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Best countries to visit from London

13 best countries to visit from London for easy getaways

30/11/2025 299 views

Finding the best countries to visit from London is less about distance and more about what kind of experience you crave. This article covers a list of the top destinations—both close to home and farther afield—that promise unforgettable memories, catering to every budget and travel style.

Quick Tips
  • Short hauls: For quick, easy escapes from London, choose France (train access), the Netherlands (culture), or Spain (budget flights & sun).
  • Best value & culture: Vietnam (affordable long-haul) and Egypt (family history) offer cheap trips with massive rewards.
  • Ultimate relaxation: St. Lucia & Barbados are the top choices for luxurious Caribbean sun and guaranteed winter warmth.

1. Best countries near London to visit

1.1. Netherlands

  • Flight distance: 418 kilometers
  • Flight time: about 1 hour
  • Best time to visit: June – August

The Netherlands is an exceptional choice among the best countries to visit from London for a refreshing and culturally rich getaway. Amsterdam, the country’s capital, is a masterpiece of 17th-century canal architecture, which you can uniquely explore by captaining your own electric boat along the waterways. 

While in the city, the array of world-class museums is mandatory, but for a truly Dutch experience blending art and nature, head to the Hoge Veluwe National Park to view spectacular Van Gogh masterpieces housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum. For history and fairytale charm, the medieval Muiderslot Castle near Muiden offers a fascinating look into the country’s past. 

The Netherlands one of the closest countries to visit from London

The Netherlands, one of the closest countries to visit from London (Source: Collected)

1.2. Ireland

  • Flight distance: 562 kilometers
  • Flight time: about 1 hour and 12 minutes
  • Best time to visit: June – August

Ireland, the Emerald Isle, is a superb and effortlessly accessible option for anyone considering the best countries to visit from the UK. Dublin, the spirited capital, offers world-class cultural experiences, from exploring the ancient Book of Kells at Trinity College to immersing yourself in the rich literary history and, of course, sampling the world-famous stout at the Guinness Storehouse. 

However, Ireland’s heart lies in its wild, dramatic scenery. Driving the Wild Atlantic Way, the world’s longest defined coastal route, is an adventure in itself. For a taste of the prehistoric, visit Brú na Bóinne, a vast Neolithic complex older than Stonehenge.

1.3. Belgium

  • Flight distance: 298 kilometers
  • Flight time: 52 minutes
  • Best time to visit: April – May & September – October

Belgium is one of the speediest trips on the list of best countries to visit from London, often taking less than an hour to fly across the English Channel. The country packs an impressive cultural punch into a small space. Brussels, the political heart of Europe, features the stunning Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing exquisite guildhall architecture. While exploring the city, you can also savor Belgium’s famous culinary delights, including world-renowned chocolate, crispy waffles, and golden frites.

For a step back in time, head to Bruges, often called “Venice of the North,” where serene canals wind past perfectly preserved medieval buildings. History enthusiasts can visit the poignant World War I battlefields and memorials of Flanders.

best countries to visit near London

Belgium’s rich offerings make it one of the best countries to visit near London (Source: Collected)

1.4. Denmark

  • Flight distance: 833 kilometers
  • Flight time: 1 hour and 32 minutes
  • Best time to visit: June – August

Denmark, the epitome of hygge, is consistently ranked as one of the happiest nations on earth. Copenhagen, the capital, is a masterpiece of contemporary design mixed with historical charm. Nyhavn’s colorful harbour, Tivoli Gardens’ whimsical appeal, and Rosenborg Castle’s royal history capture the city’s spirit. 

As one of the easiest countries to travel to from London, Denmark invites quick immersion into its forward-thinking culture. Beyond Copenhagen, Aarhus provides a lively cultural scene, while the island of Funen, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, offers a glimpse into the nation’s literary heritage.

1.5. France

  • Flight distance: 632 kilometers
  • Flight time: 1 hour and 17 minutes
  • Best time to visit: April – May & September – October

When considering the best countries to visit from London, France is arguably the ultimate choice due to the sheer accessibility via the Eurostar. Paris is timeless: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and a culture of savoir-faire that is infectious. 

