By Lucy Richardson

Fancy escaping the Big Smoke for the weekend? Here are 10 delightful escapes within 2 hours’ drive or train ride of London – all of which we’ve visited recently, and loved!


Artist Residence, Brighton

the i-escape blog / 10 weekend breaks within 2 hours of London / Artist Residence Brighton

Vintage features, arty interiors, and one of the coolest bars in town; what’s not to love about Artist Residence Brighton? Think colour-splashed bedrooms with exposed brick walls and upcycled furniture. The quirky vibe here captures the essence of Brighton perfectly.

By train: London Victoria to Brighton (1hr 15); the hotel is a 10-minute walk from the train station.
By car: Parking in Brighton is usually a nightmare. Luckily, there’s an underground car park in front of the hotel.

 

2 Port Hotel, Eastbourne

the i-escape blog / 10 weekend breaks within 2 hours of London / Port Hotel

Seeing the sea is important when you spend most of your time in the big city. So pop to Port Hotel in Eastbourne, where vivid azure views fill the picture windows. Housed inside a grand townhouse on the seafront, this hip haven has design-led interiors, Sussex-sourced food and drink, and pop-up exhibitions showcasing local artists. Eastbourne is up and coming, and we love destinations like that. The promenade and beach are right outside, and there are myriad cultural offerings: galleries, exhibitions, film screenings. For a breath of country air, the South Downs are just down the road.

By train: London Victoria to Eastbourne (1hr30); get a taxi from the station, or it’s about a 15-minute walk.
By car: The hotel doesn’t have its own car park, but they’ll lend you on-street parking permits.

 

3  Blue Door Barns, Sussex

the i-escape blog / 10 weekend breaks within 2 hours of London / Blue Door Barns

This magical bolthole, set among the lovely South Downs, combines the bonus of a hotel-style concierge – courtesy of hands-on owners Bryony and Emma – with the ease of self-catering. All 4 suites and cottages at Blue Door Barns are independent, with their own sitting areas; some have kitchens, too. Walk the Seven Sisters sea cliffs, visit arty Charleston House, explore the artisan boutiques of Lewes, then return for a massage at the on-site treatment room – the Snug.

By train: London Victoria to Lewes (1hr) and then a 5-minute taxi ride.
By car: Easy access just off the A26 & A27; plenty of parking spaces.

 

4 The Sun Inn, Essex

the i-escape blog / 10 weekend breaks within 2 hours of London / The Sun Inn

Get set for a quintessential English getaway at The Sun Inn, a homely pub-with-rooms. Set in the sleepy village of Dedham, at the heart of picturesque Constable country, it’s well placed for long walks and boat tours on the Stour. Retreat to the inn for excellent local fare, craft beers and plump beds with goose-down duvets.

By train: London Liverpool Street to Manningtree (1hr); the hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride away.
By car: There’s a small car park at the hotel.

 

5 The Falstaff, Canterbury

the i-escape blog / 10 weekend breaks within 2 hours of London / The Falstaff

In the heart of ancient Canterbury is The Falstaff. Travellers have been calling here since the 15th Century, and the restored beamed ceilings and inglenook fireplaces are a reminder of a bygone era. Today The Falstaff has wonderfully comfortable, good-value bedrooms, a smart dining room where breakfast and afternoon tea are served, and a cool bar offering a nice line of local gins and craft beer. Canterbury’s Unesco-listed sites are right outside, plus this part of Kent has some charming villages and vineyards to explore.

By train: London St Pancras or London Charing Cross to Canterbury West; the hotel is a 3-minute walk from there.
By car: The hotel is conveniently sited outside the pedestrian city centre and has a car park for residents.

 

 

6  The Rectory, Cotswolds

the i-escape blog / 10 weekend breaks within 2 hours of London / The Rectory

How about a grand country house on the edge of the Cotswolds? The Rectory features plush velvet sofas, cosy window seats and clawfoot bathtubs. Outside, there’s a heated outdoor pool among manicured gardens. Wake up to breakfasts served in the light and airy Glasshouse, then spend your days exploring delightful Crudwell and the surrounding countryside.

By train: London Paddington to Kemble (1hr 15); the hotel is a 5-minute taxi ride away.
By car: The hotel has its own car park.

 

7  Timbrell’s Yard, Wiltshire

the i-escape blog / 10 weekend breaks within 2 hours of London / Timbrells Yard

Set among the honey-stone buildings of Bradford-on-Avon, riverside Timbrell’s Yard makes for a tranquil getaway. Its Nordic-style rooms feature super-soft beds, the fabulous restaurant is headed up by a former River Cottage chef, and the peaceful terrace is perfect for riverside dining in summer months (there’s a wood-burner inside for winter).

By train: London Paddington to Bradford-on-Avon (1hr 45); the hotel is a 2-minute walk from the station.
By car: There are 2 public car parks next to the hotel, but you’ll have to pay.

 

8  No 15 by Guesthouse, Bath

the i-escape blog / 10 weekend breaks within 2 hours of London / No 15 Great Pulteney

You’d never imagine such a zany hotel could hide behind the smart façade of this classic Bath townhouse. No. 15 displays all sorts of knickknacks – musical instruments, shoes, dolls houses. Rooms are just as quirky, with bold colours, wall paintings and chandeliers. Downstairs, there’s a small spa with a hot tub and a sauna in an oversized barrel.

By train: London Paddington to Bath Spa (1hr 30); the hotel is a short taxi ride or a 10-minute walk away.
By car: The hotel has a small private car park. Parking is pre-bookable for a nightly charge.

 

9  Number Thirty Eight, Bristol

the i-escape blog / 10 weekend breaks within 2 hours of London / Number Thirty Eight

From its elevated position in hilly Clifton, Bristol’s most upmarket neighbourhood, Number Thirty Eight enjoys impressive views: pastel-coloured streets one way; leafy parkland the other. Bedrooms are smart with muted colours and retro pieces, and breakfast is divine – have it brought to you in bed for maximum pampering.

By train: London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads (1hr 40), the hotel is a 20-minute taxi ride away.
By car: Parking is tricky; you’ll either have to pay for metered parking or ask to go on the hotel’s permit wait list when booking.

 

10  Lime Wood, New Forest

the i-escape blog / 10 weekend breaks within 2 hours of London / Lime Wood

If you’re after full-blown luxury, this country-house hotel will deliver. Set in the heart of the New Forest, Lime Wood is a classy (but unstuffy) retreat with pristine lawns, handsome bedrooms (all unique, no duffs), imaginative Anglo-Italian cuisine, and one of the finest spas in the country. Kick back, relax and be utterly spoilt.

By train: London Waterloo to Ashurst (90 mins); the hotel is a 10-minute taxi ride from the station.
By car: There’s free on-site parking and a valet service.