Want to escape the city and looking for a winter city breaks from London. Here are some of our favourite places to enjoy for your next weekend or night away.
Contents:
Bath
The best way to reach Bath is to go from London Paddington Station to Bath on the train. It is best to book train tickets to Bath in advance as they do become very expensive if bought on the day. If you’re on a budget, you can also get the bus from London Victoria however this trip will take you around 3 hours. All your bus and train tickets can be booked through Trainline.
The Roman Baths are one of the most iconic parts of Bath. These baths, dating back to 70 AD, draw a large crowd to the area which is why you will need to pre-book tickets before visiting, especially during peak times. You can also add on an afternoon tea experience in The Pump Room located on site. Note: You can not bathe in the Roman Baths.
If you’re looking for some relaxation time while in Bath then make sure to book into the Thermal Bath Spa. Located in the middle of Bath, it has views that extend right across the city.
When visiting Bath you can also visit Bath Abbey. Tickets and tours can be purchased online or from the Abbey on the day. Make sure to check out their website for opening times as it is a working church.
If you’re wanting to see Bath from another angle why not opt for a Prosecco Boat Trip. This tour allows you to see all of Baths top attractions from the water while relaxing your feet and sipping on a few glasses of Prosecco.
Want our guide to the Best Things to do in Bath? Read our A Weekend Itinerary for Bath, England here
Where to stay?
No 15 Great Pulteney
Oxford
Oxford is a university town that is home to one of the oldest English speaking Universitys in the world. It is located 90 kms north if London which makes it the perfect day trip from the city. To get to Oxford you can get the train from either London Marylebone or Paddington station. From London Marylebone to Oxford it takes 1 hour and 20 minutes or from Paddington Station to Oxford its is around an hour, tickets can be purchased through Trainline here.
While in Oxford you can spend your day wandering through the university college with a guided tour from one of the students on campus. If you prefer to see the town by boat then why not spend your day punting with an Oxford student.
For more things to do while in Oxford make sure to check out all the tours available on Viator here!
Where to stay?
The Randolph Hotel
Cambridge
The historic city of Cambridge nestled along the River Cam is a must visit English down to add to your next day trip from London. Explore the iconic Kings College and other parts of The University of Cambridge or perhaps spend your day punting along the river.
Cambridge enjoys a direct railway connection with London, offering a variety of services that cater to different travel preferences. Some of these services provide faster more express routes to Cambridge. The train journey from London Kings Cross to Cambridge range from around 50 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes, this also changes the pricing of the ticket that you choose.
If you would like someone else to organise a day tour for you, you can enjoy an Oxford and Cambridge Day Tour from London. These bus tours start and end at London Victoria and take you on a full day to discover both University towns.
If may be too wet and wild in the winter to enjoy a Cambridge Punting Tours however instead why not enjoy a cozy pub feast at the Eagle
If you want our full guide on how to spend your time in Cambridge check out our 1 Day Guide to Cambridge, UK: A University City from London
Where to stay?
The Varsity Hotel & Spa
York
Just two hours out of London by train you can enjoy the historic charm of York. From London Kings Cross St Pancras to York it is a short train ride around 1 hour 45 to 2 hours with either North Eastern Railway or Grand Central Railway, you can find all your tickets through Trainline.
Marvel at the awe-inspiring York Minster, a Gothic cathedral that stands as a testament to centuries of history aImmerse yourself in history at the York Castle Museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich heritage. nd architectural grandeur.
Embark on a thrilling adventure at York Dungeon, where the city’s dark and mysterious past comes to life through interactive exhibits.
Enjoy the flavours of the winter at the Shambles Market or indulge in a delightful afternoon tea at one of York’s many charming tearooms, including the iconic Bettys Tearooms. York’s winter magic is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Where to stay?
No 1 by GuestHouse
Leeds
Christkindelmarkt, a German Christmas market in Millennium Square featuring traditional wooden stalls, seasonal treats, and a sparkling ice rink
Discover the vibrant allure of Leeds, a city brimming with cultural treasures and festive delights during the winter time. To reach the north from London the train journey from London King’s Cross arrives in just over two hours, you can book your train through trainline.
Begin your exploration at the opulent Victoria Quarter, where designer boutiques and grand architecture create a shopping haven. Immerse yourself in the world of art at Leeds Art Gallery, housing an impressive collection spanning centuries.
If you are there during December embrace the seasonal magic at Christkindelmarkt, a German Christmas market in Millennium Square. Wander through rows of traditional wooden stalls, savor seasonal treats, and feel the holiday spirit come alive. The sparkling ice rink adds an extra layer of enchantment, making Leeds a winter destination that seamlessly blends retail therapy, artistic appreciation, and festive cheer.
Where to stay?
