West End Day Trips: Top 5 Escapes from London’s Heart
Right, so, you know, London’s West End is awesome, that is, it has a lot of buzz, still, sometimes you just need to, like, get away a bit, you know? Escaping the city, even just for a day, that tends to really recharge you, doesn’t it? Basically, what this article is about is showing you some sweet places that aren’t too far off and that will provide just the kind of change you need.
1. Charming Windsor: Royal History and Riverside Views
Anyway, Windsor, that’s the first stop, is it? Very royal, very lovely, this place is rather steeped in history, almost. First off, there’s Windsor Castle, clearly. That, actually, is the Queen’s weekend house. We can look around, which is very posh. Seeing the State Apartments, that is really something; the art there, well, actually it’s great, and St. George’s Chapel is amazing, just amazing! And if you’re wandering around, the town’s charming, almost like a movie set. Little shops are there, pubs are there, and that riverside walk, that’s great when the sun’s out, like your problems really just drain away.
How to get there: Trains, they often run directly from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central, still, sometimes you change at Slough. Also, the journey, that typically is roughly an hour. Actually, you may want to check for any engineering work that’s occurring that might affect the travel time.
Why you should go: You like history, probably. And royal pomp. And, just generally, you enjoy a relaxed day out.
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2. Canterbury: Tales, Cathedral and Cobblestones
Canterbury, alright, what about Canterbury, very rich in the past, arguably. This place has some proper stories, still, more or less. I mean, you’ve Canterbury Cathedral, right? Just very, very amazing, like your jaw just drops! Then, basically, there’s the story of Thomas Becket; you know, the old tales? If, very very unlike me, you find it boring, then perhaps walk round the city walls or even punt down the River Stour. Plenty is around. Just walking around the old streets that’s great; actually, you may bump into some very individual shops and cafes.
How to get there: From London St. Pancras, right, so you get the high-speed train. Takes like less than an hour, right. Trains also leave from London Victoria; however, these, they tend to take a little bit longer. So, very just look before you go. That train also might be less easy!
Why you should go: That, then, will really suit you if you fancy history. And some very beautiful buildings. And walking!
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3. Oxford: Dreaming Spires and Literary Footsteps
Oxford, it tends to make you think, actually it brings pictures to the brain! Full of clever people, almost always; some of the colleges there, though, arguably they really are something. Christ Church, arguably that’s very famous, and the Bodleian Library, which is huge! Also, Oxford isn’t only old buildings. The Ashmolean Museum, that often displays great art and artefacts. Very nice. You fancy going on the river, like your hair’s in a 1920s film, then punt along the River Cherwell, perhaps. Just a fun idea!
How to get there: Very easy to do, almost. Trains from London Paddington run to Oxford frequently, or even pretty frequently; anyway, the journey typically is about an hour.
Why you should go: Okay, so, you love learning; history makes your soul feel good, actually, and you like the very pretty cities.
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4. Cambridge: Punts, Parks, and Academic Grandeur
Anyway, Oxford’s brother is, typically, Cambridge; still, you know they are dissimilar too it’s almost as though they came from different planets. Also there are many of the old colleges and it is on the river too it’s almost inevitable! You wander round the very old halls, then that, in many respects, is so enjoyable, almost! King’s College Chapel, I believe, boasts great Gothic architecture and the Bridge of Sighs is just right for some selfie clicks, possibly. A bit. Cambridge is all the old architecture, certainly; there is the Fitzwilliam Museum, still, a great place to see the art.
How to get there: Those trains from London King’s Cross head straight for Cambridge, literally; still, these run pretty regularly. Anyhow, the travel itself will probably take just over an hour. Make that certain.
Why you should go: Is that history calls you; you are inspired, honestly, by awesome buildings; a relaxed and lovely pace is what you really feel to it’s almost right for you.
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5. Brighton: Sea, Sand, and Seaside Fun
Brighton, now, that often is quite different to the others; and, for some, an out-and-out favourite, maybe. The coast, just clearly! Not just like Oxford with the odd river. The Brighton Palace Pier that might keep kids really occupied. What there also is is the Royal Pavilion: a rather bizarre and eccentric place. More or less. Then The Lanes. Not streets, or perhaps they are, however full of unusual small, perhaps great, maybe just little old outlets selling very very very niche stuff.
How to get there: Trains from London Victoria run straight to Brighton rather frequently too it’s often. Around an hour’s ride, pretty often; check schedules, clearly, anyway.
Why you should go: Your soul calls out for that fresh seaside air; anyway you really want to relax, that. And, if you actually want, have some great family fun, then it may call out to you even more.
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