Looking for the best places to visit near London? We covered all – from the countryside to market towns and villages – no place is too far from London!
Where to go near me? Luckily there are many nice places near London and top sightseeing.
Someone once said: “if you are tired of London you are tired of life”. Yes, London is an amazing city, with amazing parks, old pubs and cute cafes. But if have seen all the top landmarks in London and ticked all ideas from your list of things to do in London, it’s time to see something else.
It’s time to visit the best places near London!
Whether you fancy visiting Cotswold villages, a trip to the Isle of Wight or simply would like to see some other cities in England, you can do it while spending a few days in England.
Where can you go outside of London? There are many options awaiting you – from a short one day trip from London to an amazing weekend trip in the UK. The only question is, how much time you wish to spend outside of London?
Nice places to visit near me types:
| Cities near London to visit: | St Albans |
| Cool places near me: | Shere |
| Nice place near London for tourists: | Stonehenge |
| Natural beauty spots near me: | New Forest |
| Places to visit with family near me: | Chiltern Hills |
| Places to hangout near me: | Richmond Park |
| Tourist places near me: | Oxford |
| Scenic places near me: | Lavenham |
Places to see near me – car hire
Check out our guide to the best car hire company in the UK or simply explore the options directly on discovercars.com if you need a car to visit the best locations near me.
Top 10 places to visit near London:
- Castle Combe
- Lavenham
- Seven Sisters
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Cheddar Gorge
- Durdle Door
- Richmond Park
- Bibury
- Rye
- Isle of Wight
With so many great places to visit in England outside of London, you just can’t miss the opportunity! With that in mind, we present you the best places to visit near London including some of the best villages around London.
Explore the best places to go near me from London and top sightseeing near me:
Best places to visit near London
1. Lower Slaughter
Best place to visit near London? Just over a mile from Bourton-on-the-Water are the twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter.
Lower Slaughter is a very quiet and pretty Cotswold Village. It is very popular with visitors and is famous for being one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds. If you are planning your next UK weekend getaway, then this part of Gloucestershire is just perfect for your base.
If you’re looking for some luxury, you could stay at The Slaughters Manor House. If you’re looking for something a little simpler and no fuss, you can find rooms at The Slaughters Country Inn.
2. Lavenham
Places near me to visit? Two hours northeast of Central London, in Suffolk, is the village of Lavenham. It is often considered to be Britain’s best-preserved medieval village, and there are winding streets with stunning buildings and architecture to explore.
If you are in this area just make sure to visit Lavenham! You will love its 300 plus preserved ancient buildings and collection of colourful timber-framed cottages.
3. Chipping Campden
Beautiful places to visit near London? Chipping Campden is a beautiful market town near London. Located in the Cotswold provides lots of places to eat and drink it’s definitely worth a visit to see the buildings and architecture.
its terraced High Street, dating from the 14th century to the 17th century, makes it one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the UK!
4. Finchingfield
Nice places near me? Finchingfield in Essex is one of the top places to explore near me!
This beautiful village is a stunning example of a traditional English village. In fact, many people say that it is one of the most photographed villages in England. Whether it’s true or not, we think that you just have to see it! 🙂
Finchingfield has a small duck pond and village green area overlooked by colour cottages and nearby windmill and a medieval church. There are a few coffee shops and a pub – it’s a perfect place to visit in Essex near London.
5. Castle Combe
If you are looking for a great place to visit not far from London then Castle Combe is the number one! This beautiful village in Cotswold has been known as one of the prettiest villages in England.
Go for a walk, have Sunday lunch or visit the legendary Castle Combe circuit – there are many reasons to visit this stunning village located in the Cotswolds Area of Natural Beauty in Wiltshire.
With 102 miles west from London, Castle Combe is nearer the capital city than you think!
6. Isle of Portland
Cool places to visit near me? One of our favourite places for a day of sightseeing from London is the Isle of Portland. This unique island marks the southernmost point on the Jurassic Coast.
The Isle of Portland is a small, tied island that is 4 miles long by 1.7 miles wide. You can walk around the whole island in around four hours without any issues or just drive and make a few stops to see the best of the island.
