London is a fantastic place to spend the summer, but even the most devoted city enthusiasts occasionally need a change of pace.
From rooftop cinemas to open-air theatre in Regent’s Park, London comes alive in the summer months with plenty of things to do, but when the heat hits and the city hums with high season bustle, even die-hard urbanites start craving something quieter. A breeze that smells like saltwater, countryside trails shaded by ancient oaks, and afternoons that stretch lazily without the clang of Tube doors or the flash of billboards.
That’s when the charm of England’s rural and coastal escapes becomes irresistible. And the beauty is: you don’t need to venture far. Within two hours of central London, you can trade skyline views for limestone villages, city cafés for cosy gastropubs, and traffic for meadows and rolling hills. Whether it’s a serene spa town, storybook hills or a sun-dappled beach scene, these weekend getaways promise a refreshing change of scenery without another flight.
And now with direct and daily flights connecting London and Riyadh, travelling between the two Kingdoms is as seamless as possible.
So, where do I recommend? These are my five favourite weekend getaways from London.
Bath
Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 hours by train from London Paddington
With its golden Georgian terraces, ancient Roman baths, and naturally warm spa waters, Bath is an escape that feels like a retreat into another time. Start by unwinding at Thermae Bath Spa, where you can soak in steamy rooftop pools with panoramic city views. Anyone interested in history and architecture will love wandering through the remarkably preserved Roman baths, past The Royal Crescent’s grand terraced houses, and over the spectacular 18th-century Pulteney Bridge. Summer is also the perfect season to enjoy Royal Victoria Park with a picnic on the lawns or a stroll along the wide, tree-lined avenues.
Where to stay
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa: five-star Georgian opulence with a serene private garden and award-winning spa.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa: historical luxury hotel with direct access to the thermal waters.
Where to eat
The Circus Restaurant: creative British dishes in a charming townhouse setting.
Sotto Sotto: a cosy, candlelit Italian in Bath’s vaulted cellars.
The Cotswolds
Travel Time: Under two hours by car or train (via Moreton-in-Marsh or Kingham)
Expect endless rolling hills, meadows and rivers in the Cotswolds – it’s the quintessential English countryside of your dreams. The landscape is dotted with charming villages, from Bourton-on-the-Water (nicknamed Venice of the Cotswolds), with its river scenery and cream teas, to Bibury, with its quaint cottages, and Castle Combe, known as the prettiest town in England. Visiting the Cotswolds is really all about the country walks, so pull on your hiking boots and prepare to explore by foot. And for a decadent pitstop, try a favourite destination for organic gourmet food, shopping, and spa treatments.
Where to stay
Thyme, Southrop: a luxury manor-turned-village with a spa and cookery school.
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham: a designer inn with country-chic rooms.
Where to eat
The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury: fresh, seasonable ingredients at what’s said to be the oldest inn in England.
The Painswick, Painswick: serves a spectacular afternoon tea.
Oxford
Travel Time: Approximately one hour by train from London Paddington
Oxford is one of the UK's most storied cities, filled with iconic spires, gothic colleges and cobbled streets. Famed for its prestigious university, Oxford’s Christ Church college is a popular tourist spot, and you can take a tour of the hallowed halls (keeping your eyes peeled for Harry Potter filming locations if you’re a Hogwarts fan). Don’t miss Christ Church Cathedral or the Ashmolean Museum, where you can check out Egyptian antiquities and pre-Raphaelite art. Oxford really comes into its own when the weather is warm. Make the most of the sunshine by hiring a wooden punt on the River Cherwell or exploring Oxford Botanic Garden’s rare and exotic plants.
Where to stay
Old Bank Hotel: elegant rooms in a converted Georgian bank, right in the heart of the city.
The Randolph Hotel Oxford, a Graduate By Hilton: long-standing five-star hotel full of off-beat Oxford references.
Where to eat
The Trout Inn: a classic gastropub with a stunning riverbank setting.
The Ivy Oxford Brasserie: swanky art deco British restaurant, sister to the London dining institution.
Brighton
Travel Time: Approximately one hour by train from London Victoria or London Bridge
Eccentric, bohemian and cool, Brighton is the ultimate seaside escape from London. There’s plenty to do here, from eating fish and chips on the pebbled beach to vintage shopping in The Lanes or whiling away hours in the arcades on Brighton Palace Pier. Brighton is also known for its high-energy nightlife, so expect everything from late-night gigs and comedy shows to bars and clubs to keep you out and about until the small hours.
Where to stay
The Grand Brighton: a Victorian seafront icon with unbeatable views.
Artist Residence: eclectic, arty rooms and a creative vibe.
Where to eat
Riddle & Finns: celebrated seafood spot with oysters, lobster and sea views.
terre à terre: Brighton’s cult vegetarian fine-dining experience.
Windsor
Travel Time: Approximately 50 minutes by train from London Waterloo
Royal watchers (or anyone who can’t get enough of TV series The Crown) should definitely fit a trip to Windsor into their summer itinerary. It’s home to Windsor Castle, the world's oldest and largest occupied castle – make the most of a tour by timing it with the ceremonial changing of the guard. Nearby, Windsor Great Park is a beautiful place for a long summer afternoon walk, soaking up the regal atmosphere and spotting deer.
Where to stay
Fairmont Windsor Park: an ultra-luxury resort with vast country estate grounds and a tranquil lake.
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel: a central address with views of Windsor Castle and the River Thames.
Where to eat
The Greene Oak: country gastropub, perfect for a Sunday roast.
Garden of Eden: an incredibly popular vegan café with something for everyone.
