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Another heatwave is approaching – next week London temperatures are set to soar right back up into the thirties. You could spend your next day off sweating around the city, desperately seeking an air-conned venue or you could venture out of the capital for slightly cooler climes.
Of course, the less time you spend on a train in this heat, the better. So, Time Out’s guide to the best day trips within an hour of London has you sorted. The best place to go within an hour of the capital this summer is Southend-on-Sea, which you can reach in just 51 minutes from Fenchurch Street (or five minutes more from Liverpool Street).
Don’t get us wrong, Southend is going to be extremely hot this summer, too. But at least the you have the coastal breeze and the fresh sea water to give you relief. The town has seven miles of glorious coastline to explore, with several sand beaches, rock pool lagoons, board sports schools and picture-perfect pastel-coloured beach huts.
Make time to wander down the 1.3-mile Southend Pier, which is the longest pleasure pier in the entire world. And if it’s thrills you’re after, just head to Adventure Island with its 40 different rides and attractions or Funtopia with its indoor carousel and pirate ship.
The town centre boasts a bucketload of craft breweries, wholefood shops and dozens of artisan bakeries, so you certainly won’t be going hungry. The Garrison is a must-go for sourdough and sweet bakes, while Osborne Bros is a small spot in converted stables serving up a perfect seafood menu. Wrap up your day here with a pint at the Ye Olde Smack.
If you head to Southend at the end of July, you may catch the mesmerising Most Wuthering Heights Day where a crowd of people clad in red flowy dresses dance to Kate Bush’s ‘Wuthering Heights’. And from July 31 to August 2, there’s the annual puppet festival, which makes for a fantastic family day out.
🏖️ The best day trips within an hour of London.
☀️ Plus: the best day trips from London (that are further than one hour away).
ICYMI: A huge funfair and rollerskating rink is coming to Battersea this summer.
Plus: 15 London neighbourhoods are getting new outdoor dining areas this summer.
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