summer day trip from london

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The best summer day trips from London

From pagan festivals to pop-up theatres, we’ve picked 17 great day trips to get you out of London all summer long

There are a million and one wonderful things about summer in London – the riverside restaurants , the afternoons spent in the  park , all those lush  pub gardens to lounge around in. But sometimes you can’t beat getting out of the city for a few hours. Luckily, there’s actually a ton of ace summer activities to enjoy outside London (who knew?). Check out this lot – all less than two hours from central London – and plan your next escape.

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Summer day trips from London

The beautiful bluebell walk

Sights don’t get much sweeter than a sweeping carpet of bluebells. Come May, the woodlands at Winkworth Arboretum are transformed by a spectacular show of the bright blooms. Go down to the Bluebell Wood and you’ll see the purple swathes at their most stunning. You might spot magnolia flowers, riotous azaleas and pretty clusters of camellias, too. Beats trudging along city pavements, eh?

Winkworth Arboretum . Godalming, Surrey. From late April onwards. From £9.05.

Get there : 40 minutes by train from London Waterloo to Godalming, then bus; around one hour by car.

The seaside sauna

Here’s a novel way to cope with the less-than-balmy British seaside: a wood-fired sauna right on the stones of Brighton beach. The hot box is inspired by authentic Scandinavian saunas, complete with birch branches and body scrubs. A second, bigger sauna is set to open in May and will be the setting for immersive, guided bathing experiences at Brighton Fringe Festival. Watch the waves and spy Brighton Pier while you sweat before using the sea as a plunge pool. It’s the beach, but hygge.

Brighton Fringe Festival . May 3-Jun 2. 

Get there : one hour six minutes by train from London Bridge to Brighton; around one hour 30 minutes by car.

The bracing open-air swim

Need a kickstart after months of social hibernation? Dive straight into summer with a refreshing dip in Pells Pool. A popular spot for splashing around since 1860, it’s the oldest freshwater outdoor public swimming pool in the UK. You can picnic on the lawn, chill out on the terrace or brave the lido’s spring-fed waters. It’s only heated by, erm, the sun – so expect it to be a tad chilly at the start of the season.

Pells Pool . Lewes, East Sussex. May 4-Oct 27. £4.50. 

Get there : one hour 21 minutes by train from London Bridge to Lewes; around one hour 30 minutes by car.

The Celtic festival

There’s a chance that living in London has dulled your sylvan senses. Embrace a rural Celtic past with an ancient celebration to mark the start of summer. Beltain Festival is held at Butser Ancient Farm – a real working farm that was set up to show how the people of ancient Britain lived. Welcome the new season with mud, mead, maypole dancing and the ceremonial burning of a wicker man. Live your best pagan life.

Beltain Festival . Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton, Hampshire. May 4. £28.

Get there : one hour five minutes by train from London Waterloo to Petersfield, then bus; around one hour 20 minutes by car.

The celebration of salad

Begone warming stews and soups, summer is the season of the salad – and nowhere knows it quite like the Hampshire town of New Alresford. Every year the town’s pretty pastel-painted centre is transformed by a street festival celebrating the peppery veg, which is grown locally. Expect a watercress-eating competition, the crowning of a watercress King and Queen and food stalls selling local fare. Watercress fudge, anyone?

Watercress Festival 2019 . New Alresford, Hampshire. May 19. Free.

Get there : one hour by train from London Waterloo to Winchester, then bus; around one hour 30 minutes by car.

The dreamy rose garden

A wander through Mottisfont Abbey’s walled rose garden is like a sweetly fragranced daydream – all soft, pastel petals and trailing greenery. The garden is home to the National Collection of pre-1900 old-fashioned roses. Unlike modern varieties, these blooms only flower once a year, so there’s a brief window to see the garden in all its glory. Swerve floral fomo and poke your nose into more than 500 varieties when they reach their heady peak in June. Your weekend: coming up roses.

Mottisfont Abbey . Mottisfont, Hampshire. From £16.50.

Get there : two hours 10 minutes by train from London Waterloo to Mottisfont and Dunbridge; around one hour 30 minutes by car.

The midsummer overnighter

You don’t have to dance around standing stones to celebrate the summer solstice (though we’re totally on board if you want to). Instead, make the most of all that glorious extra daylight by staying up all night and witnessing the super-early sunrise – on a bike. Brake the Cycle are setting off on an overnight ride from London to Hastings, via a pub and a couple of wild swimming spots. You can expect to roll into the coastal town around 6am for a wheely well-deserved breakfast.

Summer Solstice Night Ride . Peckham to Hastings, East Sussex. Jun 21-22. Free.

The end-of-the-pier brunch

What’s better than a picnic on the beach? A feast on a pier, of course. The dramatic glass-and-timber structure perched above the surf at the end of Deal’s 1950s concrete pier has a brand new occupant, Deal Pier Kitchen. Go for generous brunch dishes with ace sea views on the side (or to the front). This Kent town should already be on your radar – the hipster honeypot is an emerging fave with daytripping Londoners, thanks to its buzzy art scene and photogenic seafront.

Deal Pier Kitchen . Deal, Kent.

Get there : one hour 22 minutes by train from London St Pancras International to Deal; around one hour 45 minutes by car.

The boozy afternoon

Not content with jazzing up the English wine scene, the lads at Chapel Down are opening a brand new brewery, with a bar and lush gardens to explore. Take a tour of the production site before sampling pints, or visit the restaurant to try super-fresh unpasteurised beer, piped directly to the restaurant from the tanks on-site. The brewery is right in the middle of Ashford in Kent, opposite the train station. Perfect post-session stumbling distance, then.

Curious Brewery . Ashford, Kent. Tour and tasting experience from £20.

Get there : 37 minutes by train from London St Pancras International to Ashford International; around one hour 20 minutes by car.

The seafood ceremony

Whitstable didn’t get the memo about not playing with your food. The picture-perfect Kent town, filled with quaint shopfronts and technicolour beach huts, holds an annual Oyster Festival where a haul of oysters is symbolically landed on the pebble beach and paraded through the town. Swing by to watch oyster-eating competitions or the afternoon mud tug and stay into the evening to see grotters – small candle-lit domes of spent oyster shells piled up on the beach by locals – start to glow in the gathering darkness.

Whitstable Oyster Festival . Whitstable, Kent. July 27-29. Free.

Get there : one hour 14 minutes by train from London St Pancras International to Whitstable; around one hour 20 by car.

The pop-up play

This summer, all the world, or, at least, the grand eighteenth-century Blenheim Palace, is a stage. It’s playing host to Europe’s first ever pop-up Shakespearean theatre. A 13-sided playhouse staging four of the Bard’s plays will appear in the palace grounds, complete with covered seating and an open courtyard for lifelong groundlings. Raise a tankard in the Shakespearean village afterwards to keep those Elizabethan vibes alive. London’s pop-up obsession has officially left the confines of the M25.

Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre . Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. Jul 8-Sep 7. From £15.

Get there: one hour 15 minutes by train from London Marylebone to Oxford Parkway, then bus; around one hour 30 minutes by car.

The rural ramble

When there isn’t a free patch of green left on London Fields, you don’t have far to travel for a slice of some real rural action. The South Downs, stretching from the hearty hills of Hampshire to the bright white cliffs of the East Sussex coastline, is London’s closest National Park. Pick a section of the 100-mile South Downs Way for a wholesome day hike, ending in a quaint country pub. Last one to the bar buys the first round.  

South Downs Way . Free.

The seasonal feast

’Tis the season to surround yourself with bright blooms, plump produce and towering greenery – and a visit to The Pig’s Kent outpost should do the trick. The newly opened Pig at Bridge Place in the lush Kent Downs has a huge kitchen garden, so work up an appetite marching around their verdant acres before sitting down to mega-fresh homegrown produce. If it’s not from the garden, it’s still travelled less than 25 miles to get to your plate.

The Pig at Bridge Place . Bridge, Kent.

Get there : one hour by train from London St Pancras International to Canterbury West, then bus; around one hour 20 minutes by car.

The lavender fields

The city’s bins in the summer heat can be an assault on the senses. Get a whiff of something fresher at Hitchin’s fragrant fields of lavender. You can wander through the purple waves and pick your own bag of lavender or an armful of sunflower heads before settling down for a BYO picnic. Don’t miss the shop for stocking up on scented treats. Lavender fields forever.

Hitchin Lavender. Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Mid Jun-end Aug, but check before you visit. £6.

Get there : 36 minutes by train from London King’s Cross to Hitchin, then bus; around one hour by car.

The astronomy walk

Harness everything this season’s reflective Jupiter Retrograde has taught you and sign up for an evening of astral gazing in the stunning surroundings of Petworth Park. Setting off after dark, you’ll discover some of the deer park’s nocturnal residents on a guided walk before settling down under a blanket to spot stars and watch the annual Perseids meteor shower in the dark night’s sky.

Perseids Meteor Shower and Nocturnal Wildlife Guided Walk . Petworth, West Sussex. August 12. £6.

Get there : one hour 10 minutes by train from London Victoria to Pulborough, then bus; around one hour 30 minutes by car.

The underground caves

Done with sunshine, soft-serve and vintage fairground rides? Head underground to discover Margate’s newest attraction. Margate Caves, an eighteenth-century chalk mine decorated with unusual carvings and paintings, will reopen to the public this summer. The caves have been used as a wine store, an air-raid shelter and now they’re the seaside’s shadiest spot. The Shell Grotto has competition.

Margate Caves . Margate, Kent. £4.50. Opening summer 2019.

Get there : one hour 30 minutes by train from London St Pancras International; around one hour 35 minutes by car.

The wild adventure

Think wild animals, think foxes rooting through your wheelie bin? The UK used to be home to way wilder creatures, such as the wolverine (not just a Marvel mutant, it turns out). And they’re all making a return this summer. Bear Wood in Bristol will be home to the European grey wolf, the brown bear, lynx and wolverine. They’ll roam freely like they would have done centuries ago. You’ll watch from a safe distance on an elevated walkway through the woodland. Ow-woooo!

Bear Wood, Wild Place Project . Bristol, Somerset. £9.95. Opening summer 2019.

Get there : one hour 19 minutes by train from London Paddington to Bristol Parkway, then bus; around one hour 50 minutes by car.

Need somewhere to cool off?

13 wild swimming spots near London

Better dig out those speedos… 

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Lady’s 11 Summer Day Trips from London

Summer is officially here, and it’s hot outside. Which is great, because there are so many amazing places to visit in England when the weather is warm (and even when it isn’t). If you’re looking for a quick getaway this season, today I bring you 11 lovely summer day trips from London.

Summer Day Trips from London

You can do any day trip from London in the summer, but these stand out when the days are long and the sun is shining.

My top picks for summer day trips from London range from coastal gems to university cities . Whether you like beaches, culture, food, or history, my list has you covered.

I’ve taken all these trips, and I can recommend them from my own personal experience. There’s a lot more about day trips in the beautiful book Escape London: Days Out within Easy Reach of London . You can get it here .

1. Brighton

First on my list of the best summer day trips from London is Brighton . This seaside city is at its best in warm weather, and on sunny days it’s easy to hop on a train in London and head south for a day by the sea.

From the expansive beach to the pleasure pier, there’s a lot to do on a warm summer day in Brighton. I love wandering through The Lanes and North Laine for a bit of shopping, and the Royal Pavilion is beautiful with blue sky in the background.

Direct rail services depart frequently from London to Brighton, making the seaside city an easy day trip from the capital by train.

Oxford is one of the best day trips from London in any season, but it’s great in summer. For one, there’s punting in Oxford . Flat-bottomed boats are a great way to get around the waterways on hot days.

Add to that the backdrop of blue sky behind the university’s stunning buildings, and it makes a perfect summer day trip from London.

Direct rail services operate from London to Oxford, making it an easy journey to make by train.

3. Hastings

Hastings is another of my favorite summer day trips from London. This seaside town in East Sussex is rife with Norman history, but the beaches here are what draw most visitors.

There are plenty of them, too. Rock-A-Nore Beach is known for its dramatic cliffs, and Hastings Beach offers a wide stretch of pebble shoreline. The latter is also home to Hastings Pier, which has iconic striped beach huts along it.

The Hastings waterfront is full of carnival rides, net huts, and fun seafood restaurants. Behind them you’ll discover a tangle of historic streets with pretty houses and a clifftop castle.

A Hastings day trip from London is easy to do by rail. There are direct services from the UK capital to the heart of town. Along with Brighton, it’s one of the easiest beach day trips from London by train .

4. Henley-on-Thames

Back in Oxfordshire, Henley-on-Thames is another of the best summer day trips from London. With its historic church, eye-catching Town Hall, market square, and independent shops, there’s a lot to love about this place.

I like going for the annual Henley Royal Regatta , but even on quieter days this riverside town is the perfect place for afternoon tea and a wander along the water.

Rail services operate from London to Henley-on-Thames (with one change en route), making it an easy day trip from the capital by train.

5. Seven Sisters

Back in East Sussex, the Seven Sisters make an ideal summer day trip from London. Set against the iconic white cliffs on the South Downs, the pebble beaches on the English Channel here are popular places when the sun is out.

This is an easy day trip from London by car , as there’s a National Trust information center with parking at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters. There’s a cafe and ice cream van here, and visitors can walk down a set of stairs to get to the beach below.

If you want to extend your trip, Beachy Head and its famous lighthouse aren’t far away. The same goes for Eastbourne , where there are more beaches to enjoy.

If you don’t have a car, you can see these places and more on a guided tour with GetYourGuide . I’ve done many trips with them (including this one), and I’ve always had a good experience. You can book the tour here .

6. Whitstable

Whitstable is the ideal summer day trip for food lovers. The coastal town in Kent is famous for its shellfish, and the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival is a great excuse for a visit.

But it’s worth venturing here at other times, too, whether for a trip to the beach or a seafood feast at one of the local restaurants.

Direct rail services operate from London to Whitstable, making the town an easy day trip by train.

7. Dover and the White Cliffs

Dover is another popular summer day trip from London. This coastal port town in Kent is famous for its hilltop castle, white chalk cliffs, and ferries to Calais.

Dover day trips are particularly popular with history lovers. The town’s seaside castle is one of the most famous in Britain, not least because of its layers of heritage and warren of wartime tunnels.

It’s also a top pick for lovers of the outdoors. The White Cliffs of Dover form a sheer face above the Strait of Dover, and you can see all the way to France on clear days.

The coastal paths along the cliffs are great places for walks with views, too. You can do a Folkestone to Dover walk if you want to see more than just Dover itself. It’s one of the best walks in Kent .

Direct rail services operate from London to the town, making it an easy day trip by train. You can also take a guided tour to visit Canterbury and Dover on the same trip. You can book one here with GetYourGuide.

Often called “Shoreditch-on-Sea”, Margate has had a renaissance in recent years. Not far from Whitstable, this town is a hipster paradise. It’s one of the best places to visit in Kent in summer.

Margate has everything from a famous amusement park to popular vintage shops and a renowned contemporary art gallery. Add to that plenty of charming streets, and it makes for a great day out from the UK capital.

Direct rail services operate from London to Margate, making this an easy day trip by train.

9. Camber Sands

Next on my list of summer day trips from London is Camber Sands. This is not only one of the best beaches in East Sussex , but also one of the most popular stretches of shoreline on the south coast of England.

With its rolling sand dunes, pretty pebbles, and plethora of dogs, Camber Sands is the ideal place to visit on a sunny day in Britain.

Add to that delicious local seafood shops and the nearby town of Rye , and this is one of my top picks for seaside day trips from London .

10. Ramsgate

Ramsgate is another of my favorite summer days out from the city. Not far from Margate, Ramsgate is a waterfront town in Kent known for its expansive sandy beach, heritage architecture, and royal harbor.

Ramsgate is one of the best beach day trips from London because its beach is huge. There are children’s amusements, arcades, and restaurants with outdoor dining to enjoy here.

Beyond the shore, the town is known for everything from shops to seafood restaurants and historic houses. The side streets are fun to explore, and the views of the boats from the hill are great to see.

As with Margate, there’s a train station in Ramsgate with direct services to London, so the town is an easy day trip from the UK capital by rail.

Also in Kent, Deal is another of my top picks for summer day trips from London. Located where the North Sea meets the English Channel, Deal is home to big pebble beaches and a long pier.

The town is most famous for what lies beyond the beach, though. The seafront Deal Castle is legendary, and the pastel houses and historic pubs on Middle Street are both picturesque and steeped in smuggling lore. There’s great shopping here as well.

There’s a train station in Deal with direct rail services to London, so this is another easy day trip if you don’t want to drive.

Summer Day Trips from London and Beyond

These day trips are just a handful of the places you can visit near London in summer. If you’re like me and you’re eager to soak up the sun, they’re just the places to satisfy your vitamin D craving.

Have you taken any good summer day trips from London? What were they?

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8 Comments on Lady’s 11 Summer Day Trips from London

I still haven’t been to Margate! Interesting that the lifebuoy has Saltdean Lido painted on it. The art deco Lido near Brighton re-opened on Saturday after local people raised 3m for restorations

Yeah, Margate is worth a visit! That’s great about the lido.

Margate and Whitstable are top of my list, I love seaside towns!

Nice! I hope you can go to both soon.

I really like the photo of that fishing boat, Julie! I love day trips/road trips! Have a great rest of your weekend! 🙂

Thanks, Mike! You too!

Well I can cross Brighton and Whitstable off your list. Loved the fresh oysters in Whitstable. Hope to see some other highlights on my days off. Thanks for the travel tips!

Nice! I hope you enjoy exploring some of the others.

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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

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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!

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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35 Easy Day Trips from London + 24 to Avoid

If you’re visiting Europe, it makes sense to make the most of your time in England with a day trip from London.

I get a lot of emails asking which day trips from London are feasible, and which ones aren’t. Here I’ve compiled the most common destinations that travelers ask about and analyze whether they’re fit for a day trip or need more time.

Let’s go over the best day trips from London that won’t leave you totally depleted, and explore the day trips from London that just aren’t realistic.

Disclosure: I only recommend products & services I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read my full privacy policy here .

Day Trips from London that are Absolutely Feasible ✅

Please note that these travel times are approximate and can vary based on specific starting points in London, traffic, specific train schedules, and other factors. Always check current travel times before planning a trip using Google Maps or my favorite app: Citymapper .

This is not an exhaustive list – that would take up the whole of the internet 😉

1. Oxford ✅

• Drive: 1.5 hours
• Train: 1 hour 

Famous for its prestigious university, Oxford offers beautiful architecture, museums, and the Bodleian Library.

Oxford is one of the best day trips from London by train. It’s like stepping into the Harry Potter films, and it’s such a short train ride to be transported a world away.

2. Cambridge ✅

• Train: 50 minutes

Another charming, ancient university town with punting on the River Cam and the stunning King’s College Chapel.

Cambridge is truly magical and makes for one of the easiest day trips from London by train.

3. Brighton ✅

• Drive: 2 hours
• Train: 1 hour  

A vibrant seaside town with a pier, the Royal Pavilion, and quirky shopping lanes.

If you want a day trip from London by train that takes you to the beach, Brighton is the way to go!

• Drive: 4 hours
• Train: 2.5 hours 

A historic city with a rich Viking and Roman heritage. While it’s possible to visit in a day, you may may feel rushed as there’s lots to see here!

5. Windsor ✅

• Drive: 1 hour
• Train: 50 minutes  

Visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. I always encourage London travelers to fit this in if they have time, as it’s much more magical than Buckingham Palace.

6. Canterbury ✅

Home to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral and a charming medieval town center. This day trip from London by train will take you worlds away in just 1 hour.

• Drive: 2.5 hours
• Train: 1.5 hours  

Known for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture, Bath is a picturesque town in the Cotswolds. This is one of the best day trips from London by train because once you arrive in Bath, it’s all walkable straight from the train station.

8. Stonehenge ✅

• Train (to Salisbury, then bus): 1.5 hours 

The iconic prehistoric monument is a super popular day trip from London. Many tour companies offer excellent Stonehenge tours in conjunction with other nearby attractions like Windsor and Bath for a really affordable price.

Personally, I don’t think Stonehenge on its own is worth the trip, but if you book with a company that also takes you to other iconic locations on the way, it’s totally worth it.

9. Stratford-upon-Avon ✅

• Train: 2 hours 

The birthplace of William Shakespeare! So much charming history, and a great day trip for students and history lovers.

10. Cotswolds ✅

• Train (to various towns): 1.5-2.5 hours 

Picturesque villages and rolling hills. Bath is the most visited place in the Cotswolds, but there’s so much more to explore here, especially if you drive or rent a car there .

11. Bristol ✅

A vibrant city with a rich maritime history. Bristol is a great day trip from London if you want a larger city (not a small village) with more things to do.

12. Winchester ✅

The ancient capital of England with a stunning cathedral. This place is charming as heck.

13. Blenheim Palace ✅

• Train (to Oxford, then bus): 1.5 hours 

A monumental country house and UNESCO World Heritage site. Blenheim Palace is truly magical, and well worth the trip from London.

14. Bletchley Park ✅

• Train: 40 minutes 

The historic site where British codebreakers decrypted German codes during WWII. History and science nerds – this one is your best bet. So much world history happened here!

15. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour ✅

• Train: 20 minutes to Watford Junction, then a shuttle bus, though most tour companies include transport from Central London.  

