Head out from London for a late-summer loop: a mid-morning train to Box Hill & Westhumble, climb the Zig Zag to picnic on the National Trust viewpoint, then descend through vines for a guided tasting on Denbies’ terrace. Book ahead and bring sturdy shoes.

Spend a late-summer day in Canterbury: catch the high-speed from St Pancras, graze at the Goods Shed market, book a timed tour of the Cathedral, then drift through Mercery Lane and Westgate Gardens before a Westgate Towers view.

One long day takes you from St Pancras to Dover’s medieval keep, through evocative WWII tunnels and out onto the wind-swept White Cliffs. Sensible shoes, tide checks and a light daypack turn this fast-train trip into a restorative coastal escape.

Make the most of a long day in Bath: take a mid-morning train from London, lunch in the Pump Room, spend relaxed time in the Roman Baths, stroll from Pulteney Bridge to the Royal Crescent, catch sunset at Alexandra Park and (optionally) cap the day with a rooftop soak.