The Newt in Somerset's Great Garden Escape, one of the best day trips from London, is a fun-filled pre-planned day excursion that showcases the finest of the British countryside and its endearing customs if you're not the planning kind. Day trippers use First Class trains and are fed breakfast on board as they travel under a hectic timetable that begins at Paddington station. The grounds of The Newt, which have been manicured over many decades and are now home to animals including deer and newts, of course, will be shown to visitors once they arrive.

After lunch, there will be a cyder tasting, when you may certainly be persuaded to buy a bottle or two to take home. The cyder is prepared on-site using apples from nearby orchards. Once you've taken in just enough fresh rural air, the train ride back to the city offers up afternoon tea and drops you off in time for sundowners. The whirlwind trip is the perfect remedy for overcoming fatigue and serving as a reminder of the beauty right outside your door.

• Ticket price: £335pp for adults, £260pp for children
  
• Tripadvisor Rating: 5/5
• Review: Just fantastic
  
• Phone: +44 (0)1963 577750
  
• Official site: thenewtinsomerset.com/great-garden-escape
  

Eastbourne is a quaint coastal town in the United Kingdom with a Victorian pier, a pebble beach, and a popular bandstand where tribute performers rule. Lady Gaga, ABBA, Queen, and Frank Sinatra have all performed there. The town's thriving art galleries are worth a day trip, and there are plenty of places to stop for refreshments along the way (our favorite is the trendy Nelson Coffee Co across from the train station), but the real draw is getting outside at Beachy Head to enjoy the stunning Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. Crossing the summit is a climb with absolutely stunning sea views. Wander all the way to nearby Seaford or start your journey at one of the undiscovered beaches hidden behind the cliffs. Falling Sands Beach is peaceful and sandy, making the difficult descent well worth it. Don't forget your shades because Eastbourne frequently ranks among the UK's sunniest locations.

If you choose to stay the night, reserve one of the eight Beachy Head vacation rentals, which are arranged around a sprawling walled garden where you are free to take any fruit or veggies you like. Eastbourne deserves one of the best day trips from London

• Ticket price: N/A
• Tripadvisor Rating: 5/5
• Review: Just fantastic
  
• Phone: 01323 415415
  
• Official site: https://www.visiteastbourne.com/

The New Forest has long served as a relief for stressed-out Londoners looking to get away from the city's cobwebs and cortisol thanks to its ancient woods, purple carpets of heather, and settlements reminiscent of bygone England. Autumn must be the season when it is most beautiful, as its deep colours cut through morning mists and sparkle in the afternoon light. It's best eaten after a brisk walk when you could come across wandering New Forest ponies, cows, and even pigs, and before a substantial pub lunch with regional beer and a roaring fire.

Take the train from Waterloo to Beaulieu Road station to get some good brew at the Drift Inn before your climb. This 1.5-hour lap around the pub on the border of the New Forest is gloriously rough and secluded, so it's better to travel to Lymington if independent shops, cafés, and beaches are on the agenda. After strolling through a diverse mosaic of woodlands and savoring the peace and expansive vistas of the heathland, tuck into a Hampshire beef burger, ale-battered haddock, or the day's special pie at the Drift Inn (invariably something along the lines of mud pie with mash and gravy).

• Ticket price: free - £25.00
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.9/5
• Review: Good food and friendly efficient service with gluten free adaptations
  
• Phone: +44 1590 646600
  
• Official site: newforestshow.co.uk

The best day trips from London are indispensable to Bath, Somerset. Bath is well-known for its history, yet among the buttery-hued Georgian buildings and historic thermal springs, there is a young, independent energy. When the weather is nice, there are a few excellent walking paths to attempt. The six-mile Bath Skyline, for instance, is only a short stroll from the city center and meanders through orchards, woodlands, and meadows with views of the structures below.

Jane Austen is likely the most well-known former inhabitant of this Somerset city, yet there is still a strong network of booksellers and literature festivals here, including the bookworm hotspot Topping & Company, which has more than 55,000 volumes. Excellent local products and fresh seasonal ingredients are the foundation of restaurants. At The Circus, for a classic meal (they suggest the Wiltshire lamb two ways), or go to Noya's Kitchen for bun cha. After a meal, browse ingenious concept shops like Nm, whose owner Sharan Kaur curates antique furniture and home goods, and Found, where you can find clothing from small international brands, or spend the afternoon at wine bar Corkage, where roughly 70 wines are available to sample by the glass. If you want to stay the night, the little hotel Eight keeps true to its name; there are only eight rooms and there are always eight meals on the menu of the ground-floor restaurant.

