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The 21 Best Day Trips From London

By Condé Nast Traveller and Anna Prendergast

London ’s hustle and bustle can become overwhelming, even for the most dedicated locals—but its handy location means that day trips from London are easy for anyone who needs a quick escape, whether it be for a country walk, a seaside jaunt, or a cultural getaway. Most of our selection of the best day trips from London can be reached by train , within less than two hours—and many couldn’t be further from the busy streets and crammed schedules of the capital. Whether you’re looking for fresh air, delicious eateries or a new selection of shops, these easy-to-plan day trips should slot nicely into your schedule.

Below are 21 of our favorite day trips from London, in no particular order.

Read our complete London travel guide here .

All listings featured on  Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

Canterbury, Kent

The best day trip from London for: a colorful, food-fuelled history lesson in the garden of England How to get there from London: The direct train from London St Pancras to Canterbury West can take as little as 53 minutes

Prehistoric settlements have been uncovered in this corner of Kent, and it was a popular haunt of the Romans, who surrounded the early city by constructing an earth bank and fortified walls around 130 acres of land. The story of Canterbury that schoolchildren learn, however, comes from the medieval period, courtesy of Chaucer.

The city is home to one of the UK’s most spectacular cathedrals. Pilgrims have navigated the route to this ethereal site for many centuries, and it’s here that Thomas Becket was infamously slaughtered at the order of Henry II–although this series of events has been contested by countless historians. From the cathedral, scan the selection of novels through the crooked door of the Catching Lives Charity Bookshop, before soaking up the sun in one of the city’s hidden pub gardens–The Dolphin and The Parrot are some of our favorites.

Stroll along the remnant of the ancient wall that is still accessible, or settle in for a lazy afternoon on the colorful banks of the River Stour after collecting treats from The Goods Shed. Historic river tours of the river are touristy but not overly expensive, so well worth booking ahead of a visit to uncover the secrets of these romantic, cobblestone streets.– Connor Sturges

If you decide to stay over: Parts of The Falstaff Hotel date to the 13th century, and original features such as fireplaces and oak beams are a nod to the city’s medieval history. The city’s main attractions are within walking distance, and comfortable beds, craft cocktails, and a signature afternoon tea await once you are back in the cosy setting.

Elmley Nature Reserve

The best day trip from London for:  getting fully immersed in nature How to get there from London:  The train from London St Pancras International to Swale takes 1 hour 50 minutes and then it’s a short taxi ride to Elmley Nature Reserve

Think of day trips to Kent and you’ll probably skip straight over the Isle of Sheppey. Just off the northern coast of Kent next to the Thames Estuary, Sheppey is an unglamorous largely industrial island that initially lacks the tourist appeal of some of its Kentish neighbours. But there’s a secret gem here right off the mainland–the bucolic Elmley Nature Reserve, 3,300 acres of wetlands and wilderness. This family-run estate is a true wildlife conservation haven and is the perfect trip for birdwatchers and nature lovers. With over forty varieties of birds raising their young at Elmley each year, there are some beautiful walking trails to spot them all, plus the other resident hares, frogs, dragonflies, cows, voles, bees and more. As soon as your taxi turns onto the long entry drive, it’s easy to see elegant birds such as egrets, lapwings and redshank happily frolicking on the flat marshlands and that’s before you’ve even started exploring. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the entry fee is £6 and that gets you access to the beautiful open landscape for a self-guided wander (although you have to stay on the paths!); they also arrange organised tours at dusk and dawn for £29.50 if you want an expert to help you spot marsh harriers, long-eared owls, sparrowhawk and peregrine falcons. It might be only 40 miles from London but it feels like another world. As well as an incredible place for a day out in nature, there’s also a lovely barn restaurant to get cosy in for toasties at lunch and more hearty evening meals, plus an impressive range of smart places to stay dotted across the reserve if you want to extend your visit.– Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over:  From decked-out shepherd’s huts with outside baths to four poster beds in the grand 18th-century main house, there’s a wide range of places to stay – all with stunning views over the nature reserve.

Great Garden Escape, The Newt in Somerset

The best day trip from London for: a VIP experience How to get there: The train from London Paddington takes about 1 hour 25 minutes

If you’re not the planning type, The Newt in Somerset’s Great Garden Escape is a fun-filled organized day trip that shows off the best of the British countryside and its charming traditions. With a jam-packed schedule starting at Paddington station, day trippers travel First Class with breakfast served on-board. On arrival, they’ll be given a tour of the gardens at The Newt, which have been landscaped over hundreds of years and are now home to wildlife including deer and newts–of course. There's even an opportunity to explore the grounds with experts, along with a dive into the history and traditions of Somerset. Plus, a stopover at the incredible Roman Villa Experience.

Lunch leads into a cider tasting, made on-site using apples grown in local orchards, where you’ll undoubtedly be swayed into picking up a bottle or two to take home. When you’ve breathed in just enough country air, the train journey home serves up afternoon tea, depositing you back in the city just in time for sundowners. The whirlwind tour is the ideal tonic for shaking off burnout and reminding yourself of the beauty on your doorstep.– Abigail Malbon

If you decide to stay over : Should you choose to forego the train ride home in favor of waking up somewhere new, The Newt is a Jane Austen dream, whether you choose a room in the Georgian house or the converted outbuildings, barns and stables. Bedrooms are simple and beautiful, with a focus on relaxation, but those with a view are truly exceptional. In the morning, wake up early and treat yourself to a swim in the spa pool as the sun comes up – you’ll return to London feeling like a new person.

Clifton, Bristol

The best day trip from London for : packing a lot in How to get there from London: The train from London Paddington takes about 1 hour 35 minutes.

After hopping off the train at Bristol Temple Meads, take a stroll to Clifton–the city’s most beautiful leafy suburb. Quiet residential streets are lined with pretty Georgian townhouses, spots of greenery to wander through off the cobbled streets and an eclectic mix of independent cafés, restaurants and shops.

Start with a gander around Clifton Arcade in the heart of Clifton Village, where the 17 boutiques are filled with knick-knacks and intriguing antiques. It’s not a true shopping experience without a pit stop for coffee and cake – try one of Bristol’s top coffee spots, Spicer + Cole, or–for a 100-per-cent plant-based menu–refuel with a slice of rose and vanilla loaf and a superfood latte at East Village Café.

Pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables from the local greengrocers and head to Clifton bridge for fabulous views across the River Avon. It's one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. Learn about its history at the Visitor Centre, stopping off for a pint of traditional Somerset cider at the White Lion by its side. Continue the historical tour by walking up to Clifton Observatory, which has a museum featuring a Victorian-era Camera Obscura and a mythical Giant’s Cave, alongside its own rooftop café serving up breathtaking views. And don’t miss out on a walk down Royal York Crescent–one of the most expensive streets in Bristol, which was also once reputed to be the longest terrace in Europe.

Next, spend time at Bristol Lido, a restored Victorian swimming bath from the 1800s surrounded by a spa and poolside bar for the ultimate in pampering. Round off the day with a cozy pub meal at The Albion, an Indian fine-dining experience at Nutmeg or a hearty pizza at Bosco around the corner on Whiteladies Road.– Cordelia Aspinall

If you decide to stay over: Book a room at the recently refurbished Number 38 boutique hotel for a peaceful stay overlooking the Clifton Downs, perfect for your morning stroll.

Sarah James

Jessica Puckett

Kimberly Wilson

Rachel Chang

Bath, Somerset

The best day trip from London for: soaking up history How to get there from London: The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

Bath is known for its history, but among the buttery-hued Georgian architecture and ancient thermal springs there’s a fresh independent spirit. When the weather is good, there are a couple of brilliant walking routes to try: the six-mile Bath Skyline, for example, is a short stroll from the city centre and tramps through woodland, meadows and orchards with views of the buildings below.

The Somerset city’s literary heritage is well documented–Jane Austen is probably the most famous one-time resident–and there’s still a thriving network of bookshops and literature festivals here, including at bookworm magnet Topping and Company, which stocks more than 55,000 titles. Restaurants are driven by excellent local produce and seasonal ingredients. Grab a traditional lunch at The Circus (we recommend the Wiltshire lamb two ways) or order bun cha at Vietnamese spot Noya’s Kitchen. After a bite, shop at clever concept stores such as Nām, which sells antique furniture and homeware curated by owner Sharan Kaur, and Found, where you can buy clothes from niche global brands, or spend an afternoon at wine bar Corkage, where about 70 bottles are available to sample by the glass.– Sarah James

If you decide to stay over: Small hotel Eight lives up to its name; there are just eight rooms, and the ground-floor restaurant always has eight dishes on the menu.

Read more about the best things to do in Bath, Somerset

The New Forest, Hampshire

The best day trip from London for : woodland walks and long pub lunches How to get there from London: The train from London Waterloo usually takes about 1 hour 45 minutes

With its purple carpets of heather, ancient woodland and England-of-yore villages, the New Forest has long been a release valve for Londoners eager to clear the cobwebs and the cortisol. The apex of its beauty has to be autumn, when its rich hues cut through morning mists and dazzle in the afternoon sun. It's best enjoyed during a long ramble, where you’re likely to meet free-roaming New Forest ponies, cattle and even pigs, followed by a hearty pub lunch with local ale and a warming log fire.

Take the train from Waterloo to Beaulieu Road station and fuel your hike with a pint of real ale at the Drift Inn. If independent shops, cafés and beaches are on the agenda, it’s best to head to Lymington instead, as this one-and-a-half-hour loop around the pub on the edge of the New Forest is blissfully rugged and remote. Having traipsed through a mixed mosaic of woodland and absorbed the silence and sweeping views across the heathland, hunker down at the Drift Inn for a Hampshire beef burger, ale-battered haddock or the pie of the day (invariably something along the lines of mud pie with mash and gravy).– Rosalyn Wikeley

If you decide to stay over : Those seeking the quintessential heather-and-wild-ponies New Forest should bed down at The Pig hotel in Brockenhurst or Limewood near Lyndhurst (about five minutes from the Drift Inn). However, the trusted favorite among New Forest devotees, Chewton Glen continues to lure weary urbanites with its coveted position – wedged between woodland and the coast – and commitment to the good, old-fashioned service and comforts of a country club. You’ll find few zeitgeisty design details or next-gen touches here. Instead, antiques, thick carpets and mahogany furniture keep this 18th-century manor house sure of its identity – save a few fun treehouse bedrooms, should privacy or the 21st century fall into your criteria. Don’t miss the fresh salads and fish lunches once you’ve been pummeled in the spa or worked up an appetite in the Grecian-style pool. The gardens are also glorious for afternoon tea after visiting Highcliffe beach.

Hertford, Hertfordshire

The best day trip from London for : pub-crawling and country walks How to get there from London: The train from Finsbury Park takes 35 minutes

With its higgledy-piggledy, pastel-colored buildings and cobbled streets, this county town serves up a slice of English antiquity that’s postcard-pretty enough to satisfy both shiny-eyed visitors from further afield and weary Londoners searching for fresher air, shorter queues and somewhere different to look at for the day. With trains running every half hour, it’s possible to find yourself marching around its 15th-century castle grounds (check ahead for cinema screenings, talks and events), net fishing from a sandy cove in Hartham Common or wandering about its dinky museum within the hour. Alternatively, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can cycle from London along the River Lea towpath.

On arrival, dip into its handful of local shops – The Women's Society Boutique has an imposing exterior but is a real treasure trove–before stopping at one of the many independent cafés and restaurants. Popular deli-bar Giambrone’s serves authentic Italian plates, while Hertford Coffee Lab makes for a cool pit-stop, and Georgian townhouse and B&B Number One Port Hill hosts occasional pop-up suppers. Plus, the artsy Dog and Whistle, once a pop-up café, has blossomed into a hipster foodie pub and music venue with rooms. Indeed, Hertford – quiet market town by day and more bustling nightspot come evening – specializes in pubs, particularly old-world ones. There's The Salisbury Arms Hotel, said to have been the place where Oliver Cromwell stayed during the Civil War and home to a number of ghosts; the 16th-century White Horse; the 17th-century Blackbirds; and the riverside Old Barge (exact age unknown, but 'old' is part of the name…). If you have time, go on the three-mile walk to Ware alongside the River Lea towpath–the neighboring town also has a plethora of pubs – and catch the train back to London from there.– Becky Lucas

If you decide to stay over: Hertford House Hotel took over the former local newspaper’s offices in pretty Parliament Square in 2006 and hasn’t stopped evolving since, with its latest restaurant and bar renovation completed in autumn 2020. Don’t miss out on brunch in the secret garden, a locally sourced roast in the restaurant and a pint in smart sister pub The Quiet Man.

The best day trip from London for: an under-the-radar getaway How to get there from London: The fast train from St Pancras International takes 1 hour 22 minutes

This hillside scribble of Georgian streets tucked behind the Kent coast really hit our radar in 2018. Nicknamed ‘Margate’s little sister’, it’s a much cosier, countryside version of its arty neighbour. And that’s exactly its appeal. Deal is less shouty than Margate, but there’s still an exciting slew of shops, cafés and galleries that have arrived over the past few years. The Saturday Market stalls are worth a rummage, but it’s the food that brings the locals back each weekend. For more of a sit-down lunch we love Frog and Scot where the chef, previously of The Sportsman in Seasalter, cooks up a daily changing menu based on hyper-local produce. Founder of Smugglers Records Will Greenham (ex singer and guitarist of the band Cocos Lovers, who’ve supported Mumford & Sons on tour) is at the heart of the town’s music scene, and in terms of art, Linden Hall Studio is a contemporary gallery in a converted chapel that wouldn’t look out of place in Mayfair.– Tabitha Joyce

If you decide to stay over: The Rose was revamped in 2018 and now there are eight cute bedrooms splashed in bold colors and filled with vintage finds. The restaurant is looked after by Rachel O’Sullivan (previously of East London’s Towpath Café) who dishes up Scandi-inspired breakfast plates of smoked salmon, avocado, soft-boiled egg, dill and whipped cream cheese.

Read more about Deal, Kent

Whitstable, Kent

The best day trip from London for: oysters on the beach How to get there from London : The train from from St Pancras takes 1hr 13 minutes

This little town on the north Kent coast isn’t quite the sort-of-secret it was back in the 1990s, when DFLs (local jargon for Londoners) rediscovered it, arriving at weekends for seafood at Wheelers on the high street and pints of Kentish ale at the beach-side Old Neptune pub. But it’s still an atmospheric place to head for a hit of vitamin B12 – via a dozen or so oysters – then a scrunch along the shingle shore, spotting Second World War sea forts across the waves and seals in the harbour. There are plenty of places to eat: avoid the overpriced Royal Native Oyster Stores and head instead to JoJo’s, just down the road in Tankerton, for mackerel fillets and Med-inspired small plates. Or Samphire, a Whitstable bistro with cuttlefish risotto and Romney Marsh lamb on the menu. There’s also a thriving micropub scene here, with The Handsome Sam, The Black Dog, and the larger Twelve Taps for hoppy experimentation. But our favorite pastime is picking up a pot of cockles and whelks from the quayside, or fish and chips and oysters from The Forge shack, and devouring them in the shade of a wooden groyne on the beach, preferably with a bottle of English fizz to hand.– Rick Jordan

If you decide to stay over: The Victorian fisherman’s huts on the beach are the best place in which to hole up, the sound of waves and boat masts jangling in the wind outside, and can be booked via Hotel Continental. Along the coast in Seasalter is the Driftwood Beach House B&B .

Rye, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : a bracingly fresh seaside getaway How to get there from London: The train from St Pancras International takes about 1 hour 10 minutes with a change at Ashford International.

Rye is home to what might just be Britain’s prettiest (and most prettily named) street, and a wave of newcomers have moved in alongside the quaint old-timers in Mermaid Street and beyond, opening smart interiors stores and artisan bakeries next to unironically vintage tea rooms and souvenir shops. After breakfast at Whitehouse Rye–order the halloumi hash–pick up a new read at The Tiny Book Store (the clue’s in the name) and window shop for that fantasy mansion at striking antiques shop Strand House Interiors. The blustery dunes and invigorating waters of Camber Sands, one of the best beach near London , are a 15 minute ride away on the local bus, but head back in time for a rustic supper at Tuscan Rye, where fresh pasta (ricotta ravioli with brown-butter sauce, potato and thyme tortellini in a rich ragu) draws loyal locals.– Sarah James

If you decide to stay over: Book a room at the lively George in Rye , which welcomes A-list guests (George Clooney and Helena Bonham Carter have both checked in for sleepovers) and smart locals in the same breath.

These are our favourite things to do in Rye

Margate, Kent

The best day trip from London for : a cultural day out How to get there from London: the fast train from London St Pancras takes 1 hour 25 minutes.

It’s no secret that this Victorian seaside town has had quite the hipster renaissance in recent years, sparked mostly by the arrival of the Turner Contemporary gallery in 2011 and spurred on by a slew of new openings and a wave of Londoners upping sticks and moving down to the Kent coast. For a cultural outing, the waterside Turner Contemporary is still a must. Entry is free so it’s worth popping in even if you’ve never heard of the artists on show, and the shop has some nice local products. For more contemporary art head to Crate, an artist-led project space in an old printworks. If you’d prefer something older–much older–wander over to the most ancient building in town, the Tudor House, a Grade II-listed 16th-century timber-framed house on King Street. It’s on your route from the seafront to the mysterious Shell Grotto, a spooky set of underground tunnels covered in more than four million shells.

A trip to Margate isn’t complete without a few hours in Dreamland, whether it’s for some spins on the rides or to see one of the amusement park’s impressive line-up of gigs in the evenings. Do take a stroll around town to hit up the vintage shops selling retro clothes, furniture and homewares, where you can still find some decent bargains. And don’t forget to head over to Cliff Terrace to visit the flagship store of cult natural skincare brand Haeckels, which makes divine-smelling beauty products using seaweed gathered on the beach nearby. Speaking of the beach, if you want to go swimming walk along the coast to Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, a man-made sea lagoon where you can find calm waters and steps for easier access. If you arrive early (or stay the night), tuck into cracking breakfast at Storeroom coffee shop or at Cliffs, where there’s also a record shop, a hair salon and a yoga studio. In fact, the whole up-and-coming area of Cliftonville is worth exploring. After all that roaming, great seafood can be found for dinner at either Angela’s or Hantverk & Found–reserve a table in advance though, as both get booked up. – Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over: The best beds in town are at The Reading Rooms , a boutique b&b in a restored Georgian townhouse a few minutes’ walk from the seafront. Be sure you don’t have to rush off in the morning as they’ll bring breakfast to your room so you can eat it overlooking the leafy square.

Read more about Margate's best things to do

Eastbourne, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : fair-weather walkers How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

Eastbourne is an old-timey British seaside town with a Victorian pier, a pebble beach, and a much-loved bandstand where tribute acts reign: ‘Queen’, ‘ABBA’, ‘Frank Sinatra’ and ‘Lady Gaga’ have all played. You could spend the day taking in the town’s thriving art galleries, with plenty of opportunities for refueling stops along the way (our favorite is the stripped-back-trendy Nelson Coffee Co opposite the station) but the real draw here is enjoying the great outdoors at Beachy Head, where you’ll find the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. A hike with seriously impressive views out to sea runs across the top. Wander all the way along to neighboring Seaford or make one of the secret beaches tucked away at the foot of the cliffs your way point. It’s a steep climb down, but Falling Sands Beach is quiet and sandy and well worth the adventure. Eastbourne often makes the list of the sunniest places in the UK, so don’t forget your sunglasses.– Olivia Holborow

If you decide to stay over: Book into the Beachy Head holiday cottages –there’s a choice of 8, all set around a rambling walled garden with fruit and vegetables you can help yourself to.

An insider guide to the South Downs

Brighton, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : blasting the cobwebs away by the sea How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 34 minutes.

Brighton is a brilliant mish-mash of retro, seaside fun and progressive culture. Book in advance and you can get return tickets from London for as little as £10. A maze of bunting-lined streets, The Lanes bursts at the seams with vintage shops–don’t miss Beyond Retro and Dirty Harry, and our two favorite independent boutiques, Our Daily Edit and Peggs & Son, as well as retro memorabilia (navigate the turnstile at Snoopers Paradise for collectors’ items, vinyl, and furniture). Time your day trip to include breakfast at Kensingtons – grab a table on the balcony for giant plates piled high with eggs, toast and beans. It’s not the easiest spot to find, so look out for a shop called Artemis on Kensington Gardens, which overflows with sheepskin rugs and pelts – the café is on the left; follow the smell of bacon up the stairs. Later, reserve a table at Food for Friends, a superb veggie restaurant with award-winning flavours and presentation. A short walk away is the huge 8km pebbly beach–the section near the Palace Pier is dotted with stripy deckchairs and usually buzzing from spring to autumn (and often absolutely crammed in summer). There’s something terribly British about layering up and enjoying a windswept walk in the winter months, too. Reward yourself with a bag of hot, sugary donuts from the pier.

If you decide to stay over : Walk along the seafront to The Ginger Pig, a restaurant-with-rooms with pre-mixed cocktails in the minibars and Cowshed bottles by the standalone bathtubs.

The best restaurants in Brighton

Lewes, Sussex

The best day trip from London for : history buffs and vintage hunters How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes just over 1 hour.

Lewes: the market town in the South Downs that sits against a backdrop of chalk hills and green peaks. Cobblestoned 'twittens' (narrow streets), hand-painted shop signs and crumbling tiles from the 1960s make it feel like a town time forgot, and its slower rhythm makes for a reinvigorating gear-change. The Needlemakers on West Street is home to a range of small, independent shops that sell local craftsmanship, from jewelry to books–Alexis Dove is a favorite for delicate silverware and Susie Petrou has an eye for vintage blouses and Romanian embroidery. There’s an incongruous well at the bottom by the vintage shops – throw in a penny for good luck before you start hunting through piles of clothes and bags. Lewes Flea Market is an alluring source for antique furniture and quirky homeware, and is open daily (not to be confused with the outdoor Sunday market, which is also worth a visit). At the other end of town, at the bottom of Cliffe High Street, you can find Bill Collison’s very first Bill’s restaurant, a European deli-turned-eatery, where you can get hearty dishes such as pumpkin, fig and chestnut roast, or a beef, bacon and camembert burger. After lunch, ponder the paperbacks at the Fifteenth Century Bookshop, which has been carefully restored in recent years but remains as much of a landmark as Lewes Castle. Finish the day with a pint; Harvey’s Brewery is the only independent brewery in Sussex and provides the John Harvey Tavern over the road with local cask ales (download the self-titled app to find out where you can get it in London).

If you decide to stay over : Head to Firle for a night at The Ram Inn , and enjoy crisp linen and generous breakfasts served by an open fire.

Folkestone, Kent

The best day trip from London for: a coastal up-and-comer How to get there from London : The fast train from London St Pancras to Ashford takes 40 minutes, where you can change for Folkestone Central.

The seaside town of Folkestone is mid-makeover, which is the ideal time to visit – before everything gets priced up and the place’s quirks glossed over. The appeal of Sunny Sands beach is self-explanatory – this tiny, windswept slip of sand is one of the best beaches in Kent and the ideal spot to kick off your day (unsurprisingly, it fills up with families wielding buckets and spades, sticky with sunscreen, too). A trio of swashbuckling pubs and restaurants–The Ship Inn, The Mariner, and The Captain’s Table–lines the seafront, but the real treasure can be found in the Creative Quarter. At the bottom of The Old High Street is Bounce Vintage, an open space with rails full of retro sportswear, French chore jackets and Aloha shirts. If you exchange smiles and pleasantries with the rosy-cheeked owners, they might just offer you an espresso on the house. Failing that, further up the road, Steep Street sells specialty coffee, homemade cake and books . Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall shelves of hardbacks tower over fat leather armchairs and blackboard tables that you can doodle on in chalk. There are endless places to eat and drink around town: Rocksalt for a smart menu and sea views; Papas for old-fashioned fish’n’chips ; Beano’s for veggies; La Casa Del Bello Gelato for ice cream Follies for pizza and The Pullman for pints. The Harbour Arm, though, is where Folkestone’s own folk go – the Champagne bar hidden in the lighthouse at the end is rustic, romantic, and completely charming.

If you decide to stay over : Book a room at the Linen Shed , a dove-grey, weatherboarded house on the old Roman road to Canterbury.

The best restaurants in Kent

Oxford, Oxfordshire

The best day trip from London for : a traditional slice of British culture How to get there from London : The Oxford Tube coach service takes 1 hour 30 minutes and runs until 3am; trains also run from Paddington and Marylebone stations and take 1 hour.

In one of the most quintessentially English cities in the UK (and the most expensive to live in outside London), cream tea is not just a rite of passage – it’s a requirement. And there’s only one place to take it – The Vaults & Garden Café, signposted by the presence of an antique bicycle with a flowerbed in its basket, is a gorgeous 14th-century building surrounded by colleges (Oriel, Brasenose, Murton, All Souls), where scones come loaded with clotted cream and seasonal homemade jam (the café has serious sustainability credentials, too). Architecture is a major draw in Oxford ; the libraries, bridges and even cinemas feature Palladian domes, Norman design, ziggurat influences and listed buildings which make this a city to see on foot (Radcliffe Square is a must, and it’s worth paying £4 to climb the tower at the Church of St Mary The Virgin for the best view of Oxford). If you’re taking kids, the Pitt Rivers Museum is packed with bizarre artefacts and stories they’ll tell their friends about, and The Story Museum welcomes you through a wardrobe into Narnia and other fictional worlds of wonder. If you booked a babysitter, however, grab a drink at the brilliant Freud bar in Jericho–a stained-glass church-turned-cool-cocktail-bar that is grown-up enough to feel sophisticated but student-y enough to have plenty of atmosphere and frivolity in the air (or perhaps it’s something in the drinks).

If you decide to stay over : There are plenty of lovely hotels in the Cotswolds , such as The Wild Rabbit –the latest outpost from eco-queen Carole Bamford of Daylesford Organic fame.

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The best day trip from London for : people-watching and scenery How to get there from London : The train from London King’s Cross takes 45 minutes.

Like cycling in Amsterdam or taking trams in San Francisco , punting really is the most sophisticated way to see the city of Cambridge and the university grounds. Scudamore’s is the oldest ‘chauffeur’ company and offers a more traditional tour, but board a boat from the Garret Hostel Bridge for a younger, more humorous experience (ask your punter why the GHB is also known as Orgasm Bridge). For lunch, foodPark is a top hawker convoy of Sri Lankan curries, wood-fired pizza and open-wide burgers that sets up from 12pm until 2pm in varying locations around Cambridge from Wednesday to Friday. For something more upscale, book one of Galleria’s terrace tables on the south side of the Magdalene Bridge, with British fusion food and views of the River Cam (your gluten- and dairy-free friends will thank you, as there are two separate menus specifically catering to their diets). In the autumn, the leaf-covered colleges are particularly picturesque as they turn red and rust, and in spring, Parker’s Piece is a scenic stretch of greenery from which to navigate (spot the lamppost that supposedly inspired the post in CS Lewis’ Narnia). From here, find eccentric English shop Bowes & Co, Fitzbillies for iced buns, Aromi for Italian nibbles, Kettle’s Yard art gallery and G David for antique books. Finish your day with the choral evensong at King’s College Chapel around 5.30pm: goosebumps guaranteed. For more ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in Cambridge .

If you decide to stay over : It doesn’t get much better than the iconic University Arms hotel , reopened in 2018 after a serious reboot.

Ashdown Forest, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for: welly-wielding outdoorsy types How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour to East Grinstead (a 15-minute drive from Forest Row).

AA Milne famously wrote the stories of Winnie the Pooh while living just north of Ashdown Forest. Known as 100 Acre Wood in Pooh’s world, the forest is home to the spellbinding stories and is an enchanting place to stretch your legs for a day, easily accessible via East Grinstead station. Stretches of open heathland give way to leafy walkways and carpets of bluebells in spring, where the woods teem with wildlife (spot fallow deer, badgers and the odd friendly pheasant–no honey-eating bears, though), and the only noise is birdsong. You can even visit Pooh Bridge (for a game of Poohsticks, naturally), but be warned, it’s a prominent tourist spot. Pooh was a big fan of having ‘a little smackerel of something’, and nearby village Forest Row has plenty of places for elevenses. Taffels deli is a family-run café and much-loved lunch spot (there is nothing skinny about the skinny chips; they are double-fried and divine) and caters to all dietary requirements, while Java & Jazz serves huge hot chocolates cakes and crispy-crusted pizza. For proper pub food, the cosy Hatch Inn (one of our favorite country pubs near London) is known for roasts with all the trimmings and offers plenty of dog-patting opportunities. If you’re not in a hurry to get home, head to Linton’s car park–locally known as ‘the viewpoint’–for sunset.

If you decide to stay over : Gravetye Manor is a very English Elizabethan country-house classic and one of our favorite weekend breaks in the UK .

Dungeness, Kent

The best day trip from London for : nature enthusiasts How to get there from London : The drive to Romney Marsh via the A20 and M20 takes 2 hours.

Arriving in Dungeness from London feels a little like stepping out of a Tardis into a different time zone, where a recent apocalypse has left the landscape barren, the wildlife overrun, the buildings flattened, and the population dramatically compromised (in fact, the Dungeness Power Station appeared in Doctor Who in 1971). Unofficially known as ‘Britain’s only desert’, Dungeness has a unique environment–single-story buildings appear to have been swallowed by the shingle and plants let loose with little regard for human-imposed order. The beach resembles a mass shipwreck; abandoned fishing boats, crumbling shacks, winches and forgotten tractors coated in decades of rust sit, untouched, unmoved and as mysterious as a Russell T Davies plot. There’s not a whole lot to do here – but there’s so much to see, and so much to pique your curiosity that you’ll spend the journey back Googling the area. Kids will love the sheer strangeness of it all, and it’s impossible to resist the childlike urge to climb and run and play. Few places so close to London feel like such an adventure; the journey can take less than two hours and, if you time it right, you can order the catch of the day for lunch from roadside hut the Snack Shack, which does the freshest fish, lobster rolls and ice-cold cans of San Pellegrino.

If you decide to stay over : You’ll have to venture out of Dungeness–try The Rose in Deal , a grown-up bolthole splashed with bold colors and covetable vintage finds.

The best day trip from London for : switching off How to get there from London: The train from London Waterloo to Dorking takes 50 minutes.

Surrey’s proximity to London makes the journey a breeze–and it’s an especially astute pick if you’re likely to be coming with a car full of little ones. At Henry VIII’s home Hampton Court Palace, there are family-friendly events such as beast quests and ghost tours, as well as the famous giant hedge maze, where adventurous kids can lead the troops. In winter, an ice rink is set against the historic backdrop of the palace, a building whose grandiose architecture is shaped by both the Tudor and Baroque periods. If you’re escaping the city (and the kids), however, check in at Grayshott Health Spa, a traditional country home with cutting-edge treatments. Surrounded by 47 acres of flowering gardens, it’s a peaceful place to step back and take stock. Connect with nature at Kew, too, where the Royal Botanic Gardens are open to the public all year round. The winter light show is particularly mesmerizing, when the sun starts to sink earlier and earlier. Be sure to take cash for mince pies and mulled wine as you wander through the grounds. Having been awarded a Michelin star, Steve Drake’s restaurant Sorrel in Dorking (a market town with chocolate-box charm) is currently the county’s hottest restaurant with the most exciting ‘discovery menu’.

If you decide to stay over : Surrey is home to some of the best spas near London, such as Grayshott, where the Manor House rooms offer faded charm.

Hastings and St Leonards

The best day trip from London for:  old-school seaside charm How to get there from London:  The fast train from London St Pancras International takes 1 hour 32 minutes with a change at Ashford International

There’s almost too much to fit into a one-day visit to Hastings, especially if you want to pop over to the neighbouring town of St Leonards. Over the last few years, these two East Sussex enclaves have become a popular bolthole for burnt-out Londoners looking for a bohemian seaside escape. To see what all the fuss is about, head straight to explore Hasting’s quaint Old Town, a picturesque maze of streets sandwiched between two dramatic cliffs. Pedestrianised scenic George Street is where most of the action happens, with a thrum of cafés, shops and pubs, but it’s worth wandering the surrounding streets too. Seek out AG Hendy & Co on the High Street for well-curated vintage homewares and stop into The Crown for cozy pub grub made with excellent local produce. If you’re up for a wander, get the funicular up and walk along to the cliff to Fairlight Glen, a beautiful secluded beach where clothing is optional. Or if that sounds a bit much, stay in the Old Town and explore the dramatic black fisherman’s huts on Rock-A-Nore beach where there’s Hastings Contemporary art gallery, a tiny shipwreck museum, fresh seafood stalls and a very cute miniature railway. Next up, take the 40-minute amble along the beach past the pier to St Leonards and stop off for food at the fabulous seafront café, Goat Ledge. It’s worth the trip for their crispy panko fish baps and katsu curry sauce chips alone. Nearby, there are great independent shops selling everything from candles to kimonos on Norman Road and King’s Road where you can easily spend a few hours happily browsing and café hopping before settling into dinner at Michelin-recommended pub The Royal.  Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over:  Book into  The Old Rectory , a bijou  b&b  in Hasting’s Old Town with treatment rooms and a walled garden.

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17 Absolute Best Day Trips from London (+ How to Visit, Top Tours & Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2024

London is an amazing city with so much to offer that you could spend weeks and still not see it all. But in addition to all the top sights and attractions in the city itself , there are also so many beautiful places near London, many of which can easily be visited as a day trip from London.

However, with such an array of possibilities, how do you choose the very best day trips from London that are worth your time the most?

In this article, we feature the absolute best places that you can visit as a one-day trip from London, England . This guide includes all the ‘musts’, the very best day trip destinations near London for first-time visitors, but also for local travelers who want to (re)discover some of the most popular sights near London.

In addition, for each place, we include recommendations on how to visit on your own and also the best day tours from London . Because even though you can visit many of these places by train, often, you will be able to see so much more if you go on an organized tour.

Many tours combine several major landmarks in one day, allowing you to make the most of your time and see a lot in a short time. Furthermore, going with a local guide is a great opportunity to explore deeper, scratch beneath the surface, and discover things you didn’t even know existed…

Good to know: At the bottom of this article, you can find a map indicating all the places that you can easily visit as a day trip from London mentioned in this guide. It will give you a better idea of where everything is.

TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the entire article and are looking for the best day trips from London, here are the 4 most popular day tours among our readers:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath (also in combination with Roman Baths that you can add when booking).
• Cotswolds .
• Harry Potter Studio (also in combination with Oxford).
• Seven Sisters & South Downs .

Interesting to know: Overall, the most-visited day trip destinations from London are Windsor Castle and Harry Potter Studios.

These are the best & most popular day trips from London:

1. Windsor Castle

If you visit just one place outside of London city, make it Windsor Castle ! Located just 20 miles (32 km) from the city center, a day trip to Windsor is a must on any London bucket list!

The spectacular Windsor Castle is one of the queen’s official residences and has been home to the royal family for 900 years! Kings and queens have been buried here, including the infamous Henry VIII and Jayne Seymour, his third wife. Most recently, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is also buried at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

An excellent example of church architecture in medieval times, Windsor Castle is still used for royal receptions and state occasions. In recent years it has been the venue of the weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

Open all year round, Windsor Castle is a great way to explore royal history, from touring the Castle Precincts to viewing the lavish staterooms and apartments. The Castle Grounds are both beautiful and peaceful and from there you can observe the iconic Changing of the Guard, which normally happens at 11 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from April until the end of July.

Good to know. At the moment, Windsor Castle is open daily except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Because it’s a working royal palace, sometimes parts of the castle or even the entire castle can get closed on short notice. Below, you can find all the practical information for your visit. Read on!

How to visit. You can easily get to Windsor by train from London. There’s a direct train from London Waterloo Station and it takes about 1 hour. From Windsor & Eton Riverside station, it’s just a short walk to the castle. Be sure to book your Windsor Castle tickets online in advance ! This is the best option for those who prefer to take their time and explore the castle at their own pace.

If you come here for a day, be sure to check out Windsor and Eton towns as well! The best way to do this is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus in Windsor . Another nice thing to do is take a boat tour and enjoy different views of the castle from the river.

Good to know: Entry to Windsor Palace is also included with the London Pass , which offers good value if you spend more time in London and plan on visiting many popular tourist attractions and museums.

Best tours from London. Windsor Castle is the most popular day trip destination near London, so there are many tours that can bring you here as well. Most tours that visit the castle also include one or several other nice places nearby – perfect for those who are short on time and want to make the most of their day.

Here are the most popular day tours from London that visit Windsor Castle:

• Windsor Castle only – this is a convenient bus transfer from/ to London that also includes the tickets to the castle. This tour takes about 4 hours in total – the fastest way to visit Windsor Castle from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – the most popular full-day tour from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – with an option to visit Roman Baths.

2. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and another extremely popular destination for London day trips. Built almost 5000 years ago by farmers in the Neolithic period, this is a spiritual and architectural wonder that many people consider an absolute must-see in the UK!

Historians still debate its original purpose, although most agree that it was probably built for spiritual reasons. Meanwhile, engineers marvel at the extraordinary skill and size of the construction project, which must have involved hundreds of workers given the very simple tools they had available at the time.

Whilst the main attraction at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the mystical Stone Circle itself, you can also view the 5 on-site Neolithic houses. Their design was based on the remains of houses from this period that were discovered during a nearby excavation in 2006.

You can step through the doors of these houses to see just how the builders of Stonehenge might have lived thousands of years ago, with each house equipped with replica axes, pottery, and artifacts.

How to visit . Stonehenge is located about 90 miles (145 km) from London. There are no direct trains to Stonehenge, but you can take a train to Salisbury train station and then take The Stonehenge Tour Bus service from there. The easiest way to get here from London is either by car or by tour. If you drive, prepare for very busy traffic and count at least 2 hours one way. If you go without a tour, be sure to book your admission tickets online in advance !

Best tours from London. Since Stonehenge is quite a drive from the city, but it doesn’t require that much time to visit, it’s usually included as one of the sights of some of the most popular day tours from London.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Stonehenge from London:

• Stonehenge only – a very popular half-day tour (morning or afternoon) that includes transportation and entrance tickets. It takes about 6 hours and is the fastest way to visit Stonehenge from London.
• Stonehenge & Bath – the most relaxing full-day tour.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – a very complete tour that also includes an entry to the Roman Baths.

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and the most popular town that you can easily visit as a day trip from London. This picturesque historic city is filled with stunning examples of honey-colored Georgian architecture and some of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Perhaps the most famous feature of this UNESCO World Heritage City is the ancient Roman Baths built around thermal springs and supplying water for over 2,000 years. Whilst the Baths are open for you to view, no bathing has been allowed there since 1978. Instead, the much more modern Thermae Bath Spa was opened in 2006, containing the only natural hot spring in England in which you are allowed to bathe.

In the city stands the magnificent Bath Abbey , with its unique ‘ladder of angels’ on the west front. This feature was inspired by Bath’s Bishop at that time, who saw angels ascending and descending in a dream. You will also see the iconic ‘Royal Crescent’ – 30 Grade I listed terraced houses built in the late 18th century, arranged in a crescent around a verdant lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park.

Another architectural gem is the Circus , also built in the latter half of the 18th century. This historic street of large townhouses forms a circle, which is how it got its name (Circus is Latin for a ring, circle, or oval).

And perhaps most beautiful of all is the romantic Pulteney Bridge , with its small, leaded domes, pilasters, and pediments. The bridge was named after the wife of William Johnstone Pulteney, an important figure in Bath at that time and owner of much of the surrounding land. A popular thing to do in Bath is to take a short boat trip on River Avon – it allows you to easily see some of the main sights of Bath in a short time.

