So if you’re planning a visit to the UK and want to see a little bit more than just London town, here is a list of easily reachable and definitely worthwhile day trips from London.

1. Brighton—for fans of the alternative

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Bohemian, laid-back, alternative and all this right on the seafront. Although Brighton and London are both thriving, buzzing cities, they also have stark differences that you’ll need to see to believe. For example, Brighton is famous for its beautiful pebble beaches, quaint little shopping lanes and vibrant nightlife.

There’s also a lot of unique sights, such as the oldest aquarium in the world (built in 1872) or the Royal Pavilion, a Grade 1 listed palace that might make you question whether you’re in England or India.

So if you fancy some fish and chips on a grade II listed pier in one of the friendliest places in the South, then Brighton is one of those “must-do” day trips from London.

How to get there:

Trains from London are quick and frequent. Leave from London Victoria station and you can be on the beach in under an hour.

2. Oxford—for fans of Harry Potter

When you picture a University life in England, you may well be picturing Oxford. The old buildings, the libraries, the academics strolling around in their robes. It all still happens in Oxford. As a result, this small but perfectly formed city is a wonderful place to spend a day punting on the river Cherwell, strolling about the Covered Market and having a pint in a local pub.

The City of Dreaming Spires has been featured in many a literary tale but is recently most famous as the inspiration and filming location for Harry Potter. If you’re a Potter fan you can choose to go on a walking tour of the city or download the audio guide here.

Just make sure to see the Great Hall at Christchurch. As its design and architecture were copied for the Dining Hall at Hogwarts, it really will be like stepping into a magical world.

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How to get there:

Catch a train from Paddington station which should be easy as they leave every 5 to 10 minutes. With a journey time of just over an hour until you’re in some beautiful Oxfordshire countryside.

3. Windsor—for fans of the Royal Family

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One of the best day trips from London for people who love English royalty. Known for its royal connections, Windsor is a small but picturesque town just West of London. It claims to fame is the opulent Windsor Castle, which is the largest inhabited castle in the world and still used as a residence by the Royal Family.

Hint: If the Royal Standard is flying, it means the Queen is at home and definitely wants you to pop in for a cup of tea and a biscuit.

If her majesty is not at home, you can still take a tour of the house and watch the Changing of the Guard at 11am most Mondays to Saturdays. Or you can head away from the Castle into the beautiful Windsor Great Park for some serious picnicking and red deer spotting. Of course, there is always the option for souvenir shopping in one of the many central shops.

No matter how you look at it, you’re guaranteed a lovely day out!

How to get there:

Direct trains run from London Waterloo or Paddington station to Windsor and Eton Central and take about 30 minutes.

4. Guildford/Godalming—for fans of the quaint

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There are a rich plethora of “commuter towns” around London and for the most part, they are convenient more than they are interesting. Guildford is a little different in that it is definitely used by many of its residents to travel to London each day, but it is also an interesting and vibrant place in its own right.

Dating back to Saxon times, this busy little market town is peppered with old buildings, delicious restaurants, riverside walks and to top it all off, a castle said to be built sometime around 1066. It’s much quieter than some of the larger cities and towns on this list and so can be an excellent snapshot of English life in a southern town.

Its close location to the nature spots like Pewley Down or Newlands Corner, mean you are on the doorstep of some truly outstanding English countryside.

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How to get there:

35 minutes on the train from London Waterloo and it’s just a 5-minute walk from the station to the cobbled high street.

5. Winchester—for fans of King Arthur

On the edge of the South Downs National Park, Winchester is a seething hotbed of historical landmarks. Not only does it boast one of the most beautiful Cathedrals, but it also has a 17^th Century Library, the ruins of Wolvesey Castle and a working 18^th Century Corn Mill.

But it’s Winchester Castle which might get most history buffs interested, as within it’s great hall can be found what is reported to be King Arthur’s Round Table. That’s right, proudly displayed in the 13^th Century aisled hall, is a living piece of medieval mythology. And only 10 minutes away from Winchester station.

Even if you’re not a history buff, you can still spend a happy day pottering around Winchester’s many boutique shops and enjoying a tea or tipple in one of its many cafés and restaurants. It’s many international eateries showcase a modern city in a historic setting. A little bit of everything for everyone.