Let’s face it! No trip to Dorset is complete without spending at least a day on the unique Isle of Portland.
7. Aldbury
Places of interest near me? There are many places in Hertfordshire you just have to see! If you fancy quintessential British villages then head out to Aldbury!
Aldbury is not only a top place in the Herts but also one of the most popular villages to see near London.
Yes, you might recognize this place from TV as it has appeared on the screen a few times as one of the stunning Midsomer Murders locations.
With so many amazing Hertfordshire attractions to visit, the village of Aldbury has to be top of your list!
8. Chipping Norton
Top place to see near me? Chipping Norton, known as Chippy by the locals, is a great example of a down-to-earth place. The high street is filled with proper shops, not just tourist shops selling trinkets. It’s a vibrant town that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Chipping Norton has the distinction of being the highest town in Oxfordshire. So the views, when the weather is good, are phenomenal.
If you are planning to visit Cotswolds, make sure you have Chipping Norton on your list too!
Psst… the famous Diddly Squat Farm Shop is only 2 miles away from Chipping Norton 😉
9. Shere
Best places to visit near me? Nestled in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Shere village has some stunning scenery and plenty of unmissable sights including the Silent Pool and Newlands Corner. Shere is often visited by keen walkers and those looking for an outdoor adventure.
Shere in Surrey is a top destination for a day trip from London!
10. Shaftesbury
Nice place to go near me? Shaftesbury is a small market town located in Dorset, Southern England. Its fascinating history goes back to Saxon times.
The town is famous for being home to Gold Hill – one of the most magical places in England. You will probably recognise it for the “Hovis” advert.
Shaftesbury is a perfect location for a base in case you are planning to explore this area during a weekend trip. From here you can easily access Stonehenge and the Jurassic Coast.
11. St Albans
Nice places to visit near me? Perched about 1 hour north of the capital city, it is one of the best places to visit in near London and a spot that we know you will love!
Let’s face it, there’s always something for you to do in St Albans! With history on every footstep, many great pubs and beautiful places to simply stop and relax, a day trip to St. Albans is always a great choice.
St Albans is also known as one of the best commuter towns London for schools.
Before you visit this beautiful place, learn more about the best tourist attractions & unusual things to do in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
So, is St Albans on your list of the best places to visit near London?
12. Seven Sisters
Top places to visit near me today? Probably one of the best places to go hiking near London, Seven Sisters is a stunning spot in southern England. You wouldn’t believe that you can see such colour of water in England – and you will be amazed!
This just did it for us. We fell in love with this area straight away and it really is up there with the best places to visit near London!
13. Durdle Door
Places to visit outside London? The limestone cliff of Durdle Door is located on the Jurassic Coast in the south of England in Dorset. Geologists estimate the age of the rock to be around 140 million years. This probably is the most photographed location of the Jurassic Coast and every year it is visited by over 500,000 tourists from all over the world.
Durdle Door is not only a stunning arch-shaped limestone rock, but it is also a wide pebble beach with turquoise waters. It is an ideal place for relaxation and swimming in the summer months.
It’s a truly magical place!
14. Alfriston
Nice place near me? Alfriston is a stunning hidden gem in the South Downs National Park. A few years ago, it was named one of “England’s most beautiful villages” by the Telegraph so you can be sure that t’s a nice place to visit.
Alfriston is one of the oldest villages in England. It was founded in the Saxon period and later became a market town in the Middle Ages. As one of the best countryside villages near London, Alfriston is a must-visit location in East Sussex.
15. Abingdon
Nearest tourist places near me? Abingdon is a tourist destination in the best sense. Located in Oxfordshire, the town takes pride in being one of the oldest settlements in the UK, as they can trace their roots back to a pre-neolithic settlement. This means there is a wealth of history to see in this little town.
The locals take joy in bringing it to life with regular markets and street performances. This is a lively and joyful place to visit and learn a little about the area’s history.
16. Old Harry Rocks
Best places near me to visit? Located at the southern end of Studland Bay Old Harry Rocks is one of the most famous landmarks in England and a very popular attraction on the South Coast.
