Studying in London? Here's why you should explore beyond the city

Published on 22 Jul 2026

4:19 min estimated read time

Listen to this page

Speed

0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x

by Ieva Petrauskaite

Disclaimer: The content on this blog is the opinion of the author and it was correct at the time of writing

Listen to this page

Speed

0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x

When people think about studying in London, they often picture iconic landmarks, bustling streets and endless things to do. While the capital has plenty to offer, one of its greatest advantages is something many students overlook: how easy it is to leave it behind for a day.

Within an hour by train, you can swap skyscrapers for rolling hills, busy Underground stations for peaceful walking trails, and busy streets for historic market towns. London's excellent rail connections make it possible to discover England's rich history and enjoy a change of scenery without spending a fortune.

At the University of East London (UEL), you're perfectly placed to make the most of these opportunities. Living in London doesn't mean you have to stay in London every weekend. Some of England's most beautiful countryside is just a short train journey away, making it easy to balance city life with moments of calm and adventure.

To see just how easy it is, I spent a weekend exploring two historic Sussex towns: Arundel and Lewes.

Day one: stepping back in time in Arundel

Our journey began with an early morning train from London to Arundel, a picturesque market town in West Sussex. The journey takes around one hour and 30 minutes, and as the train approaches the station, you're welcomed by the impressive silhouette of Arundel Castle rising above the town.

It's the kind of view that immediately slows you down.

The castle has stood for nearly one thousand years and remains one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. Walking through the town feels like stepping onto the set of a historical drama, with narrow streets, traditional buildings and independent shops lining the high street. It's no surprise that Arundel and its castle have featured in films and television productions over the years.

Rather than heading straight to the castle, we decided to explore the surrounding countryside first. Using the AllTrails app, we found a circular walking route of around three hours that combines riverside paths, open fields and woodland trails. The route offers beautiful views across the South Downs National Park before looping back towards the town.

One of the highlights comes right at the end. The walk finishes beside The Black Rabbit, a traditional riverside pub overlooking the River Arun. After several hours of walking, it was the perfect place to stop for lunch and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Back in the town centre, Arundel has a completely different pace to London. You'll find antique dealers, vintage boutiques, independent bookshops and family-run businesses.

As someone who enjoys photography, I couldn't resist picking up a vintage film camera from one of the antique shops, along with a roll of expired film. In an age where every photo appears instantly on our phones, slowing down and documenting the trip on film felt strangely fitting for a town that celebrates its history. It made me appreciate each photograph a little more, knowing I wouldn't see the results until much later.

Special recommendation: When evening arrived, we stopped at La Campania, a family-run Italian restaurant tucked away on the high street! Probably the best Italian food we have ever had.

Day two: walking the South Downs around Lewes

The following morning, we travelled to Lewes for a fifteen-kilometre circular hike through the South Downs.

If Arundel feels like stepping into medieval England, Lewes combines history with some of the best walking routes in Sussex. The town is famous for the Battle of Lewes in 1264, one of the most important conflicts in medieval English history, and today its historic streets are filled with independent cafés, bookshops and centuries-old buildings.

The walking route quickly leaves the town behind and climbs into the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park. The higher you climb, the more rewarding the views become.

On a clear day, you can even see Brighton on the horizon, including the i360 tower standing along the seafront.

The fifteen-kilometre route is challenging enough to feel like an achievement, but manageable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. More importantly, it provides something that many students need after a busy week of studying: space to slow down, switch off and enjoy nature.

Why exploring beyond London matters

University life can be busy. Between lectures, coursework, deadlines and part-time jobs, it's easy to spend every weekend catching up on work or staying close to campus.

However, taking time away from your usual routine can have real benefits for your wellbeing. Spending time outdoors, being physically active and exploring somewhere new can help you return to your studies feeling refreshed and motivated.

One of the biggest surprises for me wasn't just how beautiful these places were, but how accessible they felt. Before moving to London, I assumed visiting countryside would require careful planning or a car. In reality, both destinations are easy to reach by train, making them ideal for spontaneous day trips or affordable weekend adventures.

Living in London means you have one of the UK's best transport networks at your fingertips. Instead of seeing London as the final destination, think of it as your starting point for discovering the rest of England.