If you're staying in London but are bored of Buckingham Palace and tired of the Tower, you need to get out of town.
Thankfully, there's no shortage of top day trips from London to help you tap into the quintessential 'ye olde England' experience travellers crave.
Top 10 Day Trips from London
I've condensed my top day trips from London to ten recommendations, covering postcard villages to coastal retreats, history and natural beauty to British charm.
Whether you're going solo or have your family in tow, you can easily escape the city without straying too far.
1. Windsor and Windsor Castle - A Regal Day Out
Windsor equals history and regal architecture in a picturesque riverside setting. This and more makes it one of the best day trips from London for history lovers.
How to get to Windsor from London
- By Train: An express train runs from Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central, taking approx 30 minutes for £13. Or go from Waterloo in 1 hour 10 mins for £8.50.
- By Coach: Flixbus operates a direct route at just over two hours for around £15.
Image by Adil Seilov from Pixabay
Things to do in Windsor
- Explore Windsor Castle, take the famous 'long walk' to its door and don't miss Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
- Visit St George's Chapel and attend an evensong service.
- Stroll through Windsor Great Park.
- Do some high-end shopping at Windsor Royal Shopping area.
- Check for guided tours of Eton's colleges.
Don't Leave Without…
Seeing the crooked house of Windsor. Dating back to 1592, the house was demolished and rebuilt with wood which buckled as it dried, causing it to lean ever since.
2. Cambridge - History, Scenery and Atmosphere
You'll have likely heard of Cambridge for its university. But the city itself is all about historic charm and scenery. The architecture, history and vibrant student atmosphere make Cambridge a brilliant choice for a cultural day trip from London.
How to get to Cambridge from London
- By Train: Trains operate from Liverpool Street, St Pancras and King's Cross Stations, taking between 50 mins to 1 hour 10 for around £17 - £21.
- By Coach: Flixbus operates a direct route which takes between two to three hours, starting from £9.
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Things to do in Cambridge
- Take a punt on the River Cam.
- Wander the market square for handmade English street food and locally crafted souvenirs.
- Take a literary walking tour, learning about the city’s former residents, including Sylvia Plath and Rupert Brooke.
- Visit the quirky and intimate Kettle’s Yard Museum and Gallery.
- Walk along the Backs, a route taking you past some of Cambridge’s famous colleges.
Don’t Leave Without…
Looking up at the ceiling of the RAF bar in the city’s historic Eagle Pub. It’s covered in graffiti from WWII pilots - a truly unique sight.
3. Oxford - Bookish, Romantic Utopia
As a writer and a lover of learning, Oxford is a place that has my heart. Known as the ‘city of dreaming spires', Oxford's cobbled streets, picture-postcard book shops and beautiful university grounds are visual perfection.
How to get to Oxford from London
- By Train: Trains operate from Paddington and Marylebone stations, take between 55 and 1 hour 30 mins and cost around £35 one-way.
- By Coach: The Oxford Tube service operates a bus that takes around two hours for £15 one-way.
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Things to do in Oxford
- Take a tour of the incredible Bodleian Old Library, one of a complex of 26 across Oxford.
- Explore Radcliffe Camera on a guided tour, a breathtaking reading room and an architectural masterpiece.
- Visit Harry Potter filming locations, such as the Bodley Tower staircase, New College Cloisters and the Divinity School at Bodleian Library.
- Visit a cozy pub or a quirky tavern to soak up the lively local atmosphere.
Don’t Leave Without…
Eating a Ben’s cookie from the place it all started. Founded by cookery writer Helge Rubinstein in 1984 in Oxford’s covered market, this bakery has since become world-famous.
4. Brighton - Victorian Seaside Fun
There's nowhere in the UK quite like Brighton. Out of its fading seaside glamour has grown an eclectic culture and vibrant arts scene. Soak up old-fashioned fun at its vintage fairground, Victorian pier and sample the sparkling nightlife.
How to Get To Brighton From London
- By Train: Trains depart from Victoria and Blackfriars stations, take 1 hour 20 minutes and cost around £15 one way / £30 return.
- By Coach: National Express coaches go to Brighton from London Victoria in around 3 hours and cost £15.
Image by pearly- peach from Pixabay
Things to do in Brighton
- Take a stroll along the prom at Brighton Palace Pier.
- Satisfy your inner child at the fairground. Take a turn on the helter skelter, merry-go-round and arcades.
- Eat fish and chips and rock on Brighton's stone beaches, watching out for hungry seagulls.
- Explore the bohemian shops in the North Laine area.
Don’t leave without…
Visiting Snooper’s Paradise, an indoor flea market jammed with vintage clothes and antiques.
5. Bath - Elegance and Romance
Unsurprisingly, Bath is famous for its Roman baths. This and its stunning Georgian architecture has bagged it UNESCO World Heritage status. Oozing elegance and romance, Bath's charm makes it a top ten day trip from London you'll never forget.
How to Get To Bath From London
- By Train: Trains depart from London Blackfriars and Victoria, take around 1 hour 20 minutes and cost £15 one-way.
- By Coach: National Express runs coaches from London Victoria to Bath, taking around three hours for approximately £20 each way.
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Things to do in Bath
- Tour the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman sites in the world.
- Soak away your sightseeing aches at the Thermae Bath Spa.
- See the Royal Crescent, a row of stunning Georgian townhouses in a sweeping crescent shape.
