Hello, dear readers. It’s been awhile since we’ve had a post about London so let’s rectify that. The city has so much to offer, making it easy to fill an entire vacation itinerary. But just because it is unnecessary to leave the city, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. There are loads of things to do outside London too. Here are some great ideas to get you outside of the UK’s capital and of course experience history.

Tour a Prestigious University

Want to visit one of the most historic and prestigious universities in the world? Sure you do. There are two to choose from near London! Cambridge is about an hour by car or bus to the north of London while Oxford lies about the same distance to the northwest.

We picked Oxford. There is no need to have an organized tour but then you might miss out on all the fun facts and history. Like Oxford’s bloody past. Tours led by students of the school are even better. It is a chance to talk with someone a lot smarter than you are (well, I’ll speak for myself here).

Take Tea in an English Countryside Village

When planning the trip to London, I came across an episode of Rick Steves’ Europe. He seems like such a nice man on TV. The cynical side of me wonders if there is a paparazzi video out there of him berating the cameraman. Let’s hope not. Anyway, in this episode, Rick visits the Cotswolds, an Area of Natural Beauty west of London. By the end of the episode, the Cotswolds became a destination on our trip.

We visited the village of Bibury for a nice counterweight to bustling London. This village dates back to the 11th century and is absolutely stunning. From Arlington Row (the most photographed place in England) to the centuries-old stone bridge over the River Coln, the views are breathtaking. And yes, we did actually take traditional tea at our hotel with all the goodies. It’s about two hours to get there from Heathrow and think about staying the night as the bus tours clear out in the evening giving visitors a completely different experience.

Journey to Shakespeare’s Birthplace

To be or not to be (in Stratford-upon-Avon)? That is the question. The answer is to be! William Shakespeare is one of the most influential people in the history of Western culture. The two hour jaunt from Heathrow via car or bus is worth it. This market town is the site Shakespeare’s childhood home, school, and grave. The town totally owns it as their claim to fame, as they should. It’s Billy Shakes for crying out loud!

The town also showcases stunning Tudor-style buildings and cobblestone streets that transport visitors back in time to an England long ago. The town is nestled along the River Avon, offering tranquil boat rides and scenic riverside walks. Stratford-upon-Avon is also surrounded by the rolling hills of the Warwickshire countryside, perfect for nature lovers.

Stroll the Grounds of a Castle

One cannot go to Europe without visiting a castle. Pretty sure that is an actual law. There are some options near London such as Windsor, the castle of the royal family. However, the real fascinating fortresses are on the northeast coast.

Alnwick Castle, situated north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, is a magical and enriching experience that combines history, culture, and a touch of fantasy. Dating back to the 11th century, the castle has been the seat of the Duke of Northumberland for over 700 years. It has played a key role in English history, defending the nation during battles and invasions. Fans of Harry Potter and Downton Abbey will instantly recognize the iconic views. The castle’s striking towers, fortified walls, and sweeping views make it a quintessential medieval fortress.

Though it does require a couple of trains or a car rental from Newcastle, the experience is worth it ten times over.

Fancy an overnight trip to another country, part 1

One of the most amazing things about Europe is how close everything is to each other. It is a breeze to taste many different flavors of the region by way of train. It also begs the question of just how excruciating travel must be for Europeans visiting America.

So, why not fancy a trip to another country and go to…Edinburgh? In just over four hours via train from Kings Cross, visitors are transported to a whole new country. But without leaving the United Kingdom. It’s complicated. Edinburgh, Scotland, truly feels like a world apart from London. The dialect, architecture, people, and even the flag are distinctly different. Well, the Union Jack is flown there too. Once again, it’s complicated.

From iconic Edinburgh Castle perched atop an ancient volcanic rock to the cobblestone streets of the Royal Mile, the city offers a glimpse into Scotland’s rich past. Its unique blend of medieval and Georgian architecture creates an atmosphere that feels both timeless and enchanting.

Fancy an overnight trip to another country, part 2

Does considering Scotland a different country feel a bit like cheating? The Scots might disagree but there are other options as well. How about spending the night in Paris? Though it may seem a bit far fetched, it is totally doable. How do I know? Because we did it!

Trains leave from London’s St. Pancras Station (right next to Kings Cross). That’s right. A two-hour trip with a brief dip under the English Channel and boom, Paris awaits. This might seem like a hassle. Also, does one night in Paris give it justice? Of course, if you plan on another trip to Europe with a stop at the French capital then maybe not. But it is only two hours away. Most movies are longer! In a future post, I’ll lay out an itinerary to make an overnight in Paris happen for you based on our experience.

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Doing all the above might not be in the cards for everyone. However, choosing at least one adds an unforgettable dimension to your London trip.

There are some places that are strangely missing from this post. Why didn’t HwL include such historically significant stops such as Stonehenge, the Battle of Hastings site, and Bath (home of the ancient Roman bathhouses)? The answer is simple. Time and money aren’t endless folks and choices have to be made. It looks like it is Carhenge, Hastings, Nebraska, and taking a bath at home instead.

Check out the London page for more posts. Until next time,