11 Best Day Trips from London

The majority of tourists visiting the UK will spend much (if not all) of their time in London and with good reason. England’s capital is one of the top tourist destinations on the planet and is jam-packed with iconic sights, fascinating culture, and an endless list of activities.

However, England is so much more than just London, and many of the surrounding towns and cities offer unique things to see and do. So if you’re looking to escape the city for a day trip, you’re in luck: London is a short train/bus/car journey away from the best of British culture, history, and nature.

Whether you’re in the mood to explore ancient ruins shrouded in mystery, walk in the footsteps of poets and writers from centuries past, or taste proper fish and chips at the seaside, you can!

So grab your umbrella (everyone knows how much it rains in England) because we’re about to set off on the 11 best day trips from London.

1. Tour Roman Baths

• Distance from London: 115 miles
• How to get there: Take the train from London Paddington Station to Bath. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Alternatively, the journey by car takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The Georgian city of Bath, famous for its hot springs and Roman-built complex of baths, is England’s only city that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is easily one of the best day trips from London and one of the best sights in Britain.

An Archaeological Dream

According to archaeological evidence, human activity has existed around the hot springs from as long ago as 8000 BC, although the Romans didn’t start developing until around AD 43. A tour of the Roman baths, with their ancient architecture and paving, is an absolute must.

But for visitors who want to literally dip their toes in the hot spring water, try the Thermae Bath Spa. This spa complex brings the baths into modern times, offering treatments, spaces to relax, and a rooftop pool with gorgeous city views.

Jane Austen’s Stomping Grounds

For the culture vultures, follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen and take a walk along the Royal Crescent with its picturesque Georgian architecture and terraced houses. To really feel like part of history, visit the Fashion Museum and try on some of the reproduction Georgian outfits.

Bath also has several museums and galleries, including the House of Frankenstein, where you can learn more about Mary Shelley and her famous creation.

Sally Lunn’s Teahouse

If all that activity has made you hungry, visit Sally Lunn’s teahouse. Sally’s own Sally Lunn Bun, a sweet brioche bap, can be toasted and spread with strawberry jam and clotted cream to make a Bath version of an English cream tea.

Or if you are feeling parched, head straight for one of Bath’s pubs to sample some of the best ale in the UK.

The Bath Abbey

Bath is full of World Heritage sites, as well as churches and abbeys. Bath Abbey, with its interior fan-vaulted ceiling, is particularly beautiful. You can also climb the Abbey Tower for panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside.

Another popular attraction, and one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in the city, is the arched bridge. Frequented by both tourists and locals, the bridge is one of only four in the world where shops line both sides and run along its entire length.

2. Visit the University City of Oxford

• Distance from London: 60 miles
• How to get there: There are frequent trains from London Paddington and London Marylebone to Oxford. The journey takes around one hour. Alternatively, it takes approximately two hours by car.

You may recognize parts of the beautiful university city of Oxford, situated on the River Thames in Oxfordshire because it’s been used as a filming location and served as set design inspiration for the Harry Potter movie franchise. This makes it a very popular one-day trip from London.

History, Churches, and Museums

Oxford was established as a town in the 9th century and now offers a great mix of ancient history and modern culture. Visiting the medieval colleges, churches, and museums of Oxford could easily take up a whole day by themselves. The Oxford University buildings are well worth a visit, so be sure to check out Christ Church College, which is a must-see for its Bridge of Sighs and the iconic Bodleian Library.

3. Visit the Opulent Blenheim Palace

• Distance from London: 10 miles
• How to get there: Take the train from London to Oxford and from there take the bus to Blenheim Palace. The bus journey takes approximately 20 minutes, and by car, it’s 10 miles.

Easily accessible by public transport from Oxford, Blenheim Palace is one of England’s largest and most spectacular houses.

A UNESCO Heritage Site

This 300-year-old UNESCO world heritage site boasts a long and diverse history but is most famous for being the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a part-time home of Henry VIII.

Visitors enjoy exploring the opulently appointed state rooms of the palace and the spectacular gardens: particularly the rose garden and the butterfly house.

