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A practical guide to planning the perfect day trip

Get your fill of adventure and exploration—no overnight stay required

By Archana Ram

There’s a lot to love about the open road: fresh air, incredible sights, connecting with people in a new place. But sometimes life gets in the way, be it a lack of vacation days or kids waiting for you at home. That’s why we love day trips. It packs that sense of wanderlust into a neatly edited one-day excursion. You don’t have to lug a carry-on or figure out how you’ll fit your backpacks, cooler, tent, and sleeping bags into the car.

But just because it’s a single day doesn’t mean some planning isn’t required. With a little foresight, you can make the very most out of a 24-hour getaway, from packing the right provisions to loading your phone with helpful apps. Here’s what you need to know:

How to plan

Consider budget. Cost factors into everything, from where you’ll go to which restaurants you’ll eat at to permits you’ll need to enter national parks. Deciding in advance how much you want to spend—especially when traveling with a group—can help make decisions on where to go and what to buy that much easier. And keep in mind some places (i.e. museums, hot springs, etc.) offer discounts for locals.

Pick your theme. Before you get to the “where,” think about the “what.” Maybe it’s making stops along Route 66 , hiking forest trails, or exploring eerie old resorts. Whatever the theme, stick to one or two to avoid a watered down itinerary. Then, once you’ve got your themes figured out, start making lists of all the top locales that align with them—ideally focusing on places no more than three hours away to maximize trip time.

Limit your areas. Some people fall into the trap of packing too much into a day trip because it’s, well, a day trip. But there’s no point in returning home ragged after running around all over town. Once you’ve picked your destination, try to concentrate on two or three specific  areas. It’ll give you more time to hit the streets, trails, and coastlines, rather than spending all of your time in the car. Remember, it’s about connecting with the place, not getting a superficial scope of things. For example, instead of trying to traverse the whole stretch of Joshua Tree National Park —which can take several hours even without making any significant stops—pick a side, like the western portion, where you’ll find the titular trees (you’ll have extra time to scout the antique shops in town, too!).

What about weather? Do you like the blaring heat? What about getting rained on? These factors can help whittle down options for places and timing. But remember, if you don’t mind putting up with some less-than-perfect conditions, you could be rewarded with fewer crowds. But crowds aside, always be aware of weather conditions and safety.

Examine your car. You want to make the most of your getaway without any car troubles sucking up precious time. Before hitting the road, take the time to ensure your car is armed with a full tank of gas, oil, jumper cables, and flat tire fixes—whether that’s a jack and spare or the number for roadside assistance. And if you’re driving in winter conditions, make sure you have the proper cold weather provisions .

Check schedules. Maybe you’re visiting a museum. Or touring an iconic landmark. If your attraction comes with a timetable, double check to make sure it’ll be open both the day and times you want to visit.

What to pack

Charger. Admit it—your phone is basically another appendage, and on a day trip you’ll likely use it for navigation, music, and finding places to stop. That all takes a lot of juice, so bring either a USB cable to charge within your car or a remote battery pack.

Phone mount. Looking down at the GPS while driving is dangerous. There are plenty of dashboard options out there, some of which even have wireless and solar charging capabilities.

Bring cash . Stash some dollar bills in your wallet and put that ATM fee toward your tip at a roadside diner or a unique find at an antique shop. Many local, mom-and-pop establishments don’t accept credit cards or any form of digital payment.

Flashlight. We know it’s a “day” trip, but should you have car trouble, drop your keys in the grass, or need to see exactly where to pick up the dog poop, you’ll be thankful you have a light at the end of the day. A headlamp is an even easier, allowing you to go hands-free.

Snacks. In case chips and cookies from the local service station don’t sound appealing, oranges, bananas, nuts, and peanut butter sandwiches hold up well. And if you pack enough food, you might even consider subbing those as a lunch-on-the-go so you can make time for other activities.

SPF. Whether it’s 80 degrees and sunny or sub-zero and snowing, if you’re outside, you should always think about protecting your skin. And if you plan to swim in the ocean, opt for a reef-friendly sunscreen .

Water. This can actually be an easy one to forget. Aim for at least one reusable bottle per person. (And don’t forget about the dog !)

Cooler. Larger ones are ideal for beaches and parks. Cooler backpacks are a better idea if you plan to hike or bike.

Towels. They come in handy for everything from picnicking to hitting the beach to cleaning up after muddy treks.

When to ditch the plans

There’s merit in planning things ahead of time. It can mean less traffic, fewer disappointments if something is closed, and avoiding unnecessary purchases. But we all know that spontaneity is what makes a road trip truly memorable. So don’t be afraid to take that local’s recommendation or drive the scenic detour or spend your whole day in a place that was just supposed to be a pitstop. Those off-the-itinerary moments are what make hopping in a car and traveling to a new destination so fulfilling. You’re in control, so seize the day (trip).

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12 Beautiful English Countryside Getaways to Enjoy in 2024

Sometime’s I become so preoccupied with exploring the world that I forget about all the beautiful English Countryside getaway locations right on my doorstep.

The English countryside is often, sadly, overlooked. Visitors from abroad flock to London , stay a few days before moving onto the rest of Europe. But they are missing the best bit!

Whilst England is famed for its pretty countryside with rolling hills, forests and rivers, the charming villages themselves are well worth a visit. There is so much history in England and old buildings, castles and churches galore to reflect this.

The English are notoriously a friendly bunch with a cracking dry sense of humour (if a little eccentric at times…)

Ok, full disclosure; I am English though living in Wales so I may be a tad biased when I tell you the English are the most friendly people worldwide. I’m sure there are some facts out there somewhere to back me up..?!

My favourite thing about an English countryside getaway is the multitude of cafes for afternoon tea, the beautiful walks and spending evenings in a cosy old pub, warming myself by a roaring fire and tucking into some hearty pub food.

So if I’ve convinced you to explore beyond London next time, here are 12 beautiful English Countryside getaways suggested by travel bloggers to inspire your trip to rural England!

But first one of my own favourite places…

** Pssst, this article may contain affiliate links. If you have no idea what this means, click here and everything will be explained!**

What you can expect from this article...

• 1 English Countryside Getaway to Monmouth
• 2 English Countryside Getaway to The Lake District
• 3 English Countryside Getaway to Exmoor
• 4 English Countryside Getaways in The New Forest
• 5 English Countryside Getaway to Hambledon in Hampshire
• 6 English Countryside Getaway to Wensleydale in The Yorkshire Dales
• 7 English Countryside Getaway to Lacock, Wiltshire
• 8 English Countryside Getaways in Northumberland, North England
• 9 English Countryside Getaways to The South Downs
• 10 English Countryside Getaways to Teesdale, The North Pennines
• 11 English Countryside Getaways to The Cotswolds
• 12 English Countryside Getaways to The Peak District

English Countryside Getaway to Monmouth

Well, you could argue that this is a Welsh countryside getaway as in truth, Monmouth borders both England and Wales. It’s the town where I grew up and recently I heard it was Britains happiest town according to Capitol radio!

It’s no wonder why really. Monmouth is one of those places where community spirit is really strong. There’s always so much going on whether that be a free music festival or a country fair. The pubs are always bustling and lively and there are plenty of cafes for a cream tea or two.

Monmouth is also home to the only remaining fortified medieval bridge in the UK making it a popular place for history buffs to visit. Read more about Monmouth in my  Monmouth Visitors Guide .

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Over to the other bloggers…

English Countryside Getaway to The Lake District

By Kathi Kamleitner

English Countryside Getaway to Exmoor

By Suzanne Easton

Exmoor is located on the border of Somerset and Devon and is one of the smaller National Parks in England.

