5 SL Team-Approved Day Trips From London

One of my favourite day trips is Hamble-on-the-Solent. Less than two hours away and one of the UK's best-known sailing hubs, this charming village feels like a proper escape, with pretty Georgian cottages, waterside walks and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. I always start with a smoothie from Pirate Pasties before taking the dog for a walk through the woodland that runs alongside the river. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hire a paddleboard or boat and spend a few hours exploring the River Hamble towards Swanwick but we usually pick up sandwiches from Jenny's Café, pop a chilled bottle of white wine in a picnic basket and find a quiet spot on the riverbank for lunch. If you fancy stretching your legs, hop on the little pink ferry over to Warsash for a longer walk or make a day of it by catching the passenger ferry to Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Dinner has to be at The Bugle. The moules frites are a favourite and the brilliant children's menu means everyone is happy. While we finish our food, our kids happily skim stones on the little beach opposite. If you're visiting in the summer, there are also plenty of nearby pick-your-own farms.

I really recommend a visit to the seaside town of Whitstable. It takes just over an hour by train from London, which is so convenient. I love the aesthetic of the traditional, wooden cladded houses – it feels so far from the capital. The fresh seafood is amazing too. I especially like a restaurant on the sea front called The Oyster Company which I found by chance on my first trip. The food is delicious and the outside seating area at the front has lovely views of the sea. I also enjoy browsing the small boutiques in the town – and dropping into the pub along the sea front that spills out onto the beach during the summer.

For a change of scenery, the Isle of Wight gets my vote. It’s so easy to get the ferry across from Lymington Pier to Yarmouth – the journey from London doesn’t take nearly as long as you’d think. You can’t beat a walk along the seafront and if it’s warm, go for a paddle – you won’t regret it. For a spot of lunch, Off The Rails – set within the historic station house – has a chilled, unpretentious vibe, and yet the food is excellent; there’s something for everyone, including the dogs. Then I recommend stopping by for tea and scones at the High Down Inn in Totland – the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up, before heading off on a walk up to the cliffs and the Tennyson Down. The view is seriously breathtaking. Then head to The Waterfront for drinks – my choice is a G&T crafted with Mermaid Gin from the island’s distillery. Finally, for dinner, I’d highly recommend The Hut. Think small plates, oysters and Bloody Marys with a beautiful sunset view. It also attracts quite a lively crowd, so when the tunes start blaring it’s a really fun atmosphere. Once you've finished up you can even head back to the mainland via boat charter.

I love visiting West Wittering because it's a beach I've been visiting since I was young. In under two hours, I can swap the city for a beautiful sandy beach, fresh sea air and stunning coastal views. I like spending the day on the beach itself, walking through the dunes at East Head or taking a paddleboard out on the water when the weather is good. When it's time for a break, I usually stop at The Beach Café for lunch or ice cream. If I fancy something different, Billy's on the Beach in nearby Bracklesham Bay is a great spot for seafood and sea views. In my opinion, you can't beat fish and chips on the coast. Whether I'm enjoying a picnic, watching the sunset or simply taking a long walk along the shoreline, West Wittering always feels like the perfect escape.

Deal is my favourite day trip from London because it somehow strikes that balance between being genuinely cool without feeling like it's trying to be. It's the sort of place where I tell myself I'm going for a swim and end up spending three hours rummaging through antique shops and convincing myself an ice cream is a perfectly acceptable lunch. There are great wine bars, brilliant restaurants, a beach that's all pebbles and cold-water optimism, and just enough history to make me feel vaguely cultured. Luckily, the counter dining trend has spread to Kent, so I'd recommend grabbing a seat at The Blue Pelican and settling in for dinner. Best of all, it's only an hour and a half from London, so you can be back home by bedtime with salty hair and a tote bag full of vintage purchases.