Sometimes all you need is a few days away to reset. Whether it’s swapping crowded Tube carriages for coastal walks, or trading city lights for slow mornings and fresh air, a long weekend outside of London can make a big difference.
Luckily, you don’t have to travel far. From seaside escapes to cultural getaways just across the Channel, there are plenty of great places for a short break that still feel like a proper holiday.
Here are five of the best options to consider when you need a quick but refreshing change of pace.
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5 Best Long Weekends from London
The Cotswolds: Chocolate-Box Villages and Rolling Hills
If your idea of a break involves country pubs, scenic walks and pretty villages, the Cotswolds ticks all the boxes. It’s close enough to reach in a couple of hours, but it feels worlds away from city life.
Places like Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway offer lovely spots to base yourself for the weekend. Wander through antique shops, go for long countryside walks, or settle in for a lazy lunch at a local gastropub.
Accommodation ranges from cosy cottages to boutique hotels and even spa retreats, perfect if you want to unwind properly. You won’t need to do much planning here; the joy is in the wandering, the eating and the fresh air.
Getting there: Around 2 hours by car or direct train options to nearby towns like Moreton-in-Marsh.
Paris, France: Quick Eurostar Escape with Countryside Options
Paris is just over two hours from London by train, making it one of the easiest and most exciting weekend escapes. You can hop on the Eurostar after work on Friday and be sipping wine in a neighbourhood bistro by dinner.
Spend your time wandering the cobbled streets of Le Marais, visiting galleries, browsing bookshops or enjoying pastries in quiet cafés. Paris is romantic, yes – but it’s also great solo or with friends, offering the perfect mix of art, history and style.
If you’ve been before and want something slightly different this time, you could skip the city centre altogether and book beautiful villa holidays just outside of Paris. Places like Fontainebleau or the Loire Valley offer peaceful settings, grand architecture and that classic French countryside charm, ideal for a quieter break without sacrificing good food or culture.
Getting there: Eurostar from London St Pancras. Book in advance for the best prices.
Liverpool: History, Music and a Laid-Back Northern Welcome
For something closer to home but with a completely different vibe from London, Liverpool is a brilliant option. It’s got music history, great food, independent shops and one of the most genuine, friendly atmospheres of any UK city.
Walk along the docks, visit the Tate Liverpool or the Beatles Story museum, or just enjoy the buzz of the Baltic Triangle, an area full of street art, pop-ups and great places to eat. The nightlife is also famously fun, from cosy pubs to big live music venues.
If you’re booking last-minute, there are usually great last minute hotel deals in Liverpool, especially if you’re flexible with location. Many are just a short walk from the centre or close to the train station, so it’s easy to make the most of your time there.
Getting there: Around 2–2.5 hours by train from London Euston.
Margate: Vintage Seaside Vibes with a Creative Twist
On the southeast coast of England, Margate is an easy seaside escape with a cool, quirky edge. Over the past few years, it’s gone from faded seaside town to a creative hub full of galleries, independent cafés and retro charm.
You can browse the Turner Contemporary, explore the tidal pool, and enjoy proper fish and chips on the beach. There’s also plenty of vintage shopping and art scattered around the Old Town. If you’re into photography, Margate’s golden-hour light is something special.
There are lots of new guesthouses and Airbnb options in the area, many run by creatives and locals who know all the best places to eat and explore.
Getting there: Around 1.5–2 hours by train from London St Pancras.
Bath: History, Hot Springs and Easy Elegance
Bath is one of those places that instantly puts you in a slower, more relaxed frame of mind. With its Georgian architecture, Roman ruins and natural hot springs, it’s the kind of place where you want to wander slowly and take your time.
Spend the weekend visiting the Roman Baths, booking a session at Thermae Bath Spa, or simply walking along the Royal Crescent and the Avon River. The city is compact and easy to explore, and you’ll find great places for brunch, coffee and dinner without needing to go far.
It’s also a great spot for a couple’s weekend or a solo recharge, somewhere you can do as little or as much as you like.
Getting there: Around 1.5 hours by train from London Paddington.
Where Will You Venture to Next?
You don’t need to plan a big holiday to feel like you’ve had a real break. Whether it’s discovering art and good food in Liverpool, relaxing in a villa just outside Paris, or curling up by the fire in the Cotswolds, a long weekend away can work wonders.
Even just a couple of nights in a new place, with fewer emails, no commutes, and a change of scenery, can help you return to London with a clearer head. And with so many great options close by, the only hard part is choosing where to go next!
FAQs
How far in advance should I book these trips?
For places like the Cotswolds and Bath, you can often find something decent even booking just a week or two ahead, especially if you’re flexible about exact locations. Paris and Liverpool usually have good availability too, though Eurostar tickets are cheaper when booked early. Margate can get surprisingly busy during summer weekends, so it’s worth checking accommodation a few weeks out if you’re planning a warm-weather trip.
Do I need to rent a car for any of these destinations?
Not really. All these places work well without a car, though having one in the Cotswolds does give you more flexibility to hop between villages. Paris has excellent public transport, Bath and Liverpool are very walkable, and Margate is small enough to explore on foot. If you’re planning villa holidays outside Paris, that might be the one exception where a car rental makes sense.
What’s the best time of year to visit these places?
Each has its charm year-round, honestly. Spring and autumn are lovely for the Cotswolds with fewer crowds and beautiful countryside. Paris is magical in winter (though pack layers), while summer gives you long evenings perfect for wandering. Margate shines in late spring through early autumn when you can make the most of the seaside. Bath and Liverpool are solid choices any time, though Bath’s outdoor attractions like the Roman Baths are more enjoyable when it’s not pouring rain.
Are these places suitable for families with kids?
Most of them work well with children, though some are more kid-friendly than others. Liverpool has loads of family attractions beyond just Beatles stuff. The docks area is great for little ones. Bath can be educational with the Roman Baths, though it’s quite walking-heavy. Margate is perfect for families with its beach and traditional seaside attractions. The Cotswolds depends on your kids’ tolerance for country walks and antique shops. Paris with children is doable but requires a bit more planning. On a short trip, keep it simple with parks and kid-friendly attractions; it’s less stressful and allows more time for fun.
What if I want somewhere even closer to London?
If you want to keep travel time under an hour, consider Brighton (great seafront and food scene), Canterbury (lovely cathedral city), or even Greenwich (technically still London but feels like a proper day out).
Windsor is another option if you fancy some royal history without straying too far from home.