Lady’s 23 Beautiful Towns Near London You Have to See

Today I want to share my guide to the most beautiful towns near London with you. From Sussex to Kent and the Cotswolds, there are storybook towns in easy driving, train, and tour distance from the UK capital. It’s worth taking a special trip to see the best of them. Read on for my favorite places. I’ve included a map as well.

Towns Near London

It’s challenging to make a list of the best towns near London because there are so many to choose from. The Home Counties and other areas near the UK capital are packed with idyllic destinations. You’ll find some of the best places to visit in the UK here.

From verdant hills to woolly sheep, this green and pleasant land is dotted with towns that are straight out of a fairy tale. But since this land is real and I’ve committed to drawing up a list of the prettiest towns near London, I’m going to give it my best shot.

Whether you’re looking for destinations with thatched-roof cottages, places for country breaks near London, inspiration for day trips from London without a car (or with one), or ideas for 2-day trips from London, there’s a town on my list for you.

1. Rye

In East Sussex, Rye deserves a spot on my list of the most beautiful towns near London. This place is packed with cobbled streets, haunted inns, half-timbered facades, and pretty cottages. It’s an easy train trip from London as well.

There are lots of things to do in Rye, too. From climbing the church’s bell tower to visiting the home of writer Henry James, the town has a lot to offer visitors.

Rye is also an easy walk from Camber Castle, a fortress with connections to Henry VIII. It’s one of my favorite castles near London. And that’s to say nothing of the town’s proximity to Camber Sands, one of the best beaches in East Sussex.

If this sounds like your kind of destination, you can book a place to stay in Rye here. If you want something unique, it’s said that the Mermaid Inn is haunted. You can book your room here to find out.

2. Lewes

Lewes is another of my favorite towns near London. Not far from Brighton, it’s home to narrow cobbled lanes, loads of history, and great shops. Thanks to the hills, there are sweeping views over the town and surrounding countryside.

The houses in Lewes are impressive, too. Not only can you find a home that belonged to Virginia Woolf here, but also one that was owned by Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife of Henry VIII.

There’s a Norman castle in Lewes as well. Perched on a hilltop, the medieval fortress dominates the skyline and serves as a reminder of the town’s long history.

Add to that lots of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and gardens, and Lewes is worth a trip.

The town is around an hour from London by rail, and it’s one of my top picks for day trips from London by train. That said, there are enough things to do in Lewes to merit an overnight stay.

If that appeals, you can book accommodation in Lewes here. There are lots of places to stay in town, including a Tudor coaching inn known for its connections to political philosopher Thomas Paine. He spoke of his revolutionary politics inside.

3. Windsor

Next on my list of pretty towns near London is Windsor. Along with neighboring Eton, this town is packed with charming streets, expansive parks, and royal beauty.

Windsor Castle is the must-see attraction here. An official residence of the monarch, it’s one of the most famous castles in England. It’s a treat to tour the interiors and see St George’s Chapel. You can book tickets here.

There’s more beyond the fortified walls, too. Windsor and Eton are full of shops, historic buildings, and green spaces. It’s easy to spend time exploring them after you visit the castle.

Then there’s Windsor Great Park. This expansive green space is worth discovering, not least because it’s a great place to walk. The ancient Royal landscape features forests, lakes, grasslands, and gardens.

If that sounds good, Windsor is close enough to the UK capital that it’s only a 40-minute train ride from Paddington station. It’s so close you can even do it as a half-day trip from London.

You can also come here on a guided tour. You can book the one I recommend here. You can even combine it with other destinations like Stonehenge, Bath, and/or Hampton Court. You can see options and book a tour here.

If you want to stay longer, you can book accommodation in Windsor here. There are lots of good options, from hotels to inns and apartments.

4. Henley-on-Thames

Out in Oxfordshire, Henley-on-Thames is another of my favorite towns near London. With its historic church, picturesque Town Hall, independent shops, and market square, there’s a lot to love about this place.