Dive into the magical world with The Making of Harry Potter tour, a must for fans of the series.

This is the most popular day trip from London, and tickets often sell out months ahead. Read all my tips to scoring tickets here.

16. Hampton Court Palace ✅

• Train: 35 minutes  

A historic palace once home to Henry VIII, showcasing Tudor and Baroque architecture. Fans of SIX the Musical and history nerds, you have to go!

• Train: 1.5 hours 

A medieval town with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a rich smuggling history. A super charming, quaint little village!

18. Leeds Castle ✅

• Train: 1 hour to Maidstone, then a local bus 

A picturesque castle set on two islands in a tranquil lake.

19. Hever Castle ✅

• Train: 40 minutes to Hever, then a short walk 

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, set within beautiful gardens.

20. Salisbury ✅

A historic city close to Stonehenge, home to the impressive Salisbury Cathedral.

Known for its magnificent cathedral and the historic home of Oliver Cromwell.

22. St Albans ✅

• Train: 20 minutes 

A historic market town boasting Roman ruins and a stunning cathedral.

23. Rochester ✅

A town steeped in history with its Norman castle, cathedral, and Charles Dickens connections.

24. Hatfield House ✅

• Train: 20 minutes

 This is a lesser-known day trip from London to a really incredible spot. Hatfield House is a Jacobean house with sprawling gardens, once the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I.

25. Sissinghurst Castle Garden ✅

• Train: 1 hour to Staplehurst, then a local bus 

A historic estate renowned for its beautifully designed gardens by Vita Sackville-West.

26. Cardiff, Wales ✅

• Drive: 3 hours

Wales is the closest country to England , so if your goal is to just get to another country cheaply and quickly, go to Cardiff!

The capital of Wales, Cardiff boasts a blend of historic and modern attractions. The Cardiff Castle, located in the city center, showcases 2,000 years of history, while the Cardiff Bay offers a modern waterfront with dining and entertainment options.

27. Dover ✅

• Train: 1.5 hours

Famous for its iconic White Cliffs, Dover also offers the impressive Dover Castle. The port town is a gateway to the continent, with ferries frequently departing for France.

On a clear day, you can actually see France from the cliffs!

28. Birmingham ✅

As the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham offers a mix of cool experiences. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, and the historic Jewellery Quarter are among its top attractions.

29. Lille, France ✅

Hop on the Eurostar and be in another country in 1 hour and 22 minutes ! Lille, located in the Hauts-de-France region, is a vibrant city with a rich blend of French and Flemish influences. It’s not nearly as big as Paris, so it’s perfect for a day trip from London.

30. Southend-on-Sea ✅

• Train: 1 hour

A popular seaside resort, Southend offers the longest pleasure pier in the world. With its beaches, arcades, and Adventure Island amusement park, it’s a fun destination for families.

31. Broadstairs ✅

A charming coastal town, Broadstairs boasts sandy beaches and a rich history. It’s known for its association with Charles Dickens, who visited frequently.

32. Portsmouth ✅

A historic port city, Portsmouth is home to the Historic Dockyard, where you can see the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum. The Spinnaker Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.

33. Bournemouth ✅

• Train: 2 hours

A vibrant coastal town, Bournemouth is known for its seven miles of sandy beaches, beautiful gardens, and a bustling town center. The Bournemouth Pier and Oceanarium are popular attractions.

34. Brussels, (Belgium) ✅

• Eurostar: 2 hours 

As Belgium’s capital, Brussels is accessible via Eurostar for a day trip , but you won’t get to explore this huge city for very long. 

35. Bury St. Edmunds ✅

• Drive: 2 Hours
• Train: 2 Hours

Commonly just called “Bury,” this is a charming historic market and cathedral town in Suffolk.

Day Trips from London that Are Just Too Far ❌

While all these destinations are fascinating and offer unique experiences, the travel times and logistics involved make them challenging for day trips from London. If you do decide to visit, consider staying overnight to truly appreciate what each location has to offer.

Keep in mind that although flights to some of these places might be a short time in the air, getting to and from the airport in London will take at least 1 hour, not to mention time going through security and passport control & immigration.

1. Edinburgh ❌

• Drive: 7-8 hours
• Train: 4.5-5 hours 

Scotland’s capital is too far for a comfortable day trip. It deserves an entire trip of its own!

2. Paris & Disneyland Paris ❌

• Eurostar to Paris: 2.5 hours
• Eurostar to Marne-la-Vallée (Disneyland): 3 hours  

Can you do Paris as a day trip from London? Technically yes. But even with the short(ish) Eurostar journey, it’s a stretch to do in one day and truly enjoy. Paris deserves so much time as it’s such an incredible and massive city. 

Disneyland Paris is equally difficult to do in one day, especially with kids – everyone would be absolutely exhausted.

3. Lake District ❌

• Drive: 5-6 hours
• Train: 2.5-3 hours to Windermere  

While beautiful, it’s a long journey from London!

4. Dublin ❌

• Flight: 1.5 hours
• Ferry: 3.5-8 hours (depending on route and ferry type) 

Requires a flight or a long ferry ride.

5. Cornwall (Penzance, St Ives, etc) ❌

• Drive: 4.5-8 hours (depending on destination within Cornwall)
• Train: 3-5 hours 

The stunning coastline is too far for just one day. The trouble with Cornwall is you really need a car once you’re there, but driving from London takes forever with traffic and the narrow twisting lanes of the West coast.

6. Isle of Skye ❌

• Drive: 12-13 hours
• Train (to Mallaig, then ferry): 10-11 hours 

Located in Scotland, it’s too remote for a day trip.

7. Liverpool ❌

• Drive: 4-5 hours
• Train: 2-2.5 hours 

Home to The Beatles and rich maritime history, Liverpool is doable for a day trip but would be very rushed.

8. Loch Ness ❌

• Drive: 9-10 hours
• Train to Inverness: 8 hours, then drive or bus: 30 minutes 

Located in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is famous for its legendary monster and beautiful scenery, but it’s too far for a day trip from London.

9. Amsterdam, Netherlands ❌

• Flight: 1 hour
• Eurostar: 4 hours 

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is famous for its canals, historic houses, museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and vibrant nightlife.

While technically reachable in a day, Amsterdam really deserves a longer stay of at least 2 days minimum. Here’s all the ways to get there from London.

10. Provence, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 10-12 hours
• Flight to Marseille or Nice: 2 hours, then drive/train varies 

Known for its lavender fields and picturesque towns, Provence in the south of France is too far for a comfortable day trip.

11. Nice, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 12-14 hours
• Flight: 2 hours 

Located on the southeastern coast of France, Nice and its surrounding towns are famous for their Mediterranean beaches, but the journey would be too long for just a day trip.

12. Bordeaux, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 8-10 hours
• Train (Eurostar to Paris, then TGV): 6 hours

 Famous for its wine, Bordeaux in the southwest of France would be a stretch for a day trip.

13. Snowdonia National Park, Wales ❌

• Train: 3-4 hours to Betws-y-Coed

In Wales, it’s a lengthy journey from London. This is an incredible area that deserves more than a day to explore fully! 

14. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland ❌

• Drive (including ferry): 10-12 hours
• Flight to Belfast: 1.5 hours, then drive: 1 hour 

Located in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a unique geological formation and UNESCO World Heritage site, but it’s too far away for a practical day trip from London.

15. Bruges, Belgium (Brugge) ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 3.5-4 hours total 

A medieval gem with picturesque canals, Bruges is technically reachable for a day trip from London, but you won’t hardly any time to spend in one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe.

When booking travel to Bruges, don’t confuse your destination with Bruges, France. Try typing in “Brugge” instead of “Bruges, ” and you’ll be sure to find your correct Belgian destination.

16. Ghent, Belgium ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 3-3.5 hours 

Slightly closer than Bruges, Ghent’s blend of historic sites and vibrant culture can be sampled in a day.

17. Antwerp, Belgium ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 2.5-3 hours 

Known for its diamonds and port, Antwerp isn’t feasible for a day trip from London.

18. Scottish Highlands ❌

• Drive: 8-12 hours (depending on destination)
• Train: 8-9 hours to Inverness 

While parts of the Highlands might be reachable by a very long train journey or flight, the vast landscapes truly deserve more than a day.

I know this makes some of you Outlander fans sad, but you really can’t do a day trip from London to the Highlands.

19. Pembrokeshire Coast ❌

• Train: 4.5-5 hours to Tenby 

Located in the southwest of Wales, this stunning coastal national park is too far for a day trip from London.

20. Isle of Man ❌

• Ferry: 2.5-4 hours 

Situated in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man has its own rich history and culture. Getting there would involve a flight or ferry, making it impractical for just a day.

21. Belfast, Northern Ireland ❌

• Drive (including ferry): 8-10 hours 

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is steeped in history and culture. From the Titanic Belfast museum, which commemorates the city’s shipbuilding heritage, to the political murals of the Falls and Shankill roads, Belfast offers a deep dive into the region’s past and present.

22. Guernsey ❌

• Ferry: 3 hours (from Portsmouth. Portsmouth is a 2.5 hour train from London).

Located in the English Channel, Guernsey boasts beautiful beaches, historic forts, and a unique blend of British and French influences. The island’s compact size is perfect for exploring, but its distance from London makes it a challenging day trip.

23. Jersey ❌

• Ferry: 4.5 hours (from Portsmouth. Portsmouth is a 2.5 hour train from London)

The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey offers a mix of sandy beaches, cliffside walking trails, and historic castles. Its rich history spans from prehistoric times to its occupation during World War II.

Even though the Channel Islands look quite close on the map, it’s not feasible for a day trip from London.

24. Rotterdam, Netherlands ❌

• Flight: 1 hour to Amsterdam, then train: 40 minutes
• Eurostar to Amsterdam, then train: 4.5 hours in total 

A major port city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture, maritime heritage, and cultural attractions like the Kunsthal and the Cube Houses. It’s a bit of a stretch for a day trip from London, especially if you want to explore the city in depth.

Taking a Day Trip from London: Final Tips

The most important tip I can give you is this: if you’re only in London for a short time, don’t do a day trip. London has so much to see and do that you’ll never get bored.

If you’re in London for more than 5 days, I would absolutely recommend a day trip. Just make it something that won’t exhaust you too much – two hours on a train, max.

If you live in London like me, you probably have a list as long as your arm of day trips to take. All you can do it tick them off, one by one!

More on Trips from London

Debating ‘Should I Rent a Car in London?’ Insider Tips

Visiting Greenwich with Kids: 5 Things That Adults Will Love, too! 

The Perfect Day out in Cambridge: 7 Things you Have to See 

Is Solo Travel Boring? 5 Reasons You Should Travel Alone ASAP

Trip from London to Amsterdam: 4 Ways to Get there for Every Budget

How to Get from London to Cornwall: 3 Easy Ways for Every Budget

Kynance Cove in Cornwall: 10 Must-Read Tips before Visiting 

Kennack Sands Beach: Is it the Best Beach for Kids in Cornwall? 

10 Things to Know about Visiting Stunning Poldhu Cove

Day Trips from London by Train FAQ

What is the best day trip out of london.

The best day trip for you depends on your goals and preferences.

Do you want to see a pretty village? Try St Albans, Canterbury, Bath, or Rye. Do you want to go to the seaside? Try Brighton, Dover, or Margate. Are you into history? Definitely check out Blenheim Palace, Bletchley Park, Stratford upon Avon, or Windsor Castle. Are you a student or an academic? Check out Oxford or Cambridge.

The list goes on, and all you can do is pick a place that sounds cool, get your train ticket, and go!

Can you do a day trip from London?

If you have enough time to spend in London and want to explore more of England, you can definitely do a day trip from London!

The best way is to pick a destination (start with this list!) and hop on the train. There’s so much to see in England, you don’t have to go far.

What is 1 hour away from London?

Harry Potter Studios, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Windsor, Canterbury, Winchester, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, St Albans, Rochester, and Hatfield House are all within a 1 hour train ride from London.

What countries are a day trip from London?

Wales is the closest country to London for a day trip. Try Cardiff, which is a charming Welsh city less than 2 hours from London by train.

Other countries like France are possible for a day trip, but you won’t get much time to spend there. Lille is a short 1.5 hour journey from London on the Eurostar, and it’s a much easier and smaller place to explore than Paris.

Belgium is also fast to get to, with only a 2 hour train ride to Brussels. Brussels is a bit easier to explore than Paris, but it’s also a large city.

What towns are 2 hours away from London?

York, Stonehenge, Stratford upon Avon, Cardiff, Dover, Birmingham, Worcester, Bournemouth, Bristol, Brussels, and many more towns are just a 2 hour (or less) train ride from London.

What is the closest beach to London?

Brighton is the closest proper sandy beach to London, and it takes less than 1 hour to get there by train. Margate is also a popular beach destination that takes only 2 hours on the train.

What is the shortest Eurostar journey from London?

The shortest journey on the Eurostar from London is to Lille, France at just 1 hour and 22 minutes.

What is the closest countryside to London?

There is incredible countryside bordering London, but the prettiest and closest natural woodlands are probably Epping Forest , which is just 1 hour from London on the Overground.

Which country is easy to travel from London?

France, Belgium, and Wales are the easiest countries to travel to from London by a short train ride.

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These are the 8 Best Day Trips from London in Summer

As the capital of England begins to welcome the sun at last, we’re sharing the best day trips from London in summer. Each of our selections are ideal in the summer time, with a soft sunny glow and some of the best temperatures to be found in this part of the country. So, here we go!

These are the best day trips from London in Summer

1. durdle door, wareham.

As one of the most famous stone arches in the entire world, Durdle Door is a beautiful location to visit and reachable in a day trip from London. The arch is located on the stunning Jurassic Coast, which can be reached in a 2.5 hour drive from London. Public transport is possible, but quite a long day. So if you plan on taking the train, you might be better off visiting as part of a longer journey – perhaps a long weekend!

2. Deal, Kent

A small town located in Kent, Deal would have to be one of the most idyllic small towns to escape to in summer. During the warmer months, the city springs to life in an abundance of colour – especially in terms of flowers in shopfronts! But there’s much more than meets the eye in this classic English seaside town. You can expect to find buzzy bars, castles and pretty pebble beaches here in Deal. And best of all, it is under 2 hours to drive to or 3 hours by train.

3. Box Hill, Surrey

Located just 30 kilometres from London is Box Hill, a beautiful summit that can easily be reached by train from London. This part of Surrey is particularly photogenic in the summer months, when the grass is green and the sun shines a light on the lakes. It is impossible picturesque, so be sure to pack your camera! Box Hill can be reached in under and hour by car or train from London.

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4. Oxford, Oxfordshire

If you ask me, there is never a bad season or time of year to visit Oxford in Oxfordshire. This university town has so much charm and character, that I’d recommend it year-round! In fact, we did include Oxford in our round up of the best day trips from London in winter , too! It will take just one hour to reach Oxford from London, and you can choose to drive, catch the train or a bus. Each are viable options and a great opportunity to soak up the English countryside en route.

5. The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are another year-round destination I don’t think I could ever tire of. Whimsical and ethereal, there are so many great summer activities to enjoy in this region, from canoeing down a lake to perching yourself up in a cabin right on top of a lake – providing a private oasis! There are also many great towns to explore throughout the region, so the best way to enjoy the Cotswolds is to hire a car and enjoy the flexibility of getting around from town to town.

Read more: These are the best luxury hotels in the Cotswolds for a weekend away

6. Bath , Somerset

As the largest city in the county of Somerset and renowned the world over for being a wellness oasis, there’s so many reasons to jump on a train and visit Bath for a day visit from London. In summer especially, this city really comes to life. As Bath is full of relaxing day spas and healing waters, this is a great destination to visit if you are in need of a little R+R. Plus, the town itself is gorgeous to walk around, so you’ll want to allow plenty of time to explore the city on foot.

Related: Checking In to the Gainsborough, Bath

7. Windsor and Windsor Castle

If you haven’t yet visited Windsor and the renowned Windsor Castle, you’ll surely want to add this destination to your travel list. Windsor has long been one of the most visited day trip destinations outside of London, especially for royal enthusiasts. In the summer months, the city has an incredibly vibrant feel to it, with many shops selling all the royal souveniers and paraphernalia your heart desires!

8. Brighton

Brighton is perhaps the best day trip from London in summer. After all, it is the closest beach to London just 54 miles south! But if you’re making your way down to Brighton, you might be tempted to stay a few days, as there is so much on offer in this city. There are plenty of great bars and comedy clubs, as well as the beautiful Brighton pier to walk along at sunset

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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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

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

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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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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Home » Destinations » Europe » England » 23 Great Day Trips From London (And How To Get There)

23 Great Day Trips From London (And How To Get There)

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Amazing Day Trips From London – From Cities to Castles!

So you’re done exploring London and you’re considering a day trip? This would be a great idea! There are many trips and tours from London you can take – by coach, car, or train. There’s no shortage of great day trips that suit all interests!

How do we know? For the better part of a decade, Eric has been lucky enough to have spent quite a bit of time in the south of England – right in the area south of London at the English Coast.

So he’s got a pretty good idea of the different cities, castles, and sights that make for a great day adventure around London!

It should also be noted that – for us – a day trip is generally something that is 2.5 hours or less (by car or train) to get to from London. This gives you enough time to go, enjoy the day, and get back easily.

So, whether you are looking for luxury day trips from London or the best ones to do in the winter, we’ve got you covered with this mix of day tours and trips from London!

Popular London Day Trip Tours

• Harry Potter Studios Tour (w/Transportation)
• Bath, Stonehenge, & West Country Complete Tour
• Exploring the Beautiful Cotswolds and Oxford

Table of Contents

Address of Visitor Centre: Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom

Arguably one of the most popular day trips from London (and attractions in all of the UK), a trip to Stonehenge is never a bad idea. The iconic rock formation in the middle of the English countryside has been baffling historians for centuries and charming visitors for decades.

Eric visited Stonehenge on a bus trip (that included Bath, which we will get to below) and really enjoyed it.

Of course, the whole experience is very regimented – you park, take a bus to the grounds, then walkabout the stones with a guided tour, an audio guide, or just on your own.

You can also make the long, grassy walk from the parking lot to the stones – Eric did that on a beautiful day and it added to the experience!

The nice thing about Stonehenge was that it wasn’t just about the famous stones. There is also a visitor centre which includes a museum, outdoor exhibit, café/restaurants, and more. You can check here for your Stonehenge entrance time and ticket here .

Overall, checking out Stonehenge is something you should definitely do once in your life. While the stones themselves aren’t that interesting, they are fascinating – and the history behind them is fascinating, too.

Related – Must-Knows When Visiting Stonehenge (+ Our Experience)

London to Stonehenge By Car

Stonehenge is actually located west of London very close to the small city of Salisbury. The route is very well marked considering how popular Stonehenge is. If you are heading to Stonehenge by car, take the M3 and A303 from London. The drive is about 2 hours and 150 kilometres (estimated).

Once you arrive, you will see signs (at the Stonehenge roundabout) for the car park near the large visitor centre. Basically just don’t enter where the tour buses go and you will be fine! You pay for parking BUT you get that money “back” – as in you get it reduced when you pay for admission to see the Stones!

London to Stonehenge By Train/Bus

You can get to Stonehenge from London by train. You would head for Salisbury Train Station from Waterloo Station. It takes about 1 hour 20 minutes by train. You can check for train tickets to Stonehenge on the National Rail website .

Once you’re at Salisbury Train Station, hop on The Stonehenge Tour bus (run by Salisbury Reds – the local bus company). This hop-on hop-off bus leaves from the city centre and takes you to the rocks – and even offers audio commentary in different languages!

London to Stonehenge Tour

One of the absolute easiest ways to get to Stonehenge from London is on a tour. This is honestly a really good idea because if you are just passing through London and/or don’t want to rent a car – you’ll basically sit back, enjoy the trip, get great photos, and head back to London without any stress.

Since it’s a popular attraction, there are MANY tours you can hop on. Lots of them are day tours that include seeing other beautiful cities like Bath or attractions like Windsor Castle. If you are interested in booking a tour, check out these top-rated Stonehenge tour options:

• Stonehenge and Bath – Explore the West Country with magical Stonehenge and time to tour the gorgeous city of Bath!
• Stonehenge, Bath, and Roman Baths – See Stonehenge and Bath + your entrance to the famous Roman Baths via luxury coach!
• Stonehenge, Bath, Lacock, and Avebury – Explore the top sights and other mythical stones in Avebury!
• Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Bath, and Pub Lunch – Discover Stonehenge, Bath, stop at Windsor Castle, and have a pub lunch!
• Stonehenge, Oxford, and Windsor – Skip Bath to discover Windsor Castle and Oxford on a popular Stonehenge tour!

Known for the famous Roman Baths and the fact that the city is a World Heritage Site, Bath is a gorgeous city that makes a great day trip from London! The first time Eric visited Bath, he thought it looked like Edinburgh (which means it’s one of the prettiest cities he’s ever visited).

There are lots of things to check out in Bath. You will likely want to explore the world-famous Roman Baths and learn about the city on a walking tour . Just walking around the historic city centre is an adventure in itself – and you can see the beautiful architecture in “The Circus” and “Royal Crescent”.

You can also check out the Bath Abbey and grab a bite at the nearby Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum . Eric even visited Brewbitz Homebrew Shop (which is very close to the famous Pulteney Bridge) and had a delicious craft beer pint! If you want to know more, you can check out our detailed post on things to do in Bath (coming soon!)