How to visit. Bath is about 120 miles (195 km), about 2.5 hours drive from London. If you drive, be sure to stop at Stonehenge along the way! The fastest way to get to Bath from London is by train – it takes less than 1.5 hours. And there are also many tours that visit Bath from London, usually in combination with other beautiful places nearby.

TIP. If you visit Bath on your own, you may want to take a walking tour of the city. It’s the best way to see a lot in a short time – you’ll be sure not to miss any important places, but it also gives you a better insight into the history and architecture of this unique town.

Best tours from London. Since Bath is so close to Stonehenge, most tours from London visit both of these places together. In addition, some tours also include one or several other places nearby.

Here are the most popular day tours from London to Bath:

• Stonehenge & Bath .
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath .
• Stonehenge and Bath Tour with Secret Site – a very highly rated small group tour.

One of the UK’s most famous university towns, Oxford is also a place that you can easily visit as a day trip from London.

Oxford University was established in the 12th century and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university is composed of 38 separate college buildings, whose architecture inspired the poet Matthew Arnold to name it the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ (see the picture of the All Souls College below, and you’ll understand where the name comes from).

Some scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Oxford, so it can be fun to try and spot them as you tour the city. Harry Potter fans can also opt for this popular walking tour of the filming locations .

In the heart of the city center is Christ Church College , home to the magnificent Hall and Christ Church Cathedral with its landmark spire and Tom Tower. The gardens of the 12th-century Cathedral inspired Lewis Carroll to write ‘Alice in Wonderland’. You can hunt for features of the story, such as the Alice in Wonderland motives in one of the large windows in the Great Dining Hall.

The Cathedral also contains the shrine and tomb of Saint Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford. Christ Church College – one of Oxford University’s largest colleges – has lots more for visitors to see, from the famous Bodley Tower to the stunning Meadow Building.

There are two main museums that are well worth seeing during a visit to Oxford. Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is Oxford University’s museum of art and archaeology. Free to enter, it’s a great place to learn all about human culture and societies across the world and throughout time, with its collections including everything from Egyptian mummies to contemporary works of art.

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History , meanwhile, houses a captivating collection of natural specimens, covering everything from Earth’s beginnings to a look inside an active beehive!

Connecting two parts of Hertford College is the Hertford Bridge , popularly known as the ‘Bridge of Sighs’. Named after its resemblance to Venice’s Bridge of Sighs , this particular bridge is a skyway that allows students to travel from one building to another. Designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and completed in 1914, this photo-worthy bridge is best viewed from the steps of the University’s Bodleian Library (another must-see in Oxford).

How to visit. Oxford is just 60 miles (95 km), 1.5 hours drive from London. There are also direct trains from London and the journey takes about 1 hour – this is the best way to visit Oxford on your own. There are also organized tours that visit Oxford from London – usually in combination with one or two other places nearby.

TIP: If you visit Oxford for a day, consider this walking tour . It takes just 1.5 hours and is a great way to learn more about the city and the university. River cruises are also very popular and are a fun way to explore Oxford!

Best tours from London. While you could easily fill an entire day in Oxford, most one-day tours from London only spend a few hours here and combine a visit here with several other places.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Oxford from London:

• Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford – a bucket list day trip for all Harry Potter fans!
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – see three of the most popular locations in one day.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – this is a great tour for those who want to see the English countryside. It’s also a nice addition to the popular Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath tours mentioned above. If you do two of these tours, you get to see most of the nicest day trip destinations near London in just two days.

5. Cotswolds

The scenic traditional towns and stone villages of the Cotswolds is one of the most popular London day trips for those who want to experience the true English countryside. This area is so picturesque! Below, you can find an overview of the most beautiful places not to miss.

Minster Lovell village is the home of Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote, which sits on the banks of the River Windrush. This 15th-century Oxfordshire manor house was built by William, Baron of Lovell and Holand – one of England’s richest men at the time. The house was eventually abandoned and now only the substantial ruins remain, giving lots of wonderful photographic opportunities against their beautiful rural backdrop.

A Cotswold village of outstanding beauty is Bibury , with its gorgeous stone buildings that run along the banks of the River Coln. Here you can see the iconic Arlington Row – a series of buildings that were originally built as a monastic wool store but were later converted into cottages. Now owned by the National Trust, Arlington Row is considered to be so quintessentially English that its image appears on the inside cover of UK passports.

Another village well worth visiting is Buford , with its 3 arched medieval bridges across the River Windrush. Famous for its High Street which runs down toward the river, Buford is popular for antique shopping and boasts lots of good restaurants, pubs, and tea rooms. It’s also home to a hotel in which King Charles dined with his mistress, Nell Gwynne.

Whilst there are many contenders for the title, most people will agree that Bourton-on-the-Water is the prettiest village in England. Also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, this ‘must-see’ village is named for the many beautiful bridges that cross its river at the center. Located in a small valley, Bourton-on-the-Water has many charming tea rooms and restaurants, plus a range of eclectic shops including pottery and the Cotswold Perfumery. Don’t miss the popular model village, which is a 1/9th scale replica of the entire center of the village.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting on the afternoon of the August Bank Holiday Monday, you’ll witness one of the village’s more curious traditions, in which a local team plays a full game of football right in the River Windrush. This bizarre game of soccer has been filmed and reported all over the world!

If you have more time in this area, here are some more really nice villages to see in the Cotswolds: Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester, Chipping Campden, Blockley, and Stanton .

How to visit. The Cotswolds are about 30 minutes drive west of Oxford and about 2 hours drive from London. Since the main attractions of the Cotswolds are its various villages, the best way to visit here is either by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. The beautiful Cotswolds region is just a short drive from Oxford, so many tours combine the two places. There are also popular Downton Abbey filming location tours that combine a visit here to that of the Highclere Castle, but because of time restraints, you usually only see one village on these tours.

Here is an overview of the most popular Cotswolds tours from London:

• Cotswolds only – this is the best tour for those who want to explore the Cotswolds deeper as it visits several of the nicest villages and allows you more time to experience this beautiful area.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – the most popular day tour.
• Oxford and Cotswolds Villages – the best small-group tour.
• Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, and Cotswolds – this tour is packed, but well organized and you get to see some of the best places in a very short time.

6. Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small medieval market town and also a very popular place to see near London. The birthplace of William Shakespeare is probably at the top of most people’s must-see lists and the main reason to visit here.

The timber-framed house on Henley Street is where Shakespeare not only spent part of his childhood but also the first 5 years of his marriage after his father’s death in 1601. Live presentations from guides dressed in period costumes and the carefully restored Tudor rooms bring history to life.

In the many Tudor-style buildings of Stratford, you’ll also find 3 theatres owned by The Royal Shakespeare Company. They perform plays by Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and other, later writers. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is situated on the banks of the River Avon, panoramic views of which can be enjoyed from the theatre’s tower.

Also on the River Avon is the Swan Theatre , built on the side of the Royal Theatre and offering a more intimate atmosphere. The third theatre – the Other Place – is smaller and used as a center for performing arts.

For a taste of old-fashioned romance, pay a visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage a bit outside of town. This beautiful 500-year-old building was originally a farmhouse and was where William Shakespeare courted Anne, his future wife. Incredibly picturesque, the cottage still contains original features and furnishings and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Another must-see is the Hall’s Croft , the house of Shakespeare’s daughter, with stunning gardens. Inside, you can find original 16-17th-century furniture, paintings, and other items.

How to visit. Stratford-upon-Avon is about 100 miles (160 km), 2 hours drive from London. If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to visit here on a day trip from London is by joining a tour.

Best tours from London. Most tours visiting Stratford-upon-Avon from London combine it with other places nearby and only spend a few hours here. They usually include a guided walk in the town center and sometimes a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace.

Here is a small selection of the best day tours from London:

• Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds – this is one of the few tours that spend more time in Stratford and also visits Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. It also brings you to three villages in the Cotswolds.
• Oxford, Stratford, & Cotswolds – this popular tour spends about 2 hours in Stratford and covers more ground in a day.

7. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Fans of Harry Potter – and even those who have yet to experience the wizardly wonder of the movies – will enjoy a visit to the fascinating Warner Bros. studio near London . It’s one of the most popular day tours from London (after Windsor Castle), and a must if visiting London with kids .

Here, you can see firsthand some of the amazing sets used in the film’s production, including the Great Hall of Hogwarts (which went on to be used in 6 more films) and the Forbidden Forest filled with 19 trees, each with a diameter of over 12 feet. You can even see The Hogwarts Express locomotive at the elusive Platform 9¾.

There are prop rooms where you can take a close-up look at look at the elaborate props used in the Harry Potter movies. There are almost 2,000 potion jars and memory vials, all with labels hand-designed by the Graphics Department. You can also see Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which took 3 months to build and was intended to look as much as possible as a real 18th-century storefront.

If you have an interest in the making of movies, you will enjoy other parts of the studio as well. The Special and Visual Effects section reveals how some of the more incredible scenes were created, including how Harry and his friends were made invisible by the Invisibility Cloak and how they appeared to fly! Even more captivating is the Creature Effects section, where you can learn how the magical creatures in the Harry Potter films were created and brought to life.

A visit to the Making of Harry Potter Studio provides a magical and educational experience for adults and children alike. If you are looking for a fun relaxing day trip near London, this is a great option for the whole family!

How to visit. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio is located in Leavesden, Watford, about 20 miles from London city center. But because of the busy traffic, it’s quite a long drive. There’s a train from London to Watford, from where you’ll have to take a bus to the studios – the journey will take you over 1 hour not counting the time to get to the station. There are also several companies offering bus transfers from London – see below.

Best tours from London. The easiest way to get to Harry Potter Studios is by booking a transfer or a tour from London. That way you don’t have to worry about the tickets either.

This highly-rated  Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour  departs from Victoria Station, close to Westminster Catedral in the city center. There is also a popular  tour that departs from King’s Cross . The prices are usually the same and include a bus transfer and tickets. You’ll need about 7-8 hours in total for this day trip.

PRO TIP: One of the most popular tours from London is this popular tour that includes a visit to the studios and also visits Oxford . It’s a truly magical day trip as Oxford is one of the places where Harry Potter movies were filmed.

8. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace , one of the Tudor Palaces, was the former royal residence of King Henry VIII. In addition to Windsor, this is another really nice place to visit near London, especially if you are a fan of royal history.

Hampton Court is a huge, impressive baroque-style palace located at the River Thames and surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland . If you visit in spring, you can see the magnificent tulip festival. But the gardens have something nice to offer in every season, and there are various events at the Palace throughout the year.

The interior of the castle gives you a chance to take a glimpse into the daily life of royals in the 16-17th centuries. You can visit the impressive State Rooms and private apartments of William III . Also, don’t miss the kitchens of Henry VIII , where over 200 people worked in the past, cooking and serving more than 800 meals per day.

Another highlight is the magnificent Great Hall that was originally a dining room, but afterwards became a sort of theatre that was used for entertainment, plays, and dances. Back in the day, William Shakespeare performed his plays here. The highlights here include a series of tapestries showing scenes from the Book of Genesis and the impressive timber roof with Anne Bollaine’s coat-of-arms.

This is also a very nice place to visit for families, with a maze in the garden, fantastic play areas for children, and plenty of places for a picnic. When the weather is nice, you could easily spend an entire day just exploring the gardens.

How to visit. Hampton Court Palace is located on the outskirts of London, about 15 miles southwest of the city center. You can easily visit Hampton Court Palace from London by train. There is a train from London Waterloo Station to Surbiton Station, and from there to Hampton Court. It takes about 40 minutes.

In addition, there are also several tours – see below.

Good to know: Hampton Court Palace entry is included with the London Pass .

Tours from London. Because Hampton Court is quite easy to get to and explore on your own, there aren’t many organized tours. The best ones are private tours like this one ; it combines a visit to Hampton Court Palace with that of Windsor Castle. That way, you get to see two of the most impressive royal palaces near London in one day.

There are also some nice bike tours or boat tours that explore the surroundings of Hampton, starting from different locations nearby.

9. Brighton & Seven Sisters

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London and see some of the stunning nature of England, then definitely consider a day trip to the white cliffs of Seven Sisters and South Downs . At the same time, you can also visit one of the UK’s nicest coastal cities – Brighton .

Brighton is worth a trip in its own right, with all the little pleasures that a lively seaside resort has to offer. If you have some time to spare, check out the Royal Pavilion , an Asian-style palace that looks like it belongs in an Indian fairytale…

But for a sightseeing day trip from London, you can also opt for something slightly different and explore some of the beautiful nature outside of town as well.

The rolling hills of the South Downs offer so much to explore and enjoy, with spectacular views and popular spots with their own unique legends. One of the most famous is that of the Devil’s Dyke , a v-shaped dry valley whose creation was attributed to the work of the devil himself (although, as you will see, it’s far too beautiful for that!). The South Downs is also home to the Long Man of Wilmington – a 235 ft tall chalk figure on the side of a grassy hill and one of only two human hill figures in England.

Be sure to check out Beachy Head , which – at 535 feet – is the highest chalk cliff on the southern coast of England. From the top, you can see miles of coastline in either direction, plus the candy-striped lighthouse that sits just out to sea. Nearby is the Birling Gap – one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. Here you can see coastal erosion firsthand, with the cliffs eroding up to a meter a year at certain points.

Another highlight of any visit to the South Downs is the Seven Sisters – an undulating line of white chalk cliffs, each hill with its own name. They are best viewed from Seaford Head , where you can see evidence of an 8th hill beginning to form from the erosion of the sea.

TIP: Any visit to the Downs must include a visit to the popular Middle Farm , which offers such delicacies as local cheese, sparkling wines, and traditional Sussex cider.

How to visit. South Downs and the Seven Sisters are located near Brighton in south England. While you can easily get to Brighton by train from London, you’ll need a car for the other places. The best way to visit is with a tour – see below.

Best tours from London. There are just a few tours from London that visit this area. The best option is this highly-rated tour that includes a train ticket from London to Brighton and a small-group minibus tour of the sights along the coast. If you prefer to make your own way to Brighton, you can also book the same tour starting in Brighton .

TIP: If you rather book a private tour, there is one tour that offers a pick-up in your hotel in London and covers all these sights in and around Brighton.

10. Cambridge

Less than an hour by train from London, Cambridge is another beautiful town to visit for a day. Just as Oxford, it’s probably best known for its centuries-old University, and this beautiful town has lots of well-preserved historic buildings. But this medieval city is also a student town and has a very nice, relaxed atmosphere.

Don’t miss the King’s College Chapel , Queen’s College , Trinity College, and Wren Library . You can also climb to the top of the tower of Great St Mary’s Church for nice views over the city.

In addition to exploring the many colleges in the city (there are 31! of them), be sure to walk along the River Cam ! Also Cambridge has its own Bridge of Sighs . This covered bridge at St John’s College spans over the river and is a favorite photo spot for weddings as well as tourists visiting the town.

Other nice bridges worth seeing in Cambridge are the Mathematical Bridge , Clare College Bridge , King’s College Bridge , and there are many others.

A great way to explore the beautiful river, see the bridges, the town, and the surroundings is a punt tour . This traditional boat ride is a very typical thing to do in Cambridge – don’t miss it!

How to visit. Cambridge is just over 60 miles (95 km) north of London, and the easiest way to visit is by taking a direct train from King’s Cross Station in London. It takes less than 50 minutes, so you can easily visit Cambridge on your own, without a tour.

Once in Cambridge, you can take a walking tour with a local or explore on your own. The earlier mentioned punt tours on the river are also not to be missed.

Best tours from London. If you rather visit Cambridge with a tour from London, there are several options as well. We recommend this 2-in-1 tour that visits Cambridge and Oxford . That way, you get to see two university towns in one day.

11. Canterbury Cathedral & Leeds Castle

While Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral are over 20 miles apart, these two landmarks don’t require that much time and so are usually visited on the same day. In fact, they are usually combined with a short visit to Dover too, but more about it further below.

After a visit to Leeds Castle , you will not be able to help but agree with Lord Conway, who described it as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. With a romantic, fairy-tale appearance, this 12th-century gem was built in the center of a natural lake, surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland.

Leeds Castle was once used as a palace by Henry VIII and the private property of six medieval queens. Its rooms have been beautifully restored and give you the opportunity to learn all about its long and fascinating history.

In addition to the Lady Baillie Garden, which gives stunning views across the lake, the grounds also hold one of Kent’s most popular mazes, with 2,400 yew trees. Once you reach the maze’s center, a fascinating underground grotto takes you back to the real world!

One of the most famous and picturesque Christian buildings in England, Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597, then extensively rebuilt from 1070 to 1077. It is the Cathedral of the leader of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and is still used for active worship.

The Cathedral contains the shrine of Archbishop Thomas Becket and you can stand on the spot upon which he was murdered, as told in Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous ‘Canterbury Tales’.

Also the medieval town center of Canterbury, with its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses, is a nice place to see if you have more time. It’s a popular day trip from London for locals. Also here, you can take traditional boat tours on the river.

How to visit. Unless you have a car, the easiest way to visit Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral is by taking a tour. If you just visit one of these places, you could also get there by public transport. For Leeds Castle, you have to take a train to Ashford, followed by a bus trip to the castle. For Canterbury, there’s a direct train from London, and you can make a nice relaxing day trip by visiting this picturesque town.

Best tours from London. There are several tours from London that visit these places. You can find them here and they are all quite similar in terms of itinerary.

12. White Cliffs of Dover & Dover Castle

“There’ll be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover” went the words to the popular wartime song – and if you’re familiar with the song then it’s quite incredible to see the inspiring white cliffs for yourself. If you are looking for something different to see near London than historic towns and villages, Dover is a wonderful place to visit!

Composed of chalk, Dover’s cliffs are 350 ft high and stretch for 8 miles. They were on the front line of both world wars and were a critical part of England’s defenses at that time. Now, they provide wonderful views across the surrounding countryside and the English Channel. On clear days you can even look across and see France!

The unique chalky grassland habitat of the cliffs means that they are abundant in wildlife and you can see all sorts of flowers, butterflies, and birds as you walk, including the rarely spotted peregrine falcon.

You can either spend your visit simply enjoying the cliff-top views, or take a short trip to see Dover Castle too. Dover Castle is one of England’s biggest castles and was built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Ironically, he built it to stop anyone from invading the country using the way in which he’d invaded it himself!

A visit to the Castle includes exploration of the tunnels that go deep into the cliffs, where you can learn all about the dramatic evacuation from Dunkirk and see the Underground Hospital that was used to treat injured soldiers in WWII.

How to visit. Dover is about 80 miles southeast of London. You can take a direct train to Dover from London and visit the town and the castle, and take a walk along the shore from where you can admire the beautiful white cliffs. Alternatively, you can also visit here with some day tours from London – see below.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that visit Dover from London, usually in combination with a few other places and Dover is often not more than a short photo stop. Here are the most popular day tours:

• Dover, Leeds Castle & Canterbury Cathedral – the most popular and best price/quality tour from London.
• Dover, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Greenwich – quite a full day, but you get to see a lot in a short time.

13. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a very impressive country house in Woodstock, about 65 miles northwest of London. This is England’s only non-royal country house that actually holds the title of a palace.

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill currently the home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is a stunning example of 18th-century Baroque architecture. During your visit, you will see the magnificent staterooms, which are filled with priceless works of art and beautiful tapestries. A grade I listed building and World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace also contains the finest collection of antiques to be found anywhere in Europe.

The gardens – set within over 754 hectares of land – are particularly wonderful to explore. Designed by the English landscape architect Capability Brown, there are several formal gardens to enjoy. Don’t miss the Rose Garden, the exquisite Water Terraces, the Secret Gardens, and the family-friendly Pleasure Gardens.

Historical monuments can be seen throughout, including the Column of Victory (built to commemorate the Duke of Marlborough’s military successes), the Grand Bridge which spans the two lakes and The Temple of Diana, where Sir Winston Churchill proposed to his future wife.

There are also a few recommended walks to take. Possibly the most beautiful is The Lake and Grand Cascade walk, which gives you breathtaking views of the countryside.

Good to know: The Palace and the grounds are so big and have so much to offer that you can easily spend an entire day here. In fact, many people find that one day isn’t even enough and many locals get a yearly pass for the Palace. However, many tours only spend a few hours here and just cover the main highlights. So how to visit depends on what you want to see and do here.

How to visit. The easiest way to visit Blenheim Palace is by car or with a tour, but you can also get here by public transport. From London Paddington Station, take a train to Hanborough (a bit over 1 hour), and from there, take a bus to the palace (it takes 7-10 minutes). If you want to spend an entire day at the palace, this is the best way to visit on a day trip from London.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that shortly visit Blenheim Palace from London. The best tour that spends more time at Palace is this Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds tour. This tour also includes a few short photo stops at other popular locations nearby.

14. Downton Abbey Filming Locations

Downton Abbey filming locations close to Oxford and the Cotswolds make another popular day trip destination from London. There are two main places that you’ll want to see here – Bampton village and Highclere Castle .

Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and another fine example of luxurious life in the English countryside. It has been used for various film sets but became hugely popular since the filming of the TV series Downton Abbey . It’s now a very popular place to visit from Oxford or from London. The castle belongs to the Carnarvon family and is kept as it is, without turning it into a ‘theme park’ like some other castles in the area.

Another must-see for Downton Abbey fans is the beautiful village of Bampton . You’ll recognize many of the buildings here from the series, and it’s great fun to try to spot them during your visit!

Be sure to locate the home of Isobel Crawley, the church (actually named St. Mary’s), two fictional pubs – the Grantham Arms and the Dog and Duck – plus the Downton Cottage Hospital. The building used for the hospital is, in reality, the Bampton Community Archive, which houses a collection of old photos of the village and its people.

Bampton is a lovely village to visit in its own right. It is mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 and was already a large settlement during the era of the Norman Conquest. On the other hand, it’s so small that you don’t need much time here.

How to visit. Highclere Castle is located about 65 miles (105 km) west of London, whereas Bampton village is about 30-40 miles from here, very close to Oxford. The best way to visit these places is either by car or by taking a tour.

Best tours from London. There are several tours visiting Downton Abbey filming locations from London. Some of the tours also visit Oxford, some others pass several villages of Cotswolds as well. This tour has the most complete itinerary covering most of the Downton Abbey filming locations.

The picturesque village of Lacock in rural Wiltshire near Bath is another place often visited on day tours from London. It’s a small village and you don’t need much time here, but it’s well worth a stop if touring the area.

The historic village of Lacock looks much as it did two centuries ago. Founded in the Saxon era, Lacock’s buildings originally made up part of a monastery complex (be sure to visit Lacock Abbey !). In the 19th century, it lost its main source of income from the wool industry, so very little development has taken place since then.

This means that this unspoiled little village gives an authentic look into days gone by. In fact, you can still see an old workhouse and medieval tithe barn in addition to the traditional stone cottages, with classic English pubs dotted throughout.

The village’s beauty makes it a popular choice as a TV and film location. Scenes from Pride and Prejudice were filmed here and Lacock Abbey was also used to film parts of Harry Potter.

Lacock was also used in Downtown Abbey, but because of its location, it’s usually a place you’d visit in combination with Bath and Stonehenge and not together with Highclere castle or Bampton. Unless you drive – in that case, you could make your own tour covering all three.

How to visit. Because of its rural location, Lacock is best visited by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. There are many tours that stop in Lacock, usually in combination with a visit to Bath, Stonehenge, sometimes also with Windsor Castle. This is the most popular tour that also brings you to Lacock (in addition to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath).

16. Warwick Castle

If you want to visit a real medieval castle near London, consider a day trip to Warwick Castle . With a history that goes back over 1000 years, a visit here takes you on a journey back in time, to a world of historic myths and battles for the English throne, but also lavish banquets, and royal splendor.

The castle was originally built as a wooden fort in 1068 and was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. As you arrive, you enter over the footbridge and find an impressive medieval castle with ramparts and towers. You can climb the stairs of the castle walls and explore this impressive castle inside out.

A visit to Warwick Castle is very different than the others mentioned in this guide – it has something of a theme park feel if you like. There are various events, shows, attractions, archery and sword lessons, and lots of other fun experiences all year round.

This is one of those places where locals visit with their children during weekends and school holidays, but it’s also fun and entertaining for tourists. Even more so if you are traveling with a family.

How to visit. Warwick Castle is located about 100 miles (160km), 2 hours drive from London. If you want to spend more time at the castle, by far the easiest way to visit Warwick from London for a day is by train.

There are direct trains from London Marylebone Station to Warwick Railway Station, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. From the station, it’s about 20-30 minutes walk to the castle. Be sure to check the official website of the castle for more info and book your tickets in advance!

Best tours from London. Most tours from London that visit Warwick Castle do this in combination with Oxford and Stratford. Some also stop at one or two villages in the Cotswolds. Here you can find a selection of tours that include a visit to Warwick Castle .

17. Liverpool & The Beatles

While not exactly next door, we feel that Liverpool also deserves a mention as a place that you can visit on a day trip from London. If you are a fan of The Beatles , a visit here is a bucket-list experience and well worth the journey.

A visit to Liverpool gives a fascinating look into the lives and times of 4 local lads who formed what would become one of the most famous bands in the world. A good starting point from which to enjoy this vibrant Victorian city is the Royal Albert Dock, which is made up of refurbished dock warehouses and is now packed with restaurants, cafes, and many attractions.

The Beatles Story is an award-winning, permanent exhibition totally devoted to the Fab Four! Located on the Dock, it contains lots of authentic memorabilia and provides an immersive experience for visitors. Even children are catered for in the Exhibitions Discovery Zone. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance !

Another interesting part of the visit for die-hard Beatles fans is the Magical Mystery Tour , which you take via a colorful tour bus that sets off from the Royal Albert Dock. In addition to the birthplaces, homes, schools, and original workplaces of the Beatles, you will also see the places that inspired some of their greatest hits, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Liverpool

How to visit. The best way to visit Liverpool as a day trip from London is by taking a train (going by car would be about 4 hours one way). The journey by train takes 2 – 2.5 hours and there are many trains throughout the day, but be sure to book in advance and start your day as early as possible!

Once in Liverpool, you can take the earlier-mentioned Magical Mystery bus tour. Definitely visit the Beatles Story exhibition as well!

TIP: If you find it overwhelming to arrange everything yourself, you can also book a day tour to Liverpool from London. Most of these ‘tours’ are actually individual trips where everything from train tickets to all activities is pre-arranged for you. See below.

Best tours from London. This Liverpool and The Beatles day tour is the most popular and probably the best option. It includes reserved train seats, an entry to the Beatles Story exhibition, and also a ticket to the 2-hour Magical Mystery Tour!

Good to know: The above-mentioned tour from London to Liverpool starts at Euston Station in London and is normally available every day except Sundays. You’ll have to meet their representative at the station at 6.30 AM, so prepare for this to be a long day!

LEARN MORE: How to Plan a Day Trip to Liverpool from London

Map of the best places to visit as a day trip from London & practical info

To give you a better idea of where all these places are located, we created a map indicating all the best day trip destinations from London mentioned in this guide. You can click on the map below in order to see it on Google Maps.

Good to know: As already mentioned, many of the most popular day trip destinations from London can be visited with organized tours or by train .

We don’t recommend renting a car if you are staying in London – the traffic is so busy in and around the city that it would be a nightmare for someone who’s not used to it. Renting a car would only make sense if you are planning a longer road trip, outside of the cities.

For organized tours , we recommend booking via the GetYourGuide website . They have a great selection of tours at the most competitive rates and the best cancelation policy and customer service out there. We personally book all tickets and tours via this website when we travel anywhere in the world.

So, this is our guide to some of the most popular day trips and tours from London. I hope that this helps you choose a few nice places to visit near London and make your trip even more memorable.

For more travel inspiration for London and the UK, please see our featured articles below. Check it out!

More travel tips and inspiration for London:

• Must-see in London: Top London Attractions
• Hidden Gems of London
• Camden Market
• What to See in Camden Town
• Best Views in London
• London Travel Tips
• Where to Stay in London
• 1 Day in London
• 2-day London Itinerary
• London with Kids
• Family Afternoon Tea in London
• Best Things to Do in Greenwich
• Painted Hall
• Queen’s House and Tulip Stairs

READ ALSO: Traditional British Food & Where to Try It in the UK

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel tips and inspiration for all over the UK:

• Cities: Best Cities to Visit in the UK
• Cornwall: Best Places to Visit in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Yorkshire: Yorkshire Day Trips
• Liverpool: Best Things to Do in Liverpool & The Beatles in Liverpool
• Manchester: Best Things to Do in Manchester & 1-day Manchester Itinerary
• Scotland: Isle of Skye Itinerary & Scotland Whisky Tour
• Edinburgh: Top Places to See in Edinburgh & One Day in Edinburgh & Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
• Glasgow: One Day in Glasgow
• Seaside: Best Things to Do in Blackpool & Blackpool Travel Tips & Places to See Near Blackpool
• …for more destinations, check our UK travel guide .
• Read also: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Lacinda Mena

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

I am traveling with a group of six. We would like to depart London on September 4 and view Stonehedge, Windsor, and Bath on our way to Southampton. Do you know of any tours that would offer this service?

Hi Lacinda, no, I don't personally know any tours that offer this kind of service. I found this private tour that visits all the places that you mentioned from London. It's one of the cheapest and best-rated tours in its kind. However, I'm not sure if they wouldn't mind dropping you off somewhere else. You could probably book it and then contact them and ask what is possible. If it's not what you are looking for, you can cancel it. I see that the tour has free cancelation, so that's how I would do it. Otherwise, try to search the internet for private drivers and ask for a quote. Good luck!

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

Amazing blog! Was looking for something like this for my trip to London in a few days, and this has been really useful information; the detail with which you describe are amazing. Plus the alternatives to get there and the map, loved it all! Thanks for taking the time.

Thursday 27th of April 2023

Glad to help and thanks a lot for taking the time to leave this kind feedback, Alex! Have a great trip!

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Awesome! Thanks for the info!

Saturday 4th of February 2023

This was great information. Thanks

Monday 6th of February 2023

Glad to help. Have a great time in the UK!

Thursday 15th of December 2022

Love this blog!!! I am planning a trip to London with my son in February! This is exactly the information we are looking for! Super helpful!!

Friday 16th of December 2022

Glad to help, Holley. Have a great time in London!

The 18 Best Day Trips from London in 2024

Kristoffer Fons

March 20, 2024

Why not take a day trip from London and explore the beauty of its surroundings? From charming seaside towns to historic castles and vibrant cities, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.

In this post, I’ll look at some of the best day trips from London that tourists should try.

Whether you want a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of city life or an adventure packed with activities, I’ve got something for everyone

Let’s begin our journey.

1. Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford Tour

2. harry potter studios ⚡️, 3. blenheim palace and the cotswolds, 4. the best of kent – canterbury cathedral & dover, 5. trip to the famous white cliffs of dover, 6. downtown abbey day trip from london, 7. half-day trip from london to stonehenge, 8. the seven sisters in sussex, 9. day trip to paris with lunch at the eiffel tower 🇫🇷, 10. shakespeare’s stratford & cotswolds, 11. visit bicester village for luxury shopping 👛, 12. the beatles trip to liverpool 🎸, 13. best of cambridge, 14. bath, avebury & lacock village, 15. lake district – england’s most beautiful nature, 16. glastonbury and cheddar gorge, 17. edinburgh by train 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿, 18. isle of wight 🏝️.

Visit the picture-perfect town of Windsor and explore the world-famous Stonehenge and Oxford on an action-packed day trip from London.

Experience the beautiful English countryside, get to know the history behind some of England’s most famous landmarks, and even have time for shopping or sightseeing.

The tour starts with a visit to Windsor , a charming market town full of character home to the world’s largest inhabited castle – Windsor Castle . Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city and learn about its 600-year-old history.

Visit sites like St George’s Chapel, see where Her Majesty The Queen lives during weekends, or relax in one of the many quaint cafes and pubs that line the streets.

From there, continue onto Stonehenge – an ancient monument built about 5,000 years ago that still fascinates visitors today. Listen as your guide explains how it was constructed and learn about their theories regarding its purpose.

Next is Oxford – one of Britain’s oldest cities renowned for being a centre of education with beautiful University College buildings at each turn. Take a leisurely walk around this city filled with architectural wonders before returning to London.

On this unforgettable full-day tour from London, you will discover some of England’s most iconic historical sites in style.

With plenty of free time to explore on your own, shop or take photos along the way – you’ll be sure to get plenty out of your journey.

Read more about the day trip here .

If you’re looking for a fun-filled day trip from London, then the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter ( Harry Potter World ) could be just the ticket.

Located in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, this unique experience is guaranteed to transport you into the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

First off, you’ll get to explore the very sets and props used in the movies themselves. Take a walk down Diagon Alley, or observe real-life Quidditch matches.

You’ll learn all about how these iconic scenes were created with state-of-the-art special effects techniques, as well as hearing some behind-the-scenes secrets from the cast and crew members who worked on them.

The tour also features an impressive collection of detailed costumes and props straight out of Hogwarts – including Harry’s wand! If you’re a fan of the franchise, then this is a must-see experience – it’s like taking a step inside JK Rowling’s magical universe.

There are also plenty of interactive activities available at the Harry Potter World.

Visitors can try their hand at creating illusions with Animatronics Modeling or witness famous broomstick trickery for themselves by taking part in an exclusive action workshop.

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, there are also options to explore one of four film locations with exclusive access either through a guided tour or a self-exploration route.

Plus, there’s plenty more to see and do – making your visit to Harry Potter Studio Tour educational and entertaining.

Read more about the trip to Harry Potter Studios here .

Please read our complete guide to the Harry Potter World in London .

Explore the beautiful Cotswolds and visit the historic Blenheim Palace on a full day excursion from London.

Enjoy a delicious pub lunch in one of the region’s quaint villages before taking a tour of Blenheim and its grounds.

Your journey will start with an early morning coach ride to the Cotswolds , an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ( AONB ).

You can admire stunning English countryside scenery as you pass through quaint villages with charming thatched cottages and rolling hills.

Next, you’ll be invited to experience a traditional pub lunch at one of the Cotswolds’ iconic pubs. Take some time to sample a pint or two from the local brewery and soak up some of the region’s unique atmosphere.

Afterwards, it’s time for your visit to Blenheim Palace – home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Stroll around the magnificent Baroque palace surrounded by 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland where deer roam freely!

Get ready for a big dose of history as your expert guide takes you through its impressive state rooms, ballroom and chapel – each painted in exquisite 18th century ornamentation.

Relax as you travel back to London after an unforgettable day out in England’s beautiful Cotswolds countryside.

Whether it’s culture you crave or simple relaxation – there’s something for everyone during this amazing full day excursion.

You can read more about the day trip here .

See the best of Kent on a day trip from London to Leeds castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover.

Enjoy an exclusive private showing of Leeds Castle before heading to Canterbury Cathedral for a guided tour and some free time exploring.

Finish the day with a visit to Dover and take in some of England’s most stunning coastal views.

Start your journey with a visit to Leeds Castle in Kent (not in the actual city of Leeds in Yorkshire) which has been used as a palace, stronghold and home throughout its 900-year history.

With its 500 acres of beautiful parkland, lake and gardens it is one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain.

Get ready for an exclusive private viewing of the castle before being dropped off at lunchtime.

Next is Canterbury Cathedral – perhaps one of England’s best known landmarks due to its mention in Chaucer’s Tales Of The Canterbury Pilgrims.

Take a guided tour of this stunning Norman cathedral and marvel at its architecture, stained glass windows and crypt.

You will then have enough free time to explore on your own or take part in special activities like ringing the bells.

Finish the day off with a scenic drive along the coast stopping by Dover for amazing views over the English Channel.

Don’t forget your camera – you won’t want to miss out on capturing these incredible vistas.

On this full day tour from London you’ll get to experience some of England’s most iconic landmarks while soaking up true culture and history in style!

Read more about the trip here .

After your day trip from London, check out my extensive guide on the best things to do in London .

Discover the stunning White Cliffs of Dover and explore its historical city centre on a day trip from London.

See the iconic cliffs, visit Canterbury – one of England’s oldest cities, walk along the picturesque beach and enjoy a two-course lunch in a traditional pub.

Begin your tour with a 3-hour coach ride to Dover, where you can admire the spectacular views of the English countryside as you head down south.

On arrival in Dover, prepare for an awe-inspiring view from the cliffs .

Capture some fantastic photos of this striking landscape before taking some time to explore the area.

Continue onto Canterbury, where you can wander around its cobblestoned streets full of independent stores, cafes and restaurants.

Plus, no tour to Canterbury would be complete without visiting its famous cathedral – considered one of England’s finest Norman structures and takes you back over 1,400 years in history.

After a busy morning exploring, stop for a delicious two-course lunch at a traditional pub nearby – perfect for recharging your batteries before heading to neighbouring Whitstable.

Stop by this famous seaside town with picturesque beaches and a colourful harbour where you can take some more beautiful photos while having free time to explore independently or relax on the beach before starting your journey back to London.

Enjoy a memorable day out discovering England’s south coast, including its breathtaking White Cliffs of Dover – an experience not to be missed.

Read more about this day trip here .

Enjoy a day out of London with a visit to the real-life set of the world-famous drama series Downton Abbey.

Follow in the footsteps of the Crawley family and explore village life on a full-day tour from London.

Visit Highclere Castle – home to the Crawleys, learn more about their story through an experienced guide and wander around the quaint village of Bampton.

Depart from central London and take an hour-long journey to the actual location of Downton Abbey – Highclere Castle .

Enjoy beautiful views over this Victorian mansion and learn more about its history during your guided tour inside.

Feel like Lord Grantham as you pass by period furniture, grand paintings and stately rooms!

Continue your tour with a visit to Bampton village – nearby Hills & Holes, which was used for filming scenes for Downton Abbey.

Take a stroll along its streets admiring traditional cottages and churches, explore St Mary’s Church where Lady Mary’s wedding took place – recreated at Ely Cathedral in season 3 – or sit back, relax and enjoy some free time exploring independently before beginning your journey back to London.

This 8-hour coach trip is perfect for all fans of the popular show Downton Abbey who have ever dreamt of visiting its iconic sets.

See why it is one television’s most successful shows while taking memorable photos along the way!

Read more about the Downtown Abbey day trip from London here .

Step back in time and embark on a 4-hour journey from London to Stonehenge – one of the world’s oldest and most mysterious monuments.

Experience the mystic atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site, admire its unique stone circles and enjoy an audio guide as you make your way around the site.

Plus, with your entrance ticket included , you can save time at the gate.

Begin your tour with a comfortable coach ride out of London towards the Wiltshire countryside.

Admire stunning views over rolling hills and farming land as you reach Stonehenge – one of England’s top attractions.

On arrival, explore below and above ground while listening to interesting comments on an audio guide.

Discover why it was built and its significance through time thanks to intriguing facts about life in prehistoric times.

Listen to fun stories about the druids and try to guess who left their mark at Stonehenge taking some fantastic photos along the way.

Afterwards, head back to London with plenty of unforgettable memories from this historical monument that dates back more than 5 millennia ago.

Read more about the half-day trip from London to Stonehenge .

Check out this guide with tips on visiting Stonehenge .

Enjoy a full-day tour filled with breathtaking views and coastal delights.

Explore nature’s beauty of the South Downs National Park and Seven Sisters Country Park on a comfortable coach from London.

