In September, we have 6 nights in London and were supposed to spend 2 or 3 of them at the home of friends who live a couple hours away.

However, they've informed us that they might not be at home at that time. We don't want to spend all six days in London.....we've both been there before and quite frankly, it's too expensive for hotels and meals for that amount of time.

I'm looking for suggestions of a place (town, city, etc) where we might go for a few nights outside of London. We'd like to travel there by train, stay in a nice inn and not have to rent a car (if possible).

Any suggestions?

Thanks, Candice NYC