England is among the world’s premier tourist destinations – and a majority of those travellers are here to experience one of the world’s most vibrant and historic cities: London. But for all of the attention lavished upon the capital, there are places in the south of England outside of the big smoke, and many of them are criminally overlooked.
If you’re based in the city itself, then you’ll be able to reach most, if not all, of these places via train.
1. Hitchin
You might take a northern route from London to Hertfordshire. Once there, there are dozens of picturesque little market towns to explore and examine. Catch a train from Stevenage to Hitchin and you can be there in five minutes. Hitchin is rich in history, with the earliest mention of the town dating from as far back at the seventh century. At the centre is an iconic church – but you’ll find examples of a whole slew of different styles of architecture all around the town.
2. Brighton
On the other hand, you might consider a trip down to Brighton. This seaside resort is famous for its liberal politics and its diverse retail culture. Venture into the Lanes and you’ll find an impressive range of independent shops and cafes. On the other hand, you might take a trip to the famous Pavilion, which was once a royal holiday home, but which has since been given over to the local council. It’s a stunning piece of architecture which calls to mind that of India and Russia.
3. Portsmouth
Just a short trip from Brighton is Portsmouth, with its wealth of naval history. Take a trip here and you’ll be able to stroll around the famous HMS Victory, and even take a look at the famous Mary Rose museum. The dockyard is a must-visit for fans of sea and sunshine, and it’s great for family trips, too.
4. Canterbury
This little town is hugely significant for historical and religious reasons – but you don’t need to be a Christian to appreciate everything that it’s about. The centrepiece of the whole city, of course, is the legendary cathedral. But there’s also St. Augustine’s Abbey, the Westgate Towers, and quite a few scattered little churches and other areas of interest. The town centre has more than its share of little historic buildings, and the best way to see them all is on foot – so make sure you leave time to explore at your leisure.