Admire white cliffs, rolling hills, lush woodlands, quirky villages and pristine beaches – ideal for fabulous photos.

Depart London and let yourself relax in an air conditioned coach as you make your way to the beautiful countryside of Sussex.

Get ready to admire amazing views over South Downs National Park’s rolling hills while learning interesting facts about the area from audio guide commentary.

Pass through picturesque villages such as Alfriston or Seaford with their charming churches, traditional pubs and tea rooms – ideal for free time to explore independently.

You can continue towards Beachy Head – a stunning chalk headland boasting spectacular views over the Channel Sea.

Make sure not to miss Birling Gap – an old smuggling village – where you can enjoy a delicious picnic lunch before heading towards Seven Sisters County Park.

On arrival, take a stroll along clifftops admiring its distinctive rugged beauty before returning back to London filled with memorable moments from this amazing tour.

You can read more about the day trip from London here .

Yes, you can go from London to Paris on a day trip 😀

Experience the magic of Paris in one day with an exclusive tour that includes a delicious 3-course champagne lunch at the Eiffel Tower.

Embark on a luxurious train ride from London and enjoy air-conditioned comfort as you make your way to the City of Lights.

Enjoy yourself while listening to audio guide commentary on Paris’ rich history, culture and architecture as you travel.

On arrival, admire breathtaking views over this iconic city from the top of Montparnasse Tower before soaking up La Ville Lumière’s beauty with a guided walking tour that stops at all the must-see sights such as Palais Garnier Opera House or Notre Dame Cathedral.

Indulge in gourmet cuisine like a true Parisian with a 3-course lunch accompanied by Champagne at the famous Jules Verne Restaurant atop the iconic Eiffel Tower .

Spend some free time admiring 360° views over Paris before heading back to London, saying au revoir until next time.

Read more about the day trip from London to Paris here .

If you want to know more about Paris, I’ve also got another travel blog called Destination Well Known, where I’ve written about the best things to do in Paris .

Escape the hustle and bustle of London for a day and experience a journey full of fascinating sights, hidden corners and delicious food.

Board an air-conditioned coach from London and enjoy comfort as you make your way to Stratford-upon-Avon – the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Let yourself get lost in this incredible town’s charming streets while learning interesting facts about William Shakespeare’s life from audio guide commentary.

Visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage – the childhood home of William Shakespeare’s wife – before indulging in a delicious lunch at The Fleece Inn.

Continue on your way through the beautiful Cotswolds countryside with its rolling hills, typical villages and lively market towns such as Stow-on-the-Wold or Warwick – perfect for some free time exploring independently.

Finally, discover one of England’s most beautiful country houses – Charlecote Park that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Return back to London after an amazing day filled with unforgettable moments.

Get more info about the trip here .

Get ready to experience a day of shopping luxury.

Travel from London by train to one of the world’s leading shopping destinations — Bicester Village .

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a village ambassador to get you acquainted with this incredible shopping haven full of designer boutiques and outlet stores offering up to 60% discount prices on European and American fashion brands.

Enjoy free time exploring the chic shop-lined streets, wander through the alleys and find yourself among the most sought-after luxury labels such as Prada and Chloé or perhaps a timeless souvenir like charming English tableware.

Let yourself be spoiled with refreshing snacks, coffee & more at one of the many cafes within Bicester Village before taking a break in its beautiful gardens full of colourful blooming flowers.

At the end of your shopping spree, return back to London by train after an unforgettable experience perfect for any fashionista.

Read more about the trip and get tickets here .

Step into The Beatles’ shoes and discover Liverpool’s iconic sights on a day trip from London.

Travel to this city in style while listening to some of The Beatles’ greatest hits — the perfect way to inspire you for your tour.

Start off your day at The Beatles Story Museum located in the very heart of Liverpool where an audio guide narrated by John Lennon’s sister Julia will take you through over nine interactive galleries full of fascinating memorabilia.

Then, have a speedboat ride across the River Mersey, just like the one that The Beatles took when they landed back in 1964.

Walk through Mathew Street along cobbled streets filled with history and vibrant music venues before visiting Penny Lane — home of Saint Barnabas Church, The Shelter Hall and Lennon’s childhood abode known as Mendips.

I’ve been to Liverpool quite a few times and visited to Beatles Story Museum as well and I’ve got to say that it’s one of the best things to do in England as a music fan.

See more about the Beatles day trip from London to Liverpool here .

If you’re spending more time in the North West of England, I’d also recommend visiting Chester where you’ve got a lot of interesting things to do without as many tourists.

Get ready to explore one of the world’s most famous university towns known for its stunning architecture, proud history, and vibrant culture.

Find yourself wandering through King’s College Chapel where you’ll admire over 500 years of history in its stunning interiors.

Make sure to stop by Fitzwilliam Museum, the second-largest museum in England, where you can enjoy sculptures from ancient Egypt or masterpieces from Monet.

Take a peaceful stroll along the Cam River or relax in one of its many beautiful parks like Christ College Meadow.

Learn about Cambridge’s rich history with visits to punting boats along the water gardens; taste traditional English scones at afternoon tea in one of Cambridge’s iconic colleges; immerse yourself in Cambridgeshire culture with a visit to spectacular Great St Mary’s Church – there is something for everyone.

At the end of your day, return to London feeling refreshed and energized.

Read more about the best of Cambridge day trip here .

Get ready to explore some of the most picturesque sights in England on a full-day tour from London.

Take a journey back in time while visiting medieval stone circles, elegant manor houses and quaint villages.

Your first stop is the beautiful Bath , with its impressive architecture and hot springs, which were used by the Romans two thousand years ago.

Then you’ll visit Avebury Stone Circle – the largest megalithic stone circle in Britain – where you’ll marvel at its ancient mystery.

You’ll also see Lacock Village, with its unique cobbled streets and traditional cottages.

Don’t forget to admire the historical Lacock Abbey, which has been featured as part of Hogwarts school in Harry Potter movies.

On your last stop of the day, experience a taste of relaxing English countryside life at the 13th-century Stourhead House and Gardens.

After a day of exploring these iconic landscapes and breathtaking views, jump back into your comfortable coach for an enjoyable ride back to London.

Enjoy a full-day trip to some of the most magnificent natural landscapes of Great Britain, packed with wonderful experiences.

Marvel at idyllic lakes, emerald valleys and spectacular mountains on your journey to a land known as Wordsworth’s poetic playground.

Take in the breathtaking views of the beautiful Ullswater lake, the second largest lake in England, and stroll through lush green forests.

Visit charming villages where you’ll get to taste traditional English scones during afternoon tea before heading back to London.

On this tour, you’ll also get an exclusive visit to one of the finest gardens in England – Holehird Gardens – and take a ride on Windermere by steamboat for a unique perspective on this incredible landscape.

Get ready for a day filled with exciting activities, beautiful sights and delightful afternoon tea treats.

Read more about the Lake District 1-day trip from London here .

Take a journey to one of the most intriguing places in Britain on a full-day trip from London.

Discover mysterious Glastonbury, famous for its legend of King Arthur and the Holy Grail and renowned for its world-renowned music festivals.

You’ll also visit Cheddar Gorge – an impressive natural ravine carved by glacial meltwater with towering limestone cliffs and amazing views of the Mendip Hills.

Explore its stunning scenery, including Gough’s Cave which is one of England’s longest caves, and marvel at the Iron Age fort located on the crest of the Gorge.

During your tour, you’ll get an exclusive visit to St Margaret’s Chapel – one of England’s oldest chapels dating back to 1135 – and an opportunity to learn about the Glastonbury Thorn tree, said to have bloomed each Christmas by miracle.

Get ready for an unforgettable day filled with magic, history and beautiful landscapes.

Read more about the daytrip here .

I mentioned earlier that it’s possible to go to Paris on a 1-day trip from London, but how about the Scottish capital of Edinburgh ?

Take a direct train ride from London to Edinburgh, which is a fantastic experience in itself.

Once you arrive, explore this breathtaking capital city with its elegant Georgian terraces, hidden back streets and magnificent architecture.

Visit Edinburgh Castle – a symbol of power for more than 1000 years – marvel at the stunning views from Calton Hill or stroll through Princes Street Gardens.

Get exclusive access to areas not normally open to the public on your tour, including the romantic Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens or Mary Kings Close – an underground network of alleyways dating back to medieval times.

Get ready for a day full of culture, history, art and spectacular views in Scotland.

Read more about the day trip to Edinburgh here .

I used to live in Edinburgh, so I’d actually recommend that you spend a couple more days in Scotland as it’s honestly one of the best cities in Europe.

On my other travel blog, I’ve written a complete guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland , and if you’re on a budget I’d recommend this post that covers a few excellent cheap and free things to do in Edinburgh .

Enjoy a memorable day trip from London to the Isle of Wight – one of the loveliest islands in the UK.

On your journey, you’ll cross the Solent and admire spectacular coastal views.

Once you arrive, explore its stunning natural beauty and fascinating history.

Visit Osborne House, former residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, see their private beach or visit Carisbrooke Castle – home to Charles I when he was held prisoner by Parliament.

You’ll also get an opportunity to take a guided tour around Newport’s old town and discover its hidden treasures, such as St Thomas’ Church, where Queen Victoria worshipped during her visits to the island – or even ride one of the island’s vintage steam trains.

Get ready for a delightful day full of amazing landscapes, centuries-old monuments and unique activities.

Read more about the day trip to Isle of Wight here .

Going on a day trip from London gives you the perfect opportunity to discover new places and create lasting memories. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure or something in between, there’s something for everyone.

I hope this guide has helped give you insight into the best day trips from London.

The best day trips from London depend on what you’re looking for, but some of the top picks include Brighton, Canterbury, Oxford and Cambridge. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you will want to visit the Harry Potter World .

The most popular destinations are within a few hours’ drive from London, but you can go on day trips to the Lake District, Liverpool, Edinburgh and even Paris, France.

Depending on how much you plan on doing during your day trip from London (number of attractions visited, amount of transportation required etc.) it could be cost-effective compared to staying in the city due to the reduced accommodation costs among other things – however, this will depend upon your individual needs and budget.

There are plenty of hidden gems around London that make great additions to any day trip itinerary, such as Woburn Safari Park just outside Milton Keynes or Cotswold villages like Bibury in Gloucestershire that has been featured in movies like Bridget Jones’ Diary and TV shows like Midsomer Murders.

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London Travel Hacks is an online travel guide to the beautiful capital of England. The aim of this website is to give you all the information you need before coming to London on a trip. The website is run by Kristoffer Fons, who has been travel blogging since 2013.

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10 ways to get out of London and into the countryside for the day

Mar 12, 2024 • 11 min read

Brighton Beach is just a short train journey from London © Klaus Vedfelt / Shutterstock

Since London is a world unto itself, it’s only natural that many travelers never look beyond the confines of the city limits for a fulfilling trip.

But when you’ve made the most of free entry to the city’s best museums  and wandered through its many vast parks and green spaces , you might be ready for a day trip to explore the towns, historic sites and coastline that lie just beyond the capital.

Many of the most famous attractions in England  are just a short train ride away from London . While road trips are also a great option farther afield, in and around London, traffic and exorbitant parking fees mean escaping the city by train (or bus) is usually your best bet. For the cheapest rates, try to book rail tickets at least three months in advance. 

Then set out on one of these great itineraries, the 10 best day trips from London.

1. Explore royal Windsor and nearby Eton 

Travel time: 1 hour

Most people who visit Windsor do so to see Windsor Castle , the location for many a royal wedding  and the place where Queen Elizabeth II (and many other monarchs before her) spent much of her life and is now resting in peace. Along with its towers and beautiful chapels, you can also see the Changing of the Guard , a ceremony packed with music and pageantry.

The best way to appreciate the full majesty of Windsor Castle is to approach via the aptly named Long Walk. This arrow-straight road cuts through Windsor Great Park . (There are no cars, but you might see some deer.) While the castle could keep you busy for days, must-sees include Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House , the Albert Memorial Chapel and the State Apartments. Across the river, Eton is a pretty little town that's quieter than Windsor and worth a stroll.

How to get to Windsor from London: Trains run from London Paddington and London Waterloo twice an hour; the journey takes between 40 and 60 minutes and the Paddington line requires a change at Slough. It’s around a 45-minute drive, and there are parking lots near the town center and at the base of the castle.

2. Enjoy art and amusements in Margate

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Its long curve of golden sand made Margate a  top seaside destination for the Victorians, only to fall out of town with holidaymakers in the late 20th century. Recent investment has brought many day-trippers back to enjoy its retro charm.

Leading the way with this regeneration is art gallery  Turner Contemporary , one of the top attractions in the area, which showcases world-class art exhibits with superb views of the harbor and beyond. The skies off the coast here captivated the great painter JMW Turner; linger in the gallery yourself to take in the light out on and off the sea. Internationally renowned artist Tracey Emin has also opened a studio and exhibition space in Cliftonville. 

If you like your day to be sprinkled with a bit of mystery, then book a ticket to tour the intriguing  Shell Grotto  (is it an ancient site or a 19th-century hoax?), while  Dreamland  is the town's famous amusement park and a great day out for the family, with many different classic rides. Once you've got your fill of the windswept beach, artworks and rides, warm up with a hot chocolate at one of the independent cafes in the rejuvenated old town before browsing or buying in the many vintage stores.

How to get to Margate from London: Trains run to Margate station, right on the beach, from London St Pancras International (1 hour 30 minutes) and Victoria (1 hour 40 minutes). It takes around two hours to drive from London to Margate, and you should expect to pay upward of £10 to park all day in town.

3. Spot Harry Potter fans in Oxford

Best known for its world-famous university and forest of ocher spires, Oxford is a grand old place steeped in privilege and prestige. Though it’s hard to escape the history of this storied town, the large student population keeps the atmosphere young and fresh, and there’s plenty for visitors to do. Highlights include several museums, punting along the River Isis and the 30 colleges that make up the university, the most famous of which are Christ Church and Magdalen . You could easily spend more than a day in Oxford.

A tour of the university colleges is a must. (Harry Potter fans will recognize various locations used in the movies.)  Blenheim Palace , a monumental 18th-century country house and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, is a short bus ride or drive from the city.

How to get to Oxford from London: Trains from London Marylebone and London Paddington to Oxford run several times an hour, and the journey time is about an hour. If you’re on a tight budget, consider taking the Oxford Tube , a coach that departs from several locations in London. Driving time is around two hours, but you’ll have to park outside town and catch a shuttle bus for the last leg.

4. Visit the country’s most important cathedral in Canterbury

Canterbury is one of England’s most attractive and important cathedral cities, with its star building considered one of the finest in Europe. The town itself is almost absurdly quaint, with narrow alleyways following the original medieval street plan and the River Stour idling past Tudor facades.

Visiting  Canterbury Cathedral , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an absolute must. As the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England, it’s the most important Christian site in the country. Just outside, you can see the ruins of the 6th-century St Augustine’s Abbey .

Other highlights include the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge  and boating trips  on the River Stour. On these peaceful jaunts in a flat-bottomed punt, knowledgeable guides share stories of the city as they expertly navigate the boat under bridges with barely any headroom. For a traditional English tearoom experience, visit  Tiny Tim’s Tearoom . 

How to get to Canterbury from London: Fast trains from London St Pancras International depart once an hour, with the journey taking about an hour. Slower trains (1 hour 30 minutes) run from London Victoria and London Charing Cross. The drive takes around an hour and a half.

5. Head into nature in the New Forest

Designated a  national park  in 2005, the New Forest dates all the way back to 1079. So it’s anything but ”new.” And it’s not even really a forest.

Comprising woodland, bog, marshland, heathland and coast, with many quaint villages in between, the area is home to free-roaming animals, including pigs, cattle and the famed ponies. You can easily spend more than a day in the New Forest, and while there are fantastic cycling routes and hiking trails, to make the most of the region as a whole, it’s best to explore by car.

If you’re in the New Forest for just the day, focus your attention on one activity, whether that’s visiting a historic site, such as Buckler's Hard, Hurst Castle  or Beaulieu ; or following a walking trail, where you’ll be drawn in by the beautiful colors of the landscapes. Many people come to the area simply to dine at The Pig  in Brockenhurst, which celebrates home-grown and local produce (book well in advance).

How to get to the New Forest from London:  The region is slightly under a two-hour drive from central London. If traveling by train (1 hour 30 minutes from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst), consider renting bikes and following trails that take you beyond the town.

6. Step back in time in Winchester

Travel time: 1 hour

Its fabulous cathedral officially makes  Winchester  a city – though it has more of the feel of a friendly small town. The city served as England’s capital about 1000 years ago and was the home of King Alfred the Great; today, it boasts a variety of excellent pubs, countryside walks and lively streets.

At the top of the high street is an imitation of King Arthur’s Round Table hanging in the Great Hall . Just off the high street through a short alleyway is Winchester Cathedral , a stunning building with the longest nave of any Gothic cathedral in Europe. Back on the high street, head past the statue of Alfred the Great to the River Itchen, then follow it to get to Winchester College .

How to get to Winchester from London: Trains leave London Waterloo several times an hour, and the journey time is about an hour. The drive from central London takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, and Winchester’s city center has several parking options.

7. Marvel at Roman ruins and Regency streetscapes in Bath

Bath might be Britain ’s most beautiful city. Founded by the Romans, who used the area’s thermal springs to create a spa retreat, it’s now the premier tourist attraction of southwest England . It’s also celebrated for its magnificent Georgian architecture, with grand squares and felicitous crescents defining the city.

Start at the beginning with the Roman Baths complex, which is divided into four main parts: the Bath House, the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple and the museum, displaying fascinating finds from the ruins. Next, have a wander around Bath Abbey , a huge medieval church that you can climb to the top of. Fuel up with the substantial gastropub fare at  Marlborough Tavern .

If you have time, it's worth staying in Bath for the full weekend. Wander the streets and enjoy the architecture, including ulteney Bridge and the  Royal Crescent , two of the city’s Georgian masterpieces – then take time to relax in Thermae Bath Spa .

How to get to Bath from London: Direct trains leave London Paddington twice an hour; the journey time is 1 hour 30 minutes. Driving takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, but traffic around the city is often heavy, with parking very limited and expensive.

8. Soak up Brighton’s indie attitude

Stuffed with independent businesses and creative spirit, Brighton is often referred to as London-on-Sea – though these days that’s more a nod to property prices than a reference to its character. This city has a personality all its own – grungy, creative and bohemian – and it's one of the UK's most LGBTIQ+ friendly cities.

There’s no shortage of things to do  in Brighton. Start in the North Laine neighborhood, packed with pubs, cafes and theaters, before going shopping in The Lanes a little farther south. Make a visit to the eccentric Royal Pavilion – built by King George IV in 1787 as a seaside retreat – and take a walk along the pier while checking out the amusements and swimmers at the beach. Brighton teems with great bars and restaurants:  Food for Friends offers excellent vegan dishes and is a great spot for lunch, while the Walrus pub is a good place to grab a beer.

How to get to Brighton from London:  Get on one of the frequent direct trains from London Victoria or London Bridge. The journey time is about an hour. Since it takes about two hours to drive from London to Brighton, and parking is both hard to find and expensive, the train is generally a better option.

9. Tour the colleges and go punting in Cambridge

With its world-class university, clutch of ancient colleges and love for punting (river rowing), Cambridge shares many similarities with its Oxfordshire counterpart. But with more green space and less traffic, this city is a more tranquil affair. A walking tour of the university is a must: the university colleges are the highlight, with Corpus Christi, Clare College, King’s College and Christ’s College being the most popular.

Once you’ve had your fill of academia, a punting trip along the River Cam is a lovely way to see the city. On a summer’s day, a picnic on the Backs is highly enjoyable.

How to get to Cambridge from London: Trains from London Kings Cross run several times an hour, with a journey time of about 50 minutes. It takes about 90 minutes to drive to Cambridge from central London.

10. Ponder the mystery of Stonehenge

Travel time: 2 hours

Stonehenge  is like an amazing magic trick – it boggles the mind, but you don’t really want to know how it happened. Which is convenient, because no one’s fully figured it out yet . Here’s what we do know: this massive, prehistoric stone circle is believed to have been constructed around 5000 years ago, making it older than the Pyramids of Giza. The largest stones weigh 25 tons and stand 9m (30ft) tall. 

Although you can’t touch the stones (to protect them), you can stroll around them on paths. The visitor center has an interactive presentation that allows you to experience among the stones as the seasons change. If you have your own ride, you could drive north to Avebury, home to another famous prehistoric circle – whose stones you can touch.

How to get to Stonehenge from London: Trains from London Waterloo to Salisbury depart twice an hour, taking just over an hour and a half. From Salisbury, hop on the Stonehenge Tour Bus , which takes you directly to the visitor center in just over 30 minutes. Alternatively, the drive takes around two hours from central London (traffic depending), and parking is available at the site.

This article was first published May 2019 and updated March 2024

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18 Best Day trips from London (with travel tips + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 16, 2024

London is a fantastic and diverse destination to visit but to fully appreciate all that the UK has to offer, you need to take day trips from London to visit other locations around the country.

Taking a day trip from London will allow you to visit the British countryside or a traditional seaside town as well as historic market towns, cathedral cities and quaint villages across the country. You will learn so much more about the UK and British culture and history than if you just stay in London.

You can travel to iconic locations such as the White Cliffs of Dover or Oxford University, ancient castles such as Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Palace , dip your toes in the sea at Brighton or learn about British history in Viking York, Elizabethan Stratford Upon Avon or at Neolithic Stonehenge.

London has excellent road, bus and rail links which makes all of these sites – and many more – accessible on a day trip from the capital. Whatever your travel preferences or interests, there is a day trip from London to suit you. 

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Top 5 London Day Trip (Small Group Tours )

• Full-Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour from London
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter & London Walking Tour
• Stonehenge Half-Day Morning or Afternoon Tour
• White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day-Trip
• Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London

Day trips from London by car or by tour

Some rural or spread-out locations are best reached by car from London or as part of a tour. 

You can travel to the following locations by public transport but it will involve multiple changes or using taxis. Plus, self-driving or a tour will allow you to combine several locations in one day trip to make the most of your time in the U.K. 

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that covers over 780 square miles and parts of several English counties. It is known for its idyllic stone villages and rolling green landscapes and perfectly encapsulates the traditional image of rural England. 

Visiting the Cotswolds involves several different towns and villages rather than just one village. This is best done by car or on a tour though you can also walk between some Cotswold villages on rural footpaths. 

Highlights of The Cotswolds include a wander along Copse Hill Road in Lower Slaughter or a visit to the picture-perfect thatched weavers cottages on Arlington Row in Bibury. Tour the Model Village or the Motoring Museum in Bourton on the Water or cross its famous, much photographed stone bridges. Don’t miss Stow on the Wold, Chipping Camden or the idyllic Castle Combe. 

Attractions for kids include the Cotswold Wildlife Park, Birdland and the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway.

Unmissable attractions in the Cotswolds are Blenheim Palace , the UNESCO listed birthplace of Winston Churchill, plus 1,000-year-old Sudeley Castle and the 11th-century Warwick Castle. 

The best way to get to, and explore, the Cotswolds is by car or by tour.

Self-driving from London to Bibury in the heart of the Cotswolds will take approximately 2 hours.

Public transport between the Cotswolds villages is limited. 

Victoria has been a guest on the UK Travel Planning podcast on a number of occasions ( listen here ) – Click here for more information about Cotswold Teacup Tours.

Highclere Castle is a must visit for fans of ‘Downton Abbey.’ The Hampshire stately home dates back to the 17th century and has also featured in ‘Robin Hood Prince of Thieves’ and ‘The Missionary’. 

The 5,000 acre estate and Grade I listed castle is currently owned by the Earls of Carnarvon. The 5th Earl of Carnavaon is best known as the financial backer behind the expedition that found the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Today, Highclere Castle cellars hosts an exhibition all about the famous expedition.

Visitors can tour fully furnished bedrooms, state rooms and entertaining rooms as well as the original staff quarters; most of which you will recognise from ‘Downton Abbey.’ 

Make sure you leave time to explore the formal castle gardens and parkland which were designed by the famous landscape architect Capability Brown and contain six follies. 

Tip – To avoid disappointment we recommend booking as far ahead as possible for Highclere as tickets are snapped up quickly!

It is a 1 hour 20 minute drive from London to Highclere. Alternatively, you can take a train from London Paddington to Newbury (a 40 minute journey) but you will need to take a taxi for 8 miles to reach Highclere.

• Downton Abbey Countryside Black Taxi VIP Tour
• Downton Abbey & the Cotswolds Private Day Trip
• Downton Abbey Inspired English Countryside (Private Full Day Excursion)

The UNESCO listed Stonehenge is one of the UK’s most famous and most recognisable landmarks. It is situated on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. 

Stonehenge was built between 3000 and 2000 BC but experts are still not sure why – or how-  it was built. What we do know is that Stonehenge was constructed to align with the sunrise on both the winter and summer solstice. 

The ancient site consists of an outer ring of standing stones with horizontal stones on top; how the 25 ton stones were lifted into place in Neolithic times is unknown. The inner ring of stones has mostly freestanding stones. 

There is an excellent visitors centre on site which helps to explain the history and theories around Stonehenge. It is a 30 minute walk to the stones from the visitor’s centre but there is also a free bus available.

Self driving from London to Stonehenge will take around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. 

A trip to Stonehenge will only take a couple of hours so you can combine your trip with a visit to nearby Bath or Salisbury. 

It is possible to get to Stonehenge by a combination of train and bus but it is time-consuming. You will need to catch a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury (1 hour 20 minutes) from where you catch a bus to Stonehenge (a 30-minute journey plus waiting time). 

If you choose to travel to Stonehenge by public transport, you could spend time in Salisbury to make the most of your day trip from London.

• Half-Day Stonehenge Tour with Admission Ticket
• Stonehenge, Avebury and West Kennet Guided Small Group Tour
• Stonehenge Special Access Guided Evening Tour from London

Day trips from London by train – under 1 hour

Hampton court.

This world-famous royal palace is situated southwest of central London in Richmond upon Thames. The 16th century Grade I listed building has been home to royal monarchs for centuries; Henry VIII is its most famous resident. 

Highlights of the palace include the Great Hall with its highly decorated roof and wall tapestries, the elaborate state apartments of William III, the Haunted Gallery and the enormous palace kitchens. 

Hampton Court Gardens are as famous as the palace and feature the formal Privy Garden, the Kitchen Garden and a huge 300 year old maze.

After exploring the palace, enjoy a cruise along the River Thames or take a stroll in Bushy Park, a 15 minute walk from the palace. 

Alternatively, catch a bus from outside Hampton Court to nearby Richmond town centre (a 40 minute journey). Richmond is an attractive riverside town and the filming location for the hit TV show ‘Ted Lasso’. 

Go for a walk on pedestrianised paths by the River Thames or in Richmond Park which is famous for its deer herds. To return to central London, you can catch a District Line tube from Richmond station. 

Catch a train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court station (a direct journey of around 35 minutes) from where it is a five minute walk to the palace entrance. 

If you have time, you can also catch a slow but scenic boat from central London all the way to Hampton Court with Thames River Boats. 

Read more about how to get to the Palace in our dedicated article which compares the various transport options.

John has been a guest on the UK Travel Planning podcast on a number of occasions ( listen here ) – Click here for more information about John England Tours.

Other tours available include

• Hampton Court Palace Bike Tour, Royal Park, and Picnic
• Hampton Court Palace is also included in the London Pass (enter code UKLP5 for a 5% discount) and London Go City Explorer Pass

Kew Gardens

If you like plants, the Royal Botanic Gardens (colloquially known as Kew Gardens) is a must visit. 

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 50,000 plants; 10,000 of which are situated in the Temperate House, the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse. 

Other highlights include the Great Pagoda, the Edible Garden, the Palm House, and my personal favourite, The Rose Garden. 

There is a land train for visitors with limited mobility and a daily programme of talks and tours that are included in your admission ticket. 

Catch a train from London Waterloo or Clapham Junction to Kew Bridge Station, a 28 minute journey. From here it is an 800 metre walk to Kew’s Elizabeth Gate entrance. 

Alternatively, take a District Line tube from central London to Kew Gardens station from where it is a 500 metre walk to the Victoria Gate entrance. 

• Entry to Kew Gardens is also included in the London Pass (enter code UKLP5 for a 5% discount) and London Go City Explorer Pass

Harry Potter Studios

Whether you are travelling to London with kids or not, the Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour is a fantastic and fun day trip from London. 

During the self guided tour you can see various sets from the movies including the Great Hall, Privet Drive and Diagon Alley as well as an array of costumes and props. 

You will discover the clever special effects used in the movies and see original storyboard drawings and models in the Art Department. Don’t miss the Creatures Effects to learn how magical creatures such as Buckbeak were brought to life in the movies. 

The Studios have special themed events for Christmas and Halloween but whatever time of year you choose to visit, pre booking well in advance is essential. 

The Studio Tour is in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, northwest of London. Catch a train from London Euston to Watford Junction, a short 20 minute journey.  

Exit the station and pick up a Warner Bros shuttle bus for the 15 minute ride to the studios. 

• Fully-Guided Making of Harry Potter Tour
• Warner Bros. Studio London: Tour with Bus Transfers

The historic town of Windsor is west of London in the county of Berkshire. It is  the home of Windsor Castle, which is still used as a royal residence today. 

The castle dates back to the 11th century and was built by William the Conqueror. It is one of the worlds’ largest and oldest royal residences and is everything you imagine a castle to be with thick stone walls, turrets and imposing entrances and gateways.

Visitors can tour the opulent State Apartments, the Semi State rooms and the ornate St George’s Chapel where the royal family have been married and buried for centuries.

Highlights of the Castle include Queen Mary’s fully furnished doll’s house (complete with electric lights) which is a fascinating mirror of its time. Make sure you time your visit to coincide with the ceremonial Changing of The Guard. 

Allocate time in your day trip from London to explore the town of Windsor which offers pedestrianised streets, quirky buildings (including The Crooked House) and boutique shops. 

If the weather is good, take a stroll along the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park or enjoy a scenic boat trip along the River Thames. 

Take a direct train from London Waterloo station to Windsor and Eton Riverside; a journey of around 25 minutes. There is a faster train from London Paddington but you will need to change trains at Slough to reach Windsor Central. 

Tours to Windsor Castle are often combined with other popular destinations including

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Full-Day Tour
• Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, and Roman Baths Day Trip
• Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford Tour
• Entry to Windsor Castle is also included in the London Pass (enter code UKLP5 for a 5% discount) and London Go City Explorer Pass

Day trips from London by train – over 1 hour

Escape busy London for a breath of fresh sea air at Brighton on England’s south coast. 

Brighton is a colourful, laid back town with a quintessential British yet bohemian vibe.

Take a stroll along the promenade, sunbathe on the pebbly beach and visit the Victorian era Brighton Pier. Pop into the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery and go shopping in the independent shops along The Lanes. If you love vintage fashion, don’t miss the shops on North Laine.

An unmissable Brighton attraction is the quirky and historic Royal Pavilion which was built as a summer home for King George IV in the early 19th century. 

The exterior of The Pavillion looks like it belongs alongside the Taj Mahal. The interior has a very different Oriental style decor and visitors can see lavish state rooms, luxury bedrooms and the opulent Saloon and Banqueting Room. 

Catch a train from London Victoria to Brighton station, a journey of approximately 1 hour. There is a slightly longer 1 hour 15 minute train from London Blackfriars station.

Brighton Pavillion is a 12 minute walk from the train station whilst Brighton Pier is 25 minutes on foot. 

• Private Guided Day Trip to Brighton and Seven Sisters
• Brighton i360 Ticket
• City Sightseeing Brighton: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

If you want to visit one of the most iconic sights of the U.K – the White Cliffs of Dover – take a train to Dover in Kent, southeast of London.

The imposing chalk white cliffs are etched into the British psyche and are today managed by The National Trust. Visitors can walk scenic cliff top paths for fantastic views of the cliffs, visit South Foreland Lighthouse or explore Fan Bay Deep shelter tunnels, a remnant from World War II. 

Also worth a visit is the 2,000 year old Dover Castle featuring a Norman keep and a Saxon Church, the free to enter Dover Museum and the moving Battle of Britain Memorial.

If you are travelling in the summer months you can also visit the Roman Painted House. These ruined remains date back to AD200 and contain elaborate wall murals and an almost complete underfloor heating system.   

Dover can be combined on a long day trip with nearby Can terbury or, if you are self-driving or part of a tour, with Canterbury and Leeds Castle. 

Catch a train from London St. Pancras International to Dover Priory, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by train.

From the train station it is a 10 minute walk to Dover Museum, 20 minutes to Dover Castle and a steep 45 minute walk (or 5 minute taxi ride) to the white cliffs. 

• John England Tours – Private tour to Dover Castle
• Canterbury & White Cliffs of Dover Tour
• Dover Castle Admission Ticket

Canterbury is a historic pilgrimage site and the home of the UNESCO listed Canterbury Cathedral. It is situated in Kent, south east of London. 

The compact city has a pedestrianised city centre which is lined with attractive mediaeval era buildings culminating at West Gate, the last of the city’s mediaeval era gateways. 

At the heart of the city lies Canterbury Cathedral, home of the head of the Church of England. Established by St.Augustine in 597 AD, the cathedral became a pilgrimage site after the murder in 1170 of the then Archbishop, Thomas Becket, inside the cathedral. It is also the burial site of Henry IV and Edward the Black Prince. 

There are also two other UNESCO listed sites in the city – the remains of St Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s Church, England’s oldest still in use church. 

If you have any time left in your busy day trip, take a boat trip on the River Stour, visit the Roman Museum or the eclectic Beaney House of Art and Knowledge. 

Catch a train from London St. Pancras to Canterbury West, a short 1 hour trip.

However, I recommend taking the longer 1.5 hour train from London Victoria to Canterbury East as Canterbury East is the closest station to the cathedral (a short nine minutes walk away). 

• Private Tour to Medieval Canterbury with John England Tours
• City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
• Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Dover

A day trip to Salisbury should start at the city’s 13th century cathedral which boasts the tallest church spire in England (123 metres tall). The cathedral’s Chapter House is home to one of only four copies of the Magna Carta which is on public display.

Explore the 80 acre Cathedral Close and visit the late 17th century Mompesson House. See the Bronze and Iron Age artefacts at the Salisbury Museum or complete the 2 mile circular walk around Harnham Water Meadows, a favourite painting spot of John Constable. 

Catch a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury, a journey time of 1 hour 20 minutes.

As previously mentioned, you can combine Salisbury with Stonehenge on a day trip from London. From Salisbury, catch a public bus for 30 minutes to reach Stonehenge.

• Stonehenge, Windsor, Bath & Salisbury Tour
• Salisbury Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide

Stratford Upon Avon

This historic Warwickshire town is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. 

Many of the timber buildings in the town date back to the 16th century when the celebrated playwright lived here. The town is small and easily covered on foot so you can pack a lot into one day.

Start at Shakespeare’s birth home with its fully furnished rooms showing what life was like in the 1500’s. Then visit the adjacent Shakespeare Centre which is a great introduction to the life and works of the Bard.

Don’t miss Anne Hathways’s thatched roof cottage (the family home of Shakespeare’s wife) or Shakespeare’s grave at Holy Trinity Church. Kids will enjoy the dressing up opportunities at Tudor World and depending on timings, you could catch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. 

Catch a train from London Marylebone station to Leamington Spa where you will change onto a train for Stratford Upon Avon. The entire journey will take around 2 hours. 

• Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds, and Warwick Day Trip
• Shakespeare’s Birthplace Ticket
• Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds

The ‘city of dreaming spires’ is a quick and easy day trip from London. You may recognise various locations in Oxford as it is a popular filming location and has featured in the Harry Potter movies, ‘Inspector Morse’, ‘Endeavour’ and ‘Brideshead Revisited’. 

Explore some of the city’s world class museums such as Oxford Museum, the Oxford Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the History of Science or the Pitt Rivers Museum. The unmissable 17th century Ashmolean Museum is the oldest public museum in England.

Alternatively, visit the city’s ornate University colleges such as Christ Church College or All Souls College. Some colleges are closed to the public whilst others have restricted opening hours so check in advance of your visit if the college you wish to see is open. 

Make time in your day trip to include the iconic Bodleian Library and, if you are a fan of the ‘Dark Materials’ trilogy, a visit to the Botanic Garden is a must. 

Catch a train from London Marylebone or London Paddington station to Oxford, a journey time of 60 – 90 minutes. 

• Oxford and Cambridge Universities Tour
• University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide
• Oxford Sightseeing River Cruise

Cambridge is a city made for wandering and its principal sites are easily covered on foot. 

Highlights of Cambridge include the Mathematical Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs at St. John’s College and the ornate 15th century King’s College Chapel with its impressive stone fan vault ceiling.

If you have time, visit one of the city’s world class museums such as the Polar Museum (about Arctic and Antarctic explorers and expeditions), the Folk Museum or the Fitzwilliam Museum with exhibits ranging from Egyptian artefacts to Japanese porcelain. 

Rest weary sightseeing feet with a trip on a punt on the River Cam. The motorless punts are a little like the gondolas in Venice (only flatter) and are a relaxing and scenic way to view the city; just make sure you rent a punt with a punt chauffeur!

Catch a direct train to Cambridge from London Kings Cross or London Liverpool Street Station. Journey times vary from 1 hour 10 minutes to 1.5 hours. 

• Alumni-led Colleges Tour & King’s College Option
• Walking & Punting Tour with King’s College Option

At first glance on a map, many visitors might think that York is too far to visit on a day trip from London. However, although it is a five hour drive from London, the City of York is only two hours away from London by train so it is easily doable on a day trip. 

Plus, York is a small city with most of its major attractions situated within a short walk of each other and the city centre is only a 10 minute walk from York rail station. 

Start your day trip at York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe before walking some of the city’s mediaeval era walls, which are the longest city walls in England. 

Walk down the cobbled street, The Shambles, said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies and admire the Georgian and Victorian buildings on pedestrianised Stonegate and Petergate. 

Visit the famous Jorvik Viking Centre to learn about York’s Viking past and the excellent York Castle Museum has a life size replica of a Victorian  street. Train buffs won’t want to miss the free to enter National Railway Museum, the largest train museum in the U.K.

Climb Clifford’s Tower for a fantastic 360 degree view of the city before taking a stroll on the pedestrianised paths alongside the River Ouse. 

LNER and Grand Central trains regularly depart from London Kings Cross. Both companies have an average journey time to York of 2 hours.

• All Creatures Great and Small Yorkshire Dales Day Trip
• The York Dungeon Entry Ticket
• City Sightseeing York Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

The spa city of Bath is another of the U.K’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. This Somerset city is best known for its Roman baths and for its elegant Georgian architecture. 

The Roman baths date back 2,000 years and are fed by natural hot springs. It takes around 2 hours to fully explore the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House, the on-site museum  and the 19th century additions such as The Pump House. 

You cannot swim in the baths but you can swim in the nearby Thermae Spa which uses the same water source as the Roman Baths. 

Other historic attractions include the 15th century gothic style Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and weir.  

Visitors can admire Bath’s Georgian era buildings at The Royal Crescent (you can enter No.1 on the crescent to discover what the houses were like in Georgian times) or at Lansdowne or Cavendish Crescents. 

Catch a train from London Paddington station to Bath Spa, a quick and easy 90 minute journey. 

• Stonehenge & Bath: Full-Day Coach Tour from London
• Guided City Walking Tour with Entry To The Roman Baths
• Guided Ghost Tour

If you love The Beatles, a day trip to the northern city of Liverpool is unmissable. Although it will be a long day of travel, you will be able to see a lot of Beatles sites during your day trip. 

