Great places within 30 minutes from London

Rough Guides turns 30 this year, and to celebrate, former publisher and RG founder Martin Dunford has picked some great places to visit that are no more than thirty minutes away by public transport from London. For more on great things to do, see, and enjoy throughout the UK, check out Martin's latest venture, www.coolplaces.co.uk

St Albans, Hertfordshire

Just 20 minutes from central London, St Albans has its own unique vibe. It's a commuter's dream, and the things that make it a nice place to live also make it a great day out from London. The cathedral is the oldest place of Christian worship in the country. There are decent pubs and restaurants, and the buzzing center of this thriving market town is a great place for a wander at any time of day.

Windsor, Berkshire

It might not be the most original day trip from London, but it's super easy to get to. This year marks the diamond jubilee, so it's a great time to visit. The town is dominated by the castle, which is worth a visit. You can finish up with a pint or pub lunch at the atmospheric Two Brewers pub, loved by locals and tourists alike. Note: The Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in 2012, marking 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign.

Rochester, Kent

On the anniversary of Dickens' birth, could there be a more fitting day out than Rochester? It's technically a place near London (actually 40 minutes from Charing Cross), but it has so much to see and is often overlooked. It would be a shame not to include it. The castle is a semi-ruin, but it's worth climbing to the top for the views. The old keep is a perfect picnic spot. The cathedral is truly one of England's finest, and there are also many Dickens-related attractions to explore. As of 2023, Rochester is also known for its vibrant festivals, including the annual Dickens Festival and the Sweeps Festival, which attract visitors from all over.

Down House, Down, Kent

Darwin's home for 40 years, Down House, in the pretty village of Down just south of Bromley in Kent, was upgraded for visitors in 2009 (200 years after his birth). It is now one of the most essential attractions on the outskirts of London. Darwin did most of his important work here, using the garden as both a laboratory and a place to think. As of 2023, Down House offers interactive exhibits and guided tours that provide deeper insights into Darwin's life and work. Afterwards, there are a couple of pubs in the centre of the village for lunch, and a couple of Darwins buried in the churchyard.

Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden

We've had to stretch the truth a bit with this one (trains take 41 minutes), but it's a cool place to visit. Remember when they moved and restored Dahl's writing hut last year? Whatever your thoughts on that, the museum, including the shed, is both interesting and inspiring. After your visit, you can explore other Dahl-related spots by following a marked village trail. Note that the museum is currently being renovated and is expected to reopen in early 2024.

Epping Forest, London

Some people say you're still basically in London when you're in Epping Forest, and technically you are (the forest is owned by the City of London). But this huge and peaceful area feels far from city life. It's easy to get there; just take the tube to Theydon Bois and walk, then catch the tube again at Debden or Loughton stations. Keep in mind that some walking paths might be temporarily closed due to ongoing conservation efforts, so it's a good idea to check for updates before you go.

Eynsford, Kent

Just over half an hour from central London, Eynsford is a popular day-trip spot for people from southeast London but not well-known by others. There's plenty to see: the ruins of one of England's oldest Norman castles, the remains of a Roman villa in nearby Lullingstone—both English Heritage sites—and a great lunch spot, The Plough, right in the middle of the village by the river. The Plough has recently updated its menu to include more locally sourced ingredients, making it an even more appealing place for lunch.

Chartwell, Kent

Winston Churchill's home for over 40 years is one of the most interesting places to visit near London. It's in a surprisingly green and beautiful area on the edge of the Kent Weald. The house itself isn't very special, but the countryside is amazing. Inside, it looks much like it did when Churchill lived there. As of 2023, Chartwell has different exhibitions and events throughout the year, giving you more insights into Churchill's life and legacy.

Eltham Palace, London

Eltham Palace is a unique mix: a medieval hall from the fourteenth century and an art deco mansion from the 1930s. The gardens are beautiful and worth visiting even if you have to go through the tough streets of Eltham. Recent restorations have made the visit better, and interactive displays now help you explore the palace's history in a more engaging way.

Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire

Known as 'Station X', Bletchley Park was where some of Britain's smartest people worked on breaking German codes during World War II, including the famous 'Enigma' code. You can visit the original mansion and the huts where the codebreakers worked, either on your own or on excellent free guided tours. It's walking distance from Bletchley station, which is on the fast line out of Euston. Recently, Bletchley Park has added more interactive elements and digital displays to its exhibitions, making the experience more immersive for visitors.

For the ultimate London experience, choose the right place to stay with our guide to the best areas to stay in London.