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If you are based in London and are looking to explore the UK a little bit more then we have you covered. Luckily, London has great rail access to the majority of the UK, with many locations also accessible by car and other public transport. Here are a few of our favourite UK cities along with suggestions for what you can get up to during your trip.
Top places in the UK to visit from London
1. Doncaster
Doncaster is a hidden gem of Yorkshire, with plenty to do for all kinds of travellers, including families. You can easily purchase train tickets from London to Doncaster and may even be able to bag them for up to half price if you book in advance. Doncaster Dome is the perfect destination for families with an indoor pool, an ice skating rink and a play zone for the kids, as well as fitness classes and a gym for the adults.
If you are looking for an action-packed day out why not head to the Doncaster Racecourse, one of the oldest racecourses for horse racing in Britain? If you are a racing fan then September would be the perfect time to go as Doncaster is home to the prestigious Cazoo St Leger Festival which draws in thousands of racegoers each year.
2. York
York is easily accessible from London with a train journey of around 2 hours and is a city full of history and culture. At 3.4km long York’s City Walls are the longest medieval town walls in England and are still beautifully preserved, with 2.5 million people walking along them annually. You will also find the Shambles in York which were used as inspiration by Harry Potter designers for Diagon Alley! These narrow cobbled lanes are full of vintage cafes and shopping centers so there is plenty to explore.
There are also plenty of traditional pubs in York and great nightlife, as the city houses around 20,000 students during term time.
3. Brighton
Brighton is home to many alternative and creative minds and, being only an hour away from London, it is a perfect destination if you want to explore your artistic side. In the heart of Sussex, you will find gorgeous best beaches which are perfect for catching some summer rays or watching the sunset in the evening. While you are at the beach you should also visit the pier where you will find multiple arcades and games to keep the kids busy as well as the usual fairground snacks like candy floss, ice cream and burgers.
When it comes to food, no matter what your dietary preferences are, Brighton has you covered! If you love seafood then you will find some of the UK’s best seafood restaurants in Brighton but the city is also renowned for its vegan scene with multiple vegan restaurants in the area.
There are also plenty of museums, galleries and museums which are great for kids, along with the world’s oldest aquarium, Sea Life, which can be found on the marine parade.