Bank holiday season is fast approaching, and that means languorous three day weekends. And instead of wasting these precious extra days off work doing DIY jobs around the house or schlepping around the capital – alongside everyone else – we thought we’d enjoy some days away from the city and see what’s on offer. To take the hassle out of traffic jams, and perilous caravan drivers, we’ll be travelling by train too. With so many great places on our doorstep, from coastal idylls to medieval castles and everything in between, it seems a shame not to explore.
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Warwick
Founded by William the Conqueror, the pretty town of Warwick sits on the banks of the River Avon and offers a perfect escape from London. In around 90 minutes, you can travel from the capital to the West Midlands. Children of all ages will love exploring the castle that dominates the skyline. And there are plenty of other museums that are worth visiting too. If you fancy a flutter – you can head to the racecourse to watch the horses traverse the three hundred year old course.
Oxford
With a history that rivals London, Oxford’s iconic skyline is only an hour by train from the capital. You can enjoy cruising down the river or take a tour of the university, wander the hallowed halls or stop for coffee and cake in any of the quintessential cafes. And for any Harry Potter fans, you can even enjoy a spell-binding tour of the locations used for filming, including the Bodleian Library, New College and Christ Church.
Welwyn Garden City
Getting the train to Welwyn Garden City from London is easy. In under 30 minutes, the hustle and bustle of the capital is replaced by green spaces and pedestrianised streets, with plenty of activities all the family can enjoy. The lush Stanborough Park – spread across a vast 126 acres with two lakes – is perhaps the perfect place for a picnic on a bank holiday break. For the thrill seekers, the park is also home to Vertigo Adventures, an outdoor activity centre jam-packed with assault courses, zip-wires, and all round exciting adventures. For those who prefer a more laid back bank holiday, The New Maynard Gallery boasts a host of fine work from local and emerging artists.
Brighton
Is it even a bank holiday without a trip to the beach? Whilst the beaches of Brighton may not be covered in soft golden sand, there’s more this seaside location than sunbathing. Despite only being an hour away from London on the train, it feels like another world. The Royal Pavilion looks like something from the days of the Indian Raj. Built as a pleasure palace for King George IV it’s a myriad of styles, and its vibrant Regency colour scheme is echoed in the street art found around the town. Perhaps the perfect way to end a bank holiday is with fish and chips on the promenade.
Whilst we can’t guarantee sunny bank holiday weather, you can rest assured that a mini-break from the capital will have you feeling like a new person when Tuesday rolls around.