If you can, it’s fun to time your trip to coincide with the annual Henley Royal Regatta. But even on quieter days this riverside town is the perfect place for afternoon tea and a stroll by the water.

Rail services operate from London to Henley-on-Thames, making it an easy day trip from the capital by train. If you want to make a longer trip of it, you can book a place to stay in Henley here.

5. Burford

Next on my list of beautiful towns near London is Burford. This place is home to picturesque thatched-roof cottages, a historic church, and lots of shops and restaurants.

Burford is for you if you want to explore one of the most famous towns in the Cotswolds. Walking up and down the high street is a feast for the senses, and the side streets are full of little surprises.

You can even go on a ramble if you want to see the countryside around the town. You can see the full route and map for one I’ve done on my blog post about a Burford circular walk. There are lots of beautiful villages nearby.

While there’s no train station in Burford, you can take the train to Charlbury and pre-book a taxi to and from Buford to visit without a car. You can even combine this one with Charlbury if you want to see two towns in the Cotswolds in one day.

Alternatively, you can visit on a guided tour. Most day tours to the Cotswolds stop here, so it’s an easy one to visit. You can see the tour I recommend here. You can see another that includes Oxford here.

If you want to stay a night, you can book accommodation in Burford here. There are lots of great places to stay, including historic inns. The Angel at Burford is a great pub with rooms.

6. Deal

On the coast in Kent, Deal is another of the most beautiful towns near London. Located where the North Sea meets the English Channel, this place features wide pebble beaches and a long pier.

Deal is best known for what lies behind the shore, though. The seafront is gorgeous, and the pastel houses and historic pubs on Middle Street are both picturesque and steeped in smuggling lore. There’s fun shopping in town as well.

There’s heritage galore, too. Deal Castle is legendary, and nearby Walmer Castle has lush gardens. They’re in walking distance of one another, and you can get free entry to both if you’re an English Heritage member. You can get a membership here.

There’s a train station in Deal with direct services from London, so this is the perfect trip if you want to travel by rail. Chic hotels like The Rose make it tempting to stay a night as well. You can book a room here.

7. Amersham

Amersham is next on my list of the most beautiful towns near London. Located just outside the UK capital, this market town in Buckinghamshire is so close you can reach it on the tube.

Amersham is known for the historic buildings and heritage houses on and around the high street in Old Amersham. From the Market Hall to homes that date back to 1450 and the 13th-century St Mary’s Church, there’s a lot to see in the historic village.

Old Amersham is around a 20-minute walk from the tube station in the heart of town. The route goes through beautiful woodland, and it’s a picturesque way to arrive.

Speaking of which, Amersham is also known for being an ideal place to go for walks near London. It’s located in the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s a great place to do a combination of a village visit and a country ramble.

An Amersham day trip is ideal if you’re interested in going on an easy journey from London with as little time in transit as possible. It’s also a great option if you’re on a budget, as it’s one of the best cheap days out from the city.

It’s worth staying a night to immerse yourself in the local area, though. If you’re interested, you can book a place to stay in Amersham here. Old coaching inns like the Tudor-era Kings Arms Hotel are just the ticket.

8. Charlbury

Next on my list of beautiful towns near London is Charlbury. Located in the Evenlode Valley in Oxfordshire, this place was known for being a glove-making hub in 18th and 19th centuries. Today it’s popular with visitors who come to admire its beauty and walk in the Cotswolds.

From quintessential cottages to cozy pubs and a church, there’s a lot to love about this place. The Cotswold stone houses here are the stuff of English countryside dreams. You can get here by direct train from London, too.

Charlbury is also a popular place for country rambles and circular walks in the Cotswolds. You can find the full route, map, photos, and video for one I’ve done on my blog post about a Charlbury walk.

If you want to make a longer trip of it, there are some great places to stay in Charlbury. You can book one here. You can also take a look at my blog post about how to spend 3 days in the Cotswolds without a car.

