Oxford
In England, all roads lead to London. The nice part about visiting London, then, is that all roads lead away from London as well. That means that the best day trips from London are easy to do and relatively inexpensive.
Having done them all at least once, here is my list of the best day trips from London:
Bath – Located in the beautiful Cotswolds, Bath is one of the most picturesque cities in the UK. It is worth a visit for its Roman Baths, grand Regency architecture, and great shopping.
Brighton – The perfect day trip in summer, Brighton is famous for its pebbly beaches, opulent Royal Pavilion, and festive pier. When you’re done exploring, don’t miss an opportunity to go shopping in The Lanes.
Cambridge – One of the UK’s most famous university towns, Cambridge is perhaps the prettiest city in England. Dating back centuries, the beautiful university buildings draw visitors from all over the world.
Canterbury – Home of the most important cathedral in the UK, Canterbury makes for a great day trip from London. The Canterbury Cathedral alone is worth the trip, but there are great restaurants and shops in the town to entertain you on your visit as well.
The Cotswolds – Impossibly picturesque, the Cotswolds are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK. Towns like Bibury, Upper and Lower Slaughter, and Burford are all popular places to visit on a day trip. If you want to explore the whole area, consider spending a night or two in the region.
Dover – Famous for its hilltop castle and chalky white cliffs, Dover is a great place to visit for history lovers. The castle features a Roman lighthouse as well as secret tunnels that were used during World War II.
Greenwich – Ok, so it’s in London, but Maritime Greenwich is still one of the best day trips from the city centre. With great free museums like the The Queen’s House, the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum, and the Old Royal Naval College, there is plenty to keep you busy for an afternoon.
Hampton Court Palace – Located just to the west of London, Hampton Court Palace is rich with the history of one of Britain’s most famous kings. Henry VIII lived at the palace during parts of his reign, and today visitors can get a glimpse into what his life there was like.
Kew Gardens – Like Greenwich, Kew Gardens is in London but makes for a great day out. Located in the southwest of the city, the royal botanical gardens are full of fun for families and friends. The collection of plant species from all over the world is sure to impress.
Leeds – Often overlooked by visitors to the UK, Leeds is one of the best day trips from London. The small city center is easy to walk around thanks to the plethora of pedestrianised streets, and the shopping arcades can keep even the most die-hard shopaholic entertained for hours.
Leeds Castle – Surrounded by a moat and referred to as the Ladies’ Castle, the beautiful Leeds Castle is a great day trip from London. Located in nearby Kent, it is easy to get to from the capital and offers a variety of activities and entertainment for all visitors.
Oxford – Like Cambridge, the beautiful city of Oxford is home to one of Britain’s most famous universities. Visitors can explore highlights like the famous Bodleian Library, the Ashmolean Museum of Art & Archaeology, and Christ Church college, where some of the Harry Potter movies were filmed.
Royal Ascot – If you are lucky enough to be visiting the UK in June, a day trip from London to Royal Ascot is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the English summer social season. Put on your best hat and head to the horse races for a great day of betting and people watching.
Rye – The small town of Rye is one of the best preserved historic cities in southern England. The beautiful cobbled streets are full of old churches and whitewashed houses, and the famous Mermaid Street can keep visitors with cameras busy for hours.
Salisbury – Home of one of England’s most famous cathedrals, Salisbury is a great day trip from London. Salisbury Cathedral is not only stunning in its own right, but it is also special for having one of the few original copies of the Magna Carta on display. A trip to the city can easily be combined with a day trip to Stonehenge or Winchester.
South Downs – The UK has miles of walking trails, and country walks are one of the most traditional pastimes for many residents. Walking part of the South Downs Way is a great break from the urban bustle of London, and can easily be done from Winchester.
St Albans – Just 20 minutes on the train from central London, the historic city of St Albans is a great day out for those that like history. St Albans is rich with Roman ruins and is home to a beautiful historic cathedral. If you visit on a Wednesday or Saturday, don’t miss the famous street market.
Stonehenge – Featuring the most famous ancient monument in Europe, Stonehenge is one of the best day trips from London. The stone circles have captivated visitors for ages, and no trip to London is complete without a visit. You don’t need much time to see the stones, so consider combining a trip to Stonehenge with a visit to Salisbury or Bath.
Sissinghurst Castle – If gardens are your passion, Sissinghurst Castle should be at the top of your list of day trips from London. The grounds come alive every spring with gorgeous flowers, trees, and shrubs, and the castle has one of the best gardens in England.
Wimbledon – Located in the south of London, Wimbledon is the perfect day out for those that like tennis. Whether you visit during the annual Wimbledon Tennis Championships or take a trip during the quieter off-season, Wimbledon village is a pleasant place to window shop, and Wimbledon Common is a great place for a stroll.
Winchester – A pretty town with a famous school, Winchester is a great day out from London. Visitors can explore the famous cathedral, see King Arthur’s Round Table in The Great Hall, or walk part of the South Downs Way. If you have extra time, you can also visit Salisbury or take a trip to the Jane Austen House in nearby Chawton.
Windsor Castle – Home of the Queen, Windsor Castle is one of the most popular day trips from London. At just 30 minutes away by train, the castle is an easy journey from the capital. When you go, make sure to tour the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
York – Located in the north of England, York is one of the best day trips from London. Its famous cathedral, city walls, castle, and narrow cobbled shopping streets keep visitors entertained for hours. If you need to rest your legs, boat tours are a great way to see the city.