Beyond London: 12 Places for the Perfect Trip in Less Than an Hour.

According to The Sun: The hustle and bustle of life in the capital of Great Britain can sometimes be overwhelming, not to mention the high prices of entertainment. But just an hour's drive from London, there are plenty of wonderful places that won't break the bank.

Among them are coastal spots like Canvey Island, which offer delicious ice cream and historic towns with stunning architecture. Here are some of our favorite places for day visits, all within an hour from the Greater Smog area.

Windsor, Berkshire

Cyann Fielding, travel reporter, says…

Just 56 minutes on a direct train from London Waterloo will take you to this history-rich town, a true royal gem. One of my favorite spots is the Wetherspoons pub located in a former pharmacy.

The 'King and Castle' pub impresses with a stunning facade, where symbols related to its history have been preserved. While entry to the castle itself costs around £60, you can enjoy magnificent views for free by walking down the Long Walk with impressive castle views and, if lucky, see the deer.

Don't miss the Duck Tours, where a car in the shape of a duck enters the river to show the castle from a new perspective. You can also visit Legoland Windsor Resort, where the Sun Superdays promotion allows you to get two free tickets.

A day ticket for the train from London to Windsor and Eton starts at £8.90.

Canvey Island, Southend-on-Sea

Cyann Fielding, travel reporter, says…

Revamped Canvey Island in Tiger Bay is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, with a typically British vibe. Here you will find entertainment: arcade machines, cute cafes, shops, and a long sandy beach.

Free tidal pools on the beach will also delight you. Prices on Canvey remain pleasant, for example, a portion of fries costs only £2.70 at 'Bruno's Fish and Chips.'

Check out the family-owned kiosks by the arcade machines, where you will meet friendly staff. Try the popular 'Brown Derby' – a donut with soft ice cream for £3.80. The train from London to Benfleet takes about 50 minutes.

A day ticket during peak hours costs from £9.40 per person.

St Albans, Hertfordshire

Sophie Swietochowska, travel editor assistant, says…

Only one train stop and just 20 minutes from London St Pancras, green St Albans is unlike the modern skyscrapers of the capital.

This Roman city, once known as Verulamium, stands out for its history. A walk in the park with ruins of ancient Roman walls and ancient trees reveals an exciting past. There are many walking paths along the River Ver, where you can spot various wildlife.

Don't forget about the traditional cinema dating back to 1908 that is convenient for visiting, allowing you to order food and drinks directly from the supermarket.

A train ticket from London to St Albans costs from £15.90 for a single ticket.

Brighton

Sophie Swietochowska, travel editor assistant, says…

What could be better than a visit to a seaside town for a real getaway? Brighton is one of the best destinations, within reach of London. The city impresses with its own atmosphere, felt in antique shops and cozy bakeries, as its streets form a maze.

Brighton also offers active beach recreation, happy hours in cafes, and fun on the pier with traditional arcade games and delicious fish and chips. Even in bad weather, you won't be bored here, as plenty of clubs with live music and Michelin-starred restaurants will not let you feel dull.

The train from London Victoria to Brighton takes about 58 minutes and costs from £37.80 for a single ticket.

Epping, Essex

Helen Wright, travel author, says…

At the end of the Central Line of the London Underground is a fantastic day for families, costing just £1 for children. The Epping Ongar Railway is the most accessible vintage train experience near London, where you can journey three miles through beautiful countryside.

Kids can ride on the classic red double-decker bus that takes you to the station. Throughout the year, the railway hosts various events, including a beer festival, 'terror train' on Halloween, and Christmas services.

Tickets can be booked through the Epping Ongar Railway website, where bus pass usage is possible. Epping is on the Central Line, and travel will cost from £3.80 with an Oyster card.

Cambridge

Alice Penwill, travel reporter, says…

The train from London Kings Cross to Cambridge takes only 48 minutes and is worth a visit. You can choose a tour of the universities or stroll through the beautiful streets, sensing the city's atmosphere.

Some colleges offer free entry, including Christ's College and Trinity Hall. There is also free entry to the Fitzwilliam Museum, so this is an opportunity to learn something new without financial cost. Stroll along the River Cam and enjoy the coziness of the 'Anchor' pub.

A single train ticket from London Kings Cross to Cambridge costs from £31.90 per person.

Grantchester, South Cambridgeshire

Alice Penwill, travel reporter, says…

Grantchester is difficult to reach from London, but worth a visit if you find yourself in Cambridge. A taxi from Cambridge station takes only 12 minutes, or it’s a one-hour walk.

There are many pubs here, but be sure to stop by the 'Orchard Tea Garden' with homemade cakes. Grantchester is famous for its beauty and filming locations for the ITV series.

A train ticket from London Kings Cross to Cambridge costs from £31.90, and a taxi will cost on average £15-20.

Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire

Alice Penwill, travel reporter, says…

It takes 29 minutes to get to Welwyn Garden City from London Kings Cross. As one of the first 'garden cities', Welwyn offers cafes and small shops with character.

There are often events with live music and street food. Be sure to visit Welwyn Coffee Lab or Megan’s. If you head to the outskirts, a popular spot will be Tewingbury Farm.

A train ticket from London Kings Cross to Welwyn Garden City costs from £15.20 per person.

Oxford

Kara Godfrey, travel deputy editor, says…

I grew up near Oxford but realized how wonderful it is for a weekend only upon becoming an adult. I recommend taking an open-top bus tour that will allow you to see the university gardens.

Be sure to visit the covered market. At Moo Moos, for example, you'll be offered a huge milkshake made from your favorite sweets. For an overnight stay, the American motel Motel Mollie’s is recommended for just £60 a night.

Trains from London Paddington take 56 minutes and cost from £5.40.

Folkestone, Kent

Kara Godfrey, travel deputy editor, says…

Moving from London to Folkestone in less than an hour, this seaside town is quickly becoming a popular spot for day trips. You can find the Harbour Arms, housing restaurants, bars, and shops.

I recommend exploring the Creative Quarter, which has gained fame through Banksy, as well as fantastic dining options (don't forget to try Burrito Buoy). Don't miss the funicular that will open next summer.

Trains from London St Pancras take 54 minutes and cost from £14.90.

Canterbury, Kent

Caroline McGuire, travel editor, says…

Canterbury is a wonderful city for a day trip. It's beautiful, easy to walk around with numerous pubs and restaurants. Here, history enthusiasts will find intriguing moments: Roman walls and the cathedral, which is free to visit.

Be sure to take a river cruise, and afterwards treat yourself to a beer at the 'Cherry Tree' or 'Old Buttermarket'. The train to Canterbury West takes 51 minutes and costs from £43.

And it's only 51 minutes from London.

Diggersland, Kent

Caroline McGuire, travel editor, says…

Diggersland is a place where everything looks even better in real life. After taking a trip with my son, I'm a real fan. Here every attraction got an excavator twist.

All day we rode trucks and used machinery for fun. We designed 'gold' and played unique games. Time at this site flies quickly, as the lines are minimal.

Trains to Stroud from St Pancras take 33 minutes and cost from £27, and a short bus ride will take you to Diggersland.

These are the places to visit if you're planning a day trip from London, as they offer great opportunities for relaxation and fun for the whole family.

Pack your bags and set off to discover new horizons just an hour's drive from the big city!