The area is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and it’s probably one of the best coastal walks near London. In fact, being part of the South West Coast Path, the route leading to Old Harry is popular with both walkers and cyclists.
Old Harry Rocks is definitely very popular so with many visitors it can be busy during the summer months. To us, this is one of the most magical places to visit in the UK!
17. Turville
Nice places around London? Turville is located in Buckinghamshire and it’s part of an area known as the Chiltern Hills – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Have lunch at The Bull & Butcher pub (it was featured in the famous Midsomer Murders TV series) and walk up the hill to see the Turville Windmill.
If you want to know what life in a rural English village is like and you’re looking for some peace, then Turville village is a perfect place to visit for a day trip.
18. Stonehenge
There are many amazing attractions near me. Due to its location, Stonehenge is one of the most visited places on a day trip from London – a must on any UK bucket list!
Whether you are a tourist visiting England or a born Londoner, Stonehenge itself is easily one of the best places to visit in England, especially if you are based in or near London.
If staring at stones for too long is not your thing, there are many other places to visit near the capital city, including the next one on the list – Silverstone!
19. Silverstone
It really is one of the best places to visit near London… especially for F1 lovers!
I have to confess, that I’m a bit obsessed with Formula 1! If you would like to try your driving skills, then there is no better place to do so than the legendary Silverstone circuit!
Be like Schumacher, Senna or Hamilton for a day – your dream is closer than you think! In fact, it’s near London – only 70 miles away.
20. Burnham Beeches
Good places to visit near me? Just west of Farnham Common in Burnham, Buckinghamshire is Burnham Beeches. It is a biological Site of Special Interest and is owned by the Corporation of London.
The picturesque nature reserve is open to the public, and visitors love exploring the woodland trails and beautiful surroundings.
Ponies and cattle are used to look after the reserve so keep an eye out for them on your visit. If you love exploring forests, then Burnham Beeches is a great place for a nice family walk close to London.
21. Windsor
I know, cars are not everybody’s cup of tea!
But if you like tea, you could have one with the Queen while visiting Windsor. In case she is busy or not present in the castle there are also other things to do in Windsor – and you will like all of them as much as having a cup of tea with the lady who appears on Bank of England notes 😉
Going back to our list – we couldn’t forget to shout out Windsor as one of the best places to visit near London, could we?
Looking for beauty spots near London? If it’s your first trip around London, we know you will find some of the best places to visit in England that are just outside of the capital city.
22. Chiltern Hills
Being near London, Chiltern Hills area is just perfect for everyone willing to visit quintessential British villages, amazing nature or some of the best market towns in England.
Visit Amersham or Chesham and discover the best that Buckinghamshire has to offer!
23. Witney
Near by places to visit? Oxfordshire is dotted with market towns. But, Witney is the biggest of them all. The town has been famous in the area since the middle ages when it became ‘the place’ to get woollen blankets.
The entrepreneurial spirit still remains in the area. So, if you’re looking for a fun shopping experience in a historic town, then this is, without doubt, the place to visit.
Make sure you also visit the Cogges Manor Farm. It’s a living museum located in a manor house and grounds, with demonstrations and animal feeding.
24. Kew Gardens
It really is a contender for the best places to visit near London. In fact, Kew Gardens is one of the best parks in London.
Why did we include it on our list of the best places to visit near London? To be fair, when you visit this beautiful garden you will really feel like far away from the capital city – and that’s a good reason 😉
25. Arundel
Beautiful places near me? Arundel is a very nice market town located in West Sussex, England.
It is a popular tourist destination in Southern England famous for its Georgian buildings and medieval castle.
According to some property experts, Arundel is one of the best places to live in England. In fact, the historic market town has been named of the top towns in England to live in and many consider it one of the best commuter towns near London. Whether you want to call it home or not, it is definitely one of the top places to visit near London!
26. Burford
Burford is one of our favourite market towns in England and possibly one of the best places to visit near London.
Known as the southern gateway to the Cotswolds this small medieval town on the River Windrush is really worth visiting. Its long high street set upon a hillside is filled with many independent shops and cafes. It really has its own very individual character with so many beautiful stone houses.
