Guest Writer By Darcy Fowler, Guest Writer
Central London is a really great spot to visit as it has literally everything you can think of and more, from incredible food, thousands of independent sellers, character, and so many vibes in different parts of the centre, which makes it such a great place for thousands of people. However, the crowds and traffic around London can be unappealing.
If you are looking for a change of scenery or a complete alternative to London centre, don’t worry because you won’t have to look too far. London is surrounded by towns, villages and streets that are full of character, charm and just overall go under the radar, which makes them a perfect place to visit.
Underrated places usually mean there aren’t huge crowds, queues everywhere and a much calmer atmosphere, which allows you to enjoy a place more. Here are some of the best underrated towns and villages near London.
Rye, East Essex
A medieval hilltop town that feels like a step back in time. Full of character and old charm, which brings the place to life even during the most miserable of weather. If you didn’t already guess, Rye is covered in preserved cobbled streets, especially what you’d find on Mermaid Street, which is one of the prettiest streets in the whole town.
Not just remembered for its pretty sights, but here you can climb the tower of St. Mary’s Church for a full view, from which you can see the countryside and coastline, a great picture moment. Adding to the already existing charm of Rya is the long Camber Sands beach, so if you visited on a hot summer weekend, it would be a real loss not to head down, even just for a stroll up and down the beach with your bare feet in the sand.
Overall, it’s a great spot for a day trip that has not just a village full of character but a beach to enjoy, come rain or shine. Visiting Rye is definitely one of the best things to do in London.
St Albans, Hertfordshire
This one has a rich history, which makes it not only a great spot, but it might teach you a fact or two. It’s surprising, not known for its history and more of a commuters’ dream spot as it’s close to two train stations. However, St Albans is rooted in Roman Britain, predating much of London, which is crazy to think of.
It, of course, has Roman bricks in the St Albans Cathedral, which is open to the public to view. Also, if you head to Verulamium Park, you can see the remnants of the ancient Roman city of Verulamium, including preserved walls and mosaics, which is a sight to see. St Albans is a great quiet weekend destination for a stroll through the town.
Lewes, East Sussex
Further south, Lewes, East Sussex, stands out as a historic, fiercely independent town nestled directly in the South Downs. Often overlooked in favour of Brighton as it’s a student hotspot but also known for its inclusivity. Lewes provides a more authentic and quiet experience, characterised by its antique shops, independent bookstores, and the iconic Lewes Norman Castle, which offers sweeping views of the town and surrounding hills. It’s also home to Harvey’s Brewery, a great spot to sample traditional Sussex ale.
While Brighton is the more well-known seaside town for all the right reasons, just moving a little away from it can introduce you to a whole new area of character in East Sussex.
Romford, South Essex
This little town has so much character, from its market dating back to 1247, which is insane, but still operates with local sellers who have some unique goods that bring people to this little spot. But it’s also known for so much more, like did you know that once in 1937, 12 cheetahs were brought to Romford greyhound stadium for a racing experiment? I can tell you that this was unsuccessful, but despite that, it’s still very interesting.
It’s also known for incredible local restaurants in Romford by independents, luxury shopping centers and extremely friendly locals who welcome people from everywhere to indulge in their little town. It’s a great spot to visit when stuck for ideas of where to go and what to do.
Ely, Cambridgeshire
For a different scenic experience, the compact “city” of Ely, Cambridgeshire, offers tranquillity along the River Ouse. Overall, it’s a lovely summer stroll up and down the river. Its main draw is the colossal Ely Cathedral, famously nicknamed the “Ship of the Fens,” alongside attractions like the preserved home of Oliver Cromwell. It’s a humble little spot, but a really nice walk and stroll if you want to do something different and see some new sights.
Both Lewes and Ely are about an hour’s direct train ride from London, which makes a convenient day trip out of the city centre.
