From Bordeaux to Sussex: Londoners are swapping European wine weekends for English vineyard escapes

Forget flights to Bordeaux or Tuscany. This summer, Londoners are discovering that some of England’s best wine experiences are just a train ride or short drive away.

As temperatures rise and English wine continues to earn recognition, vineyards across Kent and the South East are becoming an increasingly popular choice for summer day trips and weekend escapes from the capital.

New booking data from leading travel experiences marketplace GetYourGuide found bookings for UK wine tasting and winery experiences have increased by 25% this summer, as more travellers look to experience England’s growing wine scene firsthand through guided tastings, vineyard tours and food pairings.

The trend reflects a broader shift towards making the most of what’s on London’s doorstep. With award-winning vineyards now within easy reach of the city, travellers can swap airport queues for vineyard views, enjoying sparkling wines, local produce and expert-led tastings without leaving the country.

“The recent summer heatwave proved you don’t need to jump on a plane to enjoy a vineyard escape. With English wine now earning international acclaim, more travellers are discovering that some of the UK’s best food and drink experiences are right on their doorstep. From vineyard tours in the Kent countryside to guided tastings showcasing award-winning sparkling wines, it’s a brilliant way to experience local culture without leaving the country,” says Dan Evans, GetYourGuide’s European travel expert.

“Here are my top 3 spots for sampling the best wine within an hour and a half drive from London:

• London: Full-Day English Wine Tour with Lunch – From £150 per person
Depart from central London for a full-day tour of three award-winning Kent vineyards, with guided tastings of acclaimed English still and sparkling wines, estate visits, and a seasonal lunch paired with local wine. Discover the history and rise of England’s thriving wine industry before returning to London in the early evening.

• Kent: Balfour Vineyard Walk and Wine Tasting – From £25 per person
Discover award-winning Balfour Winery in the Kent countryside with a guided vineyard tour, hosted tasting of three exceptional English wines, and expert insight into England’s internationally acclaimed wine industry. Afterwards, relax in the tasting room or explore the estate’s beautiful ancient woodlands.

• Bath: British Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience in Bath – From £35 per person
Enjoy an intimate tasting beneath a charming Bath wine shop, featuring three award-winning English wines expertly paired with artisan British cheeses and seasonal accompaniments. Set in a cosy cellar, it’sa relaxed introduction to Britain’s flourishing wine and regional food scene.