4 cities Londoners can head to for a "daycation"

"Day trips" will become a major travel trend in 2024, as time-poor Brits deserve a vacation too. According to a study by London Luton Airport (LLA), this is more than just a redefined "day trip". Instead, it's a way to fully satisfy your wanderlust and provide a short but sweet respite.

According to the data, almost two-thirds (64%) of vacationers choose cheap off-peak travel to minimize their downtime with a 24-hour round trip. It's the perfect way to cheer yourself up if you're feeling stressed and need a new environment," writes Metro.

We have selected four places for a day trip from London - from picturesque villages to spas and beaches.

St. Albans: The oldest pubs in England and a boutique cabin

Just an 18-minute train ride from London's King's Cross station will take you to the cathedral city of St. Albans in Hertfordshire.

With food markets that offer everything from Transylvanian BBQ doughnuts (referring to the style of cooking, not the flavor) to Scottish eggs, you can easily spend a few hours wandering around and satisfying your appetite.

And when you're done, don't forget to stop by St. Albans Cathedral.

"As any online guide will proudly tell you, it's the oldest place of continuous Christian worship in Britain, so we wanted to visit," writes James Bezanwall, who recently visited the cathedral, for Metro.

And to end the day, check out Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, one of several pubs that claims to be the oldest in England - and has the low ceilings to prove it.

If you're looking to spend the night, be sure to check out Re Cabins, a self-contained luxury boutique cabin just 15 minutes away.

Getting there: Trains from London to St. Albans depart from King's Cross station (from £10.50), and accommodation at Re Cabins starts from £360.00.

Aylesbury: Magnificent gardens and a game of croquet.

On the outskirts of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, lies Hartwell House Hotel, Gardens, and Spa, an extraordinarily luxurious establishment just 40 miles northwest of London.

The real star of Hartwell is the house itself, which was once rented to the exiled French king Louis XVIII and, due to its proximity to Chequers, has hosted various dignitaries and royalty. The impressive building, which boasts both Jacobean and Georgian facades, contains beautiful rooms with rococo ceilings, antique furniture, and paintings adorning every wall.

History buffs can enjoy a short tour with an experienced concierge. Alternatively, you can dance while humming "Murder on the Dancefloor" and pretend you're in Saltburn - minus the bathtub scene. Both approaches are equally valid.

As nature lovers, we worked up an appetite by exploring every nook and cranny of the 94-hectare gardens before heading to the dining room. Here, you'll find a classic British and European menu featuring local produce, including from the hotel's own garden (we especially recommend the cheese soufflé).

Visit in the summer, and you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a game of tennis and croquet. But for our cozy January trip, afternoon tea in the warm, sunny room was just right.

If you decide to stay overnight, the spa, open to all guests, is a small but tranquil space with a Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and pool, best enjoyed in the evening under the sultry, enveloping light. At the end of the day, you can book a massage or facial with one of the talented professionals.

Getting there: Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8NR. The fastest route by train is from Marylebone to Haddenham & Thame Parkway, with some trains taking as little as 35 minutes. From there, you'll need to take a 13-minute taxi. Alternatively, you can easily reach the location via the M40 highway. The cost of accommodation at Hartwell House.com starts from £295 per room per night and includes use of the spa.

Cambridge: Incredible architecture and craft market.

You can reach Cambridge by train in just 50 minutes from London's King's Cross Station, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. And it's not just the prestigious university (founded in 1209) that should be on your itinerary.

A classic, must-do activity when visiting Cambridge is punting, and there are many companies offering both guided tours and self-guided punting rentals.

If you visit Cambridge on a weekend, you'll come across a wonderful craft market in All Saints' Garden, as well as the main Saturday market in Market Square. I recommend stopping by Fitzbillies for a famous Chelsea scone, washed down with a glass of bubbly from Cambridge Wine Merchants.

There are many more places to see in the city center, as it's surrounded by incredible architecture, history, and all the old pubs your grown-up heart could desire.

Want to extend your stay? The Graduate Cambridge Hotel offers an oasis in the historic city center. Its beautiful and unique riverside location guarantees visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a tranquil atmosphere while having all the best of the city right at their doorstep.

Getting there: Trains from London to Cambridge cost from £14.50 one way.

Brighton: Seaside and scenic views.

The sea air is just an hour's train ride from the UK capital. Brighton's pebbly beach and famous pier are just an hour away from London's Victoria, making it the perfect destination for a day trip.

Plus, there's something for everyone - whether you want to spend hours on the pier having fun or just sit on the shore, eat fish and chips, and admire the coastal views.

However, no trip to Brighton would be complete without a stroll through the brick lanes in the heart of the city's historic quarter. Stop by Snoopers Paradise to find a treasure trove of vintage trinkets, vinyl, clothing, and more - and don't forget to take a photo in the photo booth for a Brighton keepsake.

Getting there: Trains to Brighton from London cost from £21.50 one way.

Earlier, Travel Wise wrote that London was recognized as the slowest city in the world to drive. The reasons are the lack of multi-lane highways and a speed limit of 20 mph.