• Ticket price: £18.00 - £77.00
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.7/5
• Review: Bath, an architecturally city
  
• Phone: 01225 39 40 41
  
• Official site: https://visitbath.co.uk/

A wave of newcomers have moved in alongside the charming old-timers in Mermaid Street and beyond, opening smart interiors stores and artisan bakeries next to unironically vintage tea rooms and gift shops. Rye is home to what may be Britain's prettiest (and prettiest-named) street. After brunch at Whitehouse Rye (get the halloumi hash), pick up a new book at The Tiny Book Store (the name gives it away), then peruse the eye-catching antiques store Strand House Interiors for that perfect fantasy palace.

What could be Britain's finest (and prettiest-named) street is located in Rye, where a surge of newcomers has moved in alongside the charming old-timers on Mermaid Street and beyond, creating sophisticated interiors stores and artisan bakers next to unironically antique tea cafes and gift shops. After breakfast at Whitehouse Rye, order the halloumi hash, pick up a new book at The Tiny Book Store (the answer is in the name), then window shop for that fantasy mansion at eye-catching antiques store Strand House Interiors.

• Ticket price: £54.50
• Facebook Rating: 4.7/5
• Review: Just fantastic
  
• Phone: 01797 222545
  
• Official site: https://ryesussex.uk/

It goes without saying that this Victorian seaside town has experienced a significant hipster renaissance in recent years, largely due to the opening of the Turner Contemporary gallery in 2011 and further fueled by a flurry of new openings and a wave of Londoners uprooting and relocating to the Kent coast. The waterfront Turner Contemporary is still a must-see for cultural outings. Even if you've never heard of the artists on display, it's worth stopping by because entry is free, and the shop sells some lovely regional goods. Visit Crate, an artist-led project space housed in a former printworks, for more modern art. The Tudor Home, a Grade II-listed timber-framed house from the 16th century, is the oldest structure in town if you'd like something considerably older. It's located on King Street. It's on the way to the eerie Shell Grotto, a network of tunnels covered with more than four million shells, from the beach.

A visit to Margate wouldn't be complete without spending some time in Dreamland, whether it's to ride some of the rides or attend one of the nightly performances the amusement park has to offer. Do take a trip through the town to check out the retro clothing, furniture, and home décor stores, where you may still score some good deals. Don't forget to visit the popular natural skincare company Haeckels' headquarters store in Cliff Terrace as well. This company creates divine-smelling beauty products utilizing seaweed that is collected from the area's beaches. Speaking about the beach, head to Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, a man-made marine lagoon with calm waves and steps for entry, if you wish to go swimming. If you arrive early (or decide to stay the night), have a hearty breakfast at Cliffs or Storeroom, which also has a record store, a hair salon, and a yoga studio. In fact, it's worthwhile to explore the entire Cliftonville neighborhood. After all that exploring, supper may be had at either Hantverk & Found or Angela's; make a reservation in advance, though, since both restaurants are popular

• Ticket price: free - £195
• Facebook Rating: 4.7/5
• Review: Just fantastic
  
• Phone: 07932 713292
  
• Official site: thereadingroomsmargate.co.uk/reservations

When DFLs (local slang for Londoners) find this small town on the north Kent coast in the 1990s, they come on the weekends for seafood at Wheelers on the main street and pints of Kentish ale at the beach-side Old Neptune bar. However, it's still a charming location to visit for a dose of vitamin B12 (by a dozen or so oysters), followed by a stroll down the shingle coast where you can observe Second World War sea forts across the waters and seals in the harbor. There are several places to dine. For mackerel fillets and small dishes with a Mediterranean influence, avoid the pricey Royal Native Oyster Stores and go to JoJo's in Tankerton, which is nearby.

Or go to Samphire, a Whitstable restaurant serving lamb from the Romney Marsh and cuttlefish risotto. The Handsome Sam, The Black Dog, and the bigger Twelve Taps for hoppy experimentation are all part of the developing micropub sector in this area. But favorite activity is to get a pot of cockles and whelks from the quayside or some fish and chips and oysters from The Forge shanty, then eat them on the beach under a wooden groyne while sipping English sparkling wine, if possible.

