Seven amazing under-the-radar day trips across south east and central England

Crystal Palace
Straddling the top of a hill in south London, and with sweeping city views, Crystal Palace is best known for its park, filled with humongous dinosaur statues (the oldest life-size dinosaur sculptures in the world), a well-trodden athletics track and a family-friendly urban farm. The area actually takes its name from the beautiful glass palace that once stood here, which was ravaged by fire and destroyed in 1936. Vintage lovers will have plenty to explore in Crystal Palace, with Haynes Lane Market – tucked away off the busy Westow Street – offering up an Aladdin’s cave of trinkets and treats, including antiques, vinyl, books, clothes and even tarot readings. Afterwards, head to Crespidia, a beautiful cafe filled with fresh flowers, a vintage rail and homemade cakes and lunches. There’s also a community not-for-profit market every Saturday, with stalls heaving with the best organic produce and locally-sourced food.

Getting there by rail: Take Southern Railway from London Victoria to Crystal Palace in just half an hour.

Dunstable
Lovely, bucolic Dunstable, just a short bus journey from Luton railway station, is a low-key sort of place. But actually, this charming market town – ringed by the Chiltern Hills – is well worth a day trip. Bursting with history, the picturesque town is home to Dunstable Priory, which was established by King Henry I in 1132 and still houses surviving architecture from its early years (making it one of the most complete Norman Romanesque buildings in the UK). Elsewhere there’s Whipsnade Zoo, thought of as one of the best in the country, which shelters more than 3,600 animals over a whopping 98 hectares. Behind that, you’ll find the moving Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, made up of rows of different tree species, which was designed as an act of remembrance by Edmond Blyth, a one-time Sandhurst cadet who lost a number of friends in the first world war.

Getting there by rail: Take Thameslink from London St Pancras to Luton in just under 40 minutes, from which Dunstable is only 20 minutes by bus.

Worthing
Think of Worthing as Brighton without the sky-high property prices (or the crowds). While it might previously have been considered a little rough around the edges, the seaside town is now glowing like polished treasure, with a glut of great places to eat, leafy avenues to explore and plenty of beachy seafront along which to promenade (it also has a famous ex-resident – Oscar Wilde lived here while he wrote The Importance of Being Earnest). Beyond the pebbly beach, the sea offers plenty of activities, from stand-up paddle boarding to kite surfing, and away from the water there’s a beautiful sculpture garden, a museum with one of the largest costume collections in the country and the popular Dome cinema.

Getting there by rail: Take Southern Railway from London Victoria to Worthing in just one hour and 15 minutes.

Stevenage
Just 45 minutes by train from London, Stevenage is shaking off its grey and dreary rep to emerge as a surprisingly strong day-trip destination. The jewel in its crown is Fairlands Valley Park, a sweep of 48 hectares of parkland situated within the heart of the town. The park is known for its range of water sports activities, including dragon boat racing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing and kayaking, which all take place on the 4.5-hectare sailing lake. There’s also plenty to do on dry land too, with grass sledging, orienteering, mountain biking and power kiting on offer for energetic sorts. History lovers will be well-served in Stevenage too. Knebworth House – dating back to 1490 – is a sight to behold, with its towering turrets, neat domes and grisly gargoyles. Close to Stevenage train station, in the old town, you’ll also find a meandering network of quaint shops and unique independent businesses, all prime for a good rummage.

Getting there by rail: Get to Stevenage from London King’s Cross in around 45 minutes with Thameslink.

Tring
Fascinated by wildlife but dread the crowds at London’s museums? Pay a visit to Tring in Hertfordshire, home to a Natural History Museum bursting to the seams with fascinating exhibitions and artefacts. Here you’ll find animal mummies, taxidermy collections of extinct animals and everything from multicoloured mandrills to polar bears displayed in Victorian glass cabinets (a 10-minute walk will also get you to nearby Tring Park, which is filled with wildflowers and butterflies come spring). Beyond the museum, Tring is home to College Lake nature reserve (regarded as one of the best places in the south for spotting water birds), the 2,032-hectare Ashridge estate – filled with ancient trees, lush meadows and rolling chalk downlands – and, if you’re in need of some stress-busting, there’s a Champneys spa.

Getting there by rail: Take Southern Railway from London Shepherd’s Bush to Tring in just 45 minutes.

Lewes
Just eight miles from Brighton’s heaving city centre, Lewes sits tucked neatly within the rolling hills of the South Downs. Most famous for its bonfire night parades, there’s also plenty to do here for the rest of the year, and you’ll find a wealth of quirky independent shops, charming medieval streets and quaint cafes for escaping to for a hearty slice of cake. Anne of Cleves’ house (where the fourth wife of Henry VIII once lived) is now a fascinating Tudor museum, and Lewes Castle, built in 1069, is perhaps one of the greatest motte and bailey castles in the country. If you squeeze your way up the narrow spiral staircases, you’ll be rewarded with staggering views across the whole of Sussex.

Getting there by rail: Take Southern Railway from London Victoria to Lewes in just over an hour.

Warwick
Stroll the streets of Warwick, overhung by timber-framed houses and dotted with market squares, and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Replete with independent shops, traditional tea rooms and antique markets stuffed full of fascinating pieces, you’ll easily find a way to fill a day here. The Market Place forms the heart of the town, with cafes, pubs and a well-stocked market every Saturday, as well as the Lord Leycester hospital – one of the best-preserved examples of medieval courtyard architecture in England. Speaking of history, Warwick Castle is brimming with ancient myths and fascinating stories. Here you’ll find fire-jousting tournaments, stunt displays and history tours for those in need of something more sedate.

Getting there by rail: Warwick can be reached by rail from London Marylebone in just under two hours.

Want to embark on more epic child-friendly adventures? Up to four kids per adult can travel with Thameslink on most journeys for as little as £2 on Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets (T&Cs apply). Find out more and book at thameslinkrailway.com