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Make the upcoming bank holiday one to remember by visiting a glorious South West destination. Whether you’re an urban adventurer, art aficionado, sports fanatic or a lover of the great outdoors, we've got you covered with the best staycation inspiration.
Once you've decided where to go, don't forget to browse SWR Rewards for money saving deals on food and drink, hotel stays, activities and more.
Bank holidays in London
An international hub for arts and culture, in London, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do. We've detailed some ideas to get you started, all just a stone’s throw from the capital's major stations, which are all easily accessible from the likes of Bournemouth, Portsmouth, and Southampton.
Here are some top things to do in the capital.
Things to do near London Waterloo
Hop on the London Eye
To truly take in the scale of the city, you need to get above it – and the London Eye lets you do just that. As Europe’s largest observation wheel, the vistas over the Thames and out towards the emerging skyline are a sight to behold.
The London Eye is just a 6-minute walk from London Waterloo station. If you’re travelling with South Western Railway, show your train ticket at the box office for 2FOR1 entry for the whole family.
Enjoy Southbank Centre Food Market
All this exploring is bound to work up an appetite, but thankfully, London’s excellent food markets serve up something for everyone. Among the best is the Southbank Centre Food Market, open most weekends from Friday to Sunday. Take your pick from a colourful selection of world street food before heading off on your next adventure.
The market is a six-minute walk from Waterloo station, heading south towards the Thames.
There's lots more to explore in London, easily reachable from Waterloo station. Check these guides to learn more:
Near Wimbledon
Located on Wimbledon Bridge, Wimbledon station offers great connections with the London Underground and Tramlink. You can travel into here from places like Woking, Basingstoke and Farnborough.
Stroll around Cannizaro Park
When it’s time for a slower pace of action, you’ll love a stroll at Cannizaro Park. This garden is an absolute delight, inhabited by wildlife everywhere you look, including birds, insects, and small mammals such as red foxes. If you visit in spring, expect to be met with an eruption of colour, with wildflowers and fresh blossoms bursting from their flowerbeds.
Cannizaro Park is a 20-minute walk from Wimbledon train station.
Near Hampton Court
Located in East Moseley, Hampton Court station serves Hampton Court Palace, along with all the hotels and boutiques in the Richmond Upon Thames borough.
Head to Hampton Court Palace
Built in 1514 as a private residence for Cardinal Wolsey, Hampton Court Palace has been a prominent feature in British history ever since. You can visit the State Apartments and the Great Hall on a tour, or have a walk around the charming Royal Gardens, famous for their tulips blooming in spring.
From the station, the palace is a 10-minute walk over Hampton Bridge.
Bank holidays in the South West
With glorious stretches of coastline, swathes of open countryside and picturesque market towns, it’s no wonder the south west is a firm-favourite among holidaymakers. Meanwhile, the bright lights of London offer endless entertainment, with theatre trips, museums, fine dining and more.
Winchester
Lying on the edges of the South Downs National Park, Winchester makes the perfect spot for a day trip on your bank holiday weekend. Topping the 2016 list of best places to reside in the UK, this charming cathedral city is rooted in its rich history and boasts majestic architecture at every turn. Its cobbled, narrow streets will take you on a journey back to a time when the city was the Saxon Kings’ capital.
Start your bank holiday day trip from the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, an 11th century architectural delight. From there, stroll around The Great Hall to learn about King Arthur’s legacy, before you explore the remains of Wolvesey Castle.
How to get there: Winchester is one hour by train from Waterloo station.
New Forest
Nature lovers, this one’s for you. Once the hunting ground for King William I and his noblemen, the New Forest National Park today boasts some of the UK’s best scenery. From breathtaking glimpses of tree-capped hills to rare, roaming wildlife, there’s plenty to keep you busy here. Enjoy an afternoon picnic with your family, horse ride through woodland or track your way along riverbanks by foot.
If you’re looking to excite and inspire young minds, a visit to the New Forest Wildlife Park is a must. Kids will relish the chance to get up close with deer, wildcats, otters and many more.
How to get there: The New Forest is around two and a half hours by train from London Waterloo. There are nine railway stations within the national park itself, making it refreshingly easy to get around.
Windsor
If you’re wanting a regal edge to your bank holiday proceedings, you really cannot miss Windsor. And with a thousand years of history to explore, Windsor Castle should be high on your list of priorities. Provided the weather’s playing ball, the stroll along The Long Walk to reach its gates will only add to the enjoyment.
While fortresses, monuments and gardens are sure to satisfy adults, there’s plenty going on here for kids too. They’ll go crazy for LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, packed with Lego-themed rides, models and building workshops. On bank holiday weekends, you can get second-day free entry to the park and early access to the new Haunted House Monster Party and 4D Movie.
How to get there: Windsor is easy to reach by train from London Waterloo. The journey takes 53 minutes.
Bournemouth
The UK isn’t always known for glorious weather, but we are blessed with a sun-soaked bank holiday weekend from time to time. If that’s the case, pack your suitcase and make tracks fort the Bournemouth coast. This seaside resort boasts seven miles of shore and two iconic piers to relax and unwind on.
Start your beach day off right by hiring one of the colourful huts that line Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Bournemouth, Boscombe, Southbourne and Fisherman’s Walk. At just £40 for the whole day, you can kick back and enjoy the stunning views out towards the Isle of Wight in peace.
When it’s time to explore, board the Bournemouth land train and stroll along the promenade, between Boscombe and Bournemouth piers and up to Bournemouth Gardens. Don’t forget to stop for ice cream along the way – it wouldn’t be a day at the seaside without one!
How to get there: A direct train from London Waterloo station to Bournemouth takes just shy of two hours.
Salisbury
With its towering spires and quaint cobbled streets, Salisbury certainly makes an impression. You’ll find half-timbered buildings and age-old monuments around every corner of this cathedral city, with more than enough history to fill a bank holiday weekend. The 13th century Salisbury Cathedral dominates the skyline, while its Chapter House is arguably the city’s must-see museum. It’s here you’ll get to observe original copies of the Magna Carta.
If you’re more the outdoorsy type, hop on a bus beside Salisbury station and make the nine-mile pilgrimage to Stonehenge. Standing in the shadow of this ancient monument is a spine-tingling experience and a moment you won’t soon forget.
How to get there: The easiest way to get to Salisbury is by train from London Waterloo station. This takes around an hour and 20 minutes.
There’s so much to see and do across London and the South West, bank holiday or otherwise! And with excellent connections across the South Western Railway network, exploring them could be easier than you think. Browse our ticket types and find the right train tickets for your trip. Check if you’re eligible for a Railcard or discount to make extra savings.
