6 serene escapes an hour’s drive from London

London is one of the world’s most visited cities, and few places can compete with it for things to do. But sometimes a break from the fast pace of city life is welcome – and having your own vehicle will help you escape to spectacular landscapes and handsome market towns nearby. To help you recharge, we’ve picked out six peaceful places to visit, just an hour away from London by car.

Surrey Hills

This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty extends across a quarter of the county of Surrey, from Farnham in the west to Oxted in the east. And its diverse landscape, with densely wooded hills, colourful wildflowers and rare chalk grasslands, feels a world away from England’s bustling capital. If you’ve only got a day to explore, drive south out of London on the A3, then turn off on to the A240 to take you to into Surrey. Head to the beauty spot, Box Hill, to enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and then visit the famous Stepping Stones at its base. From here, wine enthusiasts can drive to the nearby award-winning Denbies Wine Estate, while history buffs can head to the charming National Trust property Polesden Lacey – the former weekend party house of Edwardian socialite Margaret Greville – which is close to Denbies Farmhouse B&B.

Farnham

Farnham is a quintessentially British market town straddling the Surrey and Hampshire border. The drive from London is relatively easy as the town is well signposted off the M3 and A3 and, traffic allowing, will take a little over an hour. The Georgian town, with a rich history, is home to a 12th-century castle that overlooks it, Britain’s first Cistercian monastery (Waverley Abbey), and has evidence of Stone Age, Roman and Saxon dwellings. It’s been a thriving marketplace since the Middle Ages, so plan a visit around its monthly Farmers’ Market on the fourth Sunday of the month. If you miss this, take a tour of its award-winning Hogs Back Brewery before heading back to The Bishops Table Hotel.

Chiltern Hills

Another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Chiltern Hills can be found to the northwest of London. Set off on the A40 and the M40, and you’ll soon be surrounded by beautiful green countryside, picturesque villages and a collection of grand country estates – such as Hughenden Manor, which was once home to former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. The market town of Tring has enough to keep you entertained for a day on its own. Amble down the high street before arriving at the 4,000-specimen strong Natural History Museum at Tring, where you can admire everything from the extinct Tasmanian tiger to three-toed tapirs. You could also plan a stroll around Tring Park for butterfly and wildlife-spotting opportunities, before peeping into the impressive, medieval St Peter and St Paul Church. Spend the night at The Pennyfarthing Hotel, only a 10-minute drive away.

St Albans

Head north out of London on the M1 to the pretty cathedral city of St Albans, where you’ll find culture, history, and a range of quality eateries and pubs. One of the first things you’ll notice as you arrive is the majestic St Albans Cathedral, the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. Inside, you’ll find the Shrine of St Alban, Britain’s first Christian martyr, as well as a series of medieval wall paintings and the longest nave in England. Other notable attractions include the city’s Clock Tower, the only surviving medieval belfry in England and the traditional street market, which is held on Wednesday and Saturday. If you’d like to explore the area further, drive north out of St Albans on the A1(M) to Knebworth House, a grand building with domes, turrets and gargoyles, as well as sprawling gardens with a maze. A short drive west of here will take you to Baileys Farm, a rustic bed and breakfast.

Windsor

West of London on the M4 is Windsor, home to the world’s largest occupied castle. One of the Queen of England’s official residences, at Windsor Castle you can book a tour and imagine yourself as a royal, watch the Changing of the Guard, and wander around St George’s Chapel where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle. Explore the vast, 4,800-acre Windsor Park while you’re here for a dose of greenery. To get to the park, either drive around five miles out of town to one of its car parks or walk in through the Cambridge Gate from Windsor Castle to see its famous Long Walk and deer park. Stay at The Royal Adelaide Hotel in Windsor.

Royal Tunbridge Wells

Located where the A21 and A26 meet, Royal Tunbridge Wells is a historic town that’s a short drive south of London. Until 1909, it was known simply as Tunbridge Wells but was given a regal title by King Edward VII in recognition of its popularity with royal and other well-to-do visitors. Its iron-rich and orange-coloured natural spring (known as the Chalybeate Spring) was believed to cure all manner of ailments and it’s still an attraction today. To find out more about the history of the town, go on a self-guided Heritage Walking Trail and make sure you venture into the colonnaded Pantiles to shop or rest up in elegant Georgian surroundings. If you’d like to slip away to an even more serene place, a 20-minute walk will take you to the Grade-II listed Dunorlan Park, where you can picnic or simply watch the boats bobbing out on the lake.