What is the closest bucolic holiday destination to the City of London?

Question

I have been looking at weekend accommodations in London. For a family with children, this seems quite challenging.

At the same time I am seeing quite some nice bucolic options in Kent and Sussex. To be able to enjoy both London and the countryside, I am wondering what the closest bucolic area to the city ofLondon is and preferably even within the ceremonial county greater London .

Sidenote: Bucolic is a word I learned here.

Answer 1

The most "bucolic" area very close to central London is Hampstead Heath, which gives a reasonable impression of being out in the countryside once you're away from the perimeter and is certainly big and varied enough for a decent walk. It has reasonably villagey areas with pubs around it near Hampstead Heath station and Highgate, another pub (the Spaniard's Inn) on a road passing through it and a stately home (Kenwood House).

But you can't stay in the middle of the Heath and I think you would be unlikely to find anywhere to stay that wasn't either on a main road in an urbanised area nearby, and/or very expensive. It's always been a day-trip destination. But it's worth a try.

You might also consider Richmond (Richmond Park and the river, trips to Hampton Court). But again I think you'll find accomodation in the most scenic bits sparse or expensive.

Answer 2

London is pretty well-connected by trains to many destinations of-note in the UK, so it's hard to take a pick. However, if you want primarily a rural experience then you have a couple of options:

• Windsor and Eton: Home of the Windsor Castle and Eton College (famous for being a prestigious school). You need to book an arranged tour if you want to visit the actual Eton College grounds.
• Oxford and Cambridge both make for excellent options for day-trips from London with a relaxed feel. If it's training season, perhaps you can even catch some of the famed Oxbridge rowing teams practising!