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After a short bout of rain and thunderstorms, Londoners have been promised that the sun is on its way back to the capital. We’re well into summer now, so there’s every chance that you’ve now exhausted all there is to do in the city on a scorching hot day. The solution? Get out and go on a day trip.
There’s loads of wonderful places that are within easy reach of London – our expertly day trips curated list is packed with historic cities, cosy pastoral towns and charming villages perfect for whatever kind of excursion you fancy. If it’s a seaside trip you’re after, we’ve got just the place.
Time Out named Whitstable our favourite day trip from London for summer 2025, but coming in close second was St Leonards-on-Sea. The smaller sister town to Hastings, St Leonards is a must-go destination all on its own. It was supposedly Queen Victoria’s favourite coastal resort back in the 1800s and these days boasts a fab array of galleries, indie coffee shops, art deco architecture and antique treasure troves.
Londoners can get to the town via an easy one hour and 18 minute train journey from Charing Cross, so there’s really no excuse not to go and see it for yourself.
Ella Doyle, Time Out’s guides editor, said that St Leonards is a particularly delightful spot for foodies. She wrote: ‘There’s a reason so many Londoners moved to St Leonards-On-Sea during lockdown – it’s a cracking day out from the Big Smoke for beachside drinks and a tonne of great food spots.
‘Head to food market Heist (basically a much nicer version of Boxpark) for orange wine and street food, then sink pints at Goat Ledge, a vibey, colourful shack right on the beach. If you fancy splashing out a little, book dinner at the fabulously old-school St Clement’s for white tablecloths and delicious seafood.’
There’s plenty more to do besides wining and dining, though.For a bountiful cave of vintage treasures, stop by Teddy Tinkers and for a good dose of art, we recommend walking along the seafront to Hastings Contemporary. There you’ll find rolling exhibitions from some of the world's leading contemporary artists, including the likes of Jake and Dinos Chapman and Sarah Lucas.
Find our full list of recommendations for Hastings and St Leonards here.
See the rest of Time Out’s best day trips from the London.
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