This page is for those times when you just need to escape the city, the noise and traffic congestion of London. There are numerous scenic green spots within 2 hours of London that you can escape to for either a short or longer break. Or you may want to stay within around 2 hours reach of London so you can visit England's amazing capital city.
Click the markers on the map then photos for more information about each cottage within around 2 hours drive of London.
The length of drive will very much depend on which part of London you are starting your journey from, but generally, the home counties within consideration are:
Thaxted in Essex pictured above.
Many parts of East Anglia are within 2 hours drive of London, for more information on what self-catering holidays in East Anglia offer, take a look at our guide on East Anglia. Other options include the South Coast of England and the home counties listed above.
Featured Cottages within Relatively Easy Reach of London by road or rail:
North East of London: Essex and Suffolk
This 5 star luxurious apartment is located in the village of Great Burstead near to Billericay. With excellent regular train links operating between Billericay and London, this holiday apartment could be a great choice for a country holiday. Enjoy exploring various Essex villages from here or venture further afield and discover some of the best of Suffolk, Constable Country or Cambridge, all easily within reach for day trips by car.
Telephone John on 01277 656 579 or click on the image for more information.
2 bedroom house in riverside town within 50 minutes of a train journey to London
South Woodham Ferrers with its train station has good transport links with London. Trains run from here to London Liverpool Street. However, changing trains is sometimes necessary at Wickford. This train line also runs to Southend if you fancy taking a trip to the seaside whilst on a cottage break. There are also good road links which means that driving in to London is also possible from here although not necessarily recommended due to traffic levels.
South Woodham Ferrers is also conveniently located for the nearby towns of Basildon and Chelmsford, both of which are around 30 minutes away by car. Do take a look at the photos of this 2 bedroom self-catering house in South Woodham Ferrers. This house offers modern, comfortable accommodation and is located close to the Fenn and riverside walks.
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This property is an excellent base for anyone needing short stay, business or holiday accommodation in this part of Essex. This house is named the Herons as herons can often be seen flying nearby to the river which is close by.
South Woodham Ferrers itself has excellent facilities including restaurants, small shops and leisure facilities including a swimming pool, sports centre and library.
This house is available to be booked for short self-catering breaks or longer stays.
5 bedroom holiday home within 1 hour's train journey to London
This stunning large country house is located in the Hampshire countryside and sleeps up to 10 in 5 bedrooms. With 4 acres of gardens and beautiful décor, this house should be a pleasure to stay in with friends or family. This large house is stylish throughout and should appeal to the discerning guest for special celebrations for small groups or intimate house parties.
The house is only 1 hour from London. Please click on the photograph for details.
The Granary is a self-catering barn conversion which sleeps up to 8 in 3 bedrooms. Located near the Essex/Suffolk border in Constable Country, an area known for the quality of its countryside, this holiday home has excellent facilities for relaxing with a Finnish sauna and outdoor hot tub. Visit the nearby pretty village of Dedham from here or take an easy car ride to the historical town of Colchester or the pretty Suffolk villages of Long Melford or Lavenham. Travel from London Liverpool Street by rail to Manningtree.
Telephone Robert on 01206 392166
a luxury cottage break 2 hours from London
If you're looking for a weekend getaway into the country, do take alook at Orchard Barn which is a secluded cottage set in a meadow fringed by woodland, where you can spot roe deer, rabbits, badgers and other wildlife in rural Gloucestershire. This is a 5 star luxury cottage, perfect for a relaxing holiday.
- secluded 17th century barn converted to self-catering accommodation in 2008
- open log burning fire to warm your toes
- candles for a relaxing mood
- lots of trails for walks amongst acres and acres of forest and three connecting lakes nearby for a stroll round. Watch the , ducks, moorhens in the nature reserve
- luxurious bath with candles and herb to help you wind down
- 2 hours drive from London
- perfect all year round
- sleeps 4, but couples welcome to book for 2 only
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Click on the image of the cottage garden and terrace above and start planning that relaxing break to the country soon.
South East of London: Kent and West Sussex
This holiday cottage with its cliff side location definitely has that all important wow factor. Said to be the nearest house on mainland England to France, the Gun Emplacement is located within the National Trust’s White Cliffs of Dover, a protected and impressive area. Enjoy wonderful sea views of the English Channel from this unique self-catering property and breathing in sea air from the gardens.
Available all year round. Telephone: 020 8946 9394.
