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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.

CNT Editors

Caitlin Morton

Jesse Ashlock

Alex Erdekian

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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30 Best Day Trips from London (2024)

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Planning a trip to London? Keep reading for a guide to 30 of the best day trips from London, England!

Planning your London day trip last minute?

No time to read the full post, or are you overwhelmed with trying to choose the perfect day trip? Here are some of the top-rated guided day trips from London that include transportation, tours, a local guide, and more for some of the best day trip destinations! Top Guided Day Trips from London: 1. Stonehenge, Bath, & Windsor Castle – combine 3 of the top day trip destinations into one! 2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour from London – a must-do for any Harry Potter fans! 3. Stratford-upon-Avon Tour from London – explore Shakespeare’s birthplace 4. Cotswolds Day Trip – visit one of England’s most beautiful regions 5. White Cliffs of Dover, Canterbury, and Leeds Castle – another great combo day trip 6. Oxford & Cambridge Day Tour – see two of the UK’s most famous university cities in one day

London is an incredible city – you could spend weeks there and find something new to do each day.

After awhile, though, it can be nice to escape the hustle and bustle of things and find a change of scenery.

If you’re going to be visiting London for more than a couple of days, consider taking a day trip from London to one (or more) of the amazing cities, towns, and sights that England has to offer.

With the help of some of my fellow travel bloggers, I have put together a round-up of some of the best day trips from London.

This is one of the most comprehensive guides to day trips from London that you’ll find!

These day trips are all traveler-recommended and perfect for both newbie and experienced travelers. They’re not just the typical day trip suggestions, either – in this guide, you’ll find both popular day trip destinations as well as more off-the-beaten-path London day trips.

Whether you’re into beautiful British castles , beaches, unique cities, or quaint English villages, there is a perfect day trip on this list for you!

No car? No worries! These destinations can be easily reached via public transportation from London.

If you’d rather leave the planning to the experts, many of them can also be done on a guided tour. If you go this route, they’ll likely organize your transportation, visits to attractions, and maybe even lunch, so that you can stick to enjoying your trip without having to worry about the logistics.

If you do happen to have a car, many of these trips are perfect to add to your UK road trip itinerary .

Are you ready to plan an unforgettable day trip from London? Keep reading for a list of unforgettable day trips, including how to get there, what to do, where to eat, and more!

Table of Contents

Best Day Trips from London

1. stonehenge & bath combo day trip.

Stonehenge is a bucket list item for so many travelers, and I had to fit it into my itinerary when I visited London.

After doing some research, I decided to take a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath from London. Since they’re close together, it’s the perfect combination for an escape from the hustle and bustle of London!

You can easily reach Stonehenge and Bath via public transportation from London, and there are also lots of guided tour options to visit Stonehenge and Bath .

I decided to do the day trip pretty last-minute, so I ended up going with a guided tour of Stonehenge and Bath from London in order to minimize the amount of planning required.

After boarding the bus, the tour departed London for a nearly 2-hour drive to Stonehenge.

After arriving at the Stonehenge Visitor Center, we were given about an hour and a half to explore the Stone Circle and the excellent museum at the visitor center.

This was plenty of time to explore, though I could have used a little more time to see the museum’s exhibits in more depth.

Seeing Stonehenge for the first time was definitely a bucket-list-worthy experience.

I had always heard that many travelers found Stonehenge to be underwhelming, but I didn’t find this to be true at all. It was surreal to finally be seeing such a historic monument in person rather than in a history book!

Though you can’t walk right up to the stones (if you want to get up-close-and-personal, head to the nearby Avebury Stone Circle ), it was still incredible to see them from afar.

If you’re visiting Stonehenge on a DIY-day trip from London, you can pre-book your Stonehenge entry tickets online .

After our time at Stonehenge, we boarded the coach and had lunch on the go before arriving in Bath.

Upon arriving in Bath, we took a quick walking tour of the city. Our excellent guide showed us some of the city’s top sights while teaching us about the history of Bath and its beautiful architecture.

After our walking tour, we visited the city’s namesake and most important attraction: The Roman Baths . If you’re visiting Bath, this is an unmissable attraction!

Other must-dos in Bath include visiting the incredible Bath Abbey and trying a Cornish pasty, a traditional English food . The ones from The Cornish Bakery are delicious!

This is the #1 rated Stonehenge & Bath tour from London !

Stonehenge & Bath Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Stonehenge from London: If you’d prefer using public transportation, take the South Western Railway from London Waterloo to Salisbury. From Salisbury, take the Stonehenge Tour Bus to Stonehenge.

Make sure to book your Stonehenge admission ticket in advance of your day trip.

Getting to Bath from Stonehenge: Take the Stonehenge Tour Bus (all tickets are round-trip) back to Salisbury. From there, take a 53-minute train ride to Bath. When you’re ready to return to London, take the train from Bath to London Paddington.

Visiting Stonehenge & Bath on a Guided Tour from London: If you’re going to be traveling at peak times, guided tours from London to Stonehenge and Bath may actually be cheaper and more convenient than taking public transportation.

Plan your route in advance to check prices and times so that you can compare them to prices of the guided tours and determine which option is best for you and your budget.

Here are some of the most popular Stonehenge and Bath combo day tours from London – some even visit other day trip sites along the way like Windsor Castle!

• Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London – my #1 pick, more than 1600 5-star reviews
• Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London
• Stonehenge Inner Circle and Bath Tour from London – see Stonehenge up close with an Inner Circle tour

2. Windsor and Windsor Castle

Contributed by Nancy Roberts from Mapandfamily.com

Windsor, on the outskirts of London, is famous for its beautiful castle, the favorite home of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Almost 1000 years old, Windsor Castle is still a working royal palace, and parts of it are open to the public making it a popular day or half-day tour from London.

It was here that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married in 2018 at St George’s Chapel on the grounds of the castle, and it’s also where Queen Elizabeth II is buried. On both occasions, a Royal Procession passed along the formal Long Walk through Windsor Great Park to the castle gates.

The Windsor Long Walk is a path that runs straight as an arrow from the castle and through the royal park to a statue on the top of Snow Hill, two and a half miles away. Walking the Long Walk is one of the best things to do in Windsor, and it’s completely free.

The Walk is flanked by a grand avenue of trees, first planted in the 17th century, and runs through a deer park which was once the hunting ground of Henry VIII.

The path slopes up to Snow Hill which is topped by a bronze statue of King George III on horseback. When you reach the statue you have an amazing bird’s eye view of the park and the Walk, with Windsor Castle in the distance.

If you plan to do the complete walk, it’s more than five miles in total, so take water and sunscreen as there’s little shade and no cafés en route. Or you could just walk part of the way and enjoy the peace and quiet, sense of history, and great views.

After exploring, pop into the Two Brewer Pub at the entrance to the Walk for a hearty pub lunch. Or walk back into town to find more quintessential British pubs and some lovely places for afternoon tea like the historic Castle Hotel .

Then, head to Eton Bridge to watch the swans swim by on the River Thames.

BOOK NOW: Windsor Castle Entry Tickets

Windsor Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Windsor from London: Windsor is less than an hour from London, making it one of the easiest and most popular day trips from the city.

The easiest way to get to Windsor from London is by train. There’s a direct service from Waterloo station in London to Eton Riverside, just a few minutes walk from the town center.

If London’s Paddington station is more convenient, trains run to Windsor and Eton Central station, also very close to the castle, with one change at Slough.

In both cases, the journey takes under an hour. Tickets are required to visit the castle; you can book your Windsor Castle entry tickets here .

Being such a popular day trip destination, there are also countless guided day trips to Windsor and Windsor Castle from London .

If you really want to maximize your sightseeing on your day trip, choose one of the combination day tours that visit Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath .

This is the #1 rated Windsor, Stonehenge, & Bath tour from London !

3. Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter

Contributed by Manouk of Groetjes uit Verweggistan

If you’re a true Harry Potter fan , this is something you don’t want to miss: a visit to the original filming location of all eight Harry Potter films.

The Harry Potter Studios are located in Leavesden, which is easy to reach from London.

After taking a 20-minute train journey from London Euston station to Watford Junction, you cannot miss the signs directing you to the shuttle bus. The shuttle ride takes another 15 minutes and drops you off in front of the entrance. Then, the magic begins!

As you enter you are welcomed in as a group, but after your first magical visit to the Great Hall, you get to wander around the sets by yourself at your own pace.

Marvel at all the wonderful props, stroll around Diagon Alley, and take thousands of pictures. I had a very magical day and I am sure you will too!

The Studio Tour features a lot of different film sets and especially a lot of props. There are even recreations of famous sets, like the Forbidden Forest and Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

The studio hosts special events throughout the year, such as during Christmastime. They incorporate the theme into the experience, so you will see Christmas cards, Christmas dinner, and Hogwarts in the snow if you come during the winter months.

In addition to Christmas, they have many more of these special themes throughout the year.

Don’t forget to take a break from all the exploring and try some of the famous butterbeer.

You can only get this in a few places in the world, such as the theme parks in the United States and at the Studio Tour. Make sure you don’t miss it!

It doesn’t contain any alcohol and is family-friendly – I highly recommend trying some of this sweet, delicious drink!

BOOK NOW: Warner Bros. Studio Tour from London

Warner Bros. Studios Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Warner Bros. Studios from London: Take a short train ride from London Euston Station to Watford Junction. From there, follow the signs to the shuttle bus that takes you to the studios.

Tickets are required for the studio tour. They must be booked in advance and tend to sell out – you can book them here .

You can also book a tour of the studios that includes the studio tour ticket and transportation from London .

PRO TIP: Sometimes, you can still book tours even if regular tickets to the studios are sold out.

This is the perfect way to visit the studios if you don’t want the hassle of planning the day trip yourself, or if you procrastinated and didn’t book advance tickets in time!

4. Cambridge

Contributed by Anisa of Two Traveling Texans

Cambridge may be best known for being home to the famous University, but it is so much more than that.

It’s a picturesque city that has something for everyone whether you are interested in history, art, or adventure.

Cambridge University was founded back in 1209 and is made up of 31 colleges. It’s the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world!

Most colleges allow visitors, although access may be limited during the school term. I suggest you try to visit at least one. My favorites are King’s College , St. John’s , and Trinity College (check the visitor’s center for prices).

The King’s College Chapel has some of the most amazing stained glass you will ever see. At Trinity College, don’t miss the Wren Library, designed by Christopher Wren.

Additionally, the University has eight museums that are open to the public. You should definitely visit the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology , which are always free.

If it’s nice weather, you must try punting on the Cam River .

Punting uses a boat similar to a gondola, where you stand on the back to paddle, but you use a pole instead of an oar.

If you’re not brave enough to try it on your own, you can hire someone else to do the punting or go on a punting tour through the lovely area known as The Backs.

It is easy to do a Cambridge day trip from London . The train ride from London to Cambridge is only an hour and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of the train station.

BOOK NOW: Cambridge Day Tour from London

Cambridge Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Cambridge from London: Take the Great Northern Railway train from London Kings Cross Station to Cambridge. The train ride takes about an hour.

Guided tours of Cambridge from London: You can also opt to take a guided tour of Cambridge from London, which includes transportation from London as well as a local guide who takes you around Cambridge’s top sites.

This Cambridge day tour from London is one of the top-rated tours.

You can also combine Cambridge with another famous university town on a day trip to Cambridge and Oxford from London .

Contributed by Laura of What’s Hot Blog

Oxford is just over an hour away from London and is one of the best places to visit on a day trip.

It is both a city in its own right and home to the world-famous Oxford University making it a very popular destination for tourists. You can explore the university colleges (38 in total!), museums and open spaces.

Start with the most famous Oxford college, Christ Church (check the official website for ticket prices as they change by season), also known as the “Harry Potter” college.

It’s one of the oldest and largest colleges and there are a number of Harry Potter filming locations dotted around too.

Then, head to the Ashmolean Museum (free except for special exhibitions), where they host an impressive permanent collection of Egyptian artifacts as well as contemporary art.

Make sure you take a wander around Radcliffe Square in the center of Oxford where you will see the iconic Radcliffe Camera, an enormous round library.

What a lot of people don’t know is that Oxford is also a little haven for foodies. There are tons of cute coffee shops and cafes serving up a mean brunch in Oxford  

I’d recommend ducking your head into either Turl Street Kitchen , Handle Bar Cafe , or George Street Social during your Oxford day trip.

BOOK NOW: Oxford Day Tour from London

Oxford Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Oxford from London: Get to Oxford via the Oxford Tube (which is actually a bus!) or hop on the train at London Paddington.

Bus tickets cost about £20 for a return trip and take you to the center of Oxford.

A return train ticket can cost as little as £7 if you book in advance, but the station is a 15-20 minute walk outside of the Oxford city center.

Rather have the day trip planned for you? Consider booking a guided tour including transportation from London to Oxford and the Cotswolds .

6. White Cliffs of Dover

Contributed by Sophie and Adam from We Dream of Travel

If you’re looking for a day trip from London to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the White Cliffs of Dover is a perfect option.

An iconic part of the UK, the white chalk cliffs stretch for over 16 miles along the south coast of England and provide a variety of walking trails for all abilities.

The most popular trail is the 2-mile South Foreland Lighthouse trail.  This easy trail meanders across the cliffs through chalk grassland, where you can appreciate the grandeur of these mighty 350-foot-high cliffs.

Along the way you can admire sweeping views of the English Channel, even catching a glimpse of France in the distance on a clear day.

At the end of the trail, you can stop at Mrs Knott’s Tea Room for a bite to eat.  Alternatively, pack a picnic to enjoy.

To make the most of your day trip, consider including a visit to nearby Dover Castle .  The 11th-century castle is the largest castle in England, set impressively atop the cliffs overlooking to town and ocean.

White Cliffs of Dover Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Dover from London: It is easy to reach the White Cliffs of Dover from London by train or car.

If visiting by car, the drive is a little under 2 hours and parking costs £5 at the National Trust car park.

For those planning to visit by train, the closest station is Dover Priory which takes just over an hour from St. Pancras or just under two hours from Victoria or Charing Cross. 

You can then walk or take a taxi from the station to the cliffs.

There are also a number of great day tour options to Dover from London. One of the top-rated tours includes a guided visit to the White Cliffs of Dover as well as Canterbury and Leeds Castle .

BOOK NOW: White Cliffs of Dover, Canterbury, and Leeds Castle Day Tour from London

7. Manchester

Contributed by Danila of Traveling Dany

Not many people know that Manchester, also known as “Cottonopolis”, in reference to the predominance of the cotton industry there, is only 2 hours away from London by train.

The easy-to-use trains and the Metroshuttle, free buses that will allow you to explore Manchester City , make it the perfect budget day trip from London, for every kind of traveler!

Manchester is the music capital of England, where amazing bands like Oasis, The Smiths, Simply Red, The Bee Gees, and many others have started singing.

If you’re a music lover, you can map an itinerary and go through the iconic studios and venues where your favorite bands have been playing!

Those who are on a tight budget will be pleased to know that museums in Manchester are completely free.

There’s something from everyone, from a super-cool Museum of Science and Industry to the often controversial exhibits at the Manchester Art Gallery .

They even have a National Football Museum, though it’s not free unless you’re a Manchester resident. Buy your tickets here!

Manchester is also home to two stunning libraries. The first one is Chetham’s Library , which is included in the list of the most beautiful libraries in the world. It was founded in 1653 and also houses a music school.

The other one is known as the “Real life Hogwarts”. Walking inside the John Rylands Library will in fact make you feel like stepping inside the world created by J.K. Rowling.

This Victorian neo-Gothic building, located on Deansgate in Manchester, with its imposing columns and high ceilings, is also one of the most Instagrammable spots in town!

The best thing of all is that both libraries can be visited for free!

Wear comfortable shoes and leave London early in the morning if you want to make the best out of your trip to Manchester. This beautiful Northern city won’t disappoint!

Manchester Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Manchester from London: For your Manchester day trip, take the train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly. The trip will take about 2 hours.

After arriving in Manchester, you can ride the free Metroshuttle buses around the explore the city.

8. Stratford-upon-Avon

Contributed by Maria of In Between Lattes

Stratford-upon-Avon is a lovely medieval town located along the banks of the River Avon. Among other things, it is a popular destination for being Shakespeare’s birthplace.

For an in-depth understanding of Shakespeare’s fascinating personal life, I highly recommend purchasing the  Shakespeare’s Story Ticket , which gives you access to 3 family homes and gardens at a steep discount (and you get to skip the lines!).

The highlight will definitely be stepping into the house where he was born and spent his early childhood years. After the Shakespeare tour, take a stroll along the beautiful canal – you’ll find lots of photogenic different birds, ducks, and swans.

If you fancy a bite before heading back to London, I definitely recommend called El Greco . The restaurant is run by a Greek and British couple and serves authentic Greek cuisine.

Another interesting stop in the town center is the small boutique called The Nutcracker Christmas Shop . It specializes in Christmas decoration items in all shapes and forms. It’s the perfect place to grab a handmade souvenir!

If you’re looking for a day trip from London that mixes history & nature, you’ll absolutely love Stratford-upon-Avon!

BOOK NOW: Stratford-upon-Avon Tour from London

Stratford-upon-Avon Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Stratford-upon-Avon from London: At this time, there are no direct trains or buses from London to Stratford-upon-Avon.

The quickest train journey takes about 2.5-3 hours and requires you to transfer to Birmingham.

Because of this, the easiest way to visit Stratford-upon-Avon on a day trip from London is by guided tour.

Guided tours depart London early in the morning, transporting you directly to Stratford-upon-Avon and taking you around to all of the sights.

There are several tours to choose from, but this is one of the highest-rated Stratford-upon-Avon tours from London .

9. The Cotswolds

Contributed by Jyoti and Nirmal of Story at Every Corner

If you’re looking for a quintessential English countryside experience close to London , the Cotswolds are the place to go.

The easiest day to visit the Cotswolds on a day trip is by taking a guided tour from London, but you can also self-drive.

On a guided tour, you’ll visit the Cotswolds in a van small enough to navigate the narrow streets of the region.

Many tours include visits to Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford in addition to the Cotswolds. This is great if you’re short on time and want to see a lot in one day.

You can also book a guided tour that only visits the Cotswolds , so that you’ll have more time to explore this beautiful region.

A visit to the Cotswolds would be perfect for a weekend or an overnight stay at one of the many boutique hotels or bed & breakfasts.

Don’t miss a stop at the famous Huffkins Tea Room for a snack and a cup of tea. Huffkins is located in the market square in Cheltenham along with many boutique shops and an old pub which in itself could take a few hours to explore.

Another must-stop is Bibury. With its beautiful restaurants and picture-perfect cottages, it lends itself to amazing photography.

This is the top-rated Cotswolds tour from London!

Cotswolds Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to the Cotswolds from London: The easiest way to visit the Cotswolds on a day trip from London is by taking a guided tour.

There are several different day trips to choose from, including dedicated Cotswolds tours and tours that visit other popular day trip spots like Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Here are some of the top-rated guided day tours of the Cotswolds from London:

• Small-Group Cotswolds Tour from London – visit Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold in one day
• Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages from London – visit Oxford and the Cotswolds villages of Burford and Bibury
• Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds, & Warwick Castle from London – see it all on this day tour

Contributed by Sinead from York Travel Expert

The historic City of York is just under two hours by a direct fast train from London Kings Cross.

York city center is a 10-minute walk from the rail station and, as York is a small compact city, you can visit all your day trip to York attractions on foot.

Grab a coffee from Brew & Brownie before arriving at York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. If the weather is good, climb the 275 winding steps to the top of the central tower for a 360-degree view of York.

Live like a local and walk York city walls – the longest city walls in England – which date back to the medieval era.

Leave the walls at Bootham Bar, one of the city’s medieval gateways, and walk past the Tudor and Victorian buildings on Petergate and Stonegate to reach the city center.

Pick up a street food lunch from the diverse Shambles Market before exploring the adjacent Shambles, a short cobbled medieval-era street said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies.

Spend your afternoon visiting one of the city’s world-class museums such as the Jorvik Viking Centre, the York Castle Museum, or the National Railway Museum.

Alternatively, explore a historic house such as the Victorian Mansion House (home of the Lord Mayor of York) or the Georgian Fairfax House.

Pick up a Fat Rascal bun from Betty’s , York’s iconic tearooms before taking a boat trip on the River Ouse.

Before catching your train back to London, stop for dinner and a pint of craft beer at The House of Trembling Madness on Stonegate. This lively, medieval ale house encourages guests to sit together on long benches, so you are sure to make new friends before departing the City of York.

York Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to York from London: York is an easy train ride from London that takes around 2 hours.

Direct trains to York depart from Kings Cross Station in London throughout the day.

Pro York Travel Tip: The York City Pass is a great value if you want to maximize your York sightseeing on your day trip.

For one price, the York City Pass includes admission to 20 of York’s top attractions that you’d want to see on your day trip including York Minster, various historic houses, and museums like the Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum (among others).

It even includes a York City Cruise, which is one of the best things to do in the city.

BOOK NOW: York City Pass

11. Southampton

Contributed by Alice from Adventures of Alice

Located, as you might imagine, along England’s south coast, Southampton is a fantastic place to visit from London.

It’s one of the most historic places to visit in southern England with old-fashioned houses, crumbling old walls, and ruins of once-spectacular abbeys nearby.

There are several ways to get to Southampton from London, including by car or train.

When you get to the city, there is plenty to keep you busy. If you love history, head straight to the old Tudor Houses in the city center.

Tudor House and Garden is a fantastic 15th-century building in St. Michael’s Square, and the nearby Medieval Merchant’s house is also worth a visit.

Then, you can walk along the city walls, visit the SeaCity Museum to learn about the Titanic, and explore Bargate, the former defensive structure in the Old Town.

The ill-fated Titanic departed from Southampton for her first and last journey. If you want to learn more about the ship’s history, there’s also a highly-rated Titanic walking tour of Southampton .

For food, head to the Quay, where you’ll find a range of great restaurants.

Southampton Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Southampton from London: When planning your Southampton day trip, you can choose between driving or taking the train.

Driving will take between 1 hour 50 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes depending on the route you take and the traffic that day. If you avoid rush hour, you’ll probably be closer to the former on time.

There are direct trains from London Waterloo and London Victoria to Southampton Central, and they both take 1 hour and 30 minutes or less.

It’s safe to say that the train is definitely both the easier and quicker option because you also won’t have to worry about where to park when you arrive in Southampton. 

12. Salisbury

Contributed by Sarah from Slow Travel

Salisbury is a really easy day trip from London – a direct train from Waterloo takes you to the heart of the Wiltshire countryside in just 90 minutes. It is only a further five-minute walk to the center of the medieval city and all of its attractions.

The beautiful 800-year-old Salisbury Cathedral  dominates the city. It’s a major attraction for visitors and is home to the tallest spire in the country, the largest cloisters, and the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta, the document from 1215 which was the blueprint for the US Constitution.

A tour up the tower is a unique opportunity to see inside the spire and to step out onto the parapet with wide-reaching views over the city to the hills beyond.

Both the Cathedral Close and the city are home to countless medieval buildings, many of which are open to the public – why not eat a meal in the timber-framed Prezzo with its wooden fireplace, or watch a film in the medieval Odeon cinema?

St. Thomas’s Church, built for the cathedral’s builders, is home to the largest and best-preserved Doom Painting in the UK.

The nearby Roman fort of Old Sarum has exceptional views over the city and the surrounding countryside, or you could follow in the footsteps of artist John Constable and take a wander down the River Avon through the ancient Harnham Water Meadows.

Salisbury is not all about heritage and nature though. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from, both chains and independently owned, as well as a thriving theatre and Arts Center.

Everywhere is accessible by foot, and at the end of a busy day, it is just a quick walk back to the station to catch one of the many trains an hour back to the capital.

BOOK NOW: Salisbury, Stonehenge, & Windsor Castle from London

Salisbury Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Salisbury from London: Salisbury is easily reached from London by train.

Direct trains depart from London Waterloo Station frequently throughout the day, taking you to Salisbury in just 1.5 hours.

If you’d prefer to take a guided tour, there are a few options to choose from. Most tours combine Salisbury with a visit to Stonehenge and Windsor Castle since Stonehenge is near Salisbury and Windsor Castle is on the way from London.

These tours primarily focus on Salisbury Cathedral though, so if you want to explore more parts of the city you’ll be better off planning your own day trip by train.

13. Coventry

Contributed by Catrina from 24 Hours Layover

Coventry makes for a fun, unique, and convenient day trip from London, and is just over an hour away from London Euston on the fast train.

You can pack a lot into one day in Coventry, a charming city that often goes under the radar in favor of its neighbors, Birmingham and Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Coventry is steeped in history, offering lots of intriguing hidden gems. About 900 years back, Lady Godiva made her legendary protest by riding naked through Coventry’s streets on horseback, against her husband’s imposed tax.

You’ll spot the iconic Lady Godiva statue proudly astride her horse in the city center, along with the intriguing ‘Peeping Tom’ bust, caught in the act of gazing at her!

Other fun things to do in Coventry include a visit to the iconic Coventry Cathedral – one of England’s renowned Cathedrals.

During World War II, Coventry experienced some of the most intense bombings in the UK, surpassing even London in its intensity. In the midst of the Blitz, the medieval Coventry Cathedral faced complete destruction.

Today, you can explore the ruins of the Old Cathedral, a poignant reminder of the past, and visit the adjacent New Cathedral, both equally striking in the daytime and beautifully illuminated in the evening.

Coventry has plenty of shops too if you wish to do some retail therapy and last-minute shopping!

It is also one of the UK’s most exciting food destinations so there are many places to visit for lunch or dinner.

If you are keen to experience a British pub then head to The Flying Standard, an atmospheric pub in the center of town, for some great English pub food at very affordable prices!