If you are looking for a nice location near London, for either a weekend getaway in England or just for a day trip from London, Burford will definitely meet your expectation!
27. Cheddar Gorge
Best places to visit in England outside of London? This might sound cheesy but Cheddar Gorge really is one of the most beautiful places near London to visit!
This limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, located close to the village of Cheddar in Somerset is probably one of the most spectacular landmarks in England. If you love nature, this iconic gorge is a perfect choice for a family day out. It really is an example of amazing natural wonders in Europe.
28. Bibury
Tourist places near me from London? About 2 hours from London, the Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty that you will definitely love! Bibury village, one of the most famous villages in Cotswold, is easily one of the top beauty places near London!
If you think that Bibury is just some houses on a row, you can’t be more wrong! There is much more you can see and do in this village, including amazing walks or having lunch in the iconic ivy-clad Swan Hotel.
No wonder Bibury was once described by William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England“.
29. Rye
What to visit near me from London? The English town of Rye, located near the coast in East Sussex, really is one of England’s best-kept secrets!
Nestled between the English Channel and green rolling hills of the South Downs, Rye with its half-timbered houses and medieval feel is a must-see in the part of southern England.
It really is one of the best places to visit near the capital city.
30. Wendover Woods
Best places near me? Located in the beautiful Chilterns is Wendover Woods, just outside of West London. On a day trip to Wendover Woods, you will be treated to amazing views over the Chiltern Hills, rambling forest trails and a local café serving hot and cold favourites.
Wendover Woods is also home to Go Ape Tree Top Adventure, for the thrill-seekers among us. This woodland park is about an hour and a half drive from central London or can be reached by train using Chiltern Railways.
We love visiting Wendover Woods as it’s one of our top places for walking near London!
31. Bourton-on-the-Water
Looking for pretty places near London? This charming English village is one of the most popular places to visit in the Cotswolds. Located on the River Windrush it is known for its low bridges and traditional stone houses. It is also often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” so if you already visited the original Venice in Italy or Little Venice in London, you just have to visit Bourton-on-the-Water!
Without a double, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Cotswold. Don’t forget to visit the Motoring Museum, Birdland and the famous Bourton on the Water Model Village.
Bourton-on-the-Water really is a strong contender for the best places to visit near London!
32. Petworth
Nice place to visit near London? If you are looking for a scenic drive near London, then you must visit this small town in West Sussex.
Petworth is a perfectly preserved market town that is nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Beautiful, steeped in history, Petworth has been even voted as the Best Antiques Town!
From Petworth’s historic streets to cute cafés and classic pubs are many things to do in Petworth.
33. Oxford
Top cities in England near London? Its reputable university makes it one of the most famous cities in England and it is definitely a great place to visit near London.
Oxford is brimming with things to do! In fact, the historic city of Oxford is one of the most popular places to visit near London. Whether you go for a day trip from London by car or you spend a family day out, the city is just great.
The most obvious reason for visiting Oxford is its famous university, which is the second oldest in the world. But you should also spend a bit of time in the Oxford Botanic Garden or Christ Church Meadow – the city is more than the university and other old buildings ?
34. Richmond Park
Where to visit near me? Perched south-west of London, about 20 minutes drive by car, it really is one of the best places to visit near the capital city – especially for all nature-lovers!
Richmond Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and probably one of our favourite parks in London. The good news is that the park free of charge and the only fee you have to pay if the parking fee – if you are visiting the park by car.
There are many great things to do in Richmond Park, from watching deer to cycling and walking. You should also spend some time in Richmond enjoying an afternoon on the riverside.
35. Broadway Tower
Beauty spots near me? If you are seeking inspiration for your next trip out of London, the Broadway Tower definitely should be a strong contender. it really is one of the most unique places to visit near London and a must on any UK bucket list!
Located near Broadway in Worcestershire, Broadway Tower is a must-see place in the Cotswold. The 65 feet or 20 metres high tower is one of England’s outstanding viewpoints and the second-highest point in the Cotswold. Some even say that this is one of the most iconic landmarks in England.