9. Hastings

Hastings is one of the best seaside towns near London. Down in East Sussex, it’s known for its Norman history, but its beaches are what draw the majority of visitors.

There’s no shortage, either. Hastings Beach features a wide apron of pebble shoreline, Hastings Pier, and iconic striped beach huts. Rock-A-Nore Beach is known for having steep cliffs behind it, and The Stade is a shingle beach lined by colorful fishing boats, nets, and seafood stalls.

The waterfront in Hastings is packed with historic net huts, lively restaurants, and carnival rides. Behind them you’ll find a beautiful maze of streets with heritage houses and two funiculars.

Then comes the clifftop fortress. Hastings Castle dates back to 1066. It was established by William the Conqueror as he made his way from Normandy to Battle at the start of the Norman Conquest. It evolved over time to be a stone fortress of strategic importance.

Taking a Hastings day trip is simple and straightforward by rail, as there are direct services from London to the heart of town. It’s one of the easiest seaside day trips from London by train.

It’s worth staying longer to immerse yourself in this place, though. If that appeals, you can book a place to stay in Hastings here. There’s lots of great accommodation in town, from hotels to B&Bs and apartment rentals.

10. Southwold

In Suffolk, another of my favorite towns near London is Southwold. This seaside spot has big beaches, a pleasure pier, and picturesque streets with pretty cottages.

Southwold offers a mix of waterfront entertainment, lively pubs and restaurants, and fun boutiques to browse. It’s also beloved for its colorful beach huts, which make for great photos and videos.

There are so many things to do in Southwold that it’s the perfect place to go for a weekend getaway or a mid-week escape.

If all that sounds good to you, you can book somewhere to stay here. From cottages to hotels, there are a lot of great options in and around the town.

11. Painswick

Back in the Cotswolds, Painswick is another of the most beautiful towns in England. With its pretty stone buildings and larger-than-life topiary trees, this place is bursting with wow-factor.

There are fun things to do in Painswick, too. The streets are full of heritage details, and the Painswick Rococo Garden is a stunning 18th-century number in a hidden valley with views over the English countryside.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Painswick here. There’s a variety of options to choose from, including hotels and inns. My favorite is The Painswick. I’ve stayed here many times, and I love its pretty rooms.

12. Faversham

Next on my list of beautiful towns near London is Faversham. With pretty lanes, shops, and heritage pubs, this place is perfect for a weekend trip from London.

The streets in town are packed with historic buildings and great details. The town is also home to Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer. You can take tours while visiting.

Beyond the town, Faversham is in one of the best areas in Kent for visiting famous producers of English drinks. If you want to go on a Kent cider tour or visit vineyards near London, it’s the perfect base.

Easily accessible by train from London, Faversham is a beautiful destination. If you want to stay a night, you can book accommodation here. My favorite is The Sun Inn. I’ve stayed here and I loved the historic atmosphere and decor.

13. Moreton-in-Marsh

Next on my list of pretty towns near London is Moreton-in-Marsh. This historic market town in the Evenlode Valley is a great place to visit in the Cotswolds.

Situated in Gloucestershire, Moreton-in-Marsh features everything from classic shops to cozy pubs. The Cotswold stone houses here are lovely, and there are good cafes and restaurants in town.

Moreton-in-Marsh is also a popular place for walks in the Cotswolds. You can find the full route, map, photos, and video for one I’ve done on my blog post about a Moreton-in-Marsh walk.

This town is ideal if you want to explore the Cotswolds without a car. There are direct trains from London, and they’ll transport you to the heart of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in just 1 hour and 30 minutes.

If you want to spend a night here, there are great places to stay in Moreton-in-Marsh. You can book one here. From hotels to inns, there’s a variety of choices.

14. Whitstable

Located on the north coast of Kent, Whitstable is another beautiful town near London. It’s the perfect place to travel if you love eating shellfish by the seashore.

