Day Trips from London: Where to Visit

Just 25 miles west of London (30 minutes by train from Paddington Station), Windsor is a picturesque town with cobbled lanes, medieval half-timbered buildings, and the crown jewel, Windsor Castle. One of England’s most famous castles, it dates to the 11th century and sits along the River Thames surrounded by 13 acres of perfectly manicured lawns and lush gardens. It’s been the summer residence for British royalty for a millennium, with the State Apartments open to the public for self-guided tours. You can see the Grand Reception Room with its spectacular gilding and sparkling chandeliers, the ceremonial rooms that were used by the late Queen Elizabeth II and members of the Royal Family, and even the intimate chambers of King Charles II. 

Bath is aptly named for its natural hot springs that provided thermal waters to ancient Roman baths two thousand years ago. If you’re in the mood for a spa day, it’s the best day trip you can take from London, approximately an hour and 15 minutes by train from Paddington Station. It’s also possible to take a tour of the baths. Afterward, you might relax in one of the naturally warm pools like the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa with its spectacular view over Bath and the magnificent Georgian architecture. There are multiple historical and cultural sites too. Highlights include the Jane Austin Centre, a shrine to the city’s famous former resident, the Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass, and the Fashion Museum.

Just over an hour by train from London, Oxford may best be known as the University of Oxford. One of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, it dates to 1096. It’s not just for student lectures either. It’s home to Britain’s oldest public museum, the Ashmolean Museum with collections spanning everything from Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures, and paintings by the greats like Raphael to medieval musical instruments, Samurai armor, and modern art. The Divinity School was used as a filming site for several Harry Potter films and visitors can also climb a church tower to see the city from above. Oxford Castle is another top attraction and there are many world-class museums throughout, along with a booming arts and music scene.

Home to a romantic medieval city center, historic buildings, intriguing museums, and leafy parks, Cambridge also hosts a famous university, a little over an hour by train from the capital. You’ll find several attractions here as well, including a 40-acre botanical garden with over 8,000 different plant species. Fitzwilliam Museum is its art and antiquities museum, showcasing over a half-million works of art, including pieces by Dutch Masters like Ruben and Rembrandt, along with Egyptian, Roman, and Greek artifacts. Step inside the Great St Mary’s University Church to marvel at the 15th-century details and climb the tower for a panoramic view. Afterward visit the Round Church, one of just four Norman round churches that survive in England, dating to 1131.

A seaside resort town on the southern coast, pretty Brighton is only an hour and 40 minutes from London. It’s the perfect spot for a day trip to the beach for old-fashioned fun. Enjoy everything from long strolls on the sand to riding a roller coaster on the pier. The Brighton Pier also hosts a Victorian beer hall and an ideal vantage point for watching a sunset over the English Channel. You might visit the unique Royal Pavilion with its Indian-style exterior and enjoy thrills via the British Airways i360, a moving observation tower rising 450 feet for jaw-dropping views of the town, the serene countryside in South Downs, and the south coast. Bicycle and kayak rentals are available for exploring too.

Just 62 miles southeast of London (less than an hour by train), Canterbury is famous for the Canterbury Tales and its magnificent cathedral. This medieval walled city is jam-packed with historic sites, recognized by UNESCO for its ancient architecture. Westgate Towers is one of the main gates and nearly 640 years old while the ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey are even older, dating back to 613 AD. Built in multiple architectural styles, including Norman, Gothic, and Romanesque, Canterbury Cathedral is the crown jewel, standing watch over the city since the 11th century. Enjoy strolling the cobblestone streets, shopping the outstanding mix of retailers that include many independent shops, perhaps stopping to refresh at one of the breweries, cafes, or award-winning restaurants.

Stonehenge is less than two hours by car from London. The ancient stone circle with its famous standing stones is believed to have been built between 3000 and 2200 BC. While it can be viewed on your own, consider an England private tour that can be customized to bring you into the circle. Complement your visit by visiting nearby Salisbury. The Salisbury Museum displays one of the most extensive collections of objects discovered at and around Stonehenge, including grave goods dating from 2300 BC, and the Amesbury Archer skeleton. You can also visit stunning Salisbury Cathedral, which includes the world’s oldest working mechanical clock, dating to 1386, and the Magna Carta documents that have been influencing England law since the early 13th century.

Less than 20 miles southwest of London, Hampton Court Palace includes two palaces. The Tudor palace was originally started in the early 16th century by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Not long after, Henry VIII took it over. Home to the Tudor dynasty for 500 years, it’s widely regarded as the world’s finest surviving Tudor palace. Visitors can explore Henry’s Apartments, marvel at the magnificent recreated Imperial Crown, and see the massive Tudor kitchens. The Baroque palace was built in the late 17th century by joint rulers William III and Mary II providing a glimpse of the opulent period and spectacular views of the gardens. The Magic Garden is a highlight for children, with each feature designed to be climbed on, including a fire-breathing dragon.

The Cotswolds region spans a massive 800 square miles, renowned for its charming storybook villages filled with homes and buildings made from traditional honey-colored stone, often with gentle streams flowing through that are crossed by pretty bridges while surrounded by lush, rolling hills. There are many independent shops, antique markets, colorful gardens, and historic sites to discover with Charlbury, the nearest Cotswold town to London approximately an hour and 40 minutes away. A scenic drive can bring you to many villages, with some of the most popular including Bibury with its historic Arlington row, Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” and nearby Broadway, an ideal stop for afternoon tea at the traditional Tisanes Tearoom housed in a 17th-century building.

A picturesque riverside market town less than two hours northwest of London, Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its Shakespeare-related attractions. Nestled along the River Avon, the presence of the English playwright, poet, and actor can be felt throughout. Visitors can tour his birthplace, wander the streets lined with half-timbered homes and buildings, and catch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The home of Shakespeare’s wife, Ann Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens is open to visitors too. Short boat cruises on the Avon provide the chance to marvel at the sights from a duck’s point of view. The quirky MAD Museum is a non-Shakespeare highlight with interactive exhibits featuring mechanical art and design. With light, sound effects, handles, and buttons, it’s fun for the whole family.