13 Best Day Trips from London

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Exploring new cities is one of my greatest passions, and I often take day trips outside of London. While the city has an endless amount to offer, there’s nothing quite like getting away from its hustle and bustle and uncovering what lies beyond it.

Day trips from London offer a thrilling opportunity to discover the UK’s glorious countryside, ancient towns as well as experience its deep-rooted history and culture. Plus, it is an ideal way to take a break from city life and breathe in some fresh air!

In this article, I’ll be sharing a guide to some of the best day trips from London. I’ll cover destinations within one hour, two hours, and over two hours away, focusing on exploring historic castles, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, picturesque towns, seaside resorts, and more. Whether traveling solo, with a group of friends, or with your family, there’s something for everyone. So, let’s explore the very best day trips from London together!

What’s a good day trip from London?

For an unforgettable day out, you can’t miss the grandeur of Windsor Castle! Conveniently located just a hop away from London, it’s the oldest and largest castle in use today. With its expansive history stretching back centuries, there’s so much to explore; from State Apartments to St. George’s Chapel – plus don’t forget about the majestic Changing of The Guard ceremony. There are few places like this one – make sure you don’t miss your chance for a wondrous experience that will stay with you forever!

What countries are a day trip from London?

While visiting another country on a day trip from London is impossible, plenty of destinations within the UK feel like a whole different world. For example, Brighton is a seaside town that’s just a short train ride away from London, but it feels like a completely different place with its pebble beach, independent shops, and iconic Royal Pavilion. The South Downs National Park is also a short drive away from Brighton and offers stunning natural scenery that’s perfect for a day trip.

Windsor Castle

Stonehenge

What places are 1 hour away from London?

Many great destinations are just an hour away from London. Some of my favorites include Windsor Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon, Brighton, and Oxford. These destinations offer a range of experiences, from historic castles and Shakespearean heritage to seaside towns and university campuses.

What towns are 2 hours away from London?

If you have a bit more time to spare, plenty of beautiful towns and cities are within two hours of London. Some of my favorites include Bath, Salisbury, Cambridge, and Rye. These destinations offer a chance to explore beautiful architecture, historic landmarks, and natural beauty outside of the bustling city. Bath, for example, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, while Rye is a charming medieval town with cobbled streets and independent shops.

Day Trips Within 1 Hour of London

When I’m craving an expeditious escape from London, there are plenty of nearby day trip options that can be reached in a brisk drive or train ride. These are some of my top places you can visit within 60 minutes of the city:

Day Trips Within 1 Hour of London

Windsor Castle

One of the most iconic day trip destinations from London is Windsor Castle. This historic castle has been a residence of the British Royal Family for over 900 years and is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination with tourists.

As you explore Windsor Castle, you’ll discover its fascinating history and significance. Some of the highlights include the State Apartments, which are adorned with beautiful artwork and furnishings, and St. George’s Chapel, the final resting place of many monarchs including Henry VIII. Make sure also to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside the castle gates.

If you’re hungry, indulge in some afternoon tea at the castle’s on-site restaurant. It’s the perfect way to take a break from your sightseeing and enjoy some delicious treats.

Stratford-upon-Avon

If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, you won’t want to miss a visit to his birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. This picturesque town is located on the River Avon, filled with historic buildings and cobbled streets.

In addition to visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace, you can also tour Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the home of Shakespeare’s wife. Walking tours and boat tours on the river are also available, providing a great way to take in the town’s sights and learn about its history.

Brighton

Brighton is a seaside town that’s perfect for a day trip from London. It’s known for its pebble beach, Brighton Pier, and the iconic Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence with Indian-inspired architecture.

In addition to the seaside attractions, Brighton is also home to the Lanes, a maze of narrow streets lined with independent shops selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or gift.

Oxford

Oxford is a university town that’s home to some of the world’s most prestigious colleges, including Christ Church College and King’s College. Walking tours and entrance tickets to the colleges are available, providing a glimpse into the academic and cultural life of the town.

In addition to the colleges, Oxford is also home to the Ashmolean Museum, the oldest public museum in the UK, and the covered market, which has been selling local wares for over 200 years.

