How to Get Out of London Without Really Trying

On days when London’s streets seem a little too crowded, and the greenery of a naturally picturesque setting beckons, the appeal of escaping the city is too strong to resist. But, getting outside the city’s borders can be tricky when time is limited, which is precisely when Herb Lester’s How to Get Out of London Without Really Trying comes in handy.

Beautifully illustrated and filled with captivating photography, this guide shares a collection of tempting destinations that neighbour the country’s capital — all within two hours of a mainline London station. You might have spent longer waiting to get into a popular exhibition in London of a weekend.

Edited by Ben Olins and Jane Smillie (with additional research from Alex Lim), How to Get Out of London Without Really Trying urges you to step off the tube and get some fresh air in places you mightn’t have known to visit. Expect to discover model towns, grand houses, seaside villages, unique museums, tiny stores and comfortable pubs.

Tell us, what are your favourite destinations just a stone’s throw from London?