Coventry Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Coventry from London: It’s super easy to get to Coventry from London via train.

Direct trains depart from London Euston Station. The duration of the trip depends on which operator is running the train.

Avanti West Coast trains get to Coventry from London in just an hour, while London Northeastern Railway trains take nearly 2 hours. Make sure to book an Avanti West Coast train for the quickest trip!

14. Legoland Windsor

Contributed by Chris of England Explore

It’s sometimes tough to keep kids happy on a trip – even to somewhere as packed with things to do as London .

That’s the situation we found ourselves in a couple of months ago, and so we decided to check out Legoland Windsor .

Legoland is located about 20 miles away from London down the M4 in the historic town of Windsor, which itself is a great place to visit. The park is well-signposted from the motorway.

If you’d prefer not to drive, you can take the Elizabeth line from London Paddington to Slough, then hop on the #703 bus that takes you right to the Legoland entrance.

Follow the attraction’s advice and book your tickets online beforehand so that you can bypass the ticket queues at the park.

Legoland is really two parks in one. There’s a fantastic range of Lego builds – everything from London landmarks to Star Wars characters – and a range of more regular theme park rides such as a haunted house and rapids ride called Land of the Vikings.

We were all more impressed with the Lego models. They use over 2 million bricks to create whole cities and characters and are seriously impressive.

The rides, although fun, were not as spectacular as in some more traditional theme parks, like the nearby Thorpe Park. The rides also attracted long queues – the shortest wait time was 45 minutes.

Overall this was a great day out for the whole family. Legoland is recommended for anyone with children – especially between 5 and 12 – and for big kids too. It’s the perfect day trip to take from London with kids!

BOOK NOW: Legoland Windsor Admission Tickets

Legoland Windsor Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Legoland from London: Legoland Windsor is just a 40-minute drive from central London. If you don’t have a car though, you can get there via train and bus in a little more than an hour.

First, hop on the Elizabeth Line at Paddington Station (or any other London station with a stop on the Elizabeth Line). Go towards Reading, getting off at Slough.

From Slough, you’ll have a short walk to Wellington Street Bus Stop H, where you’ll board the line #703 bus for a 30-minute ride to the Legoland entrance.

Purchasing Legoland Windsor Tickets: For the best value, make sure to purchase your Legoland Windsor admission tickets in advance of your visit.

15. Leeds Castle

Contributed by Karen from Forever Karen

Located in Maidstone, Kent, it takes a little over an hour to drive to Leeds Castle estate from London. Alternatively, the journey by train from Victoria Station to Bearstead takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.

It’s the quintessential fairytale castle, surrounded by a moat and hundreds of acres of land.

Often called the “loveliest castle in the world,” the estate oozes romance. So, it’s not surprising it hosts many weddings and other events.

Expect to spend the day touring the extensive castle and grounds. While the tickets are pricey, they’ll give you access to the castle for one year.

The Kent castle offers an interesting history. It was rebuilt several times, used as a hospital during the war, and home to six queens.

The interior offers a mix of Tudor and medieval elements. Don’t miss the ornate ceiling in the Heraldry Room and the palatial Queen’s Bathroom. Outside the castle, the “dog collar museum” provides an unusual display with some barbaric examples.

The parklands invite visitors to stroll, and the area around the lake makes for a great picnic spot. Behind the castle lies a favorite site for families. The fantastic hedge maze tests their skill at reaching the center and exiting through an intriguing shell-lined grotto.

Nearby, the Birds of Prey Centre runs a falconry show every weekday afternoon in the summer. Here, you can see a mix of owl species, hawks, eagles, and goshawks.

If you haven’t packed a picnic, the Castle View Restaurant has a great selection of meals and snack food, which you can enjoy in an oak-beamed dining space.

BOOK NOW: Leeds Castl e Entry Ticket

Leeds Castle Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Leeds Castle from London: You can easily visit Leeds Castle on a day trip from London by car or train. The castle is about an hour’s drive from London.

If you’re taking public transportation, the easiest way to get to Leeds Castle is by taking the train from London Victoria Station to Bearsted, which takes a little over an hour. From there, you can take the Leeds Castle shuttle, a short taxi ride, or even walk to the Castle.

Don’t want to deal with the hassle of a rental car or navigating public transportation on your own? You can take a guided day trip to Leeds Castle from London , which also includes visits to the White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury.

Purchasing Tickets to Leeds Castle: Tickets are required to visit Leeds Castle. You can pre-book your tickets here . These tickets include admission to the castle itself, the gardens, and the attractions around the grounds.

BOOK NOW: Leeds Castle, Canterbury, and the White Cliffs of Dover Day Tour from London

16. Liverpool

Contributed by Kenny of Knycx Journeying

While many tourists may visit York , Manchester, or Leeds as an excursion from London, consider taking a day trip to Liverpool.

The coastal city is the birthplace of The Beatles and is the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the UK.

The urban area of the city is small enough that it can be easily explored on foot.

It takes about 2.5 to get to Liverpool from London’s Euston railway station and takes about 20 minutes to reach the city’s waterfront from Liverpool’s Lime Street Station.

Enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants at the Royal Albert Dock . The area is packed with interesting attractions and landmarks including the Museum of Liverpool , Tate Museum , and Merseyside Maritime Museum .

Hop on the Wheel of Liverpool and catch a panoramic view of the city and beyond.

The Museum of Liverpool is a piece of modern architecture that features stories of Liverpool and its people in the past.

Make sure to learn about the lives and music of The Beatles, one of the greatest and most influential bands of all time, at The Beatles Story .

Before hopping on a train back to London, walk through the Chinatown and stop by the Liverpool Cathedral – it is the largest cathedral and religious building in the UK and one of the largest cathedrals in the world. The west stained glass windows are really something to see!

BOOK NOW: Liverpool Day Tour from London

Liverpool Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Liverpool from London: Direct trains run hourly from London Euston Station to Liverpool Lime Street Station. The trip takes about 2.5 hours.

Although there are buses between London and Liverpool, they aren’t an option for a day trip as the journey is over 5 hours each way.

Don’t want to deal with the hassle of public transportation? Take a guided day tour of Liverpool including transportation from London .

17. Arundel Castle

Contributed by Hannah from Art Distance

Visiting Arundel Castle is one of the best day trips from London, yet it’s little known among tourists.

Arundel Castle is a vast estate with medieval structures and more modern additions to the home, where the Duke of Norfolk resides.

The gardens are the main attraction to Arundel, with the springtime tulip festival bursting to life with tens of thousands of tulips across the grounds. This includes the wonderful tulip labyrinth, with flowers arranged in an intricate maze pattern.

Arundel Castle is one of the best gardens in South East England , especially at this time of year. For garden lovers, mid to late April is the best time to visit Arundel.

Aside from spring flowers, there are historical reenactments, lush gardens in all seasons, and exciting glimpses into the castle and its history.

Located in the charming town of Arundel, the Castle is easy to reach by train from central London as regular trains run to Arundel from Victoria Station and take about 90 minutes.

The town of Arundel is equally fun to visit on a day trip from London. It is full of historic architecture and beautiful tearooms which offer light lunches and afternoon teas.

There are a good number of houseware and antique shops in Arundel, so it’s good for a bit of shopping as well.

The stunning Arundel cathedral provides a dramatic backdrop to the garden, and it’s possible to visit inside to get a closer look at its grand architecture.

Arundel makes for a unique day trip from London that is off the beaten path for many travelers.

Arundel Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Arundel from London: Getting to Arundel from London is very easy. Direct trains depart throughout the day from London Victoria Station and will take you to Arundel in about 1.5 hours.

18. Brighton

Contributed by Danni of Live in 10 Countries

Served by a high-speed train from Victoria, Brighton is the classic seaside day trip – you only have to watch Quadrophenia to know that!

If you want a bit of sun on your back, a deckchair on the beach, and a group of eclectic things to do, this is where you come. And Brighton is LGBTQ+ traveler central, too!

So, what’s on the day’s to-do list?

The beach is unmissable and the section by Hove Lawns has a nice cafe with seating, so go get an ice cream or play some ping pong as you people watch.

Nearby is Hove Lagoons, where you can have a go at kayaking if you fancy. If you walk along the front for about half an hour and head north, you’ll reach the iconic

Royal Pavilion (free to view and snap, paid museum inside – buy advance tickets here ). Stay north and you’re in The Lanes – home to some of the most eccentric shopping you’ll ever find!

If you get peckish, go the Brighton way and try a vegan meal – there’s a vegan Sunday Roast at The Marlborough which locals love.

Or, go the other way and have fish and chips at The Regency Restaurant with the seagulls for company.

The city’s food is very affordable and there are lots of street food vendors near the main train station if you’re tempted by a snack.

BOOK NOW: Brighton & Seven Sisters Tour from London

Brighton Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Brighton from London: Brighton is just an hour-long train ride from London. There are several direct trains departing each day from London Victoria Station and St. Pancras Station.

Don’t want to plan your own Brighton day trip? Book this Brighton & Seven Sisters Small Group tour from London .

Not only will you get to have free time exploring the city of Brighton, but you’ll also get to see the famous Seven Sisters cliffs.

19. Bristol

Contributed by Danny of What’s Danny Doing?

Bristol should be on the radar for anyone looking to take a day trip from London!

It’s only two hours down the motorway and provides a whole host of activities for anyone wanting a break from the Big Smoke.

This bustling city of Bristol straddles the River Avon and is jam-packed with fun stuff to see and do.

There are great public transport links to and from Bristol. Hop on a train and you’ll be taken right into the center of town.

From there, you have direct access to the masses of attractions in the city!

Some favorite spots include the hustle of Stokes Croft (and the masses of bars and restaurants there), the grandeur of Clifton, and the chilled vibes of the riverfront.

A highlight of a visit to Bristol is the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge . Be sure to walk across it and take the obligatory selfie, before wandering back down into town.

Stokes Croft is a definite must-see as well, packed with atmosphere and a cool, alternative, politically active crowd.

From there, head along to the riverfront for a chill-out. You could go to the We The Curious science museum, or visit the SS Great Britain – the incredible decommissioned passenger steamship that’s moored there.

One of the best spots to eat in Bristol is a restaurant at the harborside called The Stable .

It’s nothing fancy – just pizza, pies, and cider. But the atmosphere’s always pumping, there’s live music on the weekends, the food is top-notch, and there’s a huge range of ciders to choose from!

My advice? Don’t limit yourself to just one day trip to Bristol. You’ll be wanting to come back sometime soon!

Bristol Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Bristol from London: The quickest and easiest way to travel to Bristol from London is via train.

Direct trains depart London Paddington Station hourly, arriving at Bristol Temple Meads Station after about 1.5 hours.

2 0. Canterbury

Contributed by Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

Canterbury has been a popular destination among tourists and pilgrims for close to 1,000 years.

The Canterbury Cathedral , built in 1077 AD, became a place of pilgrimage after Thomas Becket was murdered here in 1170.

Ever heard of The Canterbury Tales? It’s a collection of stories that a group of pilgrims told each other while they were traveling together from London to Canterbury, in a kind of medieval storytelling contest.

The majestic Cathedral is worth the trip just on its own. You’ll be stretching your neck to marvel at the tall vaulted arches that stretch up to the ceiling.

Don’t miss the underground crypt with its frescoed chapel, or the peacefully quiet cloister. And be sure to come back at night to see the façade lit up.

In addition to the Cathedral, other sights worth seeking out include the Westgate Tower, St. Martin’s Church, and the ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey.

A wander through the farmer’s market at The Goods Shed is a fun way to spend an hour or two.

You could either have lunch there or grab a bite at one of the local pubs. My personal favorite is The Lady Luck , which has plenty of options for vegan visitors to Canterbury as well as more traditional pub grub.

BOOK NOW: Canterbury, Leeds Castle, and the White Cliffs of Dover Day Tour from London

Canterbury Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Canterbury from London: The quickest option to get to Canterbury from London is to take the train directly from London St. Pancras station to Canterbury West. The trip will take about an hour.

If you’re short on time and want to visit Canterbury Cathedral along with other top day trip destinations in just one day, then book a combo day tour of Canterbury, Leeds Castle, and the White Cliffs of Dover from London .

This is a great way to maximize your day trip when you’re short on time.

21. Rye and Camber Sands

Contributed by Annabel of Smudged Postcard

Rye in East Sussex is a popular weekend escape from London. It’s just an hour by train (or two hours by car) but feels like a million miles away.

Rye was an important port in medieval times and has a strong history of smuggling.

The town’s steep cobblestone streets with their timber-framed buildings are very atmospheric on a misty night and it’s easy to imagine smugglers sneaking from one inn to another under the cover of darkness.

Rye has an excellent little museum, Ypres Tower , which gives a good overview of the town’s history. It also affords great views over the marshland below.

A short bus or drive away from Rye is the vast expanse of Camber Sands.

This huge beach is equally delightful in both summer and wintertime: the sunsets are magnificent and the sea is inviting (if a little chilly!).

Backed by sand dunes, the beach is popular with dog walkers and families, it’s perfect for sandcastle-building and collecting shells.

Rye and Camber Sands Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Rye from London: Take the South Eastern Train from London St. Pancras International to Ashford International. There, you’ll transfer to a Southern Railway train which will take you to Rye. The total journey, including the transfer, takes about an hour.

Getting to Camber Sands from Rye: Getting from Rye to Camber Sands is very easy and affordable. Just take a Stagecoach Bus (£2-£4 each way, 11 minutes, runs hourly) from Rye Station to Camber Sands.

Getting back to London from Camber Sands: When you’re ready to head back to London at the end of your day trip, you’ll follow the above directions but in reverse.

Take the bus from Camber Sands to Rye, then take the train from Rye to Ashford International. There, you’ll switch and head back to London St. Pancras.

22. Margate

Contributed by Aimee from Our Salt Souls

Margate is a seaside town located 1 hour and 20 minutes from London making it the perfect place for a day at the seaside.

Margate is known for its sandy beaches and its artsy vibe giving you lots to explore on your next day trip from London.

The fastest way to get to Margate is by train. The trains leave from London Victoria or St Pancras International and take around 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Margate.

Once you arrive in Margate it is around a 5-minute walk from the train station into the town center.

To drive from London to Margate it would take you between 2 and 2.5 hours depending on traffic when leaving London.

While in Margate, you can spend some time wandering through the Turner Gallery, showcasing a rotation of local art alongside its own locally-run cafe on site. They also run several workshops for adults and children throughout the year.

Opposite the Turner Gallery is the Old Kent Market which is home to several local stalls that share the space inside what was once an old cinema.

Dreamland is one of the main attractions to Margate, this amusement park pulls a crowd. They also have a range of music concerts and other events throughout the year as well as their in-house artwork from Banksy.

Make sure not to miss a visit to Curve Coffee and end your time in Margate with an ice cream from Ramsay & Williams Ice Cream Bar .

Margate Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Margate from London: Margate is very easy to reach from London by train.

Direct trains depart London St Pancras and London Victoria Stations throughout the day, getting you to Margate in about an hour and a half.

You can also drive from London to Margate. Depending on traffic around London, and what part of London you’re leaving from, the drive can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

23. Ramsgate

Contributed by Bradley of Dream Big, Travel Far

Ramsgate is easily one of the best day trips you can take from London.

Compared to the built-up, hectic nature of London, Ramsgate is a much more scenic and relaxing place to be.

Here you will find a wonderful mix of breathtaking walks, peaceful beaches, and a typical British seaside town complete with pubs, bars, cafes, and arcade machines. There are even World War II tunnels for you to explore!

It is probably best to drive to Ramsgate, as you can then venture more easily to other nearby beaches as a part of your trip down to this part of Kent.

If you don’t have a car, then no problem! It is entirely possible to get a train all the way to Ramsgate from London.

Overall, I like Ramsgate so much as it is a wonderful English seaside resort. I grew up in northern Kent, and have frequently traveled to many nearby seaside towns. Ramsgate is easily one of my favorites.

I don’t have a specific restaurant to recommend, but what I do suggest you do is pick up some freshly cooked fish and chips and eat them right on the beach. You don’t get much more British than that!

Ramsgate Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Ramsgate from London: The easiest way to travel to Ramsgate from London is by train.

Trains depart London St. Pancras every 30 minutes, taking you directly to Ramsgate in about 1.5 hours.

24. Bury St Edmunds

Contributed by Couple Travel the World

One of the best day trips from London is without a doubt Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.

It takes around 1.5 hours by car or around 2 hours by train to reach Bury St Edmunds from London. It is an easy journey by rail with one change only.

There are lots of fun things to do in Bury St Edmunds . It is a small town so one day is enough to see most of the main attractions.

Aside from exploring the quaint laneways brimming with restaurants, shops, and colorful houses, one of the biggest draws of the town is The Nutshell pub , which holds the Guinness Book of Records title as the smallest pub in England.

Opening in 1867, it has some quirky features inside including a mummified cat hanging from the bar ceiling. This cat was found in the bar walls as 4-500 years ago live cats were bricked into houses in the area to ward off evil spirits.

Some other fun activities to do in Bury St Edmunds include visiting the beautiful Abbey Gardens, (which was once one of the most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England) and admiring one of Suffolk’s treasures, the St. Edmundsbury Cathedral.

There is no shortage of good options for lunch including Voujon Indian Cuisine for a delicious curry or Maison Bleue Restaurant for more upmarket dining. If you want to feel like a local, get some take away fish and chips from Bury Fish and Chips and have a picnic in the park.

Finish the day with cream tea at Harriet’s Cafe and Tea Rooms , which has some of the best scones in England, or go on a brewery tour at the Greene King Brewery.

Bury St Edmunds Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Bury St Edmunds from London: Bury St Edmunds is pretty easy to get to from London by train. You’ll just need to transfer once.

The easiest and quickest journey typically involves taking a train from Kings Cross Station in London to Ely, which takes about an hour. In Ely, you’ll transfer to a train that takes you to Bury St Edmunds in about 30 minutes.

25. Lincoln

Contributed by Abigail from The Novelsphere

Lincoln is the perfect city to spend a day trip from London and it’s only 2 hours away by train on the LNER. If you love history, gothic-style buildings, and spooky stories then visiting Lincoln is a day trip that you wouldn’t want to overlook!

The historic city is adorned with a Gothic-style cathedral, its most notable tourist attraction.

Lincoln Cathedral has interestingly been used as a filming location for films such as The Da Vinci Code , where it posed as Westminster Abbey, and the Netflix original film, The King . So, the beautiful interior of Lincoln Cathedral is a sight you wouldn’t want to miss!

Across from Lincoln Cathedral is Lincoln Castle. This medieval castle has walls where you can walk on while taking in the amazing views of the city and surrounding countryside.

It includes information points explaining the history of Lincoln and its landmarks such as the Westgate Water tower that still supplies water to the people in Lincoln today!

Within the castle, there is also a Victorian prison where you can immerse yourself in the lives of the convicts, Governors, Matrons, Chaplains, and surgeons of the 19th century. Afterward, you can discover one of the four surviving Magna Cartas in the castle too!

To end the perfect day trip in Lincoln on a spooky note, go on the Lincoln Ghost Walk to explore more of the city’s supernatural past.

It only costs £7.50 for adults and £5 for children. You won’t even need to book it in advance either! Just arrive at the Tourist Information Center in Castle Walk at 7 PM any day between Wednesday to Saturday when the tour starts.

Lincoln Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Lincoln from London: There are direct trains between Lincoln and London that depart a few times each day from Kings Cross Station. The trip takes about 2 hours on the LNER.

26. Portsmouth

Contributed by Tom from Trekking the Dream

Portsmouth is a perfect day trip from London with excellent road and rail links. Trains leave from London Waterloo and London Victoria Stations and take around 2 hours while traveling by car will take around 1 hour 40 minutes.

Commonly known by its nickname ‘Pompey’, Portsmouth is home to one of the UK’s oldest and most important Naval Bases.

Visiting the Historic Dockyard is a must for anyone who loves naval history and ships or simply wants a fantastic, informative day out!

Perhaps the most famous warship in the world, the Tudor-built Mary Rose, can be found in its own state-of-the-art museum. Visitors can get up close to the wreck and learn all about the men who crewed her and the battles they fought.

There are several other historic vessels on display that are still afloat including HMS Victory (1759) and HMS Warrior (1860) and a tour of these is highly recommended.

Portsmouth though, is much more than just a Naval city. For those who are looking for a bit of culture, you’ll find old theatres such as the Kings Theatre in Southsea as well as various art galleries and museums.

Cafés, restaurants, and coffee shops are plentiful ranging from the more traditional artisan style to bang-up-to-date modern. You can even have breakfast 105 meters up in the Spinnaker Tower’s Clouds Café .

Shoppers will not be disappointed either. Gunwharf Quays has a large waterfront Designer Outlet complex where you can buy everything from perfume and jewelry to jeans and trainers, all at discounted prices.

Southsea Common is famous for its many festivals held on the large, open expanse of grass. It is a perfect setting on a warm summer evening for listening to up-and-coming bands or simply enjoying a picnic.

Portsmouth Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Portsmouth from London: You can get to Portsmouth via a direct train from both London Waterloo and London Victoria stations.

No matter which London station you depart from, the trip to Portsmouth will take right around 2 hours.

27. Seven Sisters at Cuckmere Haven

Contributed by Kristin from Scotland Less Explored

The white cliffs at Seven Sisters are between Seaford and Eastbourne on the south coast of England.

The easiest way to get to the cliffs is from Seaford which is about 1.5 hours by train from Victoria Station in London.

From the station, it takes one hour to walk the nearly 4.5 kilometers to Seven Sisters.

Walking along the seafront and through Seaford Head Nature Reserve gives you fabulous views of the white cliffs.

The shortest route is to return the way you came. For a longer walk continue on to Eastbourne along the cliffs. But be warned that it is 22.5 kilometers between these two towns.

When walking through the nature reserve you pass Cuckmere Haven beach. From here you can look up at the cliffs. This is best at low tide when a pebble beach runs below the cliffs.

Anyone walking along here should keep an eye on tide levels. Make sure you return before the tide turns.

After a walk along the beach climb up to the top of the white cliffs for a different perspective. A path runs all the way along the cliffs to Eastbourne. Walk as far as you want before turning back.

On the way back the views over Cuckmere Haven beach reveal the amazing turquoise waters. This is a water color you normally find on the beaches in Scotland , not in England.

There is nowhere to eat along the cliffs or close to the beach so it is best to bring a picnic. In Seaford go to the Sub-Station and pick up a sandwich to bring with you on your walk.

Seven Sisters Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Seven Sisters from London: Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven are accessible from London via train.

You’ll need to take the train from London Victoria Station to Seaford, which requires a transfer in either Lewes or Brighton.

From there, you’ll need to take the scenic trail from Seaford to the cliffs themselves, which takes about an hour.

You can continue on the trail and walk to Eastbourne, but remember that this is a 22.5-kilometer (14-mile) walk. This might not be the best day trip to choose if you’re unable to walk long distances.

If you have access to a car, you can also drive to Seven Sisters, giving you the freedom to explore the area without having to walk long distances.

28. Cardiff, Wales

Contributed by Steph from Book It Let’s Go!

When in the UK, it is easy to take a day trip to Cardiff from London and visit the capital city of Wales.

Cardiff is a lovely, compact city that is easy to walk around, and getting there takes less than 2 hours by train from London Paddington Station to Cardiff Central.

Arriving by train puts you in the heart of Cardiff city which is perfect to start exploring.

Cardiff has its own castle so a great starting point on a day trip from London is a castle tour which takes a couple of hours to see the 11th-century keep, the castle house, the castle walls, and the beautiful clock tower.

After touring the castle, take a short walk into Bute Park and stroll through the champion trees to the arboretum where you can sit and enjoy the colorful landscaped gardens.

In Bute Park, you can also take a cruise along the River Taff to Cardiff Bay and take in the historical sites along the way.

Cardiff Bay has some of the best places to eat and lots of shops to wander around. However, the best shopping experience in Cardiff is the Victorian Arcades which are small, covered shopping areas, and Cardiff market where you will find Bakestones.

Bakestones is a local family-owned bakery that has been making the best Welsh cakes in Cardiff for almost 20 years!

Cardiff Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Cardiff from London: The easiest way to get to Cardiff from London is by train.

Trains to Cardiff depart London Paddington Station hourly, getting you to Cardiff in just under 2 hours.

You can also book a guided day trip to Cardiff from London , which includes bus transportation to and from Cardiff, a knowledgeable guide, and entry fees.

BOOK NOW: Cardiff Day Trip from London

29. Paris, France

Contributed by Elisa from World in Paris

Want to visit another country on your day trip? It’s possible to visit Paris on a day trip from London.

Eurostar trains leave London St. Pancras train station to Gare du Nord in Paris every half hour. The journey takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes.

You could spend weeks exploring Paris and still discover new things every day. However, it is possible to have a glimpse of what the city has to offer in just one day.

Start by walking along the Seine River from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower on the Right Bank.

At Gare du Nord, metro line 4 will take you directly to Cité, the closest metro station to Notre Dame.

After admiring Notre Dame’s main façade, head to the Seine’s Right Bank and start walking downstream (to the west).

Along this Seine Walk, it is possible to see some of Paris’s main tourist attractions such as the Conciergerie, the Louvre , Musée d’Orsay, Alexander Bridge, the Grand Palais, and of course, the Eiffel Tower.

Since you only have one day in Paris, grab a sandwich at Cité or stop in a café at Tuileries Garden for a quick lunch.

You can finish your day in Paris by visiting the Eiffel Tower, but only if you booked your skip-the-line tickets in advance!

READ MORE: The Perfect Paris Bucket List

BOOK NOW: London to Paris Organized Day Trip

Paris Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Paris from London: Take the Eurostar train from London St. Pancras Station to Paris Gare du Nord. The journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Eurostar tickets must be booked in advance – you can book them online here .

