there is wonderful countryside in every direction. Depends whereabouts in London you're starting from really - not a good idea to begin by trying to cross the centre. I live in East Anglia which is easily and perfectly accessible from East London. Get out on the M11 and up to Suffolk or even Norfolk. In Suffolk there are stunningly pretty old villages like Lavenham, Long Melford, Clare & Kersey. And the Suffolk coast is lovely too. Try Southwold, Aldeburgh, Walberswick. Start early, take a map and a pub guide and get off the main roads as soon as you can. Have a lovely day...