If you are visiting London in the cooler months, it can be a great opportunity to explore the surrounding areas of London, or take some short trips into the rest of the UK. These are some great ideas for short trips which are easily accessible from London.

New Forest

If you’re an avid outdoor explorer then New Forest in Hampshire is a great trip. It has plenty of winding misty pasts and has plenty of great scenery as you amble through the forest, burning off those Christmas calories. When you get a little peckish, there are plenty of great restaurants nearby as well before you start your journey heading home.

Rye

Located in East Sussex, this little town is a wonderful place to visit. It has the true old British town feel you may not quite experience in London and will give you a stronger idea of British culture. Rye also has some amazing food, especially in the winter months, such as some great fresh fish stews and scallops caught that day!

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of those sights that is often overlooked but is definitely worth the visit. Just a short trip away from London (and also with many tour groups arranging trips there), it is a sight of great historical importance and awe. If you’re around near the Solstice, you can experience a true pagan ritual as well, and of course it has plenty of great photo opportunities.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Another historical British town, Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, one of the most important British Linguists. You can watch a play in the Royal Shakespeare theatre, or head down to a local pub for some great hearty British food. This can be a perfect little weekend getaway, or a fun historical day trip.

If you plan on visiting any of these or any other places in London during the winter months, there are a few extra things to consider. Definitely make sure that you check the weather forecast before booking, and packing appropriate clothes. Rain is always a possibility.

Look at coach and train tickets as sometimes one or the other can be considerably cheaper. Also check opening hours as some places may close earlier or on certain days during the winter months.

Also, during the winter the days are very short in the UK, from around 10am-5pm of sunlight, so make sure you plan your day accordingly and do indoor activities early or late in the day, and outdoor activities whilst you still have the sun!