Address of Bath Abbey: Bath BA1 1LT, United Kingdom

London to Bath By Car

Bath is located basically due west of London. The drive is about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car (180 km) on the A4. If you go by car, you can do what most visitors do and stop by Stonehenge since the two are very close together.

Once you get to Bath, you can find parking in the city centre (on the outskirts of it close to the River Avon, for example).

London to Bath By Train

The train to Bath from London is also very easy. It’s about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Paddington Station. They run frequently (like every 30 minutes) because it’s popular so you don’t have to stress if you miss the one you want.

The train station in Bath is called “Bath Spa” and is located in the south end of the city centre. It’s easy to walk into the centre and you’re right by the top attractions. You can check for train tickets to Bath on the National Rail website .

Address for Bath Spa Station: Bath BA1 1SU, United Kingdom

London to Bath Tour

As we mentioned above, a Bath + Stonehenge tour is a popular option as a day trip from London. Eric visited the two on a bus trip and it was so easy to just sit back and enjoy the countryside (and the stops) and not have to worry about travel logistics.

Because they are so close together, basically every tour to Bath includes a visit to Stonehenge. There are lots of different tours that combine different attractions that work for different interests!

• Bath and Stonehenge – Explore the West Country on a trip to historic Bath and magical Stonehenge!
• Bath, the Roman Baths, and Stonehenge – Tour Bath and visit the famous Roman Baths + Stonehenge via luxury coach!
• Bath, Stonehenge, Lacock, and Avebury – Explore Bath and other top sights like Avebury’s standing stones!
• Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Bath, and Pub Lunch – Discover Bath, Stonehenge, and explore Windsor Castle – all with a pub lunch!

As one of our farthest trips on this list, Bristol is a city that is definitely worth a day trip! From its buzzing city centre to waterfront vibes, there’s something in Bristol for everyone.

Bristol is located in the west of England – and its location close to the water (both the sea and River Avon) has shaped its unique past.

As such, you’ll find top attractions like the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain waiting to be explored. You can even go on a sightseeing cruise !

The city centre is full of shops, cafes, places to eat and drink. You’ll find markets like St Nicholas Market and museums like the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery ! If you want to learn more, you can check out our detailed post on things to do in Bristol .

Address for Castle Park: Broad Weir, Bristol BS1 3XB, United Kingdom

London to Bristol By Car

Driving to Bristol is probably the farthest trip we have on this list – but it would be worth it. The drive is about 2 hours and 30 minutes to the west primarily on the M4. The trip is just under 200 km so it’s definitely doable but keep the travel time (and traffic) in mind!

London to Bristol By Train

Like with Bath, if you’re travelling to Bristol by train, the trip is pretty easy. It’s a direct train (through Bath) that takes about 1 hour 45 minutes from Paddington Station. It’s also pretty frequent given that it serves bigger cities to the west of London.

You’ll arrive at Bristol Temple Meads Station in the south end of the city centre. It’s easy to then hop on a bus or just walk to the heart of the city centre. You can check for train tickets to Bristol on the National Rail website .

Address for Bristol Temple Meads Station: Bristol BS1 6QF, United Kingdom

London to Bristol By Bus

You could also take the bus from London to Bristol. Since Bristol is a larger centre, the bus connections are pretty good. The total trip averages about 2 hours and 45 minutes from London. You can check the National Express website for bus fares .

You can also check the Megabus website – they run a bus from London Victoria Station to Bristol for as low as £5.

If you’re looking to explore a classic university city, then you should check out Cambridge. Located north of London, this charming city is absolutely packed with history around every corner.

The city is home to the University of Cambridge – one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. You can tour the grounds and the colleges – with King’s College being the most famous!

The city centre has LOTS of shops, pubs, restaurants, and more to keep you busy. You might even want to hit the river and try your hand at “punting” – a Cambridge activity where you push a boat along using a long wooden pole!

Eric has been to Cambridge numerous times and every time it’s a great visit. There are also top attractions like The Fitzwilliam Museum , King College Chapel, Bridge of Sighs, and amazing parks/green spaces like Parker’s Peace and Jesus Green!

Address of University of Cambridge: King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST, United Kingdom

London to Cambridge By Car

Cambridge is located north of London – basically due north, actually. You can take the M11 (tolls) or the A1 (no tolls but longer) and the drive will take between 1.5 hours and 2 hours (London traffic depending).

Once you get to the city centre, you’ll find plenty of parking on the streets or in lots. It’s a pretty easy city to navigate.

London to Cambridge By Train

This is another train trip that Eric has done. You can just get on the train at King’s Cross Station (in the north end of the city centre) and can be there in about 50 minutes to an hour depending on the train you take.

The Cambridge train station is located in the southeast end of the city centre – as in you can definitely walk to the centre from there but it’s not RIGHT in the middle. You can check for train tickets to Cambridge on the National Rail website .

Address: Station Rd, Cambridge CB1 2JW, United Kingdom

London to Cambridge By Bus

You can also get to Cambridge by bus. You would leave from London Victoria Coach Station. Buses leave semi-frequently and average around 3 hours of travel time – some shorter or longer depending on if you have to transfer and/or the time of day.

The best thing is the price – the cheapest fares are around £5 one way which is definitely affordable! You can check the National Express website for bus fares .

London to Cambridge Tour

There aren’t too many tours to Cambridge – but a popular way to see the city is to visit both university cities – Oxford and Cambridge – in the same day!

• Cambridge and Oxford – Explore both famous University Cities on a Guided Day Trip from London!

Eastbourne (+ Pevensey Castle)

If you want a taste of the coastline to the south of London, you’ve got a few options. First on this list is the small seaside city of Eastbourne. Eastbourne is known as one of the most (if not THE) sunniest place in the UK with lots of sunshine days per year. This makes Eastbourne a popular spot to check out.

The city centre itself is quite small but there are shops, cafes, restaurants, and more to check out. Having said that, you go to Eastbourne for the beach and the pier. Eastbourne is home to a classic rock pebble beach that stretches for as far as the eye can see. The waterfront is also great for festivals, art shows, pop-up shops, and more.

One of the best features of the shoreline is the Eastbourne Pier. Similar to the one in Brighton (mentioned below), the pier dates back to the 1870s and has souvenir/candy shops, places to eat, and amazing views of the sea. The pier’s classic arcade actually caught fire back in 2014 – but the pier is thriving again these days!

Another really good reason to visit Eastbourne is to hike the Seven Sisters Cliffs – a series of white chalk cliffs and amazing walking paths with views to the west of the city. We actually mention the cliff walk as a separate day trip right below this one so check there for more details!

Address for Eastbourne Pier: 3 Grand Parade, Eastbourne BN21 3EL, United Kingdom

Eric’s Pro Tip: If you head toward Eastbourne, you can also (if you have a car) stop by Pevensey Castle. This 4th century Roman ruin and 12th century Norman Castle is close to the coast but a few minutes inland from Eastbourne.

Eric has been and it’s been redone in recent years to include more information/a museum done by English Heritage. They oversee hundreds of historic sites all over England! It’s a great stop if you’re with kids, too.

> You can check here for your English Heritage Entry Pass (opens in a new tab)” href=”https://www.getyourguide.com/stonehenge-l522/overseas-visitors-pass-9-or-16-day-unlimited-entry-t33717/?partner_id=VIFXQJ3&cmp=PPENDayTripLDN” target=”_blank”> >> You can check here for your English Heritage Entry Pass .

When you visit the Castle, the small town where the castle is located – Pevensey – is great for a classic pub lunch. Just remember it’s a small town with a small train station within walking distance to the ruins. There are also green spaces near the Castle for a picnic if you decide to drive! You can learn more about Pevensey Castle here .

Address of Pevensey Castle: Castle Rd, Westham, Pevensey BN24 5LE, United Kingdom

London to Eastbourne By Car

Eastbourne is basically due south of London – but the drive can take well over 2 hours. Once you get out of London (traffic depending), you head through Crawley or through Royal Tunbridge Wells. It’s about 120 kilometres so you have an idea of distance.

Once you get there, you can drive along the coast for a bit before finding parking in a paid lot or along the coastline drive near the pier. Honestly, don’t go out of your way to drive – train is just so much easier.

London to Eastbourne By Train

It’s really easy to get to Eastbourne by train. You leave London Victoria Station in the south end of the city and the direct train takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

From the train station, it’s a short walk to the city centre and down to the beautiful coastline. You can check for tickets to Eastbourne on the National Rail website .

Address of Eastbourne Train Station: Terminus Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3QJ

London to Eastbourne By Bus

There are buses from London to Eastbourne – but they are at infrequent times, leave from different places around London depending on the time, and just take longer than the train. That said, you can check the National Express website for bus fares .

Seven Sisters Cliffs/Beachy Head

As we mentioned above, exploring the white chalk cliffs known as The Seven Sisters is definitely a worthy day trip from London! Located just to the west of Eastbourne, the cliffs can be a day trip themselves OR you can also visit them if you head down to Eastbourne.

Once there, you basically just hike the cliffs for spectacular views, fresh air, and great exercise! You might also hear the cliffs being called “Beachy Head” – this is just a name for the tallest cliff of them all which is technically located separate and just beside the row of cliffs known as “Seven Sisters”.

That said, there are a number of ways you can “do” the cliffs. You can hike from Eastbourne to the top and then along the cliffs to a place called the Birling Gap. Here, you find a Visitor Centre and sea stairs down to the rocky beach below. This would be a long walk (over 10 km) but would be well worth it.

You can also start the hike from the car park at the top at Beachy Head (located in the middle between Eastbourne and the Seven Sisters). So, you’d skip Eastbourne and walk from Beachy Head to the Birling Gap and back from there – a little shorter, but still incredible.

Finally, a much longer walk where you might not even get to the Seven Sisters is to start from the town of Seaford, walk towards Cuckmere Haven, and then get to the Birling Gap from the west. At this point, you wouldn’t even have hiked the Seven Sisters yet – so it’s best to tackle them from the east (the Eastbourne side) of the coast.

In any case, you should check out The Beachy Head for a bite to eat with great views up near the car park. If you do make it to the Birling Gap, you can walk inland a bit to have a great lunch at a traditional pub in East Dean called The Tiger Inn .

Oh, and be sure to snap a photo of the famous Lighthouse when you are there – just be VERY careful near the edge.

Address for Birling Gap Info Centre: Beachy Head Rd, Eastbourne BN20 0AB, United Kingdom

London to Seven Sisters By Car

If you want to drive to the Seven Sisters, you have basically two options: drive to the car park up on top of the cliffs at Beachy Head or drive to Eastbourne, park, and go on foot to the cliffs from there.

Either way, the drive down there will take just over 2 hours (at around 125 km) basically due south of London. You can decide what works best for you – park up on the cliffs and get going or park down in Eastbourne and walk even farther!

London to Seven Sisters By Train

As mentioned in the Eastbourne section, it’s really easy to get to Eastbourne/Seven Sisters by train. You leave London Victoria Station in the south end of the city and the direct train takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

From the train station, it’s a short walk to the city centre and then to the coast. From there, you can see the cliffs to the west to get hiking! You can check for tickets to Eastbourne on the National Rail website .

London to Seven Sisters/Beachy Head Tour

The Seven Sisters are pretty easy to get to via train or car to Eastbourne – but a day tour is a great idea if you want to just sit back, relax, and learn about the beautiful region and its interesting history!

• Seven Sisters, South Downs, and Brighton – Explore the famous cliffs and natural beauty with a passionate local guide on a luxury small coach!

Still considering checking out the sea? There’s one big city on the southern coast we haven’t mentioned yet – and that is Brighton! This sunny seaside city is a very fun place to check out – with people from all different walks of life co-existing nicely in the city.

Brighton was originally known as a fishing village but turned into a resort city in the 18th century – largely in part because of the beach and days of sunshine! We personally really like Brighton as a spring/summer/fall getaway. It’s just always nice there by the sea.

As for things to check out, Brighton is packed with attractions. As a shortlist, you HAVE to check out the historic Brighton Palace Pier (shown above) with food, games, rides, and more.

If it’s sunny and warm, the Brighton Beach & Boardwalk is always bustling. You can ride the British Airways i360 for stunning views, visit the beautiful Royal Pavilion & Pavilion Gardens, and check out The Brighton Museum & Art Gallery .

You can go shop The Lanes, The Open Market , and check out North Laine which is full of great cafes. If you want to learn more, you can check out our giant post on things to do and see in Brighton !

Address to Brighton Pier: Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1TW, United Kingdom

London to Brighton By Car

Brighton is located basically exactly south of the centre of London at the English coast. The drive is just over 2 hours at approximately 100 km driving distance.

Once you get to Brighton, you will find city parking easy enough. You can even park along the water for a few hours so you can head right for the beach!

London to Brighton By Train

Taking the train to Brighton is a really easy and convenient way to get there. There are multiple direct trains you can take leaving from either London Bridge Station or London Victoria Station. You can check for train tickets to Brighton on the National Rail website .

All routes take about an hour, and you end up right in Brighton with no changes. Once you get to Brighton, the station is located a bit north of the water but very much in the heart of the city centre. You can walk to the water in 10/15 minutes or explore the area you’ve landed in.

Address Brighton Train Station: Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3XP, United Kingdom

London to Brighton By Bus

The bus to Brighton is also easy and affordable. It’s only a 1-hour ride direct from London Victoria Bus Station with fares as low as £5 one way. You can check the National Express website for bus fares .

London to Brighton Tour

Because Brighton is so easy to get to by train or car, there aren’t too many tours. That said, if you wanted to explore more of the southern coast, you could hop on a tour to see the Seven Sister cliffs that starts and ends in Brighton (the train from London is included!)

• Brighton + the Seven Sister Cliffs – Explore the Southern Coast Cliffs with free time in sunny Brighton!

Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)

Downton Abbey fans are obsessed with a visit to the charming Highclere Castle. Built as we see it today in the 1800s (having faced numerous style changes), the home stands on 5,000 acre estate of gardens and green space.

Despite its rich history, the building is today mostly known as the main filming site for the popular television series Downton Abbey. Because of this, Highclere Castle is a POPULAR attraction to visit.

Due to this popularity (and the fact that it is a private estate), it’s very difficult to just show up and visit – even for self-guided tours. In fact, you should know that the estate is only open for about 2 to 3 months out of the entire year (special seasons, summer months, etc).

Because of this, you basically have to book a ticket for a specific time/event in order to see the grounds, house, and exhibits. Keep in mind, tickets sell out sometimes months in advance (especially for Christmas and summer seasons).

While there are walk-up tickets available, these are limited. So basically the only way to guarantee entry is to pre-book. If you know you want to visit on a day trip from London – and you know the day – book in advance on the official website here !

Address: Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury RG20 9RN, United Kingdom

London to Highclere Castle By Car

Highclere Castle is kind of in the middle of nowhere outside of London. So, if you are planning on driving to Highclere Castle from London, you can take the M3 or M4 for a drive taking about 1 hour 45 minutes (only about 100 km driving distance).

There is parking onsite if you bring your own car – but keep in mind the potential busyness of the summer months!

London to Highclere Castle By Train

In practice, you can’t get to Highclere by train easily. You can take the train (they run basically hourly) from Paddington Station to the closest town of Newbury. From there, you can hop in a taxi to get to the Castle for about £15-20. You can check for train tickets to Highclere Castle at the National Rail website .

London to Highclere Castle Tour

Because Highclere Castle is so popular (and it’s located in a remote area), there are lots of great day tours from London. These tours take you there to tour the Castle without the stress of navigating and also add on other Downton Abbey-related filming sites and historic villages!

• Highclere Castle and Downton Village – Explore the famous Castle, see other filming sites, and go on a guided tour of historic Bampton (Downton Village)!
• Highclere Castle and Downton Village with Lunch – See Highclere Castle on a luxury coach from London and have lunch in Bampton (Downton Village)!

If you want another popular – but historic and beautiful – city to explore, Oxford is definitely one we would recommend. With the famous River Thames running through it, there is plenty of rich history to explore down literally every street.

Home to the famous University of Oxford (founded back in 1096), the city has a distinct younger vibe as a student city. You can check out the beautiful colleges, the Radcliffe Camera (library), the Bodleian Library, and the History of Science Museum, among other things. It was a Harry Potter filming site, after all!

The city centre itself is rather small – but it’s filled with great sights and a bustling pedestrian mall great for shopping, food, and more. You can even do an Oxford walking tour while you’re there to get the most out of learning about the city and the university.

Be sure to also check out the Turf Tavern – a tiny old pub with outdoor patios (it’s fantastic). If you’re after museums, the Ashmolean Museum is free to enter and has a bit of everything inside!

Address for University of Oxford: Oxford OX1 2JD, United Kingdom

London to Oxford By Car

Getting from London to Oxford is pretty straightforward. You just head west (and a bit north) on the M40. The drive will take about 1 hour 30 minutes (traffic depending) with a driving distance of around 90 km.

There’s plenty of parking in the city centre so don’t worry too much about parking once you get there.

London to Oxford By Train

The train ride to Oxford from London is very simple. Eric actually did this trip a few years back with a buddy. The train ride takes just over 1 hour – and you can either go from London Paddington Station OR London Marylebone Station.

The trains are pretty frequent so plan ahead but don’t be too stressed if you miss the one you want. You can check for train tickets to Oxford at the National Rail website .

Once you arrive in Oxford, the train station is located in the west end of the city – just a quick walk (about 10/15 minutes) to the centre of the city.

Address Oxford Train Station: Park End St, Oxfordshire, Oxford OX1 1HS, United Kingdom

London to Oxford By Bus

If you want to take the bus, this is actually a good option that’s quick and cheap. Oxford is s student town so cheap and reliable buses make sense. So, you’ve got options:

The National Express bus leaves from London Victoria Station and takes 1 hour 45 minutes (approximately) direct to Oxford. The price is also pretty good at an easy £5 one way. You can check the National Express website for bus fares .

There’s also a specific bus service for this route – called the Oxford Tube – which runs from Oxford to London and back basically 24 hours a day 7 days a week. They are so frequent that you don’t have to pre-book but you definitely can.

For this particular route, you can also check the Megabus website – they run a bus from London Victoria Station to Oxford in as little as 1 hour 7 minutes and for as low as £5!

Address Oxford Bus Station: Gloucester Green Bus Stn, George St, Oxford OX1 2BU

London to Oxford Tour

Visiting Oxford is a great idea because it’s a lovely, historic city. The nice thing about Oxford is that because Oxford is a smaller city a bit farther to the west, many tours combine the city with a visit to other great places like Cambridge, The Cotswolds, or even the Harry Potter Studios.

• Oxford and Cambridge – Explore the university cities together on a day trip!
• Oxford and Harry Potter – Check out filming locations in Oxford and do the famous Studio Tour!
• Oxford, Stonehenge, and Windsor Castle – Experience Stonehenge and Windsor Castle on a day tour with Oxford.
• Oxford, Stratford, and The Cotswolds – See natural beauty and history on a full day tour from London!

Harry Potter Studios

If you are interested in exploring the Wizarding World – then you absolutely need to check out Warner Bros. Studios for the Harry Potter Studio Tour London! This super popular attraction has been wowing Harry Potter fans – young and old – since 2012.

The studio tour is a permanent attraction which offers visitors more of a behind-the-scenes view of the making of the films. As such, you get to explore props and costumes that were only actually used in the films!

As if that wasn’t enough, you can explore full-scale sets like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, and more! Aside from the general visit and tour, the Studios also put on special events throughout the year which you can book tickets for (in advance, of course).

It should also be noted that the Studios are located near Watford which is outside central London. However, they are still really easy to get to on a day trip! You also have to book your ticket in advance . You can check here for the official website to book tickets .

Address: Studio Tour Dr, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom

London to Warner Bros. Studios By Car

If you want to drive to the Studios yourself, the drive will take about an hour on the M1. The Studios are located near Watford which is about 40 km northwest of the city centre.

Once you get there, parking is onsite and free of charge (you just have to have your booking confirmation ready to show the parking team). How nice of them!

London to Warner Bros. Studios By Train/Bus

The Studios are also very easy to get to by train. From Euston Station in the north end of central London, you take the train about 20 minutes to Watford Junction Station. You can check for train tickets to Watford Junction at the National Rail website .

Once you arrive at Watford Junction Station, Warner Bros. actually runs an official shuttle from the station to the Studios. It runs about every 20 minutes, takes about 15 minutes, and costs only £3 for a return ticket!

Address Watford Station: Station Rd, Watford WD17 1EU, United Kingdom

London to Watford By Bus

You COULD take a bus to get there but the train/shuttle combination is far more direct and efficient if you are taking public transit. That said, you can check the National Express website for bus fares from London to Watford Junction – you’d have to change once or twice, though.

London to Harry Potter Studios Tour

Given just how popular touring the Warner Bros. studios is, there are loads of really great day tours from London you can go on. Tours take care of the logistics so you can just sit back and enjoy the day.

Some are straightforward and offer you bus transfers with admission, while others offer guided tours and short trips to other sights if the studio visit isn’t enough for you!

• Classic Harry Potter Studio Tour – Visit the Studios with this very popular tour that includes bus transportation to and from London!
• Guided Harry Potter Tour – Explore the Studios with a fully guided experience from London!
• Harry Potter Studio Private Tour – Experience the Studios but with private car/van transfer from London!
• Harry Potter Studio Tour + Oxford – Check out the famous Studio and explore filming locations in Oxford on this London day tour!

