This is a sponsored article in partnership with South Western Railway.
London may be one of the greatest cities in the world, but every now and then we all need to get away from it all and explore somewhere new.
With staycations on the rise, it’s clear that more and more people are discovering the incredible locations and activities the country has to offer. And thanks to South Western Railway, it’s never been easier to just hop on a train and escape from the ‘Big Smoke’.
From breathtaking beauty spots to must-try food and drink - there really is something for everyone just a train journey away.
Whether you’re after a day trip, weekend break, or longer staycation, here are some of the most spectacular places to visit that are less than two hours away from London by train.
Winchester
A city steeped in history and heritage, Winchester is England's ancient capital.
Winchester Cathedral is Europe’s largest medieval cathedral, where you can explore more than 1,000 years of history. Enjoy the site’s 12th-century wall paintings, medieval carvings, and stunning contemporary art.
History buffs will also love the multiple museums and galleries Winchester has to offer.
Learn about Winchester’s Tudor history at the Westgate Museum (situated inside a surviving fortified medieval city gateway), relive the city’s Anglo Saxon glory at the Winchester City Museum, and soak in artefacts of international acclaim at the Gallery at Winchester Discovery Centre.
And if you’re looking to get in touch with nature, you should definitely check out the Winnall Moors Wildlife Reserve. Described as a “wildlife haven in the heart of Winchester”, you can walk for miles through its water meadows and even spot New Forest ponies grazing in the fields.
When dinner time rolls around, treat yourself to one of the city’s phenomenal independent eateries. Indulge in unique Indian food with a modern twist at Diya Indian Restaurant or explore the city’s many charming taverns for hearty pub classics. There’s something for every palate!
Southampton
If you’d prefer to be by the coast, Southampton is the perfect destination.
Treat yourself to some retail therapy at Westquay Southampton, which boasts over 100 desirable stores for fashion and lifestyle. Or you can check out one of the many incredible independent boutiques around the city, such as Southampton’s longest-running vintage store Beatnik Emporium or the award-winning chocolatier and cafe Frederick’s Chocolates.
Southampton is also home to the SeaCity Museum, which features an interactive model of the Titanic and allows guests to learn all about the city’s history with the ill-fated passenger liner.
If you’re craving more knowledge, just down the road is the Solent Sky Museum, famed for being the birthplace of the iconic Spitfire.
And if that’s not enough, why not end your day with a spectacular show at the iconic Mayflower Theatre?
Portsmouth
For a spectacular view of the Solent, take a trip to the top of the iconic Spinnaker Tower, which stands at over 550ft tall! If you’re a thrill-seeker, Spinnaker Tower also offers an adrenaline-fuelled abseiling experience. Or, for a more relaxing adventure, enjoy a scrumptious “high” tea 150 metres above the sea.
Looking for a bargain? Check out the vibrant waterfront shopping destination of Gunwharf Quays, which also boasts more than 90 stores that offer up to 60% off leading brands all day, every day. And while you’re there, you can enjoy a meal at one of the 30+ restaurants located on-site.
And thanks to the South Western Railway rewards scheme, you can save an extra 10% on your shopping at Gunwharf Quays. Find out more about this offer and more than 100 others at SWR Rewards.
Portsmouth is also famous for its Historic Dockyard, where guests can visit the Royal Navy's most famous warship, the HMS Victory, and Britain’s first armoured battleship, the 1860 HMS Warrior.
A must-visit for Portsmouth is also the Mary Rose Museum, where visitors can get up close to King Henry VIII’s favourite ship, which tragically sunk to the bottom of the Solent in 1545, before being recovered in 1982.
Salisbury
If you’re after what is considered perhaps the UK’s most iconic historic landmark, look no further than Stonehenge.
The instantly recognisable Stone Circle is not only enveloped in 4,500 years of history, but the site continues to be a place of mystery and inspiration for visitors. Additionally, guests can enjoy the site’s hands-on exhibits, discover the astonishing objects on display at Stonehenge Visitor Centre.
Getting to-and-from Stonehenge is also incredibly easy thanks to The Stonehenge Tour shuttle bus service, which transports visitors to the site and back from Salisbury city centre.
