6 Places Londoners love to travel to

Mums Tips

Travel with kids

Published on Monday, 09 January 2023 09:55

Last Updated on 20 January 2023

Monica Costa

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London is conveniently situated in the southern part of England, making it a great jump-off point with plenty of nearby local spots to consider for your next weekend getaway.

Whether you’re looking for an idyllic beach holiday or a cultural adventure, you’re met with a tonne of options to occupy your holidays.

Without further ado, here are six of the most popular destinations that any Londoner should consider when planning their next trip. Pack lightly or leave luggage in storage and just enjoy!

1) Windsor Castle

If you admire the rich monarchical culture of the UK, then a trip to Windsor Castle is an absolute must.

Located just outside of London in Berkshire, this massive residence has been home to the British royal family for over 900 years and counting.

Before the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, it was common for her to visit this residence during the weekends as well as during formal royal events. Nowadays, the castle is still being looked after by the Royal family.

Many locals and tourists often take the option to tour the grounds, immersing themselves in its grandiose atmosphere and taking a step back in time. Some of the most popular attractions include the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s Dollhouse.

You can even watch a Changing of the Guard ceremony, which is typically held on Thursdays and Saturdays.

2) Alton Tower

If you prefer exhilarating rides and breakneck speeds over educational tours, a day trip to the Alton Tower theme park may be more your fancy.

Located in Staffordshire, the park is home to some of the most daring roller coasters in Europe, such as the Wicker Man, the park’s latest high-speed roller-coaster, and Oblivion, the world’s first vertical drop roller coaster.

That said, there are a plethora of attractions you can explore and enjoy in this park. From water rides and dark rides to even child-friendly rides for your little ones, your entire visit will be one you’ll remember for years to come!

3) New Forest National Park

If you’re looking for a peaceful and tranquil escape, then you may want to consider taking a 2-hour car ride or 90-minute train ride to the New Forest National Park.

This iconic national park is located southwest of London and is home to many interesting wildlife species, such as wild buffalos, tigers and deer.

The New Forest is also a great place for outdoor activities thanks to its nature trails and rich greenery. From horse riding to hiking, this national park offers plenty of avenues for adventurers to explore.

Another thing you shouldn’t miss near the area is Hurst Castle, located close to the seaward point of the national park. This historic structure was created during the mid-1500s and served as a key fortress against hostile pirates of that generation.

4) Royal Pavilion

Located in Brighton, the Royal Pavilion is a large Gothic and Asian-inspired castle and former residence of George, Prince of Wales and King George IV.

This palace is renowned for its exotic architecture and massive gardens, making it one of the must-see sites for any Londoner who wants to know what Brighton’s all about.

While the outside is impressive, the interior of the castle is nothing short of amazing too. Inside, you’ll find rooms upon rooms filled to the brim with various intricacies. Lavish interior decorations and artwork from the era of King George IV as well as a plethora of historical items and antiques also generously speckle the castle.

While you can spend hours looking at every corner of this palace and its gardens, don’t forget to visit the Brighton Museum just a short walk away. This museum stores a wealth of information and artefacts from the city’s past.

5) Oxford

One of the best places to visit near London is arguably the globally-renowned town of Oxford.

This university town is home to the prestigious University of Oxford, a research institution that has churned out some of the most influential minds in modern history.

Inside its walls, you can explore a place endowed with many historic structures. From the iconic St Mary’s Church to the grandiose Bodleian Library, you can take hours trying to explore each section. The Radcliffe Camera is worth a peek too, but access is unfortunately limited to visitors due to it being in use.

Besides the university, Oxford is a town with a whole lot of character. Just a car ride in the city and you can enjoy the sights of historic architecture and classical old shops that add loads to the town’s distinct charm.

But if you want a more specific direction, the Ashmolean Museum, Botanic Gardens, and Covered Market are some places in Oxford that are more than worth a visit.

6) Soho, London

While Soho is located smack in the middle of the city of London, the energetic streets of nearby Soho captivate Londoners just like how they would with tourists.

For one, Soho is a vibrant area that’s full of life and culture. During the day, you can stroll through its winding streets and discover unique boutiques, relax in Soho Square, or enjoy a highly-varied gastronomic feast.

But the real treat comes at night when the area is enlivened by its many lively bars, pubs and clubs for people of all ages to enjoy. Music shows, comedy performances, and other live events are also present in Soho, giving Londoners loads of options to spend a night out.

7) Overseas

While there are plenty of destinations located right within the UK, Londoners love travelling internationally. Whether it is close to home somewhere in Europe, or across the world to countries like New Zealand and Japan, there is plenty to be explored by Londoners. 

In Australia, Gathar is a catering provider that serves many dishes that will surpass your expectations. The US has everything from Disneyland to Niagara Falls, and Japan is perfect for everything from sushi to skiing. 

With this being said, France and Italy are the two most popular travel destinations for Brits – clearly, you don’t need to travel far for an amazing travel experience.

 

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