You can tour The Beatles Story which houses the largest collection of Beatle memorabilia anywhere in the world, visit the iconic Cavern Club and have your photo taken with The Fab Four statue on the waterfront. 

If you have time, take a Beatles-themed tour of the city which includes stops at the childhood homes of the band and other iconic locations such as Strawberry Fields.  

Other Liverpool attractions include the Albert Docks (home to the Maritime Museum, TATE Liverpool and the Slavery Museum), Europe’s oldest Chinatown, the charming Georgian Quarter and the historic buildings along Pier Head. 

You can also visit Liverpool’s two cathedrals or take a sightseeing trip on the River Mersey. 

Alternatively, if you love football more than music, you can take a tour of Anfield, home to Liverpool FC or Goodison Park, home to Everton FC. 

Catch a train from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street Station, a journey time of 2.5 hours. Once in Liverpool, you can visit most of the major attractions on foot. 

Read – How to take a day trip from London to Liverpool

• Liverpool and The Beatles Day Tour from London
• Beatles Magical Mystery Bus Tour
• The Beatles Story Ticket

Is it possible to visit Paris on a day trip from London? Yes, it is – but you will need a very early start to get the most out of your day. 

You won’t be able to cover Paris in-depth or spend time exploring its world-famous museums but you can still fit a lot of iconic sites into one day. 

See the Eiffel Tower, walk along the Champs Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe, visit the Louvre and enjoy a picnic in the Tuileries Gardens. Take a leisurely boat trip along the Seine to see Notre Dame and the Sacre Coeur and explore Montmartre.

The earliest Eurostar train departs from London St Pancras around 6 am, arriving at the Gare du Nord in Paris 2 hours 20 minutes later around 9.20 am. The last train of the day leaves Paris just after 9 pm arriving back into London around 10.30 pm. 

Trains run regularly throughout the day but timetables change according to the days of the week and peak/low seasons so check before travelling. Eurostar tickets are cheaper online in advance than on the day of travel. 

• Champagne Lunch Cruise and Sightseeing Bus Tour from London
• Paris: 1-Day Tour from London with Coach Tour & Cruise

There are so many amazing, scenic and fascinating places to visit on easy day trips from London. 

If you are only visiting London and do not plan to explore the rest of the UK, I recommend allocating time in your London itinerary to get out of the capital and explore all that the UK has to offer. 

You won’t regret it.

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The best day trips from London

Whether you’re after a seaside jaunt or a country retreat, here are the best trips from London we’re planning right now

If you're fed up with city life, it's tempting to daydream about a leisurely fortnight somewhere deliciously hot and exotic. But your great escape doesn't have to be quite so involved, or spendy. You can microdose that holiday vibe by taking a day trip to one of the joy-inducing destinations just a few hours away from London: historic cities, cute villages, sandy beaches, we've got 'em all.

Planning a quick getaway? Here’s some fuel for your own day(trip)dreams. These are 17 of our favourite day-tripping spots, complete with cute pubs and ace restaurants – all close enough to London to get there and back in one glorious day. Or keep things even simpler with a trip to this city's best   beer gardens ,   green spaces   or   rooftop bars . 

RECOMMENDED: 101 incredible things to do in London instead RECOMMENDED: the best Airbnbs near London RECOMMENDED: Quirky Airbnbs in the UK

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17 dreamy day trips from London

1.  The New Forest

A trip to the New Forest is about as close as you can get to going on safari without buying a plane ticket. As you make your way down dappled lanes and across the heather-covered heath you’ll be watched the famous ponies, which have grazed there for thousands of years, plus free-ranging Highland cattle and pigs hoovering up fallen acorns. Don’t fancy being stuck in the car all day? Hire a two-seater electric Twizzy buggy to explore in, or book a beginners’ hack at one of the stables. Don’t forget to make time for a proper ploughman’s lunch at the Royal Oak in Fritham.

How far? 90 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Waterloo to Brockenhurst; around two hours by car. Just remember that animals, not drivers, have right of way here.

2.  Deal

Though it might not get shouted about the way Margate and Whitstable do, Deal ticks all the day-trip boxes with its quaint rows of Georgian houses, unique boutiques and well-loved Saturday market. Kick things off at Deal Castle (built by Henry VIII as part of an ambitious chain of coastal forts), then treat yourself to lunch at 81 Beach Street or Victuals & Co. Parisian-style bottle shop Le Pinardier is great for stocking up on gluggable goodies, and make sure you stop by gallery-cum-homewares boutique Taylor-Jones & Son, where Delilah the sheepdog will welcome you with open paws.

How far? Just over 80 miles

Get there One hour 20 minutes b y train from St Pancras International; around two hours by car. 

3.  Box Hill

Biking to green and pleasant Surrey is a wheely nice way to spend a Sunday (sorry) – plus, Box Hill was part of the 2012 Olympic road-cycling route. Start in Richmond Park and pedal down past Hampton Court – it should take you about two hours. After a 1.6 mile climb and some hairpin bends (easier than it sounds!), you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the North Downs from the top of Box Hill. Grab a slice of cake from the National Trust café, and save space for lunch at The Tree, which serves homemade pies and crumbles. Your last stop is Box Hill and Westhumble station, where you can load your bikes on to a train back to Waterloo. Whew!

How far? 30 miles

Get there  Two hours by bike (obviously). Plan the route carefully before you set out, and take a map and a puncture repair kit, plus water and snacks.

4.  Dungeness

Dungeness’s shingly, shipwreck-dotted beach is so spookily empty that it’s been described as Britain’s only desert (though the Met Office refuses to technically recognise it as such, the party-poopers). But look a little closer and there’s plenty going on. It’s a nature reserve, for one thing. Follow the two-mile trail around RSPB Dungeness for the chance to glimpse glossy ibises and marsh harriers. Come lunchtime, queue up at the famous Dungeness Snack Shack: they’ll serve you their catch of the day in a warm bun, plus lobster and crab rolls or smoked cod chowder. Finally, go in search of the huge concrete ‘sound mirrors’, which date from the First World War and were designed to listen out for planes.

How far? 86 miles

Get there O ne hour  by train from St Pancras International to Folkstone, with a one-hour 30-minute bus ride to Dungeness; around two hours by car. 

5.  Hastings

From the battleground of William the Conqueror’s victory in 1066 to its role as an eighteenth-century smuggling hotspot, Hastings has a lot of colourful history. So it makes total sense that London’s sunseekers have been flocking like seagulls to this town for centuries.

Learn more about the town’s rich history by exploring the beautiful ruins of its Norman castle or paying a visit to Smugglers Adventure (a museum housed in former smugglers’ caves). Browse the independent shops in picturesque Old Town, stroll along the pier, and definitely just take some time to admire the views from the clifftop at the summit of Britain’s steepest funicular, the Hill Cliff Railway. 

How far? 54 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from London Bridge; around two hours by car.

6.  Mersea Island

Attached to the mainland by a causeway that floods (and pub quizzers, take note: this is the UK’s most easterly inhabited island), Mersea feels properly remote at high tide. The big draw is The Company Shed, which serves seafood platters that pull in crowds from all over the country every weekend. It’s BYOB – bring your own bread – and they don’t take bookings, so get there before noon to make sure you can feast on prawns, smoked fish, oysters and dressed crab. Speaking of which, catch-and-release crabbing is encouraged – there are specially marked areas near the water, and shops selling the kit. Or you can book a boat trip around the bay.

How far? 69 miles

Get there  One hour by train from Liverpool Street to Colchester, then a 45-minute bus to Mersea Island; around two hours by car. D on’t forget to check the tide timetable before you set off...

7.  Whitstable

It’s hard to think of a lovelier seaside spot than Whitstable. Kick off a day there at Blueprint Coffee and Books with a pot of something strong and ethically sourced (and maybe a mini orange-and-rosemary bundt cake). Next, rent a bike from Whitstable Cycle Hire and pedal your way along the five-mile seafront Oyster Bay Trail. And for lunch? Oysters, of course – watch them being shucked in front of you at The Forge. Stay on the beach for a drink as the sun sets: Whitstable is one of the few in the UK with a pub, the Old Neptune, right on the shingle.

How far? 61 miles

Get there One hour 20 minutes by train from Victoria or one hour 10 minutes from St Pancras International to Whitstable; around one hour 40 minutes by car.

8.  Rye

The antique shops and higgledy-piggledy cobbled lanes of Rye make it feel like a little slice of the Cotswolds on the coast. After you’ve satisfactorily browsed around the accurately named Tiny Book Store, treat yourself to a seafood lunch surrounded by lobster pots at Globe Inn Marsh, followed by Sussex real ale or a glass of local wine at The George. The Chapel Down vineyard is just up the road and well worth a visit if you want to know the ins and outs of wine-making – or simply enjoy a tipple with their signature wine tasting. Ten minutes away are the pillowy dunes of Camber Sands: roll your trousers up and splash through the shallows, take a kite for a spin or just park your towel and stretch out.

How far? 79 miles.

Get there  One hour 10 minutes by train from St Pancras International (with a change at Ashford); around two hours by car. 

9.  Margate

The Kent coastal town of Margate is awash with cold-brew coffee and craft beer, with enough salty charm to help you weather gusty sea winds. Start at the Turner Contemporary gallery, then mosey over to retro theme park and roller-disco Dreamland. Once the effects of the waltzer have worn off, head to Hantverk & Found for a lunch of fresh seafood and natural wines. Spend the rest of the afternoon shopping: snap up stunning vintage pieces in Breuer & Dawson, and seaweed-based skincare at Haeckels.

How far? 76 miles

Get there  One hour 25 minutes by train from St Pancras International; around two hours by car. 

10.  Bath

A glorious water-themed day awaits you in the city of Bath. Start as you mean to go on with a tour of the Romans baths (no paddling allowed, you’ve been warned), before making a splash in the Thermae Bath Spa – the rooftop pool has stunning views of the city. Once you’ve dried off, make like Jane Austen and stroll along the Royal Crescent. Peckish? Sally Lunn’s teahouse is home to the Sally Lunn Bun, a kind of sweet brioche bap – for a Bath take on the cream tea, order one toasted and spread with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

How far? 115 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Paddington; two hours 30 minutes by car. 

11.  Brighton

With its pebble beach, wall-to-wall live music venues and buzzing LGBTQ+ scene, there’s nowhere better for topping up your Vitamin Sea levels than Brighton. Start your day by dodging seagulls on the Palace Pier, then shop up a storm in the Lanes, which are packed with independent boutiques, record stores and vegan eateries. Sit down with a couple of pints in the Brighton Beer Dispensary, which champions small Sussex breweries like the Hand Brew Co.

How far?  A little over 50 miles

Get there One hour by train from Victoria, Blackfriars or London Bridge; around two hours by car. 

12.  Canterbury

In Chaucer’s day, this was where people came for a big old religious knees-up. Today, Canterbury is a little more sedate, but its large student population means there’s still a pleasingly rowdy edge. Kick things off with a leisurely stroll down the King’s Mile, home to boutiques aplenty. Lunchwise you’re spoilt for choice, from gourmet scotch eggs with slaw and fries at Pork & Co, bento boxes at Tamago or pizza straight from the oven at indoor farmers’ market The Goods Shed. Round off your very own Canterbury tale with a visit to the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, which features one of the world’s most important collections of cow paintings and a mummified  Egyptian cat.

Get there  One hour by train from St Pancras International; around one hour 30 minutes by car.

13.  Guildford

Heads up, horror fans: Guildford’s cathedral stars in cult bone-chiller ‘ The Omen’ . That said, everything else about Surrey’s county town is bucolic in the extreme: if it’s sunny you can lounge beside the water at pretty Dapdune Wharf, or actually get in it at the Guildford Lido. Lunch on locally sourced nacho boxes at Burrito Loco, before checking out the 400-year-old Star Inn. Still thirsty? Hop on a train to tour the nearby Hogs Back Brewery.

How far? 31 miles

Get there  30 minutes by train from Waterloo; around one hour by car.

14.  Southend-on-Sea

For nostalgic seaside fun, you could do much worse than Southend. From amusement parks, fairground rides and the world’s longest pier (it has a train running along it) to old-school chippies and retro ice-cream parlour Tomassi’s, the place has all the typical trappings of a vintage seaside town. On top of that it boasts some ambitious eateries , like fine-dining joint Aurum and gastropub The Pipe of Port, plus a burgeoning creative scene spearheaded by Focal Point Gallery and the annual Village Green music and arts festival. 

How far? 36 miles

Get there  One  hour 15 minutes by train from Fenchurch Street; two hours by car.

15.  Cambridge

Quieter, smaller and (whisper it) prettier than Oxford, Cambridge has plenty to keep you entertained. A visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum is a fine way to start your trip, followed by a bite at Fitzbillies. Make sure to buy a box of the sticky chelsea buns to take home. Spend a couple of hours wandering around the colleges and King’s Chapel before taking to the river for a spot of punting: behatted guides will do the hard work, or you can hire a boat of your own (it’s trickier than it looks: you’ve been warned). Come teatime, head for Grantchester and feast on scones in The Orchard Tea Gardens, just like poet Rupert Brooke.

How far? 64 miles

Get there  45 minutes by train from King’s Cross; one hour ten minutes from Liverpool Street; around two hours by car. 

16.  Chichester

Dinky, pastel-coloured Chichester looks like it’s built of macarons – but it’s more than just a pretty face. Start at the Norman-meets-Gothic cathedral before moving on to the Pallant House Gallery, home to brilliantly curated exhibitions, a first-class bookshop and a courtyard café that gives Rochelle Canteen a run for its money. Some of the best bits of Sussex are an easy drive (or, if you’re feeling full of beans, a slightly less easy bike ride) away, from the Goodwood Estate to West Dean Gardens and the gorgeous sandy beach at West Wittering.

How far? 80 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes from Victoria; around two hours by car. Car is best, so you can really explore. 

17.  Stratford-upon-Avon

The Bard, of course, is the big draw here, and Shakespeare’s house, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage and the RSC’s famous theatre are all must-sees. But Stratford is more than just a Tudor Disneyland, we promise. Take a boat tour of the canal basin to find out more about the West Midlands waterways, refresh yourselves in the Grade II-listed Old Thatch Tavern and stop for a scoop of Eton mess ice cream at Hooray’s British Gelato Kitchen. 

How far? 104 miles

Get there T wo hours 15 minutes  by train from Marylebone; around two hours by car. 

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20 Best Day Trips from London

Our pick of the best day trips from London by tour, train or car. We’ve come up with an amazing list of the 20 best day trips from London that should be on everyone’s bucket list! From our favourite towns and countryside villages to really amazing castles and stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there’s a never-ending selection of places to choose from! So let’s go!

Day Trips from London – by Tour

Going on a tour is a great way of taking a day trip from London, and allows you to see a lot of different attractions in a small space of time.

1. Stonehenge Day Trips & Tours

Stonehenge is really famous for its ancient mysterious stone circles which date back thousands of years. No one is quite sure why the stone circles were built, but nobody can dispute this extraordinary engineering achievement, made all the more the extraordinary since it was carried out 4,000 years ago!!  You’ll only need about 1.5 hours to walk around what many people say is the most mysterious place in the world . Our advice is for you is to combine a visit to Stonehenge with other nearby places like Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath or Oxford so you get the most out of your day trip from London. We offer a few Stonehenge tours that do just that.

2. Windsor Castle

One of the official residences of the British Royal Family, Windsor Castle is definitely worth visiting if you are looking for a bit of Royal English History. We Brits love Windsor Castle, which was built all the way back in the 11th Century, almost 1,000 years ago!  AND amazingly its still in use today by the King. Highlights of the castle include the impressive state rooms, Queen Mary’s Doll House and St George’s Chapel. The lively Changing of the Guard Ceremony also takes place on a regular basis. Our range of Windsor Castle tours from London are the perfect way to visit this amazing attraction.

3. A World of Harry Potter from London:

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is the ultimate place to visit for Harry Potter fans. Spend a day discovering how the films were made, and see lots of original props, sets and special effects. The Studio Tour is located near London and is a perfect family day out. Tourist England offers day tours from London to the Studio Tour.

4. Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon

This is the best day trip for those who love Shakespeare! Situated in the beautiful Cotswolds region in England, Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare and the town has 5 really interesting houses all associated with the life of this literary giant. Admire the pretty thatched roofed cottages and honey-coloured stone buildings that are typical of the region, catch a Shakespeare play at the RSC Company and chill out along the banks of the River Avon. A perfect day out!

5. Day Trips to The Cotswolds:

The Cotswolds is a beautiful region that is iconic for its thatched-roofed cottages, honey-coloured stone buildings and magnificent countryside. There are lots of little towns and villages to visit in the area including Cirencester, Lacock, Avebury and Bampton. You can explore the best of the region on our Cotswolds day tours from London.

6. Seven Sisters Cliffs

Take a day trip from London to the glorious Southern Coast of England. The Seven Sisters cliffs are part of the South Downs National Park and are one of the most iconic stretches of English coastline. On our Seven Sisters Cliffs tour you can enjoy walking along the cliff paths and see breathtaking views.

7. Bombay Sapphire Tour

Calling all gin lovers! There’s a Bombay Sapphire tour from London that takes you to the gin-distillery of this world-famous drink. Set in the English countryside, Bombay Sapphire is an award-winning distillery with tours that take you behind the scenes to see the production process. One of the best day trips from London, our tour departs every Friday.

Day Trips from London by Train

There are lots of places to go on a day trip from London by train. You can spend a day in Paris via the Eurostar train or discover English towns and cities near London.

8. London to Paris Day Trip

Bonjour Paris! The most romantic city in the world is only a 2hr20m train ride from London and there are fast trains that run several times an hour directly from London St Pancras to Paris Gard du Nord. This means that if you leave early in the morning and return late in the evening, you’ll have the whole day to spend in the capital of France! Climb the Eiffel Tower, visit the Louvre and walk along the River Seine. We have a great selection of day trip to Paris from London.

9. Day Trip from London to York by train

There is a lot going for the town of York . It boasts the largest cathedral in Britain, ancient city walls dating back to Roman times, an excellent unique shopping experience and several world class museums. York is located about 2 hours from London Kings Cross Station and is ideal for a day trip by train .

10. Chester day trip by train

Chester is an ancient Roman town that is located not far from Liverpool. It has an impressive cathedral, a Roman amphitheatre and a unique medieval shopping row, as well as the fascinating local Grosvenor museum. There’s a train that runs throughout the day from London.

11. Brighton from London by train

Brighton is a seaside town located on the southern coast of England. This pretty town is just a 90 minute train ride from London. Discover pretty shopping streets called The Lanes, Brighton Pavillion and Brighton Pier. The newly constructed i360 observation tower offers sweeping panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. The city also has a vibrant nightlife with great concerts, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Cities Near London

There are lots of things to do in England, including exploring some of the cities near London like Oxford, Cambridge or Bath.

12. Oxford Day Trips from London

The town of Oxford is really famous for its world-class university that has educated some of today’s most important people, like Presidents, Prime Ministers and famous actors. The town is a really special place to stroll around, with something magical in the air. Visitors can check out some of the gorgeous colleges with their pristine lawns and amazing architecture, discover ancient artifacts in the famous Ashmolean Museum and enjoy punting along the River Cherwell. There are plenty of ways to visit Oxford, including by train and via bus tour from London .

13. Spend a day in Cambridge:

It’s hard not to fall in love with the university town of Cambridge. For those who love beauty, history and heritage, this is the place for you! What could be better than punting along the River Cam, a visit to the world famous Fitzwilliam Museum or admiring the amazing university colleges including Kings College Chapel? We at Tourist England offer a combination day trip that combines a visit to Cambridge with her sister town of Oxford, giving you the best of both worlds.

14. The UNESCO City of Bath:

The city of Bath is famous for its really pretty Georgian architecture and very impressive Roman Baths. In fact, the city is so delightful that it’s won the coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Bath is not too far from London making it a perfect day trip for those who like to spend their time exploring pretty streets, go window shopping, relax in the cafe’s and dine in the fine restaurants. It’s easy to spend a day in Bath since the city has a number of world-class attractions to keep you busy like the Bath Abbey, Roman Baths, Jane Austen Centre, Royal Crescent and Thermae Spa.

15. Canterbury Day Trips from London

Canterbury is famous its Cathedral, one of the oldest Christian places of worship in the UK and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perfect for a day trip from London, the town is also home to St Augustine’s Abbey, Howletts Wild Animal Park and Westgate Gardens.

Day trips from London by Car

Jump in your car and roam free to explore the beautiful English countryside to your hearts desire! From castles and palaces to little villages and seaside towns there’s no shortage of places to go on a day trip from London!

16. UNESCO Blenheim Palace:

Blenheim Palace is the place to go if you’re looking for one of the best country houses and estates in England. Blenheim was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors love the beautiful interiors, fascinating Churchill exhibition and gorgeous landscaped gardens. You can visit this on our Blenheim Palace and Downton Abbey tour from London.

17. Leeds Castle:

Leeds Castle was once nicknamed ‘the loveliest castle in the world’ for its jaw-dropping location set in the majestic English countryside surrounded by a moat. The castle boasts an impressive interior and wonderful landscaped gardens.

18. Warwick Castle Day Trips from London:

Warwick Castle is a great day trip to go on from London with kids. What’s unique about this really old castle is that it has been kitted out and tailoured made for children of all ages. That means there’s plenty of interactive activities, games, quizzes and fun for all the family. Highlights include the ‘Horrible Histories Maze’, Time Tower, Castle Dungeon and Trebuchet.

19. St Albans

An ancient Roman town situated only 1 hour from Central London by train, St Albans is a unique Cathedral city full of medieval architecture and Roman ruins. A traditional street market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday in St Peters Street.

20. Avebury

A quieter version of Stonehenge, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts some of the most amazing stone circles in the UK.

King Arthur Sites

Visit some of the sites associated with the legends of King Arthur, including Glastonbury Tor and Winchester, the ancient capital of the Wessex kingdom which makes for a lovely day trip from London with its medieval streets, impressive cathedral and historic Great Hall.

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14 Best Day Trips From London — From Small Towns to Stunning Forests

Take a break from the big city.

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There’s no denying London is one of the greatest cities in the world for art, culture, history, and theater. "London has fantastic culture on every corner, with over 192 museums, three of which are among the top 10 in the world," Rose Wangen-Jones, the managing director of  Visit London , told  Travel + Leisure . "One of the best things about London is that returning visitors always uncover something new and different with each visit. London is constantly evolving."

After a week-long trip, you may want to escape its hustle and experience some of the U.K.'s best forests, country houses, seaside towns, and even other European neighbors. Thankfully, all of this and more lies within easy reach of the capital, thanks to its great big railways.

"London is often seen as the gateway to the rest of Europe and the United Kingdom, with six international airports and excellent rail connections to continue your onward journey," said Wangen-Jones. "You could even be at the Eiffel Tower taking snaps of the Paris skyline in just over two hours, thanks to the high-speed Eurostar train."

Complete with riverside walks, ancient towns, idyllic streets filled with indie shops, and amazing restaurants, here are our picks for the best day trips from London.

Whitstable, Kent

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Ask any Londoner and they’ll tell often tell you the charming seaside town of Whitstable is at the top of their city escape list. Quintessentially British, Whitstable is famed throughout England for its multicolored North Sea-facing beach huts and restaurants that plate up fresh lobsters. The town’s castle ruins are well worth exploring, too, and the hilly — and sometimes windy — coastal walks will help brush off those cerebral cobwebs.

Another major draw is the town’s oysters. Guzzling half a dozen of these must-try mollusks is almost a rite of passage in these parts, and one of the best times to try them is during the Whitstable Oyster Festival, which takes place every summer. Expect live music, markets selling local wares, and stellar wines.

Margate, Kent

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Margate has had a major makeover over the years, thanks to an arty renaissance spearheaded by celebrities and artists such as Tracey Emin. The Kent coastal town is often compared to the cool grit and harbor glamour of Copenhagen, with all its independent shops, contemporary restaurants, and tidal pool made for a quick summer dip. Though Margate is on the gusty side, the Turner Contemporary gallery will keep you shielded from all the elements, and for those who like a quick and easy adrenaline rush, the retro theme park and roller-disco Dreamland is well worth the admission price.

Cliveden House, Berkshire

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Over its long, illustrious history, Cliveden has been a retreat for royals (Meghan, Duchess of Sussex stayed here on the eve of her wedding, and it played host to the scandalous Profumo affair back in the 1960s). The former home of the Astor family, the house was originally built in 1666 by the Duke of Buckingham as a country pad to rival all others. Now, it’s a great place to get a taste for over-the-top English style (think winding oak staircases and hallways filled with paintings, chandeliers, and armor). Aside from it being a great spot for afternoon tea, Cliveden really is all about stunning riverside walks, park picnics, and if you’ve got the time, a river boat tour down the Thames.

Rye, Sussex

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Instagrammers from across the globe descend upon Rye to snap photos of its cutesy, cobbled lanes and mishmash of Diagon Alley wannabe antique shops and bookstores. Just under two hours from London, the small and hilly town is the perfect place to grab a local Sussex ale or English sparkling wine. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants serving top-notch seafood lunches and scrumptious lobster pots. Another bonus? It's close to one of the U.K.’s best beaches , the beautifully picturesque Camber Sands. Tip: Bring a fancy picnic basket.

Box Hill, Surrey 

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Green and pleasant pastures await in this dreamy part of the Surrey countryside. Less than an hour outside of London, Box Hill is a solid quick option for a day trip with fresh air. Most people cycle here from Richmond Park, but if you're short on time, you can take the train. The walk up takes roughly four hours, and those who reach the summit will be treated to sprawling views of the North Downs. The National Trust Cafe is a great spot for a slice of well-deserved cake, but if you fancy heading further out, the nearby Beaverbrook hotel dishes up one of the most celebrated afternoon teas in the area. 

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Despite being more than 200 miles from London, York is actually one of the easiest day trips from the capital. Trains take just under two hours and run frequently enough that you can easily decide the same day if you want to go. The ancient walled city is best known for its Gothic masterpiece York Minster, one of the U.K.’s oldest cathedrals, which dates back to the seventh century.

"York Minster is one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world, as well as one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe," Nicola Butler, a T+L A-List advisor and owner of Noteworthy , told T+L. "The first recorded church on the site was built in 627 AD, and it has had a colorful and varied history ever since. We then suggest our clients admire the timber-framed buildings of The Shambles, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086."

In addition to admiring this stunner, visitors can walk along the city walls before climbing up Clifford’s Tower for some awesome views of the city and beyond. Learn about 3,000 years of chocolate history at the city’s Chocolate Story museum, then hit up the Shambles for winding, Harry Potter -style streets packed with cool storefronts and tea shops.  

Lewes, Sussex

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Lewes often gets overlooked for its neighbor Brighton, but there's lots to explore in this quaint town. Lewes Castle, the remains of Lewes Priory, and the former home of Anne of Cleves will keep you busy for a few hours, as will the pubs and local handicraft shops. If you have a few more hours to spare, take a cab to the nearby village of Rodmell. Here, you’ll find Monk’s House , the former 16th-century country retreat of famous novelist Virginia Woolf and her husband, Leonard. The garden is pretty, and you’ll also get to go inside Woolf’s writing lodge where she sat and wrote her most famous novels and essays. And if you’ve got the stamina, the walk to Glynde is well worth the steep hills. Your reward? Spectacular views over the South Downs.

Paris, France

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The beauty of Europe is its excellent and efficient train network. The Eurostar , for example, takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach the French capital from London’s St. Pancras International station, and with little advance planning, you can easily visit some of Paris’s most famous sites if you book yourself on the earliest service out and the latest back. To make the most of your day here, focus on the heart of the city: the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Musée d'Orsay, plus the amazing stores, coffee shops, and restaurants of Saint-Germain-des-Prés are all within walking distance of each other. Round out the day at the Trocadéro to snap a selfie with the Eiffel Tower and relax on the banks of the Seine with a picnic, Emily in Paris style.

Brighton, Sussex

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The unofficial gay capital of the U.K. is the place to go if you're in search of wall-to-wall live music venues, classic seaside bed-and-breakfasts, buzzing clubs, and the members-only Soho House. The famed Palace Pier, pebble beach, and a shopping spree down The Lanes are musts. Visitors can expect narrow alleyways packed with independent boutiques, record stores, pizza shacks, vegan eats, and small pubs championing local ales sourced from all over the city’s home county, Sussex.

Hastings, Sussex

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Hastings has a long, colorful, and somewhat brutal history that’s kept tourists flocking to its gusty cliffs for centuries. The former battle ground of William the Conqueror offers all sorts of to-dos, from the ruins of its Norman castle (no dragons, sadly) to a strip of indie shops to great local restaurants. There's also a long pier stretching out into the English Channel that has sunset walk written all over it. The best views can be enjoyed from atop the cliff just off the summit of the U.K.'s steepest funicular, the East Hill Cliff Railway. It’s worth the short ride from the summit down to bustling George Street, a haven for continental-style cafes, art shops, and bookstores.

Stratford-upon-Avon, West Midlands

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Literature buffs will love this medieval town hidden away in England's West Midlands. Shakespeare’s former home, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage, and The Bard are the major draws here. A little more than two hours north of London, the town is also a great place to indulge in a boat tour along the plant-flecked canal basin, and if you’re a theater lover, catch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s playhouse (book well in advance). If you’re feeling extra spontaneous, reserve a spot on the Countess of Evesham, Stratford’s answer to the Orient Express, for a whistle-stop dining tour down the picturesque River Avon.

Canterbury, Kent

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If you dig a classic English-style cathedral coupled with a dash of Chaucer, head to Canterbury. Roughly a 45-minute train ride from London, the town is a great option for travelers who are pressed for time. Start off with a walk (or bike ride) down the wiggly King’s Lane to check out the city’s stellar indie shops. When it comes to fueling up, there's lots on offer, from farmers markets to more traditional classics like gourmet Scotch eggs. Walk it off in one of England’s oldest parks, Westgate Gardens, before hitting up the nearby Blean Woods Nature Reserve, an ancient woodland filled with rare flora and fauna. The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is also worth visiting for a glimpse at one of the world's most important collections of cow paintings.

Cambridge, Cambridge

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An easy, one-hour train journey from St. Pancras, this over 800-year-old university city is home to some of the world's most photogenic colleges and dorms. Begin your journey at King’s College and stroll through its 15th-century landmark Gothic chapel, home to the world’s largest fan vault and some impressive stained-glass windows.

Next, try your hand at punting. Aside from hopping on a bike, it’s the simplest (and most fun) way to explore the city on the cheap. Plus, you’ll see all the top attractions, from Trinity College to the Bridge of Sighs, along the way.

"NoteWorthy clients often visit The Wren Library in Trinity College Cambridge, designed by the renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren," said Butler. "It is one of Cambridge’s most famous and historic college libraries. This experience will take you behind the scenes to see some extraordinary and valuable literary works guided by a subject expert. Two of Shakespeare’s first folios and various letters of Sir Isaac Newton are just examples of what you could see on the tour."

When you get hungry, head to the Pint Shop for gourmet pub-style food served in a joint once loved by E.M. Forster. The Sunday roast is great, as are all the beers sourced from hops all over the country.

Bruton, Somerset

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Somerset is a long day trip from London, but it’s doable and worth the effort if you’re willing to wake up early. One of the most convenient ways to get a taste of it now is via the Great Garden Escape , courtesy of one of England's most celebrated hotels, The Newt in Somerset. The approximately two-hour journey sets off from London’s Paddington station, with breakfast served on board before the train rolls into the hills of the West Country. Next to the hotel’s Georgian façade, explore picturesque gardens and ancient woodlands, plus learn the art of cider making before digging into an afternoon tea overlooking the orchards. It’s basically England summed up in about eight hours.

Posted on Published: 10th November 2022  - Last updated: 5th December 2022 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

28 Brilliant Day Trips from London

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We all love London… but the UK is full of wonderful spots that are ripe for exploration. Planning your next adventure? Here are 28 cool day trips from London to get you started.

London is a great city – but there’s so much more to the UK to explore.

Hop on a train or into your car and you can go on an adventure around some of the UK’s historic sites and beautiful landscapes.

In need of some inspiration? Check out this guide to the best day trips from London by train and by car.

Sneak a peek at the day trip destinations in this video to see what they look like in action!

Day Trips from London by Train

Planning your day trip from London? We love using Omio for finding the best deals when it comes to train travel around the UK. They work with over 1000 major travel companies to bring you the best deals (including many major airlines if you’re looking to travel a little bit further). 

Better yet, download the Omio App and you can store all of your travel tickets in one place. This means that you can spend less time organising your tickets and more time planning an adventure. Yes, please!

Oxford, the city of the dreaming spires is an easy day out from London. It’s only an hour on the train and trains run frequently until the early hours.

We might be biased, but we really think that it’s one of the best places to visit in the UK – a gorgeous city that’s brimming with history and cool things to do.

While there’s a lot to see in the city, its small size means that a lot of the biggest Oxford attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.

From the iconic Radcliffe Camera to the world-famous Ashmolean Museum, you certainly have your work cut out when it comes to seeing Oxford in a day – but it is possible. Start with this 24 Hours in Oxford guide .

Train departs from: London Paddington and London Marylebone

Average journey duration: 1 hour

Hassle-free option: Book this Oxford day trip from London

Read more: The Best Things to do in Oxford Finding Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations

Canterbury has always been an important place to visit in the UK – it was the destination for many a pilgrimage in times past (hence its role in Chaucer’s famous Canterbury Tales). It still deserves to be at the top of your list of days out from London today.

What’s there to see? How about one of England’s great cathedrals, ye olde English pubs and quaint little streets that look like they’ve been plucked straight from medieval times? Add to that a selection of cool museums and some scenic walks and you’ve got an excellent day trip in the making.

Train departs from: London Victoria and St Pancras International

Average journey duration: 1 hour from St Pancras, 1.5 hours from Victoria

Hassle-free option: Book this day trip to Canterbury and the White Cliffs of Dover

Read more: One Day in Canterbury Itinerary

Cambridge is beautiful. This world-famous university town is another popular day trip outside London – and for good reason.

Visiting impressive colleges such as Trinity College and King’s College (whose chapel you simply must see) would be enough to fill your day alone. But you should also take time to visit some of Cambridge’s other landmarks – The Fitzwilliam Museum and Botanical Gardens among them.

If you’re visiting in the warmer months be sure to hire a punt and indulge in the traditional pastime of gliding down the River Cam. Bonus points to you if you don’t fall in or lose your pole along the way.

Train departs from: Kings Cross and Liverpool Street

Average journey duration: 50 minutes from Kings Cross, 1 hour 20 minutes from Liverpool Street

Hassle-free option: Book this London to Cambridge Day Trip

We think that Brighton is South East England’s coolest beach destination. 

First thing’s first – the beach is pebble – so don’t get your hopes up with dreams of golden sands. It’s still perfectly good for plumping down on your towel and soaking a few rays of the rare British sun.

Away from the beach, Brighton’s history as the seaside escape for the UK’s rich and famous has left its mark.

Long rows of Regency houses, the long-standing Pier, not to mention the out-and-out fabulous Brighton Pavillion stand as testament to Brighton’s colourful past.

There’s a thriving dining and drinking scene – and a number of cool little independent shops clustered in The Lanes area. Just be sure not to have so much fun that you miss the last train home (this has totally happened to me).

Train departs from: St Pancras International (also stops at Farringdon, Blackfriars and London Bridge) and London Victoria

Hassle-free option: Book a bike tour of Brighton (doesn’t include transport to Brighton)

Read Next: 21 Brilliant Beaches Near London

Hampton Court

Hampton Court is one of the easiest day trips from London – easy transport connections and short travel time make it perfect for an impromptu trip.

Hampton is pretty much all about the palace – which was first built by the ill-fated Cardinal Wolsey before being pinched by Henry VIII.

All six of Henry’s wives lived here at some point or another, before it passed through a number of hands and was finally opened to the public during the Victorian times.

Wonderful as Hampton Court’s interiors are, we would recommend visiting during the summer months when the gardens are at their best (avoid the summer holidays if you can though, when it’s always busy). Don’t miss the maze, which is the oldest surviving hedge maze in the world.

Train departs from: London Waterloo

Average journey duration: 50 minutes

Hassle-free option: Buy your Hampton Court tickets in advance

A trip to the Georgian spa town of Bath is like stepping straight into the pages of a Jane Austen novel (not surprising, seeing as she set so many of them there).

Jaunt around town, checking out the city’s many historical sites. Start with the immersive experience of the Roman Baths (unfortunately you’re not actually allowed to bathe there any more) and the Pump Room.

You can even “take the water” at the Pump Room – sipping on the supposedly restorative waters in the fashion of the hoi polloi of old.

We should warn you that the water tastes absolutely gross though.

Just across the road, Bath Abbey is one of the UK’s most beautiful cathedrals – make sure that you take a look inside too, it’s just as spectacular.

Small but entertaining, The Fashion Museum walks you through the catwalk of British fashion through the centuries.

Don’t think that Bath’s spa heritage is dead and gone – it’s still home to more than its fair share of spas that are perfect for a spot of pampering.

The reasonably-priced Thermae Bath Spa is a popular option thanks to its rooftop pool and indulgent massages, while the high-end Gainsborough Bath Spa is the place to go when you really want to push the boat out.

Train departs from: London Paddington

Average journey time: 1hr 30 minutes

Hassle-free option: Book this Bath & Stonehenge Day Trip

The fact that it’s the home of the royal residence Windsor Castle means that Windsor’s many other charms often get overlooked.

Windsor is well-known as one of the best day trips from London. Even so, many visitors disembark from the train, make a beeline for Windsor Castle, have a nose around and then head straight back home. It’s a shame as Windsor is a rather charming riverside town that merits your attention.

Sure, you should start your visit with a look at the castle, which just so happens to be the oldest inhabited castle in the world. The State Rooms and beautiful grounds take some time to explore.

However, you shouldn’t make the mistake of dashing home the moment that you are finished. Stick around to visit the Royal Windsor Racecourse and its more famous counterpart Royal Ascot Racecourse next door.

Or why not walk around the expansive Windsor Great Park then test your skills on the water rowing or kayaking along the Thames?

Train departs from: London Waterloo and Paddington Station

Average journey time: 50 minutes

Hassle-free option: Half-Day Windsor Day Trip and Tour

Read More: 15 Must-Visit Castles Near London

The Lake District

The Lake District is a long day trip from London but it’s just about doable and worth the effort if you’re short on time and can’t stay overnight.

With its gorgeous green pastures, towering fells and chocolate-box villages, it’s no surprise that the Lake District tops the list of Britain’s beautiful regions. The fastest train to the Lake District takes around 2.5 hours to Oxenholme, so is easiest to tackle on a day trip from London.

Luckily, the area surrounding Oxenholme is ripe for exploration.

There are frequent buses to Kendal, a pretty Lakeland town with lots of cute shops and tea rooms. You can also catch a local train (or taxi) to Windermere – the most famous of the Lakes – the walks around the lake are superb.

As we have already mentioned – The Lake District is not close to London, so you will need to start early and come back late to make it worth the effort.

Don’t even think about doing it by car either – you can just about do it by train but you’re really much better off staying overnight if you want to drive. Or you can go the full mile and head off on a road trip to a few British national parks .

Train departs from: Euston

Average journey time: 2 hrs 45mins

Hassle-free option: A 10 lake day tour

Read more: Walking in the Lake District

Despite being pretty far from London, York is actually not a difficult day trip.

