Travel
6 of one of the best weekend breaks inside two hours of London by practice
Touring by practice could be the best stress-free weekend getaway. With a new London to Edinburgh high-speed train service being launched, Lonely Planet appears to be like at one of the best quick breaks by practice from London. Be impressed to take a spa day in Bathtub, spend time on the river in Cambridge, or hunt out Bristol’s greatest avenue artwork. Listed below are one of the best weekend breaks which are lower than two hours from London by direct practice.
Planning your vacation time could be overwhelming, particularly if you’re heading to someplace like London, with many alternative neighborhoods and a seemingly limitless record of things to experience. However it’s value planning to journey past the capital to achieve a larger understanding of what this nation is all about. From London, there are rail routes that make it attainable to journey to seashores, cosmopolitan cities and historic websites inside a few hours, which is normally approach faster than driving on the usually traffic-packed roads. Many of those locations could be visited as day trips, however why rush? Take just a little longer to linger on the seafront, wander the historic streets and discover native artwork scenes.
Whether or not you’re a customer to those honest shores or a Londoner in search of inspiration past the M25, right here’s our choose of one of the best weekend breaks round two-hours’ direct from London by practice.
1. Brighton
Thought of a “must-visit” destination for a day trip within the south is Brighton, a vigorous seaside city identified for its bohemian vibes, inexperienced credentials and welcoming attitudes, significantly for the LGBTIQ+ neighborhood.
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Do: The town’s inventive and quirky spirit is greatest appreciated as you wander the various unbiased shops and boutiques of the North Laine neighborhood, only a 5-minute stroll from the station. When you’ve acquired your fill of bizarre garments, arts, antiques and cute souvenirs, it’s time to discover the Lanes, a community of slender passageways lined with jewelers. On day two, admire the opulent Royal Pavilion, a Regency-era occasion palace for the royals, and get on board with the seaside kitsch of Brighton Pier, filled with amusements and arcade video games.
Eat: Basic fish and chips is the plain selection right here. In case you plan to eat on the seashore, watch out for the hungry and brazen seagulls; alternatively, dine in gull-free at the Regency. Brighton can be one of many prime locations within the UK for vegan and vegetarian meals: attempt plant-based pizza at Purezza or high quality veggie delicacies at Terre à Terre.
Keep: Hotel Una close to the West Pier is a extremely rated unbiased boutique; Legends Hotel close to Kemptown is a well-liked LGBTIQ+ place to remain; and there are a number of giant chain lodges lining the seafront.
The right way to get to Brighton from London: Take the practice from London Victoria or London Bridge. The station is on the hill on the prime of town, and it’s a few 15-minute stroll downhill to the seaside and pier.
Journey time: Roughly one hour.
2. Bathtub
Bath is a Roman metropolis, a Georgian metropolis and a Victorian metropolis multi functional, with fascinating historical past and noteworthy structure to discover.
Do: Begin your weekend on the Royal Crescent, a grand semicircle of Georgian terraced city homes overlooking a inexperienced. No1 Royal Crescent has been restored with authentic supplies to offer guests a way of what life was like in Georgian Bathtub. Spend your afternoon visiting one of many metropolis’s hottest sights – the Roman Baths – an elaborate spa complicated courting from 70 CE surrounded by 18th- and Nineteenth-century buildings. You may’t swim within the waters right here, however you’ll be able to (and may) spend your second day at Thermae Bath Spa, with mild whirlpools, numerous remedy rooms, and better of all, a rooftop pool with views overlooking town and surrounding countryside.
Eat: Bathtub has many high quality locations to eat, from pleasant historic tea rooms like Sally Lunn’s to gastropubs, such because the Marlborough Tavern.
Keep: There are various unbiased locations to remain, in addition to just a few hostels within the metropolis. The Henry is a central B&B close to Bathtub Spa station, or attempt Grays, a boutique B&B in a Victorian constructing.
The right way to get to Bathtub from London: Direct trains run to Bathtub Spa station from London Paddington.
Journey time: One hour 20 minutes.
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3. Broadstairs and Margate on the Kent Coast
Protruding into the English Channel is the Kent Coast, with castle-topped Dover, the pleasant fishing village of Whitstable, and vigorous harbor city of Ramsgate. For a style of this area by practice, goal for Broadstairs and Margate.