That’s not least because the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival takes place here every year. It’s a fun event to attend if you like seafood and beachfront entertainment.

But Whitstable is a great place to visit at other times as well. The beach is the perfect spot to soak up the sun, and the high street has lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes to discover.

There’s a train station in Whitstable with direct links to the UK capital, so this is one of the best places to go to the seaside near London if you want to travel by rail.

If you’re interested in staying a night, you can book accommodation in Whitstable here. There are lots of good options for places to stay in town.

15. Cirencester

Next on my list of the most beautiful towns near London is Cirencester. It’s one of the largest towns in the Cotswolds, and it’s often referred to as the Capital of the Cotswolds.

Founded in Roman times, Cirencester’s rich history lends the town a unique charm. The Market Place and Church of St John the Baptist dominate the town center, and narrow lanes like Black Jack Street have lots of restaurants and pubs.

The expansive grounds of Cirencester Park are worth exploring if you like green spaces. They make the town one of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds for getting the best of all worlds.

If that appeals, you can book a place to stay in Cirencester here. I’ve spent a night at Wild Thyme & Honey, and I loved it. It’s a short drive from the heart of town, and the rooms have beautiful decor.

16. Bradford-on-Avon

Next on my list of pretty towns near London is Bradford-on-Avon. This picturesque part of Wiltshire is on the edge of the Cotswolds facing the River Avon (hence the name).

Dating back to ancient Roman times, Bradford-on-Avon features pretty riverfront scenery and hills. The Bridge Tea Rooms have one of the most photographed facades in the area, too.

It’s fun to visit this town on a trip to Bath and the Cotswolds. You can easily see it and villages in Wiltshire like Lacock and Castle Combe in a day.

If you want to stay a night, you can book a place to stay in Bradford-on-Avon here. There are some great places to call home-away-from-home in town.

17. Broadstairs

Broadstairs is another of the most beautiful towns near London. This seaside gem on the Isle of Thanet in Kent is packed with chalk cliffs, sandy beaches, and scenic coastline. From Botany Bay to Viking Bay and Joss Bay, there’s plenty to love about it.

There are a lot of great things to do in Broadstairs beyond the seashore, too. From shopping to eating fish and chips, the town has no shortage of entertainment to offer visitors.

There are scenic coastal walks you can do while you’re visiting as well. You can see my favorite on my blog post about walks in Kent.

Add to that Charles Dickens connections, famous ice cream shops, fun pubs, and scenic paths like the Viking Coastal Trail, and there’s plenty to enjoy in this town.

In fact, there’s so much to enjoy that it’s worth staying a night or two in Broadstairs. You can see options for accommodation and book a place to stay here. From hotels to B&Bs, there’s no shortage of places to choose from.

Broadstairs is a great weekend trip from London by train. There are direct rail services from the UK capital, so there’s no excuse to stay away.

18. Stamford

In Lincolnshire, one of the most beautiful towns near London is Stamford. This place is known for its picturesque streets and heritage buildings. It’s fun to explore on foot, and there’s pretty scenery along the River Welland.

It’s easy to go to Stamford and Burghley House in one visit. The latter is a 16th-century mansion that’s a prime example of Elizabethan architecture.

With lavish interiors and expansive gardens, this country house is one of the most impressive stately homes in Britain.

The combination of Stamford and Burghley House is a great day trip from London by car if you like historic houses and English towns with rich heritage.

If you want to stay a night, you can book accommodation in Stamford here. There are lots of options, including hotels and B&Bs.

19. Cheltenham

Next on my list of the most beautiful towns near London is Cheltenham. Located in Gloucestershire, it’s home to beautiful heritage buildings and lots of museums, shops, and restaurants.

Often considered the cultural capital of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a regency spa town on the outskirts of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are lots of fun things to do in Cheltenham, not to mention great events on throughout the year.

The town hosts the annual Cheltenham Literature Festival. The 10-day event is the longest-running literature festival in the world. It celebrates all things reading, writing, and storytelling.