Trains take just a smidge under two hours and run frequently enough that you can just turn up and go.

The walled city is best-known for the Gothic masterpiece that is York Minster but, with more attractions per square mile than any other UK city, there’s a lot to see here.

It’s tough to cover it all in one day – start with York Minster, the fascinating Yorkshire Museum and York Castle Museum (which comes complete with a restored street of Victorian shops) then add in a few other spots if time allows.

Chocolate-lovers will want to head to Chocolate Story – where you can learn about York’s important role in the history of British chocolate and, more importantly, gorge yourself on your own handmade chocolate bar.

Train departs from: King’s Cross

Average journey time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Hassle-free option: See the best sights on foot

Lewes (pronounced Lewis ) often sits in the shadow of nearby Brighton, but there’s a lot to charm in the county town of East Sussex on a one day trip from London.

The town itself is pretty, with a few spots like Lewes Castle, the remains of Lewes Priory and the timber-framed Anne of Cleves House to lure you in for an hour or two.

A surprising number of Lewes’ medieval buildings have survived the test of time – there’s history around every corner.

Personally, we think the spectacular walks in the area surrounding Lewes are also worth the trip. We recommend the six-mile walk to Glynde – there are a couple of steep hills but each step comes with views out over the South Downs.

You can extend the walk to Southease and back to Lewes if you’re feeling really energetic – then quench your thirst with a locally-brewed pint of Harvey’s when you’re finished.

Train departs from: London Victoria

Average journey time: 1 hour

Hassle-free option: This is a DIY trip – but it’s really easy

Read More: Fantastic Hikes Near London You Shouldn’t Miss

Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town. With a long history that dates back beyond the Roman times, it was a Roman city and traces of that heritage can still be found dotted all over Colchester today.

Walking in the footsteps of the Romans, visit the remains of the Roman wall, as well as the Roman Circus – the only verified Roman chariot-racing track still standing.

Move onto Colchester Castle, which while not Roman itself, displays a few Roman mosaics and many Roman artifacts in the large Norman keep.

The castle is actually the largest Norman keep in Europe – testament to the fact that you can pretty much spy architecture from every single period in British history in Colchester.

Away from the past Colchester also happens to be the home of some very good tea shops. It would be rude not to indulge in a cream tea before you hop on the train back home again.

Train departs from: Liverpool Street

Hassle-free option: Book onto one of the frequent tours run by Visit Colchester

There haven’t been nearly enough seaside towns in this guide to day trips around London – time to fix that. Where better to head to than Whitstable with its picturesque, cobbled streets and famous oyster eateries?

There’s not a tonne to do in Whitstable – you can visit Whitstable Castle, but really, most of the appeal is wandering around the gorgeous town, seafront and harbour.

Seafood-lovers will be in their element – there’s no better place to tuck into a pint of fresh prawns or guzzle down half-a-dozen oysters.

If you’re really keen, time your visit for the annual knees up that is the Whitstable Oyster Festival .

Not only can you eat all the oysters you can ever dream of (20 is our personal best), but there’s live music and markets selling local wares and wine.

Train departs from: St Pancras International, London Bridge and London Victoria

Average journey time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Hassle-free option: None – but it’s a really easy trip

Henley on Thames

More than just the annual regatta that sees it burst into life, Henley on Thames is one of England’s traditional market towns.

The best way to explore Henley on Thames is on a self-guided walking tour – be sure to stop by the River & Rowing Museum for a walk through the history of the famous sport.

It contains an immersive Wind in the Willows experience that’s just as fun for adults as it is for kids – you’re led through the eccentric world of Mr Toad, Badger, Ratty and Mole.

Henley also used to hold the dubious title of having more pubs per head than any other town in the south east. While those days are gone, the upshot is that there are still a number of cool little pubs for you to explore.

Train departs from: London Paddington, change at Twyford

Average journey time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Hassle-free option: Just hop on a train and go and explore

Margate’s renaissance has been a marvel to behold. Once the darling of the British seaside, it had a bit of a slump before transforming itself into one of the UK’s coolest seaside spots.

That transformation is complete – these days you’re more likely to hear Margate being compared with Copenhagen than with any shoddy seaside town.

There’s the Turner Contemporary of course, which turned heads when it opened in 2011 and is still doing so several years later.

Add to that an assortment of chic independent shops, contemporary restaurants and even a gorgeous tidal pool for a quick dip and you’ll start to understand why it charms the pants off of so many people.

Average journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Hassle-free option: Check out the Thanet Tourist Board’s Page for Inspiration

Manchester is the small city that packs a big punch. With a strong culture and identity (think the Industrial Revolution and Oasis and you’re on the right track) a visit to Manchester is a breath of fresh air.

There’s too much to see in one day – Manchester Art Gallery, Imperial War Museum North, a guided tour of the BBC, the Museum of Science & History among them. If you’re a footie fan, a visit to Old Trafford is a must.

Seeing as you’re short on time, we recommend stopping off at a few museums, visiting Manchester Cathedral and fuelling up from one of the city’s cool eateries. Then, if you’re so inclined, stay for a taste of Manchester’s legendary nightlife before you head back home.

Average journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Hassle-free option:  Book a private tour with a local (transport to Manchester not included)

Bristol is one of our favourite cities. The chilled-out, easygoing city (which just so happens to be the largest in the southwest) is a brilliant day trip from London.

Bristol is a city of contrast – on the one hand, there are plenty of big landmarks to see – the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the SS Great Britain being two. On the other hand, a lot of the city’s appeal is the cool and quirky culture it’s fostered over the years.

A hive of street art, indie cafes (where you can guarantee you’ll get a great flat white) and alternative music venues – Bristol is just so damned cool.

It’s perhaps no surprise that one of the city’s biggest claims to fame is that the street artist Banksy hails from there.

Hassle-free option: Book this Self Guided Tour

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Lincoln (@visitlincoln)

Although it was previously a bit far for a day trip, LNER has launched new trains to Lincoln after the success of their Lincoln Experience event, which was part of a Visit Lincoln week celebrating the city. 

This is big news. It means that in just two hours you can escape London and make your way to the city steeped in Roman history.

The day trip alone is worth it for Lincoln castle and the picturesque grounds surrounding it, but you’ve also got plenty of shops, cafes, and pubs to make your way through in the city centre between museum hopping.  

Train departs from: London King’s Cross

Average journey time: 2 hours 19 minutes

Hassle-free option Book a guided walking tour of the city

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stonehenge (@stonehenge)

As one of the strangest day trips from London, a visit to the mysterious Stonehenge is a must for everyone. This is a rock formation that has puzzled historians for centuries.

How did the stones get there? Nobody is quite sure, but experts reckon that they were carried for over 160 miles, so they must be pretty special. 

We highly recommend booking a guided tour of the site, so you get to hear about all the interesting theories surrounding the mystical Stonehenge – and you can ask any burning questions (trust me, you’ll have a few).

Bear in mind that post-lockdown you need to book your entry time slot for Stonehenge well in advance, and remember to bring your booking confirmation with you.

Train departs from: Waterloo

Average journey time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Hassle-free option: A morning tour of Stonehenge with London transfers

Harry Potter Studios

From the mystical to the pure magical – if you haven’t visited the Harry Potter Studios yet, what are you waiting for? 

This is one of the best family days out near London and whether you’re a Potterhead or not, it’s so fun to go behind the scenes of arguably the most popular franchise to ever exist.

If the idea of heading to a city and wandering aimlessly doesn’t appeal to you, book yourself a ticket to the studios and experience Hogwarts for yourself.

If you want the full lowdown on the studio tour, including how to get there, tickets, and what to expect when you arrive, check out this article.

Train departs from: London Euston

Average journey time: 30 minutes

Hassle-free option: Entry tickets and London transfers all rolled into one

This old spa town is one of the prettiest in Gloucestershire and can be reached in around 2 hours from London. Cheltenham boasts Regency buildings in abundance, including the Pittville pump room which was incredibly important in Cheltenham’s spa town history. 

Famed for hosting both the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival and the Jazz Festival, this historic town is incredibly lively during the summer months. 

Don’t get us wrong, it’s equally beautiful in winter – but there’s just something so magical about hanging out in Montpellier Gardens in the sunshine.

Make sure to visit The Wilson Museum for fine art and catch a movie at the Everyman Theatre – the ornate Victorian ceiling is divine.

Average journey time: 2 hours

Hassle-free option: Take a self-guided tour

Explore two capitals in one day by taking a day trip to Cardiff. It’s surprisingly easy thanks to the high speed train from London Paddington, and Cardiff Castle is beautiful and well worth the journey alone.

Other things to do in Cardiff include taking a trip to the famous Wales Millenium Centre – an arts centre which hosts plenty of live performances and workshops – and exploring the harbour nearby, as well as trying a famous Welsh Cake. Fabulous Welshcakes (opposite the castle) is our top pick for the best.

Hassle-free option: Take a day trip tour from London

Guildford is a picturesque medieval town with a castle at its heart. It’s a surprisingly quick day trip here from London and one we implore you to make – after all, it’s one of our favourite places to visit outside London.

Nestled in the Surrey countryside, it may be small but this town certainly packs a punch when it comes to things to do. Not to mention it’s filled with plenty of brilliant pubs for a well-deserved pint.

What to do? Our top picks include Guildford House, a 17th-century townhouse gallery with rotating exhibitions, hikes along dapdune walk, and a visit to the hilltop cathedral that boasts views of the town.

Hassle-free option: Take a walking tour

Day Trips from London by Car

Easy as it is to hop out of London on a train, some places are more suited to day trips from London by car.

The Cotswolds

It’s a rare event indeed when the words picture-perfect and Cotswolds aren’t mentioned in the same breath.

The Cotswolds is the kind of England you find on the postcards – twee villages with thatched cottages in golden hues, rolling green hills, steaming piles of scones piled high with jam and clotted cream for your afternoon tea.

If it all sounds perfectly lovely, it is.

There’s a reason that the Cotswolds find themselves on many a travel itinerary. Bibury and Burford are two of the prettiest villages- be sure to visit them during your trip.

If you want to see as many villages as possible, I’d recommend starting in Burford and finishing in Winchcombe, meandering through Northleach, Lower and Upper Slaughter, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Camden along the way.

It’s an easy drive, but it means you don’t get much time any one spot.

Alternatively, you can narrow it down to a couple of villages and add in a long walk and some afternoon tea for a much more relaxed trip.

Average driving time from central London: 2 hours

Hassle-free option: Book this full-day Cotswolds four-village tour

Read Next: Pretty Spots You Have to Visit in the Cotswolds

Stratford Upon Avon

Stratford Upon Avon – the birthplace of Britain’s famous bard, Shakespeare and a twee little Tudor town set around the River Avon.

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Theatre dominates the town – rightly so. There’s always something fantastic to see on one of its several stages.

Away from the theatre, Stratford Upon Avon’s Tudor architecture offers a glimpse into days of yore. You can visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, as well as the home that he retired to after the bright lights of London proved too much.

His final resting place, Holy Trinity Church is said to be the most visited parish church in the country.

But Stratford isn’t just Shakespeare – hop onto a boat and row along the Avon, go on a river walk out of town, hole up in an old pub for a pint or two and appreciate the sleepy appeal of this quaint little town.

Seven Sisters Country Park

There are few landscapes as striking as the sight of the chalk faces of the Seven Sisters rising up from the coast.

These gorgeous cliffs form the focal point of the larger Seven Sisters Country Park, part of the South Downs National Park.

Strap on your hiking boots and set off on a walk along the Sisters for a refreshing day out from London. Park at the Visitor Centre (where you can also pop in to learn about the history of the country park) and take the path to Seaford Head View Point for the classic view of the cliffs.

Alternatively, why not tackle the part of the South Downs Way that runs through the country park and over the sisters themselves.

Hassle-free option: Seven Sisters and South Downs day trip

The New Forest

The New Forest might be less than 100 miles outside of London but it feels like a world away. It’s the largest stretch of unenclosed pasture land and forest in the country and is famous for the wild ponies that roam across its lands.

In terms of attractions, The New Forest has surprisingly varied arsenal of things to see. Beaulieu, a vintage car museum, stately home and medieval monastery rolled into one is one such destination and worth seeing if you’re not a complete petrolhead.

Still, a lot of the appeal is in getting outdoors and onto the many walking trails that crisscross the region. Be sure to wear some comfortable shoes.

Hassle-free option: Train to Lymington or Brockenhurst and hop onto the New Forest tour bus

Leeds Castle

London has plenty of castles nearby that make for great day trips, and, despite its name, Leeds Castle is actually in Kent.

This castle is no stranger to royalty with 6 medieval queens previously residing here, and Queen Elizabeth I was even imprisoned at the castle before her coronation. If you fancy stretching the day trip into an overnight experience and live the life of a royal yourself (who wouldn’t?) you can even book a place to sleep in the Maiden’s Tower.

Humbly labelling itself as the “loveliest castle in the world”, you’ve got over 900 years of history to uncover at Leeds Castle – if you can make it past the moat!

Tickets cost £28 for adults and £19.50 for kids, but you get a better deal if there’s a group of you, which is definitely worth looking into.

Average driving time from central London: 1 hour 15 minutes

Hassle-free option: Tour Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover with transfers from London

Highclere Castle

Yes, this is the Downton Abbey Castle. I can’t guarantee that you’ll run into any of the Crawley family while you’re there, but I can promise you a brilliant day trip from London at Highclere Castle .

Take a walk around the grounds and make sure to snap some all-important insta pics of the Jacobethan facade, before you enter the castle and soak in all the history.

Admission tickets cost £24 for adults and £14 for children but check out the website as they host plenty of special events throughout the year, including Downton Abbey Tours and quaint Afternoon Teas.

Average driving time from central London: 1 hour 30 minutes Hassle-free option: Combine Highclere Castle with Oxford

Cirencester

Looking for the best day trip from London? Technically Cirencester is in the Cotswolds, but we think it’s so nice that it’s worth us raving about it separately. It has, like many other English cities, a distinctive Roman history that you can explore in the Corinium Museum.

Cirencester is also great when it comes to shopping – it boasts plenty of independent boutiques and dreamy bookshops that you could spend an entire day exploring alone. 

Cirencester Park is the perfect place to spend an hour or two if the sun decides to make a much-welcomed appearance. You might just catch a game of Polo here, too.

Average driving time from central London: 2 hours 15 minutes

Hassle-free option: There isn’t one – though this is an easy DIY

So, there we are – 28 day trips outside London. We hope that you have found more than a few things to inspire your next jaunt out of the city.

PS: Looking for a longer trip? You’ll want to scope out our guide to Weekend Getaways from London .

Practical Tips for Planning Day Trips Out of London

• It’s always worth checking your train times but you should be sure to do so if you are planning to do your day trip on a Sunday. Sunday train service is notoriously bad – with rail replacement buses, less frequent services or indirect connections often popping up to mess up your travel plans.
• If you are travelling by train, try and book your tickets as far ahead as possible for the best prices. You should also consider whether it’s worth purchasing one of the many railcards available if there are a few of you travelling or you plan to do several excursions within a short period of time.

Best London Day Trips: Map

Discover More Day Trips From London Guides

• 2 8 Fabulous Beaches Near London
• National Parks Near London for a Weekend Break
• Caves in and Around London That You Have to See

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24 Hours in Oxford – insidersoxford.com

Wednesday 5th of May 2021

[…] looking for a short break or escape in the United Kingdom within easy reach of London, Oxford is a perfect day trip. Even if you aren’t, you should go […]

Wednesday 27th of May 2020

Juliana - thank you for all of your posts. We have one weekend left in London coming up before returning to the US. We've been here 3 months and enjoyed exploring London by foot and the city cycles.

I'd love a recommendation on a day trip knowing we have to take the train and that we are still in lock down (somewhat).

In the last weeks we visited Cambridge, Hastings, Greenwich and Seven Sisters. Prior to lock down we have visited the Cotswalds and the Lake District and Oxford.

I look forward to your reply! Beth

Julianna Barnaby

Thursday 28th of May 2020

A total pleasure Beth - sounds like you've been exploring a lot! If you haven't been to Bath, I'd normally recommend a trip there - it's very pretty but obviously destinations like the Roman Baths and the Pump Rooms will be closed. I would say the city is pretty enough to more than justify a trip to spend some time walking around. That said, I think the official guidance is only to use transport for necessary journeys, so I'd check that before you book anything.

Sunday 3rd of February 2019

What a great assortment of day trips! I've bookmarked this post for when I'm visiting London later this year - so handy. Thanks very much!

Tuesday 5th of February 2019

Thanks Lesley - I hope you get to head on at least a couple of the day trips while you're in London. Have an awesome trip!

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100 Damn Good Day Trips From London For A New Year’s Escape

Ever get the feeling you're wanting to get out of town but not sure where to go? Well, if you do, why not try going on one of these top-notch day trips from London?

London has too much of a hold over us to leave for long, but these cracking day trips from London will give you a chance to see the English countryside and refresh your zest for our beloved capital. Whether you’re exploring windswept beaches or checking out some of the prettiest villages in the UK , there’s something for everyone to explore in 2024. Let’s dive in shall we?

Table Of Contents

City day trips from London

Historical places near london, nature day trips from london, foodie day trips from london, pretty places near london, day trips to castles near london, literary day trips from london, national trust properties near london, seaside day trips from london, more amazing day trips near london, theme parks near london, sporty day trips from london.

Did you know there are other cities apart from London ? Here are the ones you really should explore – just remember to come back to London once you’re done, yeah?

1. Admire the dreaming spires of Oxford .

2. explore cardiff , another top uk capital., 3. go punting in cambridge ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scudamore's Punting Cambridge (@puntingcambridge)

4. Dip into the Roman baths  in Bath.

5. follow chaucer’s pilgrims to canterbury ., 6. visit cadbury world , the most delicious place in birmingham  (and maybe the world)., 7. catch some shakespeare  in stratford-upon-avon..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stacy Michelle Cartledge (@whatstacydid)

8. Have a right royal day out  in Windsor.

9. spend the day in the arcades and on the rides of brighton pier ., 10. hop a train to see the remarkable st albans cathedral ., 11. experience the urban cool of bristol ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Secret Bristol (@secret.bristol)

12. Marvel at King Arthur’s round table  in Winchester.

These day trips from London will give you a glimpse into England’s past, whether that be at ancient monuments or at the pub …

13. Delve into 300 years’ worth of history at the UNESCO-listed and thoroughly gorgeous Blenheim Palace .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Blenheim Palace (@blenheimpalace)

14. Crack codes at Bletchley Park .

15. divine the mysteries of stonehenge ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stonehenge (@stonehenge)

16. Wander around Avebury , the UK’s other famous stone circle.

17. enter the battle of hastings at battle abbey ., 18. drink at the royal standard of england , the oldest pub in britain ( see more of the uk’s oldest pubs here )..

Experience fresh air and stunning scenery on these day trips from London. You’ll even have time to explore some of the UK’s breathtaking national parks , some of which lie tantalisingly close to the capital! Who knows – you may even spot some wildlife .

19. Ramble your way through The Cotswolds .

20. cycle along the south downs way ., 21. take a peek at the north wessex downs ., 22. marvel at the majesty of the high weald ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by High Weald National Landscape (@highwealdnl)

23. Make friends with the butterflies at Holtspur Bottom Reserve .

24. check out chiltern hills ., 25. stride your way around swinley forest ., 26. catch an explosion of colour at rhs wisley ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by RHS Garden Wisley (@rhswisley)

27. Kick your way through the leaves at Kent Downs .

28. brave the weather to see the burnham beeches ., 29. try not to get lost in the magnificent chislehurst caves ., 30. amble your way through the new forest ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by brambleandbeach (@brambleandbeach)

31. Go for a stroll around Surrey Hills .

32. take an excursion to elmley national nature reserve ..

The tastiest day trips around necessitate stuffing your face with high-quality cuisine, and then spending the rest of the day in a highly satisfactory food coma. Now that’s something we can definitely get on board with…

33. Eat your fill at The Fat Duck , Heston Blumenthal’s revered restaurant.

34. dine at le manoir aux quat’saisons , the idyllic hideaway of raymond blanc..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons (@belmondlemanoir)

35. Sample fine dining at The Latymer  in Pennyhill Park.

36. try the hand and flowers , a two-star michelin pub run by tom kerridge..

There’s nothing better than stumbling upon a picture-perfect vista that provides the perfect fodder for your Instagram feed. And let us tell you, there are some STUNNING spots around the UK.

37. Snap pictures of the medieval town of Lavenham , one of the prettiest villages near London . It’s also home to Harry Potter’s house, which is available on Airbnb !

38. amble through castle combe , star of many a film and tv show..

39. Wander through the charming village of Arundel – voted the most relaxing place in England!

40. have a gander at cookham , where wind in the willows was penned., 41. ramble through picturesque hambleden ., 42. visit chichester and head to the well-renowned theatre ., 43. explore shere , a favourite filming location. (in fact, it’s where the holiday classic, the holiday , was filmed ).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Surrey (@visitsurrey)

44. See East Bergholt , set amidst the landscape which inspired John Constable.

No need to storm the gates on day trips to these gorgeous castles, because they’re inviting you in. But will you be the king of the castle or just a dirty rascal with these London day trips listed below?

45. Step inside the real-life Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle .

46. Follow in Anne Boleyn’s footsteps at Hever Castle .

47. framlingham castle  (of ed sheeran’s ‘ castle on the hill ‘ fame), 48. leeds castle , which confusingly is in kent, not leeds., 49. warwick castle , home to an awesome medieval trebuchet that they’re more than happy to use..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Warwick Castle (@warwickcastleofficial)

50. Hadleigh Castle .

51. see the former prison of charles i at carisbrooke castle ., 52. dive into the history of dover castle ..

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a literary day trip will refresh your love for London, so go forth and wander the hallowed halls where literature’s greatest works were penned.

53. Take a tour of Jane Austen’s house  in Chawton.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jane Austen's House (@janeaustenshouse)

54. Explore Bateman’s , the former home of Rudyard Kipling.

55. see roald dahl’s inspiration  in great missenden., 56. head on a dickensian tour of rochester., 57. follow the footsteps of virginia woolf around monk’s house ..

These ultra-luxe houses are just life goals, and if you’re a National Trust member, you’ll get in for free.

58. Explore Hughenden , the former home of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.

59. fall in love with the chateaurrific waddesdon manor ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elaine (@elaineblackall)

60. Check out the artwork at Petworth House .

61. meander round the botanical gardens at wakehurst ., 62. see chartwell , the family home of winston churchill., 63. get house envy at the stunning ightham mote ., 64. wander amongst the flowers of cliveden ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cliveden House (@clivedenhouse)

65. Spend the day at picturesque Mottisfont .

66. admire the amazing views from leith hill tower  (on clear days you can even see the london skyline)., 67. visit runnymede , the site where the magna carta was sealed., 68. walk amongst the bluebells of winkworth arboretum ., 69. be enchanted by sissinghurst castle garden ..

There are some fantastic beaches near London , but if you don’t fancy sandy toes, you can still head to the coast to explore some beautiful seaside towns .

70. Gaze out to sea from Beachy Head , one of the UK’s most beautiful spots .

71. Walk the sandy beach of Great Yarmouth and go on the rides at Pleasure Beach.

72. feel the wind in your hair at broadstairs ., 73. eat seafood as fresh as you can get it in whitstable ., 74. get a taste of ‘shoreditch-on-sea’ in margate ., 75. ride the pier railway line  in southend., 76. watch the waves break on hastings  seafront..

77. Get away from the crowds on the Isle of Wight .

78. explore mersea island , but don’t get cut off by the tide.

Still looking for places to visit near London? Here’s the best of the rest, with something to suit all tastes on your next jaunt from the capital.

79. Feel like a giant in Bekonscot Model Village , the world’s oldest such place.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bekonscot Model Village (@bekonscotofficial)

80. Take to the skies in a microlight flight across Kent.

81. see lions, tigers, and cheetahs at the the big cat sanctuary ., 82. get high with a rope course challenge ., 83. witness an exhilarating race at the brands hatch circuit ., 84. hit the slopes at the snow centre in hemel hempstead..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Snow Centre (@thesnowcentre)

85. Row like an Olympian on Dorney Lake.

86. get up close to wild animals at woburn safari park ., 87. take the steam train along the watercress line ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Watercress Line (@thewatercressline)

88. Explore the New Forest on horseback .

Life’s a rollercoaster on these action-packed day trips – don’t forget your souvenir photos!

89. Thorpe Park

90. legoland.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by LEGOLAND Windsor Resort (@legolandwindsor)

91. Paulton’s Park

92. chessington world of adventures, 93. drayton manor, 94. alton towers, 95. new forest water park.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by New Forest Water Park (@newforestwaterpark)

These day trips are sure to get your pulse racing, even if you’re not stepping onto the field of play…

96. Be bowled over by Wormsley , the most beautiful cricket ground in England. (April-September)

97. don your finest hat for ascot (june), 98. make a splash at henley’s royal regatta (july).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Henley Royal Regatta (@henleyroyalregatta)

99. Visit Cowdray Park to enjoy the highlight of the polo calendar, the Gold Cup . (July)

100. start your engines for the goodwood festival of speed (june/july).

So there you have it – 100 epic day trips from London that you can enjoy in 2024. All we can say is – what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy some more of Blighty! But don’t forget to return is all we ask of you… please.

Also published on Medium .

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35 Best Day Trips from London (local approved!)

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London has enough to do to fill weeks on end, but when you’re visiting the UK as a once in a lifetime trip or here for longer than a couple of days, you should really consider doing one or more day trips from London out to other beautiful and historic British towns and cities.

As London is a hub in the UK, you’ll find endless options when it comes to taking a train or bus out of the city on a London day trip.

Here are some of my favorite day trips from London, including some that are a bit more off the beaten path and others that are incredibly popular with the masses (for a reason!)

The Absolute Must-Knows (from a Londoner)

• 😍 Cheapest Way to See it All: Get the London Pass here (yes, it’s worth it)
• 🎭 Cheapest site for West End theatre tickets: London Theatre Direct
• 🚕 Cheapest and most reliable airport transfer service: Welcome Pickups
• 🚉 Cheapest Way to Book Train and Bus Tickets: Omio
• 🔌 Most Reliable Adapter for UK Plugs: This one

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Let’s start with Oxford.

Home to Oxford University and its many colleges, beautiful green spaces, top museums and Harry Potter filming locations galore, Oxford is a great day trip from London for many visitors.

I love it because of its picturesque architecture and how much there is to do and see in this university town.

There are plenty of things to do for kids in Oxford , as well as budget friendly Oxford activities if you’re hoping to keep the costs down.

Go punting on the river, spend hours exploring the Ashmolean Museum, or check out the Bodleian Library which holds literary treasure from around the world.

Oxford is very walkable, and compact enough that you can see a lot in just one day in Oxford .

How to get to Oxford from London : Either take the Oxford Tube (a bus) that departs from Victoria Station ( book tickets here ), or hop on the train from London to Oxford, which you can book tickets for here by plugging in London (Any) and Oxford into the search form.

How long to get there : About an hour by train and an hour and a half on the Oxford Tube, depending on traffic.

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2. Stratford upon Avon: a great summer day trip from London

Home to all things Shakespeare, Stratford upon Avon is another fantastic day trip from London for those interested in the life of this literary figure.

Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, his grave, and see a Shakespeare production with the country’s most famous Shakespeare theatre company.

Outside of Shakespeare, Stratford upon Avon is just a charming English town with peaceful waterways, boutique shops and green spaces.

This is another incredibly walkable city, which means you don’t have to worry about public transportation while you’re there and can just meander around the winding roads.

How to get to Stratford upon Avon from London : Take the train from London Marylebone Station to Stratford-upon-Avon by booking tickets through Omio here .

You may have a connection to make depending on when the direct routes are.

How long it takes : About 2 hours.

IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?

In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.

• Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
• International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here .

3. Cambridge

Cambridge and Oxford are the two big university cities in the UK, and Cambridge has its fair share of history, culture, and beautiful views.

If you want someone to take you around with no stress, check out my guide to the best tours of Cambridge from London .

Go punting (a type of boating) on the river, see an Evensong choral performance at one of the Cambridge colleges, or hang out in one of its gorgeous parks.

If you haven’t been to either, I prefer Oxford during the summer months and Cambridge during the winter months.

How to get to Cambridge from London : Take the train from London (multiple stations available, such as King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, and St Pancras).

Book tickets here by plugging in London (Any) and then Cambridge to see options.

How long it takes: Anywhere from 50 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the train you take.

One of my personal favorites, Dover is a best day outing from London for anyone looking for a towering castle, stunning coastal views, or World War II history.

Visit Dover Castle to see medieval ruins, wartime secret tunnels, and royal chambers, and then go for a walk along the famous White cliffs of Dover.

Get some fish and chips near the sea to finish off your day.

If you have a bit more time and want to do a castle drive-by instead of going in, you can also spend time rockpooling in St. Margaret’s Bay, enjoy dinner at the Coast Guard pub right on the beach, enjoy a trip on the Dover Sea Safari , or visit a smaller castle like Walmer Castle or Deal Castle which are neighboring to Dover.

How to get to Dover from London : Book the train from London here , departing from stations such as St. Pancras and London Bridge.

The final stop is “Dover Priory”.

How long it takes : Anywhere from 1 hours to 2 hours depending on the train you take.

Yes, taking a day trip to Paris from London is possible!

If you don’t have time in your itinerary for a longer trip to Paris , you can go see the main sights in one whirlwind day and then come back to sleep in London!

From the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre, you won’t have time to spend hours at each place, but you can check some things off your bucket list.

In this instance, unless you’re a confident traveler, I would recommend booking a one day tour of Paris that’s guided by an expert so you won’t waste any time.

You’ll also want to make sure you take into account the extra time it takes to pass security to use the Eurostar, as unlike a normal train within the UK, there are passport checks and airport style security to go through.

How to get to Paris from London : Take the Eurostar ( book tickets here ) from St. Pancras International to Gare du Nord.

6. Bath/Stonehenge

The classic Bath and Stonehenge combination is a fan favorite among visitors wanting to see the famous rock formation.

There is a visitor center at Stonehenge and then the rocks themselves, and there isn’t anything else around it.

That’s why many tours add the city of Bath into the mix, which has ancient Roman baths to explore and charming streets.

This is one day trip from London I would highly advise you to take a tour for, because Stonehenge and Bath aren’t well connected to each other by public transportation.

Another great option is to think about actually turning this into more of a roadtrip by checking out the best sites for motorhome hire in London and renting a caravan to take a trip out to Stonehenge.

How to get to Stonehenge and Bath from London : Book onto a Stonehenge and Bath tour like this one which I recommend for a half day, and this one for a full day.

How long it takes: The tours range from half a day to full day.

Royal fans will love a trip out to Windsor where they can see Windsor Castle and all of the royal history that comes with it.

There’s also some great shopping and the chance to sit down by the river.

Windsor Castle is really the main draw here, but it’s a fantastic royal residence to visit if that’s your thing.

Not only has it played host to royal weddings, but you can also learn about how it functions in the day-to-day life of the royal family and there are some spectacular views and posh artifacts to look at.

How to Get to Windsor from London : Take the train from London to Windsor and Eton Central or Windsor and Eton Riverside Station. You may have to make a connection depending on the train you book.

Book your train tickets using Omio here .

How Long it Takes: From half an hour to one hour depending on the train you book.

8. Brighton: a top London day trip

Ready for a coastal day trip to one of the coolest British cities around?

Brighton is known for its awesome pier, gorgeous rocky beaches, and general atmosphere of love and inclusivity.

You can go shopping in “the lanes,” check out the beautifully designed Royal Pavilion, or go for a swim in the sea in the summer.

There’s so much to do in Brighton that some people like to turn it into a weekend in Brighton rather than just a London day trip, but because it’s so close to London transportation wise, it’s super easy to maximize your day here and get there early and come home late – no 2 + hour train rides for you!

How to get to Brighton from London : Hop on the train from London by booking tickets here and plugging in “London (Any)” and “Brighton”.

How long to get to Brighton : About an hour.

9. Canterbury

Well known for the Canterbury tales, this historic city still has some of its old city walls standing that you can walk around, as well as one of the largest and most stunning cathedrals in the UK.

Literary lovers will enjoy things to do in Canterbury like tracing Chaucer’s tales back to this city and any visitor will be impressed by the general charming feel of this city.

The other thing I love about Canterbury is how it attracts more locals and more local versions of tourists.

It gets left off many people’s UK itineraries, which means it has retained its charm and has plenty of awesome cafes and pubs to pop into when you’ve had enough sightseeing.

How to get to Canterbury from London: Hop on the train from London to Canterbury East or Canterbury West (book train tickets here ), departing from Victoria Station or St. Pancras Station depending on which one you book.

How long to get to Canterbury: Ranges from an hour to an hour and 40 minutes depending on the train route.

10. Cardiff

You don’t need to stay in England on your day trip from London!

Head to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, for some delicious Welsh cakes, a stop in Cardiff castle, and some political tourism at the Cardiff Parliament.

If you’re wanting to get out to other places in Wales like North Wales , save that for more than a day trip, but definitely add them to your list.

From Beddgelert to Aberwystwyth, there’s just so much in Wales to see.

How to get to Cardiff from London: Hop on the train from London Paddington Station to Cardiff Central Station. If you need luggage storage, check out the best luggage storage at Paddington !

Book train tickets using Omio here .

How long to get to Cardiff: 2 to 3 hours depending on the train you book.

It’s a hefty day trip due to the time it takes to get there, but you can make it to York and back in a day and this is a great choice for anyone who wants to see (and hear the accents of) the North of England.

York is picturesque and filled with history, and popular spots include the Shambles, the York Castle Museum, and York Minster.

There are bus tours of York that will zoom you around the city, or it is a pedestrian friendly city so feel free to use your own two feet.

How to get to York: Book the LNER train from King’s Cross Station to York using Omio here .

How long to get to York : About 2 hours by train.

12. Liverpool

Beatles fans, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Liverpool!

Even better, take the best Liverpool day tour from London !

This quirky city is known for its incredible cathedral, lots of Beatles history and port location.

Go on a Beatles tour to see where the magic of this band got started and leave some time for museums like the Museum of Liverpool , the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Walker Art Gallery.

How to get to Liverpool: Book the train from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street Station using Omio here .

How long to get to Liverpool : About 2 and a half hours.

13. Cotswolds

Want a day out in the countryside?

The Cotswolds are calling your name!

You can take a train to one of the gateway towns in the Cotswolds and then either take a tour or use local buses or taxis to explore some surrounding towns.

Try our best list of the Cotswolds tours from London here !

You’ll feel so far removed from the cities with endless countryside, fields, babbling streams, and houses that look like they’ve been taken from the pages of a fairytale.

How to get to the Cotswolds : Take a train to Moreton-on-the-Marsh from London, or take a guided tour of the Cotswolds (recommended).

I prefer this Cotswolds tour .

How long to get to the Cotswolds: About 90 minutes to get to Moreton-on-the-Marsh or a full day tour of the Cotswolds if you’re taking a guided tour that leaves on a bus from London.

14. Bristol: a beautiful winter day trip from London

Bristol can be described as the slightly edgier, more laid back sister of London.

It has a thriving creative scene, some of the country’s hottest dining destinations and a pristine location straddling the River Thames.

Thanks to its rich maritime history, there’s also an abundance of naval related architecture and sightseeing for the curious visitor.

But if you’re more into burgers than boats, you’ll find plenty of gastronomic delights to choose from.

One of the city’s most popularly photographed spots is the Clifton Suspension Bridge, so be sure to leave some time to get a glimpse of this ultimate Bristol icon.

How to get to Bristol from London: There’s a train from London Paddington that will take you straight into the heart of Bristol.

Book using Omio here .

How long it takes: Under 2 hours.

15. Bletchley Park

Famed for being the secret hideaway for Allied codebreakers during World War Two, Bletchley Park is now a magnificent historical attraction, located in Bletchley, Milton Keynes.

Whilst the façade of the mansion still retains its Victorian character, much of the interiors have been renovated and converted to provide a superb visitor experience.

From learning about the mysterious codebreakers that once occupied the place to seeing the various exhibits that are on display, this is one of the most fascinating and insightful day trips from London for a WWII history buff.

There’s also a café on site or you can take your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds.

How to get to Bletchley Park from London: Hop on the train from London Euston that will take you to Bletchley Park.

How long it takes: Approximately 45 minutes by train.

16. Cheltenham

Known as one of the UK’s most popular spa districts, Cheltenham is a lovely Regency style town in the Gloucestershire district.

Visitors can enjoy wandering around the pretty streets, admiring architecturally designed buildings including the Pittville Pump Room and the Victorian Theatre.

If you happen to be visiting in March, your trip may coincide with the annual Cheltenham Festival horse racing carnival.

Even if you don’t enjoy watching the races, the town becomes a particularly lively and vibrant place, making it a great time to visit.

Cheltenham is conveniently located just outside of the Cotswolds, so even if you don’t have time to spend a full day here, try to stop in during your wider tour of the Cotswolds.

How to get to Cheltenham from London: You can take the train from London Paddington (book tickets using Omio here ) but it’s a particularly scenic road trip if you have a car.

How long it takes: Approximately 2 hours.

17. Portsmouth

The Great Waterfront City, as Portsmouth is otherwise known, is located on the southern coast of England and is a lively city with a fascinating maritime history.

Due to its strategic location, Portsmouth is also a naval base and various attractions around the city pay homage to its maritime significance.

Some of the main highlights include the National Museum of the Royal Navy, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the HMS Victory, the world’s oldest commissioned warship which has now been converted into a museum.

Aside from the ports, there’s also a fantastic beach and plenty of local cafes serving up delicious fish and chips to make for a perfect day trip from London.

How to get to Portsmouth from London: Take the train from London Waterloo (book using Omio here ). or drive through scenic Surrey.

How long it takes: Approximately two hours by train.

18. Birmingham

Birmingham may be best known for its industrial past, but it’s also a major city with all the action, art and thrill that you could possibly want for a packed day trip.

In the heart of the city, you’ll find one of the city’s main attractions, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, with masterpieces by award-winning global artists.

Afterwards, stroll through the botanical gardens to experience a refreshing and calm natural oasis before making your way down towards Sherborne Wharf.

The Wharf is the starting point for many of the city’s canals and a number of cafes and restaurants have popped up alongside, making for a great afternoon of walking, eating and exploring the best of Birmingham.

How to get to Birmingham from London: Get the train from London Euston (book tickets using Omio here ). or drive up the M40.

How long it takes: Approximately an hour and a half by train or two and a half if you drive.

19. Nottingham

Nottingham may be familiar to you thanks to its part in the legend of Robin Hood.

But there’s much more to explore in Nottingham, which makes it great for an easy day trip from London.

Some of the main attractions in Nottingham include the hilltop Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery, which has been around since medieval times, the National Justice Museum and Wollaton Hall, a magnificent Elizabeth-era mansion with expansive gardens and its own deer park.

For a more unique activity, you can join a tour of the City of Caves, an underground network of caves running under the city that was used during the Anglo-Saxon times.

How to get to Nottingham from London: Trains run frequently from St Pancras International to Nottingham.

Book tickets using Omio here .

How long it takes: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by train.

20. Bedford

A little further north than Luton airport lies the charming market town of Bedford, in the district of Bedfordshire.

The town is quaint, with a river running through it and has a compact town center with several local favorite pubs and cafes.

Whilst you’re there, take a wander down to the main church with a towering steeple that rises high above the township and keep an eye out for the houses designed in various architectural styles, from Tudor to Victorian.

