When you're in London for work, there are plenty of options for day trips. We've selected four places that are worth at least a few nights before or after your business trip. They're all within three hours of the city and are easily accessible by car or train.
Below, we take you to the spectacular farmland of Somerset, the sprawling landscapes of East Sussex, the charming Cotswolds and waterside Dorset. Pick the one that catches your eye and start planning your getaway.
The Newt in Somerset
Bruton
Bed and Breakfast at Hadspen House, The Newt in Somerset, Bruton / Photo: Courtesy of The Newt
Set in 400 hectares of parkland with orchards, lakes, a grotto and a Roman villa, The Newt bills itself as a ‘place of wonder’, and it truly is. The 17th-century property has a main house with simple but chic guest rooms. Spend your time relaxing in the spa or taking part in one of the many workshops on offer. Learn about beekeeping, for example, or try your hand at farming and even dry-stone walling. Or book a walking tour and cider tasting and explore the many historic villages nearby. Much of the food in The Newt’s restaurants is grown on-site, and the cuisine is bursting with freshness and flavour.
The pig on the beach
Studland
Looe Harbour fish with sweetcorn at Pig on the Beach / Photo: Courtesy of Max Milligan
The Pig brand has a loyal following among Londoners, and this property clearly shows why those in the know are repeat customers. Set along Studland Bay in Dorset, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding coastline and offers several rooms, including the two-storey Lookout with its own beach hut. Dining, as with all Pigs, is a key reason to visit, with simple dishes beautifully executed using locally sourced produce. The menu, which offers options with ingredients sourced from within a 25-mile radius, can change up to twice a day. That might mean chilled pea soup with oregano sour cream for lunch and pork fillet from a nearby farm with a blackberry red wine sauce for dinner.
Take advantage of your stay to enjoy beautiful walks along the coast and take the time to treat yourself to a relaxing treatment at the rustic spa. Our choice goes to the Upper Body Unwind with a back exfoliation and an arm and hand massage.
The star
Alfriston
The Star, Alfriston / Photo: Courtesy of The Star
Set in the quintessentially English village of Alfriston, The Star offers an endless list of entertainment. Beaches (including a long stretch of undeveloped coastline), historic attractions, walks of all levels, art galleries and vineyards are all on your doorstep. We also love Glyndebourne, considered one of the world’s first small opera houses. The challenge here is figuring out where you should spend your time. The rooms have been tastefully decorated by renowned designer Olga Polizzi, while the on-site restaurant, which serves delicious lunches and dinners, will provide a tasty picnic hamper for day trips.
No. 131
Cheltenham
Yoku Restaurant at No. 131, Cheltenham / Photo: Courtesy of No. 131
Located on the Promenade, the main thoroughfare of the Cotswold town of Cheltenham, No. 131 is a stylish property in an 18th-century townhouse that lay derelict for years. It’s now the epicentre of the action, with its always-bustling bar, excellent Japanese restaurant Yoku (the sushi is to die for) and The Terrace, which serves food all day. Sunday lunch is a bargain here, with a menu that includes traditional English roasts and British favourites like smoked pork shank salad.
Cheltenham is a bustling town with many art galleries and hosts festivals throughout the year, including jazz and literary festivals.
