21 best day trips from London
London is a great place to visit for a short trip or extended vacation. It’s crammed full of incredible sights. From the central sights of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Big Ben, to the beautiful Royal Parks and palaces, and its bustling theatre scene and nightlife, there’s no shortage of things to do in London.
You can find information on these, as well as other top places in London, here.
But if you’re looking to explore further afield and escape the big city, there are also many fabulous day trips from London to take. Some allow you to explore other British cities, some provide a day out at the seaside, while others are across the English Channel (but still doable as a day trip from London!).
Read on to discover 21 of the best day trips from London.
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Best day trips from London
Oxford
Oxford is a beautiful university town and one of the top and easiest day trips from London. There are regular trains to the city from London Paddington which take around an hour. By car, the journey is around an hour and a half from central London.
On a day out in Oxford, it’s worth booking a walking tour to see the central areas of the city and also learn more about its history. There are plenty to choose from and you can even book a Harry Potter walking tour!
When you explore the city, you can see Christ Church College. It is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Oxford, with gorgeous architecture, including the Tom Tower bell tower.
There’s also the University Church of St Mary, with its beautiful stained-glass windows. And you can admire the Bridge of Sighs which connects buildings on two sides of a narrow street.
Oxford also boasts the iconic Radcliffe Camera, which you’ll often see showcased in images of Oxford. The dome is a library which houses the Radcliffe family’s personal collection.
For those interested in art and culture, visit the Ashmolean Museum. The museum has a superb range of Greek and Roman artefacts, 18th century European paintings, and impressive collections of Chinese and British art.
For natural history, there’s the Oxford’s Museum of Natural History with its vast collection of natural history objects. There are examples of extinct animals and birds here (including of the ‘Oxford Dodo’ and dinosaurs).
And if you visit on a fine day and are looking for an outdoor activity and to make the most of the fresh air, the beautiful Botanic Garden and Arboretum – the UK’s oldest – is a good place to start.
You can also take a gentle afternoon stroll along the river, hire a punt, or book a boat trip to tour the city from the water.
Windsor
Windsor is another top place to visit on a London vacation, especially if you’re interested in the British Royal Family. You may have already visited Kensington Palace, the Tower of London, and Hampton Court Palace.
If so, you’ll love Windsor Palace which is the oldest inhabited castle in the world!
On a trip to Windsor, you’ll want to see the castle from both inside and outside.
You can book to go inside and see the sections that are open to the public. This includes the grand and ornate reception rooms and Semi-State rooms, as well as the grounds which has the medieval Round Tower and the gothic St. George’s Chapel.
After you visit Windsor Castle, you can see the outside from the Long Walk. This is a stunning three-mile long driveway that stretches through Windsor Great Park up towards the castle. It is part of the route taken by Megan Markle en route to her wedding.
A day trip from London to Windsor should, however, be about more than the castle. Other things to include on your day out are strolling around the high street and the town centre with its 18th century Crooked House, souvenir shops, and cosy cafes where you can have traditional English afternoon tea.
You should also walk along the river, stroll up to Eton town with its famous public school, and visit nearby Savill Garden.
Windsor is an easy day out from London. Trains run from both London Paddington and London Waterloo and take between 30 and 60 minutes. By car, the journey takes a similar time depending on traffic and where your departure point is.
Alternatively you can book tours that will take you out to Windsor and that include admission to the castle.
See my post on a trip to Windsor for more information.
Brighton
Put Brighton, on the south coast of England, on your list if you want a day out by the sea! There are plenty of attractions here, making it a trip worth taking. I visited recently and had a great time.
On my trip, I visited the beautiful Brighton Royal Pavilion. It was built for George IV as a pleasure palace for when he was staying in the city. It is a striking building from the outside, with magnificent domes and minarets.
The Pavilion is worth seeing, even if you don’t have the time to go inside. But if you do go inside, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll get an insight into this stunning place, and the chance to look around some grand rooms and beautiful galleries.
Other things to do in Brighton include strolling around the vibrant Lanes area. Grab a drink or bite to eat after browsing in some of the small quirky shops here.