Cinematic History

Several blockbusters have been filmed at the palace, including Cinderella, Avengers, and Harry Potter. The grounds are also home to some enormous Lebanon trees and the Marlborough Maze, a two-mile-long yew tree maze that provides hours of fun for families.

There are several options for cafes and restaurants at Blenheim, from the Walled Garden Pizzeria to The Orangery Restaurant. Much of the produce used is locally sourced, and tables can be booked in advance.

4. Enjoy England’s Bohemian Seaside in Brighton

• Distance from London: 50 miles
• How to get there: Take the train from London Victoria or London Blackfriars across the South Downs to Brighton. The journey time is a little over an hour. Alternatively, it’s around two hours by car.

The British seaside town of Brighton in Sussex is conveniently accessible from London and is a super cool city in its own right.

Bohemian Markets

The Lanes’ bohemian markets streets, packed with independent bookshops, boutiques, record shops, and vegan cafes, are a fantastic place for souvenir shopping and people-watching.

Breweries

To sample some of the local brewery products, try a couple of pints at the Brighton Beer Dispensary. If you fancy a paddle, head to the vast pebble beach where locals and holidaymakers go to relax in the sunshine, then head for the rides and attractions on Brighton Palace Pier. One of the biggest draws of the pier is the aquarium, which is the world’s oldest.

The Royal Pavilion

Located a few minutes walk from the seafront, the Royal Pavilion and surrounding Regency Gardens are one of Brighton’s top attractions. Built for King George IV, this listed pleasure palace is built in the exotic style of 19th century India with domes and minarets and is filled with history and tales of intrigue.

Nightlife

Brighton is also famous for its energetic and fun-packed nightlife, and the city has a buzzing LGBTQ+ scene. Check out one of the endless live music venues, bars, and nightclubs, and marvel at the endless display of rainbow flags signaling Brighton’s accepting and welcoming nature. You could also enjoy a show at Brighton Dome arts venue, which is frequented by locals, students, and tourists.

5. Take in Canterbury’s Charming History

• Distance from London: 61 miles
• How to get there: It’s just one hour by train from St Pancras International or around 1 hour 30 minutes by car.

The cathedral city of Canterbury lies on the River Stour and is located in Kent, England. This beautiful cathedral city is a great place to soak up some culture and take a glimpse into England’s past.

A Medieval Walled City

This medieval walled city is one of the oldest and most famous structures in England and has been hosting pilgrims for over 1,000 years. Now home to three universities and a thriving student scene, the city is pleasantly bustling with vibrant nightlife and year-round events to suit all ages and tastes.

Canterbury’s cobbled streets are charming to stroll along, and there are many beautiful independent shops and boutiques to spend your pounds in. For something a little more left-field, check out the mummified Egyptian cat at the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge.

Literary History

The city of Canterbury has been the source of inspiration for many of the most famous English authors, including the “father of English poetry,” Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote The Canterbury Tales. Today, aspiring writers and thespians can explore the wealth of museums and preserved Tudor buildings or take in a show at the modern Marlowe Theatre.

Foodie Central

Visitors looking for something delicious to eat will not be disappointed. For lunch, try gourmet scotch eggs with slaw and fries at Pork & Co. Or for authentic Japanese soul food, try Tamago. The indoor farmers’ market at The Goods Shed is also a great place to find something delicious to eat.

Finally, the undisputed jewel in this small city’s crown is the historic cathedral situated in the city center. With its cloisters, gardens, and fascinating history, Canterbury Cathedral is Canterbury’s most famous attraction and deserves an Instagram snap or two.

6. Try Your Hand at Punting in Cambridge

• Distance from London: 64 miles
• How to get there: Cambridge is 45 minutes by train from King’s Cross, 1 hour and 10 minutes by train from Liverpool Street, or around two hours by car.

Cambridge is one of England’s most famous and most beautiful cities and is an easy day trip from London. Whilst being quieter and smaller than rival university town Oxford, Cambridge is arguably much prettier and has plenty of rich history and sightseeing to keep you occupied.

