February 3, 2024
London offers a plethora of experiences, but there's much more beyond the capital for those seeking adventure and exploration. With convenient trains or a leisurely car ride, you can easily take day trips from London to visit historic sites and breathtaking landscapes. Discover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks that await you – look no further than our comprehensive guide to easy day trips from London.
With its captivating history, idyllic scenery and culinary delights, Cambridge is one of the most delightful day trips from London. Commence your trip with a visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum, where a treasure trove of art awaits.
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the majestic colleges and marvel at the beauty of King's Chapel. Then, why not embark on a classic Cambridge experience and take to the river for a spot of punting? It's trickier than it appears!
As teatime approaches, head to Fitzbillies and indulge in their delectable sticky Chelsea buns. Alternatively, venture to the charming village of Grantchester and treat yourself to scrumptious scones at The Orchard Tea Gardens.
With trains departing from both Kings Cross and Liverpool Street stations, you have convenient access to a variety of day trip destinations from London. Journey durations vary with trips from Kings Cross typically taking around 50 minutes and those from Liverpool Street averaging about 80 minutes. If you'd rather go by car, it's around a 90-minute drive.
Embrace a water-themed day in the enchanting city of Bath. Immerse yourself in Bath's history with a fascinating tour of the ancient Roman Baths. Continue to the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can make a splash in the rooftop pool while being treated to stunning views of the cityscape. Let the soothing waters rejuvenate your senses as you bask in the serene ambience.
After drying off, imagine yourself in a Jane Austen novel and take a leisurely stroll along the iconic Royal Crescent. Admire the elegant architecture and relish the charm of this historic landmark.
At teatime, head to Sally Lunn's teahouse, renowned for its delectable Sally Lunn Bun. Enjoy it toasted and generously spread with strawberry jam and clotted cream, an irresistible treat to satisfy your appetite.
Reach this splendid destination with a 90-minute train journey from Paddington. Alternatively, embark on a 150-minute drive, unveiling the beauty of surrounding countryside along the way.
Oxford, the enchanting city of spires, is just an hour away from London by train, with frequent services running until the early hours. Its compact size ensures that many of its major attractions are conveniently located within easy walking distance from one another. The University of Oxford offers plenty to explore from the iconic Radcliffe Camera to the renowned Ashmolean Museum.
Recharge your 'vitamin sea' levels in the vibrant coastal city of Brighton, where a pebble beach and lively music venues await. Kickstart your day by braving the seagulls on the iconic Palace Pier, an emblem of the city's seaside charm.
Indulge in some retail therapy as you explore the eclectic Lanes, a bustling labyrinth of independent boutiques, record stores and vegan eateries. For a refreshing break, head to the Brighton Beer Dispensary and treat yourself to a couple of pints.
You can easily reach this charming destination with a one-hour train journey from Victoria, Blackfriars or London Bridge. Alternatively, embark on a scenic two-hour drive, traversing picturesque landscapes to arrive at the lively shores of Brighton.
In the days of Chaucer, Canterbury was a bustling hub for religious festivities. Today, it maintains its vibrant charm partly thanks to its lively student population.
Explore this charming city and create your own Canterbury tale. Begin your day with a leisurely stroll down the King's Mile, a delightful stretch filled with charming boutiques and shops. For a scrumptious lunch, we recommend the gourmet scotch eggs with slaw and fries at Pork & Co.
Only 61 miles away, Canterbury is definitely one of the more accessible day trips from London. If you choose to travel by train from St Pancras International, the journey will take approximately one hour. Alternatively, if you prefer driving, you can reach the destination in around 90 minutes by car.
A day trip to Hampton Court from London is an absolute breeze, boasting convenient transport connections and a short travel time, making it an ideal impromptu getaway.
At the heart of Hampton lies the magnificent palace, inhabited by Henry VIII. The palace holds a fascinating history, once being the residence of all six of Henry's wives at different times. After passing through various hands, it was eventually opened to the public during the Victorian era.
While Hampton Court's interiors are truly captivating, we highly recommend visiting during the summer months when the gardens are at their most vibrant and splendid. Be sure not to miss the enchanting maze, the oldest surviving hedge maze in the world, adding an extra touch of wonder to your visit.
Catch the train departing from London Waterloo and in just 50 minutes, you'll find yourself in the realm of Hampton Court.
Windsor is undeniably renowned as one of the top day trips from London, a picturesque riverside town that truly deserves your attention and exploration.
