Opting to stay in a city or town near London can be a great way to save money without missing out on the excitement of the city. Many people have mixed feelings about visiting a world-class city like London. They’d love to experience a special show, sports event, royal ceremony, the Lord Mayor’s Show, or fireworks over the Thames, and explore some of the world’s most famous stores. However, the perceived expense and worries about crowded conditions during major events can be off-putting.
The good news is you don’t have to choose between London and more affordable, less crowded areas. London is surrounded by towns and small cities filled with their own attractions and offering access to wonderful regional tours, all while being close enough to occasionally enjoy the city’s urban excitement. These nearby areas offer quieter, more affordable places to stay and dine. For instance, basing your vacation or getaway in Oxford or Cambridge allows easy access to London by train or bus for shows, shopping, or sightseeing. By purchasing tickets in advance, fares are usually much cheaper.
Here are eight favorite spots close to London to consider, though there are many more options. Simply draw a circle with a 60-mile radius around London on a map—this is essentially the commuter belt. Then check National Rail Enquiries or Traveline for the fastest public transportation routes into the city. National Rail Enquiries can even help you find the best fares and guide you through buying tickets online.
One of Britain’s top 20 destinations for students and visitors, Cambridge is well-situated for several day trips to London while also offering fantastic local tours. Trains to Kings Cross run every half hour and take 56 minutes, while trains to Liverpool Street Station take just over an hour. In 2017, the best advance off-peak day return fare was £14 when bought as two single tickets.
Distance to London Bridge, Central London: 58 miles
Oxford is a renowned university town with a unique vibe and home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The Oxford Tube is a popular bus service running every 10 to 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, with multiple drop-off points around London and onboard Wi-Fi. A round trip costs about £16 for adults, with student, senior, and multi-trip tickets available. The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Distance to London Bridge, Central London: 63.5 miles
Amersham, located on the northwestern edge of London in Buckinghamshire, was the backdrop for one of Britain’s best-loved romantic comedies, “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” and is home to a famous bear from children’s literature. Amersham sits at the end of the Metropolitan and City Line—the oldest line on the London Underground, which is the oldest underground system in the world. This journey takes about an hour and a half, but rail to Marylebone Station offers a quicker 40-minute option. Check National Rail Enquiries for train schedules, fares, and ticket links.
Distance to London Bridge, Central London: 34 miles
Brighton, often referred to as “London’s Beach,” has a strong personality of its own. If you enjoy edgy, urban locales by the sea, you’ll love Brighton. Trains to London Victoria or London Bridge Station leave Brighton approximately every 15 minutes, with a trip lasting just under an hour.
Distance to London Bridge, Central London: 54 miles due south
Seeing Arundel for the first time, you may wonder why you haven’t heard of or visited it sooner. This charming town is rich in history. Arundel is a gateway to much of the South Coast, including seaside resorts like Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. Chichester, with its cathedral and theater, and the Goodwood Estate, which hosts horse racing, motorcar racing, and vintage car and air events, are also nearby. Direct trains from Victoria Station run regularly, taking about an hour and a half or less.
Distance to London Bridge, Central London: About 65 miles
The clapboard houses of Whitstable, adorned with climbing roses and faded shutters, might remind you of New England. It’s quaint and relaxing, and conveniently close to Canterbury as well as London. Regular trains to Victoria leave Whitstable, with a journey lasting about an hour and a half, and the cheapest fare is around £20.
Distance to London Bridge, Central London: 58 miles
Tourism statistics from 2019 show growing interest in London’s outer boroughs among seasoned visitors. Hence, you can find more affordable accommodations and plenty of activities without leaving London. Richmond is a perfect example. The London Underground’s District Line connects several Central London stations to Richmond Station, located right on the high street, in minutes.
Distance to London Bridge, Central London: 11.5 miles
Head southeast of London to Greenwich, once the center of Royal London during Tudor times and a hub of British naval and exploration history. Today, it is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site with plenty to see and do. Greenwich is easily accessed from London City Airport, and you can reach it from Central London by using a combination of the London Underground to Tower Hill and a short ride on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), all part of Transport for London. Traveling to Greenwich can be especially enjoyable via the Thames Clipper river bus, departing from Westminster Pier near Big Ben and offering a 40-minute cruise past The Tower of London to Greenwich Pier. You can pay with an Oyster card or contactless payment.
Distance to Central London, Tower Bridge: 5 miles
