Staying in London? Explore the Home Counties for a taste of Quintessential Britain

London is among the most visited tourist cities in the world, attracting millions of visitors annually (at least, prior to 2020). And it’s easy to see why: it’s a sprawling city that’s bristling with culture, history and entertainment. Seeing everything it has to offer would require several trips!

It’s easy to come away from a trip to London with a skewed perception of what life in England is really like. Plus, the crowds and the tall buildings can get a little on the stale side, so you might prefer to mix it up with a trip beyond the M25 at some point during your trip.

The so-called ‘home’ counties of the south of England provide plenty of sights to see and things to do. It’s not entirely clear how they picked up the name – it’s likely a term which dates back to Tudor times, when workers might have had their homes in the country and commuted into the city.

Let’s consider a few of the places that a visitor might easily access and appreciate.

Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire

If you’re looking for stretches of rolling green hillside, then you’ll find few more suitable candidates than the Chilterns, in Buckinghamshire. 324 square miles of memorable market towns and gorgeous country walks sit just between Oxford and London; they’re a perfect glimpse into country life for those staying in the capital.

Hertford, Hertfordshire

This quaint little market town attracts more than its share of tourists, thanks to a winning combination of history, classic pubs and a grade-I listed castle dating from the 15th century. This is the royal palace where Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood and it’s well worth a visit for those interested in history. It’s easily reachable, too – take a train from Moorgate to Hertford North and you’ll be there in less than an hour.

Surrey Hills, Surrey

Another area of outstanding natural beauty is to be found just to the south of the capital in the form of the Surrey Hills. There are dozens of viewpoints and landmarks to be found across long walks and short ones; they’re at their most dazzling during autumn, when low sunsets produce some truly breath-taking views.

Windsor Castle, Berkshire

Just because you’ve seen Buckingham Palace doesn’t mean you know all there is to know about royal residences. Windsor Castle is equally as spectacular as Buckingham Palace and is open to the public from Thursday to Monday, so make sure that you have timed your trip appropriately.