We highlight some of the most compelling, culture-packed towns near London that make for a great day trip or weekend escape. Among them, an East Sussex town is drawing crowds for its farm-to-fork food scene and independent craft stores, while a Cotswolds village is charming visitors with its buzzy gastropubs and rolling hills.
Read on to find the prettiest towns near London and where to eat, stay and play while you’re there.
Nine of the best historic towns near London
1. Rye, East Sussex
Best for: Golden sand beaches and a storybook townscape
Just over an hour’s train ride from London’s St Pancras International, Rye offers the perfect weekend break with its vintage shops, award-winning restaurants and golden sand coastline. Start your visit on the cobbled Mermaid Street, lined with timber-fronted houses, and be sure to stop by 12th-century pub and restaurant The Mermaid Inn. Explore Rye Pottery for beautiful ceramics and homewares, then head to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for a scenic stroll across salt marshes and woodland. For a slice of history, visit Ypres Tower and Rye Castle Museum to learn about the town’s medieval roots and smuggling past.
Where to eat: Book a table at Michelin Green-starred restaurant Tillingham, set overlooking Romney Salt Marshes. Chef James Hollister’s seasonal, sharing-style menu might include tempura coral mushrooms with saffron emulsion or grilled asparagus with wild garlic and pistachio.
Where to stay: For breathtaking views of Camber Sands, stay at The Gallivant. Coastal-chic rooms are complete with scalloped headboards, pleated lampshades and framed swimwear for wall art.
2. Shere, Surrey
Best for: Lush countryside and famous film locations
Famed for its starring roles in hit rom-coms – think The Holiday, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason – the charming village of Shere is situated in the heart of the Surrey Hills, just an hour from London. Book a table at The White Horse to feast at the exact spot where Cameron Diaz reunites with Jude Law in that feel-good scene from The Holiday. For a sweet treat, neighbouring café The Dabbling Duck serves delicious cakes, pastries, and an exceptionally good hot chocolate. Explore the stunning countryside on the Shere Circular Walk or challenge yourself with a hike at nearby Leith Hill, recognised as the highest point in South East England.
Where to eat: Enjoy classic pub fare at The White Horse such as hand-battered fish and chips, lamb shank shepherd’s pie, and char-grilled chicken burgers.
Where to stay: Head just outside of Shere to Harbour Hotel Guildford. For something a little more luxurious, Beaverbrook in Leatherhead offers a sublime spa and stylish bedrooms decorated with soulful, maximalist interiors.
3. Bruton, Somerset
Best for: Award-winning restaurants and a burgeoning art culture
The charming town of Bruton in Somerset is considered a top destination for urbanites seeking a cultural, countryside escape. At its heart, a burgeoning food and art scene has placed Bruton firmly on the map. Farm-to-fork restaurants like the Green Michelin-starred Osip, housed in a stunning restored coachhouse, and At the Chapel, set in a Grade II-listed church, use produce grown at nearby farms to create flavour-packed dishes. While Hauser & Wirth’s sprawling Somerset outpost’s ever-changing roster of exhibitions has propelled the art scene here, a swathe of independent craft stores are drawing a creative crowd, too. Head to ceramic hotspot Make for gorgeous homewares and interior shop Caro for Japanese-style furnishings.
Where to eat: In 2024, British chef Sam Lomas launched farm-to-table restaurant Briar at the former site of Osip on the High Street. The daily-changing menu is organised around a selection of small plates such as pickled cucumber with wild herbs and chilli, and smoked pork sausage drenched in cider mustard.
Where to stay: Above Briar, you’ll find a handful of lovely rooms at Number One Bruton, with exposed beams, potted plants and beautiful printed wallpapers. Nearby hotel and estate The Newt is also worth a visit, with its treetop walkways and pristine gardens.
4. Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Best for: Cultural festivals and a pastel-hued seafront
The small seaside town of Aldeburgh flaunts a pastel-coloured townscape that could be easily peeled straight off a postcard. Despite its modest number of full-time residents, this Suffolk town boasts a packed cultural calendar with highlights including the Aldeburgh Literary Festival in March, the two-week Aldeburgh Festival in June, and the Documentary Film Festival and Poetry Festival in November. Make it your choice for a day trip and explore the Aldeburgh Museum for a deep-dive into the town’s maritime history, as well as The Red House, the former home of legendary composer Benjamin Britten. For a drink, head to the Fishers Gin Distillery and enjoy a tour or tasting session, or visit The Cross Keys for a sunset cocktail.
Where to eat: Secure a table at The Suffolk and choose from a seafood-focused menu featuring grilled lobster and roasted cod or check out the roof terrace for sweeping sea views and playful cocktails – the raspberry bellini is a great choice. Sea Spice is another strong option with its bold Indian dishes.