Day Trips Within 2 Hours of London

When I have a bit more time to explore beyond London’s borders, there are plenty of day trip options that are within two hours of the city. Here are some of my top picks:

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is a must-experience destination located on the British Royal Family’s private property. With over 900 years of dynamic history, this remarkable castle is embraced by lush gardens and an exciting maze that begs to be explored. To marvel at the majestic architecture and breathtaking scenery surrounding the castle grounds, take a soothing boat tour downriver! As you drift along in peaceful serenity, gain invaluable insight into what makes this priceless landmark so extraordinary.

Bath

Bath is a city that’s steeped in history, with its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Roman Baths are a must-see attraction, and you can learn about the city’s ancient history and see the well-preserved Roman architecture up close.

In addition to the historical attractions, Bath is also home to independent boutiques and markets selling local wares, making it a great destination for shopping. Be sure to indulge in some cream tea at the Pump Room, which is one of the city’s most iconic eateries.

Salisbury and Stonehenge

Salisbury is a captivating city that takes its visitors back to the medieval times. Its timeless beauty can be seen in ancient architecture, with every wall and corner holding an age-old story. Amongst all this magnificence stands one of the most remarkable attractions – The Salisbury Cathedral! With the highest spire in all of UK and St George’s Chapel within it, exploring these centuries old buildings is truly an experience like no other for history buffs or otherwise.

Just a short distance from Salisbury is Stonehenge, one of the most iconic and mysterious landmarks in the UK. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient stone circle that’s over 4,000 years old, and it’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient history and archaeology.

Cambridge

A scenic train ride from London leads you to Cambridge, the stunning university town home of Trinity College and renowned River Cam. The ideal spot for an unforgettable punting experience or a leisurely walking tour, Cambridge’s waterways are best explored via this classic method of transportation – perfect for viewing the city’s sights at its finest!

In addition to punting and the colleges, Cambridge is also home to independent shops and boutiques selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts. It’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London and immerse themselves in a beautiful and historic town.

Day Trips Over 2 Hours from London

When I have a full day to explore, I like to venture a bit further out from London to explore some of the beautiful and historic destinations that are over two hours away. Here are some of my favorite day trips that require a bit more travel time:

Brighton and the South Downs

In search of a bucolic and picturesque retreat from London? Look no further than the charming South Downs National Park, easily accessed through a quick drive! The scenic area is overflowing with rolling hills, quaint townships, and unspoiled natural beauty. Strolling along its meandering paths provides much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of city life—a perfect day trip for any nature lover or urban dweller alike.

Some of the highlights of this region include the Seven Sisters cliffs, which are a dramatic sight along the coastline, and Lewes Castle, a historic fortress that’s surrounded by beautiful countryside. In addition to the castle, Lewes is also home to independent shops and boutiques selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts.

East Sussex

With rolling hills, quaint villages, and breathtaking seaside vistas, East Sussex is an idyllic area that should not be missed on a day trip from London. An absolute must-see while in the region is Beachy Head—its majestic views of the pebbled beach and ocean will captivate your heart!

One of the most charming towns in the area is Rye, a medieval town that’s filled with cobbled streets and historic architecture. It’s the perfect place to wander and explore, and there are plenty of independent shops and boutiques to browse.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a stunning stately home that’s located in the beautiful countryside of Oxfordshire. This historic palace was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and is surrounded by beautiful gardens that are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

One of the highlights of a visit to Blenheim Palace is the rooftop pool, which offers stunning views over the palace and the surrounding countryside. Fine art exhibitions are also on display throughout the palace, providing a glimpse into the artistic and cultural history of the UK. Palace tours are available, allowing visitors to learn more about the history and significance of this beautiful property.

Conclusion

Step outside of London and you’ll be met with a plethora of captivating sights and attractions that are just a stone’s throw away. From majestic castles to scenic countryside, there is something for everyone in this article – so read on to discover some of the most enjoyable day trips from London!

Enjoying a restful reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life is essential to our health, and day trips are an excellent way to do this. With history, culture, breathtaking scenery or just some fresh air at your fingertips – you can find it all in one amazing destination! So choose a fun-filled day trip today for endless rewards.

I hope that this guide has inspired you to visit one of these incredible day trip destinations. I can personally attest to the joy and relaxation that comes from getting out of the city and exploring new places, and I encourage you to take the leap and try it out for yourself.

If you have the chance to visit any of these day trip destinations, I highly recommend it. They offer a chance to experience the rich history and culture of the UK, and to escape the hustle and bustle of London for a few hours or a full day. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the very best of the UK beyond London!