• Ticket price: £10.20
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Review: Just fantastic
  
• Phone: 01227 281726
  
• Official site: https://www.whitstablecastle.co.uk/

Kent is known as "Margate's younger sister" and is a cozier, rural variation of its arty neighbor. Its attractiveness lies precisely in that Deal is less boisterous than Margate, but there are still a lot of intriguing new stores, cafés, and galleries that have sprung up recently. Although the Saturday Market stalls are interesting to browse, people return there on the weekends for the cuisine. For a more leisurely lunch, they choose Frog and Scot, where the chef, formerly of The Sportsman in Seasalter, creates a daily-changing meal using only regional ingredients. The band Cocos Lovers, who have backed Mumford & Sons on tour, were founded by Will Greenham, who is also the founder of Smugglers Records. Linden Hall Studio is a modern art gallery housed in a former chapel that wouldn't look out of place in Mayfair.

If you choose to stay the night, The Rose has eight adorable bedrooms with bright accents and vintage furnishings after undergoing a 2018 renovation. Rachel O'Sullivan, formerly of East London's Towpath Café, manages the establishment. She serves breakfast dishes with Scandinavian influences, like smoked salmon, avocado, soft-boiled eggs, dill, and whipped cream cheese.

• Ticket price: £15.80
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4/5
• Review: Just fantastic
  
• Phone: 01304 361999
  
• Official site: deal.gov.uk

Take a stroll to Clifton, the city's most picturesque green neighborhood, after getting off the train in Bristol Temple Meads. Beautiful Georgian homes, little patches of grass to explore off the cobblestone walkways, and an eclectic mix of independent cafés, restaurants, and stores along quiet residential streets. Start by taking a look around Clifton Arcade, which is home to 17 shops and is located in the center of Clifton Village. Here, you may find interesting antiques and trinkets. Without a pit break for coffee and cake, it wouldn't be a complete shopping experience. Spicer + Cole, one of Bristol's finest coffee shops, or East Village Café, which serves only plant-based foods, are also great options.

Visit the neighborhood greengrocer to get some fresh produce, then go to Clifton Bridge for stunning views of the River Avon. One of the oldest iron suspension bridges still in existence. Visit the Visitor Center to learn about its past before stopping at the White Lion nearby for a pint of traditional Somerset cider. Continue your historical journey by ascending to Clifton Observatory, which features a museum with a Camera Obscura from the Victorian era and a fabled Giant's Cave in addition to its own rooftop café serving up stunning views. Don't forget to take a stroll along Royal York Crescent, one of Bristol's priciest streets that was once thought to have the longest terrace in Europe.

Spend time at Bristol Lido next for the ultimate in pampering. It is a restored Victorian swimming pool from the 1800s that is encircled by a spa and poolside bar. Finish the day with a warm pub lunch at The Albion, a fine-dining experience at Nutmeg that specializes in Indian cuisine, or a satisfying pizza at Bosco just around the block on Whiteladies Road.

• Ticket price: N/A
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4/5
• Review: Just fantastic
  
• Phone: +44 7862 139591
  
• Official site: https://www.thecliftonbristol.co.uk/#/

This county town offers a taste of English antiquity that is postcard-pretty enough to please both eager tourists from further away and weary Londoners looking for fresher air, shorter lines, and somewhere different to look at for the day. Its higgledy-piggledy, pastel-colored buildings and cobbled streets. With trains departing every 30 minutes, it is feasible to visit the 15th-century castle grounds (check the schedule in advance for movie showings, talks, and events), catch fish from a sandy cove in Hartham Common, and see the little museum all in an hour. You might even ride down the River Lea towpath from London if you're feeling ambitious. When you arrive, browse the small number of locally owned stores (the Women's Society Boutique is a fantastic find despite its intimidating facade) before visiting one of the several little cafés and eateries.

Giambrone's, a well-known deli-bar, provides genuine Italian food, Hertford Coffee Lab is a hip pit break, and Number One Port Hill, a Georgian mansion and B&B, occasionally holds pop-up suppers. Additionally, the trendy Dog and Whistle, formerly a pop-up café, has evolved into a music venue with rooms and a culinary pub. Indeed, Hertford, a sleepy market town by day and a lively nightlife center by night, is known for its pubs, especially the traditional ones. There is the 16th-century White Horse, the 17th-century Blackbirds, and the riverfront Old Barge (precise date unclear, although "old" is part of the name). Oliver Cromwell is claimed to have stayed in the Salisbury Arms Hotel during the Civil War, and the building is said to be haunted by several spirits. If you have the time, take a three-mile walk along the River Lea towpath to Ware, a nearby town with several bars, and take the train back to London from there.

• Ticket price: £10 - £16
• Tripadvisor Rating: N/A
• Review: Just fantastic
  
• Phone: 01992 517440
  
• Official site: hertfordhouse.co.uk