Ten awesome weekend getaways from London to take this autumn

Nearest station: Bristol Temple Meads.
Travel time: 1h 30m, fares from £24.

Bristol is renowned for being the home of Banksy, but there’s a lot more on offer from the southwest city’s art scene than some spray-painted stencils. The Centrespace Studios and Gallery has supported local talent since the 1970s and has a regular rotation of exhibitions by up-and-coming artists. Plus, with fares this low, it’s a more affordable way of experiencing culture than some of the capital’s galleries and museums.

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Nearest station: Bath Spa.
Travel time: 1h 15m, fares from £24.

What’s better than a £14.50 fare each way to Bath? A free walking tour when you get there. Join one of the Mayor of Bath’s honourary guides for a two-hour whistlestop whizz around the city, ticking off locations like the Royal Crescent – a backdrop to shows like Bridgerton and The Duchess – and the Circus (not an actual circus). And with the money you’ve saved, be sure to pick up a Sally Lunn bun from the OG spot on North Parade Passage.

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Nearest station: Looe.
Travel time: 4h, fares from £41.

Whisper it, but with GWR, you can be on the Cornish coast within four hours flat and without splashing the cash. Once you’re there, why not give e-foiling a go? A water-based hoverboard, the electric motor-propelled machine is a great way to explore the county’s crags and coastline, without the huff and puff of stand-up paddleboarding.

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Nearest station: Cardiff.
Travel time: 1h 45m, fares from £31.

The Welsh capital is a great night out with clubs and bars at every turn, but for an authentic Cardiff experience, head to Clwb Ivor Bach. The three-storey space puts on an alternative schedule of live music and DJs (Eastenders legend Shaun Williamson’s Barrioke on September 28th, anyone?), while the fun doesn’t stop until 4am on Friday and Saturday nights. And it looks like train tickets are probably cheaper than your taxi home after a night out in London.

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Nearest station: Newquay.
Travel time: 5h, fares from £44.

Whether you’ve never set foot on a board or are a seasoned surfer, riding Newquay’s waves is a bucket list item for any beach fan. The iconic Cornish town is five hours from London but it’s worth the pilgrimage, with surf conditions at their best in autumn. It’s also home to a handful of schools that offer classes year-round, which are a great way to get to grips with surfing or brush up on your board handling-skills.

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Nearest station: Barnstaple.
Travel time: 3h 30m, fares from £35.50.

If you’re plotting a romantic weekend away, it’s hard to beat Barnstaple’s Imperial Hotel. The bougie four-star spot has riverside views, award-winning food, and is a stone’s throw from the north Devon town’s historic centre. What’s more, its great autumnal deals on half-board stays combined with train fares from as little as £35.50 each way makes it a bae-approved bargain.

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Nearest station: Taunton.
Travel time: 1h 45m, fares from £31.

Castles and comedians go back hundreds of years, so it seems fitting that Tauton’s Castle Hotel puts on evenings where modern-day jesters perform in the surrounds of an 18th-century fortress. Stay in the Somerset hotel in early October and you’ll be treated to performances by the likes of Morgan Rees and Roger Monkhouse.

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Nearest station: Oxford.
Travel time: 45m, fares from £6.

For as little as £6 each way, you could be whisked away to the world-famous city of Oxford. But if you want a unique perspective on the university town, make a beeline for Folly Bridge and join a sightseeing cruise from the water. Once aboard, you’ll learn all about Oxford’s storied history as you sail beside Christ Church Meadows and down to Iffley Lock. Opt for a package that includes a picnic or afternoon tea if you want to push the boat out...

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Nearest station: Henley-on-Thames.
Travel time: 1h, fares from £22.20*.

Henley might be well-known for its annual regatta, but there’s much more to the Oxfordshire town than rowing and the royals. The Thames-side setting has been hosting regular markets since the 13th century, and still has three different offerings throughout the month. From its weekly Thursday Charter Market to its monthly Craft Market, you certainly won’t leave empty-handed.

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Nearest station: St Ives.
Travel time: 4h 45m, fares from £45.50.

For culture vultures looking to combine a weekend of exhibitions in a seaside setting, there’s only one destination – St Ives. The small coastal Cornish town houses its own Tate Gallery, while the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is minutes from the harbour. After you’ve snapped up your train tickets for £45.50 each way, book your stay at Primrose House. Its boutique B&B has 12 rooms and is perfectly situated minutes from the station and moments from Porthminster Beach – ideal if you fancy a bracing dip before a day of art.

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