Do: Start your weekend in Margate, with its giant seashore, seafront Turner Contemporary artwork gallery and mysterious Shell Grotto. Spend your afternoon and night in Dreamland, a classic amusement park, curler rink and big-name efficiency venue (book tickets upfront). On day two, take a 5-minute practice experience to Broadstairs, with its attractive sandy seashore following the curve of Viking Bay. On the clifftop at one finish of the seashore is Bleak Home the place Charles Dickens wrote David Copperfield – the city celebrates its connections to this Victorian author with a festival each summer time. A refreshing stroll alongside the coastal path gives nice views out to sea and results in numerous close by coves.
Eat: In Broadstairs, take your choose of the cluster of family-friendly pubs alongside Harbour St or cease at Twenty Seven Harbour Street for sharing plates of contemporary fish. In Margate, you’ll be able to’t go improper for good meals. Seize a seat in any of the unbiased cafes or comply with the fashionable European set menu at Sète.
Keep: In Margate, the trendy No 42 Margate by Guesthouse is very rated, or go for boutique B&B Belvidere Place in a Grade II-listed Georgian city home.
The right way to get to Broadstairs and Margate from London: Take the practice from London Victoria or St Pancras Worldwide. Margate and Broadstairs are on the identical practice line.
Journey time: Approx one hour 45 minutes.
4. Brockenhurst within the New Forest
Visiting a national park with out a automotive is not normally a straightforward factor to do, however with good rail connections to the charming village of Brockenhurst within the New Forest, you might be lacing up your mountaineering boots on the practice.
Do: This sprawling nationwide park is fairly flat with a community of easy roads all through, so head out on one of many many walking routes, rent a motorbike or e-book a horseback tour and see the woodland and heaths which are accessible from Brockenhurst. In case you’re visiting in fall you might even see roaming pigs launched to vacuum up fallen acorns and fatten up, in addition to cows and the eponymous ponies.
Eat: Brockenhurst has many cafes, bakeries, eating places and pubs. A motorcycle experience away is Burley Manor, with an intensive menu of domestically sourced substances, making it a beautiful pit cease.
Keep: Lower than a 10-minute stroll from Brockenhurst station is Cottage Lodge Hotel, a B&B serving native produce with workers who’re in a position to assist with native strolling routes and bike rent. In case you’re in search of one thing just a little extra particular, e-book properly upfront for a novel room at The Pig in Brockenhurst.
The right way to get to Brockenhurst from London: Hop on board at London Waterloo.
Journey time: One hour half-hour.
5. Cardiff
You is likely to be drawn to Wales’ capital by the rugby or a gig on the Principality Stadium, however you need to keep for its historical past, thriving nightlife and the Welsh muffins.
Do: Cardiff Castle was as soon as the positioning of a Roman fort, then a Norman citadel, and later grew to become dwelling to the aristocratic Bute household, one of many richest households on the planet. E-book tickets upfront – the citadel closes to guests when it’s internet hosting summer time live shows and occasions. Afterwards, take a stroll within the riverside Bute Park and Arboretum, and cease on the tiny Pettigrew Tea Rooms, which serves up a few of the metropolis’s greatest Welsh muffins (small, round candy breads). Because the solar goes down, be a part of the crowds funnelling into native nightlife establishment Clwb Ifor Bach and live-music venues Tramshed and The Globe.
Eat: Strive Indian avenue meals at centrally situated Mowgli or wander all the way down to Cardiff Bay’s Mermaid Quay, which has round 25 completely different waterfront eating places and bars to select from.
Keep: Hotel Indigo is a central possibility with metropolis views from its rooftop-restaurant, Lefel 6.
The right way to get to Cardiff from London: Trains for Wales depart from London Paddington.
Journey time: Most companies take just below two hours.
6. York
Farther from London than Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester, but served by a quicker practice line, the medieval metropolis of York has a wealthy heritage to discover.
Do: Comply with town’s Thirteenth-century partitions, which enclose a spider’s net of slender streets, together with the atmospheric Shambles. The town’s coronary heart is the massive York Minster, a wonderful Gothic cathedral. The undercroft has shows on the cathedral’s historical past, however to be taught concerning the metropolis itself earlier than the cathedral grew to become its middle, go to JORVIK Viking Centre, which takes you on an interactive journey again to when Vikings settled in York round 1000 years in the past.
Eat: There are eating places, cafes and conventional pubs all through town. Strive the incessantly altering British menu at Skosh, or should you’re in search of a lunchtime mild bit, head for avenue meals at Shambles Food Court.
Keep: The central Grade-I-listed Grays Court, with direct entry to town partitions, has luxurious rooms every with their very own particular person design. Safestay York hostel is an honest funds selection.
The right way to get to York from London: Take the practice from King’s Cross direct to York. The station is simply exterior town partitions.
Journey time: One hour 50 minutes.
This text was initially printed on November 6, 2019.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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