- Take the Bath Skyline Walk, a six-mile loop with panoramic views over Bath's historic skyline and scenic countryside.
- Go gothic and tour the atmospheric Bath Abbey, with its stained glass windows and intricate stonework.
Don't Leave Without…
Dressing up in regency costume for a photo opportunity at Bath's annual Jane Austen festival.
6. Canterbury - Roman History and Architecture Galore
Step into mediaeval England with a visit to Canterbury. Known for its breathtaking cathedral - one of the oldest in England - Canterbury is steeped in history.
How to Get To Canterbury from London
- By Train: Trains operate between St Pancras, Charing Cross and Victoria and take between 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes, priced at £10 - £15 one-way.
- By Coach: National Express runs coaches from London Victoria to Canterbury, taking two and a half hours, at £15 each way.
Image by Stefan Wiegand from Pixabay
Things to do in Canterbury
- Join a guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral for some fast facts on this stunning gothic behemoth.
- Appreciate Canterbury's past among mosaics, artefacts and interactive exhibits at the Roman Museum.
- Nibble on local artisan cheeses and fresh pastries at the Goods Shed indoor farmers' market.
- Become part of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales at this immersive mediaeval storytelling experience with life-sized models and audio narratives.
Don't leave without…
Caffeinating in a prime spot. Gaze out over Canterbury High Street with a coffee at the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge cafe.
7. The Cotswolds - Rural Perfection
Introducing a little rural heaven onto the list, I bring you the Cotswolds. Known for its rolling hills, honey-coloured cottages and charming villages, the Cotswolds feels like stepping into a postcard.
How to Get To the Cotswolds from London
A collection of small towns and villages, you can see the area faster by car. But using Cheltenham as a hub, it's possible to visit some of the villages by bus.
- By Train: Trains operate between Paddington and Cheltenham Spa, take around 2 hours and cost around £34 one-way.
- By Coach: National Express runs coaches from London Victoria, taking 3 hours from £10 each way.
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Things to do in the Cotswolds
- Explore Bourton-on-the Water, known as 'the Venice of the Cotswolds', with its stone bridges, scenic riverbanks and English tea rooms.
- Take a tonne of photos in Bibury, one of the most beautiful villages in England.
- Walk along Broadway Tower for breathtaking views right across the Cotswolds.
- Explore the cobbled streets and stone cottages at Castle Combe.
- Visit the 15th-century church and browse the antique shops at Stow-on-the-Wold.
Don't leave without….
If you didn't stop for a pub lunch, then did you really go at all? I recommend the award-winning Sandford Park Ale House or the Plough Inn.
8. Rye - Maritime and Smuggler History
Yes, it's a type of bread. But Rye is also a mediaeval town near England's south coast. Its enchanting atmosphere and preserved mediaeval character make it one of the best day trips from London for history buffs and photographers alike.
How to Get To Rye from London
- Train: Take a train from St Pancras to Rye in around 1 hour for £18 one-way.
Image by Melanie Avis from Pixabay
Things to do in Rye
- Eat fish and chips at the Mermaid Inn, a pub once used by smugglers.
- See a slice of old England along Mermaid Street, with its ivy-covered houses, steep cobbled walkways and centuries-old pubs.
- Get a feel for Rye's creative community at Rye Art Gallery.
- Enjoy views over the town and countryside from the top of Rye Castle.
Don't Leave Without…
Take some snaps in the stunning gardens of Lamb House, former residence of American author Henry James.
9. St. Albans - Insta-Worthy Market Town
Within 30 minutes, you can be in the photogenic and compact St Albans. Its vibrant markets, mediaeval streets and scenic parks make it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of London.
How to Get To St Albans from London
- By Train: Trains go between St Pancras and St Albans, taking between 20 - 30 mins for around £11.
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Things to do in St Albans
- Enjoy some first-class artworks and tour the courtroom and cells at St Albans Museum and Gallery, formerly the city's town hall.
- Eat lunch at St Michael's Village, a picturesque area with historic buildings and photogenic inns.
- Buy some souvenirs at St Alban's Market, one of the oldest in the UK.
- Wander Verulamium Park and Roman Ruins for its crumbling walls, mosaics and the remains of a Roman theatre.
Don't Leave Without…
Walk out to Sopwell Ruins on the outskirts of the town to take pictures of the sunset over the romantic crumbling brickwork.
10. Hampton Court Palace - Tudor Drama and Extravagance
Serving up pure visual drama, Hampton Court Palace is your chance to explore the extravagant world of Tudor royalty. Wander grand halls, get lost in gardens and mazes and see the great hall where feasts were held centuries ago.
How to Get To Hampton Court Palace from London
- By Train: Trains leave from Waterloo Station, take around 40 minutes and cost £9.
Image by Elizabyte from Pixabay
Things to do in Hampton Court Palace
- Explore the palace's Tudor kitchens, great hall and the UK's oldest surviving hedge maze.
- See the works of Caravaggio, Rembrandt and Gainsborough at the Cumberland Art Gallery.
- Take a boat along the Thames for some great pictures of the Palace from the water.
- Check out Henry VIII's astronomical clock, a marvel of Tudor engineering.
Don't Leave Without…
Checking the Palace's seasonal events schedule. You may be able to catch a festival, the RHS flower show or a Christmas light display.
There it is - these places to see close to London are perfect for exploring the best of Britain beyond the capital.
So grab your bag, sort your eSIM with Airalo and get ready to explore.
