Harlow might be home, but it’s nice to take a mini-holiday from the familiar every once in a while. There’s plenty to do and see in the surrounding areas when you take the time to pack a bag and enjoy a day adventure. Whether you want to visit the seaside, take a city tour, or see Stonehenge, you’re only a couple hours’ drive from great destinations. Read on for a few trips you can plan with friends and family to occupy your next day off. 

London 

A short 30-minute train ride will take you right into the heart of the city, where there is no shortage of fun things to do. If you seek cultural enrichment, visit Tate Britain or Tate Modern. Both of these world-famous art instructions are free of charge and house some of the most recognizable pieces of fine art. Tate Britain is geared toward the very best of British art from the last 500 years.

If history is more your thing, The British Museum is chockful of artefacts from around the world. Embrace the spirit of tourism when you visit Buckingham Palace to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard Ceremony, stop by the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels, or marvel at the city above with a ride on The London Eye.

If you’re feeling a bit peckish after all that walking, go to the Borough Market, where you can choose from stall upon stall of vendors selling the best food and drink. There’s every kind of cuisine you could wish for and more, from delicious coffee to Iraqi-inspired street food. After you’ve refuelled, stroll through Oxford Street and check out the shops and incredible pubs. Oxford Street boasts over half a million daily visitors and is Europe’s busiest shopping district. 

Round out the day with a visit to The Hippodrome Casino on London’s West End. This entertainment venue holds a prime location in the city’s bustling theatre and nightlife district. You can play poker, blackjack, baccarat, slots, and more at the casino. There’s a great cocktail bar and live entertainment in The Matcham Room, so try and schedule your visit during a show you’d like to see!

This is a day trip, after all, so you’ll want to head to the train eventually. Luckily you can keep the party going by playing real money slots at casinos.com on your way home—the fun never stops! What a lovely London day!

Southend-on-Sea

Fancy a day by the seaside? Southend-on-Sea is just an hour’s drive from Harlow and boasts a bevvy of blue-flag beaches. That means Southend’s bathing areas meet and maintain stringent environmental, accessibility, and safety standards, so you’ll be splashing in clean water in a way that doesn’t hurt the biodiversity of the area. Keep Britain Tidy has also given all Southend beaches a Seaside Award. Rest assured that these are the best and closest beaches for a day trip from Harlow.

For a family outing, the Three Shells Beach and Lagoon is a great place to explore. In a central location, Three Shells is at the heart of activity with cafes, shops, High Street, The Pier, and more nearby amusements. The Three Shells Lagoon area is sandy and calm, so the little ones can enjoy dipping their toes and building sandcastles. If you’ve come to Southend for adventure, head to Shoebury East Beach, a long sandy stretch perfect for a picnic and water sports. East Beach plays host to Essex KiteSurfing Club. 

Some of us could spend all day at the beach, but for those who get restless or need to escape the sun, fret not! There’s plenty to do in town. Visit the Sealife Adventure aquarium, browse galleries and museums, or explore plenty of parks and gardens dotted around the area.

When it comes time to dine, seaside staples abound. Fish and chips and locally caught seafood are available nearly everywhere. Ice cream is also a must after a long day of adventures! You can indulge in fine dining, an al fresco meal, or grab a quick bite at one of the many beachside cafes. 

If, as it tends to do, the British weather turns on you and it begins to rain, Southend has plenty of indoor attractions to keep you occupied. Go bowling, try rock climbing, visit the arcade, catch a movie, and more. Maybe the sun will be back out once you’re done!

See Southend and enjoy the sea when you take a quick drive to this popular beach resort just a stone’s throw from Harlow. 

Cambridge

An hour north of Harlow, Cambridge offers the ideal blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Hop in the car and visit the town that’s home to one of the world’s most famous schools. In fact—start there. Visit the iconic Colleges of the University of Cambridge when you arrive in the morning. King’s College, Trinity College, and St. John’s are among the most celebrated and boast stunning architecture and beautiful courtyards. Here you can marvel at the soaring spires and ivory towers of this academic institution that has educated the likes of Charles Darwin, Sir David Attenborough, A.A. Milne, and many more. 

A visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum, which houses one of the most impressive collections of art and antiquities from various cultures and time periods, is well worth it too. After all that, you’ll want to grab some lunch. Quaint cafes, traditional pubs, and international takeaways are all over town, so choose whatever satisfies your craving before rounding out your day.

Visit the Cambridge Botanic Gardens, where you can explore lush gardens and glasshouses and discover a beautiful oasis right in the city. Go punting on the River Cam to enjoy serene views and waterside relaxation, or climb Great St. Mary’s Church Tower in the city centre. From there, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Cambridge and the surrounding countryside. Time it right, and you can watch the sunset from here and be treated to an unforgettable sight. 

Enjoy a delectable dinner at one of the city’s many eateries, or grab a sweet treat before hitting the road and heading back home. This destination has so much to offer you’ll want to come again. Cambridge calls!