Escape from the bustle of London doesn't necessarily mean you have to spend your fortune on train tickets to get out into the countryside. One Travel Pro shares recommendations for an “easy and unique day trip from London” that takes less than an hour to reach.
Emma Cook, a travel editor with ancient Roman ruins and rolling hills, shared a video of her trip to Ainsford, Kent. In the video posted to Tiktok, Cooke has an account called @Petite.blondine. TravelPro shared a clip of Baby Horses playing with River Darent running through the historic Darent Valley Path.
Called one of Kent's “biggest hidden treasures,” Darrent Valley Pass offers visitors a panoramic view of 19 miles of ancient woodland and the Kent Downs national landscape.
The quaint village, which was regularly voted as one of Kent's most picturesque villages, is the ideal place between Orpington and Seven Oaks.
Despite being part of London's commuter belt, it is still possible to maintain a country charm with many Grade II list buildings, including historic stone bridges and Tudor Cottages, dating back to the 17th century.
Popular sites include Lullingston Roman Villa, one of the UK's most impressive Roman villa survivals, and the early Norman Eynsford Castle, managed by British heritage and free entry.
Once you're done exploring, you can enjoy afternoon tea at the Riverside Tea Room or dive into one of the local inns for a drink.
One commenter responded to the video by saying, “Yeah, I've lived most of my life and didn't even know about this!” Another added, “Well, this looks like a dream.”
Cook shared that by booking an off-peak single ticket from Denmark Hill to Ainsford in south London, you managed to reach Ainsford for just £5, but we recommend using your rail card for this.
The train to Eansford is regularly operated from London Blackfriars, London Victoria and Seven Oaks, with the station being a 10-minute walk from the village centre.
