Small town outside London.
Feb 15, 2019, 3:29 pm
#17
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For a “couple of days” I’d be tempted to go a little further than Brighton. Distance in’t as important as accessibility. I’d therefore recommend the lovely ancient “city” of York which is over 200 miles away, but just over two hours by train from central London.
It has the street which was the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, one of the most impressive Cathedrals in the UK, an odd Viking mini theme park and great value food, drinks and accommodation in the charming old town.
It has the street which was the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, one of the most impressive Cathedrals in the UK, an odd Viking mini theme park and great value food, drinks and accommodation in the charming old town.
Feb 15, 2019, 3:36 pm
#18
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In addition to the suggestions above, Leamington Spa, although it's not on the side of London the OP specified.
It's not such a small town, but Bath is special and the center is walkable. You can also visit Stonehenge from there. Bristol is also rather nice.
It's not such a small town, but Bath is special and the center is walkable. You can also visit Stonehenge from there. Bristol is also rather nice.
Feb 15, 2019, 4:03 pm
#19
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Chichester is a good base. It's a tiny city (with an impressive cathedral), but there's plenty around it too. The old town of Arundel and its castle. Pretty Bosham, where Canute failed to make the tide turn. Bognor Regis - for better or worse, very traditional seaside. Amberley for the South Downs (and chalk pits).
Feb 15, 2019, 6:27 pm
#20
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Chichester is a good base. It's a tiny city (with an impressive cathedral), but there's plenty around it too. The old town of Arundel and its castle. Pretty Bosham, where Canute failed to make the tide turn. Bognor Regis - for better or worse, very traditional seaside. Amberley for the South Downs (and chalk pits).
Feb 15, 2019, 8:18 pm
#21
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I wouldn't get hung up on the definition of small, town or city.
There are many examples of 'cities' in the US that wouldn't be considered a village in the UK.
There are many examples of 'cities' in the US that wouldn't be considered a village in the UK.
Feb 15, 2019, 9:34 pm
#23
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For a “couple of days” I’d be tempted to go a little further than Brighton. Distance in’t as important as accessibility. I’d therefore recommend the lovely ancient “city” of York which is over 200 miles away, but just over two hours by train from central London.
It has the street which was the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, one of the most impressive Cathedrals in the UK, an odd Viking mini theme park and great value food, drinks and accommodation in the charming old town.
It has the street which was the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, one of the most impressive Cathedrals in the UK, an odd Viking mini theme park and great value food, drinks and accommodation in the charming old town.
Feb 16, 2019, 1:30 am
#25
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As a resident of Brighton, I cannot recommend it. It does have the Royal Pavillion which is worth a visit, but the town itself has become tired over the years, driving is difficult, parking is expensive and the town just doesn't have the sparkle that it used to have years ago.
I would second some of the suggestions above about West Sussex. Much depends if you intend to drive or not, Horsham might be a good base with direct trains to Chichester, Bognor etc. If you are driving, plenty of places within an hour of Horsham.
I would second some of the suggestions above about West Sussex. Much depends if you intend to drive or not, Horsham might be a good base with direct trains to Chichester, Bognor etc. If you are driving, plenty of places within an hour of Horsham.
Feb 16, 2019, 2:17 am
#26
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Visiting London first two weeks of June. Its my wife, toddler, and Mother in law. Any suggestions on a small town South or Southeast of London to hang out at and relax for a couple days? Nature, parks, rivers and such to explore around. We fly out of Gatwick so the South and Southeast is easiest but open to other directions. We were planning on Brighton but it sounds like it would be crowded and doesn't seem all that interesting at first glance. Thanks in advance!
You can get there from central London.
It has the River Avon running through it with easy, kid friendly walks around the river.
It is in the county of Warwickshire, which has the towns of Warwick & the Royal Town of Leamington Spa on its doorstep - again, nice walks available, nice pubs, good restaurants in Warwick or Leamington.
You can do Shakespeare things in Stratford if your thing.
If you like flowers / plants, you can visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston, and the University of Birmingham is a green campus with artsy things to do, too.
There is now a Hotel Du Vin (boutique type chain) in Stratford and a Hotel Indigo opening soon if wedded to IHG (already a Crowne Plaza on the river).
Feb 16, 2019, 4:32 am
#28
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If you want somewhere a bit slower paced, how about Stratford upon Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace?
You can get there from central London.
It has the River Avon running through it with easy, kid friendly walks around the river.
It is in the county of Warwickshire, which has the towns of Warwick & the Royal Town of Leamington Spa on its doorstep - again, nice walks available, nice pubs, good restaurants in Warwick or Leamington.
You can do Shakespeare things in Stratford if your thing.
If you like flowers / plants, you can visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston, and the University of Birmingham is a green campus with artsy things to do, too.
There is now a Hotel Du Vin (boutique type chain) in Stratford and a Hotel Indigo opening soon if wedded to IHG (already a Crowne Plaza on the river).
You can get there from central London.
It has the River Avon running through it with easy, kid friendly walks around the river.
It is in the county of Warwickshire, which has the towns of Warwick & the Royal Town of Leamington Spa on its doorstep - again, nice walks available, nice pubs, good restaurants in Warwick or Leamington.
You can do Shakespeare things in Stratford if your thing.
If you like flowers / plants, you can visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston, and the University of Birmingham is a green campus with artsy things to do, too.
There is now a Hotel Du Vin (boutique type chain) in Stratford and a Hotel Indigo opening soon if wedded to IHG (already a Crowne Plaza on the river).
Feb 16, 2019, 6:14 am
#29
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Chichester is a good base. It's a tiny city (with an impressive cathedral), but there's plenty around it too. The old town of Arundel and its castle. Pretty Bosham, where Canute failed to make the tide turn. Bognor Regis - for better or worse, very traditional seaside. Amberley for the South Downs (and chalk pits).
Feb 17, 2019, 9:44 am
#30
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As a resident of Brighton, I cannot recommend it. It does have the Royal Pavillion which is worth a visit, but the town itself has become tired over the years, driving is difficult, parking is expensive and the town just doesn't have the sparkle that it used to have years ago.
I would second some of the suggestions above about West Sussex. Much depends if you intend to drive or not, Horsham might be a good base with direct trains to Chichester, Bognor etc. If you are driving, plenty of places within an hour of Horsham.
I would second some of the suggestions above about West Sussex. Much depends if you intend to drive or not, Horsham might be a good base with direct trains to Chichester, Bognor etc. If you are driving, plenty of places within an hour of Horsham.
