UK Escapes Under 2 Hours From London

Sometimes all you need is a break away from the hustle and bustle that comes with living in London. The trouble is you rarely have a week of annual leave lying around, just a day or two if you’re lucky, and that never feels like enough time to properly switch off.

But great news, there are lots of places you can escape to for a proper settle and kettle moment. We’ve put together five UK escapes that are all under two hours away from London, so you spend more of your time actually there and less of it getting there.

Brighton

TRAVEL TIME: AROUND 58 MINUTES BY TRAIN FROM LONDON VICTORIA

Popular getaway spot for a reason. Known for its seafront, its pier and the Lanes, the winding little streets packed with independent shops and cafés. There’s lots to do and see if you haven’t been, and if you have, let’s just say you notice more things the second time than you did the first.

If you fancy something outdoorsy, The Living Coast, Brighton’s own UNESCO biosphere along the South Downs, is best explored by bike. And if you want something a bit different, the Upside Down House on the seafront is worth a quick stop, everything in it really is upside down, ceiling included.

Winchester

TRAVEL TIME: AROUND 56 MINUTES TO AN HOUR BY TRAIN FROM LONDON WATERLOO

Over four million people visit every year, and it’s no surprise. Winchester has the medieval vibes plus bustling shopping streets, and we can’t think of a better pair. There’s plenty on throughout the year too. If you want peace and quiet, Winnall Moors Nature Reserve is right in the city centre, wildlife and easy walking trails included.

And if you’re after somewhere to properly relax, glamping at Wallops Wood is perfect, with cosy shepherd’s huts in a secluded meadow surrounded by ancient woodland, just outside the city.

Bath

TRAVEL TIME: AROUND 1 HOUR 12 TO 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES BY TRAIN FROM LONDON PADDINGTON

Known for the famous Roman Baths, there’s just so much to see and do in Bath that it makes for a great escape (Gwen Stefani’s 2006 song “Sweet Escape” just came to mind, lol).

Some places to visit are No. 1 Royal Crescent, a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse museum, the Roman Baths themselves, Bath Abbey, and Pulteney Bridge, one of the only bridges in the world lined with shops on both sides. Wander the whole city on foot, it’s compact enough to see a lot in a day.

Whitstable

TRAVEL TIME: AROUND 1 HOUR 15 TO 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES BY TRAIN FROM LONDON VICTORIA OR ST PANCRAS

There’s lots to do in Whitstable and it’s the perfect escape if you’re looking to spend time by the seaside. Plenty to eat too, from the good old fish and chips to fresh oysters, so if you’re a seafood lover, you’ll feel right at home. Lots of places to sit and enjoy either.

It’s best explored on foot, that’s when you’ll find all the hidden gems tucked between the harbour and the high street.

The Cotswolds (Moreton-in-Marsh area)

TRAVEL TIME: AROUND 1 HOUR 24 MINUTES BY TRAIN FROM LONDON PADDINGTON, OR AROUND 1 HOUR 50 MINUTES BY CAR

A market town with a lively market, specialist shops and cafés, perfect for feeding your eyes and exploring on foot. You can take a walk down the high street or visit Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre, a beautiful, picturesque garden with rare trees and shrubs.

If you love bird watching, the Cotswold Falconry Centre next door is home to around 150 birds from over 50 species, with flying displays throughout the day.

You don’t need to clear your calendar or plan weeks ahead for any of these, all you need is a couple of hours. Whether it is the coast, a quiet Cotswolds village, or a cathedral city with a good pub, there is an escape here for whatever kind of break you are after.