Top 10 Closest Countries To London To Visit Now

One of the biggest perks of living in London is that you can be in another country in an hour. Breakfast in Paris? Totally doable. Lunch in Copenhagen? Let’s go!

But what’s the closest country to London? That’s a bit trickier, and it depends on what you consider to be a “different country” than England.

I’ll explain, then give you my ultimate list of the closest countries to London to add to your itinerary.

Cover image for London in Real Life's guide to the 10 closest countries to London. Map of the UK with Big Ben marking London's location, with arrows pointing in all directions outwards. Title text reads: "What's the closest country to London? Top 10 travel ideas".

Mini Geography Lesson: Countries Within the UK

The nearest country to London depends on what you mean by country, and sometimes it gets confusing when you’re talking about the UK.

The United Kingdom is a sovereign state made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Infographic map of the UK, explaining the 4 countries that make up the United Kingdom. Scotland is in light blue at the top of the map, Northern Ireland is in orange on the left side, England is in teal in the bottom right, and Wales is in purple/blue on the bottom left.

Each is its own country, but the UK is often referred to and considered a country in itself. Confused? You’re not alone.

So when you’re thinking about the closest country to London, do you mean countries inside the UK, or outside the UK?

Either way, here’s a list of all of every closest country to London, where they are, how to get there, how much it costs, and where you should go according to what you want to see.

The Closest Countries to London Within the UK 🇬🇧

The closest country to London within the UK is Wales, but you can also visit Scotland and Northern Ireland very easily.

Travel within the UK is fairly affordable, quick, and easy, and you won’t have to wait at border control since you’re traveling domestically.

1. Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Image of a castle in the Welsh countryside with the Welsh flag and UK flag graphics beside a dark blue background. Title text reads: "Wales: 2 hour train from London."

The nearest country to London (within the UK) is Wales, and it’s an incredibly friendly and scenic country.

Situated on the Western coast, Wales has lush countryside, beautiful beaches, helpful people, and some of the most scenic national parks in the UK.

If you’re a Gavin and Stacey fan, make sure to take a 30 minute train from Cardiff to Barry Island, where much of the series was filmed!

Barry Island, Wales, where much of Gavin and Stacey was filmed.

Closest Major Tourist Destination: Cardiff
How to get there: Train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central
How long it takes to get there: 1 hour 52 minutes direct train
Cost to get there: Depending on train fares, you can get deals for as low as £29 return.
What to see: Cardiff Castle, Roath waterfront park, Llandaff Castle, Caerphilly Castle, Cardiff Bay, and so much more. Gavin & Stacey stans, head a bit south to Barry Island!

find trains to wales

2. Northern Ireland

Image of the Northern Irish coast with the NI flag next to the UK flag. Title text reads: "Northern Ireland, 1 hour flight from London".

The next nearest country to London (within the UK) is Northern Ireland.

Situated across the Irish Sea from Scotland, Northern Ireland is incredibly beautiful, and has one of the most amazing coastlines I’ve ever had the privilege to see.

If you’ve watched the Netflix hit Derry Girls, you may already know a bit about the history and culture of Northern Ireland. I can assure you that the accents are accurate, the people are just as charming, and this is one completely underrated country to visit. Go, now!

The coast of Northern Ireland from Dunluce Castle, just 1 hour from Belfast by car.

Closest Major Tourist Destination: Belfast
Distance: Belfast is 518 km (322 miles) from London
How to Get there: Fly from most London airports
How long it takes to get there: 1 Hour 20 minute flight from London
How much it costs to get there: Depending on airfare deals and dates, you can get a return ticket for as low as £50.
What to see: Titanic Belfast, Ulster Museum, Crumlin Road Gaol, St. George’s Market, Belfast Castle, and – if you can – rent a car to drive 1 hour to the Giant’s Causeway. You won’t be disappointed.

find flights to belfast

3. Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Image of the Scottish coastline, next to the Scottish flag and UK Flag. Title text reads: "Scotland: 5 hour train or 1 hour flight from London."

Situated in the far North, visiting Scotland is like traveling to another world.

Scottish heritage and culture is iconic and fascinating, and there’s so much beauty and history to take in everywhere you look. Everything feels like a storybook.

If you’re a Good Omens fan, this is your destination as much of the series was filmed here.

The train from London takes quite a while. If you want to save time, it may be worth flying.

View of a canal in Edinburgh with beautiful stone buildings lining the banks — Edinburgh

Closest Major Tourist Destination: Edinburgh
Distance: Edinburgh is 534 kilometers (332 miles) from London
How to get there: Train from London King’s Cross St Pancras to Edinburgh Waverley, or direct flights from London airports.
How long it takes to get there: 4 hr 30 minutes direct train or 1 hr 21 minute flight
Cost to get there: Depending on train fares, you can get deals for as low as £21. Flights are generally affordable and start around £30 each way.
What to see: There’s so much to see in Edinburgh, especially for history buffs. And if you’re a Good Omens fan, this city is for you.

find trains to edinburgh

find flights to edinburgh

The Closest Countries to London Outside the UK

Now that we’ve gone over the closest countries to London that are inside the UK, we move to countries outside the UK. Let’s hop across the English Channel to France.