The beachfront area is definitely worth exploring. There are many restaurants, souvenir shops, and amusement arcades along its length, plus the Brighton Palace Pier, one of England’s oldest piers. But on a sunny day, you might just want to pack a picnic and chill out on the beach!
Brighton is easy to get to: the train journey only takes about an hour from either London Victoria or London Bridge stations. The drive would take you around 90 minutes.
Bath
The city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southwest England, is another fabulous place for your day trips from London.
There are plenty of sights to see (check out my separate post on a weekend in Bath). And the fact that the centre is relatively small and walkable means it’s easy to pack in a lot within a few hours. It’s just an hour and 20 minutes by train, but longer by car.
There are a range of walking tours that will take you to the main sights, including this one for fans of Bridgerton which was filmed in the city. You can also book a hop-on/ hop-off tour if time is tight.
As you make your way around Bath, whether on foot or by bus, you’ll see the city’s stunning Georgian architecture. Most notably there’s the Royal Crescent, a sweeping Georgian period arc overlooking the Royal Victoria Park.
Another of the leading attractions to visit in the city is the Roman Baths Museum. This is situated on the site of the ancient Roman baths. It gives the opportunity sit beside the old majestic baths and learn more about the city’s Roman history.
If you fancy a dip in a thermal bath yourself, wander up to nearby the Thermae Bath Spa. There’s a thermal rooftop pool here that looks across to the Bath Abbey. It’s particularly special taking a dip here on dark winter nights when the city is lit up.
The city also boasts several excellent museums. There’s the Jane Austen Centre, which showcases memorabilia of the author’s life, the nearby Museum of Bath Architecture, the Victoria Art Gallery, and the Fashion Museum Bath.
And for some fresh air, head to the peaceful Parade Gardens, alongside the River Avon. You can pick up boat trips here which take you under the attractive 18th-century Pulteney Bridge.
Paris
When you think of day trips from London, there’s a natural tendency to think of nearby places in England. But with the Eurostar running from London St. Pancras to Paris, it’s also possible to have a day out in France’s fantastic capital.
Trains between the two cities take just over two and a quarter hours by high-speed train. So if you catch an early train, it’s possible to be sightseeing by mid-morning.
There are loads of great attractions to see in Paris, so if you only have a day, you’ll need to be selective. I’d therefore recommend you prioritise visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower which stands 1000 feet tall. You can go up to the observation deck and take in the breathtaking views across the city.
A visit to the Montmartre district is also recommended. It is regarded as one of the most charming neighbourhoods in the city and is the location for beautiful Roman-Byzantine Sacre-Coeur Basilica, a white-domed church that sits on a hill.
You can also visit Notre Dame Cathedral, stroll along the Champs-Elysees, and wander through one of the city’s many beautiful gardens and parks. There are also several world-class museums in Paris, including The Louvre, the Musee D’Orsay, and the Pompidou Centre.
Another great thing to do on a day out in Paris is to cruise down the River Seine. This is not only a perfect way to see the sights from a different vantage point – especially if it’s your first time in the city – it’s also a fun (and romantic if that’s what you’re looking for) way to sightsee.
And if you have a bit of free time to hand, consider taking the short trip out to the Palace of Versailles, a grand royal palace just 12 miles away.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth, a city on the south coast in Hampshire, is a fascinating day trip from London. If you’re sightseeing, make sure you head to Portsmouth Harbour train station: it’s in this area where you’ll find a lot of the sights. It’s under two hours from London Waterloo station or London Victoria.
When you get off the train here, you’ll have plenty to see and do within easy walking distance.
One of the top places here is the Portsmouth Harbour Dockyard. This is home to a wealth of attractions showcasing the city’s role in maritime history, both past and present.
It houses HMS Victory, the flagship of Lord Nelson.
It is also the site of the Mary Rose Museum. The museum contains the remains of Henry VIII’s ship which sank in 1545 but was raised from the seabed in 1982.
While here, you can also visit the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, and take a boat trip around the harbour.