It is a beautiful area to explore with deep wooded valleys, streams and high moorland.  It was used as the inspiration for the Lorna Doone book by RD Blackmoore and still has a romantic wilderness feel.

Exmoor reaches the coast with the seaside town of Minehead being on the boundary of the national park, perfect for a beach walk or supplies before heading away from the town.

One of our favourite places is Tarr Steps.  An ancient clapper bridge with beautiful walks and wild swimming in the river during the summer months.  Nearby is Liscombe Farm with gorgeous dairy ice cream from the cows that you see grazing near the river.

Exmoor is also known for its deer rut.  High on the moorland in the autumn months, the stags collect their hinds and congregate showing great displays of their strength, fighting other stags and generally being aggressive and loud.

Staying on Exmoor is really special as it has Dark Skies status and the stars really do shine on the moors at night.  We love the Dunkery Beacon Hotel , indulgence but worth every penny.

English Countryside Getaways in The New Forest

English countryside getaway to hambledon in hampshire.

By Kelly Mongan

With its stunning vineyard and charming village pub, there’s no better place for a weekend away than Hambledon.

Located in Hampshire, this town is often referred to as “the cradle of cricket”, since it is where the modern cricket rules were first played (head to the Bat & Ball pub if you’re a cricket fan!).

Hambledon is located in South Downs National Park and therefore offers stunning countryside walks, through the vineyard and cabbage fields, or even up Butser Hill.

It’s also a Dark Sky zone, meaning you’ll be treated to the most wonderful view of the stars at night.

If you want to truly experience the English countryside, there is no better place to stay than Wriggly Tin Shepherds Huts . Wriggly Tin offers glamping in its finest form and is just a ten-minute walk from Hambledon Vineyard.

At the vineyard, it’s possible to do a tour and taste their award-winning sparkling wine.

If you’re looking to explore more of the area, Winchester is an easy day trip, as is Arundel Castle. Or, for walking/cycling trips, you have the whole of South Downs National Park at your disposal!

English Countryside Getaway to Wensleydale in The Yorkshire Dales

By Sarah Poitras

This summer, we spent four days in the Yorkshire Dales for our first English countryside getaway. We based ourselves in Wensleydale for our Yorkshire Dales holiday .

If you like walking, Wensleydale is a great place to visit in the English countryside. You’ll be treated to rolling green hills, picturesque stone fences, and of course tons of sheep. And it’s a great place for people of all abilities as there are many different walks of varying difficulty levels.

There are also castles! We particularly enjoyed our visit to Bolton Castle, which is quite well preserved and has beautiful grounds to explore. It would also make for a good family outing (we saw a lot of kids enjoying themselves).

We based ourselves in two towns, Hawes and Masham, for their locations and for their local culinary delights. Hawes is home to Wensleydale Creamery which makes truly delicious cheese. And Masham has not one but two local breweries: Theakston Brewery and Black Sheep Brewery.

In Hawes, we stayed at Spring Bank House , a traditional B&B, and in Masham, we stayed at The Bay Horse , a traditional pub. Both served tasty and hearty breakfasts and had friendly and helpful owners. We would highly recommend both if you’re looking for places to stay in Wensleydale.

Read More | The ultimate Yorkshire bucket list

English Countryside Getaway to Lacock, Wiltshire

By Chandrima Chakraborty

If you’re looking for some beautiful English countryside getaways, the village of Lacock definitely needs to be on your list.

Located in the English county of Wiltshire (around 30 minutes from the city of Bath by car), this little village will transport you back in time, to almost 200 years ago. It’s maintained entirely by the National Trust. And mind you, it’s not a museum. It’s very much a functioning village.

Take a stroll down its many alleys and admire the cute traditional cottages in the village. There’s also an old tithe barn, church, and workhouse.

Here you can see the honour system still in use. Residents lay out their homemade jams, marmalades, buns, and scones outside their homes – unguarded and unsupervised. You’re expected to take what you want and leave the payment right there.

If you feel hungry, stop for a bite at one of its cute little bakeries or cafes. Also, don’t forget to check out the Fox Talbot Museum and the Lacock Abbey (especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan).

The village has also been a filming location for many popular movies and TV shows including Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and BBC’s Pride and Prejudice.

Lacock can easily be covered on a day trip from London . You might even want to combine it with a visit to Bath and Stonehenge like we did.

English Countryside Getaways in Northumberland, North England

English countryside getaways to the south downs.

Picture proper English countryside and there’s a good chance you think of bright yellow flowering fields, rolling green hills and winding tracks. That’s the South Downs.

This enormous Sussex and Hampshire national park is a prime picnicking spot, with great cycling and walking – and all just 20 minutes from the bustle of Brighton and Hove.

Come for the next eclipse or to stargaze (it’s a Dark Sky Park) or pop over on a sunny day to soak up the country air and get away from it all. Spotting wildlife will have you keen to stay and there’s a cracking pub, The Devils Dyke, where you can refuel with good food and drink.

For day trips, you shouldn’t miss exploring colourful spots on the South Coast like Brighton , Eastbourne and Worthing, which will also offer great hotels. The Courtlands Hotel in Hove is a great option for those looking to splash out, while The Brighton Breeze Hotel is somewhere budget that I have stayed and can recommend.

English Countryside Getaways to Teesdale, The North Pennines

By Sarah Carter

Getaway to the little known Teesdale – part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The River Tees flows down through the dale, providing stunning waterfalls at Cauldron Snout, High Force and Low Force, with spectacular and easy walks along her banks.

The gateway to this glorious dale is the market town of Barnard Castle, named after the castle of the same name which was built in the 12 th century. Famous visitors to the town have included author Charles Dickens and landscape painter JMW Turner.

Here you’ll find great places to stay, including the friendly and welcoming 17 th century Old Well Inn , which backs onto the castle walls.

There are other fabulous cosy pubs and the magnificent Bowes Museum which boasts links to the Queen Mother. Explore the famous Butter Market or Market Cross, now serving as a beleaguered traffic island, but which was once the town jail!

There are great walks – a short 6km round trip takes you between the two main waterfalls further up the dale from Low Force to High Force and back. This is a stunning area of England in which to take a break, no matter what the time of year!

English Countryside Getaways to The Cotswolds

By Emily Cole

The Cotswolds is full of fantastic countryside; think thatched, honey coloured cottages nestling in the hollows of gently rolling hills, perfect for country walks.

There’s something for everyone in the Cotswolds. The most famous villages are Castle Combe, Bibury and Bourton on the Water, which are usually voted among the prettiest villages in the UK.

The Cotswold Way runs for 100 miles along the top of the hills linking Chipping Campden in the north of the region to Bath in the south.  Any section of this walk gives fantastic views and access to quaint towns.  Broadway Tower is a highlight along the route.

You can also discover a wealth of history in the region.  Sudeley Castle is a former royal palace and lies half in ruins, half still lived-in stately home.  Blenheim Palace is on the edge of the Cotswolds and is one of the most fantastic buildings in the UK. Cogges Manor Farm is a historic farm which was used in the filming of Downton Abbey.

There are numerous places to stay in the Cotswolds, although choosing a central location such as Barnsley House near Cirencester will allow you to get to both the north and south of the Cotswolds in less than an hour.

The Cotswolds are only a couple of hours away from London, making the region a perfect weekend getaway.

English Countryside Getaways to The Peak District

Just about an hour outside of Manchester lies the Peak District, a landscape like no other in Britain.