To maximize your time in the city, consider leaving London on the earliest train and leaving Paris on the latest train.

Additionally, plan your day trip to Paris on a weekday when the trains depart London earlier and depart Paris later. For the most accurate timetables, check the official Eurostar website .

For a stress-free day trip, book a pre-planned London to Paris day trip .

30. Lille, France

Contributed by Paul D’Souza from Paulmarina

Lille is an inconspicuous city in Northern France that makes for a great day trip from London.

From London, travel to Lille within 90 minutes with the Eurostar train. Lille has long been known for its unique Flemish culture in France, as it is situated right next to the Belgian border.

You will start your journey in the Vieux-Lille, which is the old town.

Colorful brick houses add to the aesthetics of Lille and new architectural marvels, such as the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral, add a special visual touch to the city landscape.

Head over to the Grand Place square and look out for the picture-perfect Belfry Tower and the old stock exchange building.

Take a break and enjoy a regional meal such as a Welsh, Poulet au maroilles, and Carbonnade Flamand with Fries at the Estaminet Chez La Vieille restaurant. Stock up on specialties from the region, such as apple cider and cheese, at the Watzmann market.

If you are an art lover, head over to the Palais des Beaux-Arts, an art history museum known for masterpieces by Picasso, Monet, and Donatello.

Families will enjoy an afternoon at the Natural History Museum, where you can spend some time with your kids enjoying the zoological and geological collections.

Discover more fantastic  attractions in Lille  and visit this lively French city anytime in the year.

Lille Day Trip from London: Things to Know

Getting to Lille from London: Most people know of Eurostar as being the train that can take you to Paris from London, but you can also use it to get to other French destinations, including Lille.

The trip takes just under 1.5 hours. To maximize your time, plan to depart London on the earliest train and head back from Lille on one of the latest trains.

Best Day Trips from London: Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are TONS of amazing choices when planning your day trips from London.

You can explore the beautiful English countryside, visit a historic city, or even head to a new country!

No matter which day trip from London you choose, you’re sure to have an amazing time filled with culture, food, and fun!

Have you taken any day trips from London? Which one is your favorite?

Check out these other great posts to help plan your trip to England:

• The Ultimate London Bucket List
• Safestay Holland Park: The Best Hostel in London?
• Review: Stonehenge & Bath with Golden Tours
• The Best Places to Stay in London: Accommodation Choices for Every Budget

After traveling outside of the US for the first time while studying abroad, I quickly developed a love for travel and an obsession for exploring as much of the world as possible. Now, I'm on a mission to teach college students, young adults, and anyone else who wants to see the world how to travel while minimizing their expenses and maximizing their experiences.

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Day trips from London

Britain packs a punch when it comes to the eclectic range of destinations within close proximity to London. Whether it’s experiencing the charm of the English countryside, breathing in the sea air, or walking in the footsteps of historic and literary greats, there’s plenty of opportunities to see Britain differently.

With the nation’s capital as your base, you can embark on a diverse choice of day trips from London. All have great transport links too, making it easy to discover the best of what each location has to offer.

VisitBritain

Brighton Beach

Explore Brighton’s beachfront with its iconic pier, colourful beach huts, the Artists’ Quarter galleries, independent traders and Sea Life aquarium. After dark, hit the clubs and bars beneath the Victorian beachfront for cocktails and dancing.

SUP Bristol

Looking for a different kind of sightseeing tour? On a paddleboard, you’ll witness the nature, beauty and relaxed pace of life on Bristol’s waterways and harbourside – and get a great workout too. This award-winning company offers group sessions every day of the week, as well as private classes, family bookings and tours further afield – to the likes of Pembrokeshire and The Gower, in Wales.

Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Windsor Castle

Walk through 1,000 years of history at Windsor Castle, exploring its opulent state rooms and superb royal artefacts – such as the lavish gifts received by Queen Elizabeth throughout her reign.

Your ticket includes St George’s Chapel, where several royal couples have married.

Oxford Alumni Harry Potter Tour

Combine movie legends with fascinating history on this Harry Potter-themed walking tour, which visits key Oxford locations used in the ‘Philosopher’s Stone’ and ‘Goblet of Fire’ films. Every tour is hosted by Oxford University alumni or students, so you’ll also learn all about life in this world-famous academic institution and beautiful city – a treat for both wizards and muggles!

VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Cambridge University – The Theory of Everything

In the Theory of Everything film, St John’s College doubled as Trinity Hall, where Professor Stephen Hawking studied. See where the May Ball scene was filmed on the lawn outside the New Court Building, in which staunch atheist Hawking falls in love with devout Christian Jane Wilde.

rockin.goodtimes

The Shell Grotto

Decorated with an incredible 4.6 million shells, this spectacular underground hideaway has to be seen to be believed. It was discovered by accident in 1835, and nobody knows its origins. Was it a temple? A rich person’s folly? Enter the tunnels and decide for yourself.

Top day trips from London

London is an ideal base for a British adventure, with a wealth of unique day trips on the doorstep. With numerous rail hubs in the city, these day trips from London range from approximately 25 to 100 miles (40km-160km), are easy to get to by car if you’re hiring one, or take between 30 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes by train.

The city of Cambridge is a hotbed of history, architecture and innovation.

Shutterstock/Pajor Pawel

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires.

VisitBritain/Jess Barfield

Lovers of The Crown can wrap themselves in royalty as this town is about as regal as it gets.

A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

VisitBritain/i360

From ice-cream parlours to sea food festivals, the ‘Garden of England’ is meant for discovery.

VisitBritain/Dipyourtoesin

A perfect blend of nature and urban living. Colchester, Essex, was made to be explored.

Indre @Colchesterstreets

A wellness retreat for the Romans and Georgian architecture around every corner.

Top destinations

Getting here: Around 50 mins by train from London King’s Cross station, or around 1 hour 20 minutes from London Liverpool Street station. Or 60 miles (96km) from London by car (1 hour 30 minutes).

Cambridge is known for its iconic University, where the late Professor Sir Stephen Hawking studied. Some of the city’s highlights include the University’s Botanic Garden, eclectic street food at Market Square, and leisurely punts along the River Cam.

Getting here: Around 40 minutes by train from London Paddington station or around 1 hour from London Waterloo station. Or 27 miles (43km) from London by car (1 hour).

For a taste of Royal Britain, head to Windsor. One of the most famous landmarks is Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world and an official residence of King Charles III. The charming town is packed with half-timbered houses and quaint shops, while Windsor Great Park has something for all ages. Eton College, just across the River Thames, can be toured and also boasts notable alumni including George Orwell and Prince William.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Getting here: Around 50 mins by train from London Paddington station, or 60 miles (96km) from London by car (1 hour 45 minutes).

With history at every turn, you can be in the heart of Oxford’s cobbled lanes and canals in no time. A tour of Britain’s oldest university is a must, while Harry Potter fans can spot famous landmarks which featured in several of the movies. From modern art to history-filled museums, look out for the Bodleian Library on this unmissable day trip.

Bodleian Libraries/Stu Heppell

Getting here: Around 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London Paddington station, or 118 miles (190km) from London by car (2 hour 20 minutes).

Bristol, a mecca for street art and the birthplace of Banksy, is a cultural and artistic hub with plenty to offer for all tastes. Highlights include surfing at The Wave, delicious eats at the historic St Nicholas Market, and numerous artistic tours and workshops. With multiple museums, craft beers to taste, paddle boarding on Bristol’s waterways and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice on things to do.

Getty Images/Mint Images RF

Getting here: Around 50 minutes from London St Pancras station by train, or around 1 hour 30 minutes from London Victoria station. Or 60 miles (97km) from London by car (1 hour 30 minutes).

There’s more than one tale to discover in Canterbury. Where pilgrims walked and Romans ruled, this city that is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites has never stood still in the face of time. Wake up under the shadows of towering cathedral spires with a stay in the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge or pick up an ale at Canterbury’s 14th century pub. With history to uncover, a river punt to see the sights and several nearby vineyards too, Canterbury is calling you.

VisitBritain/Raul Caramizaru

Getting here: Around a 1 hour journey by train from London Liverpool Street, or 67 miles (108km) from London by car (1 hour 40 minutes).

A blissful blend of nature and urban living, Britain’s oldest city was made to explored. Step back in time and uncover the hidden secrets of Europe’s largest Norman Keep, prisons and vaults. A journey out to neighbouring Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty connects you to the environment, with foraging walks or cycling adventures on offer. From local flavours to contemporary art, and plenty of history, now’s the time to unlock the stories of Colchester that span over 2000 years.

Colchester City Council

Seaside day trips from London

Getting here: Around 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London St Pancras, London Victoria or Charing Cross stations. Or 75 miles (121km) from London by car (2 hours).

Found to the south east of London on Kent’s northern coast, Margate’s sandy beach and seafront provide a taste of traditional seaside Britain. The revived Old Town is awash with cafes, retro shops and vibrant independent stores, as well as eclectic art and tasty food from pop up stalls. Discover the region’s artistic past at the Turner Contemporary gallery, or be immersed in the mysteries of the Shell Grotto, a captivating subterranean complex first discovered in 1835. From sea front hotels to cosy bed and breakfast options, Margate also has a broad range of places to stay if you fancy more than a day trip.

Getting here: Around 60 minutes by train from London Victoria, London Bridge, Blackfriars or London St Pancras stations. 0r 60 miles (96km) from London by car (2 hours).

Eccentric and trendy, head south to Brighton for its boho shopping streets and for a taste of traditional fish and chips on the beach. Try adrenaline-fuelled roller coasters on Brighton Pier, be immersed in the city’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ scene, or climb to the top of the Brighton i360 observation tower for breathtaking views. Marvel at the architecture of the Royal Pavilion, and absorb the charm of this British seaside resort.  Choose from a wide range of accommodation options if you want to spend more than a day here too.

Getting here: Around 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London Victoria, or 75 miles (120km) from London by car (2 hours).

Eastbourne, on England’s southern coast, mixes history and culture with striking outdoor landscapes. Explore the town’s wealth of independent shops in Little Chelsea, browse contemporary art at Towner Eastbourne, the south-east’s largest purpose-built gallery, and sample fish and chips on the town’s Victorian pier for lunch. For something a little more adventurous, venture out onto the water for kayaking or paddle boarding. Eastbourne also boasts vast green spaces for scenic coastal hikes, where you can admire the chalky white cliffs of Seven Sisters and the luscious Seven Sisters Country Park. Great as a day trip, there’s also an array of seafront hotels and guest houses if you fancy an extended stay.

Around 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London Bridge, or 70 miles (113km) from London by car (1 hour 50 minutes).

Steeped in history, Hastings has a rich fishing heritage and is home to Britain’s steepest funicular railway, offering stunning views across the English Channel. While the town gives its name to one of the most significant battles in British history in 1066, explore the historic conflict’s actual location a few miles to the north at Battle Abbey. Hastings Pier offers modern amusements and seaside views, while the Shipwreck Museum reveals rare artefacts from sunken vessels. Browse an eclectic mix of exhibitions and modern art at Hastings Contemporary, or head into nature at the Hastings Country Park Local Nature Reserve. If you’re keen to spend more than a day here, Hastings has a range of accommodation options for all budgets too.

Southampton

Getting here: Around 1 hour 20 minutes by train from London Waterloo station, or 80 miles (129km) from London by car (2 hours).

A catalyst for creatives, Southampton shines bright with artsy vibes, exhilarating watersports and relaxing boat trips. Discover contemporary galleries or indulge in luxury at the Ocean Village Marina. Or out on the water, pick up a paddle for a unique way to see the city. From clambering up the Clock Tower to tucking into seafood delights, uncover the bounties of this coastal city. Opt to spend longer here and look to Southampton’s abundance of places to stay , with waterfront views, city centre hotels and rural escapes all on offer.

Getting here: Around 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London Waterloo station, or 77 miles (124km) from London by car (2 hours).

Whether its for a slice of history, nature or film, Portsmouth is a melting pot of what makes Britain brilliant. A star of the screen, look to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for scenes from Les Misérables alongside maritime history in its museums, galleries, and ships. Take your tea quite literally higher, with an afternoon tea at the tip of the Spinnaker Tower. Or for those that dare, up the antics with an abseil 100m down the iconic building. Choose to extend your stay and have your pick of hotels , guest houses and campsites with budget friendly options too.

Looking further afield

If you’re willing to travel slightly further, all of these locations are accessible via train from London in under three hours.

World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

Steeped in legends that surround Robin Hood to literary greats, discover what this city has to offer.

projecthoop

An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

West Midlands Growth Company

Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

Lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers - the Cotswolds has it all.

Cotswolds, England

From a Medieval monarch found under a car park to the city’s celebration of multicultural modern life, Leicester has it all. See the top things to do here.

Visit Leicester

Leicester, England

Known as the City of Stories, create your own narrative as you explore Norwich’s huge array of historic and modern day attractions.

Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

Norwich, England

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35 Best Day Trips from London (local approved!)

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London has enough to do to fill weeks on end, but when you’re visiting the UK as a once in a lifetime trip or here for longer than a couple of days, you should really consider doing one or more day trips from London out to other beautiful and historic British towns and cities.

As London is a hub in the UK, you’ll find endless options when it comes to taking a train or bus out of the city on a London day trip.

Here are some of my favorite day trips from London, including some that are a bit more off the beaten path and others that are incredibly popular with the masses (for a reason!)

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Let’s start with Oxford.

Home to Oxford University and its many colleges, beautiful green spaces, top museums and Harry Potter filming locations galore, Oxford is a great day trip from London for many visitors.

I love it because of its picturesque architecture and how much there is to do and see in this university town.

There are plenty of things to do for kids in Oxford , as well as budget friendly Oxford activities if you’re hoping to keep the costs down.

Go punting on the river, spend hours exploring the Ashmolean Museum, or check out the Bodleian Library which holds literary treasure from around the world.

Oxford is very walkable, and compact enough that you can see a lot in just one day in Oxford .

How to get to Oxford from London : Either take the Oxford Tube (a bus) that departs from Victoria Station ( book tickets here ), or hop on the train from London to Oxford, which you can book tickets for here by plugging in London (Any) and Oxford into the search form.

How long to get there : About an hour by train and an hour and a half on the Oxford Tube, depending on traffic.

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2. Stratford upon Avon: a great summer day trip from London

Home to all things Shakespeare, Stratford upon Avon is another fantastic day trip from London for those interested in the life of this literary figure.

Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, his grave, and see a Shakespeare production with the country’s most famous Shakespeare theatre company.

Outside of Shakespeare, Stratford upon Avon is just a charming English town with peaceful waterways, boutique shops and green spaces.

This is another incredibly walkable city, which means you don’t have to worry about public transportation while you’re there and can just meander around the winding roads.

How to get to Stratford upon Avon from London : Take the train from London Marylebone Station to Stratford-upon-Avon by booking tickets through Omio here .

You may have a connection to make depending on when the direct routes are.

How long it takes : About 2 hours.

IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?

In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.

• Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
• International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here .

3. Cambridge

Cambridge and Oxford are the two big university cities in the UK, and Cambridge has its fair share of history, culture, and beautiful views.

If you want someone to take you around with no stress, check out my guide to the best tours of Cambridge from London .

Go punting (a type of boating) on the river, see an Evensong choral performance at one of the Cambridge colleges, or hang out in one of its gorgeous parks.

If you haven’t been to either, I prefer Oxford during the summer months and Cambridge during the winter months.

How to get to Cambridge from London : Take the train from London (multiple stations available, such as King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, and St Pancras).

Book tickets here by plugging in London (Any) and then Cambridge to see options.

How long it takes: Anywhere from 50 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the train you take.

One of my personal favorites, Dover is a best day outing from London for anyone looking for a towering castle, stunning coastal views, or World War II history.

Visit Dover Castle to see medieval ruins, wartime secret tunnels, and royal chambers, and then go for a walk along the famous White cliffs of Dover.

Get some fish and chips near the sea to finish off your day.

If you have a bit more time and want to do a castle drive-by instead of going in, you can also spend time rockpooling in St. Margaret’s Bay, enjoy dinner at the Coast Guard pub right on the beach, enjoy a trip on the Dover Sea Safari , or visit a smaller castle like Walmer Castle or Deal Castle which are neighboring to Dover.

How to get to Dover from London : Book the train from London here , departing from stations such as St. Pancras and London Bridge.

The final stop is “Dover Priory”.

How long it takes : Anywhere from 1 hours to 2 hours depending on the train you take.

Yes, taking a day trip to Paris from London is possible!

If you don’t have time in your itinerary for a longer trip to Paris , you can go see the main sights in one whirlwind day and then come back to sleep in London!

From the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre, you won’t have time to spend hours at each place, but you can check some things off your bucket list.

In this instance, unless you’re a confident traveler, I would recommend booking a one day tour of Paris that’s guided by an expert so you won’t waste any time.

You’ll also want to make sure you take into account the extra time it takes to pass security to use the Eurostar, as unlike a normal train within the UK, there are passport checks and airport style security to go through.

How to get to Paris from London : Take the Eurostar ( book tickets here ) from St. Pancras International to Gare du Nord.

6. Bath/Stonehenge

The classic Bath and Stonehenge combination is a fan favorite among visitors wanting to see the famous rock formation.

There is a visitor center at Stonehenge and then the rocks themselves, and there isn’t anything else around it.

That’s why many tours add the city of Bath into the mix, which has ancient Roman baths to explore and charming streets.

This is one day trip from London I would highly advise you to take a tour for, because Stonehenge and Bath aren’t well connected to each other by public transportation.

Another great option is to think about actually turning this into more of a roadtrip by checking out the best sites for motorhome hire in London and renting a caravan to take a trip out to Stonehenge.

How to get to Stonehenge and Bath from London : Book onto a Stonehenge and Bath tour like this one which I recommend for a half day, and this one for a full day.

How long it takes: The tours range from half a day to full day.

Royal fans will love a trip out to Windsor where they can see Windsor Castle and all of the royal history that comes with it.

There’s also some great shopping and the chance to sit down by the river.

Windsor Castle is really the main draw here, but it’s a fantastic royal residence to visit if that’s your thing.

Not only has it played host to royal weddings, but you can also learn about how it functions in the day-to-day life of the royal family and there are some spectacular views and posh artifacts to look at.

How to Get to Windsor from London : Take the train from London to Windsor and Eton Central or Windsor and Eton Riverside Station. You may have to make a connection depending on the train you book.

Book your train tickets using Omio here .

How Long it Takes: From half an hour to one hour depending on the train you book.

8. Brighton: a top London day trip

Ready for a coastal day trip to one of the coolest British cities around?

Brighton is known for its awesome pier, gorgeous rocky beaches, and general atmosphere of love and inclusivity.

You can go shopping in “the lanes,” check out the beautifully designed Royal Pavilion, or go for a swim in the sea in the summer.

There’s so much to do in Brighton that some people like to turn it into a weekend in Brighton rather than just a London day trip, but because it’s so close to London transportation wise, it’s super easy to maximize your day here and get there early and come home late – no 2 + hour train rides for you!

How to get to Brighton from London : Hop on the train from London by booking tickets here and plugging in “London (Any)” and “Brighton”.

How long to get to Brighton : About an hour.

9. Canterbury

Well known for the Canterbury tales, this historic city still has some of its old city walls standing that you can walk around, as well as one of the largest and most stunning cathedrals in the UK.

Literary lovers will enjoy things to do in Canterbury like tracing Chaucer’s tales back to this city and any visitor will be impressed by the general charming feel of this city.

The other thing I love about Canterbury is how it attracts more locals and more local versions of tourists.

It gets left off many people’s UK itineraries, which means it has retained its charm and has plenty of awesome cafes and pubs to pop into when you’ve had enough sightseeing.

How to get to Canterbury from London: Hop on the train from London to Canterbury East or Canterbury West (book train tickets here ), departing from Victoria Station or St. Pancras Station depending on which one you book.

How long to get to Canterbury: Ranges from an hour to an hour and 40 minutes depending on the train route.

10. Cardiff

You don’t need to stay in England on your day trip from London!

Head to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, for some delicious Welsh cakes, a stop in Cardiff castle, and some political tourism at the Cardiff Parliament.

If you’re wanting to get out to other places in Wales like North Wales , save that for more than a day trip, but definitely add them to your list.

From Beddgelert to Aberwystwyth, there’s just so much in Wales to see.

How to get to Cardiff from London: Hop on the train from London Paddington Station to Cardiff Central Station. If you need luggage storage, check out the best luggage storage at Paddington !

Book train tickets using Omio here .

How long to get to Cardiff: 2 to 3 hours depending on the train you book.

It’s a hefty day trip due to the time it takes to get there, but you can make it to York and back in a day and this is a great choice for anyone who wants to see (and hear the accents of) the North of England.

York is picturesque and filled with history, and popular spots include the Shambles, the York Castle Museum, and York Minster.

There are bus tours of York that will zoom you around the city, or it is a pedestrian friendly city so feel free to use your own two feet.

How to get to York: Book the LNER train from King’s Cross Station to York using Omio here .

How long to get to York : About 2 hours by train.

12. Liverpool

Beatles fans, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Liverpool!

Even better, take the best Liverpool day tour from London !

This quirky city is known for its incredible cathedral, lots of Beatles history and port location.

Go on a Beatles tour to see where the magic of this band got started and leave some time for museums like the Museum of Liverpool , the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Walker Art Gallery.

How to get to Liverpool: Book the train from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street Station using Omio here .

How long to get to Liverpool : About 2 and a half hours.

13. Cotswolds

Want a day out in the countryside?

The Cotswolds are calling your name!

You can take a train to one of the gateway towns in the Cotswolds and then either take a tour or use local buses or taxis to explore some surrounding towns.

Try our best list of the Cotswolds tours from London here !

You’ll feel so far removed from the cities with endless countryside, fields, babbling streams, and houses that look like they’ve been taken from the pages of a fairytale.

How to get to the Cotswolds : Take a train to Moreton-on-the-Marsh from London, or take a guided tour of the Cotswolds (recommended).

I prefer this Cotswolds tour .

How long to get to the Cotswolds: About 90 minutes to get to Moreton-on-the-Marsh or a full day tour of the Cotswolds if you’re taking a guided tour that leaves on a bus from London.

14. Bristol: a beautiful winter day trip from London

Bristol can be described as the slightly edgier, more laid back sister of London.

It has a thriving creative scene, some of the country’s hottest dining destinations and a pristine location straddling the River Thames.

Thanks to its rich maritime history, there’s also an abundance of naval related architecture and sightseeing for the curious visitor.

But if you’re more into burgers than boats, you’ll find plenty of gastronomic delights to choose from.

One of the city’s most popularly photographed spots is the Clifton Suspension Bridge, so be sure to leave some time to get a glimpse of this ultimate Bristol icon.

How to get to Bristol from London: There’s a train from London Paddington that will take you straight into the heart of Bristol.

Book using Omio here .

How long it takes: Under 2 hours.

15. Bletchley Park

Famed for being the secret hideaway for Allied codebreakers during World War Two, Bletchley Park is now a magnificent historical attraction, located in Bletchley, Milton Keynes.

Whilst the façade of the mansion still retains its Victorian character, much of the interiors have been renovated and converted to provide a superb visitor experience.

From learning about the mysterious codebreakers that once occupied the place to seeing the various exhibits that are on display, this is one of the most fascinating and insightful day trips from London for a WWII history buff.

There’s also a café on site or you can take your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds.

How to get to Bletchley Park from London: Hop on the train from London Euston that will take you to Bletchley Park.

How long it takes: Approximately 45 minutes by train.

16. Cheltenham

Known as one of the UK’s most popular spa districts, Cheltenham is a lovely Regency style town in the Gloucestershire district.

Visitors can enjoy wandering around the pretty streets, admiring architecturally designed buildings including the Pittville Pump Room and the Victorian Theatre.

If you happen to be visiting in March, your trip may coincide with the annual Cheltenham Festival horse racing carnival.

Even if you don’t enjoy watching the races, the town becomes a particularly lively and vibrant place, making it a great time to visit.

Cheltenham is conveniently located just outside of the Cotswolds, so even if you don’t have time to spend a full day here, try to stop in during your wider tour of the Cotswolds.

How to get to Cheltenham from London: You can take the train from London Paddington (book tickets using Omio here ) but it’s a particularly scenic road trip if you have a car.

How long it takes: Approximately 2 hours.

17. Portsmouth

The Great Waterfront City, as Portsmouth is otherwise known, is located on the southern coast of England and is a lively city with a fascinating maritime history.

Due to its strategic location, Portsmouth is also a naval base and various attractions around the city pay homage to its maritime significance.

Some of the main highlights include the National Museum of the Royal Navy, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the HMS Victory, the world’s oldest commissioned warship which has now been converted into a museum.

Aside from the ports, there’s also a fantastic beach and plenty of local cafes serving up delicious fish and chips to make for a perfect day trip from London.

How to get to Portsmouth from London: Take the train from London Waterloo (book using Omio here ). or drive through scenic Surrey.

How long it takes: Approximately two hours by train.

18. Birmingham

Birmingham may be best known for its industrial past, but it’s also a major city with all the action, art and thrill that you could possibly want for a packed day trip.

In the heart of the city, you’ll find one of the city’s main attractions, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, with masterpieces by award-winning global artists.

Afterwards, stroll through the botanical gardens to experience a refreshing and calm natural oasis before making your way down towards Sherborne Wharf.

The Wharf is the starting point for many of the city’s canals and a number of cafes and restaurants have popped up alongside, making for a great afternoon of walking, eating and exploring the best of Birmingham.

How to get to Birmingham from London: Get the train from London Euston (book tickets using Omio here ). or drive up the M40.

How long it takes: Approximately an hour and a half by train or two and a half if you drive.