Stratford-upon-Avon

Want a small medieval town that feels like you’ve transported back in time? Then you should make a day trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. This small charming medieval town features many wood-timbered buildings that give it a historic feel.

The town gets its name as being Stratford literally “upon” the River Avon – hence Stratford-upon-Avon! The city is likely most known to be the birthplace of William Shakespeare (you know, that famous writer) – making the city a top sight to see in all of the UK.

In Stratford, there are plenty of things to see and do. If you are going because you are interested in the life and times of Shakespeare, then you can visit his Birthplace (shown above) as well as other buildings related to his schooling, and his family members. You should check here for your Shakespeare’s Homes entrance ticket if this is the case.

The town centre is quite small and walkable – and you can head for other top attractions like the Stratford Butterfly Farm , the famous Swam Theatre , and Holy Trinity Church.

Address of Shakespeare’s Birthplace: Henley St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW, United Kingdom

London to Stratford-upon-Avon By Car

If you want to drive to Stratford-upon-Avon, it’s one of the longer trips we have on this list – but still very doable. The town is located to the northwest of London taking just over 2 hours (traffic depending) on the M40 with about 160 km driving distance.

London to Stratford-upon-Avon By Train

The train is also a good option to get to Stratford-upon-Avon from London. You can get a direct train from London Marylebone Station and it’ll take about 2 hours and 25 minutes.

There are other faster trips if you take the train and then a bus – but you have to be prepared to change in either Royal Leamington Spa or Coventry. You can check for train tickets to Stratford-upon-Avon on the National Rail website .

The train station in Stratford-upon-Avon is in the west end of the town centre, very walkable to the centre of town.

Address for Stratford Train Station: Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6PL, United Kingdom

London to Stratford-upon-Avon By Bus

There is also a bus service to Stratford-upon-Avon from London. Buses leave from London Victoria Station and the fastest direct bus takes 2 hours 30 minutes.

The price is also reasonable for a one way ticket – we can see anywhere from £7.70 to £12 for a direct bus leaving at 9:00 am (might differ depending on the day and time).

You can check the National Express website for bus fares .

London to Stratford-upon-Avon Tour

Stratford is a popular stop on lots of England trips so there are quite a number of tours that cater to exploring the city/town from London. Because it’s a smaller place, most tours combine a visit with other great areas or attractions in the area!

• Stratford, Oxford, and the Cotswolds – Discover three beautiful places on a guided day trip!

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds also make a really great day trip from London. Known for their natural beauty, the Cotswolds are actually a designation of a large area known as Cotswolds AONB or “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”. The natural green hills make it a great place for walkers, hikers, and history chasers.

While the natural landscape is well-known, The Cotswolds area is also known for the number of very old English market villages. Many small villages showcase historic houses with thatched roofs and are identified by the unique honey-coloured stone used to built them.

Given the size of the area, it’s tough to say exactly HOW to explore The Cotswolds. If you want to hike, a really cool feature of the area is the Cotswold Way which is a 102 mile walking trail (165km) that goes along the Cotswold escarpment from Bath to Chipping Campden in the north.

Alternatively, you can focus on a few towns and villages like Bibury, Cirencester, Fairford, or Chedworth. These places will give you a great sense of the area’s history and charm. In the very south end of the area you’ll even find Bath, should you want to connect the two if you are driving by car!

Address of the Cotswolds AONB: Fosse Way, Northleach, Cheltenham GL54 3JH, United Kingdom

London to The Cotswolds By Car

The Cotswolds AONB is located to the northwest of London. It’s one of the farthest day trips we have on this entire list – but it’s worth it. To get to the area, you can aim for a town like Cirencester (the largest town) in the Cotswolds.

The drive (to Cirencester) would be about 2 hours 30 minutes on the M4 and would be about 150 km driving distance. Once there, you can find parking, explore the town, and connect to the walking trails or keep driving.

London to The Cotswolds By Train

Because the area is far from London and kind of remote, the train route isn’t super easy but still doable. Leaving from Paddington Station, you would change twice in Swindon and Kemble before changing to a bus. The journey would take over 2 hours 30 minutes total. You can check for train tickets at the National Rail website .

London to The Cotswolds By Bus

In this case, the bus is actually the better option. Buses to Cirencester (choosing it as the starting point in The Cotswolds) leave from London Victoria Station and run direct in around 2 hours 30 minutes. There are also multiple departures a day.

The fares are as cheap as £5 one way which is definitely affordable, too. You can check the National Express website for bus fares .

London to The Cotswolds Tour

The Cotswolds are a large area to the northwest of London known for its natural beauty. As such, lots of the day trips from London include historic cities or sights along the way – that makes for a great day of easy sightseeing!

• The Cotswolds In-Depth – Explore villages in the Cotswolds and stop for a lovely lunch!
• The Cotswolds and Oxford – See two places in-depth on this highly rated tour from London!
• The Cotswolds, Oxford, and Stratford – Discover The Cotswolds along with beautiful Oxford and historic Stratford on a guided day trip!
• The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace, and Downton Village – Explore the stunning Blenheim Palace and visit Bampton (Downton Village)!

Windsor Castle

If you are looking to dive into your love for all things “royal”, then a day trip to Windsor Castle is basically a must-do if you’re in London. This massive castle – originally built in the 11th century strategically overlooking the River Thames – is actually the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world!

Today, the Castle serves as the private residence of Queen Elizabeth II (mostly as her weekend residence). It is open to visitors year-round – and you can do a tour and/or visit highlights like the State Rooms and Apartments, the Changing of the Guard, St. George’s Chapel, the Moat Room and more.

Because of its grand nature and importance, Windsor Castle is a very popular place to visit. It’s highly advised to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. You can check here for your Windsor Castle admission ticket .

Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom

London to Windsor Castle By Car

Windsor Castle is located in Windsor (surprise!) which is basically due west of central London. You CAN drive to Windsor but honestly London traffic and finding/paying for parking is more of a hassle than it needs to be.

The route is easy using public transport – especially if you are going on a day trip from London to Windsor. That said, the drive would take longer than an hour and pass right by Heathrow Airport.

London to Windsor Castle By Train

Going to Windsor by train is a smarter option. The train journey from London is about an hour direct from Waterloo Station OR just over an hour if you leave from Paddington Station and change in Slough. Point is you have options and it’s not a long journey.

You can check for train tickets to Windsor and Eton Central Station on the National Rail website . Once you arrive at Windsor and Eton Central, you are right in the middle of Windsor and the Castle is basically 5 minutes away walking. It’s very close!

Address Windsor and Eton Central Station: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom

London to Windsor Castle By Bus

The bus is also an option to get from London to Windsor Castle. Buses leave from London Victoria Station, take 1 hour 35 minutes, and cost around £10 one direction. You can check the National Express website for bus fares .

You can also check for buses run by Reading Buses – the Greenline is made for this exact area/route to Windsor, Slough, Heathrow, and London.

London to Windsor Castle Tour

Because Windsor Castle is such a popular place to check out, there are many great tours which include the Castle, a tour, and often other attractions around the south of England.

Keep in mind, a tour is great if you don’t want to figure out public transportation and wish to see/learn even more on your day trip out from London. A day to see Windsor Castle and Stonehenge would make for a pretty good experience!

• Windsor Castle Small Group Tour – Explore Windsor Castle by train from London with a small group and live guide all day!
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Bath, and Pub Lunch – See the Royal Castle, Stonehenge, Bath, and have a pub lunch via luxury coach!
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford – Discover the most sights with Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford on a popular tour from London!

Herstmonceux Castle

If you want another beautiful castle to explore, you should check out Herstmonceux! This gorgeous red-brick fortress was built back in the 15th century as a private manor – it was never intended for battle!

Complete with a moat and battlements, the Castle is great to photograph as it sits among the English countryside. In fact, Herstmonceux Castle is one of the oldest significant brick buildings still standing in England!

Once you get there, there is actually a lot you can do. In the summer, you can hop on a guided castle tour of the inside and castle gardens. The castle grounds feature beautiful gardens and walking trails with wildlife and sculptures throughout. You can also head to Chestnuts Tea Shop for a quintessential English tea experience!

The Castle is open to tour for visitors roughly between March and November each year – but the exact seasonal dates change so check the official website for Herstmonceux Castle .

You’ll also notice the large white domes of telescopes all over the property. This is because the rural grounds once held The Royal Greenwich Observatory until the 1970s. Today, the grounds also feature The Observatory Science Centre . This is a science centre open year round – they offer with science-based workshops for kids in summer.

Address: Hailsham BN27 1RN, United Kingdom

London to Herstmonceux Castle By Car

Since Herstmonceux is kind of in the middle of nowhere, a car makes this journey really easy. The castle is located about 2 hours (about 100 km) south of London close to the coast. The drive is lovely – and you’ll pass small towns with great little pubs.

Once you arrive, you can find parking at the Science Centre up top on the hill and/or you might be able to park down near the Castle. You talk to the booth attendant for tickets when you drive in so they will tell you what to do. If you do park up near the Science Centre, you can walk down to the Castle – it’s not far.

London to Herstmonceux Castle By Train/Taxi

If you want to explore Herstmonceux Castle but don’t want to drive yourself, you can take the train from London Victoria Station to Polegate Station. That’s the closest station to the castle (that makes sense, trust us). You can check for train tickets to Polegate on the National Rail website .

Address for Polegate Station: High Street, Polegate, BN26 6EH

From there, you will need to call a cab to take you the rest of the way – about a 20 minute drive. For this, you should call Harbourside Taxi and tell them you want to go to Herstmonceux. Eric has loads of experience with them – they are great!

Rye/Camber Sands

If you want to get out of London for a quiet beach day, you should check out Rye and the Camber Sands. This massive natural beach stretches for well over 2 miles – and is covered in golden sand. This is in contrast to the stone beaches you find in Eastbourne or Brighton.

The area is actually pretty significant – it’s the region’s (East Sussex) only natural sand dune beach area/habitat! The beach is in the village of Camber which is just a short drive from the small village of Rye. There are little cafes, restaurants, and places to grab a drink while you are there.

Eric has been through Rye and visited the Camber Sands. The beach really is breathtaking – you have to be there to understand how large and beautiful it is. If you head down, you can explore Rye and Camber together to make a nice little single day trip.

Keep in mind when you are at Camber in the summer, there are lots of flags to follow for safe swimming areas. The ocean can be dangerous so be sure to follow the rules (and the lifeguards) and you’ll have a great time!

Address for Camber Sands Beach: Old Lydd Rd, Camber, Rye TN31 7RH, United Kingdom

London to Rye By Car

Since Rye is right down on the coast to the south of London, you could drive there. With a car, it would be over 2 hours and over 125 km driving distance on the M20. Once you arrive, you can drive through Rye to the actual beach at Camber. There’s parking at the Camber Sands which makes things easy.

Address of Car Park: Camber Car Park, Old Lydd Rd, Camber, Rye TN31 7RH, United Kingdom

London to Rye By Train

The train is also a good option to get to Rye (and thus the Camber Sands). You can leave from London Bridge Station or St Pancras International – either scenario you head for Ashford International Station and then change trains to Rye.

The total time can be as short an 1 hour and 10 minutes (day and time depending). You can check for train tickets to Rye on the National Rail website .

Once you are in Rye, you can explore the small town and then catch “The Wave 102” bus from the station or a taxi to the beach. The walk would be over an hour to the coast and honestly we can’t guarantee there’s walking paths that aren’t just the busy roads to get to the beach.

Address Rye Station: Rye TN31 7AB, United Kingdom

London to Rye By Bus

Rye is so small you can’t catch a bus from London. Take the train or car.

Bodiam Castle

If you want to visit another castle on this list that makes for great photos – Bodiam Castle should not be overlooked! Built back in 1385, this 14th century castle is complete with moat and drawbridge!

Bodiam Castle was originally built to hold off the French but these days it’s owned by the National Trust and open to the public year-round. Bodiam Castle also makes a great addition to a driving trip to Rye/Camber Sands since they are close together.

There is actually a lot going on at the Castle. They have archery lessons on select days and they even do free guided tours (with admission). Visitors can also climb the spiral stairs of the towers for great views of the countryside.

The grounds are popular to wander and in the autumn the leaves are just spectacular. There are also shops and places to eat onsite! You can learn more at the official website for Bodiam Castle here .

Address: Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5UA, United Kingdom

London to Bodiam Castle By Car

Bodiam Castle is located in the very small village of Bodiam – to the southeast of London almost at the coast. So, driving to Bodiam is by far the best option.

The drive to Bodiam Castle would be about 2 hours which is 90 km driving distance (approximately). Once you arrive, there is a car park at the National Trust Tea Room Bodiam Castle. You can then pay for parking and admission and walk the grounds.

London to Bodiam Castle By Train

Bodiam Castle is kind of difficult to get to via train. You can’t take a big train from London to the station near Bodiam – it’s too small. From London, you would have to go through Hastings Station and then catch a bus to Bodiam Village or train to Battle Station.

Your option would then be like with Herstmonceux Castle – you could get to Hastings by train or to Battle by train and then call a cab with Harbourside Taxi or just hail one. In any case, you can check for train tickets on the National Rail website .

Another fun car/train option is if you can somehow drive to Tenterden, you can take the historic steam train (runs seasonally) at Kent & East Sussex Railway. This train will take you to the Bodiam Station address below – and would be fun to do with the kids! You can check out tickets for the steam train here .

Address Bodium Station: Staplecross, Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5UD, United Kingdom

London to Bodiam Castle By Bus

As we have mentioned, it’s too difficult to make the bus trip for a day trip. Ideally, you drive or train/taxi if you really want to visit.

Leeds Castle

Speaking of amazing Castles – we could not write a guide on day trips from London without mentioning Leeds Castle! Built back in 1119, this incredibly popular castle just celebrated its 900th birthday!

To recount the long history of the castle would be very difficult. All you need to know was that it was built by Normans, became a private residence for royalty, was used as a country house, and is now among the most historic and visited buildings in all of Britain.

These days, you can visit the castle and grounds for a fee but it is well worth it. You can do an audio guide tour, explore The Gatehouse Exhibit, walk the gardens, get lost in a maze, mini-golf, see the Dog Collar Museum, and more! Kids even have a playground and there’s a restaurant onsite, too.

The castle is open all year round but hosts different events as well with the changing seasons. You can learn more and plan your visit to Leeds Castle here .

Address: Maidstone ME17 1PL, United Kingdom

London to Leeds Castle By Car

Leeds Castle is located in Kent (like other attractions in this part of the post) to the east of London and a bit south. To drive there, take the A20/M20 or the A2 for about 1 hour 40 minutes (about 70 km driving distance). Once you arrive, parking is free so that’s nice to know!

London to Leeds Castle By Train

Taking the train to Leeds Castle is actually pretty easy. Trains leave London Victoria Station and head direct for Bearsted Station. This train takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Once you are there, you can catch a bus (the L1) to get closer to the castle (10-minute ride). There’s also a shuttle bus run from the station by a private company called Spot Travel from April to September. You can check for train tickets to Leeds Castle on the National Rail website . You could also walk but it would be far.

Address Bearsted Station: Bearsted, Maidstone ME14 4PH, United Kingdom

London to Leeds Castle By Bus

The bus to Leeds Castle from London isn’t convenient nor practical. Take the train or drive as listed above.

London to Leeds Castle Tour

Leeds Castle is a pretty popular destination and – as such – there are a few tours dedicated to taking you to the Castle and other top sights in Kent!

• Leeds Castle, Canterbury, and Cliffs of Dover (opens in a new tab)” href=”https://www.getyourguide.com/london-l57/from-london-full-day-canterbury-dover-leeds-castle-t92268/?partner_id=VIFXQJ3&cmp=PPENDayTripLDN” target=”_blank”>Leeds Castle, Canterbury, and Cliffs of Dover – Check Out Leeds Castle and the famous cliffs on a day trip!
• Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover, and Greenwich – Discover four sights in a single guided day tour!

If you want to see the coast and add on discovering some incredible European history, then you should head to Dover. The small seaside town – known for the “cliffs” – is geographically the closest point to continental Europe.

As such, it’s a busy port town important for trade with frequent ferry service to France. Despite the smaller size, this sea town is full of very popular attractions – both historic and natural.

You have likely heard of the famous White Cliffs of Dover – well, they are here! Just a short walk/hike to the east from the town centre you can experience the English coast from above the sea. On clear days, you can even see to France!

Another famous site is Dover Castle, one of England’s oldest and largest castles. Founded in the 11th century, the site was dubbed the “Key to England” due to its critically important defensive positioning. The Castle has Secret Wartime Tunnels and more to be explored, too. It’s popular so you can check here for your Dover Castle admission ticket .

Aside from all the history, Dover has places to go shopping as well as nice cafes, restaurants, and pubs that you can visit. There are also other museums, memorials, gardens ( Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens ), and the Pier to check out in any weather!

Address for Dover Castle: Castle Hill Rd, Dover CT16 1HU, United Kingdom

London to Dover By Car

Dover is located on the southeastern coast of England. As such, the drive is a bit farther – but we think it’s a worthy day trip to make it.

From London, take the M2/A2 or the M20/A20 – both roads head in generally the same direction. Driving time is about 2 hours 10 minutes with a distance of approximately 125 km.

Once you arrive, you can find parking all over – but you should aim for the water on Marine Parade. Aim for this address: Marine Parade, Dover CT16 1LG, United Kingdom

London to Dover By Train

Because Dover is a larger/more important centre, the train connection is pretty good from London. You can hop on the train at St Pancras International Station and ride for 1 hour 5 minutes to Dover Priory Station. You can check for train tickets to Dover on the National Rail website .

The train station is located very much in the town centre across the centre of town from Dover Castle and other top attractions. This means it’s also a short walk to the waterfront.

Address for Dover Priory: Station Approach, Folkestone Rd, Dover CT17 9SB, United Kingdom

London to Dover By Bus

The buses from London to Dover are also pretty good. Buses leave from London Victoria Station and take as little as 2 hours 30 minutes for as little as £5.50 one way. Once in Dover, the bus drops you off right in the centre to walk anywhere you need. You can check the National Express website for bus fares .

London to Dover Tour

Since Dover is at the southern coast at the English Channel, there are lots of things to see along the way before you get there. So, lots of tours include other great sights and attractions like historic nearby towns or famous castles.

• Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury – Discover the famous White Cliffs and see Canterbury on a day trip from London.
• Dover, Canterbury, and Leeds Castle – Have lunch in Dover and explore Leeds Castle on a small-group luxury bus trip.
• Dover Cliffs, Dover Castle, and Canterbury – See the White Cliffs, the famous castle, and Canterbury Cathedral, too!

If you need one more beach suggestion, count on the southeast coast of England to deliver with Botany Bay. This popular beach area features nice sand and stunning white chalk cliffs and chalk stacks.

The unique landscape makes for great photos, fossil hunting, hikes, and just relaxing at the coast for the day. The Bay got its name because apparently smugglers caught with goods were sent to Botany Bay in Australia!

Thee days, you can swim there but be sure to follow the signs, signals, and guards when you visit. You also need to watch for the tide times if you’re out on the sand – don’t want to get cut off from shore!

The beach area is well serviced with toilets, lifeguards (seasonal) and places to eat like cafes and restaurants nearby. Besides the beach, there are a few things you can check out such as Neptune’s Tower (old fortress ruins) and Kingsgate Bay Sea Arch! You can learn more about visiting Botany Bay here .

Address: Marine Dr, Broadstairs CT10 3LG, United Kingdom

London to Botany Bay By Car

Botany Beach is located to the east of London in Kent – basically as far as one can travel in England at the tip of the coast. If you want to drive, it would be well over 2 hours and approximately 130 km to get there.

Once you arrive, there’s parking along the roads overlooking the beach. Most people just park on the side of the road close by and walk down the paths to the beach/ocean but it’s patrolled and technically not allowed since it’s a residential area. You should aim for Palm Bay Avenue (CT9 3PP) to park.

London to Botany Bay By Train

The train to Botany Bay is complicated because you can’t get there by only taking the train. From St. Pancras Station (or whichever rail station you start out at), aim for Broadstairs Station, Ramsgate, or Margate (which is actually closest to the sea). This trip takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can check for train tickets to Botany Bay on the National Rail website .

From Broadstairs you can take a local bus route called “The Loop”, get a little closer, and then you’d still have a short walk to the beach. Alternatively, you can hail a cab to Botany Bay. It would be too far to walk from these stations – maybe from Margate you could walk along the sea ridge.

Address Broadstairs Station: Broadstairs CT10 1HZ, United Kingdom

London to Botany Bay By Bus

For the purposes of a day trip, the bus to Botany would be a little long. At best, you can leave from London Victoria Station and change in Canterbury (or more) for a minimum travel time of 3 hours 30 minutes. That’s still quite long for a day trip – just drive or take the train. In any case, you can check the National Express website for bus fares .

If you are into literature, you might want to check out Canterbury! Luckily, Canterbury is a great day trip from London. This smaller city is packed with history around every corner. From being a pilgrimage site back in the Middle Ages, the city still has remnants of its past.

You can explore things like the old city walls built by Romans and check out the wood-timbered houses that line the streets. Other top attractions include the Canterbury Cathedral which was originally founded close to the year 600!

