3 enchanting day trips in the south of London for the curious traveller

London’s well-connected and speedy rail system makes exploring the surrounding counties as easy as a walk in the park, especially when you’re venturing out from London Gatwick airport. From there, you can easily discover the quaint charm of the counties south of London.

Whether it’s an indulgent day in the picturesque English wine region or a wholesome family outing at the beach, here are three ideas for a day trip from the airport – choose between Brighton, Surrey Hills and the East Sussex town of Battle.

Experience Brighton’s creative and artisan community in this quaint seaside town

How to get there: Trains run from Gatwick Airport to Brighton every day. Alight at Brighton train station, which is closest to the city centre. The journey varies from 30 minutes to 55 minutes depending on departure date and time.

Best known for its beaches, Brighton plays host to throngs of tourists and locals alike looking for seaside fun at Brighton Beach and the fairground rides at Brighton Palace Pier. But there’s a hidden creative enclave to be discovered in this East Sussex town, just 10 minutes’ walk away from the main stretch of Brighton Beach.

Brighton Palace Pier is one of the key sights here, but there’s plenty more to discover in this seaside resort. Photo: Shutterstock

Start at Fabrica, a contemporary art space housed within a gorgeous church that runs workshops, talks and film screenings. Then there’s the Phoenix Art Space. This six-storey gallery space is a great place to mingle with Brighton’s creative community. It hosts a diverse roster of creative courses and exhibitions open to everyone, alongside its two public galleries.

Five minutes away, wander the labyrinthine alleys of The Lanes which house boutique shops, indie jewellers and traditional pubs. If you prefer small local artisans, take a leisurely 19-minute walk through The Level, Brighton’s busiest park, straight to the Brighton Open Market. Here, make a beeline for Rainbow Organic Chocolates offering handcrafted chocolates made of seasonal, organic ingredients. And don’t miss the quirky, hand-poured soy candles from Vintage & Vintage.

The narrow alleys at The Lanes hide a treasure trove of indie stores to be discoverd. Photo: VisitBrighton

End off your Brighton jaunt with a 20-minute walk across town to feast at Shelter Hall along the beachfront. At this buzzy food hall of seven rotating kitchens, you’ll find everything from beloved Asian comfort food at Little Bao Boy to trendy ice cream brand Happy Endings. Find a table on the mezzanine level for the best view of the kitchens below.

Head to Surrey Hills for spectacular wine and countryside adventures

How to get there: Trains run between Gatwick Airport and Surrey Hills daily with the journey taking just over 60 minutes one-way. Boxhill & Westhumble Railway Station is the closest to Surrey Hills.

Located in the county of Surrey, the southeastern countryside of Surrey Hills is known for its breathtaking views and popular walking trails such as Leith Hill, Devil’s Punch Bowl and North Downs Way. Nature lovers will delight in the terrain of open heaths, woodland scenery and wildlife here.

Surrey Hills is replete with walking trails across vast meadows and rolling hearths. Photo: Shutterstock

Since the turn of the century, this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has also developed a formidable reputation as a wine-producing region. With its chalky soil and a climate comparable to that of France’s Champagne region, the Surrey Hills is now known for some of the best sparkling wines in the world.

Many head to Denbies Wine Estate, one of England’s largest single estate vineyards, to savour local wine. For an alternative British Sunday lunch, opt for the Spice Tales & Vine Trails event at Albury Organic Vineyard. Albury Estate collaborates with Mandira’s Kitchen to host exceptional Sunday lunches where you can enjoy their wines alongside a spread of spicy Indian flavours. While there, you can also learn more about bee-keeping, take a wildlife walk and enjoy a vineyard tour.

Enjoy a spread of sumptuous Indian food paired with wines from Albury Organic Vineyard. Photo: Mandira’s Kitchen

But long before Surrey earned its reputation as the English wine region, a humble sand-mining industry thrived here. Take a 30-minute cab ride to Diver’s Cove in Godstone. You can catch a glimpse of the county’s past at this reservoir; it’s where miners used to extract sand for glass-making and horticulture between the 18th and early 20th century. Today, its glistening waters are ideal for swimming, especially on a warm summer’s day.

Do as the locals do, and try wild swimming at Diver’s Cove this summer. Photo: Diver’s Cove

For the adventurous, venture 15 minutes by taxi towards the Reigate Caves for a guided tour of the underground network of tunnels. Do note that tours only operate from May to September, and traverse steep steps and soft sand terrain. Book your tickets in advance, and tread with caution.

Explore local charms and storied landmarks in and around the East Sussex town of Battle

How to get there: Trains run daily from Gatwick Airport to Battle and the journey takes roughly two hours one-way. Alight at Battle station.

Battle’s claim to fame is that it is England’s most historic battlefield. During the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeated the Saxon King Harold II to become William I of England on these very grounds. Most visitors head to the Battle Abbey and the Battle Museum of Local History to learn about this storied town. But venture a little further north and you’ll find a host of uncommon, charming experiences nestled within nearby villages.

Fuller had allegedly wagered that he could see the spire of Dallington church from his sitting room. When he realised that he could not, he had the Sugar Loaf built in order to replicate the church spire and win his bet. Photo: Shutterstock

Head to the village of Brightling a mere 15 minutes’ cab ride away to check out Fuller’s Follies. These six eccentric structures were built by John “Mad Jack” Fuller to serve no purpose but for this wealthy Georgian squire’s entertainment.

Peppered around the village and connected by footpaths, the Follies include the Sugar Loaf, the Tower, the Needle, the Temple and his own mausoleum in the shape of a pyramid in the village churchyard. While the footpaths aren’t always clearly marked, villagers are more than happy to point you in the right direction.

At Bateman’s, visitors can explore 121 hectares of countryside, a working watermill and Jacobean-style house, as well as eat and shop to their heart’s content. Photo: National Trust Images / James Dobson

Then, take a 15-minute taxi ride to Eggs to Apples in Etchingham. It’s a fabulous coffee shop, delicatessen, pantry and cellar that makes for a great lunch pit stop. Venture another 10 minutes by car and cap off your countryside experience by hanging out with alpacas over tea and scones at Fisherwood Farm in Robertsbridge, or admire local contemporary art at the blackShed Gallery.

If literature is more your jam, just 14 minutes west is Bateman’s in Burwash, the former home of the famous English author Rudyard Kipling. This 17th-century house has an excellent tea room and bookstore not to be missed.

For our full list of things to try and places to see in London, check out our London City Guide.
Singapore Airlines’ flights to Gatwick will commence from 21 June 2024. For more information, visit the official website. 

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