You will find rolling hills, moorland plateaus, and steep-sided deep dales. When you pair the amazing landscape with quaint villages housing amazing places to eat and drink, market towns, and historic houses, you are bound to have a vacation like no other.

Many people visiting the Peak District enjoy going out for a day hike that ends with a proper meal and ale at one of the many historic pubs you will find along the way.

Besides just hiking, you can go spelunking in a cavern, cycle the windy roads or even take a cable car up the famous Heights of Abraham.

If you don’t quite fancy the outdoor activities, there are plenty of villages to stop over and shop till you drop.

There are also plenty of charming bed and breakfasts to choose from if you would like to stay the night. While we were visiting we found a quaint little Airbnb to stay at where we were able to cook a full English fry up in the morning!

With everything the Peak District has to offer, it is definitely a must for anyone looking to visit a charming English countryside!

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The 21 Best Day Trips From London

By Condé Nast Traveller and Anna Prendergast

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

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

Read our complete London travel guide here .

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

Canterbury, Kent

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

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

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

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

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

Elmley Nature Reserve

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

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

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

Great Garden Escape, The Newt in Somerset

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

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

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

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

Clifton, Bristol

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harrison Pierce

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Bath, Somerset

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

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

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

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

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

The New Forest, Hampshire

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

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

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

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

Hertford, Hertfordshire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more about Deal, Kent

Whitstable, Kent

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

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

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

Rye, East Sussex

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

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

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

These are our favourite things to do in Rye

Margate, Kent

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

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

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

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

Read more about Margate's best things to do

Eastbourne, East Sussex

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

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

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

An insider guide to the South Downs

Brighton, East Sussex

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

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

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

The best restaurants in Brighton

Lewes, Sussex

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

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

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

Folkestone, Kent

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

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

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

The best restaurants in Kent

Oxford, Oxfordshire

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

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

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

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

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

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

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

Ashdown Forest, East Sussex

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

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

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

Dungeness, Kent

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hastings and St Leonards

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

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

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

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19 Best Day Trips From London

Jessica Furseth

November 29, 2023

19 min read

London is one of the great cities of the world—you could easily spend all of your time here and still be hungry for more. But if you fancy a taste of lush English countryside or some breezy seaside, London is also ideally located for a day trip. An hour or two in a car or train will take you to charming seaside towns, historic castles, world-class university towns, heritage monuments, and thatched cottages on picture perfect cobbled streets.

To car or not to car

In central London, having a car is more of a hindrance than a help—it’s hectic, parking is expensive, and there are congestion charges at play in the city core. Save yourself the trouble and use public transport, supplementing with taxis. 

If you want to get out of London and head deeper into the English countryside, there are places where a car is a must. (Drive times listed here are approximate—it largely depends on the time of day that you’re on the road.) But equally, there’s no shortage of great destinations reachable by rail; trains out of the capital are frequent and efficient. London has about a dozen rail terminuses (all connected to the Tube network) that serve the surrounding areas, and your destination will mostly determine which one you’ll need. To plot your route, use a service like The Trainline . Buying train tickets weeks (or months) in advance leads to greater savings; train prices below are for a same-day, roundtrip ticket booked the day before. Bear in mind, the very best savings can be made by traveling by coach—that’s British for long-distance bus—at the cost of a longer journey.

Best day trips from London

Hitchin: 30 minutes by train.

The lush lavender fields of Hitchin are worth the trip out of London all by themselves—the purple flowers stretch out in every direction, and you can wander through them to your heart’s content, picking as much as you can carry. In addition to about 20 acres of fragrant lavender, Hitchin Lavender Farm also has a sunflower patch and a wildflower field, as well as some lovely walking routes around the area. The town of Hitchin is also worth a few hours of your time, with its pretty cobbled streets and frequent market days. Check ahead to see whether it’s a day for the farmer’s market, the car boot sale, or the antiques market. 

How to get to Hitchin from London

Hitchin is about a 90-minute drive from London. Trains to Hitchin are 30 minutes long (£23 roundtrip) from London’s St. Pancras Station. Hitchin Lavender Farm is open during flowering season, which runs from mid-May to mid-August. It’s best to buy your tickets in advance. To get to the lavender field from the Hitchin station, you’ll have to take a 15-minute ride by taxi or local bus, both of which leave from outside the train station.  

Oxford: 1 hour by train

The “city of dreaming spires”—as penned by Victorian poet Matthew Arnold—is only an hour away from London. Oxford is the place to go for stunning architecture of bridges, squares and gardens, endless romantic strolls, and world-class educational buildings. The view from the tower of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin is the best in the city—definitely worth the £5 entrance fee. Into Harry Potter? You’ll enjoy a tour of the buildings featured in the films. You can also go punting—this quintessential Oxford habit is a lovely way to see the city by cruising down the river in a flat-bottom boat, using a long stick to propel yourself. Or maybe just hire a punt with a pro to do the work while you relax, take in the scenery, and tuck into a picnic as the world floats by.

How to get to Oxford from London

The drive from London to Oxford is about 90 minutes. Direct trains to Oxford depart from London’s Marylebone Station and take just over an hour (£32 roundtrip).  

Cambridge: 1 hour by train

Historic streets, picturesque university buildings, and charming bridges, Cambridge is the quintessential English academia town. Watch out for bicycles, as there seems to be a million of them! Head up the steps to Great St. Mary’s Church for a view of the town that can’t be beat—except for maybe the sight that awaits you inside King’s College Chapel (this is the largest fan vaulted ceiling in the world). Cambridge is another town where punting on the river is a proud pastime; wintertime tours even come with blankets so you can stay warm and cozy.  

How to get to Cambridge from London

Trains to Cambridge leave from King’s Cross Station in London (one-hour ride) or Liverpool Street Station (90-minute ride) for around £30 roundtrip. The drive from London to Cambridge takes about two hours. 

Rye, Camber Sands, and Dungeness: 1 hour 10 minutes by train

If you’re after that picture-perfect English country lane with cobblestones and timber-framed houses, Rye will certainly deliver. This quaint town’s Mermaid Street is famously pretty— The Telegraph calls it “storybook lovely”. Rye is full of tea rooms, artisan bakeries, and cute shops, just ten minutes inland from Camber Sands, a popular beach with picturesque sand dunes. 

If you make it to Rye, don’t ignore Dungeness, a truly unique and somewhat dystopian landscape of shingle beaches and crumbling shacks, perfect for a long walk. Make sure to pop into the Snack Shack for a lobster roll.

How to get to Rye, Camber Sands, and Dungeness from London

Rye is about a two-hour drive from London. From Rye, it’s a 10-minute drive to Camber Sands or 30-minute drive to Dungeness. You can also get to Rye via train, which takes 70 minutes from London’s St. Pancras Station with a change at Ashford (£42 roundtrip). While Rye itself is easy to see on foot, Camber Sands and Dungeness are trickier to get to without a car, although local buses serve the areas intermittently.  

Bath: 1 hour 20 minutes by train

The city of Bath has a golden hue, courtesy of the stone used to build it, and it has swoony Georgian architecture and engaging history to boot. Bath is home to natural hot springs; you can visit the 2,000-year-old Temple of Sulis Minerva at the Roman Baths museum (from £23.50). For the modern spa experience, head to Thermae Bath Spa , which uses the same water as the old Roman baths for its heated swimming pool and wellness treatments such as massages and hot-stone therapy. Literature lovers may already know Bath as the home of Jane Austen, lauded author and now the face of the UK’s £10 notes. Visit the Jane Austen Centre (£15 entry) for an interactive insight into her life; in September, the Jane Austen Festival is a highlight here.

