Great Day Trips from London

Londoners love a fast-paced city and everything it has to offer. But getting away is so rewarding and England has so much to offer, much of it close to London. There are amazing day trips you can dive into to see the sights and experience England. Let your mind wander and feed your soul with day trips to the following places – you will surely go back home much happier.

Oxford

This university town needs no introduction. It is home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Adorned with timeless and elegant architecture, there are beautiful surprises everywhere. It also has other attractions, like Oxford Castle and Ashmolean Museum, to name a few.

Ashmolean Museum has a famous collection of Egyptian mummies and Egyptian pre-Dynastic sculptures and ceramics, the best outside of Cairo. You can also enjoy a guided tour of Oxford Castle and discover its beauty and 1,000-year history.

To get here, take a train from Paddington station.

Highlights: Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Castle.

Brighton

This quaint seaside city is perfect for revitalizing your senses. The spread-out beach and pier is striking against the backdrop of the city.

The Royal Pavilion, built in 18th century in Indo-Saracen style, is a treat to visit. Built as a royal residence for George, Prince of Wales, the pavilion has elaborate architecture. The music room in the pavilion embodies opulence and has interiors displaying exotic decorations. You will also find Brighton Museum and Art Gallery in the grounds of the pavilion.

Grab a bite in ‘The Lanes’, a group of streets and lanes known for little shops and cafés. To get here, take a train from London Bridge or London Victoria station.

Highlights: Royal Palace, architecture, shops and cafés.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a must-visit place for history lovers. The marvellous beauty of this Neolithic structure will stun you. This world heritage site is believed to be constructed in 3000 BC to 2000 BC and the stones are set in the middle of dense complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments. Its beauty and the various theories are sure to astound you. A trip here is simply unforgettable.

To get here, take a train from Waterloo to Salisbury, then a taxi or bus to Stonehenge.

Highlights: Peek into pre-historic architecture, history.

Bristol

Bristol is diverse in what it has to offer. From theatre to history, nightlife to street art, Bristol charms you with its versatility. You can also take an arranged tour if you fancy and visit the various landmarks such as Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cabot Tower or go the Bristol Aquarium. Bristol is also a foodie’s dream, with delightful restaurants and cafés around every corner offering gastronomic delights.

To get here, take a train from Paddington station.

Highlights: Street art, aquarium, cafés and restaurants

Rye

If you like little towns with little streets, you will enjoy a trip to Rye. Set on a hill, this medieval town used to be a seaport. You can visit the Landgate which was the old defensive wall, but very little of it remains. Walk through the charming cobbled Mermaid Street, which was associated with smuggling years ago.

St. Mary’s church is also a great place to visit, the view from the tower offers amazing views of the countryside, and make sure to explore the churchyard. You can also visit the coast, which is easily accessible through