4. France 🇫🇷

Image of the Eiffel Tower at twilight, with light blue text on a dark blue background: "France, 2 hour train or 90 minute flight from London" with the French flag above the text.

France is the closest country to London that’s outside the UK. Paris is just a 2-hour train ride away from London by Eurostar, and security and passport control through train stations is generally much faster than airports.

Eurostar prices can be steep at peak seasons, but at the end of a comfortable train ride, you’re in Paris: one of the most iconic cities in the world.

Jardin Truillot in Paris, a lush landscape of lavender and grasses looking toward a regal cathedral. — Jardin Truillot, my favorite urban oasis in Paris.

Closest Major Tourist Destination: Paris (Calais is beautiful, too)
Distance: 344 km (214 miles) from London
How to Get there: Train from London King’s Cross St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord
How long it takes to get there: 2 hours 15 minutes direct train
How much it costs to get there: Depending on train fares and dates, you can get a ticket for as low as £50.
What to see: It’s Paris! See the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Paris Catacombs, walk along the Seine, shop on the Champs Elysees, eat delicious food and enjoy Paris nightlife.

find trains to paris

5. Ireland 🇮🇪

Image of a quaint Dublin street with blue title text below the Irish flag: "Dublin, 90 minute flight from London"

Ireland – aka The Republic of Ireland – is an independent country that shares a land border with Northern Ireland (part of the UK). They also share a troubled political history (which is why they are not one united country).

Ireland is beautiful: green spaces, incredible coastlines, friendly people, and quaint towns await you. No, there are no leprechauns and don’t ask to find the gold at the end of the rainbow. The Irish are lovely people stuck with some terrible cliches.

Closest Major Tourist Destination: Dublin
Distance: Dublin is 463 km (288 miles) from London
How to Get there: Fly from most London airports
How long it takes to get there: 1 Hour 30 minute flight from London
How much it costs to get there: Depending on airfare deals and dates, you can get a return ticket for as low as £50.
What to see: Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, National Gallery of Ireland, Ha’penny Bridge, National Botanic Gardens, and of course many Irish pubs and restaurants.

find flights to dublin

6. Belgium 🇧🇪

Image of a garden square in Brussels with blue title text below the Belgian flag: "Belgium, 60 minute flight from London"

Belgium is located just to the east of France and is another neighboring country with close links to London. Brussels is just a 2-hour train ride away from London by Eurostar.

Belgium is known for its fries and waffles, but it also has beautiful winding canals, cobbled streets, quaint towns, and friendly residents.

Closest Major Tourist Destination: Bruges or Brussels (personally, I love Bruges, and Brussels is just okay)
Distance: 144 miles (231 km) from London
How to Get there: Train or airplane
How long it takes to get there: 3 Hour 30 minute train from London (or you can fly too, depending on prices)
How much it costs to get there: Depending on train deals and dates, you can get a ticket for as low as £50. Flights tend to be about the same price but sometimes cheaper.
What to see: Bruges is a charming little city that features winding canals and picturesque bridges. See the Belfry of Bruges, the Basilica of the Holy Blood (which supposedly has the blood of Jesus on a really old cloth), walk the quaint streets, take a canal boat ride, eat delicious frites and waffles, and have a lovely weekend away in a beautiful place.

find trains to bruges

find flights to Bruges

7. The Netherlands

Image of fields of lavender tulips with a windmill in the background, with the flag of The Netherlands flying in the corner. Title text reads: "The Netherlands: 4 hour train or 90 minute flight from London."

In a 3-hour train from London, you can be wandering the streets of Amsterdam. This is – next to Paris – my favorite train destination for quick breaks.

Not only is Amsterdam incredible, with chill vibes, great food, and tons of things to see, but you’re only 30 minutes from the beach. Hop a train from the city to Zandvoort, and chill on the sand on this pristine beach town.

Canal in Amsterdam with boats and traditional dutch houses lining the banks — Amsterdam. Photo by London in Real Life

The pristine beaches of Zandvoort, a small beach town just 30 minutes west of Amsterdam. Photo by London in Real Life. — Zandvoort beach, just a 30 minute train from Amsterdam.

Closest Major Tourist Destination: Amsterdam
Distance: 222 miles (358 km) from London
How to Get there: Train or airplane
How long it takes to get there: 3 Hour 54 minute train from London (or you can fly too, depending on prices)
How much it costs to get there: Depending on train deals and dates, you can get a ticket for as low as £50. Flights tend to be about the same price but sometimes cheaper.
What to see: Amsterdam has so much to offer: Anne Frank’s house, the Van Gogh museum, beautiful parks and gardens, canals to wander, wonderful people, excellent food and endless things to do.

find trains to amsterdam

find flights to amsterdam

8. Germany

Image of a quaint German city with colorful buildings, with title text: "Germany: 5 hour train or 2 hour flight from London."

