Things to See Outside London

London is one of the most visited cities in the entire world and for good reason. It is a vibrant and bustling city, filled with a diverse range of activities and sights for everyone to explore. But sometimes, tourists want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore the surrounding areas outside of London. This blog post is a helpful guide for tourists visiting London for the first time, with all the best tips on what to do and to see outside of the capital city.

Day Trips from London

London is a great base for day trips, as it is within a few hours of many amazing places to explore. To the west, you have the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds, which is filled with picturesque villages, rolling hills and green meadows. To the north, you have the historic city of Cambridge and the beautiful university town of Oxford. To the south, you have the stunning beaches of Brighton and the historic sites of Canterbury. To the east, you have the stunning countryside of the Norfolk Broads and the picturesque towns of Colchester and Ipswich. All of these destinations are easily reached from London by train, bus or car.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of the most beautiful places to visit outside London. It is an area of rolling hills, lush meadows, and quaint villages, and is a great place to explore the English countryside. There are many walking trails that can be followed, such as the Cotswolds Way, an 87 mile long distance footpath. There are also many attractions to visit, such as the Cotswolds Wildlife Park, the Cotswolds Water Park, and the Cotswolds Farm Park.

Cambridge and Oxford

The cities of Cambridge and Oxford are two of the most famous university towns in the world, and are both easily reached from London. Both have centuries of history, and are filled with stunning architecture, beautiful gardens and world-class museums. Visitors can explore the colleges and university buildings, take a punt down the river, visit the many markets, and explore the many independent shops and cafes.

Brighton and Canterbury

Brighton is one of the most popular coastal destinations in England, and is easily reached from London by train. This vibrant seaside resort is filled with attractions, such as the iconic Brighton Pier, the Royal Pavilion, and the historic lanes. Canterbury is another historic city, and is the home of the world-famous Canterbury Cathedral. This cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century, is one of the oldest and most important buildings in England, and is well worth a visit.

The Norfolk Broads

The Norfolk Broads is a network of rivers and lakes that is located in the east of England. It is a great place to explore the English countryside, and there are many activities to be enjoyed such as sailing, fishing, and bird watching. Visitors can also explore the many small villages and towns that are dotted around the Broads, such as Wroxham and Horning.

Sightseeing Activities

There are many sightseeing activities to be enjoyed outside London, such as walking tours, city tours, open top bus tours, and river cruises. Visitors can explore London on foot with a walking tour, or take a tour of the city in an open top bus. There are also many river cruises available, such as the popular Thames River Sightseeing Cruise which takes visitors on a journey along the Thames.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore the cities and towns outside of London. There are many companies that offer walking tours, such as Viator and GetYourGuide. These companies offer a variety of tours, from city tours to themed tours, and there is something to suit everyone’s tastes.

City Tours

City tours are a great way to explore a new place and get to know the area. Visitors can take a guided tour of the city, or explore on their own. There are many companies that offer city tours, such as Viator and GetYourGuide.

Open Top Bus Tours

Open top bus tours are a great way to explore a city, as visitors can get a 360 degree view of the city from the top of the bus. Many companies offer open top bus tours, such as Viator and GetYourGuide.

River Cruises

River cruises are a great way to explore the cities and towns outside of London. There are many companies that offer river cruises, such as Viator and GetYourGuide. There are a variety of cruises to choose from, from relaxing sightseeing cruises to dinner cruises.

Additional Tips

When travelling outside London, it is important to plan ahead, as many of the attractions in the area are busy and require advance booking. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the currency and the local language, as English is not always the language spoken in these areas. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved when exploring the cities and towns outside of London. When travelling to the beach, make sure to bring plenty of sun cream and a hat, as the sun can be intense in the summer months.

Conclusion

This blog post has provided readers with a helpful city guide for tourists visiting London for the first time, with all the best tips on what to do and to see outside of the capital city. From day trips to sightseeing activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy outside of London. With proper planning and some helpful tips, tourists can make the most out of their holiday, and have an unforgettable experience.