Whether you agree with that or not, without a doubt the surrounding area is worth visiting and the 5-miles-long Broadway Tower Walk is also known as one of the best places for hiking near London.
36. New Forest
Nice places to go near London? All across southern England, it is filled to the brim with some of the best places to visit near London – and New Forest is definitely one of them!
With its clifftop walks, idyllic villages and some of South East England’s most picturesque countryside, New Forest is definitely a great idea for a UK bucket list.
From kayaking, bike riding and of course watching the windswept native ponies, there are so many things to do in New Forest. If you even have the opportunity to experience this magical place near London, do it! You will fall in love with its magical landscape.
36. Bournemouth
Looking for best places to go near London for fun? Nestled between the southern coastline and the New Forest, Bournemouth is full of attractions and number one resort town in Dorset.
Stunning coastline views and golden sands make Bournemouth one of the best places to visit for a seaside family break. It is also home to some of the best beaches near London. The town was once voted the country’s best coastal resort so you have to visit at least once.
You will honestly be blown away by how beautiful this place is and really is one of the best places to visit near London.
38. Stow on the Wold
Top country places near London? Anyone going to the Cotswolds has to visit the charming market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. With its large and lively market square, many tiny tearooms and cosy pubs is definitely a must-visit on a trip from London.
Stow-on-the-Wold is also known as one of Britain’s best locations for antique shops.
Definitely one of the most picturesque areas in the heart of the English countryside!
39. Isle of Wight
Best places to visit near London England? Perched on its own island, the Isle of Wight is possibly one of the most unique and best places to visit near London.
The beautiful Isle of Wight is one of the most rural and quiet places you can visit in southern England. It is known for its stunning beaches and amazing seafront – some even call it one of the best islands in Europe. OK, that will be mainly Brits living on the island ?
There are many ingesting thins to do and see, from driving the Military Road to the Needles – 3 huge, white chalk rocks being one of the most famous landmarks in England!
40. Blenheim Palace
Best sightseeing near me? Located near Oxford, Blenheim Palace is one of England’s most popular tourist destinations. This Unesco World Heritage Site, known for its famous landscape was the birthplace of Winston Churchill, making it a must-have on any UK bucket list.
The Palace is a bit expensive to visit but there are a number of public footpaths cross the park around the palace, so it is possible to visit the green areas without the need to buy a ticket.
It really is one of the best places to visit near London.
41. Hampton Court Palace
Must visit places near me? The historic Hampton Court Palace is a former royal palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, England. A large Tudor mansion, it is on the south bank of the River Thames,16 miles (26 km) south west of central London. It has been a Grade I listed building since 1960 and an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
The palace was the location for filming scenes from A Knight’s Tale (2001) starring Heath Ledger, who died there shortly after completing his role in this film.
42. Bath
Beautiful place near me? If you are looking for a beautiful place to visit near London, then look no further.
The beautiful town of Bath is a popular tourist destination. It is situated in the county of Somerset, England. It is one of the most visited cities in England due to its history and architecture. Bath is famous worldwide for its hot springs, which include the famous Thermae Baths. These Roman baths were built around 1st century AD during Roman times.
You can find many beautiful places near Bath that you can visit during your vacation or weekend break from work.
43. Canterbury
Nice places to visit in near me? Canterbury is a beautiful city, and we are big fans of this place.
The city is a great place to visit near London if you’re looking for something different from the usual tourist attractions. You’ll find plenty of beautiful buildings and historical sites here, but there are also lots of other things to see that aren’t so obvious at first glance.
Canterbury is also famous for its food, with new restaurants opening at a rate of one per week. The city’s centre retains many medieval buildings and can be explored by foot or on bike hire and bus tours.
44. Brighton
Good place near me to visit fro London? Brighton is a wonderful place to visit near London, whether you’re a tourist or a local. It’s got plenty of fantastic attractions and activities, as well as some beautiful places to enjoy your time here.
The city is an ideal place to visit during the summer months. The city’s beachfront promenade, which runs for 3.2 miles (5 km), is one of the longest in Europe. The seafront is lined with hotels, restaurants and cafes that are perfect for relaxing after a day’s sightseeing or shopping.