But France is so much more than its capital. The French Riviera dazzles with beaches and high-end glamour in Nice and Cannes, while Bordeaux and the Loire Valley showcase world-class vineyards. Normandy offers rugged coastlines and historic World War II sites, adding a unique dimension to any French itinerary.

France is regarded as one of the best countries to visit from London by train

France is regarded as one of the best countries to visit from London by train (Source: Collected)

1.6. Germany

  • Flight distance: 639 kilometers
  • Flight time: 1 hour and 18 minutes
  • Best time to visit: May – September

Germany offers a dynamic mix of history, innovation, and vibrant culture. Berlin is undoubtedly an essential stop, providing powerful historical lessons at the Brandenburg Gate and the remnants of the Berlin Wall, alongside a buzzing contemporary arts and nightlife scene. 

Munich, in Bavaria, offers a completely different vibe, with traditional beer halls, stunning alpine views, and the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle nearby. Germany is consistently among the easy countries to visit from London, thanks to frequent, efficient flights and an infrastructure that makes travel a breeze.

1.7. Spain

  • Flight distance: 1314 kilometers
  • Flight time: 2 hours and 8 minutes
  • Best time to visit: September – October

Spain, the very name conjures up images of sun-drenched plazas, fiery flamenco, and plates piled high with tempting tapas. It stands out as one of the most accessible cheap countries to visit from the UK thanks to an abundance of budget flights. 

You can kick off your Iberian adventure in Madrid, the vibrant central powerhouse, where world-class art at the Museo del Prado exists alongside the electric buzz of late-night dining. Further south, Andalusia reveals Moorish splendor in the Alhambra of Granada and Córdoba’s Mezquita. For those seeking coastal escape, the Balearic and Canary Islands offer sun, sea, and year-round relaxation.

best countries to visit from London

Spain remains one of the best countries to visit from London for spectacular architecture (Source: Collected)

2. Easy countries outside Europe to visit from London

2.1. Vietnam

  • Flight distance: 9705 kilometers
  • Flight time: 12 hours and 34 minutes
  • Best time to visit: November – April

For those seeking a truly transformative long-haul adventure, Vietnam is an exceptional contender for the best countries to visit from London. This dynamic nation offers unparalleled cultural depth and value, cementing its status as one of the cheapest countries to visit from London for an exotic escape. 

Your Vietnam travel should begin in the north, exploring the ancient heart of the capital, Hanoi, before journeying to the legendary karst landscape of Ha Long Bay. For mountainous tranquility, the terraced fields of Sapa offer breathtaking trekking opportunities. 

The Central Coast showcases the historical significance of Hue, the ancient charm of Hoi An, and the modern beaches of Da Nang. Continuing the journey, visitors find the bustling resort city of Nha Trang and the temperate highlands of Da Lat, or conclude your trip in the vibrant southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City or on the tropical island paradise of Phu Quoc

Vietnam is a captivating tapestry of ancient history and diverse landscapes

Vietnam is a captivating tapestry of ancient history and diverse landscapes (Source: Collected)

For travelers seeking world-class entertainment and relaxation within their Vietnam journey, the expansive entertainment parks of VinWonders offer thrilling experiences. You can combine exhilarating fun at these parks with luxurious and well-appointed stays at high-end Vinpearl hotels and resorts, ensuring a balanced trip between exploration and pampered rest.

VinWonders Phu Quoc is the largest theme park in the country

VinWonders Phu Quoc is the largest theme park in the country

 

Book VinWonders Phu Quoc ticket now

 

Enjoying the coastal thrills at VinWonders Nha Trang

Enjoying the coastal thrills at VinWonders Nha Trang

 

Book VinWonders Nha Trang ticket now

 

Don’t miss out on cultural performances and rides at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

Don’t miss out on cultural performances and rides at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

 

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

 

2.2. Uzbekistan

  • Flight distance: 4914 kilometers
  • Flight time: 6 hours and 36 minutes
  • Best time to visit: late March – June & September – early November

For the discerning traveler seeking profound historical immersion away from typical tourist trails, Uzbekistan is fast becoming recognized as one of the best countries to visit in Asia. This Silk Road gem offers a journey into a bygone era, with Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva showcasing Central Asia’s architectural brilliance. 