If you have the time, a visit to the Higgins Bedford museum will give you more of an insight into the town’s history as one of the lace capitals of the country.

How to get to Bedford from London: The Thameslink will connect you to Bedford from London Bridge.

How long it takes: Just over an hour

21. The New Forest

The New Forest is an enchanting expanse of woodland, filled with wildlife, activities and a number of nearby towns and villages, located just outside of York in the north of England.

Whilst the entire national park may be too large to fully explore in a day trip, you can choose from a range of activities to help you make the most of your visit.

Some of the most popular things to do include cycling, hiking along the cliff tops and keeping an eye out for the park’s local wild residents, from ponies, cattle, donkeys and deer.

Fun fact, the New Forest used to be an old hunting forest for the earls and local royalty.

Nowadays, hunting is of course prohibited.

How to get to the New Forest from London: Driving on the M1 will be the most direct route, otherwise you’ll have to get a couple of trains, departing from King’s Cross and changing at York.

How long it takes: Between three to four hours.

22. Hastings

Perhaps most famously known for being the location of the Battle of Hastings, this town on the south east coast of England has much to offer for an informative and fun day trip.

Any visit to Hastings should include at least an hour or two learning about the wartime significance, by paying a visit to the Battle Abbey, nearby to where the battle was fought.

Afterwards head down to Hastings Pier for lunch at one of the many cafes that dot the seafront.

Make a final stop at Hastings Castle to explore the ruins of this 11th century Norman fortress before returning to London.

How to get to Hastings from London: The easiest way is to get the train from London Bridge and get off directly at Hastings.

How long it takes: Between 1 and a half to 2 hours.

23. Hampton Court Palace

Perched on a small hilltop overlooking the pretty town of Hampton and the River Thames lies the impressive Hampton Court Palace.

One of the most visited palaces in England, this was the residence of the infamous Henry VIII and his many wives and makes a great half day trip from London.

You can see the palace from the outside if you want to spend more time exploring the town, but the palace itself is definitely worth a visit if you can.

You can choose to join a privately guided tour and even add on a high tea for the full royal experience.

After admiring the interiors, be sure to also explore the gardens and ponds that make up the expansive grounds.

How to get to Hampton Court Palace from London: Hop on a quick train from Waterloo.

How long it takes: Approximately 45 minutes.

24. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is truly one of the great day trips you can take from London.

Not only is it a magnificent 17th century home filled with incredible art, sculptures and courtyards, there are also stunning grounds with lakes, a secret garden and a maze to wander through.

And if that wasn’t enough, it’s also home to the Whomping Willow, yes, the very tree that makes a right meal out of Mr. Weasley’s old blue Ford.

Located just outside of Oxford, this is definitely a detour worth making and getting a guided tour is the best way to learn about the fascinating history of the families who once lived here.

How to get to Blenheim Palace from London: You can take the Oxford Tube from London and then hop onto a local bus to get the rest of the way. If you have a car, the journey will be much easier.

How long it takes: An hour and forty minutes by car.

25. Highclere Castle

Highclere is another castle you may recognize from the big screen, most notably from Downton Abbey.

The Castle is large and tours are available (run by costumed guides and volunteers) to help you truly experience the history and magic of the place.

The Castle also hosts the occasional exhibition, with the most recent being on Ancient Egyptian history which is considered highly informative and insightful.

Entry to Highclere Castle can take an hour or so during the peak summertime, so leave yourself plenty of time and enjoy exploring the grounds whilst you wait.

How to get to Highclere Castle from London: Drive east along the M4 for the quickest route.

How long it takes: Approximately an hour and a half.

26. Lacock: best side trips from London

The quaint town of Lacock is one of the most picturesque examples of a classic, countryside English village, so much so that it is owned almost entirely by the National Trust, to preserve its unspoilt charm.

Some of the main attractions of Lacock include the Lacock Bakery, the Red Lion hotel and pub and Beechfield House, which has now been converted into luxury accommodation.

If you want to get a glimpse of a fairytale village not too far from London, definitely consider adding Lacock to your itinerary.

How to get to Lacock from London: Drive along the M4 or get the train to Chippenham, the nearest main town.

How long it takes: Approximately two hours.

27. Warwick Castle

This famous mansion is located just outside the main town centre of Warwick, and makes for a great day trip idea for lovers of medieval history.

The castle itself is immense, with various rooms, wings and dungeons to explore.

The grounds of the castle also have a number of attractions, including live animals such as peacocks and falcons.

The best way to see the castle is by taking a guided tour which can explain the history of all the great battles that have taken place in the castle and nearby.

If you’re visiting during Christmas time, there’s also a fantastic Christmas market that takes place on the grounds.

How to get to Warwick Castle from London: Drive north on the M40 for the easiest and quickest way to get there from London.

28. Colchester

In southeast England lies the historical and somewhat underrated town of Colchester.

There’s a gentle river running through the town and the streets themselves make for a pretty stroll, however there are also a number of surprising attractions which makes this one of the best places to visit on a day trip from London.

Some of the highlights include Colchester Castle, a huge Norman style castle built on the ruins of a Roman temple, with a museum containing artefacts that are thousands of years old.

Nearby, there lies the remains of an old Roman theatre, and in Castle Park you can find Hollytrees Museum, a Georgian townhouse showing what life used to be like in historical days.

How to get to Colchester from London: Hop on the train from Liverpool St station.

How long it takes: A little over an hour.

29. Whitstable: a one day trip from London

On the north coast of Kent lies the fisherman’s town of Whitstable.

The main attraction of the town is undeniably the pleasant beach with its quirky collection of colorful beach huts, and a day spent eating oysters and strolling along the beach shore is a great way to spend the date.

If you want more ideas for activities, you can take a tour of Whitstable Castle, a small but impressive castle with an in-house café serving afternoon tea.

Alternatively head down to the Whitstable Harbor Market, which is open every day except for Tuesday and Wednesday and explore the eclectic range of souvenirs handmade by local residents.

How to get to Whitstable from London: Take a train from Victoria station to Whitstable.

How long it takes: Approximately one hour and a half.

31. Henley on Thames

Located at the meeting point of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, Henley-on-Thames embodies all the classic symbols of a traditional English village, sitting right alongside the river Thames.

Some of the most popular things to do in the town include visiting the National Trust owned Greys Court, an impressive 16th century manor house with a donkey-powered mill wheel and the River & Rowing Museum, a unique architecturally designed museum showcasing the history of river rowing.

There are also a number of cafes alongside the river, so be sure to stop for afternoon tea and admire the view of the surrounding English countryside.

How to get to Henley-on-Thames from London: A train from Paddington with a switch at Twyford will get you there.

How long it takes: Just under an hour.

Not very far from Henley-on-Thames and possible to do as part of the same day trip (particularly if you have a car) is the town of Marlow.

Marlow is most famous for its 19th century suspension bridge, so if you’re an admirer of impressive bridge structures, you’ll be glad you visited.

Some of the other sights in Marlow include Cliveden House, a former stately residence now converted into a luxury hotel with a fine dining restaurant, and the Beckonscot Model Village and Railway, the world’s oldest miniature village park, which will appeal to both the young and young-at-heart alike.

How to get to Marlow from London: From London Paddington, you’ll need to switch at Maidenhead and then jump on the train to Marlow.

How long it takes: Under an hour

33. Great Missenden

The town of Great Missenden is perhaps most famous for being the place where acclaimed children’s book writer, Roald Dahl, spent the final three decades of his life, until his death in 1990.

A museum was built to showcase the life and legacy of Roald Dahl and is one of the most popular things to do in the village.

Once you’ve had your fill of literary history, you’ll want to head along to Malt the Brewery, an excellent local brewery, offering up tastings of delicious fresh ales and other locally produced food and drinks.

How to get to Great Missenden from London: Take the train from London Marylebone Station to Great Missenden Station.

How long it takes: One hour.

34. Margate: coastal day trip from London

Margate is best known for its sandy beaches and lively town center and is a very popular day trip idea from London.

Its proximity to the capitol makes this a common place to visit for both locals and tourists, and there’s plenty to see and do in the town to keep people coming back.

Some of the most popular things to do (apart from flopping on the beach), are visiting the Turner Contemporary Gallery, a stunning modern art gallery located on the seafront, a family-friendly visit to Dreamland, the local amusement park or a trip to Botany Bay, a nearby sandy beach with old fossils to find.

How to get to Margate from London: Hop on the train from Victoria to Margate.

How long it takes: Under two hours.

35. Manchester

Manchester is one of the biggest cities in England and particularly known for its rich industrial heritage.

Visitors can learn more about the history of the city through various museums, including the interactive Museum of Science and Industry, as well as Manchester Museum and the Imperial War Museum.

Other key attractions for sporting fans include world-famous cricketing stadium, Old Trafford and the National Football Museum, dedicated to showcasing legendary moments in football history.

Manchester is also known for its thriving culinary scene, and there are a number of Michelin star chefs serving up gastronomic marvels to visitors from all over.

How to get to Manchester from London: The train from Euston will take you to Manchester Piccadilly station.

How long it takes : Approximately three hours.

36. Harry Potter Studio Tour

The Harry Potter Studio Tour is one of the most popular day trips that visitors to London do, and for good reason.

This magical day includes a thrilling journey through the sets of all eight Harry Potter films, and has all the trimmings, from a themed café, costumed guides and an assortment of memorabilia and souvenirs that you can take home.

Some of the highlights include seeing the full size Hogwarts Express, the moving mechanical beasts and sampling the delicious butterbeer.

Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter or simply interested in learning more about filmmaking, this is a most memorable day trip.

How to get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour from London: Book the Warner Bros studio bus from London here or take the train to Watford and hop on the studio shuttle.

37. Guildford

The town of Guildford is centered around its prime attraction, the medieval Guildford Castle.

The castle is imposing with its tall square tower that offers a viewing platform over the surrounding townships and hills.

Aside from the castle, there are also several other attractions including the National Trust protected Winkworth Arboretum, a scenic woodland area with a peaceful lake, wildlife and on-site café, and the Watts Gallery, an Edwardian Style arts gallery, showcasing the works of G.F. Watts.

One of the closest day trip ideas from London, Guildford is an ideal stop if you’re short on time but still keen to get a glimpse of a classic English castle, village and countryside.

How to get to Guildford from London: Take the train from Waterloo to Guildford.

How long it takes: Just over 30 minutes.

Want more helpful London guides? Check these out!

• 45 Things to Do in London at Night
• 53 Things to Do in London for Couples
• 57 Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in London
• 11 Tourist Traps to Avoid in London
• 23 Best London Tours
• 41 Best Things to Do in London with Kids
• 21 Best Castles Near London
• 15 Best London Hotels
• 17 Best Street Food Markets in London
• 15 Best Areas to Stay in London
• 23 Best Afternoon Teas in London
• 25 Best London Museums
• 33 Free Things to Do in London
• 21 Best London Markets
• 21 Best London Apps
• 23 Best Pubs in London
• 35 Best Restaurants in London
• 21 Harry Potter Things to Do in London
• 35 Things to Do in London in the Rain
• 25 Best Art Museums in London
• 17 Famous London Filming Locations
• 25 Best Places to Shop in London
• 31 Best Parks in London
• 41 Most Instagrammable Places in London
• 27 Best Views in London
• 27 Best Birthday Ideas in London
• 29 Best London Cinemas
• 29 Best Things to Buy in London
• 41 Things to Do in London Alone

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

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13 BEST Day Trips from London by Train

From the roman city of bath to the wilds of the new forest, there are so many amazing day trips from london by train to discover.

Honestly, when I’m in London, I am 100% not using a car. Whether it’s riding on the Tube, hailing a taxi, or just wandering around the city centre, driving is not something I’m likely to do.

So, when I want to get outside of the city for the day, I rely on the train. Over the years, I’ve compiled a list of the best day trips from London by train. Maybe you want to hit the beach? Perhaps you want to dive into history? Or maybe you want to check out a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Within a couple of hours’ ride from London, you can do all of that!

Some of my favourite train trips from London include heading into the picturesque Cotswolds regions, hiking the Seven Sisters near Dover, and even casting a spell or two at the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

The best part? You can hop on a train, enjoy the scenic journey through the English countryside, and be back in London in time for a West End show or a late-night stroll along the Thames. The accessibility of these day trips is what makes them truly special—it’s like having a variety of mini adventures right at your doorstep.

So, with that in mind, let’s check out the best train trips from London. Hopefully this blog post will help you with planning your next day trip.

Day trips from London by train

Hampton court palace.

Looking to check out the palace where King Henry VIII used to reign supreme? This London day trip favourite is always popular with history buffs visiting the capital thanks to the beautiful architecture, art, and knowledgeable guides. It’s also a super easy train ride from the centre of London. 

In fact, it’s just a 45-minute ride from London Waterloo Station directly to Hampton Court Palace train station and from there, it’s only around a five-minute walk to the palace gates. Day trips from London by train don’t come much easier than this!

If you’re heading to Hampton Court, you can pick up your tickets here beforehand.

Harry Potter Studio Tours

Want to experience the magic in front of and behind the camera? Well then, a visit to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford is a must. Filled with memorabilia, props, sets, and costumes from the films, it’s every fan’s dream. 

To get to the studios, you’ll journey for about 20 minutes from London Euston Station to Watford Junction, and then jump on the 15-minute shuttle to the studio. The bonus is that the shuttle is actually designed like the famous Knight Bus, so the experience starts before you even arrive. All aboard!

This legendary Roman city is a beautiful train trip from London as it’s only 90 minutes from London Paddington Station. Home to the Roman Baths UNESCO World Heritage Site, stunning architecture, and the home of the iconic author, Jane Austen, there’s certainly a little something for everyone on a day trip to Bath.

You can easily spend a full weekend here, but with the regular train routes back to the capital that run relatively late, you can definitely enjoy a full day running around this historic city.

The Seven Sisters

As one of the UK’s most iconic sights, the Seven Sisters white chalky cliffs near Dover are an easy train trip from London. You can travel from London Victoria Station and get off at Eastbourne, allowing you to wander along the coastline and see the Seven Sisters in all their glory. 

Trains to Eastbourne take around an hour and 25 minutes from London, and then you can enjoy a stunning coastal hike to your final destination!

Windsor Castle

Love royal history or are you just a fan of insanely old castles? Well, Windsor Castle is one of the King’s royal residences and is over 900 years old. This impressive palace has played host to royal weddings, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s.

Windsor Castle is super popular at pretty much any time of the year, so I definitely recommend getting your tickets in advance . This will also let you know when the royal family are in residence, as you might not be able to access the full castle and grounds. Travel-wise, Windsor Castle is around an hour from London Waterloo station. 

If you’re looking to check out another bustling city, journey between one and a half to two hours from London Paddington Station to Bristol. Home to the impressive Clifton Suspension Bridge, a bustling independent food and drink scene, and a fun and thriving waterfront, Bristol is an ideal day trip from London by train. 

Make sure you take time to check out all the street art around the city, after all, the city is the hometown of famous artist, Banksy!

Leeds Castle

This next train trip from London is a little more complicated to get to, but if you’re visiting Kent, you can’t leave without checking out Leeds Castle . Get the 50-minute train from London Bridge to Maidstone and then jump on a short 20-minute bus ride to the gates of Leeds Castle.

With a super cool hedge maze, museum, lake, and more, this Norman Castle is a popular day trip for a good reason. Again, I’d recommend booking your ticket in advance , especially during the school holidays.   

Looking for a fun day at the seaside? Well, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a better day trip than Brighton . Located on the south coast around an hour from either London Victoria Station or London Bridge Station, Brighton is always bustling with things to do.

From the opulent and historic Brighton Palace Pier to the popular waterfront and beach to the dozens of independent boutiques and restaurants, you’re really spoiled for choice here!

Warwick Castle

If you’re looking for a train trip from London that’s a little further north, jump on the train to Warwick Castle. You can get a one hour and 45-minute train from London Marylebone to Warwick and then walk to the castle gates.

With the original parts of the castle stemming back to 1068, Warwick Castle has seen a lot of bloody battles, royalty, and history along the way. Nowadays, you can experience archery, falconry shows, renactments of medieval battles, and many more. It’s the perfect family-friendly day trip, but again, book way in advance !

As one of the academic heartlands of England, Oxford is a beautiful and architecturally stunning city to visit. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan who wants to visit the real Great Hall or you’re in love with the His Dark Materials series, Oxford has inspired a lot of writers and academics over the years.

Oxford is actually really easy to get to on a day trip from London by train. Depending on which is closer or more convenient, you can get a train from either from Marylebone Station or Paddington Station, and both routes are around an hour. 

The New Forest

Need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get back to the nature? Well, a day trip to the New Forest is going to be right up your street. You can get a 90-minute train from London Waterloo station to Brockenhurst, in the heart of the New Forest.

With tons of wildlife, walking routes, and museums in the area, you can easily have a fun-filled day surrounded by tranquil greenery.  Keep in mind that the National Park is huge and spreads all the way down to the coastline, so make a plan of the areas you want to visit first!

When you think of quintessential English towns and villages, the image that comes up is probably of the Cotswolds . Located just an hour and 40 minutes from London Paddington Station, the Cotswolds is the perfect quaint escape from the city. With chocolate box cottages, hiking and walking routes and plenty of cosy pubs to warm up in, it’s an amazing day out for the whole family.

In fact, the Cotswolds is actually an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you might want to bring your camera with you! It’s also rumoured that parts of the Cotswolds inspired J.R.R Tolkien when he was writing The Lord of the Rings!

Stratford-Upon-Avon

If you’re a literature lover then you have to carve out time in your itinerary to visit Stratford-Upon-Avon. This small town in the Midlands is known for basically one thing and that’s being the home of the iconic playwright, William Shakespeare.

Located around two and a half hours from London Marylebone Station, Stratford-Upon-Avon is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company who perform works of the Bard all year round. It’s a prestigious theatre and has featured actors like Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, and David Tennant to name just a few! Check out the RSC website ahead of time to find out what’s on while you’re in the area!

So, there you have it, the 13 best day trips from London by train. Where are your favourite day trips from London without a car? Let me know in the comments below!

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Day Trips From London

15 Terrific Day Trips From London

These UK  day trips  are quick, fun alternatives to a day in the city. Castles, famous movie sets, great discount shopping, historic homes, and gardens are all less than two hours from London . And transportation links from the British capital to the suburbs, the countryside and even other nearby cities are easy, fast and reasonably priced.

If you are looking for an alternative to London's hustle and bustle, and a chance to see England from a different perspective, a quick "away day" may be just the ticket. They're all reachable by public transportation too.

UK travel tip : To keep transportation costs down, try to book your train or coach tickets well in advance to take advantage of the lowest fares.

Windsor Castle

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Windsor Castle is everyone's idea of a fairytale castle. And there's plenty to see at the Queen's weekend home (which, we hear, is her favorite). The building alone covers 13 acres and is the biggest inhabited castle in the world. William the Conqueror picked the site, west of London overlooking the Thames and it has been a Royal residence and fortress ever since - almost 950 years.

How to Get There

• Take the train - Trains leave regularly from London's Paddington Station to Windsor & Eton Central. The castle, a short walk from the station, dominates the town and is impossible to miss. The trip takes between 25 and 40 minutes depending upon the train you choose.
• By car: Windsor Castle is 24 miles from Central London. Take the A4 and M4 to Junction 6 then follow signs for Windsor town center and parking.
• By bus: Green Line buses (701 and 702) leave hourly from Victoria station, stopping at Windsor Castle and  Legoland Windsor.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter

If you've ever wanted to walk in the footsteps of your favorite film characters or look behind the scenes at how all the special effects are accomplished, Warner Brothers' Harry Potter attraction at its Leavesden studios, 20 miles northwest of London is a must see. And if you or members of your family are Harry Potter fans, this is a definite "don't miss".

The makers of the film have pulled together some of the most iconic sets, loads of the actual props used in the films and created a walking tour in two soundstages where the Harry Potter films were made. Even for those of us who have not been dyed-in-the-wool Harry Potter fans, it's endlessly fascinating and entertaining. We spent about five hours there, making the apparently high ticket prices surprisingly good value for money.

Top tip: Don't forget to book your tickets in advance. No tickets are offered for sale at the site.

• By train: Trains from London's Euston Station leave for Watford Junction roughly every ten minutes throughout the day. The trip takes between 15 and 20 minutes. Once at the station, a colorful bus takes you directly to the attraction, while you watch a film to get you in the mood. The bus meets passengers in front of Watford Junction Station. When weighing up travel costs and choosing between car and train, keep those costs in mind. A family of four could spend more than £50 just traveling to the attraction by train. Frequent trains from Birmingham New Street also stop at Watford Junction.
• By car: The attraction is just a few miles from the M1 and M5 motorways and once you leave the motorways, brown signs lead you in. There are detailed directions for travel by road on the attraction website as well as SatNav coordinates.
• By coach: Transfers from London with a preferred transportation partner are regularly scheduled and can be purchased without studio admission.

Brighton - London's Beach

In 2016, Brighton added a spanking new attraction: The BA i360 rises more than 500 feet above the seafront and on a clear day it really does seem like you can see forever. It's only one of the attractions of the funky seaside resort known as London's beach. The Royal Pavilion, Brighton, the splendid summer house built by George IV when he was Prince Regent, is an Arabian Nights fantasy slap bang in the middle of town. In the early 19th century, his architect, John Nash, slapped a cast iron framework around an older, simpler farmhouse and, well, just went to town, really.

• By train:  Trains leave about every 15 minutes from either London Bridge or Victoria Station and take about an hour.
• By car: Brighton is 54 miles due south of London. It takes about 1h30 to drive. South of the M25 ring road, the M23 leads into Brighton.
• By bus: Buses from London to Brighton take between an hour and forty minutes to more than three hours. Each journey has a small amount of lowest fare tickets available. These sell out quickly so it is a good idea to buy your tickets well in advance. Buses travel hourly between Victoria Coach Station in London and Brighton Pier Coach Station.

A Weekend Is Great Too

There's more than enough to do in Brighton to spend a short break. Visitors love to stroll among the antique shops and boutiques of "The Lanes", walk the shingle beach or take some fish and chips out to the end of  Brighton's Victorian pier . In winter there's the spectacle of Brighton Burning the Clocks and in May Brighton stages England's biggest multi-arts festival. Why not plan a Brighton getaway ?

Oxford England

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

Oxford University, England, is the oldest university in the English speaking world, dating back to the 11th century. Graduates have made notable contributions in every form of human endeavor.

Walk these streets and you will be following in the footsteps of Nobel prize winners, kings, presidents, and prime ministers. The university has produced saints, scientists, explorers, artists, authors, and actors.

And where you find students and the UK's gilded youth you'll also find wonderful pubs and great shopping.

Another Oxford treat is the recently reopened Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology . Founded in 1683 as Britain's first public museum, its dusty and dark old galleries were reborn with a major, multi-million-pound refurbishment program. The museum reopened in 2009 with 39 new galleries and a 100% increase in exhibition space.

Among the treasures you might see at the Ashmolean are drawings by Michaelangelo, Raphael, and Rembrandt; a Stradivarius Violin; ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern porcelain and glass; the coins with the heads of Nero and Henry VIII, and lots more. The museum is part of Oxford University and it's free.

Altogether Oxford is a terrific, and easy, day out of London.

How to Get There 

• By train: Express trains to Oxford from Paddington Station are frequent and take about an hour and round-trip fare. If you don't catch the express train, a conventional journey takes about an hour and 45 minutes.
• By car: Oxford is 62 miles northwest of London via the M4, M25, M40 and A roads. It takes about an hour and a half to drive. Parking is difficult but the city is surrounded by Park and Ride parking lots with cheap bus services into the center.
• By bus: The Oxford Tube is a very popular way to get to Oxford by bus. The company runs buses every ten minutes, 24 hours a day, with pickups from multiple stops in London and in Oxford.

Blenheim Palace - Magnificent Home of the First Churchills

Blenheim Palace is more than another one of England's stately homes. This magnificent palace, home of the Dukes of Marlborough and an easy day trip from London, is:

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site
• A stunning example of 18th century English Baroque style
• A memorial to one great British hero, the first Duke of Marlborough, and the birthplace of another, Sir Winston Churchill.
• One of the finest examples of the work of 18th-century landscape architect Launcelot "Capability" Brown.
• A wonderful backdrop for family activities, virtually year round.

It's in Woodstock - the gateway to the Cotswolds - and less than two hours away from London.

• By train: Express trains to Oxford from Paddington Station are frequent and cost under £25; then 10 minutes on the local S3 bus from the station.
• By car: Blenheim is about 62 miles from London via the M4, M25 and M40 motorways and the A40 and A44 roads. The main entrance is at the bottom of Woodstock High Street.

Bicester Village - Discount Designer Outlets

Shopping! If you thought London was the be-all and end-all of fashionable shopping, a short train journey to Bicester Village will open your eyes. More than 100 chic boutiques are all discount designer outlets. All the big European and international designer brand names are there with prices much lower than Bond Street or Fifth Avenue. And there are a few restaurants and coffee shops where you can rest your tired feet (or park your "bag man").

• By train:  Trains to Bicester North Station leave up to four times an hour, daily, from London Marylebone. The journey takes just under an hour. There is an inexpensive shuttle bus from Bicester North direct to the Village.
• By car: The shopping center is about 64 miles from Central London on the A41. The drive takes between an hour and a half and two hours. Take the A4 to the M4 Motorway, then the M25 north to the M40 west. Exit at Junction 9 and follow the A41 to Bicester Village. It looks a bit like a small town...with a huge parking lot.
• By bus: Morning and afternoon luxury coach trips to Bicester Village operate daily with pick ups from several London hotels and other Central London points.

Ightham in Kent - A Village With Secrets and a Great Day Trip to Walk or Drive

Ightham is as charming a Kentish village as you can imagine - but it's the sort of place with so many dark happenings in its history that Agatha Christie would have rubbed her hands together with glee.

Besides having picturesque 14th and 15th-century houses and pubs, Ightham is just up the road from Ightham Mote, a fortified medieval manor, and just down the hill from Oldbury Wood, a protected ancient woodland and Iron Age earthwork. There's plenty to see, a good lunch to be had at the George & Dragon and some fine but easy walking.

• By train : Trains to nearby Borough Green & Wrotham Station from Victoria Station are frequent and take less than an hour.
• By car: Ightham (pronounced "item" by the way, is about 55 miles from Central London via the A3, the M25, and the M26.

Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral

Nothing can really prepare you for your first sight of Stonehenge . No matter how many pictures you've seen of this iconic landmark, watching it rise up from Salisbury Plain is heart-stopping.

After that, in the past, a visit to the site could be disappointing. But in 2013 the monument was reborn. A new visitor center with a reconstructed Stone Age village and a restoration of the ancient landscape around the stones themselves, plus the opening of an excellent museum and interpretive center shows off ​Stonehenge in a completely new light.

The road that once passed close enough to rattle the stones was dug up and grassed over as was the old parking area. Now, from the visitor center, you can either walk a mile to the stones or travel in a silent electric buggy to within a few hundred yards. 

And a Visit to Salisbury Cathedral

You can book various coach tours to get to Stonehenge but they're typically overpriced and try to cram in too many different places. Instead, especially if you are an independent sort of traveler, go by train via Salisbury to visit the city's nearly 800-year-old cathedral. Among its highlights are the best preserved of the four remaining copies of the 1215 Magna Carta, the world's oldest working mechanical clock, and - at 404 feet - the tallest spire in Britain.

• By train: Trains from London Waterloo to Salisbury leave 20 minutes and 50 minutes after the hour throughout the day. The trip takes about an hour and 20 minutes. Salisbury Reds run regular bus services from the train station to the Stonehenge Visitor Center.
• By car: Stonehenge is about 85 miles from Central London via the M3 and the A303.

Leeds Castle

A neighboring lord once described  Leeds Castle , near Maidstone in Kent, as "the loveliest castle in the world." It's hard to argue once you see this gorgeous, 900-year-old moated castle, surrounded by gardens and parklands.

Unusually, from its beginnings, this castle has been inherited by women. It was the dower house of six Plantagenet Queens, the so-called she-wolves of England. Later, Henry VIII had it updated and made luxurious for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.

What makes Leeds Castle a particularly fine day out is that there is plenty to please everyone in the family. Besides its glorious interiors and wine cellars, it has a devilish maze with an exit through a scary grotto, two playgrounds for pretending to be knights and ladies, a dog collar museum with more than 100 unusual and historic examples, several restaurants, a covered pavilion for temporary exhibits and a full schedule of family-friendly events.  

• By train: Southeastern Trails run regular services, 22 and 52 minutes after the hour throughout the day from London Victoria to Bearsted Station. The trip takes about an hour. A shuttle bus operates from the station to the castle during the summer months. Do be careful, by the way, not to accidentally book a train to Leeds in Yorkshire or you could end up 230 miles away.
• By car: The castle is about 44 miles from Central London via the A20 and the M20. From junction 8 off the M20 motorway, follow the brown and white tourist signs.
• By bus: Several tour companies operate sightseeing tours from London that include Leeds Castle. As these change from time to time, it's best to check the castle website for the latest information.

Hever Castle - Home of Anne Boleyn

Hever Castle , Anne Boleyn's childhood home is a fascinating place. Steeped in the history of Tudor court intrigue, the house was begun in the 13th century and made into a comfortable Tudor home by the Bullen (or Boleyn) family. It later became part of Henry VIII's divorce settlement with Anne of Cleves, his 4th wife. The house has a very good collection of Tudor portraits, lots of family activities, two mazes to wander around in, jousting, romantic gardens, and several restaurants and snack bars.

Strolling through the castle's magnificent gardens before stopping for lunch or a cup of tea makes a really fine UK day out. And there's plenty more to do for every member of the family:

• An adventure Playground
• Yew and water mazes
• Hever Lake walk
• A gruesome exhibition of armor, instruments of execution, and torture

Throughout the summer months, Hever Castle also hosts a variety of events including jousting tournaments, demonstrations of longbow warfare and a summer performing arts festival in its open-air theatre, with matinee and evening performances.

• By train : Trains to nearby Edenbridge Town Station leave frequently from London Bridge Station. Book a taxi on +44 (0)1732 863 800 (Relyon) or +44(0)1732 864009 (Edenbridge Cars) for the three-mile onward journey. It's a good idea to book your ride before you arrive in the town.
• By car: Hever Castle is 44 miles from Central London via the A3 and the M25.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

For 400 years, the Historic Dockyard at Chatham in Kent built the ships that built the British Empire. From the mid-1500s to its closure in 1980s, it created, launched and maintained some of the most historic ships of the British Navy. HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, was built here. 

When it closed, time stood still. And while various interests tried to decide what to do with, it was saved for posterity. And it is an amazing place to visit. The 80-acre site has 100 listed buildings and 47 scheduled ancient monuments. There's

• A Victorian Ropery - still in action, with a "rope walk" that's a quarter of a mile long
• Covered slips where ships hulls were constructed
• A multi-media exhibition in the Mast and Mould Loft (where you can still see the outlines of HMS Trafalgar scribed on the wooden floor)
• Three 19th century drydocks, one of which holds a diesel submarine retired in the 1960s that you can board

This barely scratches the surface. This is one of the best historic sites you can visit. And if you're lucky, you might get to see some of your favorite film and TV stars at work. The historic buildings of the dockyards are popular backdrops for filmmakers.

• By train: Chatham is within the London commuter belt and trains leave from several different London stations throughout the day. The fastest trains are from St Pancras International for a 38 minute trip to Chatham. The Chatham Maritime bus (route 190) makes the 8 minute trip from the station to the Dockyard gates or you can walk - it's just under a mile.
• By car:  This is a journey that involves either going through Central London (about 38 miles on the A2) or all around London (68 miles via the M25 to the A2). Not surprisingly, given London traffic, both journeys take about the same amount of time. Best advice - take the train.

Beaulieu and the National Motor Museum

Beaulieu, a country house in the New Forest, is a great day trip, not far from London, that is jam-packed with things to see and do. Besides offering a look at Victorian upstairs-downstairs life in a manor house, it has beautiful gardens, an abbey ruin, a monorail, vintage double-decker bus, a restaurant, and Go Karts. 

But all of that pales before Beaulieu's amazing National Motor Museum. Car enthusiasts from all over the world come to admire more than 100 years of automobiles, plus star cars, movie cars, and James Bond cars. It's a knockout!

• By train :  Trains to Brockenhurst Station leave every 15 minutes from Waterloo. The journey takes 1.5 hours. Take a taxi from the station. If you arrive all or in part by public transportation, present your travel tickets at reception for a 20% discount on admission.
• By car: Beaulieu (pronounced "Bewley" by the way) is 87 miles from Central London. Take the M3 to the M27 exit 2 and follow the brown and white signs. There is free parking.

William Morris's Red House - English Home of the Arts and Crafts Movement

Red House was the only building ever commissioned by 19th-century artist and designer William Morris. Now owned by the National Trust and open to the public, the house, in Bexley Heath, just south of London, was designed as Morris's first marital home by his friend and design partner Philip Webb.

Artists and writers of the period were frequent visitors, including Dante and Christina Rosetti, Augustus and Gwen John. Some added their own personal touches, which can still be seen. Pre-Raphaelite Edward Burn-Jones, a frequent visitor, designed some of the stained glass and, inside an upstairs closet, there's a primitive painting attributed to Gwen John.

Morris believed a garden should "clothe" a house and the gardens at The Red House have been landscaped according to drawings and pictures of Morris's original designs.

Bexley Heath is the nearest train station. Trains from London Victoria or Charing Cross Stations take about half an hour. Plan on visiting in good weather as The Red House is a 3/4 mile walk from the train station.

Battlesbridge Antiques Center

If your idea of heaven is spending hours poking around an enormous antique center with dozens of dealers trading in everything from junk to treasure, then you will love the Battlesbridge Antiques Center .

It's a collection of buildings, including a former granary and a range of barns, sheds, and cottages, open every day from about 10 am to 5 pm. At any one time, at least 80 antique dealers buy and sell a very wide range of items including stamps, jewelry, ephemera, furniture, vintage clothing, lamps, music boxes and musical instruments and, yes, plain old-fashioned dusty junk. Paradise.

This isn't the sort of place where posh interior decorators find elegant 18th-century Italian furniture. It's a real grab bag of antiques, reproductions, and fakes. But there are real treasures to be found.

By the way, in case you are wondering what battle took place here, the answer is none. The village takes its name from a family named Bataille who once looked after the bridge over the River Crouch beside the Granary.

• By train: Regular trains leave London Liverpool Street Station throughout the day. Change at Wickford to the Southminster. Battlesbridge is the first stop on that line. The center is about a third of a mile from the station.
• By car: Battlebridge in Essex is about 40 miles from London, midway between Chelmsford and Southend beside the A130. 

RHS Wisley Garden

The Royal Horticultural Society's Wisley Garden is where keen English gardeners go to be inspired. Its world famous collection of plants has been developing for more than 100 years and there is always something new to see, any time of year. Spread out over 240 acres in Woking, Surrey, about an hour's drive from Central London, Wisley is a lovely, peaceful place for a stroll as well as a demonstration garden full of practical garden design ideas and cultivation techniques.

In June 2007, a huge new glasshouse, 40 feet high and covering an area equal to ten tennis courts, was opened to the public. The glasshouse at RHS Wisley covers three different climatic zones - tropical, moist temperate and dry temperate habitats. A winding path, past rocky outcrops, waterfalls, pools, and slopes, leads visitors through the glasshouse to see some of Wisley's most important plant collections. The RHS's tender plant collection is housed there. So are rare and endangered species and hundreds of varieties of orchids.

A new lake, intended to bring environmental benefits to the whole of Wisley and colonized by mollusks, damselflies, dragonflies, and amphibians, surrounds The Glasshouse.

• By train:  Trains from London Waterloo Station leave regularly for nearby West Byfleet or Woking. Take a taxi for the short ride from the station. On weekdays during the summer months, a special bus service operates from Woking Station to Wisley.
• By car: Wisley is about 22 miles west-southwest of Central London on the A3.

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15 Best Day Trips From London by Train (+ How to Get There)

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The best day trips from London will take you to lavish palaces, steeped in history castles, picturesque villages, and cities full of charm. While you’d need a lifetime to explore all that London has to offer, there are so many beautiful places around London , it would be a pity to miss them. Here I’ve rounded up the very best day trips out of London that I’ve taken over the years.

These  easy day trips from London  are just perfect if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. All of these day trips can be done  by train , which is really convenient and I’ve included information on how to get there for each location.

If on the other hand, you want to make the most of your time and see several places in one day, I’ve also included recommendations for organized day tours from London . The main advantage of a day tour is that you’ll be joined by a local guide and you’ll explore deeper, learn more, and get answers to questions you didn’t even know you had.

Whether you’re in London for a few days (in which case, make sure you also check out my 3 days in London itinerary ) or longer, these half-day and full-day trips around London are a great opportunity to get the most out of your vacation.

Good to know: At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a map with all the day trips from London mentioned in this guide. This will give you a better idea of how far from London each place is located, help you plan your trips, and batch two or three destinations into a full day’s exploration.

Also Read: 45 Fun Things To Do in London

1. Stratford upon Avon

The birthplace of Shakespeare is a cute town dating back to the middle ages. You can visit the house where he grew up, the house where he drew in his last breath, and his grave inside the Holy Trinity Church. This is a great day trip from London by train and one I’ve greatly enjoyed.

I also recommend you visit the other Shakespeare family homes. They are gorgeous half-timbered houses in Tudor style, each with its own out-of-this-world garden. My favorite was Anne Hathaway’s cottage (Shakespeare’s wife, not the actress!). It’s a romantic place built more than 500 years ago and it has a beautiful apple orchard where you can relax surrounded by greenery.

Hot tip: Purchase your entry ticket to the houses online. There’s a lot to see and you’ll often have to wait in line to visit each of the attractions so every little helps. Here you can book your Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall entrance tickets and your Shakespeare’s Birthplace tickets . Another interesting tour you can take is that of the Shakespeare Distillery .

Popular day tours from London to Stratford-Upon-Avon

• Stratford-Upon-Avon, Stonehenge, and Bath (private tour of Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall included)
• Stratford-Upon-Avon, Oxford, and the Cotswolds (free time to wander around Stratford-Upon-Avon included)

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Marylebone to Stratford upon Avon. The journey time is around 2h and 30min.

2. The Cotswolds

Cotswolds is home to some of the most charming villages in England. It is a honey-colored stone cottage galore and a must-visit if you want to catch a glimpse of quintessential Britain. The Cotswolds was declared an area of outstanding natural beauty and apart from quaint villages and towns, you can also visit the many palaces, stately homes, and castles that dot the rolling hills.

A visit to the Cotswolds is one of the best day trips from London. My favorite villages were The Lower and Upper Slaughters, Bourton on the Water , and, of course, Bibury, which is often referred to as the most beautiful village in England. Its emblematic Arlington Row is featured on the inside cover of the British passport so there must be some truth to it.

Hot tip: Village hopping in the Cotswolds can be tricky and slow. The buses are scheduled around the needs of the locals and the links between villages and towns are lacking, to say the least. Many villages are connected by only one bus service a day or even a week (on market day).

Best guided tours from London to the Cotswolds

• Full-day Cotswolds tour (small-group tour, best if you want to visit the most popular Cotswolds villages)
• The Cotswolds and Highclere Castles (visit to Downtown Abbey filming locations included)

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Paddington directly to Moreton-in-Marsh. The journey time is around 1h and 40min.

