I'm doing a quick trip (for the miles!) weekend of Dec. 1. Arriving LGW and staying Sat. night at the Hilton Gatwick. I was thinking of taking the train to Canterbury Saturday after I arrive at 8 am. Any suggestions for sites/locations(other than London) closer to Gatwick and accessible by train? Thanks in advance.

Brighton?

Royal Tonbridge Wells i think is one of the most overlooked places near London for what it offers - a plush royal spa in days gone by the town offers a wealth of neat architecture, parks and easy rail access from Gatwick, closer than Canterbury and arguably a nicer town except for the world-famous cathedral.

Couple of great ideas for me to research. Thanks Brighton is on the coast..some history..artist community?

and a burgeoning gay community, which often seems to go hand in hand with an artsy community - not that there's anything wrong with that (Kosmo Kramer).

If you've never been to Canterbury, now is the time. It's splendid, especially if English history interests you.

What are you most interesting in doing on your day trip? There are lots of places you could go to.

Hang on, you are not really flying all this way and staying just one day are you?

anyway if you are here longer, then it is the Rochester Dickens festival on that Sunday.

If you are going by train from London to West Canterbury station, you will go through West Malling, East Malling, Barming, Maidstone East, and Bearsted.

At Bearsted, there is a coach shuttle to Leeds Castle which I assure you is a lot more interesting than traffic jammed Canterbury (which is another six stations further on, then Ramsgate, Margate.)

My two cents. The grounds around Leeds castle are truely great, however the castle is really just a rich person manor. I would not waste your time. Brighton I thought was a bit cheesy. Seemingly still drawing the same sort as Blackpool. Nothing wrong with that and I am not a snob, but I think you can do much better with you limited time. So of the three mentioned, I would opt for Canterbury.

The main (only, really) reason to visit Leeds castle is for the gardens. And in December (?) -- not so much . . . .

And a seaside visit to Brighton - again not my choice in December.

Canterbury Cathedral and the other medieval bldgs are magnificent.

W/ just one day/night that would probably be my choice. If it was another time of year, I'd maybe choose something else.

Thank you all for the ideas and opinions! Think I'm going to do Canterbury! And yes nona1, it is for one day...had a $$ voucher for being bumped one time, found an amazing fare and need the miles to make Executive Platinum.