London\u2019s a brilliant city. There\u2019s always stuff going on, but even we get tired of the hustle and bustle every so often. Occasionally, even the most dedicated city dwellers need an escape into nature, and that\u2019s why we created a guide to the very best day trips from London.<\/p>\n
From magical forests<\/a> to seaside villages<\/a>\u00a0to historic towns<\/a>\u00a0to coastal\u00a0hubs<\/a>,\u00a0we found something for absolutely everyone, including those who want to disappear to a gorgeous island for the day. For you, may we present: Mersea<\/strong>.<\/p>\n This little stronghold sits off the coast of Essex, and is actually the nation\u2019s easternmost inhabited island. You can only access it via a road during high tide, which gives it the impression of being \u2018properly remote\u2019 at times throughout the day.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Our experts chose it specifically for local restaurant The Company Shed which serves freshly caught seafood so good it \u2018pulls in crowds from all over the country every weekend\u2019. You do have to bring your own drinks \u2013 and your own bread \u2013 but with oysters this good you won\u2019t care about the minor inconvenience for very long.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not in the mood to eat some crab, you can go and catch them from the rock pools instead \u2013 just make sure to release them when you go. Alternatively, just enjoy a day by the shore, listening to the waves crashing against the rocks and thinking about how much more peaceful this is than the tube. There are also cool shops, caf\u00e9s, and a little museum to keep you busy.<\/p>\n Mersea is only a two hour drive away from the capital, or a one hour train from Liverpool Street to Colchester and then a bus ride to the island. Just make sure you time your visit right \u2013 the tides wait for no man, and they certainly won\u2019t wait for you to make the final bus back home.<\/p>\n Not your sort of day? Don\u2019t worry. Our travel team is great at keeping things varied, and also suggests cities like Southampton<\/a> and Oxford<\/a>, towns like Guildford and Lewes<\/a>, and beaches like Margate<\/a> for your next day trip.<\/p>\n Read our complete guide to the very best day trips from London here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke \u2013 from news and reviews to events and trends. Just\u00a0<\/strong>follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u2728The best\u00a0day trips an hour from London<\/a><\/strong>
<\/a><\/strong>\ud83d\udc6a The best\u00a0family day trips from London<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n