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<\/p>\nThis summer, the landscape of travel is set to look very different, with staycations and day trips the adventure of choice. Over the past few months, people everywhere have begun to fall in love with their local area, exploring familiar places from new perspectives, and favouring the tranquillity of the countryside over the vibrant buzz of a big city.<\/p>\n
Even London, the UK\u2019s thriving capital, is surrounded by miles of lush greenery, beautiful beaches and quaint country villages \u2013 all just a short journey from the city centre. Heading north from London into the Hertfordshire and Essex areas, the English countryside is almost untouched by tourists, yet offers some of the country\u2019s most picturesque views and traditional, rustic scenes.<\/p>\n
From the candy-cane beach huts of Mersea Island to the manicured lawns of Knebworth House, here are 10 of the best day trip destinations from London.<\/p>\n
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A medieval market town located just 15 miles south of Cambridge, Saffron Walden<\/a> is the perfect place to spend a sunny Saturday. The town\u2019s tight-knit community centres around its bi-weekly market, which offers a range of locally-sourced foods and produce, as well as more exotic dishes.<\/p>\n Just a mile from Saffron Walden town centre lies Audley End House & Gardens<\/a>: a 17th-century manor house once renowned as being one of the most elegant Jacobean buildings in England. Today, the house belongs to charity English Heritage, and is open to visitors for events, private functions, or just for an afternoon stroll.<\/p>\n Distance from central London:<\/p>\n You will probably recognize the beautiful white chalk cliffs of Seven Sisters. This is a great day trip located in Southern England along the coast of Sussex South Downs.<\/p>\n Take the train from London Victoria to Lewes, then change to get to the little seaside town of Seaford. From there, you can do a great walk to see the amazing cliffs for yourself. Grab an ice cream, keep an eye out for the little red lighthouse and make a day of the 22 km walk along the coast!<\/p>\n For more information, you can read our complete guide to visiting the Seven Sisters<\/a> from London!<\/p>\n Distance from central London:<\/p>\n Nestled deep into the countryside of north-eastern Essex, Castle Hedingham<\/a> is a tiny village known \u2013 unsurprisingly \u2013 for its hilltop Norman castle, which dates back to 1100.<\/p>\n With only 1000 inhabitants, this village is picture-book perfect: rows of crooked, pastel houses frame the quiet high street, punctuated by the odd pub or tea room. For traditional English scones, make sure to stop at Buckley\u2019s Tea Rooms<\/a>.<\/p>\n Distance from central London:<\/p>\n Best enjoyed during the summer months, idyllic Finchingfield<\/a> is characterised by its lush Village Green, with its quaint duck pond and gently-trickling river.<\/p>\n This central lawn is surrounded by a collection of stunning Georgian and medieval cottages and houses, the wooden tables of The Fox Inn spilling out onto the street. Take a picnic to enjoy by the river, or grab a coffee at Winners Tea Rooms.<\/p>\n Distance from central London:<\/p>\n Bath is the largest city in Somerset, and is the perfect spot if relaxing in a thermal bath sounds like your ideal day trip.<\/p>\n Located an easy train ride from London, Bath got its name from the roman thermal baths all throughout the city. Visiting bath feels like a true city escape, as you can spend the day admiring the gorgeous architecture and quaint shops.<\/p>\n Take in the history, get a unique thermal spa treatment, and explore some of the best restaurants in England!<\/p>\n For more information, be sure to read our Ultimate City Guide to Bath<\/a>.<\/p>\n Distance from central London:<\/p>\n One of England\u2019s few remaining Royal Hunting Forests, Hatfield Forest<\/a> is a vast expanse of well-maintained greenery, boasting a range of walking routes and a large, tranquil lake.<\/p>\n Managed by the National Trust, the forest is home to over 3,500 species of wildlife, with some of its ancient trees over 1000 years old. Hatfield Forest is an ideal location for a family day trip, with a variety of child-friendly activities and events available. There is an on-site caf\u00e9 offering food and drink, as well as a gift shop and a discovery room.<\/p>\n Distance from central London:<\/p>\n So far-removed from many British seaside towns, Mersea Island<\/a> is unique mainly in its unusual location.<\/p>\n A small island settled into the Blackwater and Colne estuaries, Mersea\u2019s long stretches of sandy beach are bordered by a row of whimsically-colourful wooden beach huts. The sea may not boast the crystal-clear waters of Greece or Portugal, but what Mersea lacks in tropicality it makes up for in delicious, fresh seafood. Head to Seaview Caf\u00e9 for traditional fish and chips or a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n Distance from central London:<\/p>\n A striking country house in the Hertfordshire countryside, Knebworth House<\/a> stands out from other stately homes with its unique architectural style.<\/p>\n Although historically home to a noble family, Knebworth House was used throughout the late 20th century primarily as a concert venue, before also opening its house and gardens to the public.<\/p>\n With a number of activities and areas dedicated to children, Knebworth House is a popular destination for families, as well as catering to those who are interested in the rich history of the house itself. Admission to the gardens costs only \u00a310, whilst entry to both house and gardens will cost \u00a314.<\/p>\n Distance from central London:<\/p>\n A quintessential British seaside town, Southend-on-Sea<\/a> is hailed as being one of Essex\u2019s most fun locations.<\/p>\n Whilst it won\u2019t bestow you with breathtaking views or country homes, Southend\u2019s relaxed beachside atmosphere and friendly locals will make you feel right at home.<\/p>\n Along the promenade, Southend proffers a row of retro-style arcades, pubs, and fish-and-chip shops, which overlook the stretch of stony beach. Its pint-sized theme park, Adventure Island, will leave you reminiscing the long summer days of your childhood.<\/p>\n Distance from central London:<\/p>\n Overlooking the Blackwater estuary, Maldon<\/a> is an ancient fishing town on the Essex coastline.<\/p>\n Famous mainly for its fresh seafood \u2013 particularly its oysters \u2013 and its renowned sea salt, Maldon is rich in natural beauty and is a far cry from the typical commercial seaside towns which can be found nearby.<\/p>\n The rustic Heybridge Basin juts into the still waters of the River Blackwater, overlooking the two tiny, largely-uninhabited islands: Northey Island and Osea Island. Take a walk along the Essex Waterways pathway, framed by long grasses which are rippled by the sea breeze, before stopping at The Old Ship for lunch.<\/p>\n Distance from central London:<\/p>\n We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit some of these day trips from London. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below. <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our<\/i><\/b> Contribute<\/i><\/b><\/a> page for guidelines and to submit your article.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n
![\"houses](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/saffron-walden-houses.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSeven Sisters<\/h2>\n
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![\"seven](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/seven-sisters-england.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCastle Hedingham<\/h2>\n
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![\"building](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/castle-hedingham.jpg\")
<\/p>\nFinchingfield<\/h2>\n
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Bath<\/h2>\n
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Hatfield Forest<\/h2>\n
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Mersea Island<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nKnebworth House<\/h2>\n
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Southend-On-Sea<\/h2>\n
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Maldon<\/h2>\n
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