For more history, take the short walk up to the D-Day Story museum. It is situated towards the city’s Southsea Beach.
The museum is worth visiting to learn more about the invasions during the Second World War. Its location means you can easily pop up to Southsea Castle and the South Parade Pier, with its small amusement park and eateries. There’s also a lovely coastal path here to stroll along.
The Spinnaker Tower
The other main attraction to visit in the Portsmouth Harbour area is the Spinnaker Tower. Standing at 170 metres high, this has fantastic views out across the area.
It is based in the Gunwharf Quays complex which is an ideal spot for some shopping or for food and drinks after a day of sightseeing. Or you could instead head to the beach for some sea, sand, and a picnic!
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is an 18th century stately home that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s on the edge of a small town in Oxfordshire, around 10 miles from Oxford, and just over 60 miles from London.
If you are interested in history and architecture, or fancy wandering around beautiful and peaceful gardens, this is one to put on your list for days out from London.
There are many attractions for you to explore here. Of note are the Palace State Rooms. They have grand rooms, plush furnishings, ornate ceilings, and artwork. You can also walk through other rooms, including a dining room, and a library, and learn about when parts of the Palace were used to house students evacuated during WWII.
There is also a fascinating Churchill exhibition setting out information on the life of the former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill who was born here in 1874.
If the weather permits, make sure you spend time in the Palace’s massive grounds. The immaculately designed Formal Gardens include a private Italian Garden and the Water Terraces. A short walk away is the South Lawn. You can get some great views of the Palace from here.
Blenheim Palace is also blessed with several peaceful areas of water that you can walk along. Designed and created in the 18th century by Capability Brown, the Great Lake is the largest.
Other things here include the Blenheim Palace stables, as well as the miniature train that runs through part of the grounds.
You can book tickets for Blenheim Palace here.
See my post on a day out in Blenheim Palace for more details.
Cambridge
Another city that deserves its place on a list of top days out from London is Cambridge. It’s just 51 minutes by fast train from London King’s Cross which is the quickest way to get here.
As with Oxford, one of Cambridge’s main draws is its colleges and university. If you’re interested in these, you can take a walking tour, learn about student life, and visit some of the most popular colleges in what is the second oldest university in the English-speaking world (Oxford University is the oldest).
You can see the Great Gate and Clock Tower in Trinity College or the beautiful gardens in which Pembroke College sits. Also make time to see the ‘Mathematical Bridge’ straddling the river at Queen’s College.
As you would expect, there is a range of museums to visit in Cambridge. The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is the oldest of the university museums and contains various geological exhibits. The Fitzwilliam Museum covers art and antiquities, and then there is the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
Those interested in polar expeditions should head to the Polar Museum in the Scott Polar Research Institute. It is fascinating. The museum has artefacts and displays relating to both the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Aside from the universities and museums, there are several things to stop off to see as you walk around Cambridge. This includes the several parks in the city, and a botanical garden with more than 8,000 plants across 40 acres of land.
Finally, if you want to see Cambridge from a different vantage point, head to the river and go punting. The boats are flat-bottomed so that you can gently glide along the River Cam. This is a top way to sit back and admire the beautiful surroundings. It was one of the highlights of my trip.
Warwick
Warwick is the banks of the River Avon in Warwickshire in the Midlands area of England. It’s around 90 minutes by train from London.
The city’s main draw is undoubtedly Warwick Castle. It was built by William the Conqueror in 1068.
There is a good selection of things to do when you visit Warwick Castle. You can learn about preparation for battle, try out the maze, and go inside the dungeon. There’s also a falconry display which allows you to get up close to some magnificent birds.
Aside from the Castle, there are other things to see in Warwick, and some other beautiful buildings. This includes St. Mary’s Church where you can climb the tower, and the Market Hall Museum.
You can also visit Lord Leycester Hospital. This is a retirement home for soldiers where you can learn about its history and wander around its gardens. There is also St. John’s House Museum. The museum is based in a Jacobean building and provides visitors with information on the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
Pottering around the streets and museums of Warwick is really enjoyable. But if you want a more extensive walk, you can head to Hill Close Gardens, Victorian gardens that are near the racecourse.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge in Wiltshire is another fascinating day out from the capital. It is a prehistoric monument that dates back more than 5,000 years and is arguably one of the world’s most recognisable sites.
