These magical places near London can’t be beat!
You love London. Whether you’ve spent days wandering the city hoping in vain to bump into Meghan and Harry, or you’re here on business, don’t you think there’s more to see and experience?
How about taking a short drive to escape the city for a day? Hop in your car and discover 5 typically English places just half an hour from London.
Feel like a member of the royal family
Windsor Castle, home to British kings and queens for over 1,000 years, was also the place where, not so long ago, a beautiful American actress married the most eligible bachelor on the planet. In Windsor, just 6.5 km from Slough, the Boatman Riverside Restaurant & Gastropub is a must for lunch. Listening to posh accents is part of the fun! Later, hop on a boat with French Brother Cruises for a trip on the Thames. This little getaway wouldn’t be complete without a traditional English high tea at Coworth Park: High Tea with a menu of over 20 types of fresh sandwiches, scones, pastries, and other delights. With so much choice, it’s hard to decide!
Town Hall, St. Ives Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1RF
Get some color on those cheeks
If you’re in London and feeling worn out from too many meetings, at some point you’ll want to feel human again. We happen to have just the place for that. Head to Richmond Park, about 12 km from London. The National Nature Reserve is home to thousands of wild species. Bonus: if you’re very quiet, you might even spot a herd of deer.
Richmond TW10 5HS
Refresh your biology knowledge
If you’re traveling with someone who believes the earth is flat and refuses to acknowledge that humans descended from apes, it might be time to take them to Charles Darwin’s house. Discover the scientist’s garden that inspired his revolutionary theories and visit the exhibition where you can learn all about his work.
Luxted Rd, Downe, Orpington BR6 7JT
Crash four weddings and maybe a funeral
In Amersham, just 21 km from Watford, enjoy the beautiful scenery in the Chiltern Hills. Have a drink at The Crown, a traditional inn featured in a scene from the most famous British romantic comedy. We don’t want to put you in a funeral mood, but while you’re there, you can also visit the grave of the last woman hanged in Britain. Before heading back to London, don’t miss the chance to dine at the Artichoke restaurant, awarded a ‘Rising Star’ in the Michelin Guide 2011.
Address: High Wycombe HP14 4NF
Meet some ghosts and keep your cool
If you’re not claustrophobic, you can drive 20 km from London to Chislehurst Caves to explore this 14-hectare complex of man-made caves. It was once both a munitions storage and a shelter for thousands during an air raid in World War II, and in the 60s, the caves were also used as a music venue. If you fancy a bit of a scare, there’s a rumor that the caves are haunted…
Caveside Cl, Chislehurst BR7 5NL