West of London: Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds
Bruern Stable Cottages are award winning Oxfordshire cottages. With accolades such as Gold and Silver English Tourism Council Awards, this collection of 5 star cottages offer guests a taste of relaxed country house living. Cottages vary in size from sleeps 2 to sleeps 5 and sleeps 6. There is even a large cottage to sleep 10. The cottages enjoy excellent shared leisure facilities with an indoor swimming pool and spa. Situated amongst beautiful countryside, near the English Cotswolds, London, Birmingham and Bristol are within relatively easy driving distance.
Oak Cottage in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, sleeps 5 in 2 bedrooms. Tucked away behind the walled garden of Oak House, this quaint cottage offers homely, warm and comfortable self-catering accommodation. Benefiting from being in the heart of the conservation area in Wallingford, enjoy walks by the River Thames and exploring the picturesque market town of Wallingford. Oxford, Henley, Reading and Newbury are 15-30 minutes drive away. The Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon are within easy reach. Telephone Philip on 01491 836200.
The Stable - sleeps 2-5 in Whitminster in Gloucestershire.
This barn conversion is located down a country lane, on a working farm. Originally a stable and also used for cider making, this cottage dates back 200 years and has a number of attractive features including exposed wooden beams and elm timbering. Up to 5 people can be accommodated in the 2 bedrooms.
The Stable has its own enclosed lawned garden with trees and outdoor garden furniture. Enjoy staying on a quiet farm which produces free range eggs. Pets are welcomed by arrangement. Keen walkers should note that there are a number of public footpaths which can be easily accessed from the farm. Short break bookings are welcome in low season.
Telephone Ashley for availability information on 01452-740969.
Luxury holiday cottage in rural Oxfordshire near the Cotswolds - sleeps up to 4
This newly converted luxury 5 star cottage situated within easy reach of the Cotswolds and Oxford, The Ancient Ridgeway and Thames footpath, The Stables are ideally situated for all manner of country pursuits and are perfectly located for touring Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.
With the emphasis on high quality accommodation, there is lots to see and do in the local area. Enjoy a game of golf at the nearby golf course or play at the championship course at Frilford Heath, just an easy car ride away. There is a wide selection of good local pubs and restaurants not too far away. Keen anglers can enjoy fly fishing on the Thames, Cherwell or the Cotswold Lakes.
Enjoy local walks or take out one of the bikes that are freely available for guests to use during their stay. Alternatively sit back and take it easy within the peace and security of the walled garden. With so much to see and enjoy, what are you waiting for? The train journey between London and Oxford takes less than one hour.
Telephone Patricia on 01367 870540 or 07971 207188 for this weekend retreat in the country.
North West of London: Bedfordshire - Farm Cottages, 30 minutes north of London, not far from Luton
There are two barn conversions at Bluegate Farm, Jersey & Beechbury, each sleeping up to 6. Each cottage is 4 star rated and has its own private garden area. Located near to Leighton Buzzard, trains in to London take just 45 minutes allowing you to easily get in and out of London.
Located on the edge of town, there is some stunning countryside to discover in Bedfordshire and lots of excellent attractions nearby including Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, the National Trust’s Ivinghoe Beacon and Ashridge Forest, plus Woburn Abbey and Safari Park.
Telephone 01525 210621 or click here for more details of these cottages.
Beautiful house on a small country estate in Surrey, 1 hour south of London
Heron Hall in Surrey is a fabulous large country house with an outdoor swimming pool offering luxurious accommodation for up to 16 guests in 8 bedrooms. With an impressive hill top location and 5 acres of gardens, plus 15 acres of paddocks, this is a house with that special something.
This small country estate has so very much to offer from the cinema room, to the huge dance studio, swimming pool and hot tub. With such an amazing house, could there be a better place to spend time with friends or family? Located not far from Guildford, there are excellent road and rail links with London.
Please click on the photograph of the house to find out more about this special property.
Self-catering houseboat in West London opposite Kew Gardens
The Bush Houseboat is an unusual self-catering property which is moored on the River Thames near leafy Kew Gardens. Sleeping up to 4 in 2 bedrooms, enjoy staying in this tranquil location yet having easy access to London with just a 30 minute train ride.
Click on the houseboat photograph to view details of this fabulous self catering holiday let.
Find addition self-catering cottages, houses, apartments and other holiday accommodation within 2 hours drive of London by taking a peek at Essex, Suffolk, Kent, Surrey, West Sussex, Berkshire and Gloucestershire in the Quick Browse menus on the left.
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