Stonehenge is one of the most visited stone circles and attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is especially popular in June during the summer solstice when the standing stones align with the sun.
You can take a guided tour around the site. Or you can wander around on your own and explore the area at your own pace.
Either way, you’ll see the impressive and mysterious ring of standing stones – the Stone Circle – as well as the surrounding Neolithic houses. There is an exhibition in the Visitor Centre where you can learn more about the history of Stonehenge.
You can also view items that have been uncovered in the various archaeological excavations that have taken place.
There are tours from London that will take you to Stonehenge. This is a convenient way to see it, given its location. Some tours also combine a trip to Stonehenge with other nearby places of interest.
You can also catch a train to Salisbury, after which you can catch a bus to the site. En route, maybe pop into Salisbury and see the sights this city has to offer.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is another destination in Warwickshire that is a great day out from London. It’s the birthplace of William Shakespeare and, as such, is one of England’s best-loved destinations.
Inevitably, you can learn a lot about Shakespeare on a day trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. You can visit the house where he was born, see his childhood school, and explore his wife Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.
There’s also the opportunity to watch a performance or visit an exhibition in the building which is the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).
There are many other things to do in Stratford besides getting your Shakespeare fix. For example, there is the MAD Museum. This states that it is the “UK’s only mechanical art venue” and contains interactive exhibits. In its own words “think of the machines and gizmos used in Wallace and Gromit, Scrapheap Challenge and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. This is a place for the kids!
Children may also enjoy the Stratford Butterfly Farm. Here you can experience butterflies and birds flying around in a tropical greenhouse.
Stratford-upon-Avon has indirect rail links with London Marylebone. The journey is around 2 hours. The driving time would be similar.
Canterbury
The historic city of Canterbury is another place in Kent to visit on a day out from London. You can get there in under an hour if you take the fast direct train from London St Pancras station.
Canterbury is one for history lovers. On a day trip, make sure you see the 11th century Canterbury Cathedral. This has the shrine of Thomas Beckett, who was murdered inside in the 12th century.
Then in the Canterbury Roman Museum you can learn more about the Roman influence on England. The museum has numerous antiques and artefacts, as well as the opportunity to view “the UK’s only remaining in situ Roman pavement mosaics”. If you prefer art, there’s the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge.
Canterbury has a lovely old town area with small, pretty alleyways and medieval buildings. You can pop by to see the Crooked House (now a second-hand book shop), as well as St. Martin’s Church, which has the fame of being the oldest functioning church in England.
You can also see the city on a boat trip along the River Stour. From this vantage point, you can see more of the city’s beautiful architecture and learn about Canterbury’s history. I recommend doing this on a day trip.
Broadstairs
Broadstairs is a seaside town in Kent. It is around an hour and a half by train from London.
Broadstairs is known for its Victorian seafront, and has been attracting holiday makers for over 150 years. If you want to spend your time relaxing by the sea, it’s a perfect place to visit.
Viking Bay is a small bay on the south side of Broadstairs that has a beautiful stretch of sand. It’s an ideal place to spend time on a sunny day.
Nearby Botany Bay is another picturesque spot but in a more striking way. The large geological structures here make it an ideal place for fossil hunting.
Overlooking Viking Bay on the clifftops are Victoria Gardens. These pretty gardens offer panoramic views out across the sea. Also overlooking the bay is the 19th century Bleak House. This is where Charles Dickens is said to have written some of his works. You can learn more about his life in Broadstairs in the Dickens House Museum.
The town is also worth exploring. There is a good selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Some specialise in seafood, and there are plenty of places to indulge in the traditional British fish and chips.
Top this off with an ice cream for a perfect day out at the seaside!
Dover
Dover is a port town in Kent, in south east England. It’s situated about 80 miles from London and 20 miles from the French coast. The town is the closest point in England to France, so it’s easy to hop across to Europe.
