Looking for an easy, family-friendly day trip from west London that won’t break the bank? Here are three perfect suggestions for escaping the city this summer.
The White Cliffs of Dover
If your idea of a perfect day trip includes walking in a breathtaking setting and breathing clean sea air, then the White Cliffs of Dover are for you.
You can admire the chalk cliffs by following the coastal path, voted one of the best in the UK. The paths are smooth, easy to walk and full of wildflowers. If you walk to the lighthouse, you’ll find a pretty vintage tearoom. Buy a pot of tea and some scones, and sit outside to get the best views of the channel. There is plenty of space for children to run freely and explore this area’s natural beauty.
The White Cliffs of Dover are a two-hour car ride from London. You can park at the National Trust’s lot.
Plan your visit to the White Cliffs of Dover.
Windsor
It’s the Queen’s favourite weekend getaway. It’s the place to see the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle. It’s just a 40-minute drive from London. It’s as picturesque as it gets.
Visit Windsor Castle, which was built by William the Conqueror. It looks drawn from a fairytale and is sure to amaze kids and adults alike. Go for a stroll on the Long Walk, which stretches for a good two and a half miles from the castle to the statue of King George II. Take a photo in front of the Crooked House, the English version of the Tower of Pisa. Built in 1592, it owes its famous tilt to the use of unseasoned timber. It now houses a traditional tea shop.
There are plenty of activities in Windsor for children. Walk along the River Thames and feed the swans, rent a boat and get spectacular views of the castle, have fun at Alexandra Gardens’ funfair, enjoy some shopping and a nice meal at the beautiful shopping centre located in a Victorian railway station. One thing is certain: kids won’t get bored.
Windsor is a 40-minute drive from London, or 50 minutes with the train.
Plan your visit to Windsor.
Brighton
This lovely seaside city, offering many alternatives for all the family, and just one hour away by train and two by car, is one of the best options for a day trip from London.
You can visit the Brighton Pier and travel back in time to the ’60s with its vintage shops, ice cream parlours and arcades. Then go to the beach, where the kids can run freely, throw pebbles in the sea, collect shells. You can even attempt to swim, if the water isn’t freezing.Visit the beautiful Royal Pavilion and relax in its magnificent gardens.
London–Brighton train tickets start from £10. If you go to Brighton by car, beware: parking is not easy on a sunny day.
Plan your visit to Brighton.
About the author:
Alexia is French/Greek and works as a translator. She lives in southwest London with her husband and their toddler boy. She can be found writing about exploring London, life with kids, travelling and beautiful things at her blog A Mum in London.