Cheltenham is known for horse racing, too. It’s a great place to visit if you want to spend a day at the races.

Cheltenham is accessible from London by train, so it’s an easy place to visit even if you don’t have a car. It’s a great day trip from London or weekend trip in the UK.

It’s worth staying a night or two to get the most out of your visit. You can see options and book accommodation here. I’ve stayed everywhere from Ellenborough Park to the Malmaison Cheltenham, and I’ve had great experiences.

20. Stratford-upon-Avon

Next on my list of beautiful towns near London is Stratford-upon-Avon. This medieval market town in Warwickshire is famous for its Tudor buildings and Shakespeare connections.

Stratford is full of houses The Bard and his family lived in, theaters showing his plays, and historic streets and riverside pubs ripe for drinking and dining.

Spending a weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or a mid-week break will give you ample time to visit all the Shakespeare houses, see a play, and browse the shops. You can even do it as a day trip or day tour.

There’s more, too. This place is packed with historic streets that will take you back to a more beautiful time. The half-timbered facades are enough to make you fall in love with this town.

The riverfront area is also a great place to explore. Seeing the swans float by as you walk along the Avon is a fun way to spend an hour.

If this town appeals, you can book a hotel in Stratford here. My top pick is The White Swan. It’s been hosting guests since 1560, and its historic Character Rooms and four-poster beds will make you feel like you’re in a Shakespearean sonnet. You can book a room here.

21. Petworth

In West Sussex, Petworth is another of the most beautiful towns near London. This pretty place is full of picturesque streets and shops.

It’s also home to the famous Petworth House, a 17th-century stately home near London.

Petworth House has an amazing art collection and grounds designed by renowned landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. It’s worth a special trip.

If all that sounds good, you can book a place to stay in Petworth here. There are great places to call home-away-from-home in and around the town, including charming inns and pubs with rooms.

22. Chipping Campden

Another beautiful town near London is Chipping Campden. Its historic high street features Cotswold stone buildings, and there are lovely shops and places to eat in town.

Chipping Campden is also known for its connections to the Arts and Crafts Movement. The historic home of the Guild of Handicrafts is here, and the Court Barn museum showcases the work of designers and craftspeople from the movement.

Also in town is the Market Hall, a National Trust property in the Cotswolds. Built in 1627 by the town’s benefactor, Sir Baptist Hicks, it originally sheltered traders of cheese, poultry, butter, and other goods.

If that all appeals, it’s worth spending a weekend in the Cotswolds to see the highlights of the town and surrounding area. You can book a place to stay here. I’ve spent a night at the Cotswold House Hotel and Spa and I loved the rooms and idyllic garden.

23. Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks is another great town near London. This place is rife with historic streets and buildings, and there are markets and pubs galore.

If you love historic houses, Knole is one of the best stately homes near London. This gigantic house in Sevenoaks is packed with treasures from the royal household. If you’re a National Trust member, it’s free to enter. You can get a membership here.

Another fun thing to do in Sevenoaks is walk through Knole Park. There are lots of paths with waymarked routes, and plenty of resident deer to take in along the way.

If you have more time, you can take a longer Sevenoaks walk and explore the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Sevenoaks Weald. Houses like Winston Churchill’s Chartwell and villages like Westerham are highlights, too.

Sevenoaks is near the UK capital, so train tickets are relatively inexpensive and driving doesn’t cost a fortune.

If you want to extend your stay, you can book accommodation in Sevenoaks here. There are lots of options, including hotels and guesthouses.

Map of Towns Near London

Beautiful Towns Near London

I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of beautiful towns near London and that you’ve gotten some good inspiration for your future travels in England.

If you want more ideas, you can take a look at my blog post about the prettiest towns and villages in Britain. If you’re interested in seeing villages close to the city, you can check out my blog posts about villages near London and the most beautiful villages near London by train.

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