Cambridge University

Discover the famous Cambridge University with its college buildings, such as King’s College, and take a walking tour of the popular museums, parks, and art galleries. The university grounds are truly awe-inspiring with 12th-century brickwork and architecture.

Or, for a unique Cambridge experience, try punting (Venetian-style boating with a standing paddler at the back) on the river Cam behind the colleges for a spectacular view from the water. Better still, sit back and relax in the boat while one of the welcoming tour guides does the punting for you.

Cycling

Cambridge is a fantastic cycling city with many dedicated cycle lanes. A cycle around the city center is a great way to explore and take in Cambridge’s world-renowned architecture. Visitors can hire an e-bike and follow the towpath alongside the river Cam or cycle the traffic-free Busway to nearby St Ives for a longer ride.

When you get hungry, pop along to Cambridge Market, where you can grab seasonal fruit and pastries. Stop at Fitzbillies for a box of ultra-sticky Chelsea buns, or stuff yourself with scones in The Orchard Tea Gardens for something a little more substantial.

7. See Shakespeare’s Home in Stratford-Upon-Avon

• Distance from London: 104 miles
• How to get there: Take a two-hour and 15-minute long train journey from Marylebone, or it’s around two hours by car.

Most famous as the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon near Warwick is a gorgeous medieval market town steeped in more than 800 years of history. Today, it’s a favorite for Shakespeare fans and is a thriving community in its own right.

The Bard

One of the biggest sightseeing draws to Stratford-upon-Avon is, of course, The Bard himself. You can visit Shakespeare’s birthplace to discover more about his early years and also visit the house where the world’s most famous playwright was born.

Anne Hathaway’s cottage (Shakespeare’s wife) also has beautiful gardens and fruit orchards for relaxing strolls. Also worth a visit are William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway’s graves, located inside the Holy Trinity Church on the banks of the river Avon.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Once you’re bored of The Bard, there’s plenty more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon. Named one of the best places to live in Europe, you can learn more about the West Midlands waterways by taking a boat tour of the canal basin. Or, for refreshment, try the Grade II-listed Old Thatch Tavern, one of Stratford-upon-Avon’s most historic landmarks.

8. Discover Stonehenge’s Prehistoric Past

• Distance from London: 96 miles
• How to get there: Take the train from London Waterloo Station to Salisbury, then take the Stonehenge tour bus. The total journey time is 2 hours and 15 minutes or 2 hours and 30 minutes from London by car.

Erected thousands of years ago, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.

This is one of the most famous historical landmarks in the entire British Isles. Located two to three hours from London and situated among rolling hills and poppy fields, this monument is an absolute must-see for those who like a touch of mystery in their tourism.

Stonehenge History

Built approximately 4000-5000 years ago, Stonehenge consists of an outer ring of 25-ton standing stones around four meters high, with an inner ring of smaller bluestones.

It was once believed to be a site of pagan worship, but its origins remain shrouded in mystery. Opinions on its purpose and engineering are extremely divided and fiercely debated, yet it remains one of Britain’s most recognized cultural icons.

As you really only need a couple of hours to visit Stonehenge, it makes a great stopping point whilst on your way to another destination, like Bath or Windsor Castle. Tours can be arranged that start in London and take to all three destinations in one day.

9. Walk in Royal Footsteps at Windsor Castle

• Distance from London: 25 miles
• How to get there: It’s a very short 30 to 60-minute train ride from London Paddington or London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside. Alternatively, by car, it will take around 1 hour and 25 minutes.

With over 1,000 years of royal history dating back to the 11th century, majestic Windsor Castle is one of the best day trips from London.

Windsor Castle History

Windsor Castle was built after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror and is the longest-occupied castle in Europe.

Originally used to protect Norman positions around London, it has been used as a military headquarters, protected the Royal Family from the Blitz during World War II, and survived a massive fire in 1992. Over 40 monarchs have called Windsor Castle home throughout the ages, and today it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in England.

Visiting Windsor

Nowadays, this hallmark of British history is the weekend getaway home for the Royal family and is also used for state and ceremonial occasions. The castle hosts visitors and allows access to the State Apartments, which are furnished with some of the finest works of art from Holbein, Rubens, and many more.

