An Australian Abroad: Places To Visit From London

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The idea of moving to London is nothing unusual for an Australian. There are upwards of 100,000 Australians living and working in the UK. And while it could not be further from the golden shores and boutique coffee shops of Down Under, something about the lifestyle of London draws in the Aussie crowds.

I am one of them. Hailing from Melbourne, I moved to London almost two years ago, and it has been an interesting journey that started well before I stepped foot on the long (very long) haul flight. Sorting my visa and passport, finding accommodation and work, and exchanging money are just some of the nitty-gritty yet utterly important bits and bobs needed to make a move. Still, with admin aside, I had to figure out what I wanted from London. Why move from my hometown to one on the opposite of the world? What reward equates to such a risk?

A little existential? Maybe. But the question needs to be asked, and more importantly, answered. For me, the idea of having Europe (and let’s be honest, most of the world) on my doorstep was a huge reason for relocating. The thought of jumping on a train or a quick flight and ending up in France or Belgium is something I could only ever dream of in Australia, but living in London it could become my reality – and it has.

Not only do I enjoy travelling around the UK and Europe, but I also have the privilege of working for a leading travel company where I get to learn about different cities, tourist attractions, and everything that makes London the place to see!

The Bucket List

Like most, I had a list of places I wanted to visit once I was settled in the UK, and I am fortunate enough to say that this has come to fruition. While the list continues to grow daily – knock one down and another one pops up like whack-a-mole – my OG bucket list is full of ticks.

Some of these places included Bath, Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge, and Stonehenge. Fan favourites and always mentioned on the must-visit websites, these iconic locations were hyped up. So, were they worth said hype? You can bet your bottom dollar (or pound, should I say!).

Let’s take a trip down my memory lane and explore what makes these locations so great.

Bath

A well-being destination since Roman times, the town in which Jane Austen once resided is a breathtaking city that everyone should see in their lifetime. From the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey to Pulteney Bridge and museums and galleries, it’s bursting at the seams with history, activities, and stunning photo opportunities. I spent three days exploring the sights, but as it is only located around 2-2.5 hours from London, you can easily enjoy the highlights of Bath with a day trip.

Windsor

The Royal Borough of Windsor is famous for a reason. Not only is the town gorgeous to look at, but it also houses Windsor Castle. Built in the age of William the Conqueror, it is the oldest operating castle in the world. The grounds also include St George’s Chapel – where Queen Elizabeth II is buried, and where many royal weddings have been held including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. I loved the grandeur of the chapel, the stunning intricacies, and the history behind every corner, and I felt honoured to pay my respects to Britain’s longest-running monarch in her final resting place.

Oxford

Home to royalty and scholars for more than 800 years, the university town was one of my very first day trips once I had settled in London, and it did not disappoint. In fact, I can’t wait to go back! Busy, historic, and picturesque, Oxford is a beautiful mix of ancient and modern and I easily filled a whole day walking around seeing the sights. Something I love about the UK is the plaques on important buildings that tell you who lived there and when – and Oxford was the first time I became aware of these handy little titbits.

Cambridge

Another university town, Cambridge is just as stunning in its own right. Walking through the quaint, leafy streets was like something out of a movie, and when I went punting on the river, I felt like a star. It was a wonderful way to see the hidden sights of the town and get a glimpse into what it must be like for the students and locals who live there. Some highlights include King’s College, the Mathematical Bridge, and the Corpus Clock.

Stonehenge

Regarded as the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world, Stonehenge is mysterious and wondrous. Standing on the Salisbury Plains for around 5,000 years, the ancient monuments are rumoured to have been created for many reasons from sun worship and a healing sanctuary to a sacred burial site, and while nothing is confirmed, one thing I can promise you is that they are worthing seeing.

York

With its medieval city walls still standing and its close relativity to London, York is the perfect getaway spot for an easy day trip. It has such a rich and interesting history – first founded by the Romans and then later conquered by the Vikings who ruled successfully for three decades, the town is brimming with things to see and do. During my time there I visited Clifford’s Tower, walked a small length of the city walls (the views are amazing), stopped at York Minster, and explored the iconic Shambles.

Canterbury

Home to the oldest cathedral in England, Canterbury Cathedral, the city is thought to be the centre of English Christianity. You can follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who flocked to the church after Thomas Becket’s murder in 1170. The stunning gothic building is a must-visit with amazing stained-glass windows, intricate details and impressive stonework. As well as seeing the cathedral up close, I spent time walking around the city tasting bakery items and admiring the old shops and historic cottages perched along the River Stour.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Filled with half-timbered Tudor homes and cottages, Stratford-upon-Avon has a rich history dating back to the 16^th century. Sometimes referred to as Shakespeare’s Stratford, the town is famous for being the birthplace of the famous writer, and while he lived most of his life in London, he eventually returned home to Stratford-upon-Avon where he eventually died. During my visit, I got to see Shakespeare’s home, enjoy an immersive experience at Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall (which still operates as a school to this day), and soak up the stunning river views.

Edinburgh

A little further afield, Edinburgh is a must-visit city and incredibly easy to get to from London. With an array of famous attractions to see and activities to do, from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and St Gile’s Cathedral, you can either walk the city or take a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus around, as I did. My one recommendation is to book tickets in advance for the popular attractions, as they sell out very quickly.

What’s Next

I have seen so many wonderful cities and towns since moving to London, but there is still more of the UK to explore. What’s next? Only time and wanderlust will tell!