How to get to Bath from London

Bath is about a 2.5-hour drive from London. You can also take the train to Bath Spa Station from London’s Paddington Station; the trip takes about 80 minutes (£70 roundtrip). 

Margate: 1 hour 30 minutes by train

The loveliest skies in all of Europe, said British landscape painter JMW Turner, are found in Margate. Take a walk across the wide crescent-shaped beach, where the sea and the sky seemingly fade into one, and you’ll see why. This Kent seaside town has had a renaissance in recent years as the choice for young Londoners looking to relocate to the sea. Look out for creative arts exhibits at the Pie Factory or The Margate School , and make sure to drop by Turner Contemporary —this gallery is the driving force for Margate’s creative revival and is known for hosting innovative exhibitions. If you’re an open-water swimmer, make a beeline for Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, a large Victorian sea pool available at low tide. In the evenings, the Dreamland amusement park is where it’s at, with rides and entertainment including roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, dance classes, 18+ festivals, and major musicians (think Bastille and Will Young).    

How to get to Margate from London 

Margate is 90 minutes from London’s St. Pancras Station by train or slightly more than 90 minutes from Victoria Station (£32 roundtrip). The drive from London to Margate is around two hours.

Avebury: 1 hour 30 minutes by train and bus

Stonehenge draws the crowds, but Avebury is the insider pick—it’s the quirky little sister to the great Henge. Avebury is part of the Stonehenge UNESCO World Heritage Site, and if you’re driving, you can easily see both in a day (they’re a 40-minute drive apart). But unlike the more famous stone circle, Avebury is unfenced and you can get up close and personal with the stones without charge. The town of Avebury was actually built around (and sometimes inside) the curious monument, originally composed of 100 stones, making this a free and easy place to get a feel for history. 

How to get to Avebury from London

Avebury is about a two-hour drive from London, and the local carpark has a small fee. To get there by train, travel from London’s Paddington Station to Swindon (one hour, £40 roundtrip), and transfer to a local bus for a 30-minute ride. 

The New Forest: 1 hour 50 minutes by train

It’s called the New Forest, but the villages within this national park are historic and the woodlands are literally ancient. Less than two hours outside of London, this forest begs to be explored with a hike, which will reward you with heather fields or autumn leaves depending on the time of year. There’s also a cornucopia of animals, including cattle, acorn-eating pigs, and free roaming New Forest ponies, which are unique to the area. Make dinner reservations at a local pub to cap off your ideal woodland day out— The Crown Stirrup in Lyndhurst cooks with locally sourced ingredients, and the Royal Oak in Fritham is a local favorite with a thatched roof.

How to get to the New Forest from London

Trains from London to the New Forest take about one hour and 50 minutes. There are lots of hiking opportunities —one option is to make it a loop starting and ending at Brockenhurst Station (get there from London’s Waterloo Station for £60 roundtrip). Driving from London to the New Forest takes about two hours. Remember: Animals have the right of way in the New Forest. 

Seven Sisters: 2 hours by car

The walking paths along the entire south coast of England are spectacular—but few are more spectacular than where the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs cut a striking figure in the landscape. Located on the coast between fun-time Brighton and old-time Eastbourne, the Seven Sisters are a dramatic sight. Pristine white cliffs contrast the rolling green before dropping straight into the sea—it’s simply a sight to be seen. Be mindful that while there are country pubs around, this is a rural area and food options can be scarce so plan ahead, and consider bringing snacks.

How to get to Seven Sisters from London

Seven Sisters is about a two-hour drive from London. You can pay a small fee to park just a few minutes from the cliffs, or you can make the most of your day trip and the stunning scenery and plan a hike around it (short or long depending on your appetite). 

Seven Sisters is a little trickier to reach without a car, but you can get the train from London's Victoria Station to Eastbourne (80 minutes, £30 roundtrip) and take a bus from there. Or you can start your hike from Eastbourne and walk along the coastline to the cliffs, which is about a two-hour hike each way (about 10.5 miles total). On the walk back to Eastbourne, stop by the Beachy Head pub for a well-earned British country pub dinner.  

Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle: 2 hours by train

Welcome to Shakespeare’s home turf. Stratford-upon-Avon is the place to get up close and personal with the Bard by visiting his birthplace, his family home, and Anne Hathaway Cottage, the house where his wife grew up. You can purchase tickets to visit all three properties for £25. 

Swing by the historic market town of Warwick, just 15 minutes away by car; there’s also a direct train that takes 30 minutes (£7 roundtrip). Medieval Warwick Castle is the star of the show, with dungeons, turrets, and all the ingredients for a Middle Age time warp. 

How to get to Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick from London

Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick are about a two-hour drive from London. To get there by train, set off from London’s Marylebone Station, where it takes just over two hours to get to Stratford-upon-Avon with one change in Solihull or Leamington Spa (£36 roundtrip). Alternatively, you can take a train from Marylebone to Warwick, which takes 90 minutes (£36 roundtrip).  

Stonehenge: 2 hours 15 minutes by train and bus

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, the prehistoric stone circle in the Wiltshire countryside is a mystery even today. On the summer solstice, the sun rises precisely behind the Heel Stone, before the first rays shine into the heart of the 3,000-year-old monument. This is a place where you truly feel your place in history and nature. 

How to get to Stonehenge from London

Stonehenge is about a 90-minute drive from London. You can buy tickets, starting at £23, from the official website ; these tickets get you close to the monument but not inside. If you want to get inside, opt for a Stone Circle Experience , which allows you to walk among the stones in smaller groups outside of standard opening hours; at £60, it’s pricier, but it’s a truly unforgettable experience. 

To get to Stonehenge via public transport, take the train from London’s Waterloo Station to the town of Salisbury (£50 roundtrip). From there you can join a bus such as the Stonehenge Tour (£18; you can book online, or in summer you can buy tickets from the train station) to take you the rest of the way. Another option is to join a coach tour to Stonehenge from London. A simple web search will bring up several to choose from, starting from £65 depending on what’s included.  

The Cotswolds: 2 hours 30 minutes by car

Honey-colored stone houses, rolling green hills, manor houses, and sheep dotting the countryside—the Cotswolds are a slice of old England. This area measures an expansive 800 square miles or so, but it’s still possible to have an extremely charming time if you only have a day; just be sure to make your itinerary in advance so as not to waste precious time. Bourton-on-the-Water is the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, known for its adorable bridges and gardens, as well as its yew hedge maze. Another solid bet is Stow-on-the-Wold, a historic wool town with a charming square, church, and perhaps England’s oldest pub, the Porch House, thought to be over 1,000 years old.  

How to get to the Cotswolds from London

By car, the Cotswolds are about 2.5 hours from London (depending on where you’re going). Rent a small car to make the narrow roads and tight parking spaces more manageable, and spring for GPS navigation. If you’re relying on public transport, it’s possible to get the train to nearby towns—like Cheltenham, Bath, Oxford, and Moreton-in-Marsh—and transfer to local buses, but these buses can be infrequent, so you’d likely want to stay in the area for more than a day.   

Best day trips from London by train 

Bath, Margate, Oxford, Cambridge, and Stratford-upon-Avon are all ideal day trip destinations to take by train. They all have train stations in the middle of town or within a 10-minute walk of the center, and they are compact in size so that they can easily be explored on foot. They also have regular, frequent train services to London, making it an easy day out. 

If you’re looking for more great day trip destinations suited to visit from London by rail, there are other options. 