Visitors can also access St George’s Chapel within the grounds of Windsor Castle. Construction of this fine example of Gothic architecture began in 1475 and now holds the tombs of 11 monarchs, including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II. Because Windsor Castle is still a working castle, parts of it are sometimes off-limits, and the whole site can be closed at short notice. Do check before you travel.

Tour the Town

Once you’ve finished exploring this magnificent castle, the market town of Windsor makes a wonderful place to wander. With fabulous shopping and restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred options and traditional English pubs, Windsor is perfect for a day trip. Take the hop-on hop-off bus to make the most of the cobbled streets and beautiful architecture.

10. Experience Countryside Life in The Cotswolds

• Distance from London: 85 miles
• How to get there: The easiest way to explore the Cotswolds is by car. Public transport schedules can be very limited in this area, but with a car, you can stop wherever you like and get off the beaten track.

For a quintessentially British experience, visit the Cotswolds. This has been a designated Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) since the 1960s, giving it the same status as a National Park.

Visiting Cotswolds

This popular area for visitors and holiday makers alike is in central-southwest England and is accessible from London as a day trip. Explore the landscape of green rolling hills, scenic viewpoints, castles, and country houses.

The Cotswolds are less well-known to international visitors, but any British person will tell you how gorgeous they are. They also provide an idyllic snapshot of country life in rural England.

With narrow lanes, thatched cottages, fertile farmland, and beautiful houses built with local golden-colored Cotswold stone, the Cotswolds have remained largely unspoiled, despite attracting millions of visitors each year.

Attractions and Tours

There are dozens of attractions and endless stunning villages to visit, but we particularly recommend Stow-On-The-Wold, Chipping Campden, Bibury, Broadway, Stanton, and Burford.

Ideally, visitors would take a few days to really make the most of the Cotswolds. However, if you are limited on time, you can take an early train from London and book a full-day guided tour in advance. These tours will usually include morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, as well as a visit to a few of the region’s highlights and quaint villages.

Bourton-on-the-Water

If you would prefer to make an independent day trip, Bourton-on-the-Water is very picturesque and has its own model village. You can walk from here to Lower Slaughter, which has one of the most beautiful streets in the UK. Don’t forget to stop at a gastropub on the River Windrush for a hearty Cotswolds lunch.

Getting to Cotswolds

The most direct train route to the Cotswolds is from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh with Great Western Railway. The journey takes between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours and is particularly scenic.

To reach the Cotswolds’ more famous destinations by public transport, you will need to take the train to the area’s larger towns and then connect on local buses. Do plan your trip in advance. Alternatively, book an organized tour from London.

11. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour

• Distance: 23 miles
• How to Get there: Take a train ride from London Euston to Watford, then a ten-minute bus ride to the studio, totaling about an hour. Driving also takes around an hour, depending on traffic.

For Harry Potter fans and even muggles, a walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter during the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour provides an unforgettable experience. Leavesden, which is a short drive from London, is where the iconic films were made and is now the home of the studio tour.

Cinematic History

All eight Harry Potter films were produced in this location, making it the ultimate bucket-list experience for Harry Potter fans. You can ride the Hogwarts Express, wander down Diagon Alley, buy a wand, and even try a butterbeer.

The Tour

You can also view the collection of authentic and iconic props, costumes, and sets, such as the memory cabinet, Professor Umbridge’s office, and Harry Potter’s quidditch robes.

On the tour, you get the full behind-the-scenes experience to find out all the inside tips and secrets about how the films were created using special visual effects. This includes how the magical creatures were brought to life and how Harry Potter and his friends fly!

Tours can be booked to include a transfer from London. Alternatively, you can take public transport or drive yourself to the Warner Bros Studio Tour. Purchase your admission ticket in advance to avoid disappointment as the tour frequently books up.

Blissful Getaways from London

So there you have it: our whistle stop tour of the eleven best day trips from London. Whether you’re hungry for culture, history, or one of England’s famous cream teas, these fantastic one-day trips won’t disappoint.

Featured Image Credit: Engel Ching