This summer jump on a train and visit some of the UK’s finest towns and villages outside London. From seaside jaunts in Margate and Brighton, to the rich history of Oxford and Cambridge – all are within easy reach of London

The Turner Gallery in Margate, by Andy Maguire

Margate, Kent

From downtrodden seaside resort to hipster hangout, Margate’s recent rise to fame is part due to the mass exodus of London’s arty types pulled in by affordable houses and part down to a multi-million-pound renovation of theme park Dreamland and the opening of the Turner Gallery. Now dubbed Shoreditch-on-Sea, Margate is only an hour and a half from London by train. Along with seaside, you’ll find quirky independent boutiques and fantastic restaurants – all so stylish decked out, it’s an Instagrammer’s dream.

Time from St Pancras International: 1hr29

Brighton Beach by Berit Watkin

Brighton, Sussex

Unlike Margate, Brighton has always been a fashionable seaside resort. In the mid 18^th century people came for the restorative sea air. Later, when George IV commissioned John Nash to build him the iconic Pavilion, Brighton became known as more of a party place. Now it has a buzzing cultural, cosmopolitan scene. Stroll along the beach front, ride the rollercoaster on the pier, visit the Pavilion, browse the vintage shops in the Lanes, eat fish and chips and then hop on a train back to London, it will only take you an hour. 

Time from London Victoria: 1hr

Cambridge streets by Mariusz Kluzniak

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

One half of the UK’s two most academic cities, Cambridge may have a reputation for being somewhat bookish but there is much more to it than libraries and students. Punting on the River Cam is a must on a pleasant day, it’s a great way to see the city, passing weeping willows and tipsy students on the way. While a grey day will draw you into the delicious tea rooms or take a tour of one of the university’s nine free museums. 

Time from King’s Cross: 48 minutes 

Oxford's rooftops by Alison Day

Oxford, Oxfordshire

University town number two Oxford is a mere hour from London by train, not only a fantastic city full of history and charm, but also moments from some of the UK’s most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. Unashamedly scholarly, Oxford is proud of its academic label, come here for bookshops, museums, colleges and culture, not hipster cafes and contemporary shops. 

Time from Paddington: 1hr 

The fishing boats come into Whistable, by Ania Mendrek

Whitstable, Kent

One for the foodies, especially seafood fans during its Oyster festival in July, Whistable has bucket loads of charm. The chocolate-boxy centre is lined with cheese shops, bakeries and retro fish and chip bars, while the sea front’s beach huts just add to the pastel-coloured beauty of the place. It even has a Michelin-starred pub, The Sportsman, in nearby Seasalter. For more places to eat check out Olive Magazine’s article http://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/family/olive-pitstop-foodie-guide-to-whitstable/ 

Time from St Pancras International or London Victoria: 1hr 25 

Kites and kit surfers on West Wittering beach, by Ecks Ecks

West Wittering, Sussex

Hugely popular with day trippers West Wittering’s long sandy beach fills up quickly on a hot day and traffic snakes back miles. But go on a crisp spring or autumn day and you could find you have the beach entirely to yourself. Soft sand meets spikey dunes and a rainbow of beach huts so popular even Keith Richards has one – the famous drugs bust took place at his house Redlands in West Wittering. Celebrity name-dropping doesn’t stop there. Richard Branson’s parents, Kate Winslet and Nicholas Lyndhurst are all residents in the area.  

Time from London Victoria to Chichester: 1hr 30

Mersea Island, by Beth Nicoll

Mersea Island, Essex

This tiny estuary island in Essex is best-loved for its seafood restaurants and old world charm. Restaurant critics and locals alike rave about The Company Shed, an unassuming shed that fish shop that has a few tables. You can’t book and it’s BYO but whoever goes describes it as Mersea’s not-so-hidden gem. Other than eat fresh seafood there’s crabbing and fishing excursions and great bird watching.

Time from Liverpool Street: 1hr 44

Henley's famous river by Mariusz Kluzniak

Henley, Oxfordshire

The beautiful riverside town of Henley is known for its Regatta in the summer, the royal rowing festival, which has been a fixture on the British social scene since the end of the 18^th century. This is commemorated in the River and Rowing Museum. Meanwhile the old market-town has plenty of lovely independent shops to browse and quintessential English pubs to stop off in. 

Time from Paddington: 1hr    

Windsor Castle shot by JR P

Windsor, Berkshire

Steeped in regal history and pageantry, Windsor is home to Windsor Castle one of the Queen’s official homes and the largest and oldest occupied castle in the UK. You’ll also find Prince William and Harry’s school Eton and – the slightly less-royal Lego Land!

Time from Paddington: 40 minutes

All images from Flickr