3 English Vineyards Accessible via Public Transport from London

Hey there, wine lovers! Let's chat about something that’s dear to my heart - English vineyards. Yeah, you heard me right. England's not just about tea and crumpets; we're talking award-winning wines right in our backyard! Plus with over 200 vineyards to visit in the UK you literally can’t run out of fun.

I've been on a bit of a vineyard-hopping spree these last couple of years, and let me tell you, it's been an absolute blast. If you're someone who fancies a good day out, English vineyards are the perfect escape from the London hustle. So, grab a glass and let's dive into some of my favourite spots!

Balfour Winery: Kent's Hidden Gem

Where: Staplehurst, Kent  

Website: https://balfourwinery.com/

Getting There: Hop on a train from London Bridge (about an hour), then utilise their free shuttle from Marden station every half an hour on a weekend. Easy peasy!

Prices: Tours and tastings start at £45PP

Balfour is right at the top of my list. If you don’t fancy a tour and tasting, I loved the self-guided walk around the vineyard, a little wine flight, and chilling on the huge deck overlooking the vineyards. Their tasting room is so spacious that you'll feel like you're in an up-market London bar but with vineyards as your backdrop. I also helped make their 2023 vintage and worked in the cellar, making the yeasts and racking the wines—if you needed another excuse.

Denbies Wine Estate: The All-Rounder

Where: Dorking, Surrey  

Website: https://www.denbies.co.uk/

Getting There: 50-minute train from Waterloo to Dorking, then a short 15-minute walk.

Prices: Vineyard Train Tours £10.95 for adults, £16.95 for indoor tasting

Denbies is like the Disneyland of English vineyards - there's something for everyone. Fancy a train ride through the vines? They've got it. Want to wine and dine? Sorted. It's great for groups, especially if some of your mates aren't big on wine (why are you friends with them again?). Plus plenty of vineyard tours, outdoor seating and even a hotel to stay over at if you want a few extra glasses of wine!

Wildwood Vineyard: For the Nature Lovers

Where: Eridge, East Sussex  

Getting There: Train to Eridge (1 hour), then a 15 minute walk from the station.

Website: https://www.wildwoodvineyard.co.uk/

Prices: Tour and Guided Tasting £12 per person

Wildwood is a little peaceful retreat completely off the grid. It's small, it's intimate, and sometimes the vineyard owner Paul will show you around. How cool is that? Book in for a tour and tasting, or just check they are open and head down for a glass of wine.

To check out more vineyards in your area, check the map at https://www.winecellardoor.co.uk/directory/map/