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How to get there:

Trains to Winchester run from London Waterloo and take around an hour on average. It’s worth noting that the station is about 10-minute walk to the center but it’s a beautiful walk which is well worth the effort.

What do you think of our day trips from London? Can you think of any more great ones? Feel free to comment below!

Suggested next reading: 6 Of The Best Castles To Visit In England That Have Incredible History

The post 5 Brilliant & Easily Reachable Day Trips From London appeared first on Modern Trekker.

London is a must-visit city for any traveler if they find themselves in Europe. Not only is it the capital of England and one of the biggest cities in Europe, London is considered a mega-city on a global scale. It’s in the same conversation as cities such as Tokyo, Moscow, and New York City. It’s a big and expansive city, home to over 13 million people, with people from all over the world and all different walks of life. While there are a plethora of things to see, we’ve compiled a list of the 6 places you have to experience in London:

1. Shoreditch

Unless you’ve lived under a rock, you’ve probably heard of London’s trendiest East End neighborhood, Shoreditch. There’s so much to see in the area, it’s almost hard to fit it all in. You can start with the amazing street art that can be found on the streets of Shoreditch. Start your self-guided tour on Brick Lane and make your way to Shoreditch Triangle where some of the best work lies. You could always take a guided tour, but save some “quid ” (British slang word for money) for what’s to come. Once you’ve walked around and gotten hungry, visit one of Shoreditch’s many food markets. I’d recommend going to Dinerama. They have awesome food and drink options all under one roof (something that comes in handy in London with all the rain). If you happen to be in Shoreditch when it’s sunny, head to one of the many rooftop bars such as The Queen Of Hoxton for after dinner drinks. You won’t be disappointed. Drinks with a view. Nothing better.

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Watch this video below for a virtual tour of Shoreditch.

2. The Shard

The Shard, built in 2012 on the shores of the River Thames, is now the tallest building in the city (310 meters) and one of London’s most recognizable. The building was meant to look like a shard of glass and hence where the name originated from. It now hosts offices, bars, restaurants, and a hotel. The Shard also has the best view of London. At the top of the building, on the 69th-72nd floor, is The View From The Shard where it’s possible to see all of London and some of the surrounding towns. If you get hungry from all that sightseeing, grab some food at Hutong, one of five restaurants located in The Shard. It’s an outpost of a famous restaurant in Hong Kong. It’s atmosphere and being 33 floors in the air definitely make the food taste better. You can’t go wrong with a whole Peking Duck. It’s to die for!

3. Big Ben

I know every traveler likes to see things off the beaten path, but sometimes tourist destinations live up to their hype. Not going to visit Big Ben in London is like going to Bangkok and not eating Thai food. It’s a mandatory stop. Located at the north end of Westminster Palace, the clock tower is a globally recognized British icon. Big Ben is actually the bell inside the tower, not the public facing clock, and is notoriously tough to visit. You need to have connections if you hope to be able to walk up the clock tower and see Big Ben. The tours are usually reserved for British citizens if they message a parliament official, and the waiting list is up to 6 months long! Who knows? Anything can happen if you send a message!

4. Richmond Park

Located just outside London city limits lies former royal hunting grounds. Today, Richmond Park is a nature reserve that is home to thousands of deer and other animals. Richmond Park is a great place to go and hang out on a beautiful, summer day to escape the frenetic pace of London city center. You can fish, play sports, have a picnic, run, bike, and walk among many other things. Be sure to keep an eye out for the endangered Stag Beetle.

5. Baker Street

Calling all Sherlock Holmes fans! If you love all things Sherlock Holmes, Baker Street is for you. Located in the Marylebone District, Baker Street was once home to Holmes’ and where he solved many of his mysteries. You can even visit the Sherlock Holmes’ museum to learn more about where and how he lived. Beyond a Homes’ pilgrimage, there is still plenty to do on Baker Street. Comb through Daunt Book Shop for a new travel read. Be sure to check out the farmer market that takes place every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Walk around the different stalls and sample local food and produce. Finally, walk through the Wallace Collection, home to over 5,000 art objects and sculptures. Besides the incredible collection, the museum is free and open to the public 7 days a week. This is always a great option for any budget minded traveler. That way you can save your quid for an extra pint at the pub after.

