- May 24, 2025
- 207
- Travel
What started as a light-hearted Friday night proposal quickly became an unforgettable weekend adventure. As a couple from the scenic Devon countryside, we often enjoy the tranquillity of rolling hills and soothing ocean breezes.
According to recent reports, Devon is one of the leading rural destinations in the UK, attracting over 2.1 million overnight domestic visitors. However, living in the quiet of nature can make you long for the excitement that only a city like London can provide.
On a whim, we traded the sound of seagulls for sirens, fresh sea air for the city’s hustle and bustle, and set out to explore a city we had only briefly visited before. We thought we were taking a break from our usual surroundings, but London had other ideas for us.
We weren’t looking for anything special – just a quick getaway. But London is not an ordinary place. From the moment we got off the train, it felt like the city had plans for us. The fast pace, the diverse people, and the energy of it all pulled us in, encouraging us to leave our quiet life behind and adopt something more adventurous and unexpected.
Planning the Journey from Devon to London
Taking the train instead of driving was a great option. It made our trip easier and more comfortable. When we left Cranbrook, we were happy with the smooth ride. We only needed to change trains once at Exeter St Davids’ and arrived at London Paddington in under three hours.
According to the Trainline, the average train journey time from Cranbrook (Devon) to London will be 3 hours and 24 minutes. The fastest options will take only 3 hours and 6 minutes. This matched our experience and made the train seem like the best travel method.
The views from the countryside to the city were beautiful and changed as we got closer to the lively city of London. This trip showed us the best of both worlds.
Exploring London and Embracing the Pulse of the City
Stepping into the vibrant streets of London felt like jumping into a whirlwind of energy, so starkly different from our serene life back in Devon. The city thrummed with life, its famous red buses gliding through a colourful tapestry of bustling crowds and striking architecture.
In the week before 19 January 2025, foot traffic on UK high streets increased by 12% compared to the previous week. This shows that city activities are coming back to life. The busy streets were full of locals and tourists enjoying the vibrant city atmosphere.
London has a fascinating mix of old and new. You can see this in its centuries-old buildings alongside modern skyscrapers. This blend of history and contemporary design encourages curiosity and exploration at every turn.
After reading a few reviews, we booked Mentone Hotel in Bloomsbury. Walkable to everything, affordable, and honestly, the perfect base to wind down after full-on London days.
The hotel provided a quiet place to relax away from the city’s hustle. Its central location made it easy for us to visit nearby attractions like King’s Cross and the British Museum without much transport.
We filled our days with both planned sightseeing and unexpected finds. At the British Museum, we spent hours looking at artefacts from thousands of years ago, but next time we’ll book our entry in advance to avoid long queues. We loved Borough Market for lunch; its lively atmosphere and variety of global street food made every meal special.
One afternoon, a walk around Russell Square took us to a lovely independent bookstore, where we enjoyed browsing the unique shelves. Another evening at the South Bank introduced us to talented street performers whose music and acts added charm to the riverside. These spontaneous moments made our trip memorable.
While London’s energy was exciting, some things felt overwhelming, like the Tube system, which initially seemed hard to navigate. However, contactless payments made our travels easier than dealing with travel cards. Our busy schedule sometimes felt rushed, so next time we’ll plan more downtime to enjoy the city’s atmosphere and surroundings without hurrying.
Practical Tips for Fellow Travellers
Here are some practical tips that every fellow travellers must know:
- Advance Train Bookings: Book your train tickets early to get better prices and preferred time.
- Central Accommodation: Staying in Bloomsbury makes it easy to reach major attractions and transport hubs.
- Comfortable Footwear: You can enjoy London on foot – be ready for a lot of walking.
- Flexible Itinerary: Leave space for spontaneous adventures – sometimes, the unplanned moments are the most memorable.
Looking back on our trip, I realise we missed chances to make it better. First, booking specific entry times for those famous museums could have saved us from long lines that took up too much of our day. Using contactless payments on the Tube was smarter than dealing with travel cards. Also, adding some breaks to our schedule would have let us enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere and fully appreciate the moments around us.
To Conclude
Our weekend getaway from Devon to London wasn’t just a change of scenery but an exhilarating dive into a world bursting with culture, history, and delightful surprises. The city’s vibrant energy contrasted with our peaceful country life, showcasing the exciting adventures that await a train ride away.
If you are contemplating a quick escape, London’s eclectic charm has plenty in store to amaze and inspire you!
Sometimes, the best way to appreciate home is to leave it, even for a few days. Being in a new place can help you remember what makes your surroundings special and worth returning to.
