I knew Oxford was impressive, but the reality was 10x better. Every other building belongs to the un

Time for #IGTravelThursday again! Today I am planning to take you around some of my favourite places near London perfect day-trip destinations, especially in summer time (and when it s not raining; although our family just gets the wellies/snow tickets to broadway theater in nyc boots our if the weather requires so as there are still lots of things to do and see )
There is no place like Leeds Castle and yes, the name is misleading. This castle is named after a tiny little village Leeds in the outskirts of Maidstone, Kent, some 40 miles from central London. Their offering is endless nowadays from Segway tours to more peaceful strolling by the stream and admiring the decoration of the castle and even glamping in knights tents is possible now!
This coastal area has magnificent paths both on top of the cliff and on the more rocky beach. It s relaxing to hike and even waddle in the water (still cold no matter what ) and enjoy a tasty lunch at the local pub by the cliff the food was just great and atmosphere lovely, and the views of course
I knew Oxford was impressive, but the reality was 10x better. Every other building belongs to the university and looks like out of Harry Potter. There is a cool vibe and lot going on. If you haven t tried bunting in the river here s your change. Alternatively almost on the other side of London is the other cool university town, Cambridge, just with less buildings but bunting also on offer
Any village in Kent, Surrey, Sussex of other home counties surrounding London will do. You are likely to pass some really pretty (as well as grand) homes, blooming gardens, cute little tickets to broadway theater in nyc shops. Find a real pub, or one of those gastro pubs for lunch, take a stroll and find a place for a traditional cream tea. You ll be feeling like an Englishman at the end of the day!
Castles, ruins, gardens. England is full of them, but some are better than others. Pretty ruins, some restored, moat with mean-looking fishies, perfect picnic hill. That s Bodiam Castle for you. Pick the right weekend in August and explore the wonders of medieval jousting and a good roast too.
The iconic White Cliffs of Dover. This is a good walk to the South Foreland Lighthouse tickets to broadway theater in nyc and back along the cliffs. Mrs Knott s Teahouse at the lighthouse serves fantastic cream tea and this is the spot for flying kite as the wind is gusty. You also get a nice view of the port and a peek of the Dover Castle in the background. I would love to add the Dover Castle to this agenda, but sorry peeps that place really requires a full day as it s the largest castle in the country (and comes with real dungeon visits. Mind the spiders though )
Remember by previous post about Windsor? Well, one cannot discount the appeal of one of the largest and grandest castles in the world, Queen s Windsor Castle. If you are up for the challenge, the Long Walk is made for you, but beware, the straight looks shorter than it is (6 miles roundtrip), but it s so worth it through the deer park up to the statue and amazing views!
Dear me almost left our local top place to visit: the Knole Park. A lovely deer park in the middle of Sevenoaks town, just some twenty minute train ride from London Bridge. Enjoy a beautiful work, the amazing decor of the house and (do I dare to add) a delightful cream tea in the cafe. If you make it here the house of Winston Churchill is just some miles away, as is the old, lovely moated house, Ightham Mote (all National Trust properties), as well as few other cool places
I think I have shared more than enough again, but if you want more idea, or even an agenda for a few days of touring drop me a note: we e seen almost every nook and cranny this corner of the country has on offer
I hope to see you joining me and our other hosts in this weekly travel linky. Please remember to follow the rules below, add our logo and link at least to one host. If you don t write a blog you can still participate by tagging some of your fabulous travel photos with #IGTravelThursday
Beachy head Berkshire Birling cap Bodiam Castle castles countryside tickets to broadway theater in nyc touring Cream tea days out England gardens IG Travel Thursday Kent Knole Park Leeds Castle linky National Trust NT Oxford pub lunch South Foreland Lighthouse Surrey Sussex White Cliffs of Dover WIndsor Castle
Thanks Katy. I think it s really to pick what to visit and find the right balance when one normally just have a few days so it s great to hear that I might be helping with that process of finding something new and fun to visit!
Love your recommendations! Why are those little snapshots so much more compelling than the long winded descriptions I ve seen elsewhere tickets to broadway theater in nyc on day trips? The Windsor Castle photo is my favorite it makes me want to hop in the photo and take that walk!
[ ] appreciate the ability to step out of my door and be in the beautiful Knole Park or some other nice nearby destination in few minutes. Sometimes alone, other times with a friend or my whole family. Little adventures, [ ]