London is brilliant, but even the most devoted city-dweller occasionally craves open skies, muddy boots, and a proper lungful of fresh air. The good news for families is that some of England’s most stunning countryside begins barely an hour from the capital. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer break, these four destinations deserve a place on your list.
Exploring the Chiltern Hills
Stretching across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Hertfordshire, the Chilterns National Landscape is a haven for families looking for accessible, rewarding walks. Ancient beechwoods, chalk downland, and pretty villages like Great Missenden and West Wycombe make for an endlessly varied backdrop. Whether you’re after a stroll or something more adventurous, there’s no shortage of options, from Ivinghoe Beacon’s sweeping hilltop views to the woodlands of the Ashridge Estate. Wendover Woods is a firm family favourite, combining waymarked trails with a Go Ape high-wire course and a Gruffalo trail for younger children. With over 20 railway stations across the area, you don’t necessarily need a car to get there.
Discovering Surrey’s Green Spaces
Just 25 miles from central London, the Surrey Hills National Landscape covers around a quarter of Surrey and puts spectacular scenery well within reach of the city. Box Hill is the obvious starting point because its chalk downland, stepping stones across the River Mole, and hilltop café make it a perennial family favourite. Leith Hill, the highest point in south-east England at 294 metres, rewards the short climb to its Gothic tower with panoramic views stretching to the South Downs. There’s no shortage of fun family activities, such as den-building, rope swings, and wildlife encounters across the region’s green spaces. Guildford makes a good base, with its mix of independent shops, riverside walks, and easy rail connections.
Kent’s Countryside Adventures
Known as the Garden of England, Kent rewards families with an impressive variety of experiences. Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn, combines genuine Tudor history with a maze, lake, and adventure playground. Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury houses gorillas, rhinos, and over 390 animals across 100 acres, with a focus on breeding endangered species. For those exploring the county by motorhome, Kent’s combination of farm stays, country parks, and scenic rural roads makes it a particularly rewarding destination. Just make sure you’ve sorted comprehensive motorhome insurance for families travelling in the UK before setting off, as it’s one practical detail that can make the whole trip far more relaxed.
The Cotswolds Within Reach
Parts of the Cotswolds are closer to London than many people realise. Burford, for example, is around 75 miles from the capital. The region’s honey-coloured stone villages, including Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold, have a fairytale quality that tends to delight children and adults equally. Local farm shops and village markets are ideal for picking up lunches on the go, while the Cotswold Farm Park near Bourton-on-the-Water gives children the chance to meet rare breed animals up close. The Cotswold Way also offers shorter, accessible sections that work well for families who want a taste of the landscape without committing to the full 102-mile route.
Making Family Memories Beyond the City
You don’t need to travel far to have an adventure worth remembering. Each of these destinations offers something genuinely different, and the best way to find your family’s favourite is simply to go. Why not try somewhere new this season and share your discoveries with others when you return?
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
