5 alternative day trips from London

Ah London, we love the hustle and bustle of the city and the array of activities at our fingertips. But sometimes, it gets a bit too much and we crave for a little tranquility, something... different.

Here are 5 of the best alternative day trips and experiences out of London town. Ps: most of these are accessible by public transport as well!

1. Pick your own lavender and sunflowers at Hitchin Lavender

With 35 miles of lavender (60 different varieties!), a huge sunflower patch and a meadow of wildflower, it's anyone's dream!

It costs £10 (peak) or £7 (off-peak) for adults. Under 5's go free of charge. This charge includes your bag and scissors for lavender picking! You may also cut your own sunflower at an additional price.

Take note of the flowering season: lavanders bloom mid-June to end July while sunflowers bloom mid-late August. You may check their website or instagram to keep up to date for blooms.

How to get there: Take the train to Arlesey then catch bus 72 to the farm or take the train to Hitchin and hail an Uber to the farm.

2. Take in the views from Box Hill, Surrey

Itching for a hike and some views?

Box Hill is managed by The National Trust and promises you scenic walks and breathtaking views. Hikers can choose from a gentle stroll to a longer route which includes a pub stop. Full routes available here.

How to get there: Catch the train to Dorking and walk to National Trust Box Hill Stepping Stone carpark (RH5 6AE)

3. Wander amongst cobbled lanes at Rye and relax at the sandy Camber Sands beach!

There's just something about quaint alleys and cobbled walkways that makes a perfect picture. This postcard perfect East Sussex settlement boasts quirky shops, independent cafes and even a castle!

Grab a bite at the many pubs and cafes and shake off the city vibe before heading to Camber Sands beach!

It is not easy to find a sandy beach in England outside of Cornwall. Camber Sands is filled with sandy dunes and marram grass, making it a golden paradise. Close your eyes and you might even forget you are in England!

How to get there: Catch a train to Rye. From Rye, you may walk 3 miles (~1 hour) or catch The Wave 102 bus to the beach.

4. Walk along The Jurrasic Coast

The Jurassic Coast – Dorset and East Devon coast – is England’s first natural World Heritage Site. Stretching 95 miles from Devon to Dorset, you can choose how much of this coastal walk you want to take in.

I have personally done and thus would recommend the Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove walk. I also suggest the walk in this particular direction as there are more shops and places to rest your feet at the Cove.

How to get there: Take the train to Wool and catch a bus (or taxi) to your destination. Public buses run to and from Durdle Door/Lulworth Cove but these are highly limited so you would have to really sync your train, walks and buses' timings to get it right. Bus timetable can be found here.

5. Visit a National Trust Property

The National Trust is a UK conservation charity, owning over 500 heritage properties including houses and gardens. If you were not brought up in the UK, you might not have heard of National Trust properties, and are missing out on some amazing places!

Some amazing places within London include Fenton House (Hampstead, North London), Ham House (Richmond, London) and Morden Hall Park (South London).

Properties outside of London include Chiddingston Village (near Eddingston, Kent), Polesden Lacey (near Dorking, Surrey) and Shaw's corner (near Hertfortshire).

The only downside to National Trust properties is that they are often inaccessible by public transport and will require you to have a car.

Hopefully, this list has inspire you to explore more unique places outside of London!