London Day Trips | Reading Comprehension

Summer is here! If you’re visiting London for a long weekend this summer, here are some quaint nearby towns that you can visit in a day. Not only is a daytrip a great way to beat the hustle and bustle of the city, you will also get the opportunity to see a different side to British life.

With this in mind, we at Scrambled Eggs Scuola di Inglese, Milano have put together a list of 5 towns close to London that you can reach by train in less than an hour and a half. Read on to find out how to enjoy some fresh air and escape the city traffic.

First up, we have Brighton.

Extremely popular among Brits, Brighton is the place to be. When you arrive, head straight to Brighton’s pebbled beach and have some traditional fish chips – just watch out for those seagulls. Then, relive your childhood days by visiting the funfair and arcade, which are both situated on Brighton’s famous pier. Those who love to shop need to visit The Lanes Brighton where you will find numerous independent shops and boutiques. Brighton is also the LGBTQ capital of the UK and has many amazing live music venues!

By train: 1 hour 16 minutes from St. Pancras International

Next up, Windsor.

Crazy about the Royal family? Everyone visits Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, but there’s also Windsor Castle! A royal residence built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of England, it has been the home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. While you’re there, check out Windsor’s great park which spans 4,800 acres. After a morning of sightseeing, a great place to spend your afternoon is at Windsor and Eton brewery. Here you can learn how beer is made and try some local beers.

By train: 52 minutes from Vauxhall

Another great option is Whitstable.

A picture-perfect, seaside town, Whitstable is definitely worth a visit, especially if you love cycling! With a sea front stretching 5 miles, Whitstable is the perfect place to rent a bike and go on a tranquil bike ride along the coast. For lunch, you must have oysters. Whitstable is famous for its native oysters, which have been collected since Roman times, and are available all year round. Spend your evening relaxing on the beach and enjoying the beautiful sun set.

By train: 1 hour 14 minutes from St. Pancras International

Next on the list is Rye.

Once an important fishing town, Rye is now home to art museums, antique shops and cosy pubs. Rye is a city rich in history and is best explored by going on a walking tour down its higgledy-piggledy cobbled streets. Key places to visit are Rye Castle, the Citadel and St. Mary’s church. A short bus journey away is Camber Sands, East Sussex’s only sand dune. Here you can stroll along the beach’s golden sands or try out some water sports.

By train: 1 hour 9 minutes from St. Pancras International with a change at Ashford

Last on the list is St. Albans.

Named after the first British saint, Alban, St. Albans is a city steeped in history. Its Medieval roots are evident today, and there are even some remains from the Roman era. History aside, St. Albans is known for its pubs! Claiming to have the greatest number of pubs per square mile, and the oldest pub in England, ‘Ye Olde Fighting Cocks,’ it’s a great place to go on a bar crawl. St. Albans is also popular for its markets, where you can buy local homemade produce and products!

By train: 20 minutes from St. Pancras International

There are many more towns just outside London that are worth visiting. Let us know in the comments below which of the places listed you would like to visit the most.

Safe travels!