Of course, no stop to Canterbury is complete without acknowledging “The Canterbury Tales” – the famous collection of Medieval stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 1300s. You can experience some of his stories at the The Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction located in the heart of the city.

Besides all the history, Canterbury’s centre is full of cafes, restaurants, authentic pubs, and green spaces to sit back and enjoy the day!

Address of Canterbury Cathedral: Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH, United Kingdom

London to Canterbury By Car

Canterbury – like other places in this section of the post – is located in Kent. This area is to the south and east of central London, closer to the coast. This makes it pretty easy to drive to Canterbury from London.

If you have a car, the drive to Canterbury would take about 1 hour 50 minutes (traffic depending) on the M2/A2 for a driving distance of about 100 km. Once you arrive, there are parking lots all over the city centre.

London to Canterbury By Train

Luckily for you, the train connection to Canterbury is pretty easy. You can leave St. Pancras International Station and head for Canterbury West Station in as little as 55 minutes on the train with no changes. You can check for train tickets to Canterbury at the National Rail website .

Once you arrive, the train station is located just north of the middle of the city centre. You can walk to the top attractions very easily.

Address of Canterbury West Station: Canterbury CT2 8AN, United Kingdom

London to Canterbury By Bus

Since Canterbury likes making things easy for you, there’s also a direct bus. Buses leave from London Victoria and take as little as 55 minutes direct with no changes for as little as £5 one way. There are also 16 buses per day so you’ve got options! You can check the National Express website for bus fares .

London to Canterbury Tour

Since there are so many places to check out in the county of Kent, lots of day tours from London explore Canterbury AND add on top sights like Leeds Castle, Dover and more. This makes for a full day of exploring and good value.

• Canterbury and the Cliffs of Dover – Keep it simple with a day trip to explore the Cliffs and Canterbury!
• Canterbury, Dover, and Leeds Castle – Discover Canterbury and add on Leeds Castle and more!
• Canterbury, Leeds Castle, Dover, & Greenwich – Explore four attractions on a full single day tour!

Hever Castle

As if there weren’t enough castles on this list, Hever Castle is also worth a look! This 13th century castle – complete with double-moats – was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn (the second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I)!

Besides the rich history and stunning architecture, there is lots going on at Hever Castle. You can tour the castle, walk the 125-acre gardens, enjoy Hever Lake and the Japanese Tea House, practice archery, get lost in a maze, and try jousting in the summer (plus lots more).

The small village of Hever (where the castle is located) also has a great authentic wood-timbered pub named after King Henry VIII ! If you want to learn more and plan your visit, check out the Hever Castle website .

Address: Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG, United Kingdom

London to Hever Castle By Car

Hever Castle is located in Kent to the southeast of London (along with other attractions in this post just above this entry). It is very easy to get to Hever by car.

The drive to Hever Castle is about 1 hour 30 minutes (due to London traffic) and about 65 km of driving distance through very green and rural countryside. Once you arrive at Hever Castle, parking is free so just follow the parking people.

London to Hever Castle By Train

Hever Castle is one of those castles that is in the middle of nowhere BUT you can get there easily by train. In fact, this is a big reason it’s visited so often.

To get there, you can take the train from either London Victoria Station or London Bridge Station. You will need to change in Oxted and/or East Croyden, depending on which train you take. These will bring you to Edenbridge Town Station taking about 55 minutes of train time total. From there, you should hail a cab with Relyon Taxis (book in advance just in case).

The other option is to take the train from London Bridge station right to Hever Station (also about 55 minutes by train with a change at Oxted) and then you have a 1 mile walk to the Castle.

You’ll see a map when you leave the small station to direct you to the Castle. There are red/white wooden posts to follow. Personally we’d aim for Hever Station and do the short walk. You can check for train tickets to Hever Castle on the National Rail website .

Address Hever Station: Edenbridge TN8 7ER, United Kingdom

London to Hever Castle By Bus

The bus to Hever Castle is infrequent or too complicated – drive or take the train.

Southampton

Almost last – but certainly not least – is the seaside city of Southampton. This port city is actually pretty large and has quite a significant history to it. As such, it makes a good day trip from London!

Aside from having the waterfront at Ocean Village, there are quite a few top attractions in the city. You can explore the medieval city walls, lounge in a giant green space called the Southampton Commons, and explore loads of historic churches, museums, and galleries.

Specifically, the SeaCity Museum has a model of the Titanic – significant because the Titanic left Southampton on its doomed voyage in 1912. The Solent Sky Museum is great for plane enthusiasts since you can see the vintage aircraft the Spitfire. More historic looking, the Tudor House & Garden (shown above) is great for checking out 800 years of history!

Address of Tudor House: Bugle St, Southampton SO14 2AD, United Kingdom

London to Southampton By Car

Southampton is located at the southern English coast to the southwest of London. Given the distance, it’s easy to get there by car in just over 2 hours and about 130 km of driving distance on mostly the M3.

Once you get there, Southampton is a larger centre so you’ll find street parking or in a lot easy enough.

London to Southampton By Train

Another good option to get to Southampton is by train. From Waterloo Station, there’s a direct train to Southampton Central Station that takes an average time of 1 hour 30 minutes (some shorter and some longer depending on the time of day).

The station in Southampton is located in/just north of the city centre and Ocean Village. You can check for train tickets to Southampton on the National Rail website .

London to Southampton By Bus

Because these are two larger cities, the bus is also an option. The bus leaves from London Victoria Bus Station and takes as little as 1 hour 50 minutes direct. The fare isn’t too bad either at as little as £6.70 one way. You can check the National Express website for bus fares .

Since it is a possibility – and it is asked about often – we decided to cover the one day trip from London that is not in the UK. Yes, you can head to Paris on a day trip!

The French capital city is known for a lot of things like culture, food, and top attractions. There’s no way you’d see even a fraction of the city in a few hours – but you can go and experience the city and then always visit again later in life.

The massive and sprawling city is full of great things to do like visiting the Eiffel Tower for incredible views, the famous Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa, and the underground Paris Catacombs – just to name a few. Eric saw the Catacombs and it was really, really fascinating (but also quite creepy).

London to Paris By Train

By far the best option (when you account for travel time, cost, and not killing the environment) is taking the train from London to Paris. For this, you would take the Eurostar from St. Pancras International station (in the north end of central London) through the “Chunnel” or the Channel Tunnel under the English Channel.

From London, you can be in Paris Gare du Nord in basically 2 hours and 20 minutes. You can check for train tickets to Paris on the Eurostar website . Keep in mind that you go through security and customs like an airport and will need proper ID (passport for international travellers or ID Card for Europeans – but we’ll see what happens with Brexit).

Eric took the Eurostar from Brussels to London (it runs many stops and a few different variations) and it was an awesome experience. Way easier than flying, less stressful, faster, and better for the environment. You don’t even realize you go under the water in a tunnel!

London to Paris By Car

Similarly to the method below (bus to Paris), driving to Paris would not be doable for a day. You would have to drive to the coast and put the car on the train to then go through the Chunnel.

Then you still have to drive to Paris once you are on the other side in France – which can be busy with traffic, etc. The total trip one way can take around 6 hours. So, take the Eurostar.

London to Paris By Bus

There are a few companies that run the route – Flixbus, National Express, etc. but the bus would get on the ferry to cross the water and would take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours. This is not realistic for a day trip from London.

London to Paris Flying

You could fly from a central airport like London City to Paris-Charles De Gaulle but the time spent travelling to and from the airports, going through customs and security, etc would just not be worth it for a day of adventure. So basically don’t fly. Take the Eurostar – it’s better for the environment anyway.

London to Paris Tour

There are actually a number of tours you can go on that will take you to Paris for the day. Many of them just take you on the Eurostar and then provide commentary once you are there.

This isn’t a bad idea – but honestly, you would never see even a fraction of Paris in a few hours anyway so we suggest doing a little bit of research and just going on your own and exploring for the day.

Related Articles

Also, if you’re exploring London, you might find these other posts handy (and helpful) as well:

• 25 of the Top Tourist Attractions in London
• 3 Days in London: Complete Itinerary for First-Time Visits
• Where to Stay in London: Hotels & Neighborhood Guide
• How to Spend One Perfect Day in London

And there you have it – 23 of the best day trips from London! In the end, there are plenty more castles, small villages, and attractions you can see. However, this is a pretty comprehensive list to suit all interests! Let us know which ones you’ve done – and if there’s a place we should check out!

As always, Happy London Day Trip Waddlin’, – L&E

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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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There is no denying London is an amazing city that is home to world-class attractions, famous landmarks, museums, street art, and so much more but sometimes it can be nice to escape the hustle and bustle and take a little day trip from London.

Whether you are craving the English countryside, a day at the sea, historic castles , hiking, or a visit to one of England’s many quaint villages, you may be surprised at the number of destinations you can visit as an easy day trip.

We’ve taken many such day trips ourselves from London, but we know there are even more great places to visit so we reached out to some fellow travel bloggers to share their recommendations. One of the criteria we asked for with these suggestions was that the day trip was easily accessible by public transportation, or as part of a day trip tour from London since many visitors won’t have a car on their visit. And we’ve come up with 23-day trip ideas for you!

No matter which day trip from London you choose, you’re sure to have a great day out filled with culture, food, and seeing more of the beautiful sights around England !

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SAVE TIME AND MONEY

If you are planning to take a day trip from London by train on the weekend, be sure to check the stations you are travelling to and from as most railway work/maintenance is done on the weekends (especially Sunday) so the rail service may be limited or disrupted.

Booking your tickets in advance will generally save you money and possibly ensure your spot on a train/coach departing at the particular time you’d like to travel.

Examples of savings on tickets can be quite significant depending on how far in advance you book your ticket. For example, a ticket booked for a Monday (3 days from today) from London to Bath on the 8:02 AM train is £104.40 but that same ticket booked for a Monday in six weeks is only £26.60!

It is also sometimes cheaper to book two one-way tickets instead of a return ticket so also check that option when you are booking tickets.

HOW TO GET TO EACH DESTINATION FROM LONDON

For each day trip recommendation, we’ll give you options to get there by train, bus (coach), or with an organised tour where possible. We’ve also included the following information to help you plan your day trip:

• Approximate travel time for trains and buses
• A link to the appropriate rail or bus company so you can check timetables and purchase tickets
• The three-letter rail station code so you can be sure you are choosing the right station when there is more than one station in a city to pick from. Some stations may be better to travel to as they are more centrally located.
• Walking distance, and a map of the route, from the rail/bus station to the city centre.

All of this information can be found in the grey box for each location that will expand when you click on it to give all transportation details.

Just a short train ride from London, Cambridge is a charming university city that is perfect for a day trip. Nestled on the River Cam, it is the place to go to explore magnificent university college buildings, cobbled streets and a bustling market town atmosphere.

The highlight of any trip to Cambridge is a visit to stunning Kings College Chapel – a gothic masterpiece known for sky-high stained glass windows and renowned as one of the most beautiful churches in England. The 16th-century chapel built under the patronage of King Henry VIII dominates the Cam riverbank. It’s well worth going inside to admire the windows and serene atmosphere. The best way to admire the exterior is to join a punt boat tour along the river in the area of the city known as “The Backs”. This iconic Cambridge activity is a must-do when you visit the city. Apart from the chapel, you glide past the university colleges and under the beautiful Bridge of Sighs.

Make sure to visit the historic university colleges after your punt tour. Cambridge University was founded in the Middle Ages and its many colleges feature beautiful Tudor and Medieval architecture that no doubt inspired their famous alumni such as Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Popular colleges to visit include King’s College, St John’s and Trinity for their fascinating history and architecture.

Take a break between college visits and stop for lunch at a picturesque pub on the river such as The Anchor. Here you can dine on classic British pub fare like roast beef or sausage and mash washed down with a pint of beer. Then continue exploring Cambridge by visiting another college or the town boutiques where you’re sure to find a unique souvenir before catching the train back to London.

Recommended by Katy of Untold Morsels

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO CAMBRIDGE

There are several rail options to Cambridge Rail Station (CBG) from London:

• From London Kings Cross Station (KGX) it is about 50 min with no changes
• From London Bridge Station (LBG) it is about 1hr 30 min with no changes
• From London Liverpool Street Station (LST) it is about 1 hr 30 min with no changes

Click to plan your rail journey and purchase tickets with National Rail .

Once you arrive at Cambridge Rail Station it is about a 20-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

BY BUS/COACH

There are two coach options to Cambridge Parkside (City Centre) Station :

• From London Victoria Coach Station it is about 2hr 10min
• From London Aldgate Coach Station it is about 1hr 45min

Click to plan your coach journey and purchase tickets with National Express .

Once you arrive at Cambridge Parkside (City Centre) Station it is about an 8-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

DAY TRIP TOURS FROM LONDON TO CAMBRIDGE :

• Day Trip: Cambridge from London
• Oxford and Cambridge Universities Tour
• From London: Cambridge and Oxford Full-Day Tour

BROCKENHURST

Brockenhurst is a nature lover’s paradise, which makes a great day trip from London, especially if you want to go hiking near London .  Being in the heart of the New Forest National Park, there are many trails to explore. You have a good chance of spotting wild horses, deers and jays while you are out and about.

Some people choose to explore the area by bike and the bike infrastructure is great in the New Forest. You can find Cyclexperience Bicycle Hire next to the train station and they have a mobile app and a map with different route suggestions. Several of the local pubs and cafes are bike-friendly such as the Buttery Cafe which serves very delicious cakes and you can even have a traditional afternoon tea there.

The New Forest is a popular place for horse riding as well and several stables offer horse riding lessons or tours. Most of the time young children are also welcome.

As you leave the town centre of Brockenhurst you will come across the Lymington River. This is a popular wild swimming spot, especially for children who love to have a dip in the water. It is relatively safe, thanks to the river being quite shallow here. On a hot summer day, the river bank is a wonderful place to have a picnic and then you can cool yourself down in the water. There are also rope swings to make things even more fun! If you decide to make your trip into an overnight adventure, you can stay at Hollands Wood Campsite, which is also walking distance from the train station. 

Recommended by Eniko of Travel Hacker Girl

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO BROCKENHURST

There are two rail options to Brockenhurst Station (BCU) from London:

• From London Waterloo Station (WAT) it is about 1hr 35min with no changes
• From London Paddington Station (PAD) it is about 1hr 40min with one change in Reading (RDG)

Once you arrive at Brockenhurst Rail Station it is about a 6-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

As it is almost 3 hours for the journey to Brockenhurst by coach, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

The town offers a variety of activities for day-trippers. The Quarry, a 29-acre park situated right next to the town centre, offers an expanse of green, walks along the banks of the River Severn and a sunken landscape garden masterminded by Blue Peter gardener Percy Thrower. In August it hosts the Shrewsbury Flower Show, the longest-running show of its kind to be hosted in a single location anywhere in the world. Other events bring a buzz to the town too but none are as quintessentially Salopian as the coracle racing.

For those interested in history, Shrewsbury Castle, which now houses the Shropshire Regimental Museum, dates back to the 11th Century and the town has over 660 listed buildings. As the birthplace of Charles Darwin, Shrewsbury hosts festivals and tours dedicated to the man behind one of science’s greatest discoveries. You can learn about childhood and education that shaped Darwin’s future.

You’ll also be able to visit Britain’s Favourite Market Hall of 2018, which offers local produce, antiques and arts and crafts. When you get hungry there is a dumpling restaurant, a tapas bar and more here, which perfectly compliment the chain restaurants and gastropubs elsewhere in the town. All tastes will be catered to in Shrewsbury, whether it’s food, drink or sightseeing. It’s one of the best towns in the UK .

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO SHREWSBURY

There are a couple of options to Shrewsbury Rail Station (SHR) from London:

• From London Euston Station (EUS) it is about 2hr 30min with one change in Crewe (CRE)
• From London Euston Station (EUS) it is about 2hr 40min with one change at Birmingham International (BHI)

Once you arrive at Shrewsbury Rail Station it is about a 15-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

As it is almost 5 hours for the journey to Shrewsbury by coach, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

The urban capital isn’t one for beach vibes but luckily, the gorgeous coastal town of Margate is an easy day trip from London. Just 1.5 hours away, you can set off early and ready Margate mid-morning. You can also stop off in Ramsgate or Broadstairs, two pretty coastal towns en route. Broadstairs is particularly picturesque with colourful beach huts set against striking white cliff faces.

Once you reach Margate (just 6 minutes from Broadstairs), there are plenty of places to explore, sightsee and eat. The attraction that’s recently put Margate on the map is Dreamland, a candy-coloured theme park with giant helter skelters, slides, a big wheel with carriages in every colour of the rainbow, and candyfloss clearly made for Instagram! Kids will love Dreamland but so will 20-somethings and parents. Entrance is £2 and you can top up a cash card and pay per ride; the big wheel is £3.50.

During your Margate day trip , you should also wander the beachfront and admire colourful boats bobbing in the harbour. Take a walk around Margate Harbour Arm and browse the independent shops and restaurants, including Cheesy Tiger, a whole cafe dedicated to indulgent cheese dishes! Another fun place to visit is the Old Kent Market in a bright red building. Here you can shop for local souvenirs, produce, sample regional beers and catch some live music before you head back to London.

Recommended by Rose of Where Goes Rose

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO MARGATE

There are a couple of options to Margate Rail Station (MAR) from London:

• From London St Pancras International Station (STP) it is about 1hr 30min with no changes
• From London Victoria Station (VIC) it is about 1hr 45min with no changes

Once you arrive at Margate Rail Station it is about a 20-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

As it is almost 3 hours for the journey to Margate by coach, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

If you’re looking for a beautiful day trip from London, look no further than Winchester.   This beautiful city is one of the oldest cities in the UK and is FULL of picturesque old streets, beautiful historic buildings and one of the prettiest cathedrals in the country.

You can get to Winchester easily by either car or train. Driving from London takes about 2 hours- although the roads are often congested. I highly recommend taking the train instead- it takes about an hour and the station is close to the town centre.

Some of our favourite things to do in Winchester include:

• Visiting the Cathedral: This is where Jane Austen is buried,  and you can see one of the oldest bibles in the world.
• Shop: Winchester has some amazing shops, all close together on the high street, and you can happily pass several hours browsing around.
• Winchester Planetarium: A wonderful place to lie back and enjoy learning about the stars and planets. (Perfect for kids!).
• Mizmaze: On the outskirts of Winchester is a very old turf maze- well worth a visit to see if you can crack it!
• Visit the Christmas market: If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in November or December, you NEED to head to the Winchester Christmas Market – one of the best in the country.  

You will be spoiled for places to eat and drink. One of our favourite restaurants is ‘The Porterhouse’- mouthwateringly good steak. For a quintessential British pub, the Willow Tree is lovely, although there are plenty to choose from at both ends of the high street.  

It’s a wonderful city, showcasing some of the history and character of England. If you only have a day, this is the place to go.  

Recommended by Kathryn of Wandering Bird

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO WINCHESTER

There are a couple of rail options to Winchester Rail Station (WIN) from London:

• From London Waterloo Station (WAT) it is about 1hr with no changes
• From London Paddington Station (PAD) it is about 1hr 5min with one change at Reading (RDG)

Once you arrive at Winchester Rail Station it is about a 15-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

There is one coach option to Winchester Bus Station :

• From London Victoria Coach Station it is about 1hr 50min

Once you arrive at Winchester Bus Station it is about a 5-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

DAY TRIP TOURS FROM LONDON TO WINCHESTER :

• From London: Bombay Sapphire Gin & Winchester Tour
• Jane Austen’s House Museum and Historic Winchester: Private Tour from London

The small but charming seaside town of Whitstable is located on the north coast of Kent and is an easy day trip from London. The town itself is small so can be easily explored by foot, and the train station is just a short walk to all the main sights.

Whitstable is very famous for its seafood scene and is a great spot for food lovers. Head down to the picturesque harbour and you’ll find several small shacks serving trays of freshly shucked oysters   and other delights. If you are looking for a good restaurant then head to the   Lobster Shack   for an amazing shellfish platter feast (booking in advance is recommended).

After indulging in all the seafood delights make your way over to the   Old Neptune  pub  which is located right on the beach. It is the most popular drinking spot in town and you can enjoy a delicious pint of locally brewed beer with a beautiful sea view.

Other   things to do in Whitstable   include visiting the harbour market to shop for unique souvenirs from local artists or visit the main high street which is filled with cute boutique shops, galleries and cafes. If you fancy taking in some more sea views then take a walk along the coast which is lined with colourful beach huts.

The town also holds a popular two-day oyster festival every July featuring hundreds of food stalls, live music and a parade.

Recommended by Caroline of CK Travels

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO WHITSTABLE

There are a couple of rail options to Whitstable Rail Station (WHI) from London:

• From London St Pancras International Station (STP) it is about 1hr 15min with no changes
• From London Victoria Station (VIC) it is about 1hr 20min with no changes

Once you arrive at Whitstable Rail Station it is about a 15-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

As it is almost 3 hours and a change in Canterbury for the journey to Whitstable by coach, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

Paris as a day trip from London? Well, the French capital might not be the usual destination for a quick city getaway, but Paris and London in one day is totally doable without running through the city like a maniac. Thanks to the Eurotunnel and its quick train connection it only takes about two hours to get from London to Paris. There are more than 15 train connections per day, so it should be easy for you to choose the best times possible.

