Top Day Trips from The Lodge Hotel London

There are many great day trips from London that can be enjoyed by the family, singles or couples. Top trips include:

Windsor Castle

One of Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite castles, Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world, covering a total of 26 acres. The castle is the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen, as a working royal palace, opening times and dates can change at relatively short notice.

A day trip to Windsor Castle is both interesting and inspiring. In addition, Windsor itself is a great city with a range of boutique style shops, market stalls and cobbled streets. An ideal day trip is a morning at the Castle, lunch in one of Windsor’s fine restaurant or coffee shops and an afternoon exploring what the city has to offer.

Getting there from The Lodge Hotel: There are direct trains from Putney Mainline to Windsor, with trains every hour the journey takes approximately 40 mins.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court is a magical place surrounded in history and culture from its origins as an 11th century grange to its statue as a labyrinth of apartments for ‘grace-and-favour’ residents in the 1760s.

Things that must be seen during a visit to Hampton Court include;

• Henry VIII’s Great Hall - One of England’s greatest medieval halls.
• The Famous Maze - Get lost in the most famous Maze in the history of the world.
• Family Fun - A wide range of activities including; family trails, the maze and Tudor cookery.
• The Gardens - 60 acres of fabulous gardens, a wonderful location on a sunny day.

Getting there from The Lodge Hotel: Hampton Court is only 25 mins by car from Putney. Take the A3 (just by the hotel) direction Guildford, then the A309 to Hampton Court.

St Albans

St Albans was initially built as a Verulamium by the Romans and after the Roman conquest of Britain the town became one of the largest in Roman Britain. There is something for everyone at St Albans - shopping, museums, stately homes and beautiful scenery. Great places to visit in St Albans include;

• The Cathedral & Abbey Church - a parish church with an active congregation.
• Old Gorhambury House - The remains of a Renaissance mansion build by Queen Elizabeth’s Lord Keeper
• Alban Arena - A great venue for cinema shows, musicals, concerts and fairs.
• Verulamium Park - A spacious park surrounding a large lake - great on a sunny day.

Getting there from The Lodge Hotel: The easiest way to St Albans is by train. Take the tube to Kings Cross St Pancras Domestic (District then Piccadilly lines, takes approx 40 mins) then the mainline train to St Albans takes 20 mins.

Brighton

Brighton is a vibrant, creative and fun city which a young and free-spirited atmosphere. A great day out from London, especially in the summer. Brighton offers something for everyone with a wealth of attractions and places to visit including festivals, galleries, nightlife, galleries and comedy. Key places to visit in Brighton include;

• The Royal Pavilion - Remarkable seaside palace of the Prince Regent.
• Preston Manor - An Edwardian country house with collections of furniture, glass & silverware.
• The Sea Life Centre - Over 150 species of sea life, a great day out for the whole family.
• Brighton Pier - The famous Victorian pier with a range of attractions and food & drink.

Getting there from The Lodge Hotel: Brighton is approximately 1 hr 30 mins by car, however the easiest way is to take the number 37 or 337 Bus directly outside the hotel entrance to Clapham Junction. Then take the train to Brighton, takes 45 mins. There are two trains every hour from London Victoria (stopping at Clapham Junction) to Brighton.