Driving from London to Dover takes around an hour and a half. The fast trains from London St. Pancras to Dover Priory take just over an hour.
You can also book day tours. These are great if you want to see the main sights of Dover, as well as other nearby historic places.
The top thing to do in Dover is visit Dover Castle. This sits on top of the cliffs and is said to be one of England’s largest castles. It dates back to the 11th century.
You can go inside, including to the top of the Great Tower to get stunning views across the area.
You can also go into the museum in the Secret Wartime Tunnels. These are military tunnels buried into part of the White Cliffs of Dover which were used to store ammunition and shelter troops during World War II.
On a day out here, also take a look at the famous White Cliffs of Dover. The cliffs are one of the most iconic sights in England. Go on a coastal walk along them, perhaps up to the South Foreland Lighthouse, an attractive white octagonal Victorian structure.
You can also go to the beach in nearby St. Margaret’s Bay and eat out in the nearest pub to France: the aptly named ‘The Coastguard’. I went on my last visit and had a great meal here.
There are also some museums in Dover that you can visit. See my post for more details.
Salisbury
The city of Salisbury is just 10 miles away from Stonehenge in Wiltshire. It is around 80 miles from London, a train journey of around an hour and a half from London Waterloo station.
Salisbury is known for its cathedral. At over 120 metres, this has the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom. The cathedral also contains one of four original copies of the 13th-century Magna Carta that now survive and has the world’s oldest mechanical working clock.
If you’re feeling energetic, climb up the 332 steps to the top of the tower. There are stunning views across the city from here.
While wandering around the city centre, you’ll get to see some of the city’s half-timbered medieval buildings. There is also the 18th-century Mompesson House, an impressive National Trust property that you can tour around, and Arundell’s, the former home of the British Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath.
For more history, visit the Salisbury Museum. This has various archaeological and social history displays, along with art exhibitions and glass and ceramics displays.
Given the location, you can easily visit both Salisbury and Stonehenge on a day trip.
Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle is a stately home in Hampshire. It is probably most famous for being the filming location for the British drama series Downton Abbey. So if you loved the TV show, you’ll love it here!
The castle dates back to the 17th century, but was redesigned in a Jacobean style in the mid 19th century.
On a visit to Highclere Castle, you can explore the house and its grand rooms, as well as the the staff quarters and an Egyptian Exhibition. The latter provides information on the 5th Earl’s role in discovering the tomb of Tutankhamun in Egypt in 1922.
The extensive land around the castle – it covers 1,000 acres – can also be explored. Capability Brown designed the parkland in the 18th century and there are some great walks here (the castle’s website lists some recommendations) and beautiful views to experience.
You can book tours to Highclere Castle here.
Cardiff
Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is steeped in history and culture. It is around a two-hour train ride from London, so still feasible to visit on a day trip from London.
The city is home to various attractions, from ancient monuments to modern sites.
You can see these if you book walking tours around the city (including this one that Dr Who fans will love that covers some of the filming locations!).
One of Cardiff’s most significant attractions is Cardiff Castle, a medieval castle that stands in the heart of the city. It was originally built by the Normans in 1081, but has undergone many changes since then.
The eye-catching Norman Keep remains. If you climb the steps to the top, there are sweeping views across the area. You can also go inside and see the opulent rooms.
Right by the castle is Bute Park, the castle park. This area spans 130 acres and contains gardens, woodland, and trails. It’s an ideal place to take a stroll after visiting Cardiff Castle.
Cardiff Bay is also worth visiting. This is the largest waterfront development of its type in Europe, and has restaurants, bars, and shops. You can catch a boat here and sail around the area. There’s also a wetland centre, and Techniquest, an interesting interactive science centre.
Caerphilly Castle and Castell Coch are also both a few miles from the city centre.
Southampton
Southampton is another port city in Hampshire. It has many tourist attractions, making it another top day out from London.
The SeaCity Museum is a major draw in the city. It chronicles the city’s maritime history and the impact of the Titanic tragedy on the local area.