3. Leeds Castle

Celebrating nine centuries this year, Leeds Castle in Kent used to be home to Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife. Over the years, queens, ladies, and even an American heiress lived here. As each of these women left their mark, the castle got to have a pretty feminine feel.

Today the castle boasts lavishly decorated interiors, beautiful gardens, and a moat where swans can swim to their heart’s content. This is a wonderful day trip the whole family can enjoy. They have a maze and falconry and you can even have afternoon tea in the castle’s dining room. You can get your admission ticket here .

Hot tip: Leeds Castle can be visited in a couple of hours, so you’ll likely spend more time getting there and back than visiting the castle itself. To make the most of your day trip from London, combine it with other fun nearby locations.

Best day trip from London to Leeds

• Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, the White Cliffs of Dover (entrance to the Leeds Castle included)

How to get there by train:  Take the train from London Vicotria or London Cannon St to Bearsted Station. The journey takes a little over an hour. Then take the coach shuttle from the station to Leeds Castle (the shuttle service is only available during the summer months).

Recommended: Wanna see London off the beaten path? Check out these London hidden gems and what to do in Greenwich in 1 day.

Oxford is another popular day trip from London. It’s a beautiful university city with gorgeous honey-colored buildings, some of which served as filming locations or set design inspiration for the Harry Potter movies.

You can easily spend the whole day visiting medieval colleges, churches, and museums. Not to be missed are the Christ Church College and Divinity School (for their Harry Potter connections), the Bridge of Sights, and the Bodleian Library.

Most popular tours of Oxford

• Oxford university walking tour with university alumni guide (includes landmarks such as Radcliffe Camera and Trinity College)
• Harry Potter Studio tour and Oxford day trip from London (Warner Bros Studio tour & guided walking tour of Oxford included)
• Full-day Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford tour (entrance to attractions and walking tour of Oxford included)

How to get there by train:  There are frequent trains from London Paddington and London Marylebone to Oxford. The journey takes around one hour.

5. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO heritage site near Oxford. It is best known for being the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The palace features lavishly decorated rooms and the romantic gardens are huge and peaceful. I especially loved the rose garden and the butterfly house.

The palace was used as a filming location for quite a few blockbusters, like “ Transformers “, “ Cinderella “, “ Harry Potter ” and “ Avengers “. Look out for the ginormous Lebanon trees as well as the second-largest maze in the world. Get your ticket here .

Best day tour from London to Blenheim Palace

• Downton Abbey Village, Blenheim Palace, and Cotswolds day trip from London (10 hours approx)

How to get there by train: Take the train from London to Oxford and from there take the bus to Blenheim Palace. The bus journey takes approximately 20 minutes.

Visiting Chilham you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Jane Austen novel. In fact, in recent years, the BBC even filmed an adaptation of ‘ Emma ‘ here. 

This village feels suspended in time, nearly motionless and quiet, a true hidden gem. You can walk among gorgeous timber-framed houses and Edwardian gardens, and visit the castle. Take your time to browse whimsical gift shops and stop by a tea room to unwind.

Hot tip: Chilham is a small village that can be seen (and photographed) in a couple of hours. You can easily combine it with a day trip to Canterbury (a short 20 minutes train ride away) and/or Dover.

How to get there by train: There are direct trains from several London stations. The journey time is around 1h and 30 min.

7. Canterbury

With its charming cobbled streets and half-timbered and red brick houses, Canterbury is a sight to behold. I loved the adorable shop signs, the intriguing stories surrounding the Marlowe Theatre, and that there seemed to be something surprising around every corner.

While the huge cathedral with its cloisters and gardens is a UNESCO heritage site and Canterbury’s most famous attraction, St Augustine’s Abbey and the Beaney House are also worth a look around.

Most popular Canterbury tours & day trips from London

• Official Canterbury guided walking tour (a guided tour of the city central city and cathedral grounds)
• White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury day trip (walking tour of Canterbury included)

How to get there by train: There’re frequent train services from several London train stations to Canterbury. The average journey time is 1h and 40min.

8. The White Cliffs of Dover

Immortalized through song, the White Cliffs of Dover are legendary. They are also a beautiful sight and stretch for 10 miles to the east and west of the city. And that’s not to mention anything about the views across the channel to France!

But Dover is also famous for its medieval castle, an impressive structure perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. Its secret tunnels were used by the Allies as a command center in WWII, while the Battle of Britain War Memorial is a popular stop for day tours from London. You can purchase your Dover Castle ticket here .

Hot tip: If you want to visit the White Cliffs of Dover and the Battle of Britain War Memorial (which is way outside the city), the best option is to join a tour. This is a beautiful corner of England and personally, I felt lucky when I had the chance to know it better.

Best tours of Dover

• Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover, and Canterbury day trip from London (with guided cathedral tour)

How to get there by train: Dover is served by various London train stations. The average journey time is two hours.

Bath is a gorgeous city and it’s impossible not to love it. Famous for its hot springs ever since Roman times, the baths are incredible and a must-visit.

But there’s more to Bath than just thermal waters and you’ll surely find the Georgian architecture and the abbey with its fan-vaulted ceiling out of this world beautiful. Last but not least, go on a shopping spree on the arched bridge. It’s one of only four in the world that has shops across its full span on both sides!

Hot tip: Bath is a beautiful city and you can surely spend the whole day wandering its streets, but you can also visit it as part of a day tour from London that includes other nearby locations. I’ve done both versions and didn’t feel like I missed out a lot when visiting it on an organized day tour.

Best Bath tours & day trips from London

• Walking tour of Bath (with blue badge guide)
• Bridgerton tour and Bath city highlights (guided walking tour of Bath included)
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath full-day tour

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Paddington Station to Bath. The journey takes approximately 1h and 30min.

Midway between Stonehenge and Bath, the medieval wool village of Lacock, although tiny, surely packs a punch. Most people visit it because of the abbey situated just outside the village, for it’s considered to be the birthplace of photography and was featured in two Harry Potter movies. Other movies like “ Pride and Prejudice “, “ The Other Boleyn Girl “, and “ Downton Abbey ” were also filmed here.

Lacock is full of charm and feels like a trip back in time. Think stone houses surrounded by flower gardens, a 14th-century church, and merchandise left in front of houses with only a price tag and a note as to where to leave the money.

Organized Lacock day trips from London

• Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath with pub lunch in Lacock (1-course lunch in 14th-century Lacock pub included)
• Bath, Avebury, and Lacock tour (with free time to wander around Lacock and visit the abbey where Harry Potter was filmed)

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Paddington to Chippenham (approx. 1h and 20 min). Then take the bus to Lacock (another 20 minutes).

11. Stonehenge

Situated among rolling hills, poppy fields, and lush green pastures, Stonehenge is a surreal experience.

On a beautiful day, the sun peeks through the puffy clouds, the cattle are peacefully grazing in the distance, and the crows reign supreme (or so they think). I kid you not. Just ask the staff and they will tell you all about the crows and how each has a name to suit their unique personality. You can get your admission ticket here .

Hot tip: You don’t really need more than a couple of hours to visit, so Stonehenge is rather a half-day trip from London. To make the most of your time, combine Stonehenge with another destination, like Bath or Windsor Castle. Check out the tours below for ideas.

Popular Stonehenge day trips from London

• Stonehenge half-day tour from London (audioguide included)
• Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath (tour of Stonehenge included)

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Waterloo Station to Salisbury. Then take the Stonehenge tour bus. The total journey time is 2h and 15min.

12. Windsor Castle

One of the most popular day trips from London, this majestic royal residence is a must-visit. It was built by William the Conqueror back in the 11th century and is the longest and largest occupied castle in Europe – 40 monarchs called it home throughout the ages!

The State Apartments are grand and tastefully decorated. But perhaps you’ll be more interested in St George’s Chapel, where Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie got married in 2018. Or you’ll find the guards in bearskin hats and purple coats most intriguing. Get your admission ticket here .

Hot tip: The market town of Windsor with its cobbled streets and beautiful architecture, is worth a stroll as well. A hop-on hop-off bus is available ( get your tickets here ).

Most popular day trips from London to Windsor Castle

• Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath (admission to attractions included)
• Full-day Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford tour (includes entrance to attractions and walking tour of Oxford)

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Riverside (includes a change en route). Or take the direct train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside. The journey takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

13. Cambridge

Cambridge is another university town. While smaller than Oxford, the rivalry between the two is well and truly alive to this day.

Explore a few colleges (I highly recommend this guided walking tour with a graduate ), discover its rich history and beautiful architecture, and wander down little lanes for a relaxing day away from London. 

When I visited, I was surprised to see so many people punting on the river behind the colleges. It certainly looked like fun and if you want to try this for yourself, there are many tours that you can choose from.

Best Cambridge tours & day trips from London

• Cambridge university tour with (optional) King’s College visit (led by alumni)
• Guided punting tour of Cambridge (a must!)
• Cambridge ghost walk (fun and interactive)
• Oxford and Cambridge universities tour from London (walking tour of both cities included)

How to get there by train: Cambridge is served by several train stations across London. The average journey time is just over an hour.

14. Warwick Castle

The turreted Warwick Castle near Stratford-upon-Avon is glorious. It’s also my favorite English castle. A day trip here is packed with fun activities, from medieval tournament reenactments to picnics on the perfectly manicured lawn.

The castle is owned by the Madame Tussauds organization and the vast chambers are filled with wax figures depicting medieval daily life scenes. Walk from room to room and you’ll find Henry VIII and his six wives, as well as a young Winston Churchill. You can get your entrance ticket here .

Popular day trip from London

• Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Warwick Castle  (with the option to visit the castle)

How to get there by train: Warwick is served by several train stations in London. The average journey takes 1h and 30min.

15. Brighton

When I first visited Brighton a few years ago, the Royal Pavilion crowned the list of things I wanted to see. This pleasure palace built for King George IV is incredibly exotic and wouldn’t look out of place in India. Personally, I loved it so much, that I didn’t want to tour to end! Get your ticket here .

But Brighton is a really cool city with many interesting attractions, which makes it one of the most fun and relaxing day trips from London. Think an amusement park on a pier, pebbled beaches, the world’s oldest aquarium, and wonderful narrow streets brimming with cafés, bookstores, and vintage emporiums.

Brighton tours & top day trips from London

• Brighton i360 Ticket (panoramic views of Brighton from a futuristic glass viewing pod, 138 meters tall)
• Brighton zip line experience ticket (the longest zip line in the south of England)
• Seven Sisters white cliffs and South Downs national park full-day tour from London (Brighton area only)

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Victoria or London Blackfriars to Brighton. The journey time is just a little bit over an hour.

Map of the best day trips from London

To give you a better idea of where each of the places mentioned above is located, I’ve created a map of the best day trips from London. You can click on the small top left arrow to see the list of places. Then click on a place’s name to see its location on the map. You can also star this map to save it to your maps so you can easily reference it in the future.

What is the most popular day trip from London?

The most popular day trip from London is Windsor, which is less than an hour away. The main attraction here is Windsor Castle, which is the only royal residence open to the public year-round. The town of Windsor is pretty as well and worth visiting, so you can either make this a half-day trip or a full-day trip.

What are the best day trips within 1 hour by train from London?

Two of the best day trips within a 1-hour train ride from London are the university city of Oxford and Windsor Castle. The university city of Cambridge and the seaside resort of Brighton are quite close as well, with the train journey taking a bit over an hour.

These are some of the best day trips from London and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. If you want to make the most of your time in the UK’s capital, check out my London travel tips for first-timers and these 50 fun facts about London .

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Note: Departure train stations and journey times are for informational purposes only and can change without notice. Please check out the train schedules and info before your trip.

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12 Best Day trips from London by train (+logistics, tips & maps)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 13, 2023

Are you planning to take some day trips from London by train but unsure where to go? Discover 12 of the very best places to visit by rail including practical tips, logistics, and things to do and see in each destination.

What better way to explore some of the most beautiful cities , towns, landmarks and attractions of England than to hop on a train from London for a day trip? While there are lots of sights and places to keep you busy in London we recommend (if you have time) adding some of these day trips into your itinerary.

With numerous destinations and places to go by train from London, how do you pick the right one/s for you?

In this guide, we have chosen 12 of the very best places to visit on a day trip by train from London. These are our top picks of the best tourist destinations, landmarks and sights you can visit on a one day trip from London.

If you prefer to avoid public transport discover our choice of the best day trips you can take from London on a tour.

To help plan your day we have included logistics and practical information about how to travel to each destination – which London station to depart from, the length of the journey, and the very best things to do and see in one day at each of the places.

You will also find a helpful map showing the location of each destination and route of each of these London day trips by train.

Good to know – if you plan to make multiple train trips from London it may be cost-effective to purchase a BritRail London Plus Pass which is valid on rail services in the South East of England. The BritRail London Plus pass is ideal for short journeys outside of London. Click here for more information about BritRail passes.

If you are pushed for time or nervous about travelling outside of London by train the best option for you may be to take a tour. Tours often visit several places so you can see more and make the most of your time especially if you have a limited number of days.

Find out more in our guide to the best day tours from London which includes the most popular tourist and sightseeing destinations including how to visit Harry Potter Studios from London .

Guide to UK Train Travel

Quick picks – summary of train trips from london.

• One day in Oxford (Must see Oxford attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Oxford by train

• One day in Cambridge (Must see Cambridge attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Cambridge by train

One day in the cotswolds (must-see cotswold attractions), logistics – how to get from london to moreton-in-marsh by train.

• One day in Winchester (Must see Winchester attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Winchester by train

• One day in Windsor (Must see Windsor attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Windsor by train

• One day in St Albans (Must see St Albans attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to St Albans by train

• One day in Brighton (Must see Brighton attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Brighton by train

• One day in Bath (Must see Bath attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Bath by train

• One day in Bristol (Must see Bristol attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Bristol by train

• One day in Salisbury (Must see Salisbury attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Salisbury by train

• One day in Canterbury (Must see Canterbury attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Canterbury by train

• One day in Stratford-upon-Avon (Must see Stratford attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Stratford by train

Guide to uk train travel, how can i save money on train travel in the uk, more train travel suggestions for the uk, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

Are you excited but nervous about travelling by train in the UK? We have written a book to help you!

Our guide includes practical tips and information to ensure you make the most of your UK rail adventure (including where and how to buy tickets, information for your day of travel and 12 ‘done for you’ UK rail itineraries.)

You can read more about our ebook here.

Good for – History | Architecture | Harry Potter fans

A journey time of just over an hour makes Oxford the perfect destination for an easy one-day train trip from London.

Once in Oxford, you will find the main attractions all located in the compact and very walkable city centre. Known as the “City of Spires” due to its beautiful skyline enjoy the beautiful architecture and fascinating history on your day trip to Oxford.

One day in Oxford ( Must see Oxford attractions )

• Oxford University

Founded in the 13th century Oxford University is one of the most famous universities in the world. Alumni include numerous international heads of state including 26 British Prime Ministers,  Nobel prize winners, famous authors, and many well-known actors.

I recommend exploring the colleges on a walking tour to soak in the scholarly atmosphere of this famous seat of learning.

Oxford University is comprised of 38 colleges varying in size from the larger Magdelen and Christ Church Colleges to the smaller colleges such as Corpus Christi and Trinity.

Fans of Harry Potter movies may recognise some of the colleges which were used as film locations for many famous scenes.

• Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest in Europe and the second-largest in the UK. It contains a collection of 12 million items – in fact, every book that has ever been printed in the UK and Ireland is located in the library!

Good to know – Most of Oxford’s walking tours include a visit to this famous library.

• Radcliffe Camera

The interestingly named Radcliffe Camera houses Oxford University’s Science Library. This neo-classical style building was built between 1737 and 1749 and is beautiful both inside and out. It comprises part of the larger Bodleian Library.

• The Covered Market 

Opened in 1774 the market houses lots of shops and stalls to browse as well as a great choice of eateries. This is the place to stop for a coffee break or a bite to eat before resuming your exploration of Oxford.

• Blenheim Palace

If you decide to spend a little longer in the city (Oxford is popular for weekend trips from London by train) I would highly recommend including a trip to Blenheim Palace in your itinerary. A short ride from Oxford by bus the palace was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and is owned by the Duke of Marlborough.

Read more – Oxford Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 52 miles / 83 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour
• Leave from: London Paddington Station / London Marylebone

Good for – History | Architecture | A day on the river

The location of another famous university (and Oxford’s rival in the boat race each year) Cambridge is also only an hour by direct trains from London.

Cambridge is a compact city that is perfect for exploring on foot. We recommend taking a historical walking tour of the city with a University graduate where you can visit some of the most famous colleges in Cambridge and learn more about student life at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

One day in Cambridge ( Must see Cambridge attractions )

Take a punt along the River Cam. A great way to see the city and even better you can hire someone to do the punting for you so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the views.

• King’s College Chapel

Home of the largest vault ceiling in the world King’s College Chapel is an absolute must-see in Cambridge.

Of particular note is the Rood Screen (a large wooden screen that separates the nave from the altar) which Henry VIII gave his 2nd bride Anne Boleyn.

• St John’s College, King’s College, Trinity College

Cambridge University like its main rival Oxford is also comprised of a number of colleges (31 to be exact)

St John’s, King’s, and Trinity College are just some of the colleges worth exploring.

Read more – Cambridge Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 49 miles / 79 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 17 mins
• Leave from: London King’s Cross/London Liverpool Street Train Station

The Cotswolds

Good for – Pretty villages | Countryside | Afternoon tea | Thatched cottages

The Cotswolds are not one place but actually an area stretching over 2000 km so if you are planning to visit from London I would recommend hiring a car and taking a road trip.

Tours of the Cotswolds are also available which include visits to most of the most picturesque and quaint towns and villages (plus include other attractions such as Oxford and Windsor on the way)

However, if you prefer to travel to what many consider England’s prettiest towns and villages independently it is possible to see some of the area by train.

The easiest destination to travel to by train from London is the market town of Moreton-in-Marsh which is located in the heart of the Cotswolds.

There are so many things to do and places to see in the Cotswolds it will be difficult to fit them all into one day. However, these are my recommendations if you arrive at Moreton-in-Marsh.

• Market Day (Tuesday)

Arrive on a Tuesday and the town will be bustling with its weekly market. Enjoy a stroll through the market and purchase a souvenir or gift in one of the many shops before partaking in tea and cake at one of the many quaint cafes and teahouses.

• Batsford Arboretum

Located 1.5 miles west of the town the arboretum is full of rare and endangered species from around the world. Tip – if you are visiting the area in spring don’t miss the Japanese cherry blossoms.

• Chipping Campden

Located a short bus ride from Moreton is the pretty medieval Cotswold town of Chipping Campden. If honey-coloured buildings spring to mind when you think of the Cotswolds you will find them in abundance here. The famous Cotswolds Way also stretches for 100 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath but you will need a week to do that!

Read more – Cotswold Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 90 miles / 140 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 40 mins
• Leave from: London Paddington Train Station

Good for – Architecture | History | Monuments | Literary connections

Winchester is home to one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Founded in 1079 the structure has been remodelled over the centuries and has Romanesque and Gothic styles throughout.

Winchester Cathedral is also famously the resting place of Jane Austen.

There is a lot to see in the cathedral including the crypt, home to Anthony Gormley’s famous sculpture Sound II, visiting Jane Austen’s grave, and admiring the Winchester Bible an 800- year-old manuscript.

One day in Winchester ( Must see Winchester attractions )

• Winchester Cathedral

As I mentioned above there is a lot to see in Winchester cathedral. I would recommend taking one of the tours to learn all about the history as it is so interesting. After his successful invasion of England William the Conquerer was crowned king in Winchester Cathedral in 1066.

Don’t miss Anthony Gormley’s sculpture Sound II in the crypt. If you are a fan of the novelist Jane Austen , who lived in Winchester, you will find her grave within the cathedral.

• The Great Hall

The Great Hall is a 13th-century aisled hall that contains one of the most iconic symbols linked to the legends of King Arthur – the Round Table.

Read more – Winchester Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 60 miles / 96 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 14 mins
• Leave from: London Waterloo

• Windsor Castle

Good for – History lovers | Fans of the Royal Family

One of the most popular destinations for visitors to London and the UK is Windsor Castle. It is one of seven magnificent castles near London which are worth a visit.

A visit to Windsor Castle is also included in many organised day tours too. If you are pushed for time and wish to combine other destinations such as Oxford and the Cotswolds we recommend booking a tour such as this one.

One day in Windsor ( Must see Windsor attractions )

Windsor Castle is one of the official residences of the Queen and also the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Look for the Royal Standard flying above the castle – it indicates that the Queen is at home.

St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle is where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed in 2018.

Plan to spend 2 hours to visit the castle.

• Frogmore House and Gardens

This grand country house is located within the grounds of Home Park in Windsor half a mile from the castle. The house and has belonged to the royal family since the 16th century.

Many members of the Royal family including Queen Victoria are buried in at Frogmore.

The house and grounds are open to the public on certain days of the year.

Frogmore Cottage located on the grounds is the English home of Prince Harry and Meghan and is a private residence and not open to the public.

• Distance from London: 21 miles / 34 km
• Time taken by train: 55 mins 
• Leave from: London Waterloo to Eton Riverside Station 

Good for – History lovers

The market town of St Albans in Hertfordshire is the closest city to London.

St Albans is only minutes from the capital (a 20-minute train ride from London St Pancras to be exact) which makes it an easy day trip if you want to only spend a few hours out of the capital.

St Albans was the site of the Roman settlement of Verulamium and remains which can be seen today include a Roman wall, theatre and impressive mosaics.

One day in St Albans ( Must see St Albans attractions )

• St Albans Cathedral

St Albans Cathedral was built in 1077 and is the second largest cathedral in England (after Winchester) It is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in England.

Located in the cathedral is the shrine of St Alban after whom the city is named. Look for the medieval wall paintings that adorn the walls which are amongst the oldest in existence.

• Verulamium Museum

If you have an interest in Roman history visiting the Verulamium Museum is a must. Filled with an extensive collection of ancient treasures and fine mosaics you can immerse yourself in Roman life as it was in England over 2000 years ago.

• Distance from London: 19 miles / 30 km
• Time taken by train: 30 mins 
• Leave from: London St Pancras International

Good for – Shopping | History | Architecture | Art | Street art | Foodies | Seaside

Brighton is the closest city to London located on the south coast of the UK . It has buckets of charm and character and is home to the fascinating and ostentatiously beautiful Brighton Pavilion .

This is one of the most popular train rides from London especially during the summer months when city dwellers head to the coast.

Plan a full day – enjoy the sights and take a break in one of the many bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from in Brighton.

A trip to enjoy the Seven Sisters Cliffs in the South Downs National Park is popular for visitors heading to the south coast – take a tour from Brighton to see these beautiful white cliffs.

One day in Brighton ( Must see Brighton attractions )

• The Brighton Pavilion

Do not miss the chance to visit the Brighton Pavilion . Built by King George IV (during his time as Prince Regent) at a considerable cost the pavilion is opulently decorated and filled to the brim with exquisite furnishings.

Packed with plenty of restaurants, tea rooms, pubs, and shops the narrow alleyways that make up The Lanes are a shopper’s paradise.

• Brighton Palace Pier

Opened in 1899 the famous pier is 525 metres long, Grade II listed, and an iconic symbol of Brighton.

Read more – Brighton Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 47 miles / 75 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 22 mins
• Leave from: London Blackfriars/ London Victoria

Good for – Romantics | Architecture | History lovers

Although a little further away from London than some of the other day-trip destinations suggested in this post (taking on average 2 and a half hours by train) Bath is a n immensely popular destination , World Heritage Site and absolutely worth a day trip (at the very least).

Bath is also a city included in our 14-day train trip itinerary around Great Britain.

One day in Bath ( Must see Bath attractions )

• Visit the Roman Baths

Built over 2000 years ago the Roman Baths are one of England’s most popular tourist attractions. Plan at least 2 hours to explore the Roman Temple, Bath House, Sacred Spring, and museum.

The Grand Pump Room next to the Roman Baths serves refreshments including afternoon tea (book in advance)

• Admire the Royal Crescent

This row of 30 houses laid out in a crescent shape is officially known as the Royal Crescent . Built between 1767 and 1774 the houses are a beautiful example of Georgian architecture.

Whilst some of the houses are private residences No.1 Royal Crescent is a museum and No. 16 is the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa.

Afterwards, take a boat ride along the River Avon to admire the shop-lined Poultney Bridge.

Read more – Bath in one day (complete itinerary)

• Distance from London: 94 miles / 152 km
• Time taken by train: 2 hours 28 mins
• Leave from: London Paddington

Good for – Museums | Art | Street Art | Architecture

Bristol is synonymous with 2 very different famous figures – one is Isambard Kingdom Brunel who was of the most prolific mechanical and civil engineers in history and the other is the street artist and political activist known as Banksy .

One day in Bristol ( Must see Bristol attractions )

• Clifton Suspension Bridge

Designed by Brunel this 150-year-old suspension bridge is a toll bridge linking Clifton in Bristol with Leigh Woods in North Somerset.   

• Bristol Shopping Quarter

Visit the Bristol Shopping Quarte r home to hundreds of shops, restaurants, cafes, and attractions – shop, eat, drink and enjoy!

• Take a walking tour of Banksy’s art 

If you are a fan of Banksy’s work I highly recommend doing one of 3 great free walking tours written by some Bristol locals to guide you around the work. Bristol’s city walls are covered in murals too.

Read more – Bristol Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 104 miles / 167 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 49 mins

Salisbury & Stonehenge

Good for – Architecture | Stonehenge | History lovers | Market

If you are planning a London day trip by train to visit the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge your first destination will be beautiful Salisbury.

This cathedral city has a market day every Tuesday held in the city centre. Salisbury Charter Market is held outdoors in all weathers throughout the year.

One day in Salisbury ( Must see Salisbury attractions )

• Salisbury Cathedral

Not only a beautiful cathedral in its own right but also the home of one of only four Magna Carta documents in the world Salisbury Cathedral is a must-visit if you are in the city. Don’t miss the spire which is the tallest church spire in the UK.

Not far from Salisbury is one of England’s most famous and popular tourist attractions – Stonehenge . The ancient stone circle dates back thousands of years and is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments.

Good to know – There are no direct trains from London to Stonehenge. Once you arrive in Salisbury jump onto the Stonehenge Tour Bus at the train station for the transfer to Stonehenge.

Read more – A complete guide to visiting Stonehenge (and Salisbury)

• Distance from London: 79 miles / 126 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 33 mins

Good for – History |Museums | Tudor buildings

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canterbury Cathedral was a place of Christian pilgrimage during the Middle Ages following the murder of Thomas Becket within its walls.

Founded in 597 AD Canterbury Cathedral is the headquarters of the Anglican Church .

Associated with the works of Middle Ages English poet and author Geoffrey Chaucer whose Canterbury Tales are a collection of 24 stories recounted by 30 pilgrims as they make their way to Canterbury.

One day in Canterbury ( Must see Canterbury attractions )

• Visit Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral has a long and interesting history including surviving the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII and an extensive bombing campaign during WWII.

The Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Anglican community worldwide and the Archbishop of Canterbury presides at its head.

• Stroll the medieval centre of Canterbury

The medieval centre of Canterbury is surrounded by ancient walls which were originally built by the Romans. Stroll through the medieval centre and admire its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses.

Read more – Canterbury Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 54 miles / 87 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 47 mins
• Leave from: London Charing Cross/ London St Pancras International

Stratford-upon-Avon

Good for – History | Architecture | Theatre | Lovers of Shakespeare

Stratford-upon -Avon is famous as the birthplace and home of William Shakespeare (1564-1616 )

Good to know – For those interested to learn more about Shakespeare’s connections with the town we recommend taking the hop-on-hop-off bus tour .

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon ( Must see Stratford attractions )

• Shakespeare’s birthplace

Visit the house where Shakespeare was born and raised. Located on Henley Street this is the home in which John and Mary Shakespeare raised 8 children!

• Anne Hathaway’s Cottage 

The beautiful thatched cottage was the home of Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway . Located about a mile from Stratford it is included in the hop-on-hop-off bus routes around Stratford.

• Church of the Holy Trinity

To see Shakespeare final resting place head to the Church of the Holy Trinity.

Read more – Stratford-upon-Avon Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 83 miles / 133 km
• Time taken by train: 2 hours 27 mins
• Leave from: London Euston/ London Marylebone

FAQs & Tips for train travel in the UK

If this is your first time travelling by train in the UK we recommend that you read our complete guide to rail travel in the UK which contains practical, no-nonsense advice.

In it, you will find the answers to some of the commonly asked questions such as:

• How and where do I purchase train tickets in the UK?
• How do I know what platform the train leaves from?
• How do I find my train carriage and seat?
• How accessible are trains in the UK?
• How will I know where to alight the train?

The guide was written by Doug Collins (one of the founders of this website) who worked in the UK rail industry for 25 years and travelled on nearly every line across the network.

Our guides to getting around London on public transport plus an article about the 9 main train stations in London (such as Kings Cross Station, Paddington Station and St Pancras International) and our complete guide to transportation options in the UK are also recommended reading.

Purchase a rail pass

Although train travel in the UK is not cheap there is a range of train passes and railcards and options available to make it more affordable for both visitors and UK residents.

Read more about the various train passes available for overseas visitors to the UK – read more about BritRail Passes here.

Purchase tickets in advance

Buy tickets as far in advance as possible as prices tend to rise near to the date of travel. Always check that there are no last-minute changes (such as train works*) on your day of travel.

I recommend buying train tickets for the UK from the trainline . They s ell tickets for all the rail companies in the UK and Europe (unlike Europe the rail network in the UK is privatised so there are numerous companies who organise trains across the UK.)

* During public holidays essential rail maintenance is completed so check before you book/ travel in case of any delays. Often the rail service is replaced by buses and this could add considerably to your travel time.

You can find more train travel inspiration for the UK in our guide to the top 10 rail journeys to take in Britain!

If you are a history lover you may also wish to visit some of the beautiful castles located near London including Windsor Castle, Warwick Castle , Dover Castle (why not see Dover’s famous white cliffs too?) or Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds .

If you are adventurous it is possible to visit Paris (and see the Eiffel Tower or take a stroll along the Seine) from London for a day trip. This is one of the Eurostar day trips from London to consider (Amsterdam and Brussels are also possible) and while it is tiring I would say DO IT!

You can find out more about organising a trip to Paris from London in our guide here.

We also have more information about travelling on the Eurostar too.

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Solo Location Guides
• Solo Travel Advice
• Solo Inspiration
• Luxury travel

DESTINATIONS , ENGLAND , EUROPE

33 easy day trips from london by train.

Are you looking for the best day trips from London by train?

Then you’ve come to the right place. I’m a Londoner born and bred and am excited to share my favourite places to visit from London by train.

Whether you want to breathe in a lungful of sea air or explore more of England’s history, here are some fabulous London day trips by train.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

Best Day Trips Within a 1 Hour Train Journey from London

Are you looking for the best short trips from London by train? Here is my pick of the best destinations that are less than an hour from London.

1. Cambridge

• Fastest journey time: 50 minutes via Great Northern
• From London Kings Cross

Cambridge may be best known as home to the famous university, but it has much more to offer. And as the train ride from London to Cambridge is under 1 hour, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of the train station, it is one of the easiest day trips from London by train.

Cambridge University was founded in 1209 and has 31 colleges. It’s the second oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Try to visit at least one college if you can. Better still, join a walking tour of the colleges led by a former student. My favourites are King’s College, St. John’s, and Trinity College.  

King’s College Chapel  has some of the most beautiful stained glass you will ever see. At  Trinity College , don’t miss the  Wren Library , designed by Christopher Wren, who also designed St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Additionally, the University has eight museums that are free and open to the public. 

My favourites are the  Fitzwilliam  and the  Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology . The Fitzwilliam reminds me of a smaller version of the British Museum in London because it has a diverse collection.

If the weather behaves during your  day trip to Cambridge , try  punting on the Cam River .

Punting uses a boat similar to a gondola, where you stand on the back to paddle, but you use a pole instead of an oar. If you’re not brave enough to try it on your own, you can hire someone else to do the punting or go on a punting tour through the lovely area known as  The Backs .

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK A CAMBRIDGE PUNTING TOUR

By Anisa of Two Traveling Texans

• Fastest journey time: 50 minutes via Great Western Railway
• From London Paddington

An  Oxford day trip  from London is perfect for history and literature buffs.

Oxford is best known for the  university  that shares its name.

Walk in the footsteps of greats like  C. S. Lewis  and  J. R. R. Tolkien and start your day by exploring Oxford’s colleges. You’ll be able to see where masterworks like Alice in Wonderland were written and the inspiration for the Narnia books, not to mention some of the Harry Potter film locations.

Its landmarks include the  Bridge of Sigh s and  Radcliff Camera . Once you’ve had your fill of the colleges there’s still plenty left to do.

Oxford is home to a number of first-rate museums like the  Natural History Museum , the  Ashmolean  and the  Pitt Rivers Museum,  which is unique in that it catalogues its items by item type as opposed to age or geography.

Make sure to stop by the  Oxford Covered Market  for some local goods, and to climb to the top of the  University Church of St Mary the Virgin  for a panoramic view of Oxford.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK AN OXFORD UNIVERSITY & CITY WALKING TOUR

By Liliane of My Toronto, My World

3. St. Albans

• Fastest journey time: 20 minutes via Thameslink
• From London St. Pancras International

If you are looking for a historic day trip outside London, visit  St Albans , a charming city located northwest of London. It’s less than 20 minutes by train from London.

Its crown jewel is St. Albans Cathedral , a architectural marvel with a rich a history spanning over a thousand years. Beyond the cathedral, there are many beautiful medieval buildings, cute cafes and a market, where you can buy local homemade produce.

Verulamium is situated in Verulamium Park, close to the city centre. Albans. These well-preserved Roman ruins include the city walls, hypocaust (underfloor heating system), mosaics and the Roman theatre.

If you have a bit more time, before going back to London, visit Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, the  oldest pub in Great Britain . A very British way to finish your day out.

By Darek of DarekandGosia

4. Colchester

• Fastest journey time: 45 minutes via Greater Anglia
• From London Liverpool St.

Colchester is another excellent day trip from London by train for history buffs.

This is England’s oldest recorded town and is the site of the  only Roman circus in England . It is home to a host of other Roman remains, including one of the most intact Roman walls in the country. There’s even a pub (the Hole in the Wall) built into part of it!

Colchester Castle ‘s keep dates from 1076, but the dungeons of the castle contain the foundations of the Roman temple of Claudius.

The museum here is well worth a visit as it contains a number of key finds, including a Roman treasure hoard that was excavated during renovations of a department store on the high street. There’s also an 11 th  Century Augustine priory,  St Botolphs , that is free to visit.

There are several  free walking tours to take in Colchester . All of these are downloadable with maps; some have audio guides.

When you’re ready for a break you should head to the  Tiptree Jam Tea Room . Tiptree Jam is local to Colchester but is famous the world over.

By Sarah of ASocialNomad

5. Hampton Court

• Fastest direct journey time: 35 minutes via South Western Railway
• From London Waterloo

Hampton Court is one of  the great buildings of England . Most people visit to look around the palace of  King Henry VIII , the most notorious English monarch of all, who had a penchant for chopping off his spouses’ heads. But this is only the half of it.

Henry’s palace is magnificent, one of the high points of Tudor architecture. This was among the very last Gothic buildings in England, and the  Great Hall  is hugely impressive.

It’s also possible to look around the  State Apartments  and  Haunted Gallery , where Catherine Howard’s ghost is said to run screaming for mercy, knowing that execution was likely to be her fate.

Hampton Court has a superb  Baroque palace and gardens , added by King William III and Mary who reigned from 1689 to 1702. This is one of the finest Baroque buildings in England, along with the likes of St Paul’s Cathedral in the centre of London.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR FAST-TRACK TICKET

By David of Delve Into Europe

6. Harry Potter Studios

• Fastest journey time: 15 minutes to Watford Junction Station via West Midlands Railway and then a shuttle bus to the studio
• From London Euston

Calling all Potterheads! If you are a Muggle craving to discover the world of  Harry Potter in London , take a day trip to the Harry Potter Studios.

Harry Potter was mainly filmed at the Warner Bros Studios in Watford. Hop on a train from Euston or Victoria to Watford Junction. From the station, the Harry Potter shuttle bus will take you straight to the studios.

When you  buy your ticket , you will have to choose a slot. I recommend you book the first one available.

Once you are in the studios, you are free to stay as long as you want so the earlier you get there, the longer you can stay. On average, visitors stay four hours.

You will see many sets such as the dining hall, the Gryffindor common room and the Gringott bank, in addition to many costumes. More importantly, you will discover how the movies were made. Everything from training animals to prosthetic makeup.

There are a couple of restaurants on site. You can even buy butterbeer!

The Warner Bros studios are a truly magical experience (whether you are a Harry Potter fan or not). The best day trip from London by train for all you Muggles out there!

If you want someone to take care of all of the arrangements for you, why not buy your skip-the-line ticket with a transfer from London? Click here to book.

By Pauline of BeeLoved City

7. Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)

• Fastest journey time: 40 minutes to Newbury station via Great Western Railway and then a 15-minute taxi ride to Highclere Castle

Downton Abbey  fans will delight at the opportunity to visit the famous Highclere Castle where the series was filmed.

The castle was established in 749 and rebuilt in the 17th century when it was purchased by the grandfather of the current Earl of Carnarvon (who still resides there with his wife). Just as in the  Downton Abbey  series, Highclere Castle served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during World War I. During World War II, it was home to evacuees.

Due to popularity,  Highclere Castle entrance tickets  can be challenging to secure so be sure to book well ahead if you’re visiting independently.  Alternatively, plan to spend the night nearby and arrive bright and early for first dibs on tickets.

An easier option is to visit Highclere Castle on an organised day trip  from London as the admission ticket will be included.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR

By Chris of  Explore Now or Never

8. Rochester

• Fastest journey time: 40 minutes via Southeastern
• From London Victoria (services also leave from London St. Pancras International)

Rochester in Kent is one of the easiest places to visit near London by train as well as one of the most rewarding.

The majestic  Rochester Cathedral  is the second oldest medieval church and also the second most visited pilgrimage site in England.

Charles Dickens  lived in nearby Higham and based many of his novels in the area. Stop by the friendly Tourist Information Office and pick up a Charles Dickens trail map for a small fee. Information boards marking key sights on this self-guided walk will also point the way.

Finally, don’t leave town before visiting  Rochester Castle . Although just the carcass of the original building remains, the castle’s 12 th  Century stone tower is reputed to be one of the best-preserved in England and there are great views from the top.

• Fastest journey time: 30 minutes via Great Western Railway
• From London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (change at Slough)

As the favourite weekend home of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Windsor is one of the best-known cities in the UK and is one of  Europe’s most stunning palaces .

The city of Windsor was established by  William the Conqueror  in the 11th Century and is home to just under 1,000 residents. Situated just 25 minutes from the capital, this historic town is one of the easiest day trips by train from London.

But there is more to see in Windsor than its castle and  St. George’s Chapel . Explore  Windsor Great Park , the former private royal hunting ground, or Guildhall , where Charles and Camilla wed. There’s St. John the Baptist Church , originally built in the 12th Century and reconstructed in 1810.

Runnymede , where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215, is nearby. Cliveden House , a three-story Italianate mansion, just 15 minutes north of Windsor, is where the works of Charles Barry reside.

Finally, there’s the  Royal Windsor Horse Show that is held each May.

