London, with its bustling streets and iconic landmarks, is a city that never sleeps. There’s plenty in the city to keep you busy (check out my 2-day London itinerary if you have any doubts). But beyond the city’s vibrant life lies a treasure trove of day trips that promise adventure, history, and relaxation. If you’re looking to escape the urban hustle for a day, here are some of the best day trips from London that you simply can’t miss.
I’ve taken the liberty of adding suggested tour option for each destination if you’re not keen on driving yourself or taking public transportation. Tours also allow you to see more sights than you would normally be able to see easily on your own. I personally use Viator almost exclusively for tours worldwide. Viator has great customer service but the biggest reason I like them is because they offer a Book Now, Pay Later option.
1. Windsor: Home of the Royals
Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes by train
Tour Option: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London
Start your day with a trip to Windsor, home to the magnificent Windsor Castle. As the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, it offers a peek into royal life with its opulent State Apartments and the stunning St. George’s Chapel. After exploring the castle, stroll through the quaint town of Windsor, meander along the River Thames, or enjoy a relaxing walk in Windsor Great Park.
You can get to Windsor by train, it takes about 30-40 minutes with one train change. If you want to make a day of it, rent a car or take a tour- we have personally done both and saw Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath all in one day. Car rental and tours both have their pros and cons. It’s nice to have your freedom with a rental car, however it was a little unnerving driving on the left side of the road from the right side of the car. Adding a manual transition to the mix was a little stressful.
2. Oxford: City of Dreaming Spires
Travel Time: Around 1 hour by train
Tour Option: Cotswolds Villages and Oxford Full Day Tour from London
Oxford, renowned for its prestigious university, is a city steeped in history and academics. Visit the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and marvel at the stunning architecture of the Radcliffe Camera. Don’t miss the chance to explore the beautiful colleges, particularly Christ Church, which inspired Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” A leisurely punt along the River Cherwell is the perfect way to unwind.
Oxford is a little over 1 hour by train from Paddington Station.
3. Cambridge: Academic Excellence
Travel Time: About 1-1.5 hours by train
Tour Option: Discover Oxford and Cambridge
Cambridge, another historic university city, offers picturesque views and rich cultural experiences. Explore King’s College Chapel, famous for its Gothic architecture and choral performances. Wander through the charming streets and discover the hidden gems of the University of Cambridge. A punt on the River Cam, especially on a sunny day, is an unforgettable experience.
Cambridge is anywhere from 1- 1.5 hour by train from London. Personally, unless you plan to spend a long time in Cambridge, I would either pair it with a tour or rent a car to drive.
4. Brighton: Seaside Fun
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour by train
Tour Option: Seven Sisters & South Downs Tour with Train Tickets Included
Head to the seaside town of Brighton for a day of fun and relaxation. The vibrant Brighton Pier offers traditional amusement park rides and stunning sea views. Don’t miss the Royal Pavilion, an exotic palace with an Indian-inspired exterior and opulent interior. Explore the quirky shops and cafes in the Lanes, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along Brighton Beach.
Brighton is a 1 hour train ride away from London. If you want more of a guided option, the tour listed above got awesome reviews and allows you to see some of the surrounding sights of Brighton as well.
5. Bath: Roman Elegance
Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours by train
Tour Option: Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its Roman-built baths and stunning Georgian architecture. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths and imagine the city in its ancient glory. Take a walk to the Royal Crescent, a sweeping crescent of Georgian townhouses. The Thermae Bath Spa, with its rooftop pool offering views over the city, is the perfect spot to relax.
Bath is one of my favorite day trips from London. It has such an awesome history and is overall a nice place to visit. The tour I included above is the Stonehenge and Bath tour. The tours I have personally taken also included Windsor Castle (I have taken the Bath, Windsor and Stonehenge tour twice) but we found that to be a little too rushed. I think Stonehenge and Bath together would be a great tour without feeling too rushed. We did rent a car once and drove to Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath and Princess Diana’s childhood home Althorp. This was great too but also pretty stressful adjusting to driving.
6. Canterbury: Medieval Charm
Travel Time: About 1 hour by train
Tour Option: Canterbury & the White Cliffs of Dover Tour (Small-Group)
Canterbury, with its rich history and stunning cathedral, is a must-visit. Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the focal point of the city and offers a fascinating history. Wander through the medieval streets, visit St. Augustine’s Abbey, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the River Stour. The Canterbury Tales attraction brings Chaucer’s famous tales to life.
Canterbury is about 1 hour by train from London. Due to its close proximity to the White Cliffs of Dover, it may be worth continuing the journey there if you’re interested in seeing the Cliffs.
7. Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare’s Hometown
Travel Time: Around 2 hours by train
Tour Option: Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and Cotswolds Tour
Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is steeped in literary history. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage to learn more about the Bard’s life. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre offers exceptional performances in a stunning riverside setting. Stroll through the charming streets and enjoy a riverside walk along the River Avon.
Stratford-upon-Avon is about a 2 hour train ride from London. Personally, I would consider taking a tour for this one to get more bang for your buck unless you plan on making Stratford-upon-Avon a whole day event.
8. Hampton Court Palace: Tudor Treasures
Travel Time: Approximately 35 minutes by train
Tour Option: Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace Tour
Hampton Court Palace, once home to King Henry VIII, offers a fascinating glimpse into Tudor history. Explore the grand State Apartments, the beautiful gardens, and the famous Hampton Court Maze. The Tudor kitchens and the Great Hall, adorned with tapestries, are particularly impressive. The palace often hosts historical reenactments and events, adding to its allure.
Hampton Court is a 35-40 minute train ride from London or a 30 minute taxi trip.
9. The Cotswolds: Idyllic Countryside
Travel Time: Around 2 hours by train and bus
Tour Option: Small-Group Cotswolds Tour
The Cotswolds, with its rolling hills and charming villages, is the perfect escape from the city. Visit picturesque villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” and Stow-on-the-Wold with its cozy pubs and antique shops. The region is perfect for leisurely walks, offering stunning landscapes and historic sites.
10. Stonehenge and Salisbury: Mystical Wonders
Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours by train to Salisbury, then a short bus ride to Stonehenge
Tour Option: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Salisbury Cathedral
No trip to England is complete without a visit to Stonehenge. This prehistoric monument, shrouded in mystery, is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Nearby Salisbury boasts a stunning cathedral with Britain’s tallest spire and one of the best-preserved copies of the Magna Carta. Wander through the medieval streets and enjoy the rich history of this charming city.
Stonehenge is really cool and definitely worth seeing, however I personally wouldn’t 1) take a tour that only goes to Stonehenge or 2) take public transportation all the way out just to see Stonehenge and do nothing else. Stonehenge is definitely a bucket list type of thing, but I’ve found I really only needed an hour max to see what I needed to see. Unless you really want to get an in depth experience at Stonehenge, I would definitely take a tour that includes other destinations in addition to Stonehenge.
Well, there you have it. Each of these day trips offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a literature lover, or just looking to relax, there’s a perfect day trip waiting for you just beyond London. So pack your bags, hop on a train, and start exploring! Hope you have an awesome trip!
