Being a vibrant capital city, London offers endless activities and entertainment choices. But sometimes, we all need a refreshing change of pace. Today, we’re sharing our top pick of places to visit outside London. This is your perfect place to start when planning a day trip from London.
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Now, let’s explore the country together, one day trip from London at a time!
Best day trips from London. Windsor
Places to visit near London. Elmley Nature Reserve
One day trip from London. Oxford
Best places to visit near London. Cambridge
Day trips from London. Bath
Day trips from London by train. Brighton
Best day trips from London. Canterbury
Day trips from London by car. The Cotswolds
Places to visit near London. Whitstable
Day trips from London by car. Rye
Best day trips from London. Windsor
Why visit
Windsor is renowned for its stunning Windsor Castle, a residence of the British Royal Family and the oldest occupied castle in the world. The charming town of Windsor itself offers delightful shops, restaurants, and the picturesque Windsor Great Park.
Getting there
- By train: You can reach Windsor from London Paddington in about 30 minutes with a change at Slough.
- By car: A drive to Windsor takes about 45 minutes from central London.
Things to do on your day trip from London
- Windsor Castle.
- Windsor Great Park.
- Eton College.
- Windsor & Eton Brewery.
- Tally Ho stables.
- Dorney Court.
- Windsor Royal station.
Places to visit near London. Elmley Nature Reserve
Why visit
Elmley Nature Reserve, located on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, offers a peaceful retreat into nature. This unique reserve is known for its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and tranquil environment. It is a perfect day trip for those looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle.
Getting there
- By train: A journey from London Victoria to Sittingbourne, followed by a short taxi ride to the reserve, takes around 1.5 hours.
- By car: 1.5 hours.
One day trip from London. Oxford
Why visit
Oxford is one of the first places to visit near London. It is home to the prestigious University of Oxford and is ideal for architecture and history lovers.
Getting there
- By train: Direct trains from London Paddington to Oxford take about 1 hour.
- By car: 1.5 hours.
Highlights
- University of Oxford.
- Christ Church Cathedral.
- Headington Shark
- Ashmolean Museum.
- Punting on the River Cherwell.
- Numerous parks and nature reserves, including University parks, Mesopotamia, Lye Valley, and more.
Best places to visit near London. Cambridge
Why visit
Cambridge is another historic university city with beautiful architecture, serene rivers, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Getting there
- By train: Direct trains from London King's Cross take about 50 minutes.
- By car: 1.5 hours.
Highlights
- University of Cambridge.
- Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
- The Fitzwilliam Museum.
- Punting on the River Cam.
- King’s College Chapel.
- Anglesey Abbey.
- Punting Cambridge tour.
Day trips from London. Bath
Why visit
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Roman-built baths, stunning Georgian architecture, and natural hot springs.
Getting there
- By train: Direct trains from London Paddington take about 1.5 hours.
- By car: 2 hours.
Highlights
- Roman Baths.
- Bath Abbey.
- The Royal Crescent.
- Pulteney Bridge.
- The Bird of Prey Project—falconry sanctuary.
- The Circus.
- The Old Orchard Street Theatre.
Day trips from London by train. Brighton
Why visit
Brighton is a vibrant seaside town known for its pebble beach, iconic pier, and eclectic culture.
Getting there
- By train: Direct trains from London Victoria take about 1 hour.
- By car: 1.5 hours.
Make it the best day trip from London
- Brighton Pier.
- Brighton Beach.
- The Royal Pavilion.
- The Lanes.
- North Lane.
- Brighton i360.
Best day trips from London. Canterbury
Why visit
Canterbury is famous for its stunning cathedral, charming mediaeval streets, and significant literary history.
Getting there
- By train: The day trip from London by train takes about 1 hour.
- By car: 1.5 hours.
Highlights
- Canterbury Cathedral.
- St Augustine’s Abbey.
- The Canterbury Tales: An interactive attraction based on Geoffrey Chaucer's famous works.
- Catching Lives Bookshop.
- Westgate Towers.
- The Marlowe Theatre.
Day trips from London by car. The Cotswolds
Why visit
The Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty known for its rolling hills, charming stone-built villages, and beautiful countryside.
Getting there
- By train: Direct trains from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh take about 1.5 hours.
- By car: 2 hours.
Highlights
- Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the «Venice of the Cotswolds».
- Bibury: A picturesque village with beautiful cottages and the famous Arlington Row.
- Stow-on-the-Wold: A market town known for its antique shops and historic market square.
- Chipping Campden: Another market town famous for its 14th-century terraced High Street.
- Stow-on-the-Wold: A town situated on top of a 244 m hill.
Places to visit near London. Whitstable
Why visit
Whitstable is a picturesque town located at the seaside known for its native oysters and beautiful coastline.
Getting there
- By train: Direct trains from London Victoria to Bearsted take about 1 hour, followed by a short bus ride.
- By car: 1.5 hours.
Highlights
- Whitstable Harbour.
- The Old Neptune pub.
- Oyster tasting.
- Whitstable Castle.
Day trips from London by car. Rye
Why visit
Rye is a picturesque town steeped in history, with its charming cobbled streets and mediaeval architecture.
Getting there
- By train: Take a train from London St Pancras to Rye, with a change at Ashford International. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- By car: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Highlights
- Rye Castle (Ypres Tower).
- Mermaid Street.
- St. Mary's Church.
- Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
- Lamb House.
- Antique shops and boutiques.
Discover new spots while settling down in the UK. We’ve covered just a few destinations for day trips from London, but it will be enough to fill out your weekends for a while. Enjoy!