If you’re uncertain of what to see or where to go, there are various day tours of both the city and river to give an overall view of the beautiful sites to be found in Windsor.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR SKIP-THE-LINE TICKET

By Erin of  Traveling Thru History

10. Winchester

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour via South Western Railway

Visit Winchester for a fun-filled day trip by train from London. Winchester station is roughly a five-minute walk to the town centre (downhill on the way there; ten minutes uphill on the way back!).

This historic city is one of the oldest in the UK and has picturesque cobbled streets, historic buildings and one of the most famous cathedrals in the country.

Some of the best things to do in Winchester include:

• Winchester Cathedral . Some very famous people are buried here- including Jane Austen. You can also see one of the oldest Bibles in the world
• Shopping! Winchester has some great shops on and around the high street.
• Mizmaze . On the outskirts of Winchester is a very old turf maze that you can try and navigate. Well worth a visit if you have time
• Visit the  Christmas market . If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in November or December, you must go to the  Winchester Christmas Market . There are hundreds of stalls and even an ice rink.

By Kat of Wandering Bird

11. Bletchley Park

• Fastest journey time: 30 minutes (to Milton Keynes Central) via Avanti West Coast

Bletchley Park , the home of the  WWII code breakers , is a fascinating glimpse into the work of these heroes and of the early days of computers. See the iconic code-breaker huts and learn more about the work of  Alan Turing  and his group of code-breakers who cracked the German’s  Enigma code machine , instrumental in winning the war for the British and Allied troops.

The estate comprises some 581 acres and the house on the site contained many WWII secrets whilst pretending to be a luxury getaway for some of Britain’s most brilliant minds. In the house are displays of the rooms just as they were used during the war and it feels like the people just left that day.

You can tour the huts that Turing and the code-breakers used and see how they broke Enigma.

Within the estate is the  National Museum of Computing  where you can try your hand at code-breaking puzzles and explore how computers have changed the world. 

Take a picnic and enjoy the grounds and the small lake where children can feed the ducks. And for adults? You can have a gin and tonic in the sunshine and dance to some retro 1940s or jazz-age music on the lawns in front of the house.

By Faith of XYU And Beyond

12. Canterbury

• Fastest journey time: 55 minutes (to Canterbury West) via Southeastern
• From London St Pancras International

Travelling from London to Canterbury is certainly not a new idea. Londoners have been making the trip for the past 1,000 years or so, although it wasn’t always possible as a day trip.

Originally,  Christian pilgrims  made the arduous journey on foot to  Canterbury Cathedral , more specifically to the spot inside the Cathedral where  Thomas Becket  was murdered. This popular journey was the inspiration for Chaucer’s  Canterbury Tales , one of the greatest works of English literature.

Nowadays, you can hop on a train in London and be in Canterbury in less than 1 hour. One thing that hasn’t changed much, though, is the imposing Cathedral.

Whilst it is the city’s main attraction, it’s not the only thing to see while you’re in Canterbury.  St. Martin’s Church  and  St. Augustine’s Abbey  are two other historic religious buildings that are also worth a visit.

A good option for lunch is the Lady Luck, which bills itself as a “rock ‘n’ roll pub”. They offer vegan as well as meaty versions of traditional pub grub, so it’s a great choice for  vegan visitors to Canterbury .

By Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

13. Brighton

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour via the Gatwick Express. However, this is more expensive than the service run by Thameslink which takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
• From London Victoria, London Blackfriars or London Bridge

Brighton, on England’s south coast, is one of the most popular train trips from London.

Home to the UK’s largest Jedi population (!), Brighton is blessed with a broad shingle beach, a cool bohemian air and one extraordinary building.

The  Royal Pavilion  is the opulent Victorian pleasure palace of Prince George, later Prince Regent and then King George IV. Indian on the outside and Chinese on the inside, it is as extravagant and eccentric as its first occupant and seems oddly out of place in an English seaside town. You can grab your skip-the-line ticket here .

Brighton Pier  is a prime example of an Edwardian pier. Take a stroll along its length, fill your face with candy floss and try your luck in one of its amusement arcades.

Finally, Brighton is a first-class shopping destination.  The Lanes  are home to independent shops, including some good antique shops, jewellery shops and boutiques.

14. Epping Forest

Are you looking for another destination near London to get closer to nature?

Located on the northeastern outskirts of London,  Epping Forest  is a fabulous walking destination at any time of year. However, it is at its best in autumn when its plants and trees are transformed into multi-colour works of art.

Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or something more vigorous, Epping Forest’s 8,000 acres offer a dizzying choice of  walking trails , nine of which are waymarked circular trails. These range in distance between 1.25 and 6.6 miles, and most start close to parking and train stations.

To reach these  ancient woodlands  take the Overground train from Liverpool Street to Chingford or London Underground’s Central Line to Chigwell, Roding Valley, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Debden, Theydon Bois or Epping.

READ THIS NEXT: Easy Epping Forest Walks

15. Mayfield Lavender Farm

On the outskirts of the capital lies South London’s purple paradise.

Instagram heaven, Mayfield Lavender Farm is a full-blown assault on the senses but in a good way. Wander through a sprawling field of purple flowers, the air perfumed with the soporific scent of lavender.

If you are feeling peckish, treat yourself to a lavender-themed afternoon tea overlooking a sea of purple.

Thirsty? This is your opportunity to sample lavender cider.

For a tasteful gift, pick up homemade lavender products, including soaps and jams, at the gift shop.

Lavender blooming season runs from June through to late August, with peak bloom around mid-July. Check  Mayfield Lavender ’s website for flower updates and opening hours.

To reach Mayfield Lavender Farm, take a train from London Victoria to West Croydon and then hop on the 166 bus to the farm. A note of caution though; this route can get very busy at weekends (I walked back one stop to make sure I was able to board the bus).

Alternatively, catch a train from London Victoria to Sutton or Cheam and then take a cab/minicab to the farm (this is the fastest route but more expensive).

More Easy Day Trips from London by Train

Whether you are looking for a day at the seaside or want to explore one of England’s cool cities, here are some more fabulous places near London. Many of my favourites are here, including Rye, Liverpool (also a fabulous weekend break) and lovely Brockenhurst in the New Forest.

Most of these destinations are within two hours of London by train.

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 15 minutes via Great Western Railway

Bath is one of the most charming cities in England, filled with beautiful architecture, ancient buildings, culture and interesting places to eat and drink. Once you arrive at Bath Spa station you are only a five-minute walk from the centre of Bath itself.

This UNESCO -listed city is filled with beautiful  Georgian buildings  made of pale golden limestone. They blend perfectly with the  Roman Baths and Temple , which are a must-see.

As the queues can be long, it is better to book ahead. You can choose to join a free walking guide around the baths or go at your own pace with an audioguide. For a treat, visit the  Pump Rooms  next door for a bite to eat.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR SKIP-THE-LINE TICKET WITH WALKING TOUR

Right next to the Roman Baths is  Bath Abbey , an imposing Gothic building that towers over the city. You can take a guided tour that includes the 212-step climb to the roof to take in the view.

Pultney Bridge and views over the River Avon are a short walk from the Abbey. The bridge has quaint shops and restaurants on top of its three arches.

For an afternoon treat, head to Sally Lunns Buns for one of their delicious cinnamon buns and a look around the living museum. Other museums are the  Holbourne Museum  in Great Pultney Street or the Fashion Museum in the Assembly Rooms on Bennett Street.

If you want to combine Bath with a visit to Stonehenge and Windsor, take a look at this excellent day tour that bundles them into one neat package.

By Larch of  The Silver Nomad

17. Bristol

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 30 minutes via Great Western Railway

Sitting in Castle Park on a Monday morning, sipping coffee in a boutique café and watching commuters go about their unhurried business with a smile on their face, you can’t help but feel the harmony of Bristol.

For the consumer, you can shop at  Cabot Circus  which is also home to a good range of chain restaurants. You can walk in the parks, explore Queen’s Square and maybe grab a cider at one of the boat pubs.

There are the  renovated docks  and the  M Shed museum . Walking down the river, you can visit the famous SS Great Britain ship. Those who enjoy religious places should see the  Bristol Cathedral  or  St Mary Redcliffe .

Or you can climb the steps of Cabot Tower, perched at the top of Brandon Hill for views over Bristol. Slightly further out is the  Clifton Suspension Bridge  and the Observatory nearby. Or head out to the Ashton Court Estate.

The family will enjoy the  Bristol Zoo Gardens or the Aquarium down by the docks.

By Dave of  Dave Chant

• Fastest journey time: 2 hours 10 minutes via London North Eastern Railway

Spend  a day in Leeds  to understand why people rave about this city.

The train station is right in the city centre. But if you’re looking to explore the suburbs, the bus system is cheap and easy to navigate.

Situated in West Yorkshire in the north of England, a huge draw for visitors to Leeds is the huge amount of  vintage shopping  you can do. From kilogram sales to the numerous vintage, second hand and thrift stores in the city, you’ll struggle to come away empty-handed, and all for way less than you’d pay in London.

If you’re in the mood for some culture, you won’t have to look far.  Kirkstall Abbey , the ruins of a monastery founded in 1152, is fascinating and free to explore. The  Royal Armouries Museum , which displays the national collection of arms and armour, is one of the top things to do in Leeds and could keep you occupied for hours.

By Ella of Many More Maps

Say overnight in Leeds to see more of the city and to explore the surrounding area. For a centrally-located budget choice, check in to Premier Inn Leeds City Centre .

19. Liverpool

• Fastest journey time: 2 hours 20 minutes via Avanti West Coast

With its rich maritime heritage, striking architecture and buzzy cultural scene, there are more than a few reasons to visit Liverpool . And let’s not forget the stamp that the Fab Four have left on the city.

But did you know that it’s a breeze to visit Liverpool on a day trip from London?

Hop on a train at London Euston station, and two and a half hours later you’ll find yourself on the steps of Lime Street station. And as Liverpool is compact, it’s easy to explore on foot.

Make your way to the buzzy Albert Dock with its restaurants, bars and cultural attractions, including Tate Liverpool (the sister museum to the London Tate Galleries ) and the superb International Slavery Museum . If you want to pay homage to Liverpool’s favourite sons, pop into The Beatles Story , the award-winning museum that charts John, Paul, George and Ringo’s rise to global superstardom.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR SKIP-THE-LINE TICKET FOR THE BEATLES STORY

Visit nearby Pier Head for The Three Graces, the iconic buildings that define Liverpool’s skyline, and to take your photo with the sculpture of The Beatles.

Finally, for the ultimate view of Liverpool’s waterfront, take a ferry across the Mersey. The easiest way to do this is to join a 50-minute  River Explorer Cruise (book your ticket here )

READ THIS NEXT: 13 Reasons to Spend a Weekend in Liverpool: The Best Things to Do

20. Manchester

• Fastest journey time: 2 hours 10 minutes via Avanti West Coast

Most travellers make a beeline for London without considering Manchester. But with its rich history, vibrant culture and friendly locals, this northern powerhouse is 100% worth the direct train journey from London.

After arriving at the train station, grab one of the free city buses to  Manchester Cathedral , which dates from 700AD.

Next, walk down to  The John Rylands Library , a must-see in Manchester. It is like taking a step into Hogwarts for the day. Go up to the gorgeous Reading Room and be wowed by the glorious Gothic architecture.

Walk across to  Cloud 23 in the Hilton Hotel for sweeping views of the city below, with a pot of tea, a coffee or even an early cocktail.

Before you head back to the train station, don’t miss exploring the  Northern Quarter , Manchester’s hipster neighbourhood. From Arcade game bars to vintage shops, striking street art to even cat cafes, it’s worth a wander.

Finally, stop by  Mackie Mayor , a gorgeous indoor food market. Visit even just to appreciate this stunning building.

By Bisola of  Bis To The World

Read my review of Avanti West Coast First-class to decide whether it’s worth upgrading your journey

21. Norwich

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes via Greater Anglia

Norwich is one of England’s true gems.

Less than two hours by direct train from London, this beautiful city was once more important than the nation’s capital. With winding lanes brimming with independent cafés and shops, museums, historic churches, restaurants serving both traditional and modern food, and dozens of authentic English pubs, there’s no end of  things to do in Norwich .

The city’s  cathedral , with its sprawling grounds and stone walls, is almost nine hundred years old and the second tallest in the country.

Norwich’s  marketplace , sitting just outside the city hall, is even older and visitors still go there to buy goods, foodstuffs and souvenirs. And if you want to be super British, you can grab some fish ’n’ chips – one of the most  iconic British foods  – from the national award-winning  Grosvenor Fish Bar  in Norwich’s Lanes.

By Dagney & Jeremy of Cultura Obscura

22. Shrewsbury

• Fastest journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes via Avanti West Coast (change trains at Birmingham International)

If you are looking to escape the bustle of London, Shrewsbury provides an idyllic slower-paced destination, filled to the brim with beauty and history. The buildings are so varied in their ornateness and style that they rival the narrow, wonky passageways and steep streets for charm.

Shrewsbury has 660 listed buildings, the oldest of which was constructed in the 15th Century. Older still is  Shrewsbury Castle . Dating back to 1074, this is home to the Shropshire Regimental Museum and is set amongst beautiful grounds.

You can follow a  Charles Darwin trail  or tour and learn about the great man and his early life in the town of his birth. If you’re a fan of the other famous Charles, you can still see a headstone with the name Ebenezer Scrooge in the churchyard of St Chad’s.

To clear your head after these big doses of history and architecture, why not try a walk at  The Quarry ? This 29-acre park offers riverbank walks, regular festivals and events and even a sunken garden called The Dingle, which was masterminded by Blue Peter ’s Percy Thrower.

By Dan of Horo Travel Memories

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 50 minutes via London North Eastern Railway

Do you want to immerse yourself in almost 2,000 years of history in just a day? If so, York is the perfect place to do just that.

On arrival at York station, grab a coffee and stroll along the  City Walls . The walls run 3.4km around the old city and are the most complete example of medieval walls in England.

Travel back in time to the age of the Vikings at the  Jorvik Viking Centre.  This world-class centre is also an active archaeological site and is home to interactive displays about Viking life, history, and the importance of York to the Vikings.

Lunchtime. If the sun is out, stop for lunch at any one of the cafes and restaurants along the  River Ouse .

After lunch, amble down York’s most famous laneway –  The Shambles . Fun fact: It was an inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

This 14th-century laneway is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world. From here, wander past Clifford’s Tower, the remains of  York Castle  built by William the Conqueror, and on to York Minster.

York Minster  is simply magnificent. Join a Hidden Minster Tour to explore the areas not open to the public.

Finally, end your day in York by ascending the 275 stairs of the tower to take in the spectacular views of York and beyond.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK A YORK WALKING TOUR

By Melissa of  Meet Me at the Pyramid Stage

24. Stonehenge

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes to Salisbury via South Western Railway , then Stonehenge tour bus from the railway station.

Few destinations in England fire the imagination like Stonehenge.

Shrouded in mystery, this iconic megalithic stone circle may have been a Neolithic burial site. Folklore variously attributes Stonehenge to Merlin, the Arthurian wizard, invading Danes or Ancient Romans. Some believe the stone circle has extra-terrestrial origins.

Your first port of call is the site’s Visitor Centre where there is an exhibition. see how our ancient ancestors lived by visiting the reconstructed Neolithic houses next to the centre.

Frequent free shuttle buses make the ten-minute journey from the Visitor Centre to the stones.

As this is one of the UK’s biggest tourist attractions, I recommend booking your timed-entrance ticket in advance. Although entry is free if you are a member of English Heritage or the National Trust, you still need to book your time slot.

Although you can visit Stonehenge independently from London, this is one destination where it may be more time efficient to join a day tour , particularly if you want to also visit Bath, Windsor or Oxford. Here are a few options to consider.

Stonehenge Half-Day Tour

Although Stonehenge is one of the most popular day trips from London, it is not the easiest place to reach by public transport, requiring a train and bus/taxi journey. This half-day tour includes a return transfer and an audio guide.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford Tour

Three top destinations are bundled into one neat package here. You can choose to visit the interior of Windsor Castle and will benefit from a live guide.

Stonehenge, Windsor & Bath Tour

This guided full-day tour includes Windsor and Bath in addition to Stonehenge. Admission to the Roman Baths is optional.

25. Dover 

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 5 minutes to Dover Priory via Southeastern

Dover is one of the  best seaside towns in Kent , is rich in English history and is home to some of  Kent’s most popular attractions .

Over three million tourists per year visit both the White Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle on a day trip from London. Dover is a great escape from the city for the day and is surrounded by the beautiful English countryside.

Once you arrive at Dover Priory Station, make your way to the  White Cliffs of Dover  for a scenic walk on the path that runs along the cliffs. Take in the view over the English Channel from the top of the cliffs; on a clear day, you can see France.

Next up on your day trip is a visit to  Dover Castle , which is conveniently located near the White Cliffs. With a history stretching over 800 years, this is one of Britain’s finest and most important castles. Inside, there are rooms furnished with beautiful medieval decorations and a panoramic view awaits you at the top of the great tower.

You can book your Dover Castle ticket here .

By Ann of The Road is Life

26. Rye and Camber Sands

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 10 minutes via Southeastern
• From London St. Pancras International to Rye (change trains at Ashford International)

Spend  a day in Rye and Camber Sands  to sample two fabulous destinations for the price of one.

History buffs will adore the medieval town of  Rye  with its Georgian townhouses and timber-framed Tudor houses. Steep cobbled streets are dotted with haunted inns that will set your imagination on fire. There’s even a castle.

To burn off decadent cake calories consumed in one of the town’s excellent cafes, climb the tower of the 12 th  Century  St Mary’s Church.

Don’t leave Rye before checking out its  shops and galleries . The town has an impressive selection of small independent shops and a handful of galleries displaying work by local artists.

When you have finished exploring Rye, head to  Camber Sands  by taking the signposted National Cycle Network Route 2, a three-mile walk.  Alternatively, jump on bus #102 which runs between Rye from Camber Sands every hour.

With its seven miles of golden sand and rolling dunes, Camber Sands has a beach to rival any in the Caribbean. Paddle in the rock pools, collect seashells or embrace your inner child by building sandcastles. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can try your hand at kitesurfing.

READ THIS NEXT : Rye and Camber Sands Beach: An Easy Day Trip from London

27. Whitstable

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes via Southeastern
• From London St. Pancras International or London Victoria

Whitstable is a charming fishing and harbour town located on the north coast of Kent, southeast of London, and is a super easy day trip from London by train.

Famed for its seafood scene, Whitstable is a great spot for foodies and has many oyster shacks in the harbour. The town also holds a popular two-day  oyster festival  every July, featuring hundreds of food stalls, live music and a parade.

Other  things you can do in Whitstable  include taking a walk along the coast, which is lined with colourful beach huts, or visiting the main high street which is filled with boutique shops, galleries and cafes.

End your day trip with a drink at the  Old Neptune,  which is one of the most popular pubs in town. It is located right on the beach, so you can enjoy a delicious pint of locally brewed beer with a beautiful sea view.

By Caroline of CK Travels

28. Bourton-on-the-Water (The Cotswolds)

• Fastest journey time: 2 hour s 10 minutes to Moreton-in-Marsh via Great Western Railway (change at Charlbury) for local bus #801 to Bourton-on-the-Water

Known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most  beautiful Cotswolds villages  and a perfect day trip from London by rail.

This quintessential English village is famous for its golden stone buildings and arched bridges. Other than roaming around the quaint streets of the village, the best things to do in a day include exploring the  Cotswold Motoring Museum , the  Birdland Parks and Gardens and the famous  model village.

For the perfect souvenir, visit the Cotswold Perfumery  (you can also take part in one of their fragrance courses).

Finally, if you are feeling peckish, head to one of the many pubs in the village such as the Duke of Wellington, which has a great beer garden.

By Roshni of The Wanderlust Within

Thanks to less-than-stellar bus services, it’s fair to say that visiting the Cotswolds isn’t the easiest day trip from London by public transport. Joining a day tour is an excellent way for you to see a few more beautiful Cotswold villages and you will benefit from the knowledge of a local guide. Take a look at this day tour of the Cotswolds from London, which includes Bourton-on-the-Water.

29. Brockenhurst

• Fastest journey time: 1 hour 30 minutes via South Western Railway

Beautiful Brockenhurst is one of the best day trips from London by train for nature lovers. The town is easily reached by train from Waterloo.

The area is famous for its great  cycling  network. You can transport your bikes on the train, but it is also possible to rent bikes next to Brockenhurst train station. You will find several bike-friendly cafes and pubs in town.

In the nearby fields, it is common to spot  wild horses  roaming free. Some local stables offer  horse-riding tours  and lessons. Complete beginners and children are also welcome.

If you want to go  hiking near London , this is also a good region for that. There are many paths nearby with hidden wild swimming spots. A popular place for a picnic and swim is by the  Lymington River  in Brockenhurst. Children especially love the rope swings hung up by locals.

By Eniko of Travel Hacker Girl

30. Saffron Walden

• Fastest journey time: 50 minutes to Audley End via Greater Anglia . From here, take a taxi or bus to Saffron Walden.

Saffron Walden was once a Suffolk market town, but now it is a picturesque village filled with boutique-style shops, charming cafes and restaurants.

Here are the best places to visit during a day trip to Saffron Walden from London

Bridge End Garden   – Bridge End Garden is best visited when it isn’t raining as the gardens are beautiful. However, the highlight here is the maze, which will keep you amused for hours.

Saffron Grange Vineyard  – The Vineyard is a little out of the town centre, approximately 1.7 miles away. If you book online before arriving, you can join the vineyard tour and tasting. Wine tasting is perfect at any time of the year.

Audley End House and Gardens  – For a small entrance fee, you can explore this grand Estate.

Saffron Walden Town Centre  – Explore the town centre (at weekends you will find great little markets right in the centre). This is a great spot to have lunch or afternoon tea. The restaurants and pubs all serve deliciously fresh food, so you are spoilt for choices. A great little town to explore.

By Paula of  Truly Expat

Best Eurostar Train Trips from London

Day trips from London by train are not confined to England. Thanks to Eurostar, some cities in mainland Europe can be reached from London in under two and a half hours.

>>> Read my review of Eurostar Standard Premier to decide whether it’s worth upgrading your journey

• Journey time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Take an early train from London St. Pancras International Station and you are set for a wonderful day in Paris. Trains arrive at Paris Gare du Nord train station, from where you can travel around on the Paris Metro.

What to do during a day in Paris? If this is your first time in the French capital, you should  go up the Eiffel Tower  for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

>>> SKIP THE LINE & BUY YOUR EIFFEL TOWER SUMMIT TICKET HERE

Then, I suggest spending your time in one district so you don’t waste time navigating the city on public transport.

I recommend  Ile de la Cité , the island in the middle of the Seine River, where most of the historical buildings are located. Visit  Notre Dame  (from outside), the  Sainte-Chapelle  and the  Conciergerie.

Also, you can wander around the medieval streets of this island and watch the typical  Bateaux Mouches  sail by.

By Elisa of World in Paris

• Journey time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Lille is one of the most underrated cities in France and an easy day trip from London by train.

Located close to the Belgian border – the so-called capital of French Flanders – Lille feels more Flemish than French, from its architecture to its food.

Due to its compact city centre, it’s a breeze to  explore Lille on a self-guided walking tour .

Walk through its series of large cobblestoned squares lined with extravagant Flemish Baroque buildings. Browse the book market in the Renaissance  La Veille Bourse , formerly the city’s stock exchange, a collection of small houses arranged around a porticoed courtyard.

Pay your respects at the  Notre Dame de la Treille , Lille’s spiritual beating heart and an intoxicating mix of Gothic meets contemporary.

If time permits, stop by the  Palais des Beaux-Arts , a fine art gallery that is second only to the Louvre in France for size and stature.

Finally, don’t leave town before trying  merveilleux , little cakes of light meringue smothered in fresh cream and chocolate shavings.

READ THIS NEXT : One Day in Lille, France: A Free Walking Tour

33. Brussels

• Journey time: 2 hours

Courtesy of Eurostar, a day trip to Brussels from London is both easy and affordable. Take a morning train from London St. Pancras International and in just over two hours you can be munching on waffles in the Grand Place.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the  Grand Place  is the core of Brussels’ medieval city centre and is lined with ornate, late Medieval buildings. This is also home to the city’s  Christmas markets .

For a stark contrast to Brussels’ historic centre, head over to the city’s east side.  Ancient architecture is replaced by sleek skyscrapers, including the headquarters of the  European Union .

For something completely different, take a  comic trail  to discover just how many cartoons were created in Brussels. From The Smurfs to Tintin, Blake and Mortimer to Marsupilami, watch out for the comic

Finally, don’t leave Brussels before sampling one of the excellent Belgian beers and, of course, chocolate.

>>> JOIN A 1-HOUR CHOCOLATE-MAKING WORKSHOP HERE

READ THIS NEXT : One Day in Brussels: Itinerary and Best Things to Do  

Map of Places to Visit Near London by Train

If you find it helpful to map it out, here’s one I made earlier. To take a closer look at these beautiful places near London, simply click here or on the map itself.

Tips for Day Trips by Train from London

• As many Londoners do not own a car (myself included), expect services to be much busier at the weekend, especially to popular destinations like Brighton. To avoid the crowds, if possible try to visit on a weekday.
• However, rail improvement works tend to take place on a weekend, particularly on Sundays. Therefore check for  travel disruptions  before you set out. Trust me, a rail replacement bus is not a joy.
• Rail travel in England can be expensive but buying your ticket in advance will often save you money. For example, if I wanted to travel to Bath today, a return ticket would cost me in excess of £69 (and this would not be the most expensive ticket on this route!). However, the same ticket booked a month in advance is only £23.
• Consider booking two one-way tickets instead of a return ticket as this can sometimes be cheaper.
• A railcard can also save you money on train travel. A 16-25 Railcard, 26-30 Railcard, Senior Railcard, Family & Friends Railcard, Two Together and Network Railcard (London and SE only) save you ⅓ on eligible fares.

ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE? THEN READ THESE NEXT!

• 40 Famous London Landmarks
• 35+ Epic Things To Do Alone In London
• 23 Famous Bridges in London
• 30 Famous Streets in London You Must Visit
• 22 Old Streets of London: Historic Roads You MUST Visit
• 10 Tasty Foods in London That You Must Try

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman is a Londoner who has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

The 12 best day trips from European cities

Posted: February 12, 2024 | Last updated: February 12, 2024

The best part of Europe is how close together everything is, which makes day trips very doable. Here are 12 amazing recommendations from the most popular European cities.

From Paris: Versailles Palace & Grounds

The classic Paris day trip, a journey out to the former stronghold of the French monarchy won’t disappoint. Make sure to book a time slot in advance to avoid lines at the palace. I recommend going early before the crowds become unbearable. After marveling at the interior, allow some time to wander the expansive grounds and have a picnic along the lake on a nice day.

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From Paris: Fontainebleau

Another classic day trip from Paris, Fontainebleau is often overlooked for the more popular Versailles. However, it can be a better alternative due to less popularity, which means fewer crowds. Additionally, Fontainebleau is arguably more impressive as it wasn’t ransacked during the Revolution; thus, more artifacts are available to view.

Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

From Amsterdam: Tulip Fields

Amsterdam is famous for nightlife and culture, but don’t forget how the rest of the country comes alive in the spring. There are numerous colorful fields, just a train and bike ride away from the capital. Remember to go in the morning before the lines pile up!

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From London: Windsor Castle

London’s closest castle (after Buckingham Palace, of course) is a quick train ride away from the capital. Take a tour, view the royal artifacts, enjoy the gardens, and explore the surrounding town — a perfect escape from the Big Smoke of the city.

From Dublin: Cliffs of Moher

Admittedly a bit far as a day trip from Dublin, but if you can swing it, you won’t regret the decision. The straight-down bright green cliffs are a great viewpoint for Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. You’ll get plenty of exercise on the walk to make the long drive worth it!

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From Brussels: Bruges

Many prefer this adorable Medieval town to Belgium’s capital, Brussels. The quaint cobblestone streets, college-town feel, and an ambiance on even the rainiest day make it a wonderful place to spend some time. Wander a beer museum, visit a tasting room, and enjoy a stroll along the canal.

From Munich: the Bavarian Alps

The Bavarian Alps are unlike any other part of Germany and make a great day trip from Munich. You can take a gondola up Germany’s highest point, the Zugspitze, hike or ski the trails, or just enjoy lake views. Bonus — don’t forget to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle on the way back to the city. 

You may also like: Our 20 favorite brands of chocolate

From Budapest: Lake Balaton

Hungary’s main lake is located about an hour and a half from Budapest. You can drive yourself for a day of relaxation or take a tour. But know these typically last all day, upwards of eight hours. You can wander the town or just tan at the beach. 

From Athens: Delphi

This UNESCO World Heritage site is just a couple hours from the Greek capital. It’s a must-visit if you’re a history or archeology buff. In ancient times, the town was known as the home of the Oracle, Delphi, and a naval stronghold. These days, it houses some of the most impressive ruins in the country.

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From Sofia: Seven Rila Lakes

Glacial lakes might not be what typically comes to mind when you think of Bulgaria, but these natural wonders are just a couple of hours from the capital. Set amongst the Rila Mountains, they make a perfect nature escape for a day of hiking or just cooling off far from the city.

From Malaga: Ronda

Ronda is a wonderful respite to nearby Malaga. Split by the El Tajo Gorge, the town's dramatic appearance is just one piece of its appeal. Walk the Puente Nuevo, the “New Bridge," and others that connect the two sides of the town. Once you’ve had enough exercise, visit the historic bullring or go wine tasting in the surrounding hillside.

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From Prague: Cesky Krumlov

Located just a couple of hours from Prague, this charming town is like a mini version of the capital city, where everything is much more walkable. The crown jewel however is the castle and surrounding grounds, which are very well preserved.

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March 22nd, 2024

Exploring beyond london: day trips for study abroad students to bristol and leeds.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

If you are interested in embarking on a memorable journey that allows you to blend historical charm and vibrant modernity, then look no further than Leeds and Bristol. These two dynamic cities are located in England and are easily accessible at an affordable fare on buses in comparison to trains. One of the best tools of transportation is the FlixBus and they are conveniently located near many of the LSE halls at Victoria Coach Station. Each location provides distinctive activities with various art in Bristol and beautiful museums in Leeds. 

Leeds Art Gallery 

The Leeds Art Gallery provides many exhibitions. I explored the Found Cities and Lost Objects recently, which has been up since January 26 and will be exhibited until April 21 in the gallery. It is conveniently located in the heart of Leeds and is free to everyone. As I walked through the gallery, I was able to explore the urban environment through the eyes of women, curated by Turner Prize-winning Lubaina Himid CBE. For more information about what the venue offers, you can easily visit the website to check out what hours the various art activities and events are displayed for that day. Many social issues were highlighted which allowed many discussions with the study abroad students that I went to Leeds with, including an array of art themes ranging from that of Victorian art to social activism. As we explored historical traditions to artworks pushing the boundaries, art museums have always provided me a space to think about social issues from an in-depth and abstract method. 

Leeds City Museum 

One of the most popular museums in the city is the Leeds City Museum. This was the largest museum we visited on our day trip as it brought history alive with a range of artefacts from ancient civilization all the way to the Industrial Revolution. It gave us a glimpse of Leeds’ most significant historical events, allowing visitors to engage with various events of the past. Apart from the section regarding Leeds’ past, the museum was surprisingly diversified with exhibits ranging from archaeology to natural history. There were also many activities to engage with across the museum which explains why there were also lots of children. Nevertheless, any excuse to play a few games and learn some neat facts is nearly impossible to resist! The interactive learning goes beyond many museums today as it offers hands-on workshops for children and screenings of social issues for adults. I truly enjoyed engaging in this museum as it provided a sense of community engagement as a hub for cultural exchange through educational programs and thought-provoking lectures. Entry to this museum was also free!

Art in Bristol 

A day trip to Bristol would not be possible without spotting some artwork along the streets. The city is famous for its many wall illustrations from Banksy – who is from Bristol. Although it felt like a scavenger hunt as we searched for the pieces, it was undeniably my favourite part of the city. It provided us with an opportunity to see Bristol as we walked across bridges, rode buses, and explored magnificent artwork alongside the unique and colourful architecture of the city. We went to Hanover Place to spot the renowned Girl with the Pierced Eardrum, one of the most iconic pieces of art by Banksy. On the other hand, there was also really neat artwork across the streets generally–I spotted artwork highlighting the importance of recognizing the value of women and others demonstrating the urgency of combating climate change today. 

About the author

Hi everyone! My name is Sara and I am a General Course student for 2023/24 at the London School of Economics and Political Science. I am in the Department of Economics at LSE and have enjoyed broadening my global perspective as I interact with international students and travel during breaks. I look forward to sharing my experiences with others as a Study Abroad Content Creator.

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1. Tower suites by Blue Orchid (close to tower bridge and has breakfast included in the price that works for me). Rooms seem a good size.

2. Park Plaza County Hall ( South bank , close to Waterloo station and breakfast included in the price that works for me). Rooms seem a goo size. A little more expensive than other two options.

3. Marlin Waterloo (South bank, close to Waterloo station , no breakfast but has a kitchenette)

I was almost sold on Tower Suites because of the stellar reviews and value for money, but it seems a bit far from most attractions which are around the Westminster area. My 6 year old takes time toi get over his jet lag, so it helps sometimes that we go back to the hotel and have him nap for an hour or two in the afternoon, and step out again. Is the location of Park Plaza or Marlin better? We have just 7 days and I would like to make the most of them, so hotel location is important. I don't want to spend too much time commuting from the hotel. At the same time, if the hotel is kid friendly and has comfortable rooms, that will really help. Any advice is highly appreciated.

We will be flying into Heathrow airport and will be taking a train to Edinburgh on the 8th day. We plan to spend couple days in Edimburgh and fly out from there.

15 replies to this topic

Also, we. would like to be close to the touristy area and explore the city at night as well (maybe take strolls, make a stop for treats for kids etc.).

There is a small rather dreary Tesco Express in Mansell Street at Portsoken Street, but the better choice for a few items of food and drink is the Sainsbury's Local in Mansell Street at Alie Street.

There is a small play area near Tower Hill station and Tower Suites with the advantage of the Tower of London across the road and a large segment of Roman wall adjacent to the play area. The 254 from Aldgate bus station will take you and your children to the V&A Museum of Childhood near Bethnal Green station, should you wish to visit there (and let your sons run off some steam in the adjacent park) rather than visit the Cotswolds or Stonehenge, and there's always Shoreditch City Farm to visit as well.

Another vote for Tower Suites - I also have spent a decent bit of time in the area (not as much as TravellerPlus, alas) and agree with everything #4 said. For a week, you will appreciate the extra space for relaxing at night. You are also spoilt for choice for restaurants by St. Katherine Dock, although most are chain restaurants. Your kids will probably enjoy seeing the boats.

You are also perfectly placed for Tube from Tower Hill and Monument / Bank and boat (Thames Clippers) services.

Check out Thames RIB rides from Tower Pier out to the Thames Barrier - huge hit with kids and grown-ups alike.

You might want to consider a Historic Royal Palaces membership if you think you might want to visit the Tower of London more than once, or spread your visits over a couple of days, especially if Hampton Court Palace is on your itinerary (hope it is...it is a great day out). The membership will pay for itself this way.

if you want and have access to google maps, open it up and look at london. The do a search for your lodging and see its location.

you will see some of the attractions on the map too.

in any case, even with 7 days, you will have to use some form of transport to see various things.

when it comes to room and comfort. Thats so subjective. But consider, where will you spend most of your time? inside or outside?

depending on your kids diet or pickyness, you should be able to find places to eat/snack and so forth.

I also like the Waterloo area but Tower Suites would be my first pick. South Bank is really nice and has tons of dining.

All good advice. But given that choice, I'd book the Park Plaza.

Thank you. Would love to hear the reasons to go with Park Plaza

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

BBC Radio show under fire for airing pornography series in the middle of the day

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BBC ’s Woman’s Hour has been hit with backlash for airing discussions about pornography in the middle of the day.

The Radio 4 programme, which has been on air for close to 80 years , can see discussions on anything from politics to gardening, homemaking, relationships and sex.

Recently the programme has kicked off a pornography series which examines how ‘porn is shaping our sex lives,’ with interviews including a woman whose husband’s porn use was affecting their marriage.

Another episode saw an interview with a ‘recovering sex addict’.

Woman’s Hour airs at 10am on weekdays, and the discussions on ponography, naturally, used explicit terms which usually would not be heard before the watershed, including frank conversation around oral sex.

And some listeners took issue with this, complaining that the early time of the show means children could be listening, such as X user Vivien Biggs who said ‘Sorry Woman’s Hour, men on porn isn’t what I want to hear on your programme at 10am.’

On Radio 4’s Feedback programme, listeners gave their response to what the presenter called a ‘frank, no-holds-barred discussion … which affects many women but is rarely talked about.’

One woman living in Epsom called in and said ‘if the woman telling her story isn’t prepared to divulge her name, it’s probably going to be unacceptable to a large number of listeners, my husband and I amongst them.’

She added: ‘By the way, neither of us are prudish or anti-sex.’

Jane from Streatham complained ‘Woman’s Hour’s been a part of my life for years but I must object to the current series on pornography and the way Woman’s Hour has so dramatically changed to become a programme I’d rather not listen to.’

A woman from Cumbria pleaded ‘can we do something to reign in the current preoccupation with masturbation, pornography and general bodily functions?’

And another complained: ‘Woman’s Hour is broadcast at 10am but with the current content I think 10pm might be a better time.’

However others called in to the programme to defend Woman’s Hour and its pornography series, including one who said it was ‘useful’, and she hoped the backlash did not mean Woman’s Hour would ‘shy away from topics like this in the future as we need to hear them.’

‘Pornography is one thing that we haven’t spoken about’ As part of our series looking at how porn is shaping our sex lives and relationships, Dr Fiona Vera-Gray @VeraGrayF told @emmabarnett why she thinks women need to be part of the conversation. Listen on @bbcsounds ⬇️ — BBC Woman’s Hour (@BBCWomansHour) March 17, 2024

Tom from Somerset thanked Woman’s Hour for ‘such an intelligent and thought-provoking series’, noting his daughter was about to enter her teenage years and ‘it really made me think about the safeguarding measures I will need to put in place to keep my daughter safe.’

A caller from Salisbury declared: ‘I feel Woman’s Hour has tried to present all viewpoints professionally and empathetically… porn is a topic that nobody talks about and I take my hat off to Woman’s Hour for looking underneath this taboo.’

While nobody from Women’s Hour was present on the Feedback show for interview, a spokesperson issued a statement to the programme.

It said: ‘Woman’s Hour doesn’t shy away from taboo topics and does so in a considered and sensitive way our listeners expect.

‘Discussing pornography is not new to Woman’s Hour. It’s a topic which is culturally relevant and yet often under discussed.

‘Women have told us that they are concerned about how porn use is affecting their relationships and sex lives, yet most women don’t feel able to talk openly about it, leaving them feeling confused and isolated.’

The statement went on: ‘Radio 4 has an adult audience and this topic is handled in a manner that is appropriate for the time of broadcast. We are always very careful to signpost clearly subject matter or language to help audiences to make informed choices about their listening.’

Ruth McDermott, a sensitive storytelling consultant who works with companies to ensure certain subjects are tackled properly, spoke on the Feebdack programme and defended the show as ‘doing brilliantly’.

‘Woman’s Hour is the correct programme to talk about this,’ she insisted.

‘They’re doing it ethically, sensitively, professionally, appropriately for the time of day. I’m pleased they’re tackling something so hard to talk about.’

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