkshireWindsor Castle, the primary residence of Queen Elizabeth II and her family, has been the home of England's monarchs since 1070 when the first wooden structure was built on the site by William the Conqueror.This Berkshire town is home to lovely markets(Image: Getty Images)

Home to Windsor Castle, this Berkshire town is home to lovely markets where you can pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, alongside other artisan goods.

There’s plenty to do beyond the castle – why not visit one the Windsor and Eton Brewery or visit the Windsor Great Park for an autumnal walk?

You can catch a train from London Waterloo to Windsor in 55 minutes.

3. Southend-on-Sea, EssexSouthendSouthend is a quick trip from London(Image: Scott Baldock/Getty Images)

This costal town in Essex is a perfect place to go if you want to dip in the sea. In the colder months, its shore makes the perfect place for a brisk walk.

There are plenty of other things to do, such as exploring Southend-on-Sea’s local parks or its theme park Adventure Island.

You can catch a train from London Fenchurch street to Southend-on-sea in around an hour.

4. Canterbury, KentPunts with teenagers on holiday, enjoying a tour on the River Stour, in Canterbury, England.Canterbury is a historic town which is the famous location of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales(Image: Getty )

Canterbury is a historic town which is the famous location of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. Its stunning cathedral is a must-do for anyone heading to the area for a day trip.

This town is the perfect place to soak in traditional English pubs and history. It also has great cultural scene with theatres, art galleries and museums.

You can reach Canterbury from London St Pancras in one hour.

5. Whitstable, KentWhitstable taken at dusk. Orange sun in distance Lifeboat house and sailing boats moored on the beachWhitstable is the perfect place to enjoy oysters on the beach(Image: Lynda Morris photography/Getty Images)

Whitstable is the perfect place to enjoy oysters on the beach, says Condé Nast Traveller. Both The Lobster Shack and Wheelers Oyster Bar serve up great seafood near Whitstable’s coastline.

After eating your fill, head for a walk around the harbourside or along Whitstable beachfront.

You can get to Whitstable from London St Pancras International in around 40 minutes.

6. Rochester, Kent7. Broadstairs, Kent8. Elmley Nature Reserve, Kent9. Bath, Somerset10. The New Forest, Hampshire11. Hertford, Hertfordshire12. Deal, Kent13. Rye, East Sussex14. Eastbourne, East Sussex15. Brighton, East Sussex16. Lewes, Sussex17. Folkestone, Kent18. Oxford, Oxfordshire19. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire20. Ashdown Forest, East Sussex21. Dungeness, Kent22. Surrey23. Hastings and St Leonards24. Stratford-upon-Avon25. Clifton, Bristol

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