Greater London and its boundaries
Greater London is a region that encompasses the city of London and the surrounding areas. It covers an area of 1,569 square kilometers and is home to over 9 million people. Greater London is divided into 32 boroughs and the City of London, which is the historic and financial center of the region.
The boundaries of Greater London are defined by the M25 motorway, which encircles the region. However, there are several areas outside of Greater London that are located beyond the M25 and offer visitors and residents a chance to explore the beautiful countryside, quaint market towns, and historic landmarks.
Places outside of Greater London
There are several counties that are located outside of Greater London, each offering their own unique attractions and charm. These counties include Surrey, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Kent, Berkshire, and Hampshire. Let’s take a closer look at each of these counties.
South of Greater London: Surrey
Surrey is located to the south of Greater London and is known for its rolling countryside, historic market towns, and stately homes. The county is home to attractions such as Hampton Court Palace, the RHS Garden at Wisley, and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guildford is the county town and offers a range of shopping and dining options, as well as a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
East of Greater London: Essex
Essex is located to the east of Greater London and is known for its seaside resorts, historic villages, and beautiful countryside. The county is home to attractions such as Colchester Castle, the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the seaside town of Southend-on-Sea. Chelmsford is the county town and offers a range of shopping and dining options, as well as a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
North of Greater London: Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is located to the north of Greater London and is known for its picturesque villages, historic market towns, and beautiful countryside. The county is home to attractions such as St Albans Cathedral, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, and the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Hertford is the county town and offers a range of shopping and dining options, as well as a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
West of Greater London: Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire is located to the west of Greater London and is known for its stately homes, historic market towns, and beautiful countryside. The county is home to attractions such as Waddesdon Manor, the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, and the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Aylesbury is the county town and offers a range of shopping and dining options, as well as a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
South-East of Greater London: Kent
Kent is located to the south-east of Greater London and is known as the ‘Garden of England’ due to its beautiful countryside and gardens. The county is home to attractions such as Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, and the White Cliffs of Dover. Maidstone is the county town and offers a range of shopping and dining options, as well as a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
North-West of Greater London: Berkshire
Berkshire is located to the north-west of Greater London and is known for its stately homes, historic market towns, and beautiful countryside. The county is home to attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland Windsor Resort, and the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Reading is the county town and offers a range of shopping and dining options, as well as a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
South-West of Greater London: Hampshire
Hampshire is located to the south-west of Greater London and is known for its beautiful coastline, historic cities, and beautiful countryside. The county is home to attractions such as Winchester Cathedral, the New Forest National Park, and the seaside town of Bournemouth. Southampton is the county town and offers a range of shopping and dining options, as well as a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
East of Surrey: West Sussex
West Sussex is located to the east of Surrey and is known for its beautiful countryside, historic market towns, and seaside resorts. The county is home to attractions such as Arundel Castle, the South Downs National Park, and the seaside town of Brighton. Chichester is the county town and offers a range of shopping and dining options, as well as a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
North of Hertfordshire: Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire is located to the north of Hertfordshire and is known for its beautiful countryside, historic market towns, and stately homes. The county is home to attractions such as Woburn Abbey, the Dunstable Downs, and the Wrest Park Gardens. Bedford is the county town and offers a range of shopping and dining options, as well as a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
West of Buckinghamshire: Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire is located to the west of Buckinghamshire and is known for its beautiful countryside, historic cities, and stately homes. The county is home to attractions such as Blenheim Palace, the Ashmolean Museum, and the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Oxford is the county town and offers a range of shopping and dining options, as well as a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
Conclusion: exploring the areas outside of Greater London
There are many beautiful counties located outside of Greater London, each offering their own unique attractions and charm. From the rolling countryside of Surrey to the historic cities of Oxfordshire, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy. Whether you are a resident of Greater London looking for a day out or a visitor to the region wanting to explore beyond the city limits, the areas outside of Greater London offer a wealth of experiences and adventures to discover.
