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.

Less than an hour from London Bridge, Hever Castle packs Tudor rooms, a double moat and award-winning gardens into an ideal day trip. Spend the morning in Anne Boleyn’s childhood rooms, wander the Italian terraces and finish with playful time in the yew and water mazes.

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.