Bell Wharf Beach in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex is Time Out's best beach within an hour of London for summer 2025. The quaint stretch of sand is a quick 10 minute walk from Leigh's train station and offers a much quieter alternative to the likes of Brighton Beach and Camber Sands, which tend to get packed with Londoners come summertime.
Windsor is a perfect royal day trip destination, offering lush surroundings and attractions like Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park, all within a 28-minute train ride from London.
Outdoor movie series are in full swing, showing classic films and new releases, making the Memorial Day Weekend a fantastic way to kick off summer activities.
I paid $15 to take a ferry from downtown Portland, Maine, to nearby Peaks Island. The short ferry ride provided me with great views of Maine and Casco Bay.
Taking a quick day trip outside of New York City can do just the trick: Open skies, winding trails, and sunsets unbroken by skylines can put our bodies (and minds) back into equilibrium.