Best Weekend Getaways from London
London’s great, there’s no denying that, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break from it all and explore somewhere new. Beyond the Capital, there are loads of great spots ready and waiting for a getaway near London. Here, we’ve listed our best weekend trips away for all sorts of occasions. Whether you’re after a mini break with family and friends, or a romantic trip with someone special, the UK has it all. You can also book a Zipcar to get you there. With lots of roundtrip vehicles available across London.
The Peak District
First up in our best weekend trips from London is the Peak District. Famous for its idyllic landscape, this national park is roughly the same size as Greater London. You’ll discover rolling, heather-covered hills, caverns and caves. It’s a world apart from the busy buzz of inner-city life. Take a hike to Stanage Edge, which features in the iconic 2005 Pride and Prejudice film, and overlooks the beautiful Dark Peak moorlands. Or, why not dive into millions of years of history at Poole’s Cavern? There are also loads of cosy pubs, farmer's markets and fantastic restaurants across the district that’ll give you a true taste of the area.
Travel time (from central London): 3+ hrs by car
Where to stay: Get Glamping with Canopy and Stars Derbyshire, or take your pick of the National Trust’s Peak District holiday homes.
Bristol
Bristol is one of the best weekend getaways from London. It’s a hub for culture and sustainability and was actually the first city in Britain to receive the European Green Capital title. Pick up some tips on how to live more sustainably from Ecohome - a show home packed with examples of how to live greener. Bristol one of the UK’s coolest cities, making it an ideal weekend destination for art, music and culture lovers. As the hometown of Banksy, there’s plenty of the artist’s work to explore. From exhibitions to art tours, music, live theatre and museums, you’re spoilt for a choice of things to do. There’s also a phenomenal food and drinks scene across the city, catering to various tastes and diets.
Travel time (from central London): 3 hrs by car
Where to stay: Stay at the Base Vegan Retreat - and why not relax in their resident hot tub? Or, stay in a quirky rooftop cabin with Brooks Guesthouse.
Norfolk
Norfolk is a beautiful county and the northernmost area of East Anglia. Its close proximity to the Capital makes the region a perfect weekend escape from London. Known for its glorious beaches, marshland and big skies there’s lots to explore across the county, with charming villages to discover all over. Shop local produce at the Picnic Fayre Deli (in Cley-Next-The-Sea), or try Holkham beach - just a half-hour drive from the deli. Why not take some local treats for a picnic on the beach’s sand dunes? Across Norfolk, you’ll also have your pick of cosy pubs.
Travel time (from central London): 2+ hrs by car
Where to stay: Stay in the cosy Stiffkey Red Lion, with a real fire on in the pub to snuggle up to after long beach walks.
Cambridge
Cambridge is a stunning city, packed with a wide variety of weekend getaway activities. Home to the University of Cambridge, the area has a fascinating history. Have a drink down the Eagle, where Watson and Crick announced the discovery of the double helix. You can learn more about the area through punting tours, which guide you around several Cambridge University colleges. Or, if you’re feeling brave, take a punt out yourself - but bring a spare change of clothes - just in case you fall in! You can also catch a gig at the Cambridge Corn Exchange, where icons like David Bowie, The Who and Van Morrison have played.
Travel time (from central London): 1+ hrs by car
Where to stay: Featuring underfloor heating and a hot tub, the Hay Loft at Eye Hall is the place to stay if you’re looking for a country escape. If you’re hoping to stay in the centre, you can find the 4-star Gonville Hotel in the heart of the famous city.
Brighton
With its colourful townhouses and famous pier, Brighton is another top destination for a weekend out of London. Relax with an ice cream on the pebble beach, or make your way down to Brighton Palace Pier. Still one of the city’s most famous attractions, the pier has a number of activities for all different ages to enjoy, including bars, a restaurant, an arcade and traditional fairground rides. Explore more of Brighton’s quirky attitude through its independent, alternative shops, live music venues and art galleries.
Travel time (from central London): 2 hrs by car
Where to stay: We recommend Snooze if you want something a bit different. B&B with a twist, the hotel features a funky 70s vibe and a breakfast to die for.
Cotswolds
Listed an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, the Cotswolds is one of England’s true gems, and one of the best weekend getaways from London. The area covers nearly 800 square miles and is full of gorgeous rural English countryside. Whether you want to take it easy or fill the weekend with activities, the Cotswolds has it all. Unwind at the award-winning Cowley Manor spa and enjoy scenic views. Those feeling more adventurous can explore the area through cycling tours and alpaca walks (yes, it’s a thing), or even get stuck into a crafting workshop.
