I am traveling to London with my husband in December of 2008. Any suggestions for a daytrip to the english countryside for hiking/rural atmosphere. Thanks in advance!

You'll get lots of good suggestions here, but consider borrowing from your public library or purchasing "Daytrips London" by Steinbicker. Very practical guide of 55 places to go with transportation options, maps, etc. Luckily I had it with me my first trip to London, and when my plans for a day fell through, I was able to leaf through and find a wonderful alternative.

Sounds perfect! Thanks!

I would have a look at the weather before you go. You may get some decent days - but many are likely to be very chilly and rainy (and muddy in the countryside). Wouldn't another season be a better choice if you want to focus on the countryside?

We are going over for Christmas. I Know it will be chilly but we don't mind! Has to be better than Iowa.

An alternative (ot rather two, though grammarians might blanch at the thought) comes from The Time Out Books of Country Walks and the website they've inspired (I don't think it's officially connected) at www.walkingclub.org.uk

Choose the right walk, and the right connecting train, and you'll find a bunch of other people doing the same walk. This might be a reason for taking that train, or avoiding it.

Anyone who thinks the countryside within 2 hours of London is uncomfortable in midwinter is simply a feckless wimp. Fortunately, there are lots of such wooses in the world, so you'll have even more of the country to yourself.

There's no such thing as bad weather (except in New York, where there's never any such thing as good weather, but that's because it's wholly populated by perpetual whingers) just unsuitable clothing.

Do note, though, that train timetables between Christmas and the New Year are subject to change. The company that owns the track has claimed there will be a service throughout Christmas this year, but the companies that run the trains haven't yet accepted this, so check carefully before committing to any train journey between Dec 24 and Jan 2.

<<< Anyone who thinks the countryside within 2 hours of London is uncomfortable in midwinter is simply a feckless wimp. >>>

Boring perhaps with paths muddy enough to swallow horses

And don't forget the days will be short. You'll need to be back in a town by around 3.30pm.

That said, there are plenty of places within an hour or two of London by train that will give you that rural atmosphere.

You could go on one of the Explorer Days with London Walks...I think they are on Saturdays during the winter. You can get an idea from their website...the winter schedule is still going. http://www.walks.com/Homepage/The_Ex...!/default.aspx

They are very reasonably priced as well.

I am grateful for all the suggestions. Good stuff!