London bound for your honeymoon? Even if your itinerary doesn’t allow for a leisurely jaunt around the nation, you can still explore the countryside and experience a variety of different towns directly from London! Easily accessible by train, these delightful and historic cities are perfect for day trips, or even an afternoon sojourn.

Enjoy posh nosh in Marlow

Just over an hour on the train from London, Marlow is a dreamy town set alongside the River Thames and brimming with Georgian architecture. With a bustling high street dotted with boutiques, chain stores, restaurants and cafes, it’s a popular spot for Londoners seeking a work-life balance bolthole or a breath of fresh air after a busy week in the big city.

For foodies, it’s also where you’ll find impressive gastropub, The Hand and Flowers – a two Michelin star destination dining spot that is definitely worth the journey. Proudly proclaimed as the only two Michelin star pub in the UK, this 17th century dining room is all exposed beams, hardwood floors and low-lit tables – perfect for honeymooners seeking a romantic lunch. Upon arrival, enjoy a drink in the inviting lounge bar area, before proceeding to the dining room to feast on refined, yet unpretentious pub-style food.

Experience the magic in Oxford

Honeymooning Harry Potter fans, history buffs and architecture devotees simply cannot miss a visit to the truly gorgeous town of Oxford. Famed for its prestigious university colleges and filming locations, Oxford exudes storybook charm and is bursting with character. Here, a walking tour through the colleges is one of the best ways to experience the highlights in a short time, and learn fascinating facts along the way!

After the tour, enjoy strolling at your own pace and stop by some of the many renowned sites including the Bridge of Sighs, Ashmolean Museum and the Bodleian Library. For a delicious pub lunch served with a side of history, make your way down the narrow alley to the Turf Tavern (just beside the Bridge of Sighs) and you will stumble upon a bustling pub – the perfect spot for a Sunday roast.

Embrace the romance of Cambridge

Rivalling its historic competitor Oxford, the equally delightful city of Cambridge is another quintessentially British destination. Known for its prestigious, ivy-clad colleges and exquisite architecture, it is host to buzzing shops, restaurants and regular markets and is also a famously picturesque spot to try the popular old English pastime of punting. First stop by Fitzbillies to pick up a freshly baked Chelsea bun for the ride, and then make your way to the Scudamore’s punting station. From here you can hire a punt and wind your way down the River Cam, passing the breath-taking colleges, bridges, cathedrals and gardens along the way – a truly dreamy way to spend an afternoon!

All images by Anika Reynolds.

Ms Zigzag says: Strolling the banks of a river is definitely one of the most romantic things you can do! 

About Anika: I’m a freelance writer with a love of weddings and creatively styled events. I have a penchant for pretty stationery and perfectly put together cheese plates, and a never-ending sense of wanderlust!