Germany is located to the east of Belgium and offers a variety of cities that can be reached easily from London by plane, including Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich.

Dusseldorf is one of the closest and most popular destinations from London, and it has lots to offer for a city break.

The Rheinuferpromenade in Dusseldorf, an urban metropolis just a few hours from London. — View from the Rheinuferpromenade in Düsseldorf

Closest Major Tourist Destination: Dusseldorf
Distance: Dusseldorf is 480 kilometers (298 miles) from London
How to Get there: There’s no direct train but you can transfer, or you can fly.
How long it takes to get there: 4 Hour 54 minute train from London with connections, or a flight takes 1 hour and 20 minutes
How much it costs to get there: Train tickets can vary from £150-£200, so for this destination it’s cheaper to fly. Direct flights from London start from about £40.
What to see: Dusseldorf is an art and fashion lover’s dream. There’s incredible architecture, a great fashion scene, art everywhere, and great food and people. Plus, the Rhine river runs right through, making for some great photos and scenery.

find trains to dusseldorf

find flights to dusseldorf

9. Denmark

Image of Copenhagen at twilight with colorful buildings and sailboats anchored on the waterfront. The Danish flag sits above title text: "Denmark: 2 hour flight from London."

My best friend in London is Danish, and she insists that Copenhagen is the opposite of London. So if you’re looking to have a totally different experience, or you’re tired of London (tired of life?) it’s time to hop a plane to this gorgeous Scandinavian city.

Sure, you can go for the food and the fashion, but don’t miss Tivoli Gardens, the OG amusement park that inspired Disneyland!

View from the water in Copenhagen with colorful houses and boats — Copenhagen’s gorgeous waterfront.

Closest Major Tourist Destination: Copenhagen
Distance: Copenhagen is 480 kilometers (298 miles) from London
How to Get there: Fly.
How long it takes to get there: 1 hour 45 minute flight.
How much it costs to get there: Direct flights from London start from about £40.
What to see: The city’s historic center, Indre By, and 18th century Frederiksstaden, are both worth exploring thoroughly for their architecture and charming streets & shops. See lovely Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, and Rosenborg Castle. Copenhagen has gorgeous gardens, parks, waterside views, and you can rent a bike to easily explore it all. Go to Tivoli Gardens for an excellent amusement park experience.

find flights to copenhagen

10. Norway

Image of colorful homes along the Norwegian waterfront, with title text: Norway, 2 hour flight from London." The Norwegian flag graphic lays atop the image.

Norway is located to the north of Denmark and can also be reached from London by plane in just a few hours.

Though Oslo is a major tourist hub, Bergen is a bit closer and is just a 2 hour flight from London. This is a gorgeous little enclave on the coast, full of cozy ambiance.

Overhead view of Bergen, Norway, with its colorful waterfront houses and green hillsides. — Overhead view of Bergen. If you’re looking for cozy comfort on your holidays, this chilly destination is it.

Closest Major Tourist Destination: Bergen
Distance: Bergen is 1044 kilometers (648 miles) from London
How to Get there: Fly.
How long it takes to get there: 1 hour 45 minute direct flight from London.
How much it costs to get there: Direct flights from London start from about £60.
What to see: Bryggen, The Old Wharf (once a trading empire!), colorful houses, museums, fortresses, and the beautiful mountains and fjords that surround Bergen. Don’t forget to take the funicular up the mountain for incredible views.

Closest Country to London FAQ

What countries are best to visit near London?

Any on the above list of the closest countries to London are great, but my personal favorites are France and The Netherlands. France has amazing culture and food, beautiful landscapes, and endless variety. The Netherlands is chill, laid back, gorgeous, and relaxing.

Which European city is closest to London?

Calais, France, is the closest European city to London, and you can take a direct ferry from Dover to Calais or a direct train from London.

Which country is the easiest to go to from London?

Outside of the UK, France is definitely the easiest, with the Eurostar direct train from St Pancras. Inside the UK, there are quick and affordable trains to everywhere in Wales.

Where can I fly within 3 hours of UK?

In addition to the nearest countries to London I listed above, you can also visit Spain, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Sweden, Finland, and Portugal within a 3 hour flight from the UK.

Where should I go within 2 hours of London, UK?

For culture: Paris or Dusseldorf.
For beautiful landscapes: Wales.
For a chill vibe with lots of things to do: Copenhagen or Amsterdam.
If you’re the outdoorsy type: Bergen.
For a quaint small town: Bruges.

What is the least visited country in the UK?

Wales. And it’s completely underrated. Wales is beautiful, the people are friendly, and there are neverending landscapes to take in. Go to Wales ASAP!