Windsor: 30 minutes by train

Windsor Castle—the oldest and largest castle in the world that’s still occupied—was Queen Elizabeth’s beloved main home (and where Prince Harry and Meghan married). It’s open to visitors year round; book ahead for the discounted rate of £28. Windsor also has the Royal Dairy Farm & Shop , which sells produce from the royal estates, as well as a café that serves cream teas with proper English scones. 

Windsor is also home to the UK Legoland ( book ahead for a better value), a 10-minute drive from the center of Windsor. If traveling from London, a rail-and-bus package makes Legoland an easy visit.  

How to get to Windsor from London

Windsor has two central train stations, so choose the one that aligns best with your starting point. From London’s Paddington Station, ride to Windsor & Eton Central Station (30 minutes), changing at Slough. Or ride from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station (about one hour). Both options are about £15 roundtrip. It takes about an hour to drive from London to Windsor. 

Bletchley Park: 40 minutes by train

Discover how crucial codes were cracked during World War II at this brilliantly preserved historic site. Here you can see one of the Enigma machines, used by Alan Turing (the English mathematician who cracked the codes) as depicted in the film The Imitation Game . Make no mistake, this operation was a big one: At its peak, Bletchley Park had over 9,000 people working on cracking codes during the war. Among the fascinating displays is information about the birds trained to deliver messages for the Allied forces.  

How to get to Bletchley Park from London

From London’s Euston Station, the train to Bletchley is 40 minutes (£23 roundtrip). From the station, Bletchley Park is a five-minute walk. Book tickets to Bletchley Park online. The drive from London to Bletchley Park is about an hour, and there’s free on-site parking. 

Brighton: 1 hour by train

The vintage shopping in Brighton is second to none, although you may end up spending all your time at the seafront, enjoying the delights of the pier, the arcade, and the endless pebble beach. A liberal and freewheeling city, this is a firm favorite for a day out for Londoners—Brighton is always a good idea. 

How to get to Brighton from London

To get to Brighton, take a one-hour train ride from London from Victoria, Blackfriars, or London Bridge stations. Fares start at £34 roundtrip. The drive from London to Brighton takes about 90 minutes.

Folkestone: 1 hour by train

An up-and-comer in the day trip game, Folkestone is an increasingly popular destination for Londoners looking for a day out by the seaside. A historic port with an incredible beach, Folkestone also scores high for its quirky arts scene. Come for the fish and chips (we like Sandy’s ), and stay for the beachside bars ( The Pilot Beach Bar is hard to beat). While you’re here, look for the statue of the human figure, created by the British sculptor Antony Gormley, hidden below the main walkway of Folkestone Harbour—it’s visible only at low tide. 

How to get to Folkestone from London

Direct trains to Folkestone Central depart London’s Charing Cross or St. Pancras stations, taking a little over an hour depending on the station (£40 roundtrip). By car, London to Folkestone takes about 90 minutes.

Canterbury: 1 hour 20 minutes by train

Canterbury is a pleasant student town ideal for a day of exploring and losing yourself in the medieval streets. There are punts here too if you want to take a trip on the River Stour. Canterbury was one of the busiest pilgrimage cities in the medieval world, making the Gothic-style Canterbury Cathedral a must-see. Fans of the great English poet Geoffrey Chaucer will get their moment at the interactive Canterbury Tales tour , which brings the 17,000-lines-long pilgrimage story to life. 

How to get to Canterbury from London

From London, travel from Victoria, Charing Cross, or St. Pancras stations (starting at £32 roundtrip) to either Canterbury East or Canterbury West—both stations are central. The drive from London to Canterbury takes about one hour and 45 minutes. 

Norwich: 1 hour 50 minutes by train

Norwich is officially named “A Fine City”—and the nickname checks out. Centered around medieval Norwich Cathedral, this city has a thriving cultural scene with great art galleries, music, and festivals for everything from literature and architecture to beer. The city has an excellent covered market that’s open daily, serving food, crafts, and flowers, as well as great little restaurants often serving local produce; expect Norfolk lamb, Norfolk pigeon, and Cromer crab from the Norfolk coast. Outside of the city are the Norfolk Broads—Britain’s largest protected wetland. If you have a car, make sure you leave time to explore these gorgeous waterways, the countryside, and the striking open seaside.   

How to get to Norwich from London

To get to Norwich, ride from London’s Liverpool Street Station about an hour and 50 minutes (£42 roundtrip). By car, Norwich is just over two hours from London.

Paris: 2 hours 30 minutes by train

A day trip to Paris? The train is only two hours and 20 minutes, so it’s possible! The first Eurostar of the morning leaves London around 6am, and the last return train is after 9pm, giving you a full day to get charmed by Paris. A city that needs no introduction, Paris has plenty to do in a day. Climb the Eiffel Tower, eat macarons (Dalloyau, of course), visit a museum (The Louvre, l’Orangerie, or the Picasso Museum—the list is endless), and maybe even take a quick after-dinner stroll along the Seine before catching the train back to London.  

How to get to Paris from London

To get to Paris from London, head to the Eurostar terminal at London’s St. Pancras Station. (Note: Be there a minimum of 30 minutes before departure.) Your passport is checked before boarding so you can just walk off the train at Paris Gare du Nord. Prices vary, but with a bit of luck, it’s possible to book a roundtrip ticket for under £100 by planning it months ahead. If you’re driving from London, Paris is a bit too far for a day trip though, clocking in at 6-7 hours via an undersea tunnel train. 

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Other london guides.

• The Travel Guide to London
• London: The Big British Capital That's Actually Quite Small
• Where To Stay in London: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for 2023
• 18 Things To Do in London
• London Itinerary: 2, 3, and 5 Days

Freelance Writer

Published November 29, 2023

Last updated December 21, 2023

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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!

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7-day london classic.

Kent - Garden of England - 7 Days

Best of Devon & Cornwall, West of England - 8 Days

London & England Explorer - 8 Days

London & paris - 9 days, england, ireland, wales & scotland - 10 days.

England & Scotland - 10 Days

England, France, Germany, Italy & More - 14 Days

England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland - 15 Days

European Discovery - 16 Days

Britain & Ireland Grandeur - 23 Days

European Supreme with 3 Day Cruise - 30 Days

Our guide to England vacation packages in 2024. We’ve made a list of over 20 package tours to England, and some also include visits to Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Choose from large or small group experiences, with a huge selection of tour lengths and itineraries to suit every interest. From our classic England packages to themed trips for special events taking place in 2024, check out our complete guide below.

Quicklinks:

England Vacation Packages >>>

England & Scotland Vacation Packages >>>

England & Ireland Vacation Packages >>>

Packages for Special Events in 2024

TV & Movie Themed Packages >>>

Self-Drive & Private Packages >>>

Guide to Planning your Trip to England >>>

Frequently Asked Questions

Vacation Packages to England

Our pick of vacation packages that mainly visit England, starting and ending in London. Some of the trips have the option of travelling with a smaller group of no more than 24 guests.

8 Days Devon & Cornwall >>>

13 Days Devon & Cornwall** >>>

8 Days – London Explorer >>>

9 Days England Package >>>

5 Days Gems of Britain** >>>

**Small Group Tour option

Best of Devon & Cornwall – 8 Days

Trip Size: Large Group

Price: from $1,950 USD per person

Package Includes: Accommodation, some meals, transport

This is a very popular England vacation package that takes you to two of the iconic regions – Devon and Cornwall. These are the lands where the legends of King Arthur came alive, most notably at Tintagel Castle. It’s where the pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower in Plymouth. And it’s where Capability Brown created one of his most famous English gardens at Longleat. You’ll see beautiful countryside in Dartmoor National Park, wonderful sea views from the coastline and visit stately homes as well as Windsor Castle. Plus in Cornwall, you’ll visit and see amazing views from St. Michael’s Mount!