The Queens Hotel
Bristol
From London you can also catch the train or bus to Bristol departing from either London Victoria or London Paddington . The train from Paddington station takes around 1.5 hours and the bus which departs from London Victoria takes around 3 hours.
Bristol has its very own unique style, think of it as the ‘Camden’ of England. The city is always vibrant with its bright and colourful art lining the streets. There is always something happening in Bristol, whether it is a big concert, local band or even a gorilla park rave.
Bristol is also host to Englands very own wave pool called, The Wave. Open 7 days a week The Wave is only 20 minutes out of Bristol City Center by car.
For our full weekend guide read our Best things to do on a Weekend in Bristol
Where to stay?
Mollies Motel
Canterbury
Canterbury is 89 kms south east of London in the district of Kent, England along the River Stour. This medieval city was originally a walled city, which remains can still be seen around the city. The heritage town is full of independent shops, galleries and museums that are all great to explore on your day trip from London. Trains to Canterbury run from London St Pancras to Canterbury West in around 1 hour or London Victoria to Canterbury East in 1 hour and 50 minutes, tickets for this train can be bought through Trainline here. This makes Canterbury a great place for a winter city break from London.
The Canterbury Cathedral is a UNESCO Heritage listed site dating back to the 6th Century. This Grade 1 listed Gothic building is the cathedral home to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Tickets to the Cathedral are £16 for adults and children go free, tickets can be purchased through Get Your Guide here.
For the full guide to Canterbury read our Canterbury, UK: Exploring Historic Kent, England
Where to stay?
The Corner House
Nottingham
Explore the historic city of Nottingham, where the streets are full of England’s rich heritage. From London train to Nottingham run regularly from either London St Pancras International or Kings Cross, you can book tickets through trainline here.
Start your time in Nottingham at Nottingham Castle. This Norman castle built starting 1068 has also been added to through the medieval period as well. The grounds are open daily from 11-4pm. After you’ve explored Nottingham Castle head to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, one of England’s oldest pubs.
If the castle is not for you can also try one of Nottinghams quirky self guided walks. Discover hidden gems of Nottingham while also exploring its hero of Robin Hood.
Wander through the enchanting Lace Market, an area adorned with beautifully preserved 19th-century warehouses and historic lace factories. Marvel at the architectural elegance that has stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into Nottingham’s industrial past.
While in Nottingham soak up the winter spirit with Winter Wonderland, where the city hosts festive lights, ice skating rinks, and a great atmosphere.
Where to stay?
Lace Market Hotel
Liverpool
Liverpool is a vibrant city bustling with culture, history and great nightlife. This historic port city has second highest number of art galleries, national museums, listed buildings with London out ranking the city.
There are several different ways to get the train from London to Liverpool all which leave from Euston station in London. We chose to go from Euston to Liverpool Lime street direct on our way out which took around 2 hours and 30 minutes. To make the trip cheaper on the way back we split the jouney by taking the slower train from Liverpool Lime Street to Crewe then changed to Euston. When arriving in Liverpool there are multiple station, before arriving check which station is closest to your accomodation. Train tickets can be booked through Trainline.
The most iconic things to do in Liverpool is to immerse yourself in the world of The Beatles by enjoying one of the Beatles Experiences. Perhaps if football is more for you try a LFC Stadium Tour providing an immersive experience, offering behind the scenes into Liverpool FC’s club history.
For our full guide on the city make sure to check out Liverpool in 48 Hours: The Best Weekend Guide
Where to stay?
The Baltic Hotel
Edinburgh
Wanting to tick another country off the list but don’t have that much time? The High Speed LNER train departs Kings Cross to Edinburgh in 4.5 hours, you can purchase your tickers through Trainline here.
Explore the enchanting winter charm of Edinburgh by starting your journey with a leisurely stroll down the Royal Mile. This bustling street stretches Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the walk you will enjoy many different shops and cafes as well as being serenaded by the bagpipes when you reach closer to the castle.
If you’re looking for more of an adventure take a brisk walk up Arthur’s Seat. This dormant volcano that offers panoramic views of the whole of Edinburgh. The walk takes around 4.75km in a circular route and takes around 2 hours to complete.
Indulge your senses with a Scotch Whisky Experience, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and flavours of Scotland’s national drink. If you’re not a fan whisky and prefer gin, don’t miss the opportunity to visit a local distillery, our favourite was Holyrood Distillery, and enjoy the unique botanical blends that make Scottish gin.
If you’re visiting in December make sure to experience the festive magic of the Edinburgh Christmas Market in Princes Street Gardens. Enjoy the holiday spirit as you explore the festive stalls, seasonal food that make this market a winter wonderland in the heart of the city.
Want to explore more of Scotland? Check out Our Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary of Scotland’s NC500
Where to stay?
Dakota Edinburgh Hotel
*Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links, that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission.
