Escaping London for a relaxing long weekend


The worst of winter is behind us and balmy spring takes its place, so where are the best places near London to enjoy a few days of well-earned rest and rehabilitation?

A charming brick house on a canal in Canterbury.
A charming brick house on a canal in Canterbury. Image credit: Alex Boschmans/Unsplash

With spring upon us, you’re likely among the many looking forward to an extended weekend break. Blacklane is on hand to offer you some suggestions.

Download the Blacklane app and allow us to provide you a seamless transition to your chosen destination.

Historic Canterbury

The cathedral city of Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is located less than sixty miles to the east of London. Spending quality time around nature is never more pleasant than in spring, so a long weekend spent traipsing the trails around Canterbury may be just what the doctor ordered.

The Elham Valley Way meanders through ancient woodlands and twee villages, and is a trail suitable for young families and experienced roamers alike. You’ll pass through some thoroughly stunning English countryside as you make your way through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

If history is more your thing, then Canterbury has you covered. Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most famous in the world, while the Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Gardens offer wonderful places to wile away the hours. 

You can easily travel between London and Canterbury by making use of Blacklane’s city to city London – Canterbury service for longer distances.

The Scenic Spa Town of Bath

The historic Roman baths in Bath, UK.
The historic Roman baths in, well, Bath. Image credit: Hulki Okan Tabak/Unsplash

A hundred miles to the west of London lies the historic and truly beautiful town of Bath, named after (and best known for) the well-preserved , Roman-built baths in the center of town. 

The reputation as a place of relaxation and recuperation continues even today – in 2021 Bath was officially recognized as one of the “Great Spa Towns of Europe”. Perhaps the Romans were on to something, and you can discover for yourself with a weekend away at a Bath spa location.

The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, located centrally, is one of the best on offer in the town. Encompassing two Georgian townhouses and an acre of gardens, the interior is perhaps even more pristine. Visitors can anticipate spending time in the indoor heated pools and saunas, surrounded by genuine opulence and finery.

Oxford in Springtime

Radcliffe Camera, a library at the University of Oxford.
Radcliffe Camera, a library at the University of Oxford. Image credit: Ben Seymour/Unsplash

Home to the esteemed University of Oxford (the oldest in the English-speaking world), the city of Oxford is awash with culture and history. But the contemporary city has plenty to offer its visitors, and Oxford is ideal for the purposes of a three day getaway. 

A Blacklane city to city service between London and Oxford would provide a streamlined transition for a long weekend of Oxford’s pleasures. A stay in this iconic university city is the ideal solution for those seeking some peace and quiet from bustling nearby London. 

Prestigious cities are home to no shortage of outstanding restaurants, and Oxford is no different. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Restaurant holds two Michelin stars, offering a decadent lounge and sublime cuisine under the leadership of legendary chef Raymond Blanc. 

Elsewhere, The Nut Tree Inn is a Michelin-starred restaurant with its roots in the fifteenth century. A thatched roof belies a sophisticated and warm interior, and there is a mixture of refinement and traditional fare on the menu. Roast Orkney scallop or breast of Cotswold chicken? The tasting menu may help you decide.

Wherever you choose to escape to, a Blacklane service can help you maximize every minute in town. Three days of relaxation, peace and quiet is all the more effective when you don’t have to worry about your day-to-day transportation. A Blacklane service, booked in advance, will ensure you can focus on the more important matters at hand, wherever you may be.