More Details: Devon & Cornwall >>>

Country Roads Wales, Devon & Cornwall – 13 Days

Trip Size: Choice of Large or Small Group

Price: from $5,150 USD per person

This is a similar itinerary to the 8-day vacation package above, but this time extended and with a different feel to the trip. Travel down country roads as you meander your way through the glorious English countryside. See the university city of Oxford and explore the quintessential Cotswolds villages. You’ll also visit Wales, with an overnight stay in Cardiff.

London Explorer – 8 Days

Trip type: Large Group

Price: from $2,150 USD per person

Our 8-day package tour takes you to the best of London! See the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace and get a sense of royal life at Windsor Castle. Soak up English culture at Borough Food Market, enjoy a cruise along the River Thames and explore Westminster Abbey where King Charles was crowned. Plus, there will be a trip to Windsor Castle to see where Harry and Meghan tied the knot, as well as the world-famous stone circle at Stonehenge.

More Details: London Explorer >>>

Real England Package – 9 Days

Price: from $1,800 USD per person

Includes: Accommodation, some meals, transport

This 9-day trip starts in London and travels north into Northern England. It combines old-world cities like York, with the stunning countryside of the UNESCO Lake District. You’ll get to see the home of the Beatles in Liverpool, regency era Bath and the most mysterious stone circle in the world at Stonehenge. You will also spend a day in Edinburgh which is the Scottish capital and briefly see Cardiff which is the Welsh capital.

More Details: Real England Trip >>>

Gems of Britain – 5 Days

Price: from $1,595 USD per person

With this fast-paced 5 day trip you’ll discover some fantastic places in England, as well as seeing a bit of Scotland and Wales. You’ll see the historic northern city of Chester that was built by the Romans and marvel at the beauty of the Lake District National Park. Visitors will also explore Shakespeare’s birth town of Stratford-upon-Avon along with admiring the Scottish and Welsh capitals. It’s a great introductory trip to England if you are looking for a short vacation package.

More Details: Gems of Britain >>>

England & Scotland Vacation Packages

Here are our picks of vacation packages that combine both England and Scotland, as well as a bit of Wales. All packages start and end in London.

10 Days Britain Package >>>

14 Days Britain Package >>>

11 Days Britain Package** >>>

13 Days Britain Package** >>>

** Available as a small group tour

Amazing Britain Package – 10 Days

Price: from $2,475 USD per person

Our amazing Britain package starts in London as you’ll travel into Northern England. Highlights of the England part of the trip include visiting the birthplace of William Shakespeare in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. You’ll explore the three great cities of York, Liverpool and Bristol, each with its own distinct feel and charm. Plus, discover exquisite towns including Durham and Bath. In Scotland, you’ll stay 2 nights in Edinburgh, 1 night in Glasgow and venture into the Scottish Highlands.

More Details: Amazing Britain >>>

Best of Britain Package – 14 Days

Price: from $3,650 USD per person

Our 14-day package has a lot in common with the 10-day package above but is extended with more fantastic locations! Departing and returning from London you’ll visit Northern England and head into Scotland. You’ll also visit the southwest of England. See Plymouth where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World, with millions of American families tracing their family heritage back to these voyages. You’ll also explore the legends of King Arthur with a visit to mystical Glastonbury. In Scotland, you will also head to the Isle of Skye, an island with one of the most spectacular pieces of scenery in the world!

More Details: Best of Britain >>>

Best of Britain Package – 11 Days

Price: from $2,825 USD per person

This trip will venture from London into Northern England, stopping at classic highlights including Stratford-upon-Avon and the Viking town of York. 3 days are spent in Scotland, with stops in the two big cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as time in the magnificent Scottish countryside. On your way back down south, you’ll drive through the Lake District and Wales. The trip also heads into South West England, stopping at Plymouth where the Pilgrim Father’s set sail to America.

More Details: Britain 11 Day Package >>>

Elegance of Britain Package – 13 Days

Trip Size: Large or Small Group

Price: from $4,370 USD per person

Departure Point: London or Edinburgh

Our 13-day package spends most of the time in England, with two nights in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. We’ll explore the Lake District, a UNESCO region that was home to many English writers and poets including Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. We’ll stay 2 nights in the Viking city of York and use it as a base to explore the cathedral city and the nearby town of Lincoln. Highlights include a visit to the Brontë Parsonage Museum where the Brontë sisters – Charlotte, Emily and Anne lived. As we head down south, we’ll stop at Blenheim Palace, England’s version of the Palace of Versailles that was the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Plus there will be visits to Stonehenge, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and more!

More Details: Elegance of Britain >>>

England & Ireland Vacation Packages

Our picks of packages combining trips to England and Ireland.

10 Days Britain & Ireland >>>

15 Days England & Ireland >>>

20 Days Britain & Ireland** >>>

24 Days UK & Ireland Package** >>>

**Small group tour option

Britain & Ireland Highlights – 10 Days

Price: from $2,675 USD per person

Our whistlestop package tour combines a bit of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Perfect if you are short on time but want to see a lot of places. You’ll head from London into Northern England to York and the Lake District. See Glasgow and Edinburgh before taking a ferry into Northern Ireland. See Belfast and Dublin and enjoy the delights of the Irish countryside. A ferry crossing takes you into Wales, where you’ll pass by Cardiff and return to London stopping at Stonehenge and Bath along the way.

More details: Britain & Ireland 10 Days >>>

England & Ireland Package – 15 Days

Price: from $3,795 USD per person

With 15 days there’s a little bit more time to explore England and Ireland in depth. On this package tour, you’ll spend 9 days in England, 2 days in Scotland and 4 days in Ireland. That’s a great way to get a feel for the beautiful landscapes and customs of this part of the world, as well as a taste of English, Scottish and Irish cultures, which are all quite different and unique. The trip also includes two short ferry rides between Britain and Ireland.

More Details: England & Ireland 15 Days >>>

Romantic Britain & Ireland – 20 Days

Trip Size: Small or Large Group

Price: from $6,950 USD per person

Our 20 day mega trip to Britain and Ireland is a wonderful way to explore the region. In England, you’ll visit towns including Plymouth, Oxford, Bath and York. In Scotland you’ll head to Loch Ness, venture onto the Isle of Skye and see the home of golf at St Andrews. Spend a day exploring the Northern Ireland capital city of Belfast before heading down south into Ireland. Here you’ll explore lots of spectacular countryside, as well as see the Irish capital of Dublin. There is even time spent in Wales and Cardiff. This trip has something for everyone – UNESCO World Heritage Sites, big cities, quaint villages and spectacular countryside.

More Details: Britain & Ireland 20 Days >>>

UK & Ireland Package – 24 Days

Price: from $7,195 USD per person

Spend 3.5 weeks exploring England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland in depth. This is quite possibly the trip of a lifetime, with the choice of a small or large group. It’s hard to sum this one up in just a short paragraph, but it’s probably the most in-depth vacation package we offer. It’s also the only tour that heads into the UNESCO Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland which was a Game of Thrones filming location, as well as visiting UNESCO Conwy Castle in North Wales.

