So, you fancy getting away from the hurly-burly of old London town?
 
Whether you’re escaping with your family, friends or you even want a bit of quiet time on your own. We’ve chosen an exciting mixture of locations and historical places that we have loved.

The Hertford Bridge or Bridge of Sighs, Oxford, England, UK

Some of these localities you’ll be able to reach by public transport, others due to practicality of time and accessibility you may need to jump in a car.
 
You may also notice that a few of these settings are on the coast, if you know me by now, you’ll know I have a bit of a thing with water and the sea.
 
So no further ado, our first port of call is…..

Yep, straight to the Kent coast.
 
If you love history and not just recent history, you’ll find Dover Castle incredibly fascinating. It’s now lovingly run by English Heritage, and I would say one of their flagship attractions.

Inside the Castle walls

Perched high on the White Cliffs of Dover, this imposing fortress has been protecting its nation for over eight centuries. Dover Castle has had visits from the Romans, Normans, Kings, Queens and Emperors.
 
In more recent history the Napoleonic tunnels were used as a base from which the Dunkirk evacuations were masterminded. Along with venturing into the secretive tunnels of Operation Dynamo, there are also medieval tunnels and an underground hospital.

The Wartime Tunnel tours fill up quick, arrive early to ensure you secure your place. You can’t book, it’s first-come, first-served basis.

Inside the Great Keep

If you are planning on visiting multiple English Heritage sites, then you may want to consider an annual pass. You’ll be amazed at how much you will save, click on the banner below.

I feel that we’ve been a bit late to the party in visiting Oxford, as it is always high on overseas visitors lists. However, so often we’ve passed by en-route to another location.

After visiting Oxford, I now understand the allure. The history and centuries of traditions that are immersed so deep into its past, at times, I struggle to comprehend it. You feel like an onlooker gazing into this elitist world.

The Cloisters of Magdalen College

The University of Oxford has been teaching scholars since 1096, which makes it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. So, it isn’t surprising that you would feel honoured to be studying here.
 
As we saunter through the ancient lanes dodging the cyclists rushing to their next tutorial, you truly get the chance to appreciate the ornate sandstone colleges that around every corner.

Radcliffe Camera in the evening

Ok, so we are back on the Kent coastline. I have to be honest here, my expectations weren’t too high. We’d visited Folkestone a number of years ago, and it needed more than a lick of paint.
 
Well, I was taken aback at the transformation. The rejuvenation that has taken place and still taking place I hasten to add is astonishing. The aqueduct and the disused old harbour station have been lovingly restored. They are now a place of recreation and pleasant waterfront walks.

Overlooking the harbour slipway in Folkestone

You can stroll all around the harbour arm, enjoying the local pop up cafes and independently-run restaurants.
 
The addition to Folkestone that I particularly loved was the urban art demonstration that is on display through the whole town, and along the seafront. It is the UK’s largest urban contemporary art exhibition and is accessible 24 hours a day and 365 days of the year.

The old high street in the Creative Quarter

Rendezvous Street in Folkestone

If you love the nostalgia of the British motor industry, you’ll definitely want to visit the British Motor Museum. The museum is located in Warwickshire north-west of London; however, if you are staying in Stratford-upon-Avon, it’s great for a day out.

The classic Mini Cooper

The British Motor Museum has so many pristine vehicles that have been lovingly resorted or preserved just for the memories that these British classics bring their owners.
 
In the museum, there are cars and trucks that you’ll recognise from the silver screen. Iconic racing events like the Monte Carlo Rally and historic models you thought had been lost forever.

A land speed MG display at the British Motor Museum

Ok, so technically Eltham Palace is in London. However, believe me, when you step into this Art Deco paradise, you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
 
Eltham Palace is now under the watchful eye of the English Heritage and, they perform an incredible job maintaining this beautiful building.

The reception area of Eltham Palace

Eltham Palace from across the moat

When you think of Canterbury, what springs to mind? The striking cathedral that witnessed the murder of Thomas Becket, Chaucer and his Canterbury Tales, the quaint cobbled lanes around the Buttermarket, or the oldest school in the world.

Strolling along Westgate River Walk in Canterbury

This ancient city has so much to offer, and yes, King’s School is known to be the oldest continuously operated school, which has been teaching scholars since 597AD.
 
Canterbury Cathedral stands as the towering centrepiece of the city and home to the head of the Church of England. It also forms part of Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The War Memorial & Christchurch Gate

The quiet lanes of Canterbury

Share with us your exciting days out around the UK and drop us a comment below.

Ahh, does a town become anymore quintessentially English than Henley-on-Thames? World-famous for its annual Royal Regatta, this charming town in Oxfordshire is delightful.

Hart Street , Henley-on-Thames

As the name would suggest, Henley-on-Thames is nestled along the banks of the River Thames. The town can trace its roots back to the 12th-century so, is full history. The Henley Bridge which straddles the Thames across two counties from Oxfordshire to Berkshire was built in 1786.
 
The old town is so welcoming with quaint boutiques, tea rooms and a regular Farmers Markets held on various days through the month.

The waterfront, Henley-on-Thames

I know I’ve taken you back to the seaside again, I just can’t help it. This time it is Margate, made synonymous by Chas and Dave, the Turner Contemporary gallery and good old Only Fools and Horses.

The beach and the harbour

Like many other coastal towns around the UK, and particularly in Kent, Margate is turning a corner, being revigorated and has a new lease of life. Obviously, these changes take years and sometimes decades; however, Margate is well on the way.
 
This seaside town has a beautiful golden sandy beach, a charming quay encircled by a bustling harbour arm. You can even grab a pot of jellied eels or your favourite shellfish.

The Kentish Pantry in the old Wellington Hotel

The Cinque Posts Pub in Margate

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Inspired for a day out from London?

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