London is closer than you think
West Berkshire and London might feel like two entirely different worlds – rolling countryside on one side, the bustling capital on the other – but the distance between them is smaller than you might expect. Whether you’re based in our West Berkshire cottages and fancy a day in the city, or you’re a Londoner craving genuine countryside without a long journey to get there, the connection works both ways.
Getting between the two
By train: Newbury station offers direct, hourly services straight into London Paddington, with the journey taking just 50 minutes. Direct to the city, hop on surrounded by countryside and less than an hour later in the heart of the capital.
From Paddington itself: Once you arrive, the underground connects you with wherever you need to be, whether that’s the West End or the City of London – meaning wherever in London you’re headed next, you’re rarely more than a short hop away.
By car: Just 60 miles from your cottage’s front door, you’ll be in London 1 hour 15 minutes after setting off (under normal traffic conditions), making it an easy option if you’re travelling with family, or simply prefer the flexibility of your own transport.
Travelling for business?
A train journey of less than an hour makes our West Berkshire cottages a genuinely practical base for anyone with meetings or work in London but no desire to stay in the city itself. Arrive relaxed after a quiet countryside evening, and be at your destination without battling a long journey.
Landmarks worth the trip
London’s biggest draws are all within easy reach once you’re on that direct train:
- The West End: choose from a host of world-class theatre, a short walk from Paddington
- Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens: the perfect option for a slower afternoon after a morning of sightseeing
- The British Museum: free entry, and easily reached via the Underground
- The Southbank: river walks, street food, and unmatched views of the Houses of Parliament
- Little Venice: something different, right by Paddington itself. Expect canal boat trips and waterside cafés for a true change from London’s usual pace
Family-friendly days out
London has plenty to offer beyond the classic landmarks if you’re travelling with children:
- Many London museums, including the Natural History Museum and Science Museum, offer free general admission
- Regent’s Park and its zoo make for an easy, full day out
- Hamleys and Covent Garden provide entertainment even on a rainy afternoon
And, after a full day of city sightseeing, the return journey means bedtime happens back in the quiet of the countryside, the ideal reset for younger children compared to a night in a busy city hotel.
Events worth planning around
London’s calendar runs deep year-round. West End openings, exhibitions at the major galleries, seasonal markets, and one-off concerts. Because the journey is so short, a stay with us doesn’t have to mean missing out on any of it. Check what’s on and book your stay around it. Think theatre in the evening, home in time to sleep somewhere peaceful and quiet.
And in reverse: an escape for Londoners
The connection works just as well the other way. For anyone Londoners looking to get away, our West Berkshire cottages offer a genuine countryside break without the long drive or train journey that getting away from it all usually demands. Fifty minutes from Paddington puts you somewhere with open fields, and none of the noise of the capital. Perfect for a spontaneous weekend, a family break with space and fresh air, or simply a proper reset.
Plan your stay
Whether London is your destination or your escape, our West Berkshire cottages put you close enough to have it both ways.
Check availability and start planning your stay.