Itching to add a little bleisure to your London business trip? Here’s where to go to for great weekend trips from London, whether you’re flying, driving, or taking the train.
FLY
Dublin: 1 hr 20 min flight
Dublin is a great place to let your hair down. Kick back and enjoy some live music, hearty pub food, and of course, a pint of Guinness.
Barcelona: 2 hr flight
In Barcelona you can soak in some sunshine, drink sangria on the beach, and gawk at Gaudí architecture. Don’t forget to order lots of tapas!
Paris: 1 hr 15 min flight
Who doesn’t want to spend a weekend strolling along the Seine and eating baguettes? A jaunt to the City of Light is an easy and rejuvenating weekend trip from London. Take in world-class art, dine on fantastic food, and people watch from the sidewalk cafes.
TRAIN
Edinburgh: 4 hour train trip
This city has so much to do, but the views alone would make it worth a visit. You’ll find historic architecture, great pubs, and of course, Edinburgh Castle. If you want to get some fresh air, climb Arthur’s Seat, a peak that offers Insta-worthy views of the city.
Brighton: 1.5 hr train trip
This famous English seaside town is known for its laid-back and cheerful attitude. You can enjoy waterfront amusement rides, a historic pier, jaw-dropping architecture, and a youthful nightlife scene.
The Cotswolds: 1.5 hr train trip
When you picture a slice of quintessential English countryside, you’re picturing the Cotswolds. The region’s green hills and stone cottages look like a Pinterest board come to life. If your Cotswolds adventure takes you to Oxfordshire, you can drop by Soho Farmhouse, an offshoot of Soho House, for a country-chic hangout.
Lake District: 2.5 hr train trip
If you prefer your weekends to look more like an REI commercial than a city break, the Lake District is for you. You’ll spot miles of beautiful lakes and rugged mountains, with charming villages along the way. If you’re feeling extra outdoorsy, climb up Scafell Pike, the highest point in England. (The Lake District has plenty of luxurious hotels, so “roughing it” will only need to go as far as your hike.)
DRIVE
White Cliffs Of Dover: 2 hr drive
These stunning chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel aren’t too far from London, but they feel like they’re worlds away. If you’re in the mood for some cardio, take a stroll on top of the cliffs for unbeatable views and seriously photogenic selfie backdrops.
Cornwall:5 hr drive
Cornwall from London is a bit of trek, but it’s well worth a weekend adventure - especially if you take an extra day off or leave early on a Friday afternoon. This county in Southwestern England is known for its rugged coastline and bucolic seaside communities. Be sure to spend some time in the fishing village of Portloe and at historic Tintagel Castle.
Micheldever Wood: 1.5 hr drive
This picturesque forest is rife with walking and biking trails, and plenty of dreamy picnic spots. Micheldever is beautiful year-round, but nothing tops its scenery in the spring, when the forest is carpeted with thousands of bluebells. Roaming through the bluebells as small patches of sunshine peek through the tops of the birch trees is like a walking through real-life fairytale. Just be careful not to step into the frame of any influencers’ enchanted photo shoots!