Places to visit in UK with no car.

[Whatsthatspookynoise]

We live in London so don't feel the need to have a car, but I would like my family to go somewhere nice for a few days. Somewhere with nice views and interesting walks? Haven't really thought this through as I just really want a family day out with my husband, 8 year old and 9 week old. Literally any suggestions welcome. Somewhere you've been that you enjoyed, that you could do without a car. Obviously trains and buses, cabs are fine.

If you plan to stay a few days, then I recommend Arundel in West Sussex. The Castle and grounds is in easy reach of the station and it's about 1hr30 from Victoria, about £60 for a family of 4 with a Friends & Family rail discount. Lots of places to stay and eat in the town.

Maybe time your trip to coincide with an event at the Castle. We went in July when there is a big jousting display and people dressed up, entertainers playing old music, stalls selling medieval trinkets etc, . Our 7 year old loved it.

You can also spend a day at the Wetland centre, or the Lido if it's hot. I think you can take a bus from the town centre. There is a Duck hunt at Easter etc.

Years ago when I was living in London and asking around for a place to go for a good weekend I was recommended to try Tenby and we had such a nice weekend I recommend it to you. It may be too far and too outdoorsy for you with a 9-week-old though.

It's a long but straightforward journey by train from Paddington and the stretch from Swansea runs by the sea and is very picturesque. There are lots of reasonably-priced hotels and family-friendly guesthouses. There are plenty of decent pubs and restaurants. There are two lovely beaches and safe swimming and paddling. You can walk along the coast in either direction along the coastal footpath and find more beaches and bays. You can take a boat to Caldey Island and wander around and see views that make Londoners go 'Wow'. You can go seal-watching and maybe see dolphins. You can take the train back to Manorbier and see the castle, or into Pembroke for another castle. You can take the bus to Folly Farm.

www.folly-farm.co.uk/

You don't say when you're thinking of going, but this area is probably best once spring is definitely here.

If you just want a day trip why not head to St Albans and visit the Verulamium museum and Roman theatre, then do a treasure hunt round the town? Easy to get to, and a nice town to mooch round.

If you have budget, head to Stevenage by train and get a taxi to Knebworth Park. The Fort is great and they have nice gardens and an Easter trail. Take a picnic and enjoy the outdoors. Make sure you go in fine weather.

Sounds wonderful. I was looking to do anything that was just different from London really! But I'll probably go when it's warmer and the baby is a little older. Thanks for taking the time to share that with me.

You can get a direct train from London to Poole in Dorset.

Nice town, lovely beaches. You can get the ferry to brownsea island from the harbour, which is a lovely day out, there’s also an indoor water park if the weathers not as good.

Calder valley? Train line all the way through to each town with Leeds and Manchester at each end. Nice walks and views.

York - station in the middle of the city.

Kent - Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Deal, Walmer, Dover, Folkstone - any section of that is great, no car necessary, just hop on the train from St Pancras - the beach between Ramsgate and Broadstairs is fab. There are castles at Deal, Walmer and Dover (Dover Castle is brilliant). There's bus and train links between them.

Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour. Takes an hour and a half. At the train station is the Cat over to the Isle of Wight. You end up at Ryde which has an amazing beach and is quite nice in a seaside town sort of way for a day or two.if you didn’t want to stay there are a ton of buses all over the Island.
Completely different from London.

How about Edinburgh? Lots to see and do. Very walkable. Seaside nearby. Child friendly.

Cambridge for a day trip would be straightforward. If you want to go for a few days try Portsmouth or the New Forest. Portsmouth has lots to do for an 8 year old. The New Forest is great for walks and you can get the train to Brockenhurst or Lymington. If you go in season you could also get a taxi to Paulton's Park/Peppa Pig world.

I came on to say York.

I drive but took a train up to York in October (as it was cheaper than driving) for a few days, stayed at the Premier Inn, went to the National railway museum, castle, York minster, afternoon tea, lots of historical walks. All very central. Next to the Premier Inn is a great cinema where you can get a glass of wine and sit on a sofa watching your film choice.
Everything is centred within the walls or just outside of it.