6 English Vineyards Near London for a Day Trip Escape
Great wine, countryside charm, and zero need for a car.
Looking for a wine country escape without renting a car or planning a full weekend away? You’re in luck. The English wine scene is not just growing—it’s thriving. Thanks to the same chalky soils and cool climate as Champagne, English vineyards are producing award-winning bottles made from traditional grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier—and gaining global respect in the process.
Even better? Some of the best estates are under 90 minutes from London, reachable by direct train and a short scenic walk.
Whether it’s a spontaneous day date, an elevated girls’ trip, or a solo escape with a good book and a better glass, these vineyards offer charm, character, and countryside beauty—all without straying too far from the city.
1. The Mount Vineyard – Shoreham, Kent
📍 ~40 mins train ride from London Bridge + 10 mins walk
Arguably the most accessible and romantic vineyard near London, The Mount feels like a tucked-away film set. It’s set in the quaint village of Shoreham, just a 10-minute walk from the train station. The setting is full of rustic beauty: courtyard tables, fairy lights, handmade pizza, and still and sparkling English wines that overdeliver.
Meet Qute Moment: Order a bottle in the courtyard and linger long enough for golden hour. Then snap a polaroid beneath the vines before catching the evening train home.
2. Denbies Wine Estate – Dorking, Surrey
📍 ~50 mins train ride from London Waterloo + 20 mins walk
One of England’s largest and best-known vineyards, Denbies offers something for everyone—from casual tastings to scenic trails. It's a short walk from Dorking station and surrounded by the lush Surrey Hills. They’re especially known for their sparkling whites and rosés, and there’s even a self-guided wine tasting experience.
Bonus: If your friend or partner is sick of you drinking wine and won’t stop nagging about it, Surrey Hills Brewery is right next door—so they can sip a local ale while you live your best wine life.
Meet Qute Moment: Sip from the hillside terrace, then take a stroll through the vines like you’re in a countryside rom-com.
3. Chapel Down – Tenterden, Kent
📍 ~1 hr 45 mins total travel from London St Pancras (train + bus + short walk)
One of England’s most iconic vineyards, Chapel Down is known for its award-winning Brut and sprawling countryside estate. Getting there is a bit of an adventure—but totally doable without a car. Take a Southeastern train from London St Pancras to Ashford International (via Margate), switch to a Southern train to Rye, then hop on the 312 bus to Tenterden, followed by a quick 1-minute walk to the vineyard.
Once you arrive, you're rewarded with beautiful gardens, guided tastings, and a scenic on-site restaurant. It’s a popular stop for English wine lovers—and absolutely worth the effort.
Meet Qute Moment: Toast with sparkling under a big Kent sky, then walk the vineyard trails like you’ve pressed pause on real life.
4. Albury Vineyard – Albury, Surrey Hills
📍 ~1 hr from London Waterloo (train to Guildford + 30-min scenic walk or local bus)
Nestled in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Albury Vineyard is small but mighty—known for biodynamic methods, still and sparkling wines, and a sustainable ethos that shows up in every sip. They host weekend tastings, picnic-style afternoons, and even bee tours. It’s an ideal setting for anyone who wants to sip slowly and soak up the scenery without the crowds.
Meet Qute Moment: Order a tasting flight, spread out on the lawn with local cheese, and talk about your next adventure between sips of rosé.
5. Highweald Wine Estate – Haywards Heath, Sussex
📍 ~1 hr 45 mins from London Bridge (train + bus + walk)
Tucked into the rolling hills of West Sussex, Highweald Wine Estate is a rising star in English sparkling wine. The estate has already won major awards and delivers both crisp, clean wines and panoramic views that make the trek totally worth it. The vineyard is relaxed and scenic, perfect for a slow afternoon of sipping and strolling.
To get there, take a Thameslink train from London Bridge to Haywards Heath, then catch the 271 bus for 6 minutes from Perrymount Road. After a short ride, enjoy a 25 minutes countryside walk from Sloughgreen Lane straight to the vineyard gates.
Meet Qute Moment: After the long walk in, kick off your shoes, grab a glass, and lay back on the grass like it’s your private estate.
6. Sunnyhill Vineyard – Horspath, Oxfordshire
📍 ~2 hours from London Paddington (train + bus + short walk)
Okay, this one's just outside the 90-minute limit—but hear me out. Sunnyhill Vineyard is a tiny, family-run gem tucked into the Oxfordshire countryside. It's all low-intervention winemaking, small-batch bottles, and a sense of peace that makes the longer journey totally worth it. Best bonus in the world: there are alpacas on-site!
Hop on a direct train from London Paddington to Oxford (~1 hour), then walk 13 minutes to Westgate (Stop E3) and catch the 46 bus toward Great Milton. After about 35 minutes, hop off at Gidley Way Bottom and take a 6-minute walk to the vineyard gate. It’s quiet, personal, and gives “rural rom-com” in the best way.
Meet Qute Moment: Pick your favorite bottle, find a sunlit corner of the vineyard, and write down three things you're grateful for. Sip slow. Go say hi again to the alpacas.
🍷 Final Pour
You don’t need a weekend away to indulge in wine country magic. With just a train ticket and a little curiosity, you can explore some of England’s most exciting vineyards—all within 90 minutes of London. Whether you're clinking glasses with someone new or sipping solo under the sun, these day-trip escapes prove you don’t have to go far to feel far away.
Tag your #MeetQuteMoments and let us know where you’re sipping next.