More Details: 24 Day Package >>>

Vacation Packages for Special Events 2024

There are lots of special events taking place in England during 2024, and we’ve listed below some of the specialist vacation packages that coincide with these events. We also have garden packages that include the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Many of these are once-in-a-lifetime events that are not to be missed!

3 Day Platinum Jubilee Weekend Package >>>

4 Day Edinburgh Military Tattoo Package >>>

15 Days English Gardens & Chelsea Flower Show >>>

Edinburgh Military Tattoo Package – 4 Days

Price: from £319 per person

Departure Dates: August 

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the most important events in Scotland, with military bands and performers descending onto the Scottish capital from around the world. There will be Highland Dancers, military pipes and drums, flybys of military jets, fireworks and more! The package also includes a visit to Loch Lomond in the Scottish Highlands.

More Details: Edinburgh Tattoo Package 2024 >>>

English Gardens & Chelsea Flower Show – 15 days

Price: From $5,559 per person

Our 15-day package takes you around the fabulous gardens of England. Starting in London you’ll spend a day at the Chelsea Flower Show, perhaps the biggest horticultural event in the world with spectacular displays from international exhibitors. It takes place in May for just 6 days every year, so this is a rare treat for flower lovers! Following your visit, you will then tour England visiting some of the finest gardens and country estates in the world! This includes The Lost Garden of Heligan, Wisley Gardens, Bodnant Garden, Blenheim Palace and more! Regions of England that are visited on this package include Cornwall, the Lake District, the Cotswolds and North Wales. The trip also includes a visit to Bampton, which was the real-life village used in the filming of the Downton Abbey TV Series.

More Details: Chelsea Garden Package >>>

Interested in more English garden packages? Check out our dedicated page for English Garden Package Tours .

Movie & TV Themed Packages

There are loads of blockbuster movies and TV shows that have been filmed and produced in the UK. American audiences have been wowed by series including Downton Abbey, Outlander and Game of Thrones. Here are some shorter and longer vacation packages dedicated to these shows!

5 Days Downton Abbey Mini-Package >>>

4 Days Game of Thrones Mini-Package >>>

13 Days Outlander Package >>>

Downton Abbey Vacation Package – 5 Days

Price: from £675 per person

Our Downton Abbey package visits the real-life locations used in the making of the hit TV series. You’ll visit Highclere Castle, the iconic country estate that will be instantly recognizable to fans of the show! Explore the majestic rooms and lavish gardens. The package will then visit a selection of manor houses and country estates that were typical of the Downton Abbey period of history. This includes Loseley Park, Hatchalnds Park, as well as a visit to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, makers of the iconic drink!

More Details: Downton Abbey Package >>>

Game of Thrones Mini-Package – 4 Days

Price: from £499 per person

Game of Thrones fans will love this 4-day package that visits the filming locations in Northern Ireland! It includes flights from London to Belfast and free time to explore the city. You’ll visit the recently opened Game of Thrones Studio Tour where you’ll go behind the scenes to see how the TV series was brought to life. The next day, you’ll drive to the Giant’s Causeway and into the Northern Irish countryside to see locations used to portray the free city of Braavos, the Stormlands, the cost of Dorne and the background for Kingsroad.

More Details: Game of Thrones Package >>>

Outlander Inspired Package – 13 Days

Price: from $3,825 per person

Our 13-day Outlander inspired package takes you along the Highland trail to explore some of the most spectacular locations in the region. You’ll start the trip in Edinburgh and end in Glasgow, travelling through the Highlands in between. You’ll see Outlander filming locations for the village of Cranesmuir, Mrs Baird’s B&B, ‘L’Hopital des Anges’, as well as landscapes that were used as backdrops for some of the most important scenes in the show. You’ll visit the Orkney Island and the Isle of Skye, pass through Glencoe, Inverness, St. Andrews and much more!

More Details: Outlander Package >>>

Self-Drive & Private Vacation Packages

Self-Drive Packages

Looking to go solo? We can put together a once-in-a-lifetime self-drive package that can include inspirational driving roads in England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland. We can arrange for car hire and can plan an itinerary according to your interests. Feel free to get in touch for more information.

Private Packages

Looking to travel in a group of 9 or more? A private vacation package can work out as a really cost-effective way of travelling. Take a look at our private tour pages for some inspiration. We can arrange private versions of the tour package listed above. Or we can tailor make a trip according to your interests with an expert guide. We can even arrange family heritage tours to trace the roots of your ancestors. Feel free to get in touch with us to find out more information.

Guide to Planning a Trip

There are so many different vacation packages to choose from when visiting England, let’s break it down and give you a few important things to consider!

Where to Visit? England, Scotland, Britain, UK, United Kingdom….

This can get confusing so let’s start out by getting a few things straight!

England is part of what is officially called The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . That’s a very long name to keep using! So to make things a little easier, we’ll just call it the UK.

The UK is made up of 4 regions – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland . And across the border from Northern Ireland lies the country of Ireland (which is totally independent from the UK.)

So the first question to ask when looking for an England vacation package. Are you looking just to visit England? Or do you also want to visit other parts of the United Kingdom as well?

There are a few ways to plan an England Vacation Package. You could visit:

100% England Packages (we’ve got plenty of amazing things to see here!)

England with Scotland Packages: Combine a trip and go to Scotland as well!

England, Scotland & Ireland Packages : The big trip! These vacation packages sometimes also include Northern Ireland as well. For this size of trip, we recommend packages that are at least 2 weeks long!

And what about Wales? Many of the vacation packages also include 1 or 2 days in Wales

So in this article, we’ll divide up our vacation packages into 4 – ‘100% England Packages’, ‘England & Scotland Packages’, ‘England & Ireland Packages’ & finally ‘Special Packages’

What are our special vacation packages ? Well… these are packages that are based around a specific theme or event. In 2024, we have the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Parade in July.

Plus we’ve got some amazing vacation packages for Downton Abbey fans, Game of Thrones fans, Outlander fans, as well as some awesome walking trips, railway trips and even adventure trips!

That’s a lot of England vacation packages to sift through! So please use the contents at the top of the page to navigate directly to what interests you.

We hope you find this guide useful. Please contact the Tourist England team if you have any questions!

How much would a trip to England cost?

This really depends on the length of your vacation package and the size of the group. Prices can range anywhere from $1,800 per person for an 8 day trip in a large group to over $5,000 for a 14-day small-group tour of England.

How many days do you need in England?

We would say that at least 7 days is a good amount of time to explore many of the highlights of England and get a feel for the country. Of course, you could easily spend many more days exploring the best of England, Scotland and Ireland with our amazing vacation packages from London !

How Can I spend 10 days in the UK?

We have many package tours that are 10 days in duration. Typically these trips depart from London and you can expect to spend 7-8 days in England, with 2-3 days in Scotland. With these kinds of holidays, you will normally travel in a loop, travelling north from London along the east side of England, heading into Scotland and then returning to London via the west side of England, with a little bit of Wales as well. Regions you’ll visit include Yorkshire, the Lake District, Scotland and London.

Do these vacation packages include financing options?

Many of the packages offer financing options, allowing you to spread out the cost of the trip over multiple payments. Many of the tours also require a low-value deposit in order to secure your place on the tour.

Do all-inclusive vacations get cheaper closer to date?

Normally booking well in advance is a good way to get a great price on vacation deals, since travel companies like people to book early. Vacation packages will only get cheaper closer to the travel date if the travel company is struggling to fill up the tour.

Is there a package to London and Paris?

We have a 9-day London and Paris vacation package that’s perfect for you! Spend a few days in London before hopping over the English channel and spend some time exploring the French capital.

