Trains do go north out of London too, you know guys! And in two hours you can get quite far.

York would be a very good choice, and so would Lincoln http://www.visitlincoln.com, a very seldom visited part of the UK and very rural.

Alternatively, and a 2.5hr train journey with a change in Derby, is Matlock on the edge of the Peak District http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com. I love this area and its full of B&Bs and small villages, towns and stunning scenery.