How to Get Out of London Without Really Trying

Easy escapes from the big city, using only public transport.

London’s mainline stations offer easy access to open country, grand houses, historic castles, diverting museums and glorious beaches -- and all within 90 minutes. This guide is ideal for spontaneous solo trips on sunny days or to help plan days out during half term breaks.

Casting our net from the city’s outer boroughs to Essex, Kent, Sussex and beyond, the 100-plus entries include a beach in landlocked Middlesex, Bexhill’s art deco wonder, The De La Warr Pavilion and fish and chips in Whitstable.