From designer outlets to countryside trails, here are four easy day trips from the capital

There’s plenty to do in London during the summer season. But do you know what’s just outside of the capital? If not, you have come to the right place. Here are four entertainment and nature activities, all within an hour and a half of central London.

Entertainment

Head to the shops: Bicester Village

An outlet shopping centre boasting over 150 luxury boutiques, Bicester Village is the perfect place to find designer brands at discounted prices. A popular destination for tourists, the village offers international delivery and shipping, allowing purchases to be made and exported out of the UK. The shopping centre also has five restaurants and plenty of pop-up eateries to fill you up after you have finished shopping. The outlet takes its name from the village and is fully pedestrianised, with traditional architectural design and decor, giving visitors the experience of shopping in a luxury environment. Located on the outskirts of Bicester in Oxfordshire, you should take the Circle line to Marylebone, then a Chiltern Railways train directly to the village station so that you can make your way towards the designer outlet.

Head to water: Lee Valley White Water Centre

Originally opened for the 2012 Olympics, Lee Valley White Water Centre remains open as a water sports venue. Offering a range of activities, such as white‑water rafting, kayaking and canoeing, as well as an inflatable obstacle course, you will find gallons of fun there, no matter what you do. Visitors may want to start with the more intense activities, then move to the more relaxed ones. The venue can also be hired for groups and events, making it suitable for large‑scale gatherings. To get to the centre, located in Hertfordshire, take the Victoria line train to Seven Sisters, then the 279 bus to Waltham Cross.

Nature

Head to the country: Box Hill

Located in Surrey, Box Hill is a premier National Trust destination that presents nature in its purest form. Offering scenic walking trails, stunning views, historic sites and key outdoor activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The home of the Olympic cycling events, expect steep hills, lots of rabbits and brambles as you explore the summit. Do note that while admission is free, parking charges do apply for non‑National Trust members. To get around this fee, you should take the Victoria line to Vauxhall, then take South Western Railway to Box Hill & Westhumble. Afterwards, it takes 10 minutes to arrive at the foot of the hill. You will pass by the cosy Stepping Stones pub, a great spot to relax after your hike.

Head to history: Hampton Court Palace Gardens

A historic royal residence, Hampton Court Palace hosts over 60 acres of formal gardens, along with 750 acres of historic parkland. These acres are home to an abundance of greenery, from the flowery Rose Garden and National Plant Collection to the bushy Great Vine and Maze. A beautifully scenic spot, visitors can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring the grounds, going from one picturesque place to another. Inside the palace are works from the Royal Collection, while annual musical and flower festivals are hosted outside and in the gardens respectively. Based in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, you should first take the Piccadilly line to Hounslow East, then get on the 111 bus from the station to Chestnut Avenue/Hampton to arrive at the palace.