Get Out Of London This Weekend With One Of These 3 Day Trip Ideas
From brunch, to walks, to bars – we've got you covered.
All Londoners know that even though summer in the city can be amazing, a little time out of town can go a long way.
So whether you're the outdoorsy type, beach hound, or just looking to switch up your skyline view, we've got you covered with three itinerary options and loads of tips to have a great day out close to home.
Here’s your itinerary for a day in Berkhamsted, a historic market town nestled in the Chilterns.
You can get there in as little as 28 minutes from Euston, for £14.10 return.
Have a hearty brunch in town at Here when you arrive.
Here serves up a killer all-day brunch menu and caters to every diet.
If you prefer a traditional pub lunch, hold out for The Boat, Berkhampsted’s much loved and very cosy canalside pub.
Perched on the canal a short walk from the high street, The Boat is a perfect way to start a day in the countryside.
If you fancy a wander about town, be sure to pop into Vintage Vagabond for a browse.
This small, family run vintage shop is the best place to find a hidden gem for a souvenir.
Then, lace your boots tight and head out on a lovely walk.
You can wander towards Berkhamsted Castle, into the countryside, or if you’re a history or literary buff, you’re in exactly the right place since the council offers free audio trails. Themes include author Graham Greene, a former resident, and historic WWI sites in the town and surrounding countryside.
You could plan also your walking route northeast towards the positively charming Little Heath Tea Room for a well-earned afternoon cuppa.
It’s about a forty minute walk from The Boat, and takes you through some gorgeous open green spaces along the way. More about this cute little spot here.
Or journey to Frithsden Vineyard for a tipple with a side of lovely country views.
Also 40 minutes from town, and open Thurs-Sun. The Vineyard has its own lovely cafe, and offers free self-guided tours.
For dinner and drinks in town before your train, The Gatsby is a sure bet.
This conveniently located restaurant and cocktail bar has a stunning art deco exterior and a big, lovely terrace – not to mention a scrumptious menu. It’s the perfect way to end the day.
Here’s your itinerary for a day on the seafront in Brighton.
Take a train from Victoria to Brighton, between £15-30 return. Or save a few quid and take the bus – it’s longer but you get a few surprisingly lovely countryside views on your way.
Arrive in time to head straight down to the beach, and snag a comfy brunch spot at Lucky Beach.
This no reservations spot overlooking the seafront serves up unlimited coffee and sustainable local fare.
Or, if you’re the plan ahead type, book your brunch at the Brighton Beach Club in advance.
It has AMAZING views and very decently priced menu.
Have yourself a little post brekkie seaside stroll, then make your way up the the Laines for a bit of shopping.
Be sure to check out Snooper's Paradise for hidden gems, the original Choccywockydoodah for outlandish treats, and Pen to Paper for glorious stationery.
And when you’re ready for an afternoon treat, go for vegan afternoon tea at Terre a Terre.
Genuinely the most delicious place to eat whether you’re into dairy or not, and their sweet vegan treats are unreal.
Or do a proper lunch at Chilli Pickle.
For a curry feast you won’t forget in a hurry.
Cool off a bit inside one of Brighton’s brilliant museums.
For a small city, it offers an incredible range of museums and exhibitions, from art galleries to natural history collections, and historical sites like the very haunted Preston Manor.
Or sack off town and spend all day with the sea in view.
If you prefer a long stroll along the seafront rather than exploring town, depart from wherever you ended up for brekkie and head east along the beach for long, less crowded walk toward the Marina.
Past the pier, you can pop up to Marmalade in Kemptown for a warming cuppa and lovely fresh lunch.
This sweet little independent cafe does a fantastic lunch deal and has a totally lovely vibe.
Or carry on along the seafront, past the Marina to the cliffside Roedean Cafe.
This little gem does a hearty, unassuming lunch and has a stunning terrace and glassed-in interior offering full on sea views. On good weather days, their mini golf course is open as well!
Depending on where the day leads you, finish the trip off with dinner at Ginger Pig in Hove, or Bella Napoli at the Marina.
Ginger Pig has a LUSH menu and fantastic reviews, and Bella Napoli serves a killer pizza on the seaside, so you’ll be happy either way.
Grab a last drink near the station at the eclectic rock and roll pub, The Hope & Ruin.
And if you’ve got any room left for food, their pickled gherkins are everything you never knew you needed in life.
Here’s your itinerary for a day out in Liverpool!
Pack a light breakfast and grab the train from Euston by half-past 9am so you can get in time for a big lunch. Journey time is a little over 2 hours and a return ticket is under 50 quid.
Head straight to Lucha Libre for lunch.
Stuff your face with Mexican street food at this local favourite. With unique takes on tex mex classics and a fab tapas menu, you’ll be fully energised for the day.
From there, head down to Albert Dock and explore the waterfront.
Walk north toward the waterfront to take in the Royal Liver Building and the Titanic Memorial.
Or even opt to see the city from the deck of the Merseyside Ferry.
Depart on a colourful voyage from Pier Head to see all the sights along the waterfront on a guided tour.
If you prefer to stay on land, do a waterfront museum crawl.
The Museum of Liverpool, Tate Liverpool and Liverpool Maritime Museum are neatly clustered together along the docks.
Skip an obligatory visit to the Beatles Story attraction and grab an afternoon drink at the Cavern Club instead.
This historical music club has seen career-defining performances iconic British acts The Beatles, Queen, Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, and Adele. The Cavern Club still welcomes bands by night, but by day, you can explore its incredible place in music history, and have a drink at the attached pub.
If you fancy a sweet afternoon pick me up, all signs point to OH ME OH MY.
Treat yourself to a superb afternoon tea at this twee spot.
Take a stroll through the epic Liverpool ONE shopping centre.
Live your wildest capitalist dreams at this insane shopping mall in central Liverpool. You’re bound to have an epic wishlist by the end of your trip.
Or explore the Bluecoat arts centre.
The juxtaposition of the building’s 18th century exterior with its hip, modern art collection inside is stunning and there’s always something unique to see.
Before you know it, it will be dinner time, so hit up Almost Famous for the most ridiculously perfect burger of your life.
Innovative food and top notch drinks are the only way to end your epic day out, so enjoy this shabby-chic burger shop with everything you’ve got before catching your train back home.
If you don’t mind a later night, get a tipple at El Bandito, Liverpool’s underground tequila bar.
Just don’t miss the late train!