19. Nottingham

Nottingham may be familiar to you thanks to its part in the legend of Robin Hood.

But there’s much more to explore in Nottingham, which makes it great for an easy day trip from London.

Some of the main attractions in Nottingham include the hilltop Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery, which has been around since medieval times, the National Justice Museum and Wollaton Hall, a magnificent Elizabeth-era mansion with expansive gardens and its own deer park.

For a more unique activity, you can join a tour of the City of Caves, an underground network of caves running under the city that was used during the Anglo-Saxon times.

How to get to Nottingham from London: Trains run frequently from St Pancras International to Nottingham.

Book tickets using Omio here .

How long it takes: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by train.

20. Bedford

A little further north than Luton airport lies the charming market town of Bedford, in the district of Bedfordshire.

The town is quaint, with a river running through it and has a compact town center with several local favorite pubs and cafes.

Whilst you’re there, take a wander down to the main church with a towering steeple that rises high above the township and keep an eye out for the houses designed in various architectural styles, from Tudor to Victorian.

If you have the time, a visit to the Higgins Bedford museum will give you more of an insight into the town’s history as one of the lace capitals of the country.

How to get to Bedford from London: The Thameslink will connect you to Bedford from London Bridge.

How long it takes: Just over an hour

21. The New Forest

The New Forest is an enchanting expanse of woodland, filled with wildlife, activities and a number of nearby towns and villages, located just outside of York in the north of England.

Whilst the entire national park may be too large to fully explore in a day trip, you can choose from a range of activities to help you make the most of your visit.

Some of the most popular things to do include cycling, hiking along the cliff tops and keeping an eye out for the park’s local wild residents, from ponies, cattle, donkeys and deer.

Fun fact, the New Forest used to be an old hunting forest for the earls and local royalty.

Nowadays, hunting is of course prohibited.

How to get to the New Forest from London: Driving on the M1 will be the most direct route, otherwise you’ll have to get a couple of trains, departing from King’s Cross and changing at York.

How long it takes: Between three to four hours.

22. Hastings

Perhaps most famously known for being the location of the Battle of Hastings, this town on the south east coast of England has much to offer for an informative and fun day trip.

Any visit to Hastings should include at least an hour or two learning about the wartime significance, by paying a visit to the Battle Abbey, nearby to where the battle was fought.

Afterwards head down to Hastings Pier for lunch at one of the many cafes that dot the seafront.

Make a final stop at Hastings Castle to explore the ruins of this 11th century Norman fortress before returning to London.

How to get to Hastings from London: The easiest way is to get the train from London Bridge and get off directly at Hastings.

How long it takes: Between 1 and a half to 2 hours.

23. Hampton Court Palace

Perched on a small hilltop overlooking the pretty town of Hampton and the River Thames lies the impressive Hampton Court Palace.

One of the most visited palaces in England, this was the residence of the infamous Henry VIII and his many wives and makes a great half day trip from London.

You can see the palace from the outside if you want to spend more time exploring the town, but the palace itself is definitely worth a visit if you can.

You can choose to join a privately guided tour and even add on a high tea for the full royal experience.

After admiring the interiors, be sure to also explore the gardens and ponds that make up the expansive grounds.

How to get to Hampton Court Palace from London: Hop on a quick train from Waterloo.

How long it takes: Approximately 45 minutes.

24. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is truly one of the great day trips you can take from London.

Not only is it a magnificent 17th century home filled with incredible art, sculptures and courtyards, there are also stunning grounds with lakes, a secret garden and a maze to wander through.

And if that wasn’t enough, it’s also home to the Whomping Willow, yes, the very tree that makes a right meal out of Mr. Weasley’s old blue Ford.

Located just outside of Oxford, this is definitely a detour worth making and getting a guided tour is the best way to learn about the fascinating history of the families who once lived here.

How to get to Blenheim Palace from London: You can take the Oxford Tube from London and then hop onto a local bus to get the rest of the way. If you have a car, the journey will be much easier.

How long it takes: An hour and forty minutes by car.

25. Highclere Castle

Highclere is another castle you may recognize from the big screen, most notably from Downton Abbey.

The Castle is large and tours are available (run by costumed guides and volunteers) to help you truly experience the history and magic of the place.

The Castle also hosts the occasional exhibition, with the most recent being on Ancient Egyptian history which is considered highly informative and insightful.

Entry to Highclere Castle can take an hour or so during the peak summertime, so leave yourself plenty of time and enjoy exploring the grounds whilst you wait.

How to get to Highclere Castle from London: Drive east along the M4 for the quickest route.

How long it takes: Approximately an hour and a half.

26. Lacock: best side trips from London

The quaint town of Lacock is one of the most picturesque examples of a classic, countryside English village, so much so that it is owned almost entirely by the National Trust, to preserve its unspoilt charm.

Some of the main attractions of Lacock include the Lacock Bakery, the Red Lion hotel and pub and Beechfield House, which has now been converted into luxury accommodation.

If you want to get a glimpse of a fairytale village not too far from London, definitely consider adding Lacock to your itinerary.

How to get to Lacock from London: Drive along the M4 or get the train to Chippenham, the nearest main town.

How long it takes: Approximately two hours.

27. Warwick Castle

This famous mansion is located just outside the main town centre of Warwick, and makes for a great day trip idea for lovers of medieval history.

The castle itself is immense, with various rooms, wings and dungeons to explore.

The grounds of the castle also have a number of attractions, including live animals such as peacocks and falcons.

The best way to see the castle is by taking a guided tour which can explain the history of all the great battles that have taken place in the castle and nearby.

If you’re visiting during Christmas time, there’s also a fantastic Christmas market that takes place on the grounds.

How to get to Warwick Castle from London: Drive north on the M40 for the easiest and quickest way to get there from London.

28. Colchester

In southeast England lies the historical and somewhat underrated town of Colchester.

There’s a gentle river running through the town and the streets themselves make for a pretty stroll, however there are also a number of surprising attractions which makes this one of the best places to visit on a day trip from London.

Some of the highlights include Colchester Castle, a huge Norman style castle built on the ruins of a Roman temple, with a museum containing artefacts that are thousands of years old.

Nearby, there lies the remains of an old Roman theatre, and in Castle Park you can find Hollytrees Museum, a Georgian townhouse showing what life used to be like in historical days.

How to get to Colchester from London: Hop on the train from Liverpool St station.

How long it takes: A little over an hour.

29. Whitstable: a one day trip from London

On the north coast of Kent lies the fisherman’s town of Whitstable.

The main attraction of the town is undeniably the pleasant beach with its quirky collection of colorful beach huts, and a day spent eating oysters and strolling along the beach shore is a great way to spend the date.

If you want more ideas for activities, you can take a tour of Whitstable Castle, a small but impressive castle with an in-house café serving afternoon tea.

Alternatively head down to the Whitstable Harbor Market, which is open every day except for Tuesday and Wednesday and explore the eclectic range of souvenirs handmade by local residents.

How to get to Whitstable from London: Take a train from Victoria station to Whitstable.

How long it takes: Approximately one hour and a half.

31. Henley on Thames

Located at the meeting point of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, Henley-on-Thames embodies all the classic symbols of a traditional English village, sitting right alongside the river Thames.

Some of the most popular things to do in the town include visiting the National Trust owned Greys Court, an impressive 16th century manor house with a donkey-powered mill wheel and the River & Rowing Museum, a unique architecturally designed museum showcasing the history of river rowing.

There are also a number of cafes alongside the river, so be sure to stop for afternoon tea and admire the view of the surrounding English countryside.

How to get to Henley-on-Thames from London: A train from Paddington with a switch at Twyford will get you there.

How long it takes: Just under an hour.

Not very far from Henley-on-Thames and possible to do as part of the same day trip (particularly if you have a car) is the town of Marlow.

Marlow is most famous for its 19th century suspension bridge, so if you’re an admirer of impressive bridge structures, you’ll be glad you visited.

Some of the other sights in Marlow include Cliveden House, a former stately residence now converted into a luxury hotel with a fine dining restaurant, and the Beckonscot Model Village and Railway, the world’s oldest miniature village park, which will appeal to both the young and young-at-heart alike.

How to get to Marlow from London: From London Paddington, you’ll need to switch at Maidenhead and then jump on the train to Marlow.

How long it takes: Under an hour

33. Great Missenden

The town of Great Missenden is perhaps most famous for being the place where acclaimed children’s book writer, Roald Dahl, spent the final three decades of his life, until his death in 1990.

A museum was built to showcase the life and legacy of Roald Dahl and is one of the most popular things to do in the village.

Once you’ve had your fill of literary history, you’ll want to head along to Malt the Brewery, an excellent local brewery, offering up tastings of delicious fresh ales and other locally produced food and drinks.

How to get to Great Missenden from London: Take the train from London Marylebone Station to Great Missenden Station.

How long it takes: One hour.

34. Margate: coastal day trip from London

Margate is best known for its sandy beaches and lively town center and is a very popular day trip idea from London.

Its proximity to the capitol makes this a common place to visit for both locals and tourists, and there’s plenty to see and do in the town to keep people coming back.

Some of the most popular things to do (apart from flopping on the beach), are visiting the Turner Contemporary Gallery, a stunning modern art gallery located on the seafront, a family-friendly visit to Dreamland, the local amusement park or a trip to Botany Bay, a nearby sandy beach with old fossils to find.

How to get to Margate from London: Hop on the train from Victoria to Margate.

How long it takes: Under two hours.

35. Manchester

Manchester is one of the biggest cities in England and particularly known for its rich industrial heritage.

Visitors can learn more about the history of the city through various museums, including the interactive Museum of Science and Industry, as well as Manchester Museum and the Imperial War Museum.

Other key attractions for sporting fans include world-famous cricketing stadium, Old Trafford and the National Football Museum, dedicated to showcasing legendary moments in football history.

Manchester is also known for its thriving culinary scene, and there are a number of Michelin star chefs serving up gastronomic marvels to visitors from all over.

How to get to Manchester from London: The train from Euston will take you to Manchester Piccadilly station.

How long it takes : Approximately three hours.

36. Harry Potter Studio Tour

The Harry Potter Studio Tour is one of the most popular day trips that visitors to London do, and for good reason.

This magical day includes a thrilling journey through the sets of all eight Harry Potter films, and has all the trimmings, from a themed café, costumed guides and an assortment of memorabilia and souvenirs that you can take home.

Some of the highlights include seeing the full size Hogwarts Express, the moving mechanical beasts and sampling the delicious butterbeer.

Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter or simply interested in learning more about filmmaking, this is a most memorable day trip.

How to get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour from London: Book the Warner Bros studio bus from London here or take the train to Watford and hop on the studio shuttle.

37. Guildford

The town of Guildford is centered around its prime attraction, the medieval Guildford Castle.

The castle is imposing with its tall square tower that offers a viewing platform over the surrounding townships and hills.

Aside from the castle, there are also several other attractions including the National Trust protected Winkworth Arboretum, a scenic woodland area with a peaceful lake, wildlife and on-site café, and the Watts Gallery, an Edwardian Style arts gallery, showcasing the works of G.F. Watts.

One of the closest day trip ideas from London, Guildford is an ideal stop if you’re short on time but still keen to get a glimpse of a classic English castle, village and countryside.

How to get to Guildford from London: Take the train from Waterloo to Guildford.

How long it takes: Just over 30 minutes.

Want more helpful London guides? Check these out!

• 45 Things to Do in London at Night
• 53 Things to Do in London for Couples
• 57 Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in London
• 11 Tourist Traps to Avoid in London
• 23 Best London Tours
• 41 Best Things to Do in London with Kids
• 21 Best Castles Near London
• 15 Best London Hotels
• 17 Best Street Food Markets in London
• 15 Best Areas to Stay in London
• 23 Best Afternoon Teas in London
• 25 Best London Museums
• 33 Free Things to Do in London
• 21 Best London Markets
• 21 Best London Apps
• 23 Best Pubs in London
• 35 Best Restaurants in London
• 21 Harry Potter Things to Do in London
• 35 Things to Do in London in the Rain
• 25 Best Art Museums in London
• 17 Famous London Filming Locations
• 25 Best Places to Shop in London
• 31 Best Parks in London
• 41 Most Instagrammable Places in London
• 27 Best Views in London
• 27 Best Birthday Ideas in London
• 29 Best London Cinemas
• 29 Best Things to Buy in London
• 41 Things to Do in London Alone

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

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

Take a break from the big city.

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

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

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

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

Whitstable, Kent

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

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

Margate, Kent

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

Cliveden House, Berkshire

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

Rye, Sussex

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

Box Hill, Surrey 

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

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

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

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

Lewes, Sussex

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

Paris, France

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

Brighton, Sussex

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

Hastings, Sussex

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

Stratford-upon-Avon, West Midlands

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

Canterbury, Kent

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

Cambridge, Cambridge

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

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

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

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

Bruton, Somerset

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

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

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

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Amazing Day Trips From London – From Cities to Castles!

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

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

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

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

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

Popular London Day Trip Tours

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

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Stonehenge By Car

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

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

London to Stonehenge By Train/Bus

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

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

London to Stonehenge Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Bath By Car

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

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

London to Bath By Train

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

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

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

London to Bath Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Bristol By Car

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

London to Bristol By Train

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

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

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

London to Bristol By Bus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Cambridge By Car

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

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

London to Cambridge By Train

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

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

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

London to Cambridge By Bus

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

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

London to Cambridge Tour

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

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

Eastbourne (+ Pevensey Castle)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Eastbourne By Car

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

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

London to Eastbourne By Train

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

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

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

London to Eastbourne By Bus

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

Seven Sisters Cliffs/Beachy Head

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Seven Sisters By Car

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

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

London to Seven Sisters By Train

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

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

London to Seven Sisters/Beachy Head Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Brighton By Car

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

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

London to Brighton By Train

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

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

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

London to Brighton By Bus

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

London to Brighton Tour

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

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

Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Highclere Castle By Car

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

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

London to Highclere Castle By Train

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

London to Highclere Castle Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Oxford By Car

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

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

London to Oxford By Train

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

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

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

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

London to Oxford By Bus

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

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

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

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

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

London to Oxford Tour

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

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

Harry Potter Studios

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

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

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

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

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

London to Warner Bros. Studios By Car

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

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

London to Warner Bros. Studios By Train/Bus

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

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

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

London to Watford By Bus

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

London to Harry Potter Studios Tour

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

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

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

Stratford-upon-Avon

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

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

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

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

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

London to Stratford-upon-Avon By Car

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

London to Stratford-upon-Avon By Train

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

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

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

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

London to Stratford-upon-Avon By Bus

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

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

You can check the National Express website for bus fares .

London to Stratford-upon-Avon Tour

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

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

The Cotswolds

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

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

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

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

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

London to The Cotswolds By Car

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

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

London to The Cotswolds By Train

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

London to The Cotswolds By Bus

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

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

London to The Cotswolds Tour

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

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

Windsor Castle

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

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

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

Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom

London to Windsor Castle By Car

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

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

London to Windsor Castle By Train

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

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

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

London to Windsor Castle By Bus

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

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

London to Windsor Castle Tour

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

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

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

Herstmonceux Castle

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

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

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

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

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

Address: Hailsham BN27 1RN, United Kingdom

London to Herstmonceux Castle By Car

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

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

London to Herstmonceux Castle By Train/Taxi

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

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

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

Rye/Camber Sands

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

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

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

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

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

London to Rye By Car

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

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

London to Rye By Train

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

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

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

Address Rye Station: Rye TN31 7AB, United Kingdom

London to Rye By Bus

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

Bodiam Castle

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

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

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

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

Address: Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5UA, United Kingdom

London to Bodiam Castle By Car

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

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

London to Bodiam Castle By Train

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

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

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

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

London to Bodiam Castle By Bus

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

Leeds Castle

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

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

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

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

Address: Maidstone ME17 1PL, United Kingdom

London to Leeds Castle By Car

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

London to Leeds Castle By Train

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

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

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

London to Leeds Castle By Bus

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

London to Leeds Castle Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Dover By Car

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

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

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

London to Dover By Train

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

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

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

London to Dover By Bus

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

London to Dover Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Botany Bay By Car

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

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

London to Botany Bay By Train

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

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

Address Broadstairs Station: Broadstairs CT10 1HZ, United Kingdom

London to Botany Bay By Bus

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

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

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

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

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

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

London to Canterbury By Car

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

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

London to Canterbury By Train

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

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

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

London to Canterbury By Bus

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

London to Canterbury Tour

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

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

Hever Castle

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

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

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

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

London to Hever Castle By Car

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

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

London to Hever Castle By Train

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

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

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

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

Address Hever Station: Edenbridge TN8 7ER, United Kingdom

London to Hever Castle By Bus

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

Southampton

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

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

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

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

London to Southampton By Car

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

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

London to Southampton By Train

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

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

London to Southampton By Bus

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

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

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

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

London to Paris By Train

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

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

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

London to Paris By Car

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

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

London to Paris By Bus

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

London to Paris Flying

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

London to Paris Tour

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

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

Related Articles

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

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

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

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

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• Go over our packing list

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15 Best Day Trips From London by Train (+ How to Get There)

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The best day trips from London will take you to lavish palaces, steeped in history castles, picturesque villages, and cities full of charm. While you’d need a lifetime to explore all that London has to offer, there are so many beautiful places around London , it would be a pity to miss them. Here I’ve rounded up the very best day trips out of London that I’ve taken over the years.

These  easy day trips from London  are just perfect if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. All of these day trips can be done  by train , which is really convenient and I’ve included information on how to get there for each location.

If on the other hand, you want to make the most of your time and see several places in one day, I’ve also included recommendations for organized day tours from London . The main advantage of a day tour is that you’ll be joined by a local guide and you’ll explore deeper, learn more, and get answers to questions you didn’t even know you had.

Whether you’re in London for a few days (in which case, make sure you also check out my 3 days in London itinerary ) or longer, these half-day and full-day trips around London are a great opportunity to get the most out of your vacation.

Good to know: At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a map with all the day trips from London mentioned in this guide. This will give you a better idea of how far from London each place is located, help you plan your trips, and batch two or three destinations into a full day’s exploration.

Also Read: 45 Fun Things To Do in London

1. Stratford upon Avon

The birthplace of Shakespeare is a cute town dating back to the middle ages. You can visit the house where he grew up, the house where he drew in his last breath, and his grave inside the Holy Trinity Church. This is a great day trip from London by train and one I’ve greatly enjoyed.

I also recommend you visit the other Shakespeare family homes. They are gorgeous half-timbered houses in Tudor style, each with its own out-of-this-world garden. My favorite was Anne Hathaway’s cottage (Shakespeare’s wife, not the actress!). It’s a romantic place built more than 500 years ago and it has a beautiful apple orchard where you can relax surrounded by greenery.

Hot tip: Purchase your entry ticket to the houses online. There’s a lot to see and you’ll often have to wait in line to visit each of the attractions so every little helps. Here you can book your Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall entrance tickets and your Shakespeare’s Birthplace tickets. Another interesting tour you can take is that of the Shakespeare Distillery.

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Marylebone to Stratford upon Avon. The journey time is around 2h and 30min.

2. The Cotswolds

Cotswolds is home to some of the most charming villages in England. It is a honey-colored stone cottage galore and a must-visit if you want to catch a glimpse of quintessential Britain. The Cotswolds was declared an area of outstanding natural beauty and apart from quaint villages and towns, you can also visit the many palaces, stately homes, and castles that dot the rolling hills.

A visit to the Cotswolds is one of the best day trips from London. My favorite villages were The Lower and Upper Slaughters, Bourton on the Water , and, of course, Bibury, which is often referred to as the most beautiful village in England. Its emblematic Arlington Row is featured on the inside cover of the British passport so there must be some truth to it.

Hot tip: Village hopping in the Cotswolds can be tricky and slow. The buses are scheduled around the needs of the locals and the links between villages and towns are lacking, to say the least. Many villages are connected by only one bus service a day or even a week (on market day).

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Paddington directly to Moreton-in-Marsh. The journey time is around 1h and 40min.

3. Leeds Castle

Celebrating nine centuries this year, Leeds Castle in Kent used to be home to Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife. Over the years, queens, ladies, and even an American heiress lived here. As each of these women left their mark, the castle got to have a pretty feminine feel.

Today the castle boasts lavishly decorated interiors, beautiful gardens, and a moat where swans can swim to their heart’s content. This is a wonderful day trip the whole family can enjoy. They have a maze and falconry and you can even have afternoon tea in the castle’s dining room.

Hot tip: Leeds Castle can be visited in a couple of hours, so you’ll likely spend more time getting there and back than visiting the castle itself. To make the most of your day trip from London, combine it with other fun nearby locations.

How to get there by train:  Take the train from London Vicotria or London Cannon St to Bearsted Station. The journey takes a little over an hour. Then take the coach shuttle from the station to Leeds Castle (the shuttle service is only available during the summer months).

Recommended: Wanna see London off the beaten path? Check out these London hidden gems and what to do in Greenwich in 1 day.

Oxford is another popular day trip from London. It’s a beautiful university city with gorgeous honey-colored buildings, some of which served as filming locations or set design inspiration for the Harry Potter movies.

You can easily spend the whole day visiting medieval colleges, churches, and museums. Not to be missed are the Christ Church College and Divinity School (for their Harry Potter connections), the Bridge of Sights, and the Bodleian Library.

How to get there by train:  There are frequent trains from London Paddington and London Marylebone to Oxford. The journey takes around one hour.

5. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO heritage site near Oxford. It is best known for being the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The palace features lavishly decorated rooms and the romantic gardens are huge and peaceful. I especially loved the rose garden and the butterfly house.

The palace was used as a filming location for quite a few blockbusters, like “ Transformers “, “ Cinderella “, “ Harry Potter ” and “ Avengers “. Look out for the ginormous Lebanon trees as well as the second-largest maze in the world.

How to get there by train: Take the train from London to Oxford and from there take the bus to Blenheim Palace. The bus journey takes approximately 20 minutes.

Visiting Chilham you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Jane Austen novel. In fact, in recent years, the BBC even filmed an adaptation of ‘ Emma ‘ here. 

This village feels suspended in time, nearly motionless and quiet, a true hidden gem. You can walk among gorgeous timber-framed houses and Edwardian gardens, and visit the castle. Take your time to browse whimsical gift shops and stop by a tea room to unwind.

Hot tip: Chilham is a small village that can be seen (and photographed) in a couple of hours. You can easily combine it with a day trip to Canterbury (a short 20 minutes train ride away) and/or Dover.

How to get there by train: There are direct trains from several London stations. The journey time is around 1h and 30 min.

7. Canterbury

With its charming cobbled streets and half-timbered and red brick houses, Canterbury is a sight to behold. I loved the adorable shop signs, the intriguing stories surrounding the Marlowe Theatre, and that there seemed to be something surprising around every corner.

While the huge cathedral with its cloisters and gardens is a UNESCO heritage site and Canterbury’s most famous attraction, St Augustine’s Abbey and the Beaney House are also worth a look around.

How to get there by train: There’re frequent train services from several London train stations to Canterbury. The average journey time is 1h and 40min.

8. The White Cliffs of Dover

Immortalized through song, the White Cliffs of Dover are legendary. They are also a beautiful sight and stretch for 10 miles to the east and west of the city. And that’s not to mention anything about the views across the channel to France!

But Dover is also famous for its medieval castle, an impressive structure perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. Its secret tunnels were used by the Allies as a command center in WWII, while the Battle of Britain War Memorial is a popular stop for day tours from London.

Hot tip: If you want to visit the White Cliffs of Dover and the Battle of Britain War Memorial (which is way outside the city), the best option is to join a tour. This is a beautiful corner of England and personally, I felt lucky when I had the chance to know it better.

How to get there by train: Dover is served by various London train stations. The average journey time is two hours.

Bath is a gorgeous city and it’s impossible not to love it. Famous for its hot springs ever since Roman times, the baths are incredible and a must-visit.

But there’s more to Bath than just thermal waters and you’ll surely find the Georgian architecture and the abbey with its fan-vaulted ceiling out of this world beautiful. Last but not least, go on a shopping spree on the arched bridge. It’s one of only four in the world that has shops across its full span on both sides!

Hot tip: Bath is a beautiful city and you can surely spend the whole day wandering its streets, but you can also visit it as part of a day tour from London that includes other nearby locations. I’ve done both versions and didn’t feel like I missed out a lot when visiting it on an organized day tour.

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Paddington Station to Bath. The journey takes approximately 1h and 30min.

Midway between Stonehenge and Bath, the medieval wool village of Lacock, although tiny, surely packs a punch. Most people visit it because of the abbey situated just outside the village, for it’s considered to be the birthplace of photography and was featured in two Harry Potter movies. Other movies like “ Pride and Prejudice “, “ The Other Boleyn Girl “, and “ Downton Abbey ” were also filmed here.

Lacock is full of charm and feels like a trip back in time. Think stone houses surrounded by flower gardens, a 14th-century church, and merchandise left in front of houses with only a price tag and a note as to where to leave the money.

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Paddington to Chippenham (approx. 1h and 20 min). Then take the bus to Lacock (another 20 minutes).

11. Stonehenge

Situated among rolling hills, poppy fields, and lush green pastures, Stonehenge is a surreal experience.

On a beautiful day, the sun peeks through the puffy clouds, the cattle are peacefully grazing in the distance, and the crows reign supreme (or so they think). I kid you not. Just ask the staff and they will tell you all about the crows and how each has a name to suit their unique personality.

Hot tip: You don’t really need more than a couple of hours to visit, so Stonehenge is rather a half-day trip from London. To make the most of your time, combine Stonehenge with another destination, like Bath or Windsor Castle. Check out the tours below for ideas.

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Waterloo Station to Salisbury. Then take the Stonehenge tour bus. The total journey time is 2h and 15min.

