English Countryside in January

There can be snow in January, but the last few years, it has been very rainy rather than snowy. It will be drier the further east you stay, so avoid the Cotswolds - it's not the best time of year for there.

At that time of year, none of the gardens will be open. It will be dark c 4pm. I would suggest that you consider either Kent/Sussex, so visit Rye, Lewes, walk in the Ashdown Forest or along the Seven Sisters, the pretty villages of Alfriston and Jevington (birthplace of banoffee pie) and if you are interested in castles, Bodiam, Hever or Leeds.

Another option would be Suffolk around Lavenham and Haverhill.

A car would be beneficial if you want countryside, as rural public transport is poor.

One hour won't get you very far out of London, with the traffic.

Salisbury or nearby? Cathedral, museum, Stonehenge and Old Sarum, Winchester nearby. You could get there by train and visit all the places just mentioned without a car by using rail and guided tours, if you don't want to drive in January. Or drive and have more options.

I would echo Jennifer's thoughts and suggest East Sussex as a location.
Hastings, Brighton, Canterbury, Dover are easily reached. She mentions Bodiam, Hever and Leeds Castles, but I would also add Chartwell (Churchill) and Down House (Charles Darwin). Perhaps not a good time for the gardens at Sissinghurst sadly.

Unfortunately most properties are closed in January.

Regarding those places named,
Lavenham Guildhall is closed in early January.
Bodiam Castle is indeed open every day of the year, but a bit out on its own.
Hever Castle is closed.
Leeds Castle is open.
Chartwell is closed, an exhibition later in the month after you have gone though
Down House is English Heritage, open weekends, closes early.
Sissinghurst is closed.

Please check carefully for opening hours in such an out of season visit.

Thanks to Nigel for the necessary reality check.

Several years ago we stayed at a B and B near Royal Tunbridge Wells (in Frant, I think). This was a convenient location for exploring the south-east corner of England. We visited as day trips (with a car) from that location, Igtham Mote, Canterbury, Bodiam Castle, Hastings, Bayham Abbey, and other spots.

For south-west England, either Winchester or Salisbury would make a good base.

For information about what the weather has been in the past, check out weatherbase.com.

Stacey - Might I recommend Norwich/Norfolk area. It is about a 2 hour train ride from London. My youngest daughter did a semester at UEA. When she arrived in Jan, she said the weather was in the 50's with some rain.

Thank you everyone, this is very helpful. The rain and snow doesn't bother me at all...I love the fog, rain and snow.

Emma- Ideally I would relaxing by the fireplace, drinking tea, morning walks, visit a quaint town, maybe some sight seeing. The cold dark wet weather, I actually love...plus going off season sounds great. I really don't have anything specific planned during these days, just need something relaxing. Thanks :)