This summer, millions of people will flock into England’s capital to watch, and be part of, the Olympics. And this formidable influx of tourists will make it a time for not only the capital, but also the Home Counties, to shine.
Throngs of newcomers looking for something to do outside of the city will find plenty in the surrounding provinces, but here’s our pick of the less obvious hotspots encircling London. Tick them off for yourself if you feel the need to make frequent escapes from the sporting mayhem.
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Canterbury, Kent
Narrow medieval alleys and a World Heritage-listed cathedral are just one side of this historical town, immortalised in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and synonymous with the Church of England’s archbishop. Follow up a historic river tour or ghost walk with lively ancient pubs and student mainstays such as industrial-chic, three-tiered club Baa Bars.
See: canterbury.co.uk
Get there: Single train tickets from £26; 1hr from London King’s Cross (southeasternrailway.co.uk)
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Dover, Kent
The town itself is quite the hole – grotty pubs, social undesirables lurking in dark corners – which is why most see little more of Dover than the ferry terminal. But the iconic white cliffs are well worth exploring. You can walk or bike a few miles of rugged paths along the chalky cliff-tops, formed more than half a million years ago, or try out watersports at the foot of the cliffs in the summer.
See: whitecliffscountry.org.uk
Get there: Single train tickets from £30; 1hr20mins from St Pancras (southeasternrailway.co.uk)
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Portsmouth, Hampshire
This unbeautiful harbour city is the last place you’d expect to see a tower of Dubai-esque space-age stylings, and yet, come here and you will see one. Britain’s tallest viewing tower, the Spinnaker Tower gives 350-degree views of up to 23 miles, and has also started hosting stargazing nights. Juxtaposed against this modern marvel, at the Historic Dockyard, are the remains of the Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s favourite warship which sank in 1545. A castle, aquarium and Charles Dickens’ birthplace should also keep you entertained.
See: visitportsmouth.co.uk; spinnakertower.co.uk
Getting there: Single train tickets from £5; 1hr45mins from Waterloo or 2hrs from Victoria (southernrailway.com)
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Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Your typical tacky seaside resort, enjoy Southend for what it is and pile on the clichés. Be a kid again at the arcades and amusement park Adventure Island. Then, after crashing into a sugar coma from the inevitable overdose of candyfloss and rock, wake up with a walk along the world’s longest pier (at 1.33 miles), built in 1830.
See: visitsouthend.co.uk
Getting there: Single train tickets from £10.60; 1hr from Fenchurch Street or Liverpool Street (c2c-online.co.uk)
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Windsor, Berkshire
True, it’ll no doubt be overrun with tourists over the Olympics, thanks to Windsor Castle and its status as the official residence of the Queen (not to mention that it’s the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, with a history of almost 1000 years). Still, there’ll be a great atmosphere over summer, with crowds clamouring to watch the Changing of the Guard and folk taking scenic boat trips down the river.
See: windsor.gov.uk
Getting there: Single train tickets from £9; 45mins from Waterloo (firstgreatwestern.co.uk)
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St Albans, Hertfordshire
Yes, yes, this pretty spot in south-east England has loads of historical tidbits to its portfolio, including the fact that it’s named after England’s first Christian martyr. But even better, there’s a strong local tradition of beer appreciation. The annual St Albans beer festival is a four-day extravaganza of real ales in September; also, for a pint with personality, try the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks pub on Abbey Mill Lane, where Oliver Cromwell once lay his head.
See: stalbans.gov.uk; stalbansbeerfestival.com; yeoldefightingcocks.co.uk
Getting there: Single train tickets from £10.60; 25mins from St Pancras (firstcapitalconnect.co.uk)
