Four UK Vineyard day trips you can take from London
Fancy swapping the city for the vines? These four vineyard regions are all within easy reach of London.
1. Crouch Valley, Essex (Around 1 hour by train)
The Crouch Valley is one of England's most exciting wine regions and a hidden gem for wine lovers. Start at New Hall Wine Estate, where you can walk through the vineyards and see one of the oldest surviving grapevines in Britain, planted over 50 years ago. Afterwards, enjoy lunch overlooking the River Crouch at Crouch Ridge Vineyard before finishing with homemade cake and a glass of local wine at Clayhill Vineyard.
Highlights: England's oldest commercial vineyard, historic vines, riverside views and outstanding still wines.
For full details, see Essex vineyards — Weekend Wine Life
Enjoying the latest releases at Newhall!
2. Sussex (Around 50 minutes by train)
Sussex has earned a global reputation for its sparkling wines and is the only English wine region with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. Begin your day with breakfast and a tasting flight at Bolney Wine Estate, discover the modern, low-intervention wines at Everflyht Vineyard, then round off your trip at Ridgeview Wine Estate, whose sparkling wines have been served at Buckingham Palace and Downing Street.
Highlights: Award-winning sparkling wine, South Downs scenery and exceptional vineyard restaurants.
For full details, see Sussex vineyards — Weekend Wine Life
3. Kent (Around 1 hour by train)
Known as the Garden of England, Kent is home to some of the country's most celebrated wineries. Wander through the family-run Biddenden Vineyard, one of England's oldest vineyards, before heading to Chapel Down to sample some of the UK's most famous sparkling wines. End the day at Gusbourne Estate, where you can enjoy a vineyard picnic or relax with a glass overlooking the vines.
Highlights: Historic vineyards, premium sparkling wines and delicious local food pairings.
For full details see Kent vineyards — Weekend Wine Life
4. Surrey (Around 40 minutes by train)
Just outside London, Surrey offers beautiful countryside alongside some of England's best vineyards. Visit Greyfriars Vineyard, explore the organic vines and wildlife trails at Albury Vineyard, then spend the afternoon at Denbies Wine Estate, England's largest vineyard, where you can even tour the estate on a vineyard train.
Highlights: England's largest vineyard, vineyard train tours, organic winemaking and stunning Surrey Hills views.
For full details see Surrey vineyards — Weekend Wine Life
Whether you're planning a countryside escape or looking to explore more of England's thriving wine scene, these four vineyard day trips make the perfect excuse to leave London for the day. Full details can be found www.weekendwinelife.com
