5 days in London
5 days For everyone Built from visitor-rated places
Trains arrive at London Charing Cross, and from there this five-day run spends its time on the green edges rather than the middle. Day one is the gentlest of starts: Harleyford Manor in the morning, then Bisham Abbey just 1.3 miles down the road, so lunch never feels rushed. Day two climbs, with the National Trust's Whipsnade Tree Cathedral followed by Dunstable Downs a single mile on — bring a windproof layer for both.
Midweek pairs Moor Park with Manor Farm House, 3.5 miles apart, before day four's proper contrast: Leith Hill Tower, then 9.9 miles to a swim at Guildford Lido. Day five closes with Pednor House and Halton House, 5.4 miles apart. For a base, hub by Premier Inn London Clerkenwell sits 0.4 miles from Farringdon station with disabled access and WiFi, while Park Grand London Kensington is 1.2 miles from The Serpentine - Hyde Park, where the Environment Agency rates the bathing water Good.
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Day 1
An easy opener: Harleyford Manor first thing, then Bisham Abbey a mere 1.3 miles on, so you can take your time over both stately homes rather than clock-watching. Two palaces in one day, with barely any driving between them.
Day 2
It's 22.9 miles up to Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, so leave promptly and treat the morning as the main event; Dunstable Downs is then just 1 mile away, making this the shortest hop of the trip. Both are National Trust and both are exposed — layers, proper shoes, and a flask are the sensible kit.
Day 3
A 17-mile run from the Downs brings you to Moor Park for the morning, with Manor Farm House 3.5 miles further for a museums-and-galleries afternoon. Stately home then small museum is a good pairing if the weather turns.
Day 4
The biggest shift of the week: 27.9 miles south to Leith Hill Tower for the climb and the view, then 9.9 miles to Guildford Lido for an afternoon swim. Pack towels in the boot before you set off, and note that Hilton London Croydon (Waddon station 0.7 miles, disabled access and WiFi) sits handily on this southern side.
Day 5
The longest drive of the trip, 32.6 miles up to Pednor House, so make it an early start and a single coffee stop. Halton House is then 5.4 miles on, an unhurried final stately home before heading back to town.
🛏️ Where to base yourself
Stays in London that put this whole plan within easy reach.
Park Grand London Kensington
🏖️ 1.24 miles from The Serpentine - Hyde Park (Good water quality)
London
hub by Premier Inn London Clerkenwell hotel
🏖️ 2.89 miles from The Serpentine - Hyde Park (Good water quality)
London
ibis Styles London Kensington
🏖️ 1.26 miles from The Serpentine - Hyde Park (Good water quality)
London
🎪 What's on in London
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BULPHAN, ESSEX. Party for Over 35's-65's+ FRI 13 NOV
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🗺️ Getting to London
Plan the drive with service stations, food stops and fuel or charging costs along the way.
Plan my journey →🚆 Or come by train
- London Charing Cross 0.2 miles
- Tottenham Court Road 0.6 miles
- London Waterloo 0.7 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page