4 Lesser-Known Towns Near London Revealed As Top UK Getaways For 2026

Most travelers jetting off to the UK visit several major cities. Of course, London is the most notable of the bunch.

While England has a handful of cities breaking tourism records, London outshines them any day of the week.

But what about lesser-known hideaways nearby?

A quick hop aboard the Tube can have you entering a whole side of the UK not discussed enough.

Many visitors are so mesmerized by the marvels of London that they don’t realize the abundance of hidden gems in close reach.

And don’t feel bad — guilty as charged here at Travel Off Path. We love venturing to London for a laundry list of reasons, but when 2026 rolls around, our sights are set for the following 4 towns named top getaways for next year’s adventures.

4) Canterbury

Ever heard of The Canterbury Tales? This town is the inspiration behind for the popular literary masterpiece.

Anchored by a staggering UNESCO-protected cathedral and serene canal-lined townscape, Canterbury is a close-by storybook escape from the city grind of London.

Only an hour away from London St. Pancras station, next time you find yourself weaving in and out of crowds, this unsuspecting town is one of London’s best day trips, or even a weekend getaway.

You’ll discover the UK’s quaint half-timbered homes along calm, winding waterways and a cobbled town center brimming with traditional pubs with open barstools and far better prices than London’s tourist traps.

Not much has changed over the years, but its medieval charm is a huge draw for those who appreciate lasting history.

3) Southend-on-Sea

Visiting the UK for a beach vacay is the final frontier for outsiders. Locals know how awesome their bustling island is for their beautiful shores — many of which are Blue Flag-certified to back it up.

While the impending winter isn’t the best time to enjoy coastal delights here, the rest of 2026 makes for a great getaway to places like Southend-on-Sea in this hyphen-happy nation.

Better yet, though it is an easy train ride from London Fenchurch station, Southend-on-Sea has its own airport (SEN).

Serving popular budget airline easyJet, you can bypass the UK’s busiest and most expensive city entirely if you want to enjoy the country’s lesser-known.

Generally, less crowded than more notable seaside getaways like Brighton, for example, visiting Southend-on-Sea gives a more authentic experience to blend in like a local as you indulge in epic seafood, underrated shores, sweeping views from the ‘longest pleasure pier in the world’, and its fun-filled theme park, Adventure Island (and it’s free!).

2) Windsor

Less than 30 miles west of London lies a map-dot town of Windsor, but don’t let its diminutive size deter you from its eye-popping grandeur.

Home to the sprawling Windsor Castle dating back to the 11th century, don’t waste a weekend binging Downton Abbey when you can visit a real-life royal resident instead, one of the oldest occupied castles on Earth — and yes, there are public tours available.

But it’s not only the jaw-dropping castle that draws in visitors away from London, as it’s under an hour by train from London Waterloo station.

Windsor’s buzzing markets and beer scene are becoming increasingly popular, whether it be old-school pubs or modern-day breweries.

Though the most surprising attraction has to be Legoland Windsor Resort.

1) Margate

According to Condé Nast, Margate is one of the best UK destinations for foodies, no matter if it’s obligatory fish and chips or surprising culinary delights, such as local favorite crab rolls from Angela’s.

Not only do culinary arts thrive here, but you won’t be able to notice how vibrant Margate is through various art installations, murals, and galleries — a far cry from its once sleepy Victorian resort days.

Compared to other seaside vacation spots across the UK, Margate is known for being more affordable and worth the extra few miles to get here from London (about 90 minutes by train from London St. Pancras station).

Whether it’s grabbing a local pint or booking a nice beachfront hotel, don’t expect to break the bank across the board.

For sample size, the cozy Premiere Inn goes for under $100 next spring. Try scoring that in London…

Keep in mind, like aforementioned Southend-on-Sea, you’ll want to put Margate on the back burner.

Winter can be skipped due to lackluster weather, but spring welcomes sunshine through the end of summer.