45. Stratford-upon-Avon
Cute places near me? If you’re looking for a beautiful place to visit in Stratford-upon-Avon, then you’ve come to the right place. Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the most beautiful towns in England, and it’s well worth spending some time here.
The main attraction of Stratford-upon-Avon is Shakespeare’s birthplace – New Place House. It is located on Henley Street and has been open since 2007 after being restored by the National Trust. It remains as it was when Shakespeare lived there with his wife Anne Hathaway and their children.
46. Cambridge
Pretty places near me? Cambridge is a historic city in England which is the capital of the county of Cambridgeshire. It’s located in the East Anglia region of England, and is known as “The Merry Maidens” because of its pretty medieval churches.
It is a very popular destination during the summer months when many tourists visit the city to see its famous colleges and enjoy its beautiful surroundings.
The city has many beautiful places to visit and see – perfect on a day trip from London!
47. Portsmouth
Nice locations near me? Portsmouth is a city of around 170,000 people in Hampshire, England. It’s the third largest city in the south-east of England and was an important naval port until the middle of the 20th century.
The city has a wide range of attractions, including museums, theatres, parks and galleries. The city has been selected as one of Britain’s top ten visitor attractions by Travelodge and is listed in the top 10 best cities to visit in 2017 by TripAdvisor.
It’s a great place to visit if you want to get out into nature and explore some beautiful countryside or coastal scenery.
48. Bristol
Near me tourist places worth visiting? Bristol is a city in England that is known for its unique culture and diversity. It is also one of the most important ports in the world. The city has many beautiful places where you can go to have fun and enjoy yourself.
The city is surrounded by stunning countryside with rolling hills and lush green fields. It is also home to many historic buildings and museums, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Bristol Promenade and the Maritime Museum, which has one of the largest collections of ships on display in Europe.
49. Cheltenham
Beautiful place to visit near me? This beautiful town is located on the edge of the Cotswolds and has a lot to offer. It’s home to some beautiful parks, gardens and historic buildings. There are also plenty of green spaces where you can hike or walk your dog.
It was once a spa town and is now better known for tourism and horse racing. Its most famous attraction is The Spa itself, which has been open since 1796.
50. Winchester
Beautiful places around me? Winchester is the United Kingdom’s best-preserved medieval city centre and Britain’s third oldest city. Winchester was the capital of England from its foundation to 1569, when Henry VIII moved the royal court to London. Today, it is the current county town of Hampshire; it remains the only inland county town in England.
The city’s market square is also well known for its large number of shops selling antiques and collectibles as well as for its food stalls which offer delicious local dishes such as hot pies and pasties
Beautiful places to visit near me FAQ
There are several scenic places to visit near London within 50 miles. Richmond Park is a beautiful, expansive park known for its deer population and stunning views. The Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is another popular destination with rolling hills, quaint villages, and picturesque walking trails. Finally, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are a stunning botanical garden that offers visitors a chance to enjoy a wide variety of plant life from around the world.
Lavenham, New Forest and Castle Combe are amongst the best places to go near London.
There are many places of outstanding natural beauty near London. The Chiltern Hills, located to the northwest of London, offers rolling hills, stunning views, and quaint villages. The South Downs National Park, located to the south of London, boasts picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and a network of walking trails. Finally, the Cotswolds, located to the west of London, are renowned for their rolling hills, charming villages, and historic architecture.
Which of the above places near London are you going to see next?
Without a doubt, there is a huge selection of stunning places to visit near London. Whether you travel a few miles or over 100, there is a bit of everything for everyone to explore just outside of the capital city.
You just have to decide if you prefer to visit beautiful English villages, go hiking near London or explore the best British market towns!
It is worth visiting beautiful places near London?
Yes, absolutely! There are many beautiful places to visit near London, each with their own unique charm and attractions. Whether you’re looking for historic castles and palaces, stunning natural landscapes, picturesque towns and villages, or world-renowned gardens and parks, there’s something for everyone within easy reach of London. Plus, getting out of the city and experiencing the beauty of the surrounding areas can be a great way to relax and recharge, and can offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
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