
London isn’t just a big sprawling city with world-famous landmarks and a vibrant nightlife. There are hundreds of acres of gorgeous countryside that often gets overlooked for the vibe and culture of the big city, but the countryside around London is just as noteworthy, if not more in many travellers’ opinion.
With that said, let’s dive into the routes and recommendations for exploring the gorgeous countryside surrounding London.
Hire a Car
Our top tip is to hire a car and see the sights outside of London at your own pace. Trust us when we say there is no better way to explore the dales than in a comfortable, spacious car with the windows down and your favourite songs blaring from the speakers. Swap packed trams and buses for the wind in your hair and sunshine on your face with the great open road in front of you. Want to stay an extra day in the Cotswolds? You can when you have your own transport. Looking for a unique cafe outside of Eton where you can enjoy a coffee with a view? You’ll never be able to do that if you’re travelling by train. For smooth car hire process in London, visit Fairview as they have some amazing deals that may be more affordable than you think.
Top Places to Visit
One of our many recommendations of places to visit includes the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds has been nominated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1966 and is a quaint village full of beauty. In The Cotswolds, there is so much history, from evidence of a Neolithic settlement due to burial chambers to preserves of numerous large and handsome Cotswold Stone ‘wool churches’, which is owed to the breed of sheep known as the Cotswold Lion. Sheep was prosperously traded in the Cotswolds during the Middle Ages. How fascinating!
Another top recommendation is the town of Eton. Offering a mix of urban and rural landscapes, this town is a favourite due to its proximity to London and its sheer beauty. Located on the River Thames opposite Windsor Castle, the countryside is characterised by luscious green meadows, rolling hills, and picturesque villages like Eton Wick. It’s as far from a mess as you can get!
Our third recommendation, which is a lesser-known place to most, is Dorking. The Surrey Hills are its beautiful countryside, and Dorking is generally ideal for nature lovers, walkers, and people that just love getting lost in the lovely countryside. Dorking has many amenities for active families such as the Dorking Sports Centre. Box Hill and Leith hill are two of the most popular National Trust destinations and both offer stunning walking routes around Dorking. Dorking also offers charming villages such as Share and Betchworth, both of which offer a delicious insight into rural life and are not too far from London.
The Countryside is Waiting
Are you ready for an exciting trip beyond the bustling city of London? Are you excited for an educational but enjoyable break from the city? Then listen to our recommendations and start the trip of a lifetime.