What’s more, Salisbury’s awe-inspiring must-see locations don’t end there. The city is also home to the over 700-year-old Salisbury Cathedral, which is not only a spectacular building defined by its medieval craftsmanship, but also a living church.
And no visit to Salisbury is complete without a trip to the Roman ruins of Old Sarum - the earliest settlement of Salisbury. English Heritage describes Old Sarum as “one of the most enthralling and historically important sites in southern England”, where guests can stand in the footprint of Salisbury’s original cathedral and discover how the Romans, Normans, and Saxons all left their mark on the city.
With literally thousands of years to uncover, Salisbury is one location everybody has to tick off their bucket list.
Reading
With plenty to offer, the town of Reading is just a 90 minute train journey from London with South Western Railway.
Reading’s award-winning Forbury Gardens are a delightful must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
A green space filled with historic architecture (that’s still within walking distance of the town centre), it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon.
The park has a royal connection too, and it sits on what was the site of the outer court of Reading Abbey, founded by King Henry I back in 1121.
After spending some time in the gorgeous Forbury Gardens, another must-see are the King’s Meadow swimming baths. A stunning open-air pool, with plenty of on-site eateries and masseuses on hand if you’re feeling particularly indulgent.
However, the baths - also known as the Thames Lido - are very popular and advanced booking is recommended.
After a thoroughly relaxing day, we recommend that you conclude your trip to Reading with a barge trip on the Avon Canal.
Visitors on Trip Advisor have praised the peaceful canal and its abundant wildlife, describing it as “ideal for a summertime picnic”. Barge and boat hire in the area is reasonably priced, and you can even take a trip back in time with a horse-drawn boat!
Windsor
When you hear ‘Windsor’, two places probably come to mind; Windsor Castle and LEGOLAND.
Steeped in over 1,000 years of history, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. The castle has been home to 39 monarchs since the 11th century, and today, the castle is best known for being the Queen’s weekend getaway location.
Explore the state apartments, witness the changing of the guard, and get up close to the many treasures the castle has to offer. This is your chance to truly feel like royalty.
Or, for the young at heart, take a short taxi ride to the exhilarating LEGOLAND Windsor. Boasting over 55 attractions across its 12 wonderfully unique lands, guests can experience weightlessness on the Fire & Ice Freefall, or check out some of the world’s most iconic landmarks constructed from over 40 million blocks of LEGO.
And for the most unique and exciting way to take in the sights and sounds of Windsor, jump on board the amphibious Duck Tours.
Truly unlike any other tour you’ve ever experienced, this one-hour trip allows guests to take in the city’s major sights from both the land and the water. Check out the Crown Estate, Windsor Castle, and the Long Walk, and with South Western Railway Rewards, guests can save 10% on admission prices!
Guildford
The cosy Saxon town of Guildford is an unmissable locale boasting stunning surroundings.
For starters, if you fancy a lush boat trip down the peaceful River Wey, there’s the Dapdune Wharf. Here, you can learn more about the industrial heyday of the intricate canal network, take a look around its smithy, stables, and view three of the only remaining Wey barges in the world.
Or if you’d prefer to get medieval, then don’t miss out on the proud Guildford Castle, built by William the Conqueror shortly after the Battle of Hastings.
Be sure to check out its stunning gardens, the main keep, and a cunningly-wrought statue of Lewis Carrol’s Alice stepping through the looking glass.
Hungry? Then take in the city’s sights from above while you dine, and book a table at The Thai Terrace on Sydenham Road. Here you can not only dine from the delectable menu, but enjoy gorgeous views from miles around on the restaurant’s exotic cocktail terrace.
And there’s something for all brave adventurers too. Experience ziplines, flying foxes, and treetop climbing at WildWood Adventure, which promises an exhilarating day out that’s perfect thrill seekers.
So there we have it! Whether it’s a week-long staycation, a romantic weekend getaway, or a few days away one, your next adventure away from London is just a South Western Railway train away.
For more information on booking your next trip out of London and exclusive rewards, check out South Western Railway here.