6. Piccadilly Circus / Carnaby Street

After Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus is the second most famous place in London. It has been London’s commercial hub since the early 17th Century. Today, much like New York’s Time Square, Piccadilly Circus is known for its brightly colored digital billboard ads. However, centrally located in London’s West End, Piccadilly Circus has become more than just bright lights and the beating heart of the cities economy. It’s become the main area for all things food and drink and is a must-see place you have to experience in London.

Nearby Carnaby Street is where all the action is happening. As you enter the area, you’ll be greeted by the famous arch sign that lets you know exactly where you are. You can’t go wrong with any restaurant in the area, but be sure to check out Dirty Bones. Found on the second floor overlooking a beautiful courtyard, Dirty Bones is known for its incredible steak and eggs. Don’t be afraid to try their delicious macaroni either called Mac Daddy. End the night with a drink at Cahoots, a bar in a former air-raid shelter where you order your drinks from a newspaper menu. Piccadilly Circus and Carnaby Street combine to make a great team that will surely leave you planning your next visit to the area.

Suggested next reading: 9 Weird & Wonderful Places To Dine Out In London

More from this series:

1. 6 Must-See Places You Absolutely Have To Experience In Paris
2. 6 Must-See Places You Absolutely Have To Experience In New York

The post 6 Must-See Places You Absolutely Have To Experience In London appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Nowhere is this more in evidence than in London, now a true international melting-pot of a city. New food trends emerge here in pop-ups and palaces on what feels like a weekly basis; even for locals, it’s hard to keep up with the pace of change.

But whether it’s fine dining you’re looking for, or simply a splash of British eccentricity, our list of 9 weird & wonderful places to dine out in London is sure to give you some inspiration on where to start your gastronomic adventure.

1. Dinner By Heston

Heston Blumenthal’s innovative cooking revolutionized British attitudes to food during the 1990s and his food has regularly been voted among the world’s best, as well as showered with Michelin stars. Historians at the British Library helped Blumenthal unearth some forgotten recipes from the past, providing the inspiration for a menu that manages to be both deeply traditional and excitingly modern. Each dish on the menu has a story behind it, meaning there’s nowhere better to get a thorough introduction to the historic diversity of British food, as well indulging in a multi-sensory feast that will live long in the memory.

Price: Around £80 per person for three courses.
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge Station on the Piccadilly Line.

2. Dans Le Noir?

Eating is a truly multi-sensory experience, but what if one of your senses was taken away as you ate? Would this diminish or enhance your enjoyment? The founders of Dans Le Noir? believe it’s the latter. Diners here enjoy their meals in total darkness, served by waiters who are blind or visually impaired. The “Secret Menus” at Dans Le Noir? mean you never know what it is you’re eating until it’s in your mouth, and sometimes not even then (though you can choose menus without seafood or meat etc). It may be for the more gastronomically adventurous, but this is not just a meal, it’s an experience—one that challenges you to think more carefully about the way you experience food, certainly, but also the people and world around you.

Price: Around £55 per person for three courses
Nearest Tube: Farringdon Station on the District, Metropolitan, and Hammersmith & City Lines.

3. Kiln

The video covers Kiln from 0:00 to 1:06.

Londoners love exploring new ideas and they love their food. Whenever a new restaurant opens and gains a bit of attention in the media it’s quite common to see locals queueing up for the privilege of being the first to see the new show in town. One restaurant creating A LOT of positive buzz right now is Kiln, a small, casual venue that offers South East Asian cuisine with just a dash of British influence. Many of the traditionally Thai ingredients are produced in the South West of England, and the restaurant boasts that all its food is made without electricity or gas, instead, everything is cooked over charcoal. Keeping with the DIY ethos, even the kitchen and tableware is made in-house. Places are limited but if you’re lucky enough to grab a space, you’ll be sure to experience a cuisine that all contemporary London is currently raving about.

Price: Around £35 per person
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus Station on the Piccadilly and Bakerloo Lines.

