Easy escapes from the big city using only public transport. Whether you're in need of a country ramble or a last-minute day trip to the seaside, temporarily leaving the Big Smoke has never been easier. London's mainline stations offer easy access to open country, grand houses, historic castles, diverting museums and glorious beaches - and all within 90 minutes. This guide is ideal for spontaneous solo trips on sunny days, or to help plan days out during half-term breaks. Casting our net from the city's outer boroughs to Essex, Kent, Sussex and beyond, our 100-plus entries include a beach in landlocked Middlesex, Bexhill's art deco wonder, The De La Warr Pavilion, and fish and chips in Whitstable.