12. Windsor Castle

One of the most popular day trips from London, this majestic royal residence is a must-visit. It was built by William the Conqueror back in the 11th century and is the longest and largest occupied castle in Europe – 40 monarchs called it home throughout the ages!

The State Apartments are grand and tastefully decorated. But perhaps you’ll be more interested in St George’s Chapel, where Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie got married in 2018. Or you’ll find the guards in bearskin hats and purple coats most intriguing.

Hot tip: The market town of Windsor with its cobbled streets and beautiful architecture, is worth a stroll as well. A hop-on hop-off bus is available.

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Riverside (includes a change en route). Or take the direct train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside. The journey takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

13. Cambridge

Cambridge is another university town. While smaller than Oxford, the rivalry between the two is well and truly alive to this day.

Explore a few colleges, discover its rich history and beautiful architecture, and wander down little lanes for a relaxing day away from London. 

When I visited, I was surprised to see so many people punting on the river behind the colleges. It certainly looked like fun and if you want to try this for yourself, there are many tours that you can choose from.

How to get there by train: Cambridge is served by several train stations across London. The average journey time is just over an hour.

14. Warwick Castle

The turreted Warwick Castle near Stratford-upon-Avon is glorious. It’s also my favorite English castle. A day trip here is packed with fun activities, from medieval tournament reenactments to picnics on the perfectly manicured lawn.

The castle is owned by the Madame Tussauds organization and the vast chambers are filled with wax figures depicting medieval daily life scenes. Walk from room to room and you’ll find Henry VIII and his six wives, as well as a young Winston Churchill.

How to get there by train: Warwick is served by several train stations in London. The average journey takes 1h and 30min.

15. Brighton

When I first visited Brighton a few years ago, the Royal Pavilion crowned the list of things I wanted to see. This pleasure palace built for King George IV is incredibly exotic and wouldn’t look out of place in India. Personally, I loved it so much, that I didn’t want to tour to end!

But Brighton is a really cool city with many interesting attractions, which makes it one of the most fun and relaxing day trips from London. Think an amusement park on a pier, pebbled beaches, the world’s oldest aquarium, and wonderful narrow streets brimming with cafés, bookstores, and vintage emporiums.

How to get there by train: Take the train from London Victoria or London Blackfriars to Brighton. The journey time is just a little bit over an hour

Map of the best day trips from London

To give you a better idea of where each of the places mentioned above is located, I’ve created a map of the best day trips from London. You can click on the small top left arrow to see the list of places. Then click on a place’s name to see its location on the map. You can also star this map to save it to your maps so you can easily reference it in the future.

What is the most popular day trip from London?

The most popular day trip from London is Windsor, which is less than an hour away. The main attraction here is Windsor Castle, which is the only royal residence open to the public year-round. The town of Windsor is pretty as well and worth visiting, so you can either make this a half-day trip or a full-day trip.

What are the best day trips within 1 hour by train from London?

Two of the best day trips within a 1-hour train ride from London are the university city of Oxford and Windsor Castle. The university city of Cambridge and the seaside resort of Brighton are quite close as well, with the train journey taking a bit over an hour.

These are some of the best day trips from London and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. If you want to make the most of your time in the UK’s capital, check out my London travel tips for first-timers and these 50 fun facts about London .

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Note: Departure train stations and journey times are for informational purposes only and can change without notice. Please check out the train schedules and info before your trip.

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22 Best Places To Visit Outside London For Day Trips

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The best places to visit outside London are perfect if you’re looking for a break from the UK capital’s hustle and bustle or want to experience more of what England offers.

From magnificent castles and charming historic cities to picturesque beaches, there’s something for everyone just a short distance from the capital.

Whether you’re interested in soaking up some culture or want to relax in beautiful surroundings, the best places to visit outside London will not disappoint.

Best Places to Visit Outside London on a Day Trip

While I’m a Brit, and I’ve explored England extensively, for this article, I’ve asked travel blogging friends to share their personal recommendations for the best places to visit outside London, the top things to see and exactly how to get to each location to make the most of your time.

Are you ready to get started?

1. The Cotswolds

Submitted by Ingrid from Ingrid Zen Moments

The Cotswolds  is an area of outstanding natural beauty located in southwest England. It stretches across five counties, including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire and is one of the best places to visit outside London.

With its rolling hills, honey-coloured villages, and lush green countryside, it’s easy to see why this region has become so popular with tourists worldwide.

From quaint stone cottages to elegant manor houses, there are plenty of things to explore in the Cotswolds – not least its charming towns and villages like Chipping Campden, Stow on the Wold, and Bourton on the Water.

Depending on which villages you choose to visit, you can easily create a lovely itinerary that will take you through some of the most picturesque places in the UK. 

Admire Arlington Row in Bibury , stop by Cirencester, the largest town in the Cotswolds that was once an important Roman settlement, take a picture with the church door that inspired Tolkien’s “Doors of Durin” in Stow-on-the-Wold, or search for the filming locations of the famous Downton Abbey TV series. 

How to get to the Cotswolds

While few great train or public transportation connections exist, the Cotswolds are easily reached from London by car in less than 2 hours each way. ➡️ Check the best car rental rates here.

2. Coventry, West Midlands

Submitted by Catrina from 24 Hours Layover

Coventry is a fun, convenient and unique day trip from London, where you can see a lot in one day. It’s a charming city often overlooked by its neighbours of Birmingham and Stratford-Upon-Avon.

See the famous Lady Godiva Statue , as well as one of England’s most famous Cathedrals, and visit the Transport Museum – a significant museum, seeing as Coventry was one of the car manufacturing capitals of the world until not long ago!

Coventry is full of history and unique hidden gems and was also named the UK City of Culture in 2021 . Around 900 years ago, Lady Godiva rode naked on a horse through the streets of Coventry to protest a tax her husband had imposed.

You’ll find the statue of her riding the horse in the town centre and the bust of ‘Peeping Tom’ who was caught looking at her! During World War II, Coventry was one of the most bombed places in the UK (yes – even more so than London !). In the Blitz, medieval Coventry Cathedral was completely destroyed. You can visit this Old Cathedral: the ruins still remain today, so you can walk around them and visit the New Cathedral adjacent to it. Both look fantastic during the day and when lit up in the evening.

How to get to Coventry

The best way to travel to Coventry from London is by train. The journey takes just over an hour on the fast service. Compare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

3. Paris, France

Submitted by Stephanie from The Unknown Enthusiast

No list of the best places to visit outside London would be complete without mentioning Paris – it’s a very easy train ride from London to tick this incredible French city off your bucket list.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must-do for most visitors (I highly recommend climbing the stairs to the second floor – it’s very fun being on the staircase inside the legs of the tower). 

Beyond that, it really depends on your interests. The Louvre is a great choice if you’re into world-class museums. You really want 2-3 hours in the Louvre to see some highlights.

Otherwise, you could stop by the Rodin Museum for sculptures, the L’Orangerie for Monet’s Water Lilies, or the Musée d’Orsay for impressionist art. 

If you prefer exploring the parks and gardens of Paris , then stop by the Jardin de Tuileries and Jardin de Luxembourg. These are two of the city’s most famous and popular gardens, and have greenspace, plenty of park chairs, stunning flower displays, basins and fountains, and sculptures galore. 

Or perhaps visiting Montmartre is more your vibe, with the gleaming white Sacre Coeur basilica and the artsy, bohemian neighbourhood around it. 

If you prefer a little bit of everything, I’d start with the Eiffel Tower, then visit the Louvre, the Jardin de Tuileries, walk part of the Champs Elysees, and end at the Arc de Triomphe. Most of these sites are in a straight line and make for a good sampling of Paris’ top attractions.

How to get to Paris

The fastest and easiest way to travel to Paris from London is by train. The journey takes 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Eurostar train via the Channel Tunnel. Compare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

Alternatively, this guided tour of Paris , includes the Opera House, Champs-Elysees , and the Arc de Triomphe , with a 1-hour river cruise on the Seine for memorable views of Notre Dame Cathedral . There’s also free time for you to shop or stop for a delicious meal.

4. Winchester, Hampshire

Submitted by Kristin from Scotland Explored

Winchester is best known for its Gothic cathedral and Jane Austin connections. Frequent direct trains make this cathedral city one of the easiest and best day trips from London without a car.

Walking from the train station into the city centre, you pass one of the impressive gates remaining from the wall that once surrounded Winchester. The city wall was built during the Roman settlement of southern Britain. Large parts of the wall remain, and the best place to see it is on the southern side of the cathedral, close to King’s Gate.

After exploring the narrow streets around King’s Gate, stroll along the river past Winchester City Mill back to High Street.

Save a visit to the cathedral for last. It is 900 years old and has long been associated with the British Royal family. It was where ‘Bloody’ Queen Mary got married, and more recently, it was featured in the Netflix show The Crown .

It is also where Jane Austin is buried. While she lived most of her life in the small village of Chewton, she died in Winchester. The house where she lived most of her life is now a museum.

Winchester is also great for shopping, and the side streets off High Street are full of cosy cafes and restaurants. For coffee, cake, or a light lunch, go to the Project Store & Kitchen . 

Top Tip : The best place to eat in Winchester is the Black Rat. Make sure you book a table well in advance.

How to get to Winchester

The best way to travel to Winchester from London is by train from Paddington station. The journey takes just over an hour on the fast service. Compare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

Discover 12 wonderful things to do in Winchester , plus where to eat and stay in this charming city.

5. Brighton, East Sussex

Submitted by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Brighton is a seaside town that is one of the most popular day trips from London by train. This vibrant and colourful town offers a range of activities and attractions that make it one of the best places to visit outside London on an easy day trip.

One of the main draws of Brighton is its famous pebble beach, which is perfect for strolling, sunbathing, or enjoying a refreshing dip in the sea. The iconic Brighton Pier offers a range of fun activities like arcade games, amusement park rides, and classic seaside treats like fish and chips and ice cream.

Beyond the beach, Brighton also offers a range of cultural and historical attractions. The Royal Pavilion is a stunning palace that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of British royalty in the 19th century. The .ígvbf offers a range of exhibits that highlight the town’s rich history and cultural diversity.

A boat trip from London to Brighton is also available for those looking for a more unique and scenic route. This leisurely journey takes a little longer but offers incredible views of the South Downs and the English Channel.

How to get to Brighton

Getting to Brighton is easy and convenient. Trains depart from London’s Victoria Station and London Bridge Station throughout the day. The comfortable journey offers stunning countryside views. Compare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

6. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Submitted by Tina from Veganderlust

Cambridge makes for a great day trip when you’re in London in summer , as it’s the best season to visit this historic university city.

Going for a boat ride in the sun and admiring the beautiful architecture is one of the best things to do in Cambridge.

But, boat tours in Cambridge are not on just any boat but on a Punt – a long, flat-bottomed boat propelled with a long pole. You get some amazing views while going down the river!

A walking tour is the best way to learn about the world-famous University of Cambridge and its many colleges.

Top Tip: The best view of the stunning Gothic university buildings is from the tower of Great St. Mary’s church.

How to get to Cambridge

Getting to Cambridge is quick and convenient, with a journey time of just over one hour. Trains depart from London’s Kings Cross Station or Liverpool Street regularly throughout the day. Compare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

7. Leeds Castle, Kent

Submitted by Karen from Forever Karen

Nestled in the picturesque county of Kent, Leeds Castle is a stunning example of a fairy-tale castle. Dubbed the “ loveliest castle in the world ,” it is a popular destination for visitors looking for a romantic day trip from London.

Whether you travel by car or train, expect to spend most of the day touring the estate. If your budget allows, you can extend your visit by staying in one of the Courthouse Stable bedrooms .

The castle dates back 900 years and was once a royal residence, home to six queens and King Henry VIII himself. During World War II, the castle served as a military hospital. After the war, Lady Baillie, the last owner, spent much of her fortune restoring the residence to its former glory.

Upon her death, Lady Baillie bequeathed the estate to a trust, and the Leeds Castle Foundation maintains the estate. Today, visitors can explore Lady Braille’s renovated rooms, including her bedroom, seminar room, and library, while other parts of the castle remain untouched.

Beyond the castle walls, the 500 acres of grounds include breathtaking landscapes, a serene lake, and a thrilling hedge maze made of over 2,000 yew trees.

Consider a Segway tour if you’re seeking a unique way to explore the grounds.

How to Visit Leeds Castle

The easiest way to visit Leeds Castle is on a guided tour direct from London.

• This tour includes visits to Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover
• This tour will take you to Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover, and Greenwich .

If you prefer to travel independently, hourly trains depart from London’s Victoria Station to Bearsted for Leeds Castle, with a journey time of just over one hour.

Compare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio , and pre-book your entrance tickets for the castle here to save time when you arrive 🙂

8. Leeds, West Yorkshire

If you’re looking for a day trip outside London, Leeds is the perfect destination . The rich history and culture in this vibrant West Yorkshire city attracts visitors from all over the world.

To start your day right, head straight to one of Europe’s largest indoor markets-  Kirkgate Market – for   everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing and unique souvenirs.. Wander through the stalls and soak up the atmosphere of this bustling marketplace.

Next, make your way over to Leeds Art Gallery , where you’ll find an impressive collection of British art from the 19th and 20th centuries. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, so check their website ahead of time to see what’s on display.

After immersing yourself in art, grab a water taxi from Leeds station and check out the Royal Armoury Museum , which houses the National Collection of Arms and Armoury. Don’t miss the incredible “ Hall of Steel ” display!

For lunch, head back into town for some delicious street food at Trinity Kitchen . This trendy food hall features rotating vendors, so there’s always something new and exciting to try. Grab a bite to eat before heading off again on your adventure!

One must-visit attraction in Leeds is undoubtedly Kirkstall Abbey – an impressive ruined Cistercian monastery dating back almost 900 years! Explore its beautiful grounds before heading back into town for drinks at one of Leeds’ many bars, such as North Bar or The Maven Cocktail Bar.

How to get to Leeds

Leeds is one of the best places to visit outside London, with a journey time of just over two hours from London Kings Cross Station. Compare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

9. Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire

Submitted by Sharon Oldegaard of Exploring Our World

At Bletchley Park , home of the WWII Codebreakers, you can immerse yourself in the world where the Allies intercepted and decoded German messages.

This is where about 10,000 people carried on their vital work. Though shrouded in secrecy for decades after the war, Bletchley Park is now partially restored and open to the public.

At this heritage attraction, you can enjoy films, interactive displays, museum collections, recreated working huts, and the main mansion used for administration.

Learn about the brilliant thinkers who figured out how to decode the complicated German Enigma machines.

An early computer developed here called a “bombe” runs so you can see how it worked. Even though these bombes were destroyed after the war, this one was rebuilt from existing plans. It was used in the movie “The Imitation Game,” set at Bletchley Park.  

A highlight of your tour will be the recently restored Teleprinter Building. The exhibition is called “D-Day: Interception, Intelligence, Invasion.” This will give you a more filled-out view of the codebreakers’ role during this Day of Days.

A visit to Bletchley Park will open your eyes not only to the vital work performed here but also to the global impact the codebreakers had on the outcome of WWII.

How to visit Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park is easily accessible from London, with a journey time of around one hour from London’s Euston Station. Compare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

10. Brussels, Belgium

By Annelies from Travelers & Dreamers

The capital of Belgium is perfect for day trips from London. This city is famous for its beautiful Art Deco buildings at La Grand Place , the Atomium , and the peculiar statues of Jeanneke and Manneke Pis .

The best way to explore Brussels is by visiting the above-mentioned highlights on arrival and picking one of Brussels’s cool neighbourhoods to explore in the afternoon.

Antique lovers can indulge in vintage shopping in the Marollen, known for its plethora of antique shops and the famous daily flea market at het Vossenplein .

The best area to visit in Brussels for a bit of luxury is Louiza. You can window-shop at high-end boutique stores and enjoy gastronomic diners at restaurants housed in marvellous Belle Epoque buildings.

If you’re a plant-based foodie, one of the best vegan restaurants in Brussels , Humus x Hortense, is in this area and recently received a Michelin Star. 

One of the best neighbourhoods in Brussels for a quick day trip is Dansaert and St. Catherine. With its avant-garde vibe, you’ll experience a great mix of old and new, traditional yet experimental.

Discover trendy stores from local designers, hip coffee shops, and typical Belgian brown pubs and vintage stores. Brussels Beer Project is a Belgian Brewery located in this part of the city that you can visit from Thursday to Sunday.

On top of that, don’t forget to try other typical Belgium delicacies like chocolate and Belgian waffles!

How to get to Brussels

The fastest and easiest way to travel to Brussels from London is by train. The journey takes just 2 hours on the Eurostar train from London’s St Pancras Station. Compare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

11. Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

Submitted by Brittney from A Mom Well Traveled

Warwick Castle has plenty of things to do for kids , making it one of the best places to visit outside London for families. You can expect to spend several hours exploring, including getting lost in a maze, strolling the courtyard, or taking a history tour. 

There are shows and a themed kids’ area featuring Zog the Dragon to keep little people entertained at Warwick Castle!

Warwick is a medieval castle extended from the original Norman fort, built by William the Conqueror in 1068.

The facade opposite the town was refortified during the Hundred Years War, to create one of the most recognisable examples of 14th-century military architecture.

The castle remained in use as a stronghold until early in the 17th century when it was granted by James I to Sir Fulke Greville whose family converted it to a country house and lived in the castle until 1978 when it was sold to the Tussauds Group.

How to Get To Warwick Castle

A guided tour is undoubtedly the most relaxing way to visit Warwick Castle on a day trip from London, as there are no trains direct to the castle. This popular day trip from London includes visits to Oxford, Stratford, the Cotswolds, and Warwick Castle .

If you prefer to travel by train, the total journey time is just over 2 hours; however, you will need to transfer to a bus from Coventry, and there’s a decent walk to the castle from the bus stop.

You can c ompare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio , and pre-book your entrance tickets for the castle here to save time when you arrive 🙂

12. Dover, Kent

Submitted by Paulina from UK Everyday

London to Dover is one of the most popular day trips from London, and it’s no wonder why. With its stunning views of the English Channel, historical sites such as Dover Castle, and various activities to do in the area, it’s a great destination for anyone looking for an exciting day out in England.

Whether you’re looking to explore the countryside and  hike the White Cliffs of Dover  or relax on a beach, there are plenty of amazing things to do.

Dover Castle , located in the county of Kent, is one of England’s most iconic and historically significant 12th-century castles. It has been a key defensive fortification throughout its long history, playing an important role in defending Britain against foreign invasions.

Today, visitors can explore the castle’s many features and learn more about its fascinating past.

A day trip from London to Dover is a great way to experience the beauty of England’s countryside and a historic World War II site. 

How to Get To Dover

Dover is a charming English coastal town; getting there from London is easy. From direct trains to coach tours, there are many ways to make the journey comfortable and enjoyable.

➡️ This highly-rated tour from London to Dover includes a visit to Canterbury Cathedral as well as the White Cliffs of Dover .

If you prefer to travel by train, the journey takes from 1 hour 30 minutes. You can c ompare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio , and pre-book your entrance tickets for Dover castle here to save time when you arrive 🙂

13. Cardiff, Wales

Recommended by Steph from Book It Let’s Go!

Cardiff, the Welsh capital, is a great city to explore on an easy  day trip from London to Cardiff .

Cardiff Castle is one of the best attractions to visit. Take a few hours to explore the castle rooms, grounds, walls and museum and learn about the uses of the castle over the years.

While the weather in Cardiff can be rainy, you can make the best of the city by exploring the small covered arcades (shopping areas) featuring boutique shops and independent restaurants.

Top Tip : Visit Coffee Barker for delicious homemade cakes and luxury hot chocolate.

In Cardiff market, you’ll discover lovely local businesses, crafts and food to try, including traditional Welsh cakes from Bakestones. Welsh cakes are a sweet local treat similar to a scone, with many different flavours.

If the weather is nice, head to Bute Park in the heart of the city and enjoy the beautiful gardens and champion trees in the park.

How to Visit Cardiff

Multiple trains operate from London to Cardiff daily, as well as coach tours . If you prefer to travel by train, the journey takes from 2 hours from London’s Paddington Station. Check train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

14. Lincoln, Lincolnshire

Submitted by Abigail from The Novelsphere

Lincoln is one of the most underrated gems in the UK and the perfect day trip from London if you love the Gothic style and history. Best of all, it’s only a direct LNER train from King’s Cross! 

Lincoln Cathedral is the most famous landmark in this historic city. Its Gothic design, stunning interior and colourful stained glass windows make it a must-see when visiting! 

Fun Fact: Lincoln Cathedral was the filming location for Westminster Abbey in The Da Vinci Code, Young Victoria and The King!

Take the Medieval Wall Walk along the castle’s walls for the best views of Lincoln Cathedral and the city. The one-hour walk has information points about the city’s history and views of landmarks such as the Wastegate Water Tower , which still supplies water to the people of Lincoln to this day. 

Just across from the Cathedral, you’ll find Lincoln Castle . For a real sneak peek of what 19th century Lincoln was like, head over to the Castle’s Victorian Prison and discover the history and lives of prisoners, guards, governors, matrons and priests.

And if you’re really interested in the history of UK politics, you can see one of the four remaining original copies of the Magna Carta in the castle too!  

To end your day trip to Lincoln on a spooky note, head to the Lincoln Ghost Walk , where you’ll find out about Lincoln’s ghost hauntings and supernatural history!  

How to Visit Lincoln

Trains from London to Lincoln take 2 and a half hours from London’s Kings Cross station. Check train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

15. Salisbury & Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Submitted by Sarah from Slow Travel UK

Salisbury and Stonehenge are the perfect places for a day trip from London – a quick journey on a direct train from Waterloo takes you straight to the heart of the medieval city of Salisbury.

Take the Stonehenge Tour bus from outside the train station and enjoy a morning at the prehistoric stones. You can walk around them and visit the exhibition gallery with a fantastic 360-degree surround of the stones through the centuries.

Walk around the chalk landscape of Salisbury Plain , visiting neolithic barrows, the ancient Cursus and Woodhenge, which was built around the same time as Stonehenge.

The bus back to Salisbury takes you via Old Sarum , the ancient Roman fort with fantastic views over the countryside.

Salisbury city centre is filled with medieval timber buildings, museums, fantastic shops and restaurants and, of course, the famous  Salisbury Cathedral , which has the largest spire in the UK.

Top Tip: To see something special and off the usual tourist trail, visit St Thomas’ Church for the country’s largest and best-preserved Doom Painting.

Why not finish off your day in Salisbury at the 1920s bar Caboose for a fancy afternoon tea or some cocktails; it is only a two-minute walk from there back to the train station and your return journey back to the capital. 

Discover Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral the easy way on this highly-rated tour direct from central London . Visits to the historic city of Bath and Windsor Castle are included!

16. Arundel, West Sussex

Submitted by Milijana of World Travel Connector 

Arundel on the River Arun in West Sussex is one of the most picturesque towns in England and one of the top easy day trips from London.

The town is best known for Arundel Castle , the home of the Duke of Norfolk. Part of the castle is open to the public, and it’s one of the most visited castles in England. 

But Arundel is not only about the Castle. The Victorian and Georgian architecture , charming streets filled with pubs, restaurants, and galleries, and location on the lovely Arun River make Arundel one of the most beautiful places in England.

For lunch, head to one of Arundel’s many cosy restaurants. The Parsons Table is known for serving the best British food (which is among the  most popular food in the world !) Its relaxing atmosphere makes the entire dining experience even more enjoyable.

After lunch, consider exploring this historic town on a guided walking tour . If you are a fan of museums, you will love visiting Arundel Museum .

However, if you are a nature enthusiast, the green paths along River Arun are perfect for exploring.

But that’s not all!

Many day trippers to Arundel choose kayaking or hiring a motorboat for cruising the River Arun.

Top Tip : Head to one of the many lively pubs for the end of your day in Arundel. The famous and historic Black Rabbit pub is fabulous!

How to Get to Arundel

The fastest way to reach Arundel is by train; however, driving to Arundel from London does not take much longer than a train ride. Trains from London’s Victoria station take 90 minutes to reach Arundel. Check train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

17. Bath, Somerset

Submitted by Raksha of Solopassport

Famous for its Roman-built baths, the city of Bath was founded in the 7th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site . While it’s a compact city, Bath has plenty of things to see and do and is rated as one of the best places to visit outside London.

Notable landmarks include the two universities, 250-year-old Pulteney Bridge , spas, canals, and the 7th-century church known as Bath Abbey . These old structures and buildings are fine examples of Roman and Georgian architecture.

Top Tip: Visit the spa and baths in the morning, when they are less crowded, so you can avoid long queues 🙂

Summer (June and September) is the best season to visit Bath, although it’s well worth visiting the city during the off-season (from November to February), as you will find fewer crowds.

Bath is easy to explore on foot on a walking tour – just remember to wear comfortable walking shoes!

Best Walking Tour of Bath ( Rating 4.9/5 )

👣 This top-rated guided walking tour includes skip-the-line entry to the Roman Baths. You’ll also discover Jane Austin’s role in the city, Bridgerton filming locations, Bath Abbey and the Pump Room!

➡️ Check price and availability here.

How to get to Bath

Bath is perfect for a day trip from London, with easy access by public transport and a journey time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes by train. Trains for Bath Spa station depart from London’s Paddington station.

➡️ Compare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

18. Hampton Court, Greater London (Richmond upon Thames)

Submitted by Audra from The Nerd Traveler

Hampton Court is a 16th-century River Thames palace with vast halls, enormous kitchens, and impressive gardens. 

Located less than 15 miles southwest of Central London, visiting Hampton Court is like stepping back into the turbulent reign of King Henry VIII.

