Best London Day Trips – London the city that never naps. It’s the land of red buses, Big Ben, and an unending parade of people going places in a hurry. But here’s a secret: if you want to hit pause on the urban treadmill and trade in the chaos for tranquility, you don’t need a magic wand; you need London’s idyllic suburbs.
These suburban treasures are where the city’s manic pulse takes a siesta, and all that’s left is greenery, historic charm, and an invitation to relax. So, put your brolly away, and let’s embark on a whimsical journey through London’s tranquil side.
But, first things first: how do you get to these beautiful suburban escapes, if you’re arriving at one of London’s busy airports? With an airport transfer of course! Let’s say you are arriving via Gatwick airport, located on the outskirts of the city, you can easily book an airport taxi to Gatwick airport, or from it in just a few clicks, thanks to AtoB Transfer’s handy website. With a wide range of vehicles, and countless extra services, you can guarantee a smooth ride when travelling with AtoB airport transfer.
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Now – on to London’s beautiful suburbs!
Best London Day Trips
1. Richmond: Riverside Royalty
Paint this picture in your mind: you’re sipping tea by the Thames, watching swans go by while contemplating life’s mysteries. Richmond, with its rich history and Georgian townhouses that have seen more than their fair share of polite tea parties, is the stuff of suburban dreams.
Book an AtoB airport taxi to come here and stroll through Richmond Park – a sprawling royal hunting ground since way back when – and rub elbows (or antlers) with the resident deer. Richmond Bridge, with its elegant arches, will leave you wondering why all bridges can’t be this posh.
2. Hampstead: Where Bohemia Meets Botany
Hampstead, or “Hampstead Village” for those feeling extra posh, is North London’s best-kept secret. This leafy haven has a posse of artists, writers, and folks in search of peace and possibly the meaning of life. The Heath, an ancient parkland, gives you a VIP view of the city, complete with rolling hills and sweeping panoramas.
Cobbled streets, cute cottages, and indie boutiques galore – you’ll think you’ve landed in a rom-com. And don’t forget the Hampstead Ponds, where you can channel your inner mermaid and dive into London’s wild side.
3. Greenwich: Where Time Stands Still
Greenwich is where you can straddle the line between yesterday and today – quite literally. The Royal Observatory marks the Prime Meridian, the point from which all time zones are born. So, you can stand in two hemispheres at once and ponder the universe.
Old Royal Naval College, courtesy of Sir Christopher Wren, is an architectural jaw-dropper, and the Painted Hall is its pièce de résistance. And when you’re done time-traveling, the lush Greenwich Park is your chill zone.
4. Dulwich: Time-Tested Elegance
Dulwich, down South, is like a fine wine that gets better with age. Its Edwardian architecture is classier than a black-tie event. Dulwich Picture Gallery, a swanky 19th-century art haven, houses a treasure trove of Old Masters’ works. Dulwich Park, with its boating lake and pristine gardens, makes for a delightful afternoon escape.
5. Chiswick: West Side Story
Chiswick, in West London, is where you’ll find elegance and sophistication without breaking a sweat. The Chiswick House and Gardens are the definition of architectural eye candy, designed by the third Earl of Burlington. Book Gatwick airport transfer and stroll along the Thames, and you’ll be tempted to do some window shopping at the boutique stores and soak in the café culture on Chiswick High Road.
6. Kew: Nature’s Notebook
Kew is where you can unleash your inner botanist. The Royal Botanic Gardens offer a veritable smorgasbord of flora, complete with a jungle in a glass house. Kew’s village center is quaint, and you can even hop across Kew Bridge to explore Strand-on-the-Green – it’s like a bonus round in your suburban adventure.
7. Wimbledon: More Than Tennis
Wimbledon – it’s not just about strawberries and grunting tennis players. Wimbledon Common is your green playground, perfect for picnics, kite-flying, or simply pretending to be one with nature. The Wimbledon Windmill is a charming 19th-century reminder that windmills are not just for Don Quixote. And when you’re done with all that, Wimbledon Village offers the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern-day indulgence.
8. Blackheath: A Village of Time
South London’s Blackheath is where community spirit meets wide-open spaces. Blackheath Common, dating back to the Middle Ages, is like a giant communal backyard where you can picnic, fly a kite, or just daydream. All Saints’ Church is Gothic grandeur at its finest. And on Sundays, the Blackheath Farmers’ Market takes you on a gourmet adventure you won’t soon forget.
9. Highgate: History with a View
Highgate, perched on the edge of Hampstead Heath, is where you go for history with a view. Highgate Cemetery is the resting place of the greats – Karl Marx and George Eliot, to name a few. The village center is a quaint mix of Georgian and Victorian charm, with cozy shops and traditional pubs. Go here by AtoB airport taxi and don’t miss the Highgate Ponds – a natural oasis for when you’re feeling a bit fishy.
10. Twickenham: Riverside Reverie
Nestled by the Thames, Twickenham is all about riverside reverie and rugby worship. Twickenham Stadium is where the rugby gods gather, but there’s more to this place than scrums and lineouts. Marble Hill House is like a Palladian villa straight out of a Jane Austen novel. The Thames Path is your scenic promenade, and the historic town center is where you can shop, dine, and let your inner bon vivant shine.
In conclusion, London’s suburbs are like the city’s well-kept secret gardens, waiting for you to discover their charms. From the bucolic Richmond to the artsy vibe of Hampstead, the maritime majesty of Greenwich to the timeless elegance of Dulwich – each suburb offers a piece of London’s soul, wrapped in tranquility and history.
So, the next time the London hustle, bustle and kafuffle gets a bit too intense, remember these suburban sanctuaries. They’re not just a place to escape; they’re a journey into London’s quieter, quirkier side. And who knows, you might just find that the suburbs have a certain charm that even the city can’t compete with. It’s London, after all – where tradition meets trend, and every street corner has a story to tell.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.