Do you have mini-vacation packages to England?

Yes, we also have a selection of multi-day tours from London that last 2-5 days, as well as Scotland minibreaks from Edinburgh . These are great options if you are looking to visit a lot of sights but are pressed for time.

more things to do

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring London on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Musicals in London 2024

25 Things to do in London

Get Tickets to Harry Potter Studio Tour If Sold Out

Highclere Castle Opening Dates 2024

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Definition of day trip noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• a day trip to France

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We believe traveling to another city should be more than easy.

Door-to-door service

English-speaking drivers

Sightseeing stops

Comfortable

Clean & modern cars

Daytrip was founded in 2015 because we knew there had to be a better way to travel between cities than public transport. So we came up with a better option: door-to-door rides in a private car with professional, English-speaking drivers. The option to visit curated sightseeing stops would make the trip an unforgettable travel experience. And it has to be easy to book!

Over the years, our network of 8k+ drivers has helped over 978k+ people transform their travel day into a holiday. And we've maintained a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor doing it!

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Countries around the globe

Since launching in Europe, we’ve expanded to 120+ countries on every continent (except Antarctica).

As we expanded our service, we also expanded our business, partnering with Mozio, Visa, Frosch, and other industry leaders.

Daytrip founded

Central Europe expansion

Southern Europe expansion

Southeast Asia expansion

Africa, Middle East, South America

United States expansion

Caribbean expansion

Broadened B2B cooperations

Expansion of new services

With the ability to book a ride in 120+ countries on one platform, Daytrip is the easiest and most convenient way to find transportation wherever you’re traveling. Our fully customizable booking tool lets you book from anywhere to anywhere.

The list of countries you can book our reliable car service is always growing - we’re even available on popular islands! Check all the countries you can use Daytrip below!

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

Czech Republic

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Lucia
• United States
• Brunei Darussalam
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• South Korea
• United Arab Emirates
• South Africa
• Papua New Guinea

Why people love Daytrip

Our first (but not last) trip with daytrip.

“ This was our first time to use the Daytrip service and it absolutely exceeded our expectations! Instead of flying from Malaga Spain to Albufeira Portugal we decided to hire a driver. The cost and time required was about the same but the experience was so much more enjoyable with Daytrip. The booking process was simple and their communication was outstanding. As someone who's flown well over a million miles and has stayed in well over a thousand hotel nights, I truly appreciated how quick, clear and personal their messaging was (if it's AI then that's amazing). We can't say enough about pur driver, João S. He arrived early and messaged us that he was ready whenever we were. He greeted us warmly in excellent English (apparently everyone takes English in Portuguese schools) and even had an umbrella ready to keep us dry! He was very engaging and provided us with tons of great information as this was our first trip to Portugal. His driving was excellent and we always felt safe, even during a short period when there was heavy rain. We stopped for an excellent lunch at a wonderful little beach restaurant and let him order us a delicious traditional Portuguese meal. He dropped us off on time and extremely satisfied that we had made the right decision in picking Daytrip! ”

Great service

“ The experience was very good. I am a full time traveler so I was looking for a service just like this. We had a good experience with Slaven our driver and I definitely will be using the company again. The driver came early and helped us with our luggage. The communication with him and the whole team was always very fast and good. There was no good option for us to travel from Italy to Slovenia with all the stuff we have and ski equipment but because of this service we were able to travel to Slovenia in 3 hours with no problem with all our stuff. The communication via email is excellent and they provide alot of information about your trip, you can see your driver’s photo and information, the car and the trip itinerary on your account, so you are uptodate on everything and it goes very smoothly. I definitely recommend them. ”

Excellent Service............

“ Daytrip is very reliable and sends multiple confirmations with very detailed instructions on pickups. Our driver, Patrick, also contacted ahead of pickup to confirm details and was on time picking us up. The vehicle was very clean and comfortable and we were provided bottled water. ”

Exceptional Service from Vientiane to Vang Vieng

“ Easy to navigate website. Smooth journey with excellent and courteous driver, clean car. Most impressive of all was the customer service and care both pre and post journey. Would not hesitate to use Daytrip in future, or to highly recommend. ”

Excellent ride from Wadi Rum to Amman

“ We were so happy with the service Ibrahim gave us on our drive from Wadi Rum to Amman via Shobak Castle. He arrived early, was friendly and extremely kind and generous, and a very safe driver. We loved our experience with him. ”

Great experience!

“ Daytrip was such an easy platform to use to organize our transportation between St. Moritz and Innsbruck, Austria. They are so responsive ”

Daytrip experience

“ Daytrip is the most convenient way to travel around Europe. Ricardo our driver is so informative but the best thing I love about him is how we felt safe with him. He truly made sure our travel is worth it. ”

A great day from Seville to Lisbon

“ Daytrip is a great service avoiding airports, taxis, with the benefits of sight seeing and arrival in Lisbon stress free. We did have quite a few issues trying to pay on the Daytrip platform with multiple staff sending multiple emails, but once they were overcome, Armando our driver, picked us up on time in Seville. He was extremely flexible and informative. Gave us eating tips in Lisbon too. The van was very comfortable for us (3 adults) and clean. Thank you Armando for a great trip. ”

Superb Service

“ Such a professional service. Can't rate them highly enough. Very punctual, very professional drivers and the vehicles are very tidy indeed. Would highly recommend and will definitely use their service again. Thanks you. ”

Such a smooth process

“ Our experience with day trip was smooth from start to finish. We travelled from Tagaytay to Manila, PHILLIPINES Leo, was awesome he offered us drinks and snacks upon pickup, he helped with bags and we had a very enjoyable conversation the entire trip. He made an effort to get to know us and allowed us to know him. He Was an absolute pleasure to deal with. Such an easy service to deal with! ”

Meet our friendly drivers

All of Daytrip’s drivers are dedicated to providing exceptional service. Here are just a few of them.

We handpick every driver

All drivers and vehicles must meet our high service standards.

• One-on-one interview with country manager
• Driver background and car safety check
• Daytrip customer service training

How can we work together?

Along with rave reviews from everyday travelers, Daytrip’s singular service has caught the attention of major press outlets.

I was able to have a highly personalised experience, all the help and knowledge of an informative and friendly guide who knew the city like the back of her hand.

With Daytrip, I had the chance to see some cool spots I might have otherwise missed.

As I learned more about their brand, I realized how their overall business concept is pure genius.

In my honest opinion, this is a much better way to get to your next destination as opposed to taking the bus, train or plane.

The driver picked us up from our hotel in Milan and dropped us off at our doorstep in France. Talk about service!

Meet the team

The leadership team guiding Daytrip’s success.

Tomas Turek

Chief Executive Officer

Marketa Blahova

Chief Operating Officer

Valeriia Pshenychna

Chief Product Officer

Head of Drivers Operations

Jiri Svacek

Head of Content

Alexandra Mamrillova

Head of Partnerships & BD

Iva Janouskova

Chief Marketing Officer

Pavol Hyriak

Chief Financial Officer

Ioan Gheordanescu

Operations Manager

Chief Technical Officer

Spanish translation of 'day trip'

Examples of 'day trip' in a sentence day trip

In other languages day trip.

• American English : day trip / ˈdeɪ trɪp /
• Brazilian Portuguese : passeio de um dia
• Chinese : 一日游
• European Spanish : excursión de un día
• French : excursion
• German : Tagesausflug
• Italian : gita in giornata
• Japanese : 日帰り旅行
• Korean : 당일치기 여행
• European Portuguese : passeio de um dia
• Spanish : excursión

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