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London surely has many things to do from museums, landmarks and attractions, afternoon tea and huge range of social activities for kids and adults! But while visiting or staying in London makes it quite easy to plan for some day trips either by yourselves or as a part of some group tours. You can visit nearby cities like Oxford, Bath, Bristol and even visit landmarks like The Windsor Castle and The Stonehenge. Here we list down some of the best day trips from London!
Windsor Castle
Located just outside London, Windsor Castle is one of the royal residences in the English county of Berkshire. It is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the longest-occupied palace in Europe. It is only a 45-minute train ride from London making it one of the best day trips from London.
You can watch the Changing of the Guards Ceremony, awe at the State Apartments, explore the St George’s Chapel , take a carriage ride through Great Park and much more.
Read more on our Travel Guide to Windsor Castle which has all the things to do, travel details, timings and tickets to help plan your trip to Windsor Castle. You can also plan to combine Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford as a day trip option from London. Check out this trip below.
Bath Spa
Bath Spa, famous for the Roman Baths and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site is just 1.5 – 2 hours from London. Here you can visit the Roman Baths, have a relaxing spa at the Thermae Bath Spa, visit the Bath Abbey, Royal Crescent, Jane Austen Centre and so many other places. Bath captivates visitors from all around the world & there are variety of popular things to do in Bath.
You can also plan to visit The Stonehenge which is close to Bath as part of your day trip option. There are many tour operators which include Bath and the Stonehenge as a day trip from London.
Oxford
Being just 1 hr away from London and is served by multiple trains by the hour. It has beautiful architecture and also well known inspiration for the Harry Potter movie locations. Christ Church in Oxford is where many scenes from the Harry Potter series were shot so it is definitely recommended to visit here. You can opt to go on a free walking tour run by college students or professionals who help guide you around the city famous spots and colleges.
If you have more time in hand we recommend visiting the Cotswolds which is a beautiful medieval village with many picturesque spots. It is best to spend 2 days visiting Oxford and Cotswolds.
Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour
All Potterheads need to visit this Warner Bros Studio while visiting London or the UK! We wouldn’t be a true Potterhead if we don’t recommend this tour enough. This studio is located in Watford and makes one of the best day trips from London. It is easily accessible by public transport but there are options of guided tour with bus transfers from London as well.
Tip: Book your tickets in advance as it gets sold out very quickly!
Bristol
Many times rated as the happiest city in the UK, Bristol is just under 2hrs from London and known for its rich history and diverse culture. Best places to visit in Bristol include the visit to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain, Bristol Cathedral, M Shed and many more. Bristol is also known for many festivals like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (free to attend), Bristol Light Festival, etc.
If you are planning to stay in Bristol, then for the next day you can plan for a day trip to the Stonehenge and Cotswold Villages which starts at Bristol where you can visit Lacock Abbey Cloisters (famous for Harry Potter shooting locations) and Castle Combe.
Brighton
Brighton is another day trip which is just around 1 hr by train from London. This sea-side gem offers a delightful day trip filled with sun, sea, and endless adventures. Enjoy the Brighton Pier, the Royal Pavilion, British Airways i360,Sea Life Brighton and many more. It is enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
Cambridge
Cambridge is just like visiting Oxford and there are many opinions for the best town of them. Just like Oxford, this university town has centuries-old architecture and additionally has picturesque riverside views where you can go punting along the serene River Cam! It can be visited easily by car or public transport like the train or the bus whichever suits you best.
Canterbury
Indulge in a day trip filled with culture, history, and a touch of magic at Canterbury, just a hour by train from London. Visit the Canterbury Cathedral which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and soak in the city’s ambience as you wander through medieval alleyways. Here too you can opt to go for punting along the canal.
Edinburgh
Although we wouldn’t recommend visiting Edinburgh as a day trip, but if you are short on time then definitely Edinburgh should be on your list of day trips from London. It is just close to 1hr by flight or 4.5-5hrs train from London. Every moment spent in this alluring city is a trip through time, whether you’re strolling along the Royal Mile’s cobblestone streets or taking in the beautiful Edinburgh Castle built atop an old volcanic rock. There are many places to visit in Edinburgh but we would suggest spending more time and enjoy the Scottish magic and beauty of Edinburgh!