Of course, starting your visit with a tour of Windsor Castle is a must. Being the oldest inhabited castle in the world, its state rooms and exquisite grounds warrant ample time for exploration.
Take a leisurely stroll through the expansive Windsor Great Park, an enchanting green oasis. If you're feeling adventurous, test your skills on the water by rowing or kayaking along the serene Thames River.
Catch the train from either Waterloo or Paddington Station and in just 50 minutes you'll be in beautiful Windsor.
Colchester proudly bears the title of Britain's oldest recorded town, boasting a rich history that extends far beyond Roman times. The remnants of its Roman heritage still dot the landscape, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.
Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans and explore the remains of the Roman wall, a testament to the city's past. Another captivating site is the Roman Circus, the only verified Roman chariot-racing track that has survived the test of time.
Make your way to Colchester Castle. The castle showcases a few Roman mosaics and an impressive collection of Roman artefacts housed within its grand Norman keep.
Colchester boasts delightful tea shops, offering a perfect opportunity to indulge in a classic cream tea. Catch the train from Liverpool Street to Colchester, a journey that takes about an hour.
Hastings, a town steeped in vibrant history, holds the legacy of William the Conqueror's decisive victory in 1066 and a thrilling past as a hotbed for smuggling during the eighteenth century.
Discover the town's captivating history by wandering through the magnificent ruins of its Norman castle. Delve into the secrets of the past at Smugglers Adventure, an intriguing museum nestled within former smugglers' caves. Embrace the charm of Old Town, adorned with delightful independent shops and take a leisurely stroll along the iconic pier. Don't miss the chance to marvel at the breathtaking views from the clifftop, reached by Britain's steepest funicular, the Hill Cliff Railway.
Hastings is within easy reach of London for a captivating day trip. Board a train from London Bridge and in just 90 minutes, you'll find yourself immersed in the town's fascinating history. Alternatively, take a scenic two-hour drive to this historically rich destination.
Whitstable, a charming seaside haven, offers a picturesque setting that beckons a day of coastal bliss. Begin your delightful day in this coastal gem at Blueprint Coffee and Books. Here you can indulge in a pot of ethically sourced and robust coffee, accompanied by a delectable mini orange-and-rosemary bundt cake.
To embrace the beauty of Whitstable, rent a bike from Whitstable Cycle Hire and embark on the scenic five-mile Oyster Bay Trail along the seafront. As lunchtime approaches, savour the iconic taste of the sea with a feast of fresh oysters at The Forge where you can witness the skilled art of shucking right before your eyes.
Stay on the mesmerising beach as the sun sets and unwind with a refreshing drink at The Old Neptune. With the breathtaking sunset as your backdrop, you'll experience a truly magical moment in Whitstable.
Catch a train from Victoria or St Pancras International and in around 80 minutes you'll arrive at this charming town. Alternatively, opt for a leisurely 100-minute drive towards Whitstable's enchanting shores.
While Whitstable often takes the limelight, Deal quietly offers all the charms of a perfect day trip. It's one of the lesser known day trips from London. Strolling through its picturesque streets lined with Georgian houses and eclectic boutiques, you'll be captivated by the unique allure of this coastal town. Start your adventure at Deal Castle, an impressive fortress built by Henry VIII as part of his coastal defence strategy.
Treat your taste buds to a delightful lunch at 81 Beach Street or Victuals & Co, both offering delicious culinary experiences. Don't miss the Taylor-Jones & Son gallery, a captivating fusion of art and homewares.
Hop on a train from St Pancras International and within 80 minutes you'll find yourself in this enchanting destination. Alternatively, embark on a leisurely two-hour drive, relishing the journey as you head towards this coastal gem.
Rye, a quaint coastal town, exudes the charm of the Cotswolds with its winding cobbled lanes and delightful antique shops. Start your day in this picturesque setting by perusing the treasures at the accurately named Tiny Book Store, where you'll find literary delights to captivate your imagination.
Satisfy your appetite with a delectable seafood lunch at Globe Inn Marsh, surrounded by whimsical lobster pots. Quench your thirst with Sussex real ale or a glass of local wine at The George.
Head to the soft, pillowy dunes of Camber Sands where you can roll up your trousers and playfully splash through the shallows, fly a kite in the breeze or simply unwind on the sandy shores.
Rye is a 70-minute train journey from St Pancras International, with a change at Ashford. Alternatively, a two-hour drive from London will lead you to the heart of Rye.
We hope you enjoy these easy day trips from London. We'd love to help you snap up a great deal on London accommodation and help you plan and book a fabulous UK holiday.