People say that Paris is always a good idea and we do think the same. For us, the best thing to do in Paris is simply walking through the streets of Montmarte where you’ll find chic boutiques as well as cute cafés and restaurants. For sunset there are two amazing options that we always choose when travelling to Paris: You could either hang out on the steps right in front of Sacré-Coeur, where basically whole Paris is sitting to enjoy the view over the city.

Or, and that’s a little more unknown, you could grab a wine and some cheese and make your way to our favourite island in the Seine. It doesn’t have a proper name, but it’s the island on which the Square Bare is located. Come here right before sunset and watch the boats pass by. If you are lucky, you can even watch people dancing tango on the opposite side of the Seine as sometimes dancers meet in front of the Institut du Monde Arabe to dance into their evenings. And right after the last sip of wine, you can make your way back to the train station and enjoy your chilled ride back to London.

Recommended by Clemens of Travellers Archive

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO PARIS

There is one rail option to Paris Gare du Nord Rail Station  from London:

• From London St Pancras International Station  (STP) in 2hr 16min with no changes

Click to plan your rail journey and purchase tickets with Eurostar .

Once you arrive at Paris Gare du Nord Rail Station  you are connected to the Paris Metro system to travel throughout the city with ease. Consider a Paris Visite travel pass which will give you unlimited travel for one day on the Paris metro.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must go through passport control in London before you board the train for Paris and again in Paris before you board your return train back to London. More information will be included with your Eurostar ticket but keep this in mind and give yourself extra time to allow for this and ensure you have your passport with you.

To maximize your time in Paris, consider leaving London on the earliest train of the day and then leave Paris on the last train. Also, consider a weekday trip as trains leave London earlier and depart Paris later than on weekends.

As it is almost 9 hours for the journey to Paris by coach, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

DAY TRIP TOURS FROM LONDON TO PARIS :

• Eiffel Tower Champagne Lunch and Paris Day Tour from London
• Guided Paris Day Trip from London
• Budget Independent Rail Tour to Paris by Eurostar

READ MORE: Would you like to spend a little more time in Paris? Check out our weekend guide to Paris for help planning your visit.

CHEDDAR GORGE

There are many stunning places you can visit outside of London. Some of them are just a stone throw away from the capital city, but some are a bit further away. One of our favourite trips outside of London is Cheddar Gorge in Somerset.

The Cheddar Gorge is the largest gorge in the UK and includes several show caves. According to archaeologists, the gorge has been the centre of settlement since the Neolithic times. It was here that the oldest human skeleton in Great Britain was found, estimated at 9,000 years!

You must visit the mysterious chambers of the Gough Cave – the largest cave available to tourists. Its creation began over half a million years ago when water began to dissolve limestone rocks. The temperature in the caves is 11° C throughout the year!

If walking is not your thing, you can easily spend a day in the Cheddar village. The name of this village gave the name to the species of cheese produced here – cheddar cheeses, which to this day are the most popular type of cheese in Great Britain. If you are curious about how cheddar cheese looks like, you should definitely visit the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company . In the cheese dairy, you can see the traditional way of making cheese and try its different varieties.

There are also many pubs and local shops you can visit after walking. Some of the most popular amongst tourists and locals are The White Hart and Franks Restaurant.

Recommended by Darek of Darek and Gosia

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO CHEDDAR GORGE

There is one rail option to Bristol Temple Meads Rail Station (BRI) from London:

• From London Paddington Station (PAD) in 1hr 35min with no changes

Once you arrive at Bristol Temple Meads Rail Station it is about a 35-minute taxi ( Route ) from the station to Cheddar Gorge .

As it is about 3 hours for the journey to Cheddar Gorge by coach and taxi, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

DAY TRIP TOURS FROM LONDON TO CHEDDAR GORGE :

• Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge Day Trip from London

Brighton is the perfect day trip from London.  It is a charming seaside town with a far more laid-back atmosphere than London.  It is a great place to get to see a different side of British culture outside the bustling capital city.

There are a lot of things to do in Brighton, but you can see the city’s highlights in a single day.  Must-visit sights include the lanes, Royal Pavilion, and the seafront.  The lanes are a series of winding roads in the heart of Brighton.  They are home to a number of local clothing boutiques and restaurants.  It is the perfect place to sit in a café and people watch if you want a break from walking around the city.

The Royal Pavilion was King George IV’s favourite palace, and it has been restored with hundreds of items that originally furnished the palace before it was sold by Queen Victoria.  It is my favourite part of Brighton and well worth the small admission fee!

The  Brighton seafront  is the most famous attraction in the city.  There are countless things to do along the seafront, and you could easily spend the entire day wandering around it.  You can visit the aquarium, fishing museum, play mini-golf, relax on the beach, or walk around the pier.  It even has an amusement park and arcade!

The seafront is the perfect place to grab dinner before heading back to London.  It has lots of pubs and restaurants that serve fresh seafood.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat after dinner, I highly recommend grabbing a scoop of ice cream at Boho Gelato.  It is located in the lanes and is the most incredible gelato I’ve ever tasted.  They even have vegan options!

Recommended by Erica of Travels with Erica

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO BRIGHTON

There are a couple of rail options to Brighton Rail Station (BTN) from London:

• From London St Pancras International Station (STP) it is about 1hr 25min with no changes
• From London Victoria Station (VIC) it is 1hr with no changes

Once you arrive at Brighton Rail Station it is about a 15-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre or pier.

There is one coach option to Brighton Coach Station :

• From London Victoria Coach Station it is about 2hr 15min

Once you arrive at Brighton Coach Station it is about a 2-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre or pier.

Whenever you find yourself in London and looking for new things to do outside the city, did you ever consider going to Sheffield? It is true what they say about the north and south divide in the United Kingdom, but don’t let that put you off. In Sheffield, you can connect yourself with a totally different pace of life which will hopefully be a calming experience and inspire you to dig deeper into the city’s tourist attractions.

On any day trip here you can get acquainted with some of the best sites in the space of a morning or afternoon. Actually, there are many  free things to do in Sheffield , like for example, the Winter Gardens; which is said to be one of the largest temperate glasshouses in the UK. These indoor gardens are home to over 2,000 plants collected from various countries around the world.  From here, you can head down to Kelham Island and learn all about Sheffield’s contribution to the Steel Industry. Which is the reason why Sheffield has the nick-name ‘Steel City’.

If visiting on a cold sunny day, why not have a stroll over to Ecclesall Road and sip from the infamous cup of hot chocolate from the Cocoa Wonderland? From there you can access the Botanical Gardens which is home to an actual Bearpit where you’ll encounter a (2.4m tall) steel sculptured bear. This is a grade II listed dwelling erected in 1836 which was once home to a real-life black bear.

No matter what you choose for your day trip outside of London, you can arrive in Sheffield in just two hours by train from St Pancras international. You’ll find the city of Sheffield welcoming and easy to connect with locals who seem to be in much less of a rush than in London.

Recommended by Daniel of Urban Abroad

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO SHEFFIELD

There are a couple of options to Sheffield Rail Station (SHF) from London:

• From London St Pancras International Station (STP) it is about 2hrs with no changes
• From London Kings Cross Station (KGX) it is about 2hr 20min with one change in Doncaster (DON)

Once you arrive at Sheffield Rail Station it is about a 10-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

As it is almost 5 hours for the journey to Sheffield by coach, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

BOURNEMOUTH

Bournemouth is a bustling English seaside destination, situated in the south coast of England in Dorset. You can take a direct train from London Waterloo Station that will take you to this charming coastal city in just over 2 hours.

Bournemouth is well known for its gorgeous, wide stretch of beach with perfect white, fine sand and epic clifftop views. During the British summer, it’s an ideal place to spend a beach day here, and when the weather is not so good, you can take a long walk along the Bournemouth Promenade. Hire a bicycle and cycle along the Promenade to Hengistbury Head, which is a picturesque beach scattered with colourful beach hats. Not a fan of cycling? No problem, take the land train.

Don’t forget about Bournemouth Pier from where you can get a great view of the coast and Isle of Weight. There are traditional English seaside games if you’re looking for entertainment and a zip line from a tower back to the beach.

Bournemouth Oceanarium located on the seafront features some interesting species including piranhas, green sea turtles and zebra sharks. They also have a beach environment with cute penguins. Visit the aquarium at feeding time for the best experience.

Just 5 mins walk from the beach; there is a lovely little park where you can chill out in the shade or try your skills at the mini-golf centre. In the summer, you can take a short air balloon ride from the park to get a bird’s eye view of the entire cost.

Finish off your day in style with a glass of wine and a meal in one of the seafront restaurants.

Recommended by Mal of Raw Mal Roams

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO BOURNEMOUTH

There are a couple of options to Bournemouth Rail Station (BMH) from London:

• From London   Waterloo Station (WAT) it is about 1hr 55min with no changes
• From London Paddington Station (PAD) it is about 1hr 55min with one change in Reading (RDG)

Once you arrive at Bournemouth Rail Station it is about a 25-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

As it is almost 3 hours for the journey to Bournemouth by coach, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

RYE & CAMBER SANDS

Camber Sands and Rye,  a rich source of inspiration for writers and artists, is an easy day trip from London and one that offers the chance to sample two fabulous destinations for the price of one.

The medieval town of Rye, on the East Sussex coast, is a perfect day trip for history buffs. Georgian townhouses and timber-framed Tudor houses line steep cobbled streets, punctuated with haunted inns that will set your imagination on fire. There’s even a castle. 

The best thing to do in Rye is to wander its streets to seek out its historic buildings. On arrival, swing by the town’s Tourist Information and pick up their Rye walking tour. To burn off any calories consumes in one of the town’s excellent cafes, climb the tower of the 12th 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, it’s time to head to Camber Sands. Taking the clearly signposted National Cycle Network Route 2, it’s a three-mile walk from Rye.  Alternatively, hop on bus #102 which operates between Rye from Camber Sands every 30 minutes.

Camber Sands has a beach to rival any in the Caribbean. Stroll along its seven miles of golden sand, past its rolling dunes, hopefully soaking up some sun. Collect seashells, paddle in the water or embrace your inner child by building sandcastles. And for the more adventurous, why not try your hand at kitesurfing?

Recommended by Bridget of The Flashpacker

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO RYE & CAMBER SANDS

There is one option to Rye (Sussex) Rail Station (RYE) from London:

• From London St Pancras International Station (STP) it is 1hr 10 min with one change at Ashford International (AFK)

Once you arrive at Rye (Sussex) Rail Station it is about a 15-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

To continue on to Camber Sands from Rye, take the Stagecoach Bus which takes about 15min or you could walk the 3.4 mile National Cycle Route . 

There isn’t a bus route from London to Rye, only a combination of train and bus which is longer than taking the train only.

There are many reasons why visiting the seaside town of Dover makes an excellent day trip from London. It’s easy to reach by train and it’s home to the stunning White Cliffs of Dover as well as the iconic Dover Castle that dominates the hilltop above the town below. Dover’s fascinating history can be traced all the way back to the Roman times and has long been a port town that has connected mainland Europe to England; it’s often referred to as “the gateway to Britain”.

Your day trip to Dover is best started off with a stroll along the beautiful White Cliffs. Breathtaking views can be seen on the trail that runs along the edge of the cliffs, on a clear day you can see all the way across the English Channel to France! Make sure to continue along the path until you reach the lovely 19th-century lighthouse, it’s about a 40-minute walk from the visitor’s center at the start of the walk. If you get hungry, stop for refreshments at Mrs. Knott’s Tearoom which is part of the lighthouse.

After your walk along the White Cliffs, continue your day trip to the impressive Dover Castle which is just next to the cliffs. Soak up over 800 years of fascinating English history as you explore the medieval chambers of the castle and climb to the top of its tower for a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. Dover Castle is one of the oldest and most important castles in Britain, it has stood on the cliffs defending the shores against attacks and invasions for centuries.

Before returning to London, make sure to pop into the White Horse for a classic British meal at Dover’s oldest pub. The building dates back to the 14th century and has been very well preserved. It’s the perfect place to refuel after a long day of sightseeing and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal and a pint.

Recommended by Ann of The Road is Life

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO DOVER

There are a few rail options to Dover Priory Rail Station (DVP) from London:

• From London Victoria Station (VIC) it is 1hr 58min with no changes
• From London St Pancras International Station (STP) it is 1hr 26min with one change in Ashford International (AFK)
• From London Charing Cross Station (CHX) it is 2hr 4min with no changes

Once you arrive at Dover Priory Rail Station it is about a 10-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

To go to Dover Castle and on to walk along the White Cliffs, take Bus 93 from Priory Street to Dover Castle Bus stop and the castle is about a 300 m walk from the bus stop.

There is one coach option to Dover (Town Centre) Bus Station :

• From London Victoria Coach Station it is about 2hr 30min

Once you arrive at Dover (Town Centre) Bus Station  you are in the city centre.

DAY TRIP TOURS FROM LONDON TO DOVER :

• From London: Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover
• White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury: Day-Trip from London

READ MORE:  Complete Guide to Visiting Dover Castle

CASTLE COMBE

Often called the most   beautiful village in the Cotswolds , Castle Combe situated in the idyllic countryside of Wiltshire has even featured in several films, including Dr Dolittle and T he War Horse . The popularity of this chocolate box village is apparent as soon as you step foot in the village. Castle Combe is like taking a trip back in time, as no new houses have been built there since the 1600s!

The quaint streets are lined within honey stoned coloured buildings made from Cotswolds stone that was quarried nearby. There was once a castle in Castle Combe but this no longer exists, there are however some other regal looking buildings in the village. The most beautiful of these is the ivy-covered Manor House Hotel, one of the best luxury hotels in all of the Cotswolds. The building is stunning from every direction and includes an 18 hole golf course and perfectly manicured gardens that you can easily spend an hour roaming around. Onsite there is also a Michelin star restaurant and the opportunity to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in this stunning estate.

Castle Combe village itself is also home to St Andrew’s Church, famous for housing one of the oldest working clocks in the country, and contrastingly the village is home to one of the fastest motor car racing circuits in England. So if you fancy a super car day, Castle Combe is the place to go!

Recommended by Roshni of The Wanderlust Within

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO CASTLE COMBE

BY RAIL/BUS

There is one rail/bus combination option to Chippenham Rail Station (CPM) from London:

• From London Paddington Station  (PAD) it is 1hr 10min with no changes to Chippenham Station  (CPM)

Click to plan your rail journey and purchase tickets to Chippenham Station (CPM) with National Rail .

Once you arrive at Chippenham Rail Station  you need to catch the 35A bus on to Castle Combe Village Centre which is about a 20 min ride.

Click for the bus schedule from Chippenham to Castle Combe.

SEVEN SISTERS CLIFFS WALK

When you’re craving stunning sea views and fresh air, head to the Seven Sisters Cliffs in the South Downs. These iconic chalk cliffs stretch between Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap along the south coast of England. 

The best way to experience this natural wonder is by walking the coastal path from Seaford to Eastbourne in East Sussex. The 21.9 km trail takes about 7 hours to complete, with breaks. Along the way, you can grab a bite to eat at the Cuckmere Inn, Birling Gap Café, or Beachy Head Pub. 

The trail is easy to follow, as it hugs the coast almost the whole time. The only time you’ll depart the cliffs is when you head inland to Cuckmere Inn to cross the Cuckmere River. During low tide, it may be possible to cross the river at Cuckmere Haven, though please exercise caution.

The Seven Sisters are resplendently white because they are actively eroding. For that reason, it’s also very important to maintain a 5-meter distance from the cliff edge for your safety. 

To get excited for your day trip to the Seven Sisters, watch the movies Atonement , Robin Hood : Prince of Thieves , or Mr. Holmes . 

Recommended by Sabrina of Moon & Honey Travel

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO SEVEN SISTERS CLIFF WALK

There is one rail option to Seaford (Sussex) Rail Station (SEF) from London:

• From London Victoria Station (VIC) it is 1hr 25min with one change in Lewes (LWS)

Once you arrive at Seaford (Sussex) Rail Station you can walk the coastal path to Eastbourne ( Route ). 

To return to London, take the train from Eastbourne Rail Station (EBN) back to London Victoria (VIC) which takes about 1hr 30min.

As it is over 3 hours for the journey to Seaford by coach, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

DAY TRIP TOURS FROM LONDON TO SEVEN SISTERS CLIFFS :

• From London: Seven Sisters and South Downs Full-Day Tour

The city of York is a great location to visit for a day trip from London. The scenic east coast rail line brings you right into the heart of the historic city; the principal sights are a short walk from the rail station.

Start your day trip to York at the Gothic cathedral York Minster. Take a guided tour to learn about the Minster’s incredible stained glass windows and explore the crypt, Undercroft and Chapter House. Climb the 257 steps of the Minster’s central tower for an incredible view of the city.

From the Minster, a one-minute walk along High Petergate brings you to Bootham Bar, one of the city’s four medieval gateways to the city and York’s medieval city walls. These imposing stone walls are the longest city walls in England and take two hours to complete. Reward your walk with a cup of Yorkshire Tea and a delicious Fat Rascal from the iconic Betty’s Tea Rooms.

Continue your day by exploring the attractive pedestrian streets of the city centre, many of which are lined with ornate, Tudor-era buildings. One street not to miss is the short cobbled lane, The Shambles. This narrow, gloomy lane is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series and has been voted ‘The Best Street in Britain’.

If you have any time left in your day visit one of the city’s many museums such as York Castle Museum or the Jorvik Viking Centre. Finish your day trip with a traditional roast dinner (complete with Yorkshire puddings) or a pint of real ale from one of York’s 365 pubs such as the historic The King’s Arms with its pretty riverside seating.

Recommended by Sinead of Best in York Guide

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO YORK

There is one rail option to York Rail Station (YRK) from London:

• From London Kings Cross Station (KGX) in 1hr 50min with no changes

Once you arrive at York Rail Station it is about a 5-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

As it is over 5 hours for the journey to York by coach, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

There’s no wonder why Stonehenge is one of the most popular day trips from London. Located in Wiltshire, England, the prehistoric monument is one of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mystery surrounding its existence has captivated travelers for ages.

When visiting Stonehenge, there are two main spots that should be visited. The first is obvious: you can’t visit Stonehenge without visiting the actual Stone Circle! Archaeologists believe that Stonehenge was constructed during the Bronze Age, but there are many unanswered questions regarding the site’s construction and purpose. On a typical visit to Stonehenge, you can only view the stones from afar; however, it is possible to book a once-in-a-lifetime experience allowing you to get up close and personal with the monument. This experience must be requested in advance; you can apply for the Stone Circle experience directly with the English Heritage organization that oversees Stonehenge.

The second must-see spot is the Stonehenge Visitor Center. While this might sound a bit boring, the center is home to a very interesting museum with exhibits on the history of Stonehenge and life during the time of construction.

Stonehenge can be visited from London via public transportation or guided tour. A popular option for travelers who are short on time is to take a combined Stonehenge and Bath guided tour , allowing for stops at both places in one day.

Recommended by Sydney of A World in Reach

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO STONEHENGE

There is one rail option to Salisbury Rail Station (SAL) from London:

• From London Waterloo Station (WAT) it is 1hr 25min with no changes

Once you arrive at Salisbury Rail Station  you then need to take the Stonehenge Bus to get to Stonehenge. Click for the bus timetable as it varies by season.

As it is almost 4 hours for the journey to Salisbury by coach, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

DAY TRIP TOURS FROM LONDON TO STONEHENGE :

• London: Stonehenge, Bath & West Country Day Trip
• London: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath Full-Day Tour
• Stonehenge, Glastonbury & Avebury Small Group Tour
• Stonehenge Express Half-Day Tour from London

One of the easiest day trips you can take from London is to Oxford. The city is most known for the world-famous university with the same name but there’s definitely more to see and do during an Oxford day trip than just the colleges. Luckily the city is compact enough that you can hit up all the major sites with no problems in one day.

While there is a local bus system that takes you around the city majority of the big sights and colleges are within walking distances of each other and so it isn’t necessary to spend extra money on transit.

You can’t come to Oxford without visiting parts of the university. If you’re only in Oxford for a day you’ll want to focus on the major landmarks like Radcliffe Camera, Bridge of Sighs, Bodleian Library and Christ Church College. If you’re interested in visiting specific colleges then I’d look into the hours ahead of time to be able to make the most of your visit. Many of the colleges are only open to visitors during specific hours and some of the more well-known sights (like the Bodleian Library) require tours that run at specific times.

Besides the university, Oxford has a great main street with lots of great independent stores like Alice’s Shop where you can get some fantastic and unique Alice in Wonderland souvenirs. There’s also a number of museums like the Museum of History of Science, Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford Natural History Museum and many more. If you’re looking to connect with nature a visit to the Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum is a must.

Given the city’s status as a university town, there are plenty of places to eat and you can find cuisines of pretty much all cultures. If you’re looking for a quick bite, then G&D’s Ice Cream Shop (with multiple locations) has some fantastic bagels. You can also check out a number of bakeries and stalls in the Oxford Covered Market for some quick eats.

Recommended by Liliane of My Toronto, My World

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO OXFORD

There are a couple of options to Oxford Rail Station (OXF) from London:

• From London Marylebone Station (MYB) in 59 minutes with no changes
• From London Paddington Station (PAD) in 53 minutes with no changes

Once you arrive at Oxford Rail Station it is about a 15-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

There is one coach option to Oxford (Gloucester Green) Bus Station :

• From London Victoria Coach Station it is about 2hr

Click to plan your coach journey and purchase tickets with National Express  or with Oxford Tube .