Samarkand’s Registan Square impresses with towering, intricately tiled madrasahs, Bukhara offers an intimate medieval atmosphere, and Khiva’s walled city feels like a perfectly preserved fortress from a thousand years ago.

2.3. Egypt

  • Flight distance: 3713 kilometers
  • Flight time: 5 hours and 7 minutes
  • Best time to visit: October – April

Egypt, bridging the wonder of the ancient world with the excitement of a modern holiday, is highly recommended as one of the best countries to visit from London for both affordability and adventure. Crucially, Egypt is one of the top cheap countries to visit with family, with the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx offering a profound shared experience. 

Beyond Cairo, a multi-day Nile cruise provides a floating hotel while visiting the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Karnak, and the Temple of Philae. Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh add active family fun with world-class snorkeling and shallow-water diving.

The ancient Pyramids of Giza

The ancient Pyramids of Giza (Source: Collected)

2.4. Morocco

  • Flight distance: 2203 kilometers
  • Flight time: 3 hours and 14 minutes
  • Best time to visit: March – May & September – November

Morocco is consistently ranked among the great cheap countries to visit, offering an incredibly rich cultural experience at low daily costs. Marrakech is the essential starting point, a sensory explosion centred around the vibrant, chaotic, yet utterly captivating Djemaa el-Fna square and its surrounding labyrinthine souks. 

Tourists can seek tranquility in the city’s beautiful gardens and historic palaces before journeying northward to the striking blue-washed mountain town of Chefchaouen, a photographer’s dream. Lastly, no Moroccan adventure is complete without a thrilling camel trek into the vast, silent expanse of the Sahara Desert.

2.5. St. Lucia

  • Flight distance: 6805 kilometers
  • Flight time: 8 hours and 57 minutes
  • Best time to visit: December – April

For pure Caribbean luxury and dramatic scenery, St. Lucia is an outstanding choice. Dominated by the iconic twin volcanic peaks of the Pitons, this island offers more than just pristine white-sand beaches. The best activities here revolve around nature and relaxation. 

Travelers can hike the Pitons for breathtaking views, take a rejuvenating dip in the mud baths near the Soufrière volcano, and explore the lush rainforests. St. Lucia is known for its high-end resorts and sailing opportunities, making it the perfect destination for a honeymoon or a significant relaxing break. 

St Lucia is one of the best countries to visit from London

St. Lucia is one of the best countries to visit from London for a truly luxurious Caribbean escape (Source: Collected)

2.6. Barbados

  • Flight distance: 6770 kilometers
  • Flight time: 8 hours and 55 minutes
  • Best time to visit: December – April

Barbados is unequivocally the best country to visit from London for luxurious winter sun and reliable quality. The island’s iconic landscape features pristine beaches—from the golden sands of the popular West Coast to the rugged, Atlantic-facing East Coast. 

Bridgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers rich cultural exploration, while swimming and snorkeling with sea turtles in turquoise waters provide unforgettable experiences. A true taste of Barbados comes from visiting one of its historic rum distilleries.

FAQs about the best countries to visit from London

What are the closest countries to visit from London?

France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ireland—all under two hours by flight or Eurostar.

What are the best countries to visit from London by train?

France (Paris, Lille), Belgium (Brussels, Bruges), and the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Rotterdam) via Eurostar and high-speed trains.

What are the cheapest countries to fly to from London?

Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, and Latvia—budget airlines often offer low-cost flights.

What are the cheapest countries to visit from London?

Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Spain, plus budget-friendly options outside Europe like Vietnam, Morocco, and Egypt.

What are the easiest countries to visit from London without a visa?

  • Europe: France, Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland.
  • Beyond Europe: Morocco, Vietnam, Saint Lucia, Barbados.

Choosing the best countries to visit from London is a wonderful dilemma defined only by your imagination and travel goals. Options range from a quick flight to a transcontinental adventure. Whether it is a weekend in France, the historic grandeur of Uzbekistan, the affordability of Vietnam, or the relaxation of Barbados, every journey from London promises an enriching experience.

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