Henry VIII moved into the palace with Anne Boleyn (the second of his six wives and mother to the future Queen Elizabeth I). During his time at the palace, the vast halls hosted up to 800 courtiers, and up to 1600 meals per day could be prepared in the Great Kitchen.  

After the deaths of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, King James I took up residence at Hampton Court.  Under his reign, the palace hosted performances of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and “Macbeth” and a conference that produced the King James Bible in 1611.

Sir Christopher Wren (famed English architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral) completed more renovations during the rule of King William III and Queen Mary, including the Garden Maze and the Chocolate Kitchens . Chocolate was a luxury at the time and demonstrated the opulence and novelty of their reign.  

Each summer, two festivals showcase the history and art of Hampton Court. There is a Music Festival in June and a Garden Festival in July.

Hampton Court is one of the best places to visit outside London if you appreciate British history and culture.

How to get to Hampton Court

Visiting Hampton Court Palace is quick and easy, with a journey time of less than an hour from London’s Victoria Station. ➡️ Compare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

19. Windsor (+ Windsor Castle), Berkshire

Submitted by Joanne from The World In My Pocket

Windsor Castle is the main attraction when you visit Windsor for the day . This Royal Residence has over 900 years of history and makes a fascinating visit.

Top Tip: Buy your ticket online and tick the “donation box”. The ticket will be valid for an entire year – a great budget saver if you plan to return to Windsor. ( Admission charges include a free audio guide covering the palace’s history and notable art pieces ).

The Long Walk extends from the gates of the palace for three kilometres to the Copper Horse Statue . Is a nice relaxing walk through the deer park where you can spot friendly red deer as well as ancient oak trees.

There are plenty of other things to do in Windsor besides visiting the castle. Find the crooked house and learn its naughty legends, and make sure to have a drink at the Prince Harry pub , which displays a photo of the Royal Couple on one of their upstairs windows.

How to get to Windsor

Windsor is easy to reach from London, with a direct train from Waterloo taking about an hour. Windsor has two train stations, and it’s good to know that Windsor and Eton Riverside is the most central.

➡️ If you want the simplicity of visiting Windsor Castle on a guided tour, with everything organised for you, this popular one-day tour from London includes Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath.

20. Harry Potter Studio Tour, Hertfordshire

Submitted by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels

For a great day trip from London, head to Leavesden for the  Harry Potter Studio Tour!

A great way to visit the studio is through a tour from London . This includes transportation to and from London on a cool Harry Potter-themed double-decker bus and a ticket to enter the studio. Once you’re inside the studio, it’s all self-guided. 

➡️ Booking this Harry Potter tour is also a great idea since tickets on the studio’s website can frequently sell out.  

The studio is a magical place. The costumes and sets from the movies are perfectly preserved and displayed in a way that every Harry Potter fan can enjoy and appreciate. 

Highlights of this tour include the Great Hall, Gryffindor Common Room, Mirror of Erised, Hagrid’s hut, and a scale model of Hogwarts. 

Best time to visit the Harry Potter Studios

Visiting the studios is a fun experience at any time of year; during Halloween and Christmas, the films’ holiday decorations are displayed. 

The Great Hall is an *especially* cool experience at Christmas

Note: It takes roughly 3.5 hours to see the entire studio. About halfway through the tour, food and butterbeer are available (which shouldn’t be missed)!  

Enjoy your visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour !

21. York, North Yorkshire

If you love history, York is one of the best places to visit outside London by train, as London to York trains take just over 2 hours.

While in the ancient city of York , you’ll want to visit York Minster , the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. Take the York Minster Tower challenge if you’re fit and healthy – it’s a 10-minute climb up 275 narrow, winding steps to the top, but the view is incredible!

Alternatively, wander through the Shambles – the most complete medieval street in Europe, walk the medieval Y ork city wall s, or step back to the days when York was a Viking settlement at Yorvik.

Some of the best ways to see York include guided walking tours, riverboat cruises , or (my favourite) spooky ghost tours .

How to get to York

The best way to travel to York from London is by train from London’s Kings Cross station. The journey takes just over two hours on the fast service. Compare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

22. Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Submitted by Anu from Country Hopping Couple

Stratford upon Avon  is located so centrally in England’s midlands, that it makes for a perfect day trip from any major city in the UK, including day trips from London. 

Known as Shakespeare Country, Stratford Upon Avon was the home of the famous playwright and poet. On a guided tour you can see as many as six of the houses connected to Shakespeare (also known as “The bard of Stratford”).

These include Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Gardens, Nash’s House and New Place, Mary Arden’s Farm and Hall’s Croft, or book your favourite play at Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre . 

But, there’s more to Stratford upon Avon than Shakespeare. The historic half-timbered houses and buzzing Bancroft Gardens are well worth visiting.

Alternatively, try to spot all of the sculptures around the city centre or rent a boat and potter about on the River Avon.  Whether you are a literary buff or not, a day trip to Stratford upon Avon is totally worth it.  

How to get to Stratford Upon Avon

The best way to travel to Stratford Upon Avon from London is by train from London’s Euston station. Compare train prices and availability on Trainline and Omio .

FAQs: The Best Places to Visit Outside London

What countries are a day trip from london.

Some of the easiest countries to visit on a day trip from London include France (for Paris), Belgium (for Brussels), and Jersey, although Ireland is also only a short flight from London

What locations are just outside of London?

London has many options for day trips beyond the city centre. The suggestions in this post are a good starting point when looking for the best places to visit outside London.

Conclusion: Best Places to Visit Outside London

In conclusion, there is no shortage of incredible places to visit outside London by car or by train. From the picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds to stunning coastal towns like Brighton and some of England’s most fascinating castles, each day trip from London offers its unique charm and appeal.

Whether you’re looking for historical landmarks, natural beauty, or vibrant city life, there is something for everyone just a short distance from London.

So why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and plan some day trips from London by car to explore everything these fantastic locations offer? You won’t be disappointed!

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you found this post about the best day trips from London helpful.

You may want to check out more UK travel posts below:

• Is London Worth Visiting? 25 Top Things To Do in London 2024
• How To Get To Jersey From London: An Extensive Guide From a Local
• 19 Awesome Nerdy Things To Do In London
• 27 Interesting Facts About Leeds You Probably Didn’t Know!
• Visiting England for the First Time? 25 Best Tips From a Local

If you enjoyed this post on the best places to see outside London, please pin it to help it reach more readers!

These are the companies I use to book all of my trips. I only recommend companies I use and trust personally.

• ⭐️ Flight Deals : Wayaway or Expedia , or Skyscanner  
• ⭐️ Hotel Booking : Booking.com or Hotels.com
• ⭐️ Self-Catered Accommodation : VRBO
• ⭐️ Tours / Things To Do / Airport Transfers : Viator or Get Your Guide
• ⭐️ Travel Insurance : Travel Insurance Master  
• ⭐️ Car Rentals : Rentalcars.com
• ⭐️ Train Travel : Trainline and Omio

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

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The Perfect Oxford Day Trip from London

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Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or you’ve spent time in the city before, an Oxford day trip from London is definitely a must-do! While the well-known and prestigious University of Oxford might intrigue you to visit, there’s so much more to explore in the city. 

Oxford is located only about 90km west of the heart of London and is easily accessible. The city is considered one of the most beautiful and beloved cities in the UK. It is also a major city for innovation, arts, technology and science.

People visit from far and near, so to experience all the city has to offer here is the perfect Oxford itinerary for you.

Table of Contents

How to Get From London to Oxford

Getting to Oxford from London can be done through various modes of transportation and once there you can navigate the city with ease on foot.

London to Oxford by Organised Tour

Of course, you don’t have to explore Oxford all on your own, there are some organised Oxford tours that can lead the way if you’re in the need of some guidance. As an added bonus, all your transportation needs will be taken care of as well.

For instance, this guided tour of Oxford and Cotswolds Villages for your day trip. You’ll be able to see all that the English charm these areas have to offer, including Bibury, the Great Hall at Christ Church College and, of course, Oxford University. A similar tour is also available on Viator.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland , you might like this full-day tour. While you’ll get information about these books and movies, you’ll also learn the history surrounding the dreamy English Countryside.

Other options include this full-day tour that visits Oxford, Stonehedge and Windsor ( also available here on Viator) or this full-day tour that combines a trip to Oxford with a Harry Potter Studio Tour.

London to Oxford by Train

Travelling for your day trip from London to Oxford by train is probably the most convenient way to get there. You can catch a train from Paddington Station in West London, with trains usually passing every 30 minutes or if you’re visiting on a Sunday you can expect to get a train every 60 minutes.

The journey will last roughly an hour and from the station, you’re only a 10-minute walk away from the city centre. It is recommended that you purchase a ticket beforehand to save money. You can buy tickets and view schedules here.

The Oxford train station is located about a fifteen-minute walk from central Oxford. Make sure that you get off here rather than at the further out Oxford Parkway station.

London to Oxford by Bus

If you prefer getting to your day trip to Oxford from London by bus, your travel time will be a bit longer amounting to an hour and forty minutes. However, the bus frequency is better with only 10 to 15 minutes in between buses.

Buses leave from Victoria Coach Station and the main Oxford bus station is Gloucester Green, which is located in the centre of the city making is very convenient to get sightseeing. You can buy tickets and view schedules here.

Alternatively, you can also use the Oxford Tube that you can get at certain stations like Victoria, Notting Hill Gate, Marble Arch and Shepherd’s Bush.

London to Oxford by Car

If you wish to travel by car, your journey will take longer than by train or bus with the estimated time to be over two hours. You’re also going to have to account for parking while in Oxford – it’s better to find a car park to leave your car for the day and explore on foot.

One benefit of having a car when you visit Oxford is that you can make a few stops along the way. For instance, you have the flexibility to explore places like Windsor Castle or other attractions in this area of England .

If you’re thinking of renting a car for the trip you can browse options here.

Oxford Day Trip Itinerary

You’ll start your London to Oxford day trip adventures in the city centre on High Street near the Carfax Tower, where you’ll be minutes away from most of the main sights. Here you’ll take in the city’s extraordinary beauty.

If you’ve travelled to Oxford independently and want to learn more about the history of the city and university, you can book a walking tour here on GetYourGuide or book it here on Viator.

Carfax Tower and Oxford Covered Market

The Carfax Tower is all that remains of the official Oxford church, St Martin’s Church, which dated back to 1122. The tower is the highest building in the city since others are prohibited from building anything higher than the Carfax Tower. So after you climb up 99 steps, you’ll be sure to have the most breathtaking view of the city. 

Near the tower you’ll see the Oxford Town Hall which hosts various events, you can admire the building from the outside then you’ll follow Cornmarket Street to Golden Cross and continue walking until you reach the Covered Market.

Here you’ll find so many delicious food, treats, clothes and more. The market itself is a beautiful sight to see and no matter how the weather is you’ll manage to stay dry while exploring the market.

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Once you’re done at the market, you’ll go back to High Street heading east towards the University Church of St Mary the Virgin to continue your Oxford day trip from London.

The stunning church marks the beginning of the University of Oxford and has continued to thrive for more than seven hundred years. Next, you’ll continue passed the church on St Mary’s Passage until you reach Radcliffe Camera.

Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Camera is both an impressive landmark and library, with its history dating back to 1737. The landmark is actually England’s first known circular library and is now part of the Bodleian Library on the university grounds, as a reading room.

You might be wondering where the “camera” comes from but the meaning of the word used is the Latin word for “room.” Close by, you can also view the Bridge of Sighs, which is a great way to experience the beauty of Oxford’s unique architecture.

After taking a look around, you’ll walk towards the University of Oxford.

University of Oxford

The famous University of Oxford is the world’s second-oldest university but the very first in regards to the English-speaking world, with its first teachings dating to 1096. As prestigious as it is, people from all over the world apply in hopes of joining one of its 39 colleges.

Although the colleges are not all in one place, which is why Oxford is such an interesting university city with the different colleges spread all throughout the city centre. The section of the university close to Radcliffe Camera is closest to resembling the main campus, which is a great stop in the Oxford day trip itinerary and is known as the Science Area.

As you walk south on Broad street, passing Clarendon Building, you’ll come across Sheldonian Theatre. The building that was built from 1664 to 1668 is not only used for lectures and university-related ceremonies but also for music concerts.

Next to the theatre, you’ll find the History of Science Museum also known as the Old Ashmolean which is the oldest museum in the UK and the oldest purpose-built museum in the world.

Some iconic and historical items you’ll see here include the blackboard Albert Einstein used while lecturing at Oxford and about 18,000 other objects that represent the history of science.

Blackwell’s

Just across the street from the museum, you’ll find the original Blackwell’s book shop which was founded in 1879. Now with 18 shops and owned by Waterstones, Blackwell is a chain that can be found all over the UK.

If you’re in need of a new book, music, art or just want to explore, you can roam the 144-year-old bookshop until you discover what you’re looking for.

University Parks

If you continue north on Parks Road, there is another charming part belonging to the university which is the University Parks. The massive grounds include many beautiful gardens like the Botanic Garden which is the UK’s oldest botanic garden and is located on High Street.

Additionally, the grounds are also home to the Wytham Woods which are used for research at the university, along with the Harcourt Arboretum, Bagley Wood and Christ Church Meadow.

You will end this part of your journey in the stunning Botanic Garden and once you’re done exploring you’ll continue to your last stop.

Christ Church

From the garden, you’ll back to the starting point on High Street near Carfax Tower and down A420 to end your London to Oxford day trip at the Christ Church. The church, or college, is often referred to as “The House” and the University of Oxford’s constituent college, as well as part of the Christ Church Cathedral.

King Henry VIII founded Christ Church in 1546 and today it’s both one of the wealthiest and largest colleges at Oxford.  Here you can visit the cloisters that were seen in many scenes of the Harry Potter movies. Visiting Christ Church is certainly one of the best things to do in Oxford and an unmissable stop when visiting the city.

Now that you’ve completed your one day in Oxford you can return to London with fond memories. However, if you still haven’t had enough and have more time to spend in Oxford, then continue to learn what else there is to do in the area.

Have more time?

If you’ve enjoyed your day trip to Oxford and have decided to stay longer, there are plenty of activities to fill up an extra day or two. Whether you prefer exploring outdoors or indoors, the city filled with history and beauty will have what you need.

Explore Oxford on the River

After exploring the city on foot on your first Oxford day trip from London, you can enjoy the sights and experience a different side of Oxford from the river with a river cruise.

There are many options you’ll have like an afternoon tea, picnic, evening cruise with a 3-course meal or even just a simple sightseeing cruise . Whatever you decide on, it’ll be a grand time!

Blenheim Palace

Just about 16km northwest of the city centre you’ll find the magnificent Blenheim Palace and its impressive gardens. The palace’s construction was completed in 1722, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

You can walk through the same rooms and grounds Sir Winston Churchill once walked through or get lost in the Marlborough Maze. The palace has activities for people of all ages.

Port Meadow

Travellers who want to see more of the city can leisurely walk around Port Meadow located right beside the Thames river. On a warm day, visitors can take a swim right where the Thames and Castle Mill Stream meet.

Ghost Trail and Museums

If you visit the prison and want to experience other spooky parts of Oxford, you can join one of the many ghost tours to discover all the city’s paranormal stories. If you would prefer to stay away from anything scary, the city has many fascinating museums for you to explore.

For example, at the unique Story Museum, you’ll jump into an enchanting storybook and can let your imagination run wild. The museum is perfect for families and visitors who are young at heart.

Oxford Castle and Prison

In the centre of the city, you can tour the ancient medieval castle and its prison. Visitors will learn about its significant history over the last 1000 years since the castle was built. Today, on its grounds you’ll also find a boutique hotel, apartments, bars, restaurants and even an education centre.

An additional day or two to your Oxford itinerary can help give you a better overview of the area and you can leave having seen all there is to see in the beautiful old city. No matter if you plan to see Oxford in one day or two or more, the city is definitely worth the visit.

Are you planning an Oxford day trip? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Paola Drexler

Paola is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the state of Arizona in the USA, she lived in Germany before moving to the United Kingdom. Paola loves spending her free time travelling in Europe and sometimes ever further afield.

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Guide to London’s coolest places to visit

Things To Do

23+ Cool Things To Do In London On Sundays

Last Updated on 17 May, 2023

London is a vibrant and bustling city that has so much to offer, especially on a lazy Sunday. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there is always something to do in London on a Sunday.

From indulging in a long brunch to exploring the city’s museums and galleries, here are some of the best things to do in London on a Sunday.

What To Do In London On Sunday

For additional tips on what to do in London on Saturday , we have you covered in a separate blog post.

Grab a Coffee Or Breakfast From London’s Cool Cafes

Nothing beats having someone else make you breakfast on Sunday. We have covered many a beautiful cafe in London, and whereever you choose to stay in London, I can guarantee you will have plenty of cafes to choose from.

Living in central London means I have a million options to choose from. From this little independent spot in Bermondsey Street to Borough Market which offers a million options for breakfast or a place made for breakfast like Breakfast Club or Where The Pancakes Are or if you want to breakfast with a view at Duck and Waffle .

What better way to wake up in the morning than a plate stacked with pancakes and an aromatic coffee blend?…

Visit One Of London’s Sunday markets

London is famous for its markets , and on Sunday, you will find some of the best markets in the city.

From the popular Camden Market to the trendy Brick Lane Market, you will find everything from vintage clothing to street food. These markets are a great place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon browsing and shopping. Among the famous Sunday markets is Columbia Road Flower Market which is not to be missed.

Have A Long Sunday Brunch

If you’re looking for a lazy start to your Sunday, then a long brunch is a must. Many of London’s restaurants offer an extensive brunch menu, from classic eggs benedict to pancakes with maple syrup.

The city has a plethora of cafes and restaurants that offer delicious brunch options, so be sure to make a reservation in advance. We have explored brunches in Notting Hill , Peckham , London Bridge , Chelsea , Richmond , Shoreditch and many more places on the blog.

Get Adventurous With A Paddleboarding Session With Active 360

If you’re looking to get active on a Sunday, why not try paddleboarding with Active 360?

This fun activity will take you along London’s canals and waterways, allowing you to see the city from a different perspective. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, Active 360 has something for everyone.

Take A Stroll In One Of London’s Parks

London is home to some of the most beautiful parks in the world. From Hyde Park to Regent’s Park , there is always something to explore.

A lazy Sunday afternoon spent wandering through one of London’s parks is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Explore London’s Museums And Galleries

London is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the world. From the British Museum, and Wallace Collection to the National Gallery, there is always something to see and learn.

Spend a lazy Sunday exploring the city’s museums and galleries and discover some of the world’s most treasured artifacts.

Bike Ride The Thames

The Thames is the heart of London, and a bike ride along the river is a great way to see the city. There are many bike rental companies in London, so rent a bike and spend a lazy Sunday cycling along the river.

Listen To Some Jazz At Ronnie Scott’s

If you’re a fan of jazz, then Ronnie Scott’s is a must-visit. This iconic venue has been showcasing some of the best jazz musicians since 1959. Spend a lazy Sunday evening listening to some of the best live jazz music in London.

Go For A City Walk

London is a city that is best explored on foot. Take a lazy Sunday stroll through the city’s streets and discover hidden gems and historic landmarks like Leadenhall Market , and Spitalfield Market . The city has a plethora of walking tours available, from the Royal London Walking Tour to the Ghosts of London Tour.

Enjoy A Sunday Roast

The Sunday roast is a British tradition, and many of London’s restaurants and pubs offer a delicious Sunday roast. From roast beef to roast chicken, a Sunday roast is the perfect way to end a lazy Sunday.

We have covered many amazing pubs in London. From Bethnal Green , Dalston, Covent Garden , Mayfair , Soho , Hackney , Dulwich , and many more. To help you find the perfect spot for a Sunday pub roast.

Go For A Day Trip

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London, then a day trip is a must . From Brighton to Oxford, there are many beautiful destinations within easy reach of London.

Attend A Church Service

London is home to some of the most beautiful churches in the world . Attend a Sunday service and soak up the history and architecture of these beautiful buildings.

Take A River Cruise On The Thames

If you’re looking for a lazy way to see the city, then a river cruise on the Thames is a must-do . There are many different river cruise options available, from sightseeing cruises to dinner cruises. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of London’s skyline from the river.

Grab An Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British experience, and London is home to some of the best afternoon tea spots in the world. From traditional teas at The Ritz to modern twists at Sketch, there is an afternoon tea experience for everyone. For additional inspiration, we have covered tips on the best places for afternoon tea with a view , afternoon tea in Mayfair , Covent Garden , Shoreditch and many other places.

Watch A Show In The West End

London’s West End is home to some of the best theater productions in the world. Spend a lazy Sunday evening watching a musical or play and be entertained by some of the best actors and performers.

Walk Along Southbank

Southbank is a bustling area of London that is full of life on a Sunday. Take a stroll along the river and soak up the atmosphere, with street performers, food vendors, and markets.

Check Out A Comedy Show For A Belly laugh

London is home to many comedy clubs and venues, where you can see some of the best comedians in the world. Spend a lazy Sunday evening laughing out loud and enjoying the city’s comedy scene.

Rent A Boat And Soak Up The Vibe On London’s Waterways

If paddleboarding isn’t your thing, then why not rent a boat and explore London’s canals and waterways? This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and enjoy a lazy afternoon on the water.

Shopping On London’s High Streets

London is a shopper’s paradise, with many high streets and shopping districts to explore. Spend a lazy Sunday browsing the shops and picking up some souvenirs and gifts.

Take In The Views From London’s Viewpoints

London has many viewpoints where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city. From the Shard to the London Eye, there are many different viewpoints to choose from. We have shared tips on 40 amazing places for the best views in London .

Grab A Drink At Many Of London’s Beer Gardens

London is home to many beer gardens and rooftop bars , where you can enjoy a lazy Sunday drink in the sun. From the famous rooftop bar at the Sky Garden to the trendy beer garden at the Prince of Wales, Vinegar Yard or Flat Iron Square , there is a beer garden for everyone.

Chill Out To A Book Or Picnic On Primrose Hill Or Hampstead Heath

Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath are two of the most beautiful parks in London, with stunning views of the city. Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon relaxing with a book or having a picnic with friends and family.

Enjoy A Late Lunch At One Of London’s Food Courts

London is home to many food courts and markets , where you can enjoy a late lunch or early dinner. From the trendy Boxpark in Shoreditch to the traditional Borough Market to Mayfair Mercato , there is a food court for everyone.

London is a city that has something to offer everyone, even on a lazy Sunday.

From indulging in a long brunch to exploring the city’s museums and galleries, there are many different things to do and see. So, get out and explore this wonderful city and make the most of your Sunday!

There are plenty of things to do on Sundays in London, from visiting markets and museums to enjoying a traditional Sunday roast or attending a church service.

Whatever your interests, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

My name is Bianca and welcome to my local guide of London's Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. Everything you need to know about exploring London in addition to the coolest hangouts and Instagrammable spots.

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Things to do in London this Sunday

Have your most epic Sunday in London ever with our guide to the best things to do on your day of rest.

Ahhh, Sundays. If there’s a sweeter day of the week, we can’t name it. While work, life admin and socialising may be demanded of you on those other six days, Sundays are the official Day of Rest (it says so in the Bible don’t you know), which we’re choosing to interpret as a license to do whatever you jolly well please for the day.

If you’re on the hunt for a laid-back way to while away those blissful 24 hours before the week starts up again, London has you covered.  In the market for a brisk walk ? You’ll find plenty within the bounds of the M25. Want to scoff down a hearty Sunday lunch ? London’s fine pubs and restaurants have you covered. Just want to lie on a blanket in the  park  doing sweet FA? You’ll find some stunners in the city and  peak weekend bliss with our guide to the most glorious ways to spend a Sunday in London. 

RECOMMENDED: Find more great events happening this weekend in London. 

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Things to do on Sunday in London

1.  Wander around one of London’s best markets

After a quintessential Sunday activity? You need look no further than a relaxed market stroll . Take a relaxed market stroll and eye up (then treat yourself to) everything from colourful bric-a-brac and vintage dresses to street food and fresh groceries.

If you’re a fan of  Borough Market but can’t face the weekend crowds, amble over to the nearby  Maltby Street Market  for plenty more scrumptious dishes and delicious gourmet street food from all corners of the earth. If you’re after local produce,   Blackheath Farmers’ Market boasts all the jams and cheeses you could ever want. Or if you’re looking to barter for some antique bits and bobs, Northcote Road Antiques Market  starts at noon, allowing for that much-needed Sunday morning lie-in.

2.  Head out on a pretty city walk

• Things to do
• Walks and tours

Londoners, real Londoners, genuinely love walking and Sunday is the perfect time to do it.  There are loads of truly beautiful spots in London for a weekend walk, whether you want to learn a little about the past with a historical trot around town, or feel calm and restored after bathing in the glory of nature . 

Whether you want to follow the Thames along its meandering path, parade through the stunning scenery of Hampstead, or get stuck into ancient woodlands, there are plenty of ways to see a new side of London. Here are our favourite routes to get you started.  

3.  Have a long (and potentially boozy) brunch

Oh how we love a brunch – and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by London’s restaurant scene. Get your pancake fix at one of these lip-smacking brunch spots . Tuck into a hearty mezze-style Israeli breakfast at Haggerston’s Berber & Q or keep it classy at Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings with a tasty huevos benedictos or drop scones with cream, berries and honey for those with a sweet tooth. Want to make the most of the last of the weekend? Go bottomless .  South London’s Daddy Bao offers one hour of speciality cocktails for just £18, alongside fluffy steamed bao - the right way to end your weekend.

Still peckish? Check out more of London’s loveliest brunch spots . 

4.  Leave London for a day trip

Got an itch to get a little further afield? Set your alarm for early this Sunday and head out to explore one of these brilliant day trip spots .

