Gorgeous getaways: H! Fashion's guide to escaping London this June


Because Wimbledon isn't for everyone - our top picks to get out of the big smoke this summer


Clare Pennington
Clare PenningtonHello Fashion Editor
1 day ago
Share this:

Every June, London develops something of a one-track mind for tennis. And if you're not a big fan (hello!) it can all feel a bit overwhelming. Seeding? What's that? The scoring system? No idea. Strawberries? Ok, those I understand.

But as the city slips into its annual Wimbledon obsession - and oh, I do love the crisp white outfits - not everyone wants to spend their weekends debating backhands.

Farrah Fawcett plays tennis in white shorts and top © Getty Images
Farrah Fawcett's perfect tennis fit on Charlie's Angels

Fortunately, June is also one of the best months to make a stylish exit. The weather is warm (or warm-ish, this is Britain after all), the countryside is in full bloom, and there are so many charming cities that are just a short hop away. Or, if you're after something a bit more exotic, a quick flight can have you soaking up sunshine in no time. 

So whether you're craving a seaside reset, a long lunch that turns into sunset drinks, or simply a change of scenery that doesn't involve Centre Court, there are plenty of ways to escape. 

Read on for our favourite easy June getaways for when Wimbledon just isn't serving what you're after....  

Whitstable, England

Samphire restaurant, Whitstable
Samphire restaurant, Whitstable

Just an hour and a half outside of London, Whitstable is a stretch of gorgeous Kentish coastline for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Crescent Turner Hotel is a boutique hotspot that was originally built in the early 19th century. The house has welcomed many to the fresh sea air and sweeping coastal views the Kent coast offers and its charming rooms ooze relaxation and respite. 

The Crescent Hotel, Whitstable
The Crescent Hotel, Whitstable
The Whistable Oyster Company
The Whistable Oyster Company

Whitstable is full of hidden gems and is a delight for culinary connoisseurs who want to enjoy some fine British food. Hit up Ossies for traditional fish and chips, or Samphire for creative concoctions featuring a plethora of fantastic fresh seafood. Keller Wine Bar & Restaurant is the cool new kid on the block, Larder is fantastic for late-night cocktails, and the bar upstairs at the Whitstable Oyster Company is the perfect place to drink in sea views 

Sussex, England

South Lodge, Horsham - a luxurious country manor house surrounded by greenery
South Lodge, Horsham

If switching off is what you're after, we can't think of a better place to do so than while nestled within 93 acres of stunning Sussex countryside. At South Lodge (just an hour and a half from London), there is plenty to keep you distracted from the hum-drum of real life - thanks to the hidden rockery and wildflower meadow, the natural swimming pool and vast spa. 

One of the lakeside lodges - a glass fronted property with large balcony overlooking a lake© Angela Ward Brown
One of the lakeside lodges
A tiered afternoon tea tray with glasses of champagne© Angela Ward Brown
Afternoon Tea at South Lodge

Stay in one of the lakeside lodges for panoramic views of the seriously impressive landscape (preferably with a glass of local sparkling wine in hand). Scoff yourself silly in one of the brilliant on-site restaurants - including the impressive Michelin-starred The Pass, and don't skip the utterly serene spa. Don't skip visiting one of the brilliant Sussex vineyards (Ridgeview Wine Estate is just around the corner) for a glass of English sparkling. 

Comporta, Portugal

JNcQUOI Beach Club© Copyrighted
JNcQUOI Beach Club

Fancy a bit more sunshine than the British climate can promise? Well, JncQUOI is an idyllic retreat situated just 40 minutes south of Lisbon in Comporta, and this unsung hero of Portugal is the perfect spot for a sunny weekend getaway. Relax in the impeccable rooms before heading to the Beach Club - designed by architect Vincent Van Duysen and nestled into the stunning landscape of Praia do Pego. Chow down on mouthwatering seafood while surrounded by white dunes and incredible views.  

Deli Comporta© Henrique Isidoro
Deli Comporta
A view through an arched doorway in one of the hotel suites - showing a bed and chair
One of the hotel's suites

Do a spot of shopping at Fashion Clinic Comporta, a carefully curated boutique stocking luxurious labels such as Zimmermann, Pucci and Brunello Cucinelli. End the day with dinner at JncQUOI Deli Comporta - a bold reinterpretation of a traditional Alentejo tavern before collapsing into a seriously sumptuous bed for the night. You won't want to come home...

Barcelona, Spain

Hotel Pulitzer, Barcelona
Hotel Pulitzer, Barcelona

Where else in the world can you combine famous architecture, a seriously vibrant nightlife and mouth-watering food you'll be thinking about for months to come. Why Barcelona, of course! Just a two-hour flight from London, visit the finally finished Sagrada Familia (it only took 144 years). Stay at the Hotel Pulitzer in one of the dreamy, tranquil rooms designed by Lázaro Rosa-Violán - the perfect place to get away from the hustling, bustling city below. 

The Hotel Pulitzer, Barcelona
The Hotel Pulitzer, Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain© Unsplash
Barcelona, Spain

You're spoiled for choice when it comes to wining and dining in Catalonia, but Gala Restaurant serves sumptuous Italian cuisine and descend downstairs post-meal for a secret DJ set hidden behind some bookshelves. If a secret club is your thing, hit up Cohete Restaurant and end the night at cocktail bar Dr. Stravinsky - one of the world's 50 best bars. 

More The Wimbledon Issue
See more