Please Note : This bus journey is called the “Oxford Tube” but is a bus and not to be confused with the London Tube, which is the underground system.

Once you arrive at Oxford (Gloucester Green) Bus Station  it is about a 7-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

DAY TRIP TOURS FROM LONDON TO OXFORD :

• From London: Oxford and Cotswolds Villages Day Trip
• From London: Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford Tour

Canterbury is an iconic town in Southeast England, approximately 1 hour away from London by train. Both train stations of the town (East and West) are located 10 minutes on foot away from the historical centre, which makes Canterbury the ideal day trip from London via public transport. No tours required!

Besides being easily accessible, Canterbury is one of the most beautiful English towns featuring cobbled streets, medieval feeling, contemporary artworks, hidden cafes and traditional pubs- the Three Tuns and the Seven Stars claim to be the oldest within the town walls. Since I mentioned the walls, a circular walk along the well-preserved Roman walls can be a very interesting way to get to know the town and its history better.

Back to the centre, Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey, and St Martin’s Church (the oldest church in England) are part of the Unesco World Heritage list due to their spectacular mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture and their historical significance. There is a small entrance fee but if you are up for religious places these landmarks are undoubtedly worth it!

Canterbury Roman Museum and the Beaney House of Arts & Knowledge are two of the most important museums to visit, located on the historical centre. Of course, the high street is (as everywhere else in the UK!) the heartbeat of the city where one can find retail chains, restaurants, charity shops, little bookstores etc.

For me, after living in London for 6 years and having visited many English towns, one of the most interesting things to do in Canterbury was the Sculpture Trail: a 3.2 miles easy-level walk passing through public art pieces, open spaces and parks lasting for approximately 90 minutes. Throughout this walk, one can meet very appealing sculptures like the Alluvia (situated on the bed of the river Great Stour!) and the Bulkhead (my favourite one!) placed on the periphery of the infamous Marlowe Theatre.

Weather permitted, a river tour can also be a charming and relaxing way to spend some of your time here! Overall, I highly recommend Canterbury as one of the best, hassle-free, day trips from London!

Recommended by Valentini of My Shoes Abroad

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO CANTERBURY

There are a few rail options to either Canterbury East Rail Station (CBE) or Canterbury West Rail Station (CBW) from London:

• From London Victoria Station (VIC) it is 1hr 30min to Canterbury East (CBE) with no changes
• From London St Pancras International Station (STP) it is 54 min to Canterbury West (CBW) with no changes
• From London Charing Cross Station (CHX) it is 1hr 37min to Canterbury West (CBW) with no changes

Once you arrive at Canterbury East Rail Station it is about a 10-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre or from Canterbury West Rail Station it is about a 10-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to city centre.

There is one coach option to Canterbury Bus Station :

Once you arrive at Canterbury Bus Station  it is about a 7-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

DAY TRIP TOURS FROM LONDON TO CANTERBURY :

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Just over an hour from London, Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as the home of Shakespeare.  A charming traditional English market town, there’s a lot to see and do if you are interested in the Great Bard, and plenty more to explore. Shakespeare’s home, where he was brought up as a child and lived with his wife Anne Hathaway is in Henley Street and you can visit to see more.  Or, how about taking a lesson at Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, which was completed in 1420 and is where Shakespeare himself studied as a boy. Just outside the town and both worth visiting to learn more about Tudor life is Anne Hathaway’s cottage where he courted his wife and Mary Arden’s Farm , where his own mother grew up.

Of course, the town is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, with two theatres and a series of exhibitions.  If you can’t stay for an evening show there are regular matinees during the week and on Saturdays.

If you tire of Shakespeare why not join the swans and take a river cruise along the River Avon. For something a little different the local gin distillery, Shakespeare Gin, runs regular gin tasting trips!  Or visit the Butterfly Farm, five minutes’ walk from the Town Centre, where you can discover hundreds of the world’s most beautiful butterflies in their own world of tropical blossoms, waterfalls and fish pools.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Stratford upon Avon.  For an authentic English afternoon tea try Hathaway’s Tea Rooms, in a timbered Grade II listed building on the High Street.  And for excellent seasonal British food, try the Woodsman restaurant at the Indigo Hotel, run by the same team who operate the Michelin starred Ledbury and Harwood restaurants in London.

Recommended by Fiona of London-Unattached

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

There is one good rail option to Stratford-Upon-Avon Rail Station (SAV) from London:

• From London Marylebone Station (MYB) in 2hr 3min with one change in Leamington Spa (LMS) or Banbury (BAN)

Once you arrive at Stratford-Upon-Avon Rail Station it is about an 8-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

As it is over 3 hours for the journey to Stratford-Upon-Avon by coach, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds: Day Trip from London
• Warwick Castle, Stratford, Oxford, & Cotswolds Day Trip
• Stonehenge, Stratford, Bath & Cotswolds Day Tour from London

Windsor is one of the best-known cities in the UK due to it being the favorite weekend home of Her Majesty, the Queen of England. The city of Windsor was officially established by William the Conquerer in the 11th century and currently boasts less than 1,000 residents along with numerous fascinating historic sites. Situated just 25 minutes from London, this historic town provides plenty for day-trippers to experience.

With such a small population, one would think Windsor would have little to offer for visitors seeking a full day of experiences, but you will be surprised at what Windsor has to offer. Along with tours of Windsor Castle and St. George’s Chapel, visitors can tour Windsor Great Park; the former private hunting ground of the royal family; the Theatre Royal; Great Britain’s only unsubsidised year-round theater; Guildhall, the town hall where Charles and Camilla wed; St. John the Baptist Church, originally built in the 12th century and reconstructed in 1810 due to severe damage; Runnymede, where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215; Cliveden House, a three-story Italianate mansion just 15 minutes north of Windsor where the works of Charles Barry reside; and experience the Royal Windsor Horse Show each May, which is a favored event of the Queen’s. 

Along with all these, visitors can tour various gardens and museums, eat at several elegant restaurants, sample candy in numerous candy shop, and get their inner child on in Legoland Windsor; 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. 

To get around, you can either go on foot or utilize one of the town’s bus services.

Recommended by Erin of Traveling Thru History

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO WINDSOR

There is one rail options to Windsor & Eton Central Rail Station (WNC) from London:

• From London Paddington Station (PAD) it is 40 min with one change in Slough (SLO)

Once you arrive at Windsor & Eton Central Rail Station it is about a 7-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

There is one coach option to Windsor Town Centre, Parish Church Bus Station :

• From London Victoria Coach Station it is about 1hr 34min

Click to plan your coach journey and purchase tickets with Greenline .

Once you arrive at Windsor Town Centre, Parish Church Bus Station  it is about an 8-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

DAY TRIP TOURS FROM LONDON TO WINDSOR :

• From London: Windsor and Blenheim Palace Small-Group Tour
• London: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, & Bath Full-Day Tour
• From London: Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford Tour

There is much more to the UNESCO city of Bath than the Roman Baths from which the city gets its name which makes it an ideal option for a day trip from London.

A great way to get a feel for the city is to take a free walking tour with The Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides. Leaving daily at 10:30 and at 14:00 except on Saturdays, these tours will take you around Bath for about two hours, covering roughly 2 miles. The tours are excellent to get some background and your bearings of the city and are completely free; the guides will not even accept a tip. 

The tours leave from outside the Roman Baths for which the city is most famous. Over a million litres of water at a temperature of 46 °C rise from the ground each day. You cannot enter the waters, which, as they are an interesting green colour, you probably wouldn’t want to anyway,  but a tour of the well-preserved baths is a must for any visitor to Bath.  The nearby Bath Abbey has a depiction of Jacob’s ladder on its west front showing angels ascending and descending from heaven. Built from local Bath stone, the abbey looks particularly stunning in when the sun is lower in the sky.

Another interesting place to visit is the Royal Crescent which is a 500-foot-long terrace of houses that was built between 1767 and 1774. One of the most prized addresses in Bath, visitors can get a taste of what life would have been like in the 18th-century Bath as they explore ten rooms, decorated as they were believed to be during the period.

To finish off your day in Bath, take in one of the most iconic views of Bath which is the Pulteney Bridge. To see it is a bridge you’ll need to view it from slightly downriver otherwise crossing the bridge feels like walking down a normal street with shops to both sides!

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HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO BATH

There are a couple of rail options to Bath Spa Rail Station (BTH) from London:

• From London Paddington Station (PAD) it is 1hr 19min with no changes
• From London Waterloo Station (WAT) it is 2hr 25 min with no changes

Once you arrive at Bath Spa Rail Station it is about a 7-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre.

As it is almost 3 hours for the journey to Bath by coach, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

• London: Stonehenge and Bath Full-Day Tour
• Stonehenge, Windsor, and Bath: Day Trip from London

READ MORE:  Complete Guide to Visiting the Roman Baths

No visit to Bristol would be complete without seeing some of the achievements of the engineer most associated with the city, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. By taking a day trip there by train, you get to experience part of the iconic engineers Great Western Railway as you hurtle across the English countryside. Originally built to broad gauge, the whole route from London to Bristol was surveyed by Brunel himself. Once in the city, you can get from the railway station using the Bristol Ferry Boats which can take you to the city centre and close to many attractions.

The symbol of the city is Clifton Suspension Bridge which opened in 1864 and was built to a revised design of Brunel’s. The bridge opened after his death and was completed by William Henry Barlow and Sir John Hawkshaw. The chains used on the bridge came from an earlier Brunel bridge, Hungerford bridge in London.

The other major Brunel attraction in Bristol is the SS Great Britain , a ship that revolutionised ocean travel. The longest ship in the world when it was launched, constructed with screw propellers and made of iron it was another example of Brunel’s engineering prowess. Today visitors can see the ship in the dry dock it was constructed in and explore the history of this magnificent ship.

Bristol’s other famous citizen is the graffiti artist Banksy and you can view several pieces of his art around the city. From the “Paint Pot Angel” in the Bristol museum to “Girl with the Pierced Eardrum” and “Well Hung Lover”. Walking tours of several of his pieces can be booked or you can discover them as you explore the city.

For a bird’s eye across Bristol, climb the Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill. The tower was built to commemorate John Cabot 400 years after he set sail to what would become Canada in the ship Matthew . A replica of the Matthew can be visited outside the M shed which houses the Bristol Industrial Museum.

Two churches which are worth visiting are St Mary Redcliffe and Bristol Cathedral. St Mary Redcliffe is one of the largest parish churches in the country and contains monuments to many famous Bristolians. Bristol Cathedral with its impressive twin towers dates from the 12th-century and contains impressive vaulted ceilings and stained glass.

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO BRISTOL

Once you arrive at Bristol Temple Meads Rail Station it is about a 10-minute walk ( Route ) from the station to the city centre or, alternatively, you could take the Bristol Ferry Boat and view the city from the river ( map ).

As it is almost 3 hours for the journey to Bristol by coach, we don’t recommend this option for a day trip.

READ MORE:  Complete Guide to Visiting Brunel’s SS Great Britain

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ENGLAND

To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites. 

These are a few tours we would recommend for day trips from London.

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our   full disclosure policy here . 

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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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Summer Day Trips From London

Summer is a good time to escape the sweaty heat of the capital and explore some of the rest of the country. Whether you want to soak up some sunshine by the sea or sit under some trees – there are lots of places to explore. From hiking trails and cycling routes to old cities, here are a few easy summer day trips from London.

South Downs Way (Sussex trails)

The UK is filled with vast national parks, and one of the biggest within close reach of London is The South Downs. The South Downs are a large range of chalk hills in south-east England. A large part of it is The South Downs Way which is a 100-mile-long national trail stretching between Eastbourne in Sussex and Winchester in Hampshire. It’s a trail that attracts lots of cyclists and walkers of all levels, but obviously, even the most athletic visitors won’t cover the whole thing in a day.

The start is officially on the Hampshire end, but for the purpose of this guide, we’re focussing on trails in Sussex. One of the most dramatic landscapes in the area is Devil’s Dyke, a short distance from Brighton. At almost a mile long, Dyke Valley is the UK’s deepest and widest ‘dry valley’. Local legend attributes the name to the devil digging a chasm to drown unfortunate parishioners in. The more scientific explanation is that it was formed over 10,000 years ago during the last ice age. For panoramic views and a moderately challenging, 3 hr hike, take the Ditchling Beacon to Devil’s Dyke walk where you can expect beautiful landscapes, old windmills, and ancient woodlands.

Getting there : Train to Brighton then Bus no.79 to Ditchling Beacon (Return via no. 77 from Devil’s Dyke)

Cost : £ 21.60 off-peak on Thameslink, return (super off-peak weekend tickets from £ 14.50 ) the £ 5.00 return bus ticket redeemable on either 79 or 77 bus routes. Journey time : Approx. 60–90 minutes from London Bridge, Blackfriars, St Pancras or Farringdon

The New Forest, Hampshire

But as this is a day trip, we recommend heading to Brockenhurst, as it’s just 90 minutes from Waterloo and there’s plenty to enjoy when you get there. Brockenhurst is a picturesque village that is a gateway to winding walking trails, woodlands, nature reserves and cycling routes. If you don’t fancy taking your bike on the train, you can hire a range of pedal and electric bikes from Cyclexperience (from £ 22.00 for a standard All Terrain Bike), which all come with an app giving 10 different routes to pick from.

Getting there : Approx 1 hr 30 mins from Waterloo to Brockenhurst

Cost: Cheapo tip : If you commit to a specific train, the cheapest option is to buy two advance singles for £ 26.60 , this is significantly cheaper than an off-peak day return which will set you back £ 58.50 .

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Most famous for being the birthplace of none other than William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a beautiful, riverside city in the West Midlands. The Bard is certainly the main draw here, with the Royal Shakespeare Company theatre, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s cottage, and Hall’s Croft (where his daughter Susanna lived) all attracting large crowds. If you want the whistle-stop version, with a slice of Tudor ham (acting that is) – you can take the Shakespeare tour, led by ‘Master Shakespeare’ himself, which takes around 90 minutes and costs £ 7.00 .

But, aside from all the literary history, you can also visit Hidcote Manor and Gardens, which is a National Trust manor house, Bancroft Gardens, take canal and river boat tours and visit The MAD Museum (Mechanical Art and Design). As you might expect, the town is filled with old pubs, including the Old Thatch Tavern, if you fancy stopping off for an ale or something non-boozy in the beer garden.

Getting there : Approx 2 hrs from Marylebone to Stratford-upon-Avon (change at Leamington Spa)

Cost: Cheapo tip : If you commit to a specific train, the cheapest option is to buy two advance singles for £ 26.00 in total, which is a £ 10.00 saving on the super-off peak return – although the latter gives you a lot more flexibility, so bear that in mind when booking.

Despite the slightly post-apocalyptic presence of not one, but two former nuclear power stations – the area is a nature reserve, home to wet grassland, wildflower meadows and many species of birds and rare bees. You can also visit the imposing, decommissioned lighthouse which is also a viewpoint. Dungeness was also home to experimental film director, stage designer and gay rights activist Derek Jarman and you can visit Prospect Cottage, the black and yellow building where he lived and worked before his death in 1994.

For all its weirdness, you can still stop off for fish and chips on the beach in Dungeness at spots including The Pilot Inn or the Snack Shack.

Getting there : There is no direct train line from London to Dungeness, but one of the easiest ways to get there is to take the train from London Cannon Street to Folkestone and hop on the 102 bus to RSPB Dungeness.

Costs : Around £ 46.10 – Anytime day return London to Folkestone Journey time : Approximately 2.5 hrs (1hr train + 90 min bus from Folkestone)

One of the easiest day trips from London is to the University city of Cambridge. Yes, it’s also possible to do a lovely day trip to Oxford too, but Cambridge is closest. But we’re not interested in academic rivalry around here – Cambridge is another beautiful English city, perfect for a day of strolling, cycling, and even a bit of punting along the River Cam.

You can take tours of the world-famous university buildings, guided by Cambridge students and take in sights including King’s College. One of the best value options is the walking and punting tours, which costs £ 55.00 and takes 3-4 hrs. And if you’re able to make the steep, 123 steps climb at Great St Mary’s Church – you’ll be rewarded with panoramic city views at the top.

For something more contemporary, visit the Centre for Computing History to geek out on vintage electronics, or look at modern art at Kettle’s Yard, a former home filled with artworks by artists including Joan Miro and Barbara Hepworth. Like any decent university city, there’s no shortage of old pubs, the oldest of which is The Eagle, a 17th century former coaching inn.

Getting there : Approx 1hr from St Pancras or Liverpool Street (you can also catch trains direct from Finsbury Park if you’re in north London)

Cost: Cheapo tip : You can nab advance singles for as little as £ 8.00 each if you travel from Liverpool Street. But, if you prefer to be a little more spontaneous, an off-peak day return is around £ 23.00 from any of the stations above.

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8 easy must-do weekend trips from London

London is one of the most historic and vibrant cities in the world. Anyone living or visiting there has an enviable number of cultural, culinary, and recreational activities at their fingertips every day. But the hustle and bustle of a city like London can be a lot. Needing to get out of the big city is a natural feeling, so going on a weekend getaway to the country, a national park, or a charming smaller town, known colloquially as city breaks, just makes sense.

Don’t worry. All the spoils of the capital city aren’t going anywhere. Once you’re out in the open on a hike or touring historic villages, you won’t worry about missing out on what’s going on in London. Planning the perfect weekend trip involves a little research and preparation. You’ll want to book lodging, you’ll need to plan how you’ll get there, you might need to find luggage storage in London , and you’ll want to plan what you’ll be doing. But first, you need to decide where you’ll be going.

Here are the best weekend trips from London:

Bath, Somerset 

Widely regarded as one of England’s most charming towns, Bath is a beautiful little village famed (and named) for its well-preserved Roman baths . There are many boutique inns and hotels, making it ideal for a romantic getaway. 

Distance from London 

It only takes about 90 minutes by train to reach this historic town. It’s definitely possible to make a day trip out of your visit, but there’s enough to do and see in Bath that staying a few days during weekend breaks is definitely worth it.

Our activity recommendations

The “Bath experience” is fairly simple. It’s a quaint and quiet town, with lots of older houses and buildings. Visiting from London or the US, it’ll feel somewhat like stepping out from a time machine and into an 18th-century English market town. Most of the city’s architecture dates back to the Georgian era. Look into tours and museums while staying here. You can also just take it easy and try to “live like a local” while in town. It’ll be a relaxing and enjoyable experience away from the chaos of London 

Best season to visit 

Bath is one of the most popular travel destinations in the UK, especially during the summer. While it’s a charming town and extremely walkable, there’s nothing here that demands a high-season visit. Going between October and April has its advantages. For one, you’ll avoid the hordes of tourists. It’s also an idyllic place when it’s not overrun with crowds; the quintessential Bath experience is when it’s quiet. You can also stumble upon one of the largest Christmas Markets in England if you visit during the holidays.

Brighton, Sussex

Hitting the beach is probably the last activity non-Britons will ever associate with England. But along the southern shores of England is one of Europe’s most underrated beach towns. Brighton is perfect for summer weekend trips when you want to take a dip in the English Channel, relax on the beach, and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze. There are also pubs because there are always pubs!

Distance from London

It’s an hour's train ride and a 90-minute drive directly south of London. Depending on what you’re trying to do in and around Brighton, it could be better to take a car. 

There are plenty of vacation rentals, B&Bs, and hotels to stay in, but you’ll want something close to the promenade. This stretch has the best views of the English Channel and is lined with charming restaurants, shops, pubs, and landmarks. 

Brighton frequently hosts theater performances, film screenings, concerts, and comedy at its many venues, the Royal Pavilion being the most prominent. Having a plan B for when the weather isn’t great is a good idea because Brighton may be beautiful, but you’re still in England.

Brighton is one of the best Beach towns in England, so it’s safe to say that summer is the ideal time of year to visit. Really, when the weather is right, it's one of the best London weekend trips. The pubs will be more lively, and the boardwalk will have more action as well. Booking lodging and making reservations for dinner well ahead of time is the best way to plan around the crowds of other visitors.

If you’re looking to get out of the big city, but want all the cultural offerings of London, then Bristol is your best bet. With a well-preserved Old Town, foodie-favorite restaurants, cool bars, street art, cafés, and music venues, Bristol appeals to just about everyone. It's the quintessential destination for a city break and one of the best weekend getaways for hipsters and young creatives.

The drive (including traffic) is about two and a half hours. The train to Bristol takes between 90 minutes and two hours from Paddington Station in London. There’s also a VERY inexpensive coach from Victoria Station for budget-minded travelers. 

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a legitimately impressive architectural marvel and the most notable landmark in Bristol. It’s a nice hike that will get you out in the brisk air, and the views of Bristol's historic city center are wonderful. After your hike, head to Stokes Croft for a bit of culture. There are wonderful shops, bars, restaurants, and music venues here. The nightlife scene in Bristol is surprisingly vibrant, if a little more relaxed than Lobdon’s. 

Bristol’s main draw is its culture, restaurants, and nightlife, so just about any time of year will do for weekend getaways.  

Canterbury, Kent 

Anyone who’s taken a high school English class will doubtless have read Geoffrey Chaucer’s classic, Canterbury Tales . While the content of the book doesn’t quite resemble weekend trips from London, Canterbury is the perfect place to visit to appreciate a well-preserved historic town.