4. The Cereal Killer Café

Not every new place that opens is greeted with such positive reviews by both media and public as Kiln. If you’ve been in Britain at any point in the last 4 years then it’s likely you’ll have heard of Cereal Killer Café, if not, let’s just describe it as a somewhat controversial spot. The café, as the name suggests, serves nothing but cereal and 80s nostalgia. To its admirers it’s anything from an exemplar of entrepreneurial spirit to a tongue-in-cheek celebration of an everyday staple; to its detractors it’s emblematic of the excesses of gentrification, selling over-priced non-food to hipsters in one of London’s most deprived areas. Whilst it’s certainly divided opinion, one thing we definitely can say is that it got London talking, so why not head over for a bit and see what all the fuss is about?

Price: £2-4 per bowl
Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green (Shoreditch site) on the Central Line, or Camden Town (Camden site) on the Northern Line.

5. Tonkotsu

In a city where pop-up restaurants often have the life-span of mayflies and only the delicious survive, Tonkotsu is a reminder of the value of simplicity and patience. Their menu is paired back, consisting mostly of ramen dishes, but the quality of the food proves that less is sometimes more. Springy noodles sitting in a pork bone broth that is around 18 hours in the making, giving a depth of fflavorunlike any bowl of noodles you’ve had before (outside Japan). This restaurant was a big craze a few years ago, but when even when fads move on, Tonkotsu demonstrates that great food never goes out of fashion.

Price: Around £11 per bowl of ramen
Nearest Tube: There are several restaurants throughout London so you have the option to choose the one that best suits your plans.

6. Borough Market

And talking about longevity, Borough Market is one of the oldest and largest food outlets in London, having been in the same spot for over 1000 years. Today it’s beloved by locals and tourists alike and has long provided ingredients to many of the capital’s leading restaurants. If you have your own kitchen during your travels then the list of options to choose from is endless. On my first visit, as a student, I bought the best tomatoes, mozzarella and olive oil I could afford and it’s a lunch I still remember to this day. It really is all in the ingredients. However, if your budget extends a little further then Elliot’s or Padella Pasta comes highly recommended by the locals.

The beautiful Southwark Cathedral is right outside Borough Market and offers a stunning backdrop to whatever food you choose.

Price: It’s up to you.
Nearest Tube: London Bridge Station on the Northern Line.

7. Blanchette

Sometimes, with all the wonders and wizardry of modern gastronomy around, it’s easy to miss those restaurants just doing great food in nice surroundings. Blanchette is one such place and a personal favorite. My initial visit was born of a desire to get my first taste of frogs’ legs, but I loved its casual and rustic charm so much that I’ve been back numerous times since. Specialising in classic French cuisine that can be eaten at the counter or at the table, Blanchette offers delicious food and a lovely ambiance in the heart of busy Soho; a little slice of the French countryside in the middle of modern London. Perhaps a place that’s easy to miss, but never to forget.

Price: £30-£40 per person for three courses.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus Station on the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria Lines.

8. Shaka Zulu

Stables market has a truly unique gem hidden underground that serves South African foods including zebra, crocodile, ostrich, and much more. It’s also hard to miss too because of the 30ft hand cast bronze statue presiding over the entrance. The place is HUGE and the decor is probably like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Their service has mixed reviews and it isn’t the ideal spot for a long conversation since the live African-music is loud—though this does add to the atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a new experience.

Price: Around £26 per person
Nearest Tube: Chalk Farm Station or Camden Tube Station

9. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Taken straight from the business idea of “Bubba” from Forrest Gump, it was only really a matter of time before this restaurant chain found its way to London. Although somewhat of a novelty, this place actually really stands on its own as a great restaurant. Alongside its signature dishes of shrimp, fish-focused starters and baby back ribs, there are a variety of crustacean creations, as well as, steaks, chicken dishes and mixed plates to choose from, offering a convincing deep south American experience.

Price: Around £15 per person
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus Station or Leicester Square Station

So, that was our 9 weird & wonderful places to dine out in London! Would you add anywhere? Comment below! Or why not check out 5 Unexpected Food Cities Around The World You Have To Visit?

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