If you’re itching for an adventure this summer, there are some mind-blowing places waiting just a short plane ride away from London. From the sheer limestone cliffs of a gorge to a tiny castle in a tranquil lake, it’s worth getting off the beaten track and exploring places lesser-known.
In this post, we’ll share five of the best adventure weekend trips you can take from London without breaking the bank.
Is this summer a good time to travel?
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s a valid question. Yes, you’re more likely to have nice weather during the summer months, but it’s also when tourist destinations are the busiest. It’s also the more expensive time of year to travel.
If you are on a budget, you should check out some of the places we talk about below out of season. But if you are planning on traveling this summer, we’ve chosen places that are well worth the visit in the busy season.
Are there still Covid restrictions in place?
Although most Covid restrictions have been lifted in England, there are still some restrictions when traveling to specific countries.
Be sure to check entry requirements to the country you’re visiting and the airports you’re flying to and from.
To be safe, schedule a Covid test ahead of time and have proof of your results. This way, you’re covered if restrictions suddenly change while you’re traveling.
“Consider scheduling your Covid test ahead of time to avoid a last-minute scramble to get tested. You also need to be aware of the turnaround time at the testing facility and make sure that works with the requirements of the country you are visiting,” says Rebecca Moore of CovidTests.co.uk
Our Criteria for Weekend Trips
We’ve put together a list of five of the best trips you can take from London below. Each is only a short flight, and we’ve packed in everything you need to make the most of your weekend.
Scottish Highlands
You can get a short flight from Gatwick, Heathrow, or Luton into Glasgow for under a couple hundred pounds. From there, it’s a bus ride to the Scottish Highlands.
All in all, the traveling will take around seven hours, depending on the airport you choose.
And it’s worth the trip. The Scottish Highlands has so many hidden gems. From the stunning Cairngorms and Wester Ross Trail to the North Coast 500. You’ll have a lot to see on your adventure weekend.
Must-have items to pack:
- Walking boots
- Lightweight waterproofs
- Thermals
Dolomites
To travel to the Dolomites from London, you can get a short flight from any of the major London airports to Venice. From there, we recommend hiring a car and doing a road trip.
There are shuttles available to the mountain range, but it’s more work and a lot of traveling. You’ll see much more of the range with your own wheels, and the smooth, wide roads are built for driving.
If you fly to Venice, you’ll be exploring the Cortina d’Ampezzo region since it’s the closest.
The Dolomites cover around 142,000 hectares and comprise 18 peaks rising above 3,000 meters, so expect some of the most incredible views in all of Europe.
Must-have items to pack
- A map with a route planned out for your road trip.
- A camera for unbelievable photo ops.
- A gorgeous jacket fit for trendy Italian cafes.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
The best way to get to Lake Bled is to fly from London City to Ljubljana. It’s a short flight that’ll cost less than £200.
From Ljubljana, there are five shuttles a day directly to Lake Bled that cost around £30.
One of the most picturesque spots in Slovenia, Lake Bled is only small, with a hilltop castle and plenty of walking trails. Hire yourself a rowboat and visit Bled Island for some beautiful views and peaceful places to explore.
Must-have items to pack
- Good walking shoes
- Swimwear (yes, you can go swimming!)
Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc is next up on our list. You can catch a short flight from any of the major London airports to Geneva for under £200, and then grab a shuttle to Chamonix Sud for around £40. This is in the main district and just a short bus ride away from Mont Blanc.
Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps and the best hike in Europe to prepare for hiking to Everest Base Camp because it is a high altitude hike with glaciers and exposed areas.
“The summit of Mont Blanc is at 4,810 meters (15,771 feet) making it a great place to acclimate to the higher altitudes you will encounter on the way to Everest Base Camp. The glaciers and exposed areas will also help prepare you for the challenging terrain you will encounter on the mountain” says Ganga Thapa from Nepal Hiking Team.
Must-have items to pack
- Worn-in three-season hiking boots
- Quality walking socks
- Thermals, mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers
Kayaking down the Ardèche River/Gorge
In the heart of southern Ardèche, you’ll find a 32-kilometer network of breathtaking gorges. The limestone cliffs reach up to 300 meters and the untouched wilderness stretches for miles.
To start your adventure, catch a short flight from London to Marseille, where you can get a train to start your hike. It’s around eight hours of traveling, but well worth it.
The gateway to the gorgeous is the Pont d’Arc, a famous natural archway that is the perfect starting point. Kayaking is one of the most popular adventures in the gorge, with routes ranging from mini 8-kilometer descents up to long 32-kilometer ones.
Must-have items to pack
- Waterproofs if you plan on kayaking or canoeing.
- Quality walking boots for walking or rambling.
- Camping gear for an overnight hike.
There you have it! Five incredible places to take you on an adventure weekend this summer. And with just short flights, affordable travel, and easy-to-reach locations, you’ll be back in time for work on Monday.