Where to stay: Check into The Brudenell Hotel, where sea-view rooms and an in-house restaurant serving fresh seafood and tapas await.
5. Lewes, East Sussex
Best for: Buzzy gastropubs and a thriving antiques scene
Right on the doorstep of Brighton, the market town of Lewes is backdropped by the chalk hills and lush greenery of the South Downs. Here, you’ll find a thriving antique scene with small independent shops selling handcrafted furniture, jewellery and clothing. Start by exploring the shelves of The Needlemakers and browse a selection of goods from a cast of independents, before picking up a new read from Fifteenth Century Bookshop. Be sure to stop by Lewes Flea Market, an indoor space brimming with antique delights, from bicycles and lampshades to cabinets and chairs. Coffee lovers should stop by The Sip Lewes for expertly brewed coffee and avo-smothered sourdough.
Historically, Lewes is renowned for the Battle of Lewes in 1264, when Simon de Montfort defeated King Henry III. Visit Lewes Castle to uncover fascinating insights into the battle’s significance.
Where to eat: Dill serves seasonal British cuisine, with dishes like roast sea trout and lamb rump enjoyed in a minimalist setting – think chalkboard menus and simple wood chairs.
Where to stay: Slick gastropub The White Hart has 23 individually designed bedrooms featuring roll-top baths and exposed wood beams complemented by sweeping views of the South Downs. Small touches such as a Roberts radio and local artwork make for a memorable stay.
6. Whitstable, Kent
Best for: Sea-fresh oysters and old-school pubs
The Kentish Riviera has been turning heads in recent years, and for good reason., Iit’s home to the likes of Margate, Deal and Folkestone. Yet, it’s Whitstable that we recommend making tracks for with its indie shops, cool coffee shops and mouthwatering seafood scene. Visit in July to experience the Whitstable Oyster Festival, an event dating back to the 11th century which involves oyster-eating competitions, live music and plenty of food stalls. Can’t make it? Wheeler’s Oyster Bar delivers with its pink facade and market-fresh seafood like pan-fried crab cake and steamed mussels in a creamy cider sauce.
Spend the afternoon strolling along Whitstable West Beach and Tankerton Beach, where a shingle shoreline is framed by colourful beach huts. Flit between independent shops like Gatefield Sounds for fresh vinyl and Ruskin for streetwear, and don’t miss local crafts at Harbour Market.
Where to eat: The Lobster Shack is perfect for seafood platters right on the beach, while Samphire is a go-to for locals with its day-boat specials and seasonal plates. The weekend brunch menu is a must-try with its buttermilk pancake stacks and sausage and egg muffins.
Where to stay: Bed down at The Marine Hotel in Tankerton for boutique bedrooms with sea views just a short walk from Whitstable’s centre.
7. Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Best for: A biscuit-box village flanked by rolling fields
Once famous for its wool trade, Castle Combe is a staple staycation destination in the Cotswolds with its pubs with rooms, farm-to-fork restaurants and distinctive sandstone houses. Explore the village’s wisteria-smattered streets, cross Smart’s Bridge over the River Bybrook, and stop by the Market Cross – a 14th century structure marking the spot where the weekly cloth markets took place. Coincide your visit with a trip to Bath to explore historic landmarks like the Roman Baths and Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein.
Where to eat: Recharge at The Castle Inn, a charming neighbourhood pub defined by brick walls, tan leather banquettes and a honey-yellow façade lined with colourful hanging baskets.
Where to stay: Make The Manor House your base, where you’ll find four-poster beds, wood-panelled walls and roaring log fires. Be sure to dine at in-house Michelin-starred restaurant Bybrook for modern European dishes crafted from ingredients grown in the garden.
8. Windsor, Berkshire
Best for: Royal heritage and riverside strolls
Take a day trip to the regal town of Windsor in Berkshire, where bunting-clad shops, riverside restaurants and grand hotels with castle views await. Explore the historic Windsor Castle and step inside the State Apartments – decorated with showstopping artworks from the Royal Collection – and St George’s Chapel, the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11am to see royal pageantry in action.
Stroll along the stunning Long Walk, a 4km tree-lined avenue that leads straight to the castle, before heading into town to browse independent shops on Peascod Street and Windsor Yards. Be sure to snap a photo of the iconic Crooked House next to the Guildhall and slip inside to pick up a coffee from Shambles Bar – the upstairs tables offer prime views of the Changing of the Guard.
Where to eat: Start your day with a flaky pastry at Milar’s Eatery, or head to The Queen Charlotte for Mediterranean-style sharing boards.
Where to stay: Beautifully restored country house Oakley Court makes for a top countryside retreat with its stained-glass windows, colourful interiors and bathrooms complete with Cowdshed toiletries.
For more inspiration, explore the best day tours from London including Stonehenge, Oxford, Cambridge and Stratford-upon-Avon. Be sure to download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go inspiration.