The ship set sail from Southampton in 1912; consequently, there were many local residents on board who had secured jobs. The museum uses audio and visual displays to bring to life its stories.
For aviation lovers, there is also the Solent Sky Museum. This is “The home of the Spitfire and the largest flying boat operation in the world”. There are 20 aircraft on display here.
For a different type of history, you can visit the medieval Tudor House and Gardens in the old town, as well as the Medieval Merchant House which is a short walk away.
The Bargate is also worth seeing. This is a historic building that was once the entrance to the medieval town.
For art lovers, there is the Southampton Art Gallery and Museum.
Trains run to Southampton Central from London Waterloo. The fastest journeys are around an hour and a quarter. If you plan to drive, it is likely to take a bit more than this, depending on traffic conditions.
Whitstable
Whitstable is a coastal town in the north-east of Kent. It has a scenic seafront, including a harbour and beach, and is another place to add to your list if you’re looking for some coastal air.
A coastal walk is a pleasant thing to do here. You can walk along the side of the shingle beach, from where you can look back out to sea. And if you have the time, you can walk to Herne Bay, which is 5 miles away.
Whitstable is a place for foodies. You can buy fresh seafood from the stalls in the harbour; there is also a fish market nearby. It’s particularly famed for its oysters, so if you like these, definitely head here! You could even time your visit with its annual oyster festival.
Away from the seafront, there are quaint independent shops in the town centre to browse, and some tea rooms.
You can take a day trip to Whitstable from London St. Pancras and London Victoria stations. The journey takes around an hour and 15 minutes. If you plan to drive it, the journey time is likely to be similar or just a bit longer.
Bristol
The city of Bristol is another option for a trip in south west England. It’s not far from Bath, so if you had more time in the area, you could easily combine the two cities (or combine it with other trips in the local area, including to Cheddar Gorge – see my post on day trips from Bristol for more ideas).
Famous for the Clifton Suspension bridge, the 19th-century bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel that spans the River Avon, there’s no shortage of things to do in Bristol.
You can visit Bristol Cathedral, explore the city centre, and wander around the redeveloped harbour area.
You can climb onto the SS Great Britain ship, and also visit various museums, including Aerospace Bristol. There are wonderful city views from the top of Brandon Hill.
And if you visit Bristol in August, you may get to see hundreds of colourful hot air balloons floating in the sky during the International Balloon Festival.
The train journey from London Paddington Station is around one hour and 20 minutes to Bristol Parkway. It’s slightly longer to Bristol Temple Meads, but this is the more central of the two stations. It is around a two and a half hour drive from the capital.
Brussels
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a fabulous place for a day trip, even from London. You can catch the Eurostar train between the cities and if you take an early train from central London and a late train back, it really is possible to day trip and get a full day out.
You can then either see the central sights on foot or use the hop-on hop-off bus if you want to visit some of the attractions a little further out.
On a day trip, you can visit the elegant Grand Place (Grote Markt), the focal point of the central area. There are some beautiful buildings here, including the Gothic Hotel de Ville and La Maison du Roi, which houses the Brussels City Museum.
Nearby is the Rue des Bouchers which is lined with restaurants, as well as the Galeries Royales St-Hubert, an eye-catching collection of three 19th-century glass-covered arcades. It is one of Europe’s oldest shopping arcades.
You’ll also find some of the city’s quirky statues in the central area, most notably the famous Manneken Pis.
Other places to consider visiting on your day out from London include the vibrant St-Gery and St-Catherine districts, the St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, The Mont Arts Garden, and the majestic Royal Palace of Brussels.
There’s also the very unique Atomium with its eye-catching architectural design. Originally built for Expo 58, you can walk between different stainless-steel spheres of the molecule-shaped construction. You can then take in the 360 views across the area from the upper sphere.
There is also a plethora of museums to check out on a visit to the city. Art lovers have a fabulous choice of museums in The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, which consists of a series of first-class museums, including the Musee Magritte Museum.
You’ll also find The Comics Art Museum in the city and the Choco-Story Brussels.
For more top attractions in Brussels, click here.
