The Best Places for a Mini Break near London

By South Western Railway January 10, 2025 8 min read

In this article, you'll learn the following:

Spring breaks
Summer breaks
Autumn and winter breaks
Travel with SWR on your mini break

If you need a change of scene to reset, why not book yourself a mini break? There are plenty of locations throughout London and the South West that make the perfect short getaway. Whether you're looking for a cosy pub in the New Forest or a seaside summer holiday in Lyme Regis, there's something for every taste and budget. Read on to discover the best places for a mini break in the UK, and find out how to get there on our network.

Spring breaks

Spring is the perfect time for a mini break, as the clocks go forward and the days get longer and warmer. Explore the top destinations for a spring break here.

Southampton

Known for its maritime heritage and abundant green spaces, Southampton is an exciting place to explore. And there’s no better way to enjoy the fresh spring air than walking or cycling around this city! Our customers can enjoy 25% off Beryl Bikes in Southampton with SWR Rewards.

It’s a must-visit for history lovers, being home to the SeaCity Museum and Tudor House Museum. Don’t miss the Old Town, where you can find some of the best-preserved medieval town walls in England.

For more inspiration, find out how to spend 48 hours in Southampton in our guide.

How to get there: The journey from London Waterloo to Southampton Central takes less than two hours.

Windsor

Windsor castle

Home to Windsor Castle – one of the primary residences of the Royal Family – this historic town is the perfect setting for a spring mini break. Wander through the impressive castle gardens or visit Windsor Great Park to see everything in bloom during spring.

After spending time in nature, why not visit the city's charming town centre? It's bursting with independent shops, cafes and vintage boutiques. There is no shortage of things to do with 48 hours in Windsor.

If you're looking for some family-friendly fun, Legoland Windsor Resort is right outside the town centre. Plus, our customers can enjoy discounted stays at Legoland Windsor Resort with SWR rewards.

How to get there: Windsor and Eton Riverside is only one hour from London Waterloo.

Portsmouth

Another city steeped in maritime history, Portsmouth’s historic dockyard is home to some iconic ships, including the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum. But there's plenty more to see and do with 48 hours in Portsmouth!

The city's coastal location lends itself to picturesque spring walks along the seafront. And if you're not afraid of heights, take a trip up Spinnaker Tower for breathtaking views of the Solent.

Literature enthusiasts won’t want to miss Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum, and our customers can enjoy 20% off with SWR Rewards. Or, if you're looking for some retail therapy, Gunwharf Quays has over 90 fashion and lifestyle outlets, as well as various restaurants.

How to get there: You can reach Portsmouth Harbour in less than two hours from London Waterloo.

Summer breaks

British summertime is truly a delight. With long evenings and bright mornings, it's the perfect time to escape to the coast on a summer break.

Lymington

Lymington is a great location for a mini break, offering countryside, coast, and cobbled streets. The charming town is a stone's throw from the New Forest and features a beautiful Georgian high street and a historic harbour.

Summer is an ideal time to explore Lymington, as it hosts a Seafood Festival. After enjoying an afternoon of delicious food, browse the independent boutiques to find a unique souvenir.

The marina is the place to go on hot summer days. Here, you can take a ferry to the Isle of Wight or try out watersports. If you'd prefer to relax on golden sand, there are plenty of beaches close by. And be sure to explore Lymington's coastal walks and salt marshes for beautiful summer seascapes.

How to get there: Lymington is less than two hours from London Waterloo.

Weymouth

Weymouth beach

Weymouth is a classic British seaside destination. The long arc of golden sand is the perfect place to kick your feet up and enjoy a day at the seaside. This makes it a fantastic family location, from the beachfront arcades to watersports and an aquarium. Our customers can get discounted tickets at SEALIFE Aquarium and Aventure Park with SWR Rewards.

It's also a top location for foodies, whether you're looking for fresh seafood, fish and chips or classic pub grub. To learn more about the history of this area, visit Nothe Fort, which was built to protect Portland Harbour in the Victorian era. It's a brilliant place to explore, providing insight into the town's history and stunning views of Weymouth Bay.

For more ideas, read our guide to how to spend 48 hours in Weymouth.

How to get there: Weymouth is less than 3 hours from London Waterloo.

Lyme Regis

Part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site, Lyme Regis is a seaside town with weaving streets, where you’ll find plenty of independent shops and cafés. Known for its historic Cobb Harbour and fossil hunting, take a trip here in the summer to search for your own fossil souvenir!

The town has a beautiful beach, which is bustling during summer. It's lined with delicious restaurants serving fresh seafood and ice cream. Another top attraction is the Lyme Regis Museum – a must-visit for history lovers and families. The display features a multitude of fossils and an interactive gallery.

How to get there: The nearest station to Lyme Regis is Axminster – less than three hours from London Waterloo. From there, take the X51 or X53 Jurassic Coaster bus to Lyme Regis – a 25-minute journey.

Autumn and winter breaks

As the temperature drops and the autumn leaves begin to fall, it's the perfect time to wrap up warm and explore somewhere new on a mini break.

Winchester

Winchester Cathedral

Nestled in Hampshire, Winchester is a charming cathedral city. Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, is particularly beautiful during the winter months. In December, it's the venue of Winchester's Christmas markets, which transform the city into a winter wonderland.

History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring The Great Hall – home to King Arthur's Round Table. To ensure you see all of Winchester's best historic attractions, why not book a walking tour? Our customers can enjoy 20% off their walking tour of Winchester with SWR Rewards.

Take a stroll down Winchester's high street, where you'll find plenty of independent shops, as well as delicious cafés and restaurants. The city also hosts a range of markets, including a popular farmers market twice a month. There are plenty of things to do with 48 hours in Winchester.

How to get there: It takes one hour from London Waterloo to Winchester.

New Forest

The New Forest offers a breathtaking autumn or winter experience as the landscape transforms throughout these seasons, making it the perfect location for days out in nature.

Spot wild ponies roaming the area and explore the charming villages. The New Forest offers excellent cycling and walking routes and cosy country pubs, which provide refuge after a chilly day outdoors.

Autumn is the most beautiful time to visit the New Forest, as the landscape is shrouded in shades of red and orange. In October, you’ll find several family-friendly activities, including pumpkin picking and spooky treasure hunts, which are sure to be the highlight of your autumn break.

How to get there: Brockenhurst is located at the heart of the New Forest – take the train here from London Waterloo in just two hours.

Salisbury

Salisbury is the ideal destination to visit during the colder months. Wrap up warm and explore Salisbury Cathedral, where you’ll find the tallest spire in Britain and the original Magna Carta manuscripts.

The medieval city centre in Salisbury, with its half-timbered buildings and cobbled streets, becomes especially charming as autumn and winter set in. There’s a Christmas market during December, creating a cosy and festive atmosphere.

The city's proximity to Stonehenge makes it an ideal base for exploring this prehistoric wonder. Salisbury also has a thriving art scene, and it's worth visiting Fisherton Mill, a gallery and studio for local artists, sculptors and furniture makers.

Looking for accommodation in Salisbury? Our customers can enjoy up to 15% off a stay at Peartree Luxury Apartments with SWR Rewards.

How to get there: It takes less than two hours to get to Salisbury from London Waterloo.

Travel with SWR on your mini break

Wherever you're heading on your mini break, make the journey easy by travelling on our network. Get cheap train tickets when travelling off-peak or booking in advance, and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard.

Travelling with family or friends? You could benefit from our GroupSave offers. For extra flexibility, choose our Sunday Out or Semi-Flex Return tickets.

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