Canterbury is extremely close to London, so the drive should take about 90 minutes, potentially more with traffic. The train line runs slightly longer, at about a three-hour ride from central London. 

Canterbury Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which makes it a must-visit landmark for curious travelers. Taking a tour of the grounds and cathedral is a great way to learn a few things before you inevitably explore the town’s many quaint restaurants, pubs, shops, and cafés. Simply walking around Canterbury’s cobbled streets is an experience. 

UNESCO World Heritage sites aren’t weather dependent, so making the short trek for a weekend getaway can happen any time of year.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are almost more of an idea than a single place. Historically, this region consists of land in Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Somerset , Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Wiltshire. That probably means little to non-Britons, but it’ll tell you that it could take you a few weekend trips from London to fully explore the Cotswolds. This bit of countryside is famed for its outstanding natural beauty, with rolling hills, winding streams, and fields that will redefine your idea of the color green. There are stone cottages, tiny villages, and countryside mansions dotting the landscape. It’s a picturesque and idyllic place to enjoy a long weekend, and it is quintessentially British. 

The train to the Moreton-in-Marsh train station from London Paddington only takes about 90 minutes. It’s a bit longer to drive, taking two and a half hours, but getting around the Cotswolds is more convenient when you have a car.  

Pick a village with an inn or vacation rental that appeals to you, and plan your weekend trip around that. There are hunting and recreation clubs like the Cotswold Clay Club for clay pigeon shooting, golf clubs with some of the finest courses in England, and there are lakes and rivers to rent a boat on. Of course, there are quaint towns with delightful pubs to get cozy in as well. 

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, which is entirely the point of visiting the Cotswolds, you’ll want to visit during the warmer months. Late spring and early fall are great times to go because there will be smaller crowds. 

Home to, perhaps, the world's most famous and renowned university, Oxford is one of the best London weekend getaways. Anyone looking for fun restaurants, bars, cafés, and a vibrant performing arts scene should look no further than this cultural hub. 

The train from London Paddington takes only an hour and lands you right in the middle of Oxford, where all the shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels are. The drive is only 90 minutes, but parking can be a challenge in a smaller town like Oxford. 

While Oxford’s historic campus is one of the main draws, this is far from a college town. A vibrant culture has sprung up around the university to make Oxford a fun place for people in their 20s and 30s to visit. Great vintage stores, trendy bars, charming cafés, and eclectic restaurants line the cobbled streets. There’s also a lively music scene, with up-and-coming bands playing venues across the city. 

Oxford is a lovely destination for weekend trips in any season. The crowds will be largest in the summer when school is out, however. Going in the winter is a great way to save on lodging, and the pubs are perfectly cozy. 

Peak District National Park

The best weekend trips from London aren’t always in quaint little villages. Peak District National Park is one of the best outdoor recreation areas in the UK. With miles upon miles of winding hills, this is the ideal weekend getaway for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. There are a few small towns in the district where you can find lodging and pubs. If getting to Peak District isn't an option, South Downs National Park is another option for outdoor recreation and outstanding natural beauty.

From Kings Cross or St. Pancras stations in London, it takes about two and a half hours by train to get to Peak District. You’ll have to get a connector from Derby, but it’ll land you in the middle of the park. Coach and driving both take three hours from central London.

Hiking the rolling (and sometimes steep) hills of Peak District National Park is the rather obvious first choice for spending your time here. One way to efficiently see all the best sights is to rent a bike from Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire, or you can bring your own from London. After you explore the hills, relax with a pint at one of the many historic pubs. Devonshire Arms and The Peacock are the most popular places for real ale and superb traditional pub fare. 

Best season to visit  

Visiting Peak District is all about hiking and enjoying the natural beauty, so it’s best to visit during the summer. Weekend getaways during winter are inadvisable, but spring and fall are certainly doable if the weather cooperates. 

Winchester, Hampshire 

While Winchester was never the go-to weekend getaway for Londoners, the city has seen a jump in tourism in recent years. Perhaps it’s Jane Austen ’s enduring legacy as one of England’s great voices or the restoration of the town’s historic cathedral. Either way, visitors are heading to Winchester in droves.

Trips from London Waterloo take about an hour to get to Winchester. Driving takes just under two hours but does allow for more flexibility. 

Winchester is one of those smaller UK cities that has a fantastic food scene. Hoxton Bakehouse is legitimately excellent and would be on lists of London's best places to eat. There are also vineyards like Humbledon, along with a number of perfectly serviceable pubs. Literary (and history) buffs will absolutely want to check out Jane Austen’s house, which offers tours of the legendary author’s home. 

Visiting Winchester is based entirely around cultural and historical activities, so any time of year will do. 

With so many national parks and quaint towns nearby, you’re never short of options for weekend trips from London. If you’re short on time, there are always some exciting day trips you can take from the capital city. Many people who visit spend a jam-packed 3 days in London , but if you want to get away for a long weekend and refresh and recharge (or go on grueling hikes), you’ll be sure to find the perfect destination. 

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13 Ideas For A 2-Day Trip To London With Kids

L ondon is one of the oldest and most exciting of the world's great cities. From phenomenal shopping to award-winning restaurants to some of the globe's best attractions, this exceptional city offers everything you'd want from a family vacation. Although it would take days, or better yet weeks, to truly explore the U.K.'s buzzy capital, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of a quick, 48-hour visit with kids.

Traveling with an aspiring history buff? The Tower of London will pique their interest with tales of war, murder, and imprisonment. Have a budding actor in tow? A West End musical is sure to inspire their love of theater. Perhaps your little one is obsessed with all things vehicular. Whether they adore buses, trains, or horses and buggies, they'll find it, and so much more, at the London Transport Museum. 

Although two days is a short time to spend in one of the world's greatest cities, it's easy to placate every family member with such an exhaustive list of places to visit. In addition to seeing the essential big-ticket attractions (i.e. Big Ben and Buckingham Palace), this list of the best things to do on a 2-day trip to London with kids will ensure you'll also experience some local, family-friendly fun.

Read more: 28 Bucket List Destinations That Everyone Needs To Experience At Least Once

Day One: Eat A Full English Breakfast

Assuming you aren't jetlagged, it's best to rise early and get the most out of your 48 hours in London. There's little worse than dragging hangry kids on a day of sightseeing, so feed them a hearty meal before setting off. London is known for its full English breakfasts, which consist of sausages, potatoes, eggs, tomatoes, and mushrooms.  Regency Café tops many lists of best breakfasts in London. Known for its affordable, full English breakfast, this is a hot spot for tourists and locals alike. You may recognize its Art Deco-styled interior from films like "Layer Cake" and  "Rocketman." Opened in 1946, this London staple lies in the borough of Westminster, almost equidistant from Pimlico and St. James Park tube stations. It's a mere 12-minute walk from Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, making this a perfect place to start a day of visiting attractions. 

Not a fan of the full English? There are plenty of tasty brekkies on offer at pubs and restaurants throughout the city, many of which include the classic jam and scone. Or, treat the kids to a meal they won't forget at Duck & Waffle , on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate in London's business district. This "gastro diner" is open 24 hours, seven days a week, and is named for its signature dish. Don't worry, there are also plenty of kid-friendly options like bacon, eggs, pastries, and a vast array of flavored waffles to go with the impeccable view. 

Take A Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

While riding The Underground is one of the fastest (and cheapest) ways to get around London, climbing aboard a hop-on hop-off bus tour is much more fun, not to mention educational. Plus, it's rare to meet a kid who hates double-decker buses. Blanketing 607 square miles, the U.K.'s largest city provides tourists with a lot of ground to cover. And if you only have two days to explore London with kids, you'll want to make things as simple as possible. 

London's Big Bus Tours are more than worth the $58 for a one-day adult pass and $46 for kids. The 48-hour pass costs only $14 more, which is a bargain. These tickets also include a one-way Thames River cruise, which runs in either direction from Westminster to Tower Pier. Just hop back on the bus from a nearby stop to get back. To really package a deal, the Essential Ticket, which lasts 48 hours, gives you access to three guided walking tours -- Changing of the Guard, City of London, and Jack the Ripper. 

No matter which ticket you book, expect to see London's best attractions.  The three routes (Red, Blue, and Green) are covered on each tour and include stops at The London Eye, Whitehall, Covent Garden, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park Corner, and Piccadilly Circus, to name a few. Let your mood, or better yet the kids, guide you to where you'll hop off next.

Ride The London Eye

Hop off the bus at The London Eye and get ready for a spectacular vista. Originally called the Millennium Wheel, this massive Ferris wheel (it's 443 feet tall) was supposed to be a temporary attraction. In fact, this extraordinary landmark was designed to be dismantled after five years. However, people wanted it to stay indefinitely. So it did! Today, the London Eye is the most popular paid-for visitor attraction in the U.K. The wheel consists of 32 "ovid capsules" that transport visitors super slowly (each one only revolves twice in one hour). They represent the 32 boroughs that make up Greater London and each one can hold 25 passengers. 

From the capsule, you'll be given a bird's eye view of London's architectural gems, like Westminster Abbey, Lambeth Palace, the Natural Museum of History, Buckingham Palace, and Whitehall Court. On a super clear day, you may even spy Windsor Castle and Wembley Stadium. Make the most of your  ride on the London Eye by booking tickets in advance. Also, try to plan your visit outside of holidays and summer weekends, if possible. When you've returned to the ground, walk across Westminster Bridge, stopping halfway for a photo op with the most magnificent backdrop -- Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. 

Say Hi To Big Ben

Visiting London without seeing Big Ben is akin to visiting Rome and skipping out on the Colosseum -- it just shouldn't be done. There's something magical about standing beneath the famed clock tower, which is actually named the Elizabeth Tower -- Big Ben is the name of the great bell inside. A whopping 226 feet high, this often-photographed monument is as tall as 21 London buses stacked on top of each other. While the tower's smaller quarter bells chime every 15 minutes, Big Ben itself tolls upon the hour.

With experience as a guide, it's recommended that you cross the street to Parliament Square. Kids will love running up and down the pathway to examine the bronze statues of Nelson Mandela and an imposing Sir Winston Churchill in the garden. Westminster Abbey lies just across the Square. If your little ones are up for exploring this beloved attraction, you'll be happy you spent the time. While inside, ask a staff member to point out the Family Trail. Kids can get a free badge at the shop after they've found the items on the list. Once finished at the Abbey, walk back towards Elizabeth Tower and you'll find Westminster Pier. This is a popular launch for Thames River cruises.

Take A River Cruise

River Thames sightseeing cruises leave from Westminster Pier and travel as far as Greenwich Pier. If you didn't opt for a bus tour that includes a cruise, this is a bucket-list activity your family won't want to miss -- seeing London's landmarks from the river offers a whole new perspective of their magnificence. Since you're pressed for time, the best route is a one-way ticket to Tower Bridge Quay. The trip will take about 30 minutes and passes many impressive attractions along the way, including the OXO Tower, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Tate Modern, Globe Theatre, and The Shard. At around $15 for adults over 16 and $10 for children ages 5 to 15, one-way cruises are pretty cheap.

The crew and skippers on these cruises are friendly and knowledgeable, offering interesting, and often funny, historical tidbits during their commentary. This is where many tourists learn about the (possibly true) legend of OXO's clever marketing scheme. When their application to add an illuminated sign outside their building was turned down in the late 1920s (advertising wasn't allowed on the South Bank), they integrated their three letters into the design. It still stands today. When the tour comes to an end, you'll embark at the Tower Bridge Quay, mere steps from one of London's most famous landmarks -- The Tower of London.

Tour The Tower Of London

As mentioned above, it's a short walk from Tower Bridge Quay to the Tower of London . Tower Hill Underground Station is five minutes away by foot and multiple buses stop nearby, making this an easy place to visit no matter where you're staying in London. Plan to spend a minimum of two hours at this attraction as there's a lot to see. Highlights include ogling the Crown Jewels, seeing the Royal Armories collections in The White Tower, and visiting the prison in the Bloody Tower. This is where you'll learn about murder plots and discover ancient torture methods. Search the Beauchamp Tower for graffiti made by prisoners in the 16th century. Your kids won't forget this experience!  

Two main eateries lie inside the Tower for when hunger pangs hit -- New Armories Café and Ravens Café. But, the meals can get pricey and often aren't as tasty as the nearby, budget-friendly, and kid-loved noodle restaurant, Wagamama. The Tower Hill location is just outside the main gate and boasts a fabulous view of Tower Bridge and a children's menu. Tickets to the Tower cost about $41 per adult and $20 per child between 5 and 15, so stay as long as possible to get your money's worth. Tip: Save money by purchasing The London Pass by Go City. You'll save up to 50% off major attractions like Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, and Kensington Palace, as well as hop-on-hop-off bus tours and more.

Visit A Museum

If anyone has energy left, make your way to the Science Museum in South Kensington. It's one of the best museums to visit in London  with children. If your kids don't find hands-on gaming experiences, interactive experiments, or rockets exciting, the Natural History Museum and its vast display of dinosaurs are a mere one-minute walk away. And the V&A (Victoria & Albert) museum's art and design exhibits are just as close. Tip: The V&A Café is a must-visit if only to gawk at the impressive architecture and décor. It's the world's oldest museum restaurant. Enjoy a quick tea and scone or play hide and seek around the columns. Museum Mile, which is home to 13 museums, is located in the center of London. If those three don't pique your interest, you're sure to find something everyone will love. The best part? Admission is free for almost all of these museums

South Kensington is packed with restaurants that will please pretty much any palate. From oysters to Italian food to Indian dishes and high-end fare, tourists are spoiled for choice. If your crew is hungry, choose a restaurant that's right for you before heading back to your hotel.

Day Two: Wave To The King At Buckingham Palace

Start day two with a trip to Buckingham Palace. The London home of Britain's Royal family since 1837, this famous landmark is worth a visit, even if you merely walk around the perimeter. The State Rooms are open for tours over 10 weeks each summer. Book in advance as they fill up quickly. Certain exclusive guided tours are also available in winter and spring. Those hoping to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony should plan to arrive by 10:30 a.m. as the ceremony starts at 11 a.m. It doesn't last long and gets very crowded during the high season. Also, it's best to confirm the date and time before you go. The ceremony doesn't always take place. 

The Palace neighbors St. James's Park, known as "the most royal of London's Royal Parks." This is where you'll find impeccable views of Buckingham Palace from across the lake, and you may come face-to-beak with a pelican. Popular attractions like the Horse Guards Parade and the Admiralty Arch are also found here.

Walk To Trafalgar Square

From Buckingham Palace, walk along the Mall to Trafalgar Square, which will take about 20 minutes. You'll pass St. James's Park on your right and the Horse Guards Parade, as well as the Admiralty Arch. A great route for sightseeing, you'll pass enough attractions along the way to keep kids of all ages interested. They may even be distracted enough to not realize how far they've walked. Once you reach Trafalgar Square, it's time to take the obligatory tourist photos of the bronze lions and Nelson's Column. You'll have to stand quite far back to fit the entire column in the frame. There are public toilets as well as a café here if any of your crew is in need of a quick respite. 

Otherwise, you can head into the National Gallery to soak up some culture and admire the incredible works of art on display. Admission is free, the bathrooms are much nicer than those found outside, and there are three places to grab a warm coffee or bite to eat. Throughout the year, there are family activities, like kid-friendly tours and creative drawing programs.

Watch Buskers And Visit The Transport Museum In Covent Garden

If the kids are still up for walking, make your way to Covent Garden, which is another eight minutes away on foot. Otherwise, hop back on your bus tour or hail a black cab. Buskers, sweets shops, and the Transport Museum will have children enthralled by this bustling neighborhood. Covent Garden's Market plays host to a bevy of handmade jewelry, arts, crafts, and soaps, among other products, and Neal's Yard is home to colorful shops and delicious restaurants.  St JOHN Bakery  serves up "London's fluffiest doughnuts," while Homeslice boasts pizza so delicious, you'll want seconds.

While you're in the West End, why not check out a musical? Many offer matinee performances once during the week and on weekends. Children under age 4 aren't permitted at some theaters, and others say children between ages 3 and 7 will be asked to leave if they become too restless, so keep that in mind if you're traveling with little ones. The Theatre Royal Drury Lane (which is currently showing "Frozen: The Musical") is a four-minute walk from Covent Garden.

Shop At Hamley's

Placate the kids with a shopping spree on Regent Street, which is easily reached by hopping on the Tube at Covent Garden Station. Want to win parent of the year? Get off at Picadilly Circus and walk the eight minutes to Hamleys , deemed by many to be the "finest toy shop in the world." It's also the largest, boasting seven floors filled with every stuffed toy and gadget a child could dream of. Shopping here is an adventure in and of itself. There are often toy demonstrations that include free manicures (for kids) and testing of the latest and greatest gizmos. Don't miss the life-sized LEGO statue of King Charles. Regent Street's not just for kids. 

This shopping wonderland is home to Massimo Dutti, Karl Lagerfeld, Burberry, and the stunning Liberty London, a historic department store set in a heritage-listed building. There are also cafés, restaurants, and pubs on hand to satiate anyone who's ready for a snack. When you've finished giving your wallet a workout, hop back in the tube at Oxford Circus and make your way to Queensway. Walk into Kensington Gardens and you'll find the Diana Memorial Playground on your right before you reach Kensington Palace and Round Pond. 

Run Around At Diana Memorial Playground

Park yourself, and your newly purchased packages, on a bench while the kids run wild at this Peter Pan-themed play space. Built in honor of Princess Diana, children can walk the plank on a pirate ship, hide in a teepee, or dig for buried treasure in the ginormous sandbox at this fantastic playground. A highlight for tourists traveling to London with kids, this park receives more than one million visitors each year, so be prepared to wait, especially if you're planning to arrive during a holiday, in summer, or on a warm and sunny day. At peak times, the wait can be up to one hour. Luckily, the Broad Walk Café is open daily from 9 a.m. to serve parents a much-needed specialty coffee or tea, as well as pastries, pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream for little ones.

Save a bit of time to wander around Kensington Gardens, another magnificent Royal Park that was once the private gardens of Kensington Palace. Lead the kids on a scavenger hunt to find the Peter Pan statue. It lies by The Long Water, just across from Hyde Park.

Have Afternoon Tea

What's a trip to London without afternoon tea ? While there are plenty of places to get a proper tea service, there are also plenty of kid-friendly tea options. Head to The Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington (by black cab is easiest) for an experience every child will love -– Kid's Jurassic Afternoon Tea. For around $43 per child, they'll fill up on enough sammies, scones, and pastries that they probably won't need dinner. Everything is served in a tiered dinosaur tray with dry ice. 

Peppa Pig's Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is a must for fans of The Pig Wonder. For a full 90 minutes, you and your tykes will be transported via double-decker bus past some of London's most famous landmarks. As you ride, Peppa Pig will guide you on a built-in tablet. There's a sing-a-long, too, so warm up your voices before boarding and prepare to oink. You'll also receive a themed tea service. These tours are available two to three times daily from Thursday to Sunday and depart from Somerset House. Tickets begin at $59 per adult or $47 per child. 

Another fun option is the Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. This 1:45-hour ride takes visitors past Paddington's favorite Central London attractions with narration from the bear himself via a tablet at each table. Tours run twice daily from Wednesday to Sunday and leave from Trafalgar Square. Tickets start at $55 per adult and $43 per child and include marmalade sandwiches (obviously) as well as other tasty treats and tea, of course.

Read the original article on Explore .

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• Beyond London

Previously Off-Limits Areas Of Buckingham Palace To Open To The Public

The East Wing of Buckingham Palace will open to the public for the first time this summer.

Special tours led by expert guides will take visitors through the Principal Floor of the East Wing — better known as the world-famous facade of the Palace, which overlooks The Mall. Perhaps most exciting is the chance to visit the Centre Room, the space which leads out onto the balcony where the Royals make public appearances on special occasions. (Note that stepping out onto the balcony itself during the tours is likely to be a big no-no).

The East Wing was added onto the Palace in the 1840s at the request of Queen Victoria, who made use of it along with Prince Albert and their children. Some of the rooms boast Chinese-themed décor, due to the fact that the Asian-style Royal Pavilion in Brighton was sold to pay for its construction, and some of the artefacts relocated from Brighton to London as a result. Look out for nine-tiered Chinese porcelain pagodas, and the Kylin Clock, which incorporates two turquoise Chinese lions.

In addition to the Centre Room, the guided tours visit the Principal Corridor, which runs the length of the Wing and houses paintings by artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Sir Thomas Lawrence and Franz Xaver Winterhalter, and the Yellow Drawing Room. Today's Royal Family uses the rooms of the wing for meetings and official events.

Why now? Five years of improvement works have just been undertaken in the East Wing, "to upgrade the historic building’s infrastructure, improve access and preserve it for future generations". Though with news that parts of Balmoral Castle are also opening to the public for the first time this summer, one could wonder whether the Royals are feeling the financial pinch and having to diversify their revenue streams.

East Wing Highlights Tours are in addition to the summer opening of the State Rooms, which has taken place most years since the 1990s, often with special themed exhibitions. Here's what that looked like in summer 2019:

The Buckingham Palace State Rooms are open 11 July-29 September 2024. East Wing Highlights Tours are available in July and August, starting 15 July. Tickets for the East Wing go on sale on 9 April to Royal Collection Trust email subscribers, and the following day for everyone else.

Last Updated 04 April 2024

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