Travel time (from central London): 2+ hrs by car
Where to stay: The Little Orchard Cottage is a quaint vacation home, perfect for anyone looking to explore the Cotswolds. A stone's throw from the National Trust’s Dover Hill, the cottage includes all the amenities you need, alongside a toasty fire and a BBQ.
Oxford
Oxford is a vibrant city, world renowned for its university. There’s so much to see across this historic place. Explore Egyptian mummies and Turner paintings at the Ashmolean, Britain’s oldest public museum. Those with an interest in the history of Oxford’s university can take a tour around the buildings and grounds to learn about its past. For fans of Harry Potter, there are also tours that cover filming locations. Throw in a thriving music scene, some quaint pubs and a punt on the river, and you’re in for an ideal weekend outside London.
Travel time (from central London): 2 hrs by car
Where to stay: Oxford is a city with so much history, and you need accommodation to match. A venue dating back to the 1660s, the Old Patronage Hotel has more than one story to tell.
St Albans
St Albans is a great weekend escape from London and the busyness of life in the Capital. While technically a city itself, St Albans is rich in countryside scenery. Go bird watching in Heartwood Forest - particularly pretty in the spring when bluebells cover the area. Verulamium Park also offers up 100 acres to explore, with greenery and lakes to wander around. The St Albans Cathedral is a must when visiting the area - with England’s longest nave, a huge collection of medieval wall paintings and a fascinating history. After you’re done sightseeing, choose from a wide selection of restaurants, pubs and bars to finish off the evenings with.
Travel time (from central London): 1+ hrs by car
Where to stay: Located in the city centre, St Michael’s Manor Hotel caters for 30 individually styled bedrooms. The hotel comes with five private acres of land, and they even have their own lake! Not bad for a morning view.
Dover
Dover is one of the best places in the UK for a weekend outside London. It’s almost impossible to think of Dover without picturing its white chalk cliffs - and you can’t have a weekend getaway in the area without taking a bracing walk along them. If visiting on a clear day, you might even spot France from the cliffs. Alongside this iconic landmark, other fun things to do include visiting the South Foreland Lighthouse (with a tea room just next door), relaxing at the beach, or taking an insightful walking trail, where you’ll learn more about Dover’s history.
Travel time (from central London): 1+ hrs by car
Where to stay: Dover is home to some of Britain’s most cosy, family-run hotels, such as Hubert House and The Norman Guest House - both a short drive from the famous white cliffs
Bath
Last but certainly not least in our list of the best weekend trips from London - Bath. Visit the iconic Roman Baths, which still run with hot spring water. The Roman Baths Museum holds artefacts for you to delve deeper into the history of the place. Enjoy the full thermal bath experience at the Thermae Bath Spa - which also uses water from Bath’s hot springs. From Pulteney Bridge to the Royal Crescent, The Jane Austen Centre and Bath Abbey, there are plenty of must-see sights in the area.
Travel time (from central London): 3 hrs by car
Where to stay: Bailbrook House is a family-friendly hotel with 20 private acres for guests to enjoy. The restored mansion is sure to capture the imagination of you and your family. If you’d prefer something in the centre, The Yard in Bath is a 4-star inn with a terrace, fantastic decor, and a delicious continental breakfast.
Canterbury
Famous for the Canterbury Tales and as a place of pilgrimage, Canterbury is also a fantastic weekend getaway location. Its Cathedral is one of the most iconic sights in the city, with a fascinating history spanning back to 597 AD. The area is full of interesting architecture and even more interesting stories behind them - from the Gothic-Romanesque hybrid of the cathedral to the slanted Catching Lives bookshop. Canterbury also offers a great food scene and thriving nightlife, with Insta-worthy brunches and a rock n’ roll bar.
Travel time (from central London): 1+ hr by car
Where to stay: Only three miles from Canterbury, the rural Oakside Lodge is ideal if you want to experience both the city and the surrounding country. Or, why not stay at the Pilgrims Hotel? This historical venue dates back to the 16th Century.
As you’ll have seen from this list, there are lots of great places to visit outside London by car. Why not hire a Zipcar to take you there? With Congestion Charge, insurance and fuel covered by us, all you have to focus on is the drive! Book a Zipcar for your next break from the big city.
