10 Fun and Affordable Weekend Trips From London
Want to get away this upcoming weekend? Check out this roundup of weekend trips from London that are bound to have you entertained without costing too much!
Did you know that London averages around 106 rainy days each year?
If you’re a London resident, you might be searching for a way to escape some of the gloomy weather that shows up from time to time.
A weekend getaway is a perfect way to ditch the London clouds and add a few new posts to your Instagram. But how can you travel on the weekends without going over budget?
We’ve got you covered! Below are a few weekend trips from London to get you started!
For a Dreamy Weekend: Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is famous as the birthplace of Shakespeare. If you’re a fan of the bard, it might already be on your bucket list of weekend trips from London. Only a little over two hours away from London, Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to spend a beautiful spring weekend.
Take a peaceful stroll along the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal or get your fix of nature in Bancroft Gardens. You can also walk The Greenway, which crosses through the countryside and runs along the river. Don’t miss a stop at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre or the Stratford Butterfly Farm either!
Dublin
Many London dwellers have made the trip to Ireland before, but you can never visit Dublin too many times. It takes less than an hour and a half to fly to the city, so you can easily plan a quick trip to the city.
Dublin is famous for its brews, so a pub crawl while visiting is always encouraged. If you’re interested in natural science, the Science Gallery at Trinity Gallery is free for visitors. The National Gallery of Ireland is also free and a perfect stop for art lovers!
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is the perfect weekend getaway for history lovers, especially maritime history lovers. The drive from London is only a hair over an hour and a half, so you’ll have plenty of time to spend in the town itself.
Portsmouth is home to the HMS Victory, the world’s oldest naval ship that’s still in commission. For a greater glimpse at history, you can also tour the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Fort Nelson, and the Mary Rose Museum.
In the evening, check out the Spinnaker Tower. This Portsmouth landmark is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and has three observation decks to take an Instagram-worthy photo of the city and harbor below.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam takes a couple of hours to get to from London, but the pay-off is worth it if you don’t mind a slightly longer travel time.
Amsterdam is a beautiful city, and there’s plenty to see and do even if you’re on a budget. With only a few bills you can check out the floating flower market, visit the Diamond Museum, and rent a bike to tour the city on your own.
Cambridge
For fans of university towns, a weekend trip to Cambridge is a must. Check out the Museum of Zoology if you’re a natural history lover, or stop by the Cambridge Market Square for some local shopping. As its a university town, there are plenty of bookstores to be found for avid readers.
Another thing you have to experience while in Cambridge is punting. Punting is referred to as a wooden boat being pushed through the water by a wooden pole. It’s a novelty that the area is well-known for, and every visitor should experience it at least once.
Brighton
For a fun and affordable weekend getaway in the Summer, Brighton is perfect. The Brighton Palace Pier has rides, arcades, and tasty treats to make for a fun afternoon for you and any friends or family you’ve brought along for the journey.
Take the Undercliff Walk to get great views of the sea and the towering white cliffs that border the trail. It’s a calm alternative to the pier for anyone who prefers the tranquility of the oceanside to boardwalk rides.
Romantic Weekend Trips from London: Versailles
Compared to many other international trips, a weekend trip to Versailles from London won’t break the bank! If you want an affordable trip that still allows you to splurge a bit, a quick trip to France is for you.
Versailles is a great place to visit for a weekend because you can easily enjoy the city just by doing a mini self-guided tour of its cafes, restaurants, and public parks. If it’s your first time in the city, you can take a tour of Versailles from a professional to learn more about its art and history.
Bath
This city in Somerset is named after its Roman-built baths, and it’s a great place to escape if you’re searching for a picture-perfect destination.
Victoria Park is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, and you can watch hot air balloons take off and land during the summer months. Not far is The Victoria Art Gallery, a free museum home to 1,500 works.
For a relatively cheap tour, take an open-topped bus tour through the city. It’s a great way to get a unique view of the city and capture a few fun selfies along the way!
Canterbury
Canterbury is a fascinating city, and it’s less than an hour and a half long drive from London.
Architecture-lovers will enjoy a trip to Canterbury, as it’s home to the massive Canterbury Cathedral, as well as the Canterbury Roman Museum, which was constructed around the remains of a Roman home.
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge and The Kent Museum of Freemasonry are two other museums to check out. Browse the King’s Mile as well, a strip that is home to bookshops to eateries to artisan shops.
For the Indie Vacationists: Berlin
Berlin is easy to access via a two-hour plane trip, so there’s nothing stopping you from spending a weekend in Germany. You can easily find apartments for rent in berlin in an array of price points that are perfect for any budget.
For a unique picnicking experience, bring a basket lunch to Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport that’s been transformed into a public park. If you’re looking for local eats to bring on your picnic, hit up one of the multiple farmers’ markets that run in the city.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy Berlin. There’s plenty of street art and beautiful architecture to take in for free, and you can get great views of the city if you’re willing to buy a light bite or drink at a rooftop bar.
Endless Options
London is the perfect home base for any travelers hoping to see more of the United Kingdom and the neighboring European countries. This list should get you started the next time you’re booking weekend trips from London!
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