Getting out of the city might seem like an effort, but in just an hour and a half, you could be chilling out by the Whitstable seaside or perusing the historic Roman baths of... well, Bath. For minimum travel time (and maximum swoon-time), visit one of these cute chocolate-box villages , which are all within easy reach of London. Great Missenden, the home and workplace of iconic children’s author Roald Dahl, still has its magical charm, while Ashwell in Hertfordshire is the perfect spot for picnics and has some beautiful architecture. 

Wish you could stay for longer? Plan a weekend away from London for next time.

5.  Let someone else make the Sunday roast for a change

Nothing is better on a Sunday than a big roast dinner, but the work that goes into making one can be off-putting. Luckily, London is packed to the rafters with pubs and restaurants that will make a delicious roast for you, and all they’ll ask of you is to part with a bit of cash. Don't know where to start? From classic pub grub to fancier fixings, we’ve rounded up the best roasts in the capital .

Try your nearest Hawksmoor  – the roast dinner is both lip-smacking and good value. If you feel like treating yourself after a long week, hop over to the Jugged Hare for a 45-day aged beef rump paired with a delicious tipple or walk into the welcoming embrace of Harwood Arms for their famed game specials.

Want to sample roast potatoes all around town? Here’s our guide to London’s best Sunday lunches . 

6.  Fill your arms with flowers from Columbia Road Flower Market

If you haven’t been to Columbia Road Flower Market yet, you’re in for a treat. You’ll have to jostle the crowds to get the goods – aka the perfect bouquet – but it’s worth it. When you’re done perusing all the bountiful blooms on offer, be sure to duck into the cute cafés and shops lining the road, too. Arrive early to beat the crowds or late for the best bargains.

Want to avoid the crowds completely? Sunday is the perfect day to get yourself to Clifton Nurseries in Little Venice or Alleyn Park Garden Centre in Dulwich for lots of UK-grown stock from small local suppliers; we’re talking fruit trees, herbs, perennials and more.

Need more greenery in your life? Check out the best plant shops and garden centres in London.

7.  Catch a new art exhibition

Sundays (and especially rainy Sundays) are well spent catching up on any art exhibitions you’ve missed. And if you don’t want to splurge on tickets, there are countless free-entry galleries and museums to get lost in, from Tate Modern to the National Portrait Gallery. Early birds will be rewarded with quieter galleries and much less neck-craning needed. Sundays are for joining a tour of the Barbican ’s tropical conservatory or catching a gritty documentary at the Institute of Contemporary Arts .

Like what you see? Here are the best art exhibitions on in London right now.

8.  Go for a bike ride

Take your old wheels out for a spin, lunchbox in tow, for a nostalgic whizz around the city. Try one of these particularly scenic bike routes in London and take in the city’s riverside landmarks from Battersea to Greenwich or go for a looping whizz around Hyde Park. Looking for a little more adventure than merely cycling around the capital? Try a wheely good route further afield, like one that takes you to the pebble beaches of Brighton. Treat yourself to an ice cream once you get there – you’ll have earned it.

Prefer keeping your feet on the floor? Here are our favourite walks in and around London . 

Planning ahead?

Things to do in London this week

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What to do on a Sunday in London

When you think of Sundays, it’s easy to think of quiet streets and closed shops… But London is a city that doesn’t sleep! So, you can expect the crowds to be out in their masses with full shops, restaurants and pubs full of locals and tourists. Don’t worry if you’re only here for the weekend, you’ll find that London has plenty to offer on a Sunday.

Sunday Markets in London

If you are planning a trip to London, it’s worth planning your trip knowing that some of the best street markets in London are only open on Sundays, so don’t forget to include one of these in your itinerary.

Spitalfields, Petticoat Lane and Brick Lane

One of the most famous markets in the East End of London is Brick Lane Market – which is only open on Sundays. Right next to it, is Petticoat Lane and Spitalfields Market – so why not visit all 3 in a day? Whether you’re looking for independent food stalls, vintage goods and crafts, London has it all. Find out more about these markets here .

Columbia Road Flower Market

Enjoy the amazing colours and flowers at this sweet-smelling market in East London.

Farmer’s Markets in London

One of the best things to do at the weekend is to visit a Farmers Market, where you can enjoy the tastes and smells from the bakers, cheese makers, fruit farmers and butchers. Take a wander through the stalls and taste some samples. You can enjoy a great selection of meats, cakes, pies, cakes and of course, the delicious artisan breads. Some popular farmer’s markets include:

• Queen’s Park Farmers Market
• Marylebone Farmers Market
• Alexandra Palace Farmers Market

Other markets to explore on a Sunday

Brixton Market, Camden Market and Maltby Street Market are also great markets to explore on a Sunday, even though they are also open on other days of the week.

Tourist Attractions on a Sunday in London

The only tourist attractions that are closed on a Sunday in London are Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral which are both closed to visitors on a Sunday.

All the other important tourist attractions in London are open as usual on Sundays (except if Christmas day falls on a Sunday). This includes London’s most famous attractions like the London Eye , The View from the Shard , Madame Tussauds , the Sea Life London Aquarium , the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe to name a few are all open on Sundays.

Sightseeing bus tours  and Sightseeing River Cruises also operate on Sundays in London, and they can sometimes the best way to see London when the streets are crowded!

The Best Tourist Attractions in London

Museums, Shops and Restaurants open on a Sunday in London

All the famous museums in London are open on Sundays, such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and the Tate Modern just to name a few!

The Best Museums in London

If you’re looking for a little retail therapy, fear not because all the shops in central London will be open. Popular shopping areas like Oxford Street and Regent Street will still be bustling, however they will close earlier than they do during the week, usually at 6pm.

Famous big department stores such as Harrods , Fortnum and Mason and Liberty are open on Sundays. Westfield shopping centres (White City and Stratford) also open on Sundays.

Restaurants in central London are always open on Sundays (except if it happens to be Christmas Day!) band you can walk, shop and dine in the most popular tourist spots in London such as Regent Street, Oxford Street, Soho, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, just to name a few.

Treat yourself to a traditional Sunday Roast

What better way to end the week than with lashings of gravy over beef or lamb or nut roast with all the trimmings of stuffing, parsnips, Yorkshire puddings and pigs in blankets. To experience a truly traditional roast dinner, one of the best places to go to is a pub. Some of the best spots are The Harwood Arms in Fulham, Blacklock Soho in Soho and Bike shed Motorcycle Club in Shoreditch. And of course, if you’re visiting Spitalfields Market, you’ll find plenty of pubs serving up roast dinners every Sunday.

Guided Tours available on Sundays

Walking tours are available mostly during the weekends in London, some famous walking tours include Jack the Ripper walking tour or Changing of the guard walking tour  or the famous  Harry Potter locations walking tour .

Walking tours in London

Explore a different London neighbourhood

Great places to explore on a Sunday include:

• A trip to Greenwich is perfect for exploring the stunning views, visiting the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark. You can also take to the air on one of the cable carts. Greenwich Market is only open Sundays, making it the perfect day to visit.
• Explore the area of Richmond, where you will also find a craft market on a Sunday.
• Explore the beautiful Hampstead neighbourhood where you can enjoy laid-back bars and explore the gorgeous Hampstead Heath – here you can see the London skyline from one of London’s highest points.

Enjoy an Afternoon Tea

One thing that Londoners certainly love to do, is a traditional afternoon tea! And there is a lot of variety, from fancy high-end hotel teas, to novelty science themes, chocolate themes and even afternoon teas on double decker buses.

Some of the best afternoon teas are:

• Afternoon Tea Cruise Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with bubbles, finger sandwiches and cakes, whilst you admire London from the river Thames.
• B Afternoon Tea Bus Tour combines seeing all the top tourist sights like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace whist enjoying bubbles, finger sandwiches and cakes.
• Scoff & Banter Tea Rooms on Oxford Street is perfect for nibbles, Champagne and a wealth of teas after a long day of shopping on London’s most famous shopping street.
• Tale as Old as Time Tea at The Kensington, is a Disney lovers dream with Mrs Potts and Chip crockery, and cakes in the shape of the iconic characters from Beauty and the Beast. Those looking for something a little quirkier will love this.

Looking for more ideas?

A great way to spend a Sunday is by taking a stroll along the South Bank, taking in the sights of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. Places like Covent Garden and Leicester Square make an excellent setting for a night time stroll. Explore the lights of China Town as well as enjoying the many street performances. You won’t be bored on a Sunday in London, there’s simply too much to do.

What to avoid on a Sunday in London

The only places we’d advise you to avoid at the weekend are the office parts of the city such as Moorgate, Farringdon and Bank. This is because during the weekend, they are pretty empty, and some shops and restaurants are even closed.

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Posted on Published: 19th May 2023  - Last updated: 9th October 2023 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

Things to do on a Sunday in London

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Sundays in London are a delight. We don’t want to brag but we’ve got them down to a fine art (clearly bragging). 

Gone is Saturday’s weird manic energy (or severe hangover if you had a particularly lively Friday night) – by Sunday you’re chill like Craig David in 7 Days. 

In other words, the perfect mood to explore the city at your leisure. 

Looking for the best things to do on a Sunday in London? Here’s where to start…

Best Things to do in London on a Sunday

Visit one of london’s sunday markets.

More than any other day, Sunday is market day in London. Yes, the biggie Borough Market is closed on Sundays but you should take that as an opportunity to explore the diverse range of Sunday markets in London . 

Foodies should make a beeline for Maltby Street Market . It’s relatively small but has an excellent range of artisan products and street food stalls alongside the railway arches in Bermondsey. 

Marylebone’s quaint farmers market is another foodie gem – the ever-changing rotation of seasonal produce is the perfect place to fill up your fridge for the weekend. The quaint location in pretty Marylebone doesn’t hurt either… 

That’s by no means where it ends either: from vintage clothes at Flat Iron Flea , antiques at Northcote Road Antiques, design at Canopy King’s Cross – there’s always somewhere new to discover on the city’s eclectic market scene.  

Treat Yourself to Sunday Brunch

We love how hard Londoners have embraced brunch in the past decade. 

Fifteen years ago, brunch was the domain of a few five-star hotels in the plusher parts of town, today… well, as many an Insta’ post tells us, brunch is lyf . 

Looking for things to do in London on a Sunday? You could do a lot worse than brunch. 

Two of our personal faves are the limitless barbecue and prosecco brunch at Big Easy (£33.50), and the knockout Japanese flavour-bombs (also with bottomless prosecco) at Shackfuyu (Bone Daddies) (42.50). Other winners include Breddos all you can eat taco brunch in Clerkenwell and the wholesome eats at Ottolenghi’s Rovi in Fitzrovia . 

Want to push the boat out? The five-star hotels still run the show when it comes to swanky options: Aqua Shard’s Champagne brunch comes with half a bottle of Veuve Clicquot – the Rooftop at St James’s goes even further with a bottomless Clicquot brunch. Check out our guide to fabulous bottomless brunches in London.

Stock up on Flowers at Columbia Road

Sundays at Columbia Road Flower Market are practically a rite of passage. London’s most popular flower market bursts into bloom in East London every Sunday. 

It’s not hard to see why it’s so popular – nearly all the stalls are run by small, independent traders who’ve been selling at the market for generations. Despite its ever-increasing popularity, it still feels like a genuine community, no small thing in this sprawling city.  

Pop down to buy a bouquet or two then chill at one of the pretty cafes in the area. Go just before closing (mid to late afternoon) to pick up a bargain. 

Take a Day Trip Out of London 

Who said your Sunday has to be spent in London? If you’re keen to switch things up, take a day trip out of the city. 

Hop on a train and you can be in the midst of the golden sandstone buildings of Oxford or punting on the River Cam in Cambridge in less than an hour. 

On a sunny day, it can feel like the whole of London decamps to pebbly Brighton – but its lively and friendly vibe makes it worth your while, as does the possibility of eating fish and chips while the salty wind whips your face. 

Need more inspiration? Read my guide to the best day trips from London

Cruise London’s Coffee Shops 

London isn’t short on coffee shops that really take their craft seriously. Is it a cliche to while away your Sunday morning in London with a coffee and a newspaper? Absolutely. Should you care? No. 

While there are hundreds of cafes making stellar coffees in the city, you want a bit more than that for your Sunday pick: somewhere comfortable with a relaxed atmosphere and staff that aren’t going to hassle you to move on too quickly. 

The Monocle Cafe is one of our favourite cafes in Marylebone and fits the bill nicely (outdoor tables come with extra people-watching opportunities courtesy of the folk swanning into Chiltern Firehouse across the road). 

Greenberry in Primrose Hill pairs brilliant coffees with delicious brunch dishes. Coffee-snob stalwart Monmouth Coffee has a couple of branches in London – the one in London Bridge is just across from Borough Market – nab one of the prized outdoor seats if the weather’s nice. 

Visit the Barbican Conservatory 

A striking collision of brutal and beauty, the Barbican’s hidden conservatory is one of our favourite spots in the city. It used to be that you could only visit the conservatory on a Sunday but they’ve now opened it up to seven days a week. 

How better to start your Sunday than immersing yourself into a Jurassic Park world of tropical blooms, lush plants and soaring foliage? It couldn’t stand in starker contrast to the harsh unyielding lines of the Barbican building and yet it just works.

Jazz Lunch at Ronnie Scott’s 

Sundays and jazz go together like… two things that go together very well. We know this confession makes us sound crazy old, these days our Sunday morning coffee is usually accompanied with a few jazz classics.  

Weird insights into our biddy lives aside, the jazz lunch at Ronnie Scott’s is a great option for your Sunday afternoon in London. As befits London’s best-known jazz club , the line-up is always sublime – nab a ticket just to listen to some of the best national and international talent on the scene or go the whole hog and opt for the Sunday roast too. 

Go For a Long Walk 

When people conjure up visions of London, they often think of the skyscrapers of The City and Canary Wharf – but we all know the reality is quite different. 

With so many trees it falls under the UN definition of a forest and enough parkland to guarantee its place on any list of the greenest cities in the world, there are no shortage of gorgeous walks to keep you out of trouble on a Sunday in London. 

The bucolic beauty of Hampstead Heath is a good place to start – the swathes of countryside swallowed by the ever-expanding city offer a myriad of routes for you to tackle. 

The circular Tamsin Trail that skirts the periphery of the deer-filled Richmond Park is equally delightful – take the short detour to King Henry’s Mound to see the protected view of St Paul’s to the east and the far-reaching panorama of the Thames Basin to the west. 

Check out our guide to the best walks in London for our picks of the best trails around the city.

Stand Up Paddleboarding 

Stand up paddleboarding is all the rage and London , with its extensive system of calm waterways, is no exception. Float down the Thames (at its quieter points) or explore the city’s pretty canals on a SUP for a Sunday with a difference. 

Hotspots include Paddington Basin – where you can opt to explore Regent’s Canal and Grand Union Canal, Richmond and gorgeous Thames Ditton. 

Active 360 is one of the most established companies, with outposts in various locations around the city, while Dittons Paddleboarding operates in Thames Ditton and a few spots further out of the city. 

Head for a Sunday Roast

How have we made it this far into a guide to Sundays in London without talking about Sunday roasts? Lord knows. 

Like any self-respecting British city, London knows its way around a Sunday roast – you know the kind that turns up on your table and makes your stomach do a little happy dance (*cough* jiggle *cough*) before you’ve even tucked into your first heavenly bite. 

Gastropub stalwart The Eagle in Farringdon does an absolute cracking Sunday roast. The menu is small, but the convivial setting and excellent quality leave no room for complaint. Other spots to have in your little black book of Sunday roasts par excellence: Blacklock , Camberwell Arms , Harwood Arms , Joanna’s and Marksman .

Go Horse Riding

Unless you’re a member of the City of London police force, it’s unlikely you’re going to hop on your trusty steed to go clip clopping through the city’s streets, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have plenty of options for saddling up and taking a turn on horseback in London. 

Hyde Park is probably the swankiest option, with not one but two sets of stables – Hyde Park Stables and Ross Nye Stables to choose from. Private hacks start from £90 at Ross Nye, £145 at Hyde Park Stables. 

More affordable (and no less enjoyable) options abound further afield – Wimbledon Village Stables runs frequent hacks over Wimbledon Common (£75) while our particular favourite, Kingsmead Riding Centre on the outskirts in Warlingham offer a one hour hack through the gorgeous lanes and commons for £45.

Canal Boat on Regent’s Canal

If you liked the idea of spending your day on the water but stand up paddle boarding sounded a little too strenuous (no shame people, no shame), spending the day on a canal boat could be the perfect alternative. 

The London Waterbus Company ply the waters of the beautiful Regent’s Canal – whisking you through Regent’s Park, Little Venice and Camden Lock and regaling you with tales of the waterway’s colourful past. 

Check out an Exhibition or Visit a Museum

Keep things cultured with a trip to one of London’s plethora of museums and galleries . It’s no secret that London has a wealth of free museums for you to explore – add to that an ever-changing rotation of shows and exhibitions and you have the perfect way to entertain yourself on a Sunday. 

Want to explore somewhere a little different? The excellent Petrie Museum in Bloomsbury is a jam-packed jaunt through Ancient Egypt – complete with mummies and the world’s oldest item of clothing. 

Elsewhere, the quirky John Soane’s Museum in Holborn is a fascinating trip through the home of late architect Sir John Soane – whose avid eye for the unusual and bizarre makes for one of the city’s more offbeat museums. 

Discover a New Area 

London can make the best of us lazy AF. You know how it goes… you start each year pledging to really get to know different parts of the city and then end up mostly hanging out in your hood and a few select parts in the centre. 

Shake it up – put on some comfortable shoes and go and explore the myriad network of interconnecting villages and towns that make up this weird old city. 

We’ve written in-depth guides to central London areas like The City , Covent Garden , Mayfair and Belgravia – but there’s just as much pleasure in exploring spots on the outer fringes like Richmond and Highgate . No excuses. 

Catch a Film at One of London’s Swanky Cinemas

London’s cinema scene has been undergoing something of a revival in recent years. The small cinemas we’ve come to love need our help more than ever before and, let’s face it, it’s not exactly a hardship to cosy up to a brilliant film, glass of vino in hand is it? Sounds like a pretty perfect Sunday evening in London to me.

Electric Cinema’s Notting Hill outpost on Portobello Road is a long-time favourite, as is the cute Curzon hidden in the bowels of Sea Containers London and Leicester Squares legendary Prince Charles Cinema . 

It’s also a good idea to check out the screenings at uber-local offerings like the David Lean Cinema in Croydon as their lineups are thoughtfully curated and extend way beyond what you’ll find in the sprawling multiplexes. 

While Away the Hours in a Pub

London has an astounding amount of pubs. There’s almost too many to choose from. Fortunately a lot of London pubs have much to offer. 

We’re talking history by the barrelful , be it literary or grisly, and no shortage of character. One of our favourite places to visit are the historic pubs of Wapping . The area used to be a docklands before the Docklands and the folk down there used to get up to all sorts of no good. 

Hanging pirates was one of their favourite pastimes. You can even still see the hangman’s noose dangling over the river at The Prospect of Whitby . 

If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, how about touring the oddly named pubs of London ?

Play Crazy Golf

Us city folks are under the impression that landed country folk use Sundays to take to the golf course and rub shoulders in the country club. Unfortunately being in the big city we don’t have the space for that type of leisure. We do have a quirky solution though. 

London has a heap of crazy golf spots to choose from , and none of them boring. Pretty much every one of them has some kind of weird theme to them. From tiki to Victorian seaside town and all the way into the neon cuboid future – you’re not short of options. 

Most of them also do food and drink so you can make a day of putting your way around the crazy courses. It may not be the country club, but this is probably where we’d rather be. 

Shop Till You Drop 

It’s no secret that London is one of the world’s top shopping destinations and gone are the days when Sundays meant shops shutting down in England. Now you can shop to your heart’s content 7 days a week. 

Depending on what you’re looking for you’ll want to choose the right part of London to shop in. After some quality vintage fashion, head to Brick Lane . If highstreet brands are your thing you’ll want to be making the most of Oxford Street.

For something a bit more boutique, King’s Road in Chelsea has your name all over it. We’ve got a whole guide to the best shopping areas in the city. You can read that here.

Find a Unique Event 

London has so much going on every week, like literally tons. It’s not an easy job to keep track of it all but we do our best. That slew of events includes everything from arts and crafts classes to wild rooftop parties and niche-interest get togethers – and much more.

Each week we write a guide to the best of bunch, picking a handful of great events we think you might like. So if you’ve worked your way through this guide of things to do in London on a Sunday, check out our weekend guide . 

You’re sure to find something unique to fill your next Sunday afternoon. 

Take a Self Guided Walking Tour

If you’ve managed to swerve a Sunday hangover you might have the beans to get out of the house and do a little learning. London has over 2000 years of history to cram and if that’s your thing you’ve got plenty of options to access it. 

We’ve written loads of guides about places you can gorge yourself on London’s history. Be it self-guided Harry Potter tours of the city or a chance to follow in the footsteps of some of London’s literary greats , there’s plenty to fill your Sunday. 

Is history more your thing? We’ve got a guide to historic London too . 

Catch a Football Game

London is home to some of the UK’s top football teams and as a result has a stellar bit of footballing culture. Whether you’re in London for a day or for life seeing some of the greats play is a must-do activity. 

We’re not going to put our necks on the line and tell you which teams are best to watch (that would be inviting trouble) but we will say Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Fulham and West Ham are probably the big London teams to watch out for. 

You’ll be able to catch them playing over the weekend. Just google the teams or premier league fixtures to find out who’s playing in London this Sunday. 

Top tip : If you want to save a few quid, go watch the women play. The standard is still great but the tickets are a fraction of the price. 

Peruse a Bookshop 

The world can be quite safely divided into two camps. Those who’ll be looking for Sunday football tickets and those who would rather spend their nose in a book on a Sunday afternoon. 

If you’re of the latter, London has much to offer. From an almost baffling array of second-hand bookstores where you can pick up great bargains, to a literary catalogue of writing set in and about the city ,  and some great independent bookstores , you’re not short of bookish choice. 

One of our top things to do on a sunny day in London is to cruise the streets of Bloomsbury . The leafy neighbourhood was once the home of the Bloomsbury group and is now home to loads of bookshops, and plenty of cafes where you can pass the afternoon flicking through your new buys. 

Explore London’s Parks 

London, as we’ve said many a time, is a very green city. Much of that green space is made of the many sprawling parks that we’ve got in the capital. Spending a Sunday afternoon taking in the nature, maybe grabbing tea and cake at the park cafe, is pretty delightful way to pass time. 

Wether you want the vast old parks of central London or the smaller, more personal green spaces you’ll find dotted around neighbourhoods further out, there’s never a shortage of places to stretch your legs – and maybe that of your four legged friends. 

Practical Tips for Making the Most of a Sunday in London

• Much as we all love to be spontaneous, unfortunately London isn’t a city that wears spontaneity that well. If you’ve got your heart set on a particular spot for brunch or Sunday lunch, or want to nab tickets to a new exhibition, do so in advance or face disappointment. 
• At times, parts of the city’s public transport system grind to a halt on a Sunday, scuppering plans for fun and plunging you into the depths of ‘alternative routes’ that take five times as long. It’s boring but check ahead before setting off. 

Need Inspiration for Things to do in London on a Sunday?

• The Best Walks in London
• Day Trips from London
• Gastropubs in London for a Sunday Feast

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Things to Do In London on a Sunday (Tips from Locals)

• In Things to do TRAVEL GUIDE

Looking for things to do in London on a Sunday ? Then you came to the right place.

London is STUFFED with things to do – but some of them are especially perfect activities for a lazy Sunday.

So pop the kettle on and settle down – it’s time to plan your trip!

• 1 What Are The 3 Best Things To Do On A Sunday In London?
• 2 Top Things To Do In London On A Sunday Night
• 3 Top Things To Do In London Sunday Morning
• 4 What About Famous Tourist Attractions – What Is Open On Sunday?
• 5 Cheap Things To Do In London On A Sunday
• 6 Cool Things To Do In London On A Sunday
• 7 Things To Do In London On A Rainy Sunday
• 8 Fun Things To Do On A Sunday In London With Kids
• 9 Romantic Things To Do In London On A Sunday
• 10 What Can You Do On A Beautiful Sunny Sunday in London?
• 11 Frequently Asked Questions about Things to do in London on a Sunday
• 12 Conclusion

What Are The 3 Best Things To Do On A Sunday In London?

Amongst the many things to do in London on a Sunday, there are a few key activities that will help you start off the Sunday Vibe.

So even if you have only time for a couple, you will still feel like you go in on a slice of the action. And Sunday in London is all about food, markets, and coffee!

Here are our 3 top must-dos.

Visit London’s Amazing Sunday Markets

Let’s focus here on some of the lesser-known markets – we cover Borough Market and Spitalfields, for example, in other guides.

For Sunday vibing, you want to be wandering around a local market at a relaxed pace. So check out Maltby Street Market for its delicious stall food, or head over to the beautiful Covent Garden Market for flowers, crafts, and sweet treats!

Have a Massive Brunch!

What to do in London on Sunday other than brunch! There are plenty of places to choose from.

The Good Egg in Soho is one of our favorites and offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes to die for – including my all-time fave Shashuka. Or why not get a big fat New York style brunch by heading to Sunday in Brooklyn?

Sit Back With a Big Mug of Coffee

Sit back with a good book on a comfy chair and watch London’s rain run down the window!

Or, perhaps you need a time out after museums and parks? London’s coffee scene is buzzing, and on a Sunday, it takes on a particular laid-back vibe.

From the iconic Monmouth Coffee houses scattered through multiple locations to the coworking space Benk + Bo, there are too many to choose from to mention or to plan. Perhaps that’s a good thing – the best way to explore London’s Sunday cafe culture is to stumble upon it by accident.

Top Things To Do In London On A Sunday Night

Is your Sunday night back home the night you do the ironing or pair your socks?

Get out of the doldrums with these cool things to do in London on a Sunday evening.

Head to a Cinema – a Cool One

We’re not talking about a big chain cinema here – you can do that anywhere. Instead, check out one of London’s beautiful original cinemas , such as the Electric Cinema with its little tables and lamps, or the oldest independent cinema in London on Regent Street.

Check Out a Comedy Club

What better way to while away a few hours than at a cool comedy show?

Better still, the Angel Comedy show is free of charge! Check out the line up of comedy shows in and around London and find one open on a Sunday here to add to your Sunday activities London list.

Sunday Dinner

Whilst Sunday Brunch or Sunday lunch features high on a Sunday London what-to-do list , don't rule out dinner!

The traditional great British roast is a national pastime, best enjoyed in a family home or a local pub. Try the Albion London for some delicious local fayre or perhaps the Guildford Arms.

Top Things To Do In London Sunday Morning

We already hit off the markets and brunch earlier in this guide, so here are some more interesting Sunday things to do in London!

Normal Sightseeing Itinerary

One of the great things about London is that a Sunday can be as laid back or as busy as you want. The main attractions, shops, and other things to see are usually open on Sunday.

That’s music to our ears – we visited a couple of cities in Germany and Austria last year, and everything was shut on Sunday! So do Madame Tussauds , the London Eye , or a museum.

Clear the Cobwebs with a Sunday Morning Walk

Head to Regent’s Park for a romantic stroll or hit the hill at Primrose Hill with the locals to get a breath of fresh air. It’s a great way to see the city and will help you work up an appetite for your Sunday Roast!

Lounge around In a Spa

Sunday mornings are for lounging around. And just because you aren’t at home doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of quality laziness or pampering.

Book from a selection of excellent day spas in and around London here.

What About Famous Tourist Attractions – What Is Open On Sunday?

The best part about London is that the majority of the major London attractions will be open. We already mentioned the London Eye (which opens at 11 am on a Sunday) to Madame Tussauds (which closes at 4 pm).

You will not have to sacrifice your itinerary just because it is a Sunday. Shops too – such as those on Oxford Street – will be open, although will likely close earlier than during the week. Museums and galleries – such as the Tate Modern or the Natural History Museum are open too!

Cheap Things To Do In London On A Sunday

Short of cash?

Don’t worry, there is plenty to do in London on Sunday that doesn't cost the earth.

Go to Church!

Did you know that you can go to Sunday morning service in Westminster Abbey or St Paul’s Cathedral!

Changing of the Guard

Every Sunday at 11 am, you can head over to Buckingham Palace and witness the changing of the guard! And you don’t need your wallet!

Do a Street Art Walking Tour

Make your own street art walking tour – especially walking around Shoreditch – you won’t need your wallet, but you will need your camera!

Cool Things To Do In London On A Sunday

Fancy doing something a bit different?

Here are some cool things to do in London on a Sunday.

Take a Yoga Class

Spring through autumn, you may notice a range of activities happening in the parks, including meditation, yoga, and 5k races! For a relaxing yoga morning, check out the lineup at Kensington Park for Sunday timetables.

A Relaxing Thames River Cruise

Take in the iconic London skyline from a Thames River Cruise , hitting up landmarks such as London Bridge, Tower Bridge , and the City.

You can book reasonable value tours starting at around £12 or more elaborate ones with dinner or canapes for just a little more.

Horse Riding in Hyde Park!

You may not know it, but you can actually horse ride through central London like one of the royal guards! Check out how to arrange this via Hyde Park Stables right here.

Things To Do In London On A Rainy Sunday

You should ALWAYS plan for a few rainy day activities when in London . That’s because the Great British weather is generally – damp.

Let’s look at a few Sunday activities for rainy days in London.

Visit an Escape Room

Get locked in and work your way out through a range of puzzles and quizzes! There are 2 escape rooms run by escape London in the city. Book your tickets here.

An Old School Day Out at the Bowling Alley

Book a retro day out at Bloomsbury Lanes. Not only is the vibe old school, but you can get diner-style 50s American food and enjoy a karaoke session if you want!

Fight Club Darts

A game of darts and a platter of food. What’s not to like? Head over to Fight Club Darts . Spread across 4 locations in London, you will be sure of a great treat with all your mates.

Fun Things To Do On A Sunday In London With Kids

Make time to do something special with the kids on a Sunday in London too!

Here are a couple of great family favorites.

Shreks Adventure

Meet all of Shrek's friends in this interactive tour of the movie. Board the 4D flying bus for the DreamWorks tour of a lifetime. Tickets start from around £25.

Harry Potter

The Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour is not actually located in London, but tickets are sold with Bus transfer from Kings Cross Station.

Meet all of Harry’s friends and even get to sample a drink of Butterbeer! Tickets start from around £100.

Visit Hamleys

This is not just any toy store – it’s Hamleys – a true experience as soon as you walk in the door. You might need to bring your wallet…

Romantic Things To Do In London On A Sunday

London doesn’t have the same romantic reputation as Paris or Rome, but that doesn’t mean you can't make your trip extra special.

Jimmy’s Pop Up

How about a romantic walk followed by a bite to eat in a seasonal pop up hosted by Jimmy? Fire pits, barbeques and bubble tents await you in various locations around London.

Romantic Cocktails

A romantic cocktail is always a hit. Why not head somewhere special such as French themed Coupette for dim lighting and a hushed atmosphere.

If you are planning something extra special – perhaps a proposal or an anniversary in London- then you could splash out. A private pod on the London Eye costs £500 and includes a bottle of champagne and a box of chocolates.

What Can You Do On A Beautiful Sunny Sunday in London?

London comes alive when the weather is good . From impromptu parties on the lawns of its parks to locals spilling out of the pubs onto the streets, the vibe is good.

Here are a few ideas to try out when the sun finally shines through.

Guided Bike Tour

For just over £40 per person, hop on a bike and enjoy a sightseeing tour on 2 wheels. This one takes in all the main sights and allows for a stop off at the stunning Covent Garden Market.

Pack a Picnic

Had enough of eating out in London?

Then make your own picnic and head to one of the glorious parks. Do it like a local and head to Primrose Hill for stunning views over London’s iconic skyline.

Outdoor Swimming

Lido Culture that is popular in Italy and Germany has made its way to London! If you get a hot day, head to Hillingdon Outdoor Lido – the outdoor pool is heated!

Frequently Asked Questions about Things to do in London on a Sunday

Are there some classic touristy things to do in London on a Sunday?

Brunch, a bracing walk in the fresh air and Sunday Lunch are all favorite things to do in London on a Sunday.

Are famous attractions closed in London on a Sunday?

Good News! All of London’s attractions are open on Sundays, but check the opening hours as they may be reduced.

Are shops closed in London on Sunday?

The big chain stores and many boutiques are open on Sundays. Check hours online, as even on Oxford Street they will close earlier than on Saturday.

London on a Sunday is simply brilliant. Start off with brunch and finish with a big Sunday roast!

Now, start to think about how to get around the city and what city pass may be useful for visiting the main attractions.

I’m Sebastian and I love exploring and writing about London. I’ve spent lots of time wandering around the city, finding cool places and learning all the best things to do. On my blog, LondonPass.info, I talk about all the awesome spots in London, from the famous ones everyone knows to secret places that are super special.

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BEST of London in One Day: Detailed Itinerary (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 15, 2024

Visiting London, UK, for one day and wondering what to see and how to plan your itinerary for such a short visit? In this guide, we share a detailed London 1-day itinerary that allows you to see many of the top sights in the most efficient way.

London is a huge city that is filled with landmarks, world-class museums, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions. So trying to see the best of London in a day is not an easy task, especially if you want to make the most out of your time, but also keep it enjoyable and fun.

Yes, there are many amazing places to visit, great rooftop bars, and hidden gems in London that would make any visit more memorable… But unless you have much more than one day, you will probably not want to waste your time traveling to the other side of the city in search of a tiny museum or a cute local restaurant that someone recommended…

With just a day in London, you will probably want to see the major landmarks and at least a few of the top sights that London is famous for.

So this is our no-nonsense guide to the VERY BEST things to see and do in London in one day . At the bottom of this article, you can find a short overview of our recommended 1-day London itinerary as well as a map indicating all the places that we mention in this guide. We also include some practical tips for your trip. Take a look!

Top 4 Experiences in London:

• London Eye .
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels .
• Thames Cruise .
• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio .

As you can imagine, there are millions of ways how you could spend a day in London. This is just one suggestion based on our personal experience. It includes some of the most important sights and must-see places that we think are worth your time the most if this is your first time in the city and you have less than 24 hours in London.

Good to know: Our recommended London 1-day itinerary takes into account the locations and the opening times of the main attractions so that you can actually visit some of them if you want to. Although, keep in mind that with just a day in London, you will have to be very selective about the places you decide to visit inside. As you can imagine, this takes much more time and planning compared to just seeing the landmarks from the outside.

TIP: As an absolute minimum, we recommend that you do a Thames Cruise , plus take a ride on the iconic London Eye and/or visit the viewing decks at The Shard . The views are amazing from both! And because you can get timed-entry tickets (or fast-track tickets at London Eye) it’s well worth it, even if your time in the city is limited. You will find more information about these and other landmarks further below.

READ ALSO: London Travel Tips

Here’s what you could do in London in one day:

1. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom since 1837 and is one of the must-sees in London.

Since you probably won’t be visiting the Palace inside (it’s only possible at the end of the summer/early fall – see here if interested), you can start your day in London here as early as you like.

The best place to be is Victoria Memorial , which is located right in front of the main gate of Buckingham Palace. From here, you can take a few obligatory pictures of the palace.

2. The Mall & St. James Park

Located right in front of Buckingham Palace, The Mall is probably the most famous street in London. If you have seen TV broadcasts of any of the official royal celebrations in London, this is the street where they start/end their trips with golden carriages and Royal Guard parades.

In fact, you could see the Changing of the Guards ceremony here, but it only takes place on certain dates and starts at around 11 am. So it’s not something I would recommend if you only have a day in London.

Instead, simply walk down the Mall and/or take a detour via the adjacent St. James Park . The next destination on this itinerary – Horse Guards Parade – is about 15-20 minutes walk from Buckingham Palace.

3. Horse Guards Parade

The Horse Guards Parade is a big parade ground at the end of the far east end of St. Jame’s Park. This is also where The Household Cavalry Museum is located.

This is one of the best places to see the famous Horse Guards in London. They are always around, so you can take a picture of them if you like.

In addition, there is also a daily Changing of the Guard ceremony here at 11 am (at 10 am on Sundays). If your timing coincides with this, it’s nice to see, but I wouldn’t adjust the entire day’s schedule just for this. There are better things to do with just a day in London!

TIP: If interested, you could take a quick detour to the famous 10 Downing Street , the official residence of the UK’s Prime Minister. It’s located just nearby here. However, it’s now closed with high gates at the entrance of the street so you can only catch a glimpse of it in a distance.

4. Trafalgar Square

Next, head to Trafalgar Square which is less than 10 minutes walk from the Horse Guards Parade. This is another must-see in London that you will probably recognize from many movies and travel guides.

In the center of the square, surrounded by fountains and waterfalls, stands a huge Nelson’s Column which is guarded by four bronze lions. There are usually lots of pigeons here too, plus tourists, street performers, etc. The square is also a busy traffic center with red double-decker buses and traditional black cabs zooming in all directions.

It’s a very lively place, but if you come here early in the morning, it can be very quiet. Either way, don’t miss it as it’s always worth a quick visit. It’s a great place to simply sit back, do some people-watching, and soak in the typical London atmosphere.

Good to know: Trafalgar Square is also home to the National Gallery . It’s free to visit and is usually open daily from 10 am. If you feel like visiting a museum during your short trip to London, check it out.

5. Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden (optional)

Depending on your interests and how early you start your day, you may want to take a quick detour and visit either Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden. Both of these areas are located just a short walk from Trafalgar Square.

Leicester Square is a vibrant hub with lots of big-name stores such as M&M’s London or the LEGO Store. There is also a small green space in the middle where you can see all kinds of statues and sculptures, including the statue of Harry Potter flying on a broomstick. If you are visiting London with kids you won’t want to miss this place! But this vibrant area is worth a quick look either way.

TIP: It’s also in this part of the city that you will find some of the most famous London theaters . If you are interested in seeing a show or a musical, you could easily adjust this itinerary a bit and come back here in the evening. In that case, check what shows are available and book your tickets well in advance !

Covent Garden is a cool bustling area just nearby. Here, you can visit the famous Covent Garden Market , with its 19th-century glass roof and wonderful architecture. There are lots of restaurants and cafes here, so this could also be a good place for brunch or early lunch.

6. London Eye

Next, cross the river at Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges and head to the South Bank of London. On the way, you can enjoy great views from the bridge and the riverside.

There is a lot to see and do in this part of the city. The most famous attraction is, of course, the iconic London Eye . The highest observation wheel in Europe, a ride here is a great opportunity to see some of the best views in London . From the top, you can see the entire central London. It also gives you a good overview of the city and many of its famous landmarks.

PRO TIP: The London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, so be sure to get timed-entry tickets online in advance . We highly recommend choosing fast-track tickets as this can save you several (!) hours. Otherwise, just admire the structure and the views from the ground, and enjoy the views from The Shard at the end of the day (more info further below).

Sundays in March, April, and May 2024: If you happen to visit London this spring and on a Sunday, you can save 40% on the London Eye tickets. Click here to activate the code and book tickets on the official website (if still available, reserve asap – this is the first time I’ve seen them giving such a big discount). They say it’s not available on Easter Sunday, but I tried booking and it showed me a discounted price for that weekend as well. Anyway, this will only work if you are visiting London on a Sunday.

Additional suggestion: If you would like to get a glimpse of some cool places in London, beyond the main landmarks, make a short detour to the colorful graffiti tunnel, aka The Vaults. This is one of the hidden gems of London that is located so close to the popular sights but is overlooked by most tourists. I indicated it on our map below. Keep in mind that you’ll need at least half an hour extra for a quick detour here (it’s about 10-15 walk from the London Eye).

7. Westminster Bridge, Big Ben & Westminster Palace

Next, walk to the iconic Westminster Bridge just nearby. From here, you also have a good view of the famous Big Ben Tower (officially known as the Elizabeth Tower) and the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament).

The view of the bridge with the beautiful gothic buildings of Westminster Palace is among the most recognizable images from London. This is the heart of the city that you really shouldn’t miss, no matter how long or short your visit is.

It’s not possible to visit the Big Ben Tower. There are tours of the Parliament, but – with just a day or even a few in London – it’s probably not the best use of your time. So this is mostly a photo stop, to see some of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

8. Westminster Abbey

If you cross the bridge and walk just a bit further past Big Ben, you will soon see the famous Westminster Abbey .

Westminster Abbey is the site of many of Britain’s most important events. Every British monarch has been crowned here since the 11th century, many royal weddings and funerals take place here, etc. The Abbey is also the burial site of countless famous British historical figures, such as Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton, just to name a few…

This Gothic building is remarkably beautiful and you can visit it inside. If you decide to do this, be sure to book the timed-entry tickets in advance! Keep in mind that you will need at least an hour to quickly visit the Abbey. More realistically, you should count at least 1.5-2 hours for a visit.

9. Thames Cruise

Next, take a river cruise on the Thames from Westminster Pier to the Tower Bridge.

This is a great way to see more of London, rest your legs a bit, and at the same time cover the big distance between the two main areas of the city that we recommend visiting if you have just 1 day in London.

Good to know: There are several piers and so many different Thames River cruise options that it can get overwhelming. This is the best ticket for this particular journey . The boat departs from Westminster Pier (we indicated the location on the map further below) and takes you to Tower Bridge. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

10. Tower of London

It will probably be late afternoon by the time you get to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London . These are among the most important landmarks in the city, so you absolutely have to see them.

Whether it’s actually worth visiting any of them inside if you only have a day in London, I’ll let you decide based on your interests and how you choose to fill the rest of this itinerary.

Don’t take me wrong – they are both absolutely worth a visit. It’s just that everything usually takes a lot more time than you anticipate. And your itinerary for a day in London will be packed…

If you visit just one attraction inside, the Tower of London is definitely among the top choices. Built in the 11th century, the building served as a fortress, a prison, but also as a palace over its centuries-long history.

This is where the Crown Jewels of the British Monarchy are kept (and can be seen inside, if you are prepared for an inevitable queue). The only way to avoid the queue is to come here first thing in the morning and run straight to the Jewels when the site opens.

Good to know: Be sure to get (timed-entry) tickets if you want to visit. Plan to spend at least 1.5 hours inside (and it will be rushed).

11. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is an iconic structure that you can simply admire from the outside (be sure to walk over the bridge too!).

It’s also possible to visit inside, where you can see Victorian engine rooms or walk over the glass walkway and admire nice views of the river and the city.

Also here, if you decide to actually visit the Tower Bridge, be sure to get a timed-entry ticket in advance .

12. The Shard

After crossing the Tower Bridge, walk to The Shard following the river. It’s a nice walk of about 15-20 minutes.

The Shard is an iconic London skyscraper, one of the tallest buildings in Europe, and in the top 100 among the tallest buildings in the world. A visit to its open-air viewing platform Skydeck on the 72nd floor gives you easy access to some of the best 360° views of London. In addition, there are indoor viewing platforms on the 68th and 69th floors.

From the top, you can see the River Thames with Tower Bridge and the Tower of London nearby, plus countless other landmarks in the distance and the entire city at your feet.

Good to know: The Shard is open late in the evening, so it’s very easy to include a visit here at the end of the day. The views are great at sunset, but it’s just as nice to visit during the day or after dark. It never disappoints.

And yes, also here, you really have to book timed-entry tickets if you want to be sure to be able to visit. While walk-ins are possible, they are not guaranteed. So if it’s busy (and it usually is), the only way to visit is by booking in advance.

There are a couple of restaurants in the Shard Tower itself, but they are all quite high-end and definitely have to be reserved.

For dinner, you may want to look for a restaurant in the area around Borough Market . The market itself is closed in the evenings, but there are many eateries nearby. Also here, if you want to dine at a specific place, be sure to reserve a table.

READ ALSO: British Food: best dishes to try in the UK

Theater (optional)

Just like Broadway in New York, London is known for its world-class musicals, amazing shows, and concerts.

While this 1-day London itinerary is quite packed as it is, many people travel to the city just to see a specific show or a musical. So yes, it’s possible to add this experience to this itinerary as well.

In that case, be sure to first check what is available , at which theater, and at what time. Then adjust this itinerary to be sure that you can get there on time, and based on your interests.

London 1-Day Itinerary Overview

Below is an overview of what your day in London could look like.

Important: Keep in mind that you’ll need timed tickets for most of these sites – if you actually want to visit them inside. There is no way you can visit all of these in a day. But you can definitely see them all and visit a few (max 2-3, depending on the place). So you’ll have to plan well and adjust this itinerary based on your interests.

Here’s our recommended 1-day itinerary for London:

• Buckingham Palace.
• St James Park.
• Trafalgar Square.
• Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden (optional).
• London Eye ( book (fast track) tickets if you want to go up!).
• Westminster Bridge, Big Ben & Westminster Palace.
• Westminster Abbey ( book tickets if you want to visit inside!).
• Thames River Cruise ( this is the best ticket for this itinerary ).
• Tower Bridge & Tower of London (book tickets – Tower of London and/or Tower Bridge – and be sure to choose timed-entry (!) if you want to visit any of these inside).
• The Shard ( book tickets if you want to go up!).
• Theater (optional – check what’s available for the day of your visit and adjust the itinerary accordingly if you decide to see a show).

My personal recommendation would be to visit Westminster Abbey and/or the Tower of London and do the Thames River Cruise. I would also probably opt for The Shard rather than London Eye, simply because it’s easier to plan it at the end of the day. The Shard is also open much later in the evening than anything else.

But everything is possible, so pick the sights that look most interesting to you , and plan your own perfect day in London!

Also, start your day very early! The sights that we recommend visiting first can be seen long before any of the landmarks even open.

London is huge but as you can see on the map, many of the major landmarks are located not too far from each other. So you can see and do quite a lot in one day.

To help you with the planning, we created this map indicating all the top places that we recommend visiting in London in a day. You can also see an approximate walking route suggestion. This should give you a better idea of where all these places are located and help you plan a perfect itinerary for your day trip to London.

If you decide to skip some sights or visit them in a different order, it’s perfectly possible too. This is just one of the possibilities, taking into account the opening times of some of the places that we think are worth visiting the most.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Practical Info & Tips

• If you follow this 1-day London itinerary exactly as it is suggested here, you will be walking a lot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes . This itinerary focuses on the main landmarks, many of which are located too close to each other to take a metro every time, but far enough to give you a good exercise. You’ll only take a boat to get from Westminster to Tower Bridge.
• Use a metro to get to the starting point of this itinerary and back to your hotel at the end of the day. It’s the fastest way to cover big distances in London.
• Be sure to pre-book timed-entry tickets (choose fast-track tickets where available) for any of the attractions that you want to visit. Otherwise, forget it and just enjoy the sights from the outside. With just one day in London, you really don’t want to waste time queuing at one or the other attraction for an hour or two before you can even get inside. Plus, in some places, walk-ins are not guaranteed at all.
• With just a day in London, it doesn’t matter that much where you decide to stay. Of course, it helps if you choose a hotel in a somewhat central location, also because you can explore a bit more of the days of the arrival/departure as well. A lot also depends on how you travel to/from the city. For example, Megaro Hotel is a good option next to King’s Cross and St Pancras International Stations where the Eurostar train arrives from Paris , Brussels , or Amsterdam .

MORE INFORMATION: Where to Stay in London

So, this is our suggested itinerary for one day in London. As you can see, there are many possibilities and options, so use this as an inspiration to plan your own perfect day trip to London!

If this guide inspires you to stay longer, check out this guide with our recommended 2-day London itinerary .

Have a great trip!

More travel inspiration for London:

• Good to know: Tips for Visiting London
• What to see: Top London Sights & Attractions & Hidden Gems of London
• What to eat: Traditional British Food to Try in the UK
• Best views: Best Views in London
• Camden: Camden Town & Camden Lock Market
• Greenwich: Things to Do in Greenwich & Painted Hall & Queen’s House
• For families: London with Kids
• Outside the city: Best Day Trips from London & Best Cities to Visit in the UK & Day Trip to Liverpool from London

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

Images: personal collection and Depositphotos.com. Additional credits: ewelinas85/Depositphotos.com// cowardlion/Depositphotos.com// dvrcan/Depositphotos.com.

More 1-day itineraries for some of the nicest European cities:

• 1 Day in Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• 1 Day in Barcelona (Spain)
• 1 Day in Edinburgh (UK)
• 1 Day in Florence (Italy)
• 1 Day in Glasgow (UK)
• 1 Day in Lisbon (Portugal)
• 1 Day in Madrid (Spain)
• 1 Day in Milan (Italy)
• 1 Day in Manchester (UK)
• 1 Day in Naples (Italy)
• 1 Day in Paris (France)
• 1 Day in Rome (Italy)
• 1 Day in Salzburg (Austria)
• 1 Day in Venice (Italy)
• Read also our top tips for planning a trip to Europe .

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Saturday 27th of April 2024

Amazing! It's a definite must. My first trip to London with my 2 boys so I will be using as a guide for our upcoming trip in June 2024 :) We're also there to see NY Mets Play. Any suggestions for places to do Afternoon Tea?

Sunday 28th of April 2024

Hi Rebecca, we went for Afternoon Tea at St. Ermin's Hotel. At that time, they had a very nice family-friendly offer. You can read about it here. I think they still have something similar. Most luxury hotels in London offer afternoon tea, also some museums, and even boat cruises. Nowadays, there are plenty of 'more accessible' options for all budgets - see some examples here. With kids, you may also want to check out this Harry Potter walking tour that includes afternoon tea, or this Paddington Bear afternoon tea on a double-decker bus. Have a great trip!

Nichole Walz

Monday 19th of February 2024

Thank you for this amazing itinerary! It's incredible helpful for our upcoming trip in May! XOXO

Tuesday 2nd of April 2024

@Jurga, I am also going in May and this is a great help thank you we will be starting in Barcelona then and 11 night cruise ending in Southampton and staying a couple days in Soho

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

Thursday 4th of January 2024

Literally hitting all the places I want to see! THANK YOU for this.. it's almost too perfect! Curious what the ideal to start this in order to hit all these sites.

Monday 8th of January 2024

Hi Ali, it depends a bit on the season when you travel, but mostly on your interests (that is, which places if any you decide to visit). If you start around 9-10, you could probably watch the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade (10-11 am depending on the day), but that's really up to you. That way, you could also be at Leicester Square/Covent Garden at around lunchtime. On the other hand, if you want to go up the London Eye and also visit either Westminster Abbey or The Tower of London, then I would start earlier. So first decide which attractions you absolutely want to visit, read our tips for how much time you need, and that will help you figure out when to start your day. You'll also need to prebook timed entry tickets. Hope this helps. Enjoy London!

Monday 7th of August 2023

Hello, thank you so much. I used this post for a day in London and it was so wonderful! Thanks again

Tuesday 8th of August 2023

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your short visit to London, Susan. Happy travels!

Snehalata Tawade

Saturday 5th of August 2023

Thank you for your wonderful blog. I missed my flight connection and was in London just for a day and could enjoy the day perfectly visiting all the places you mentioned. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. Keep it up. All the best wishes for your future endeavors.

Sunday 6th of August 2023

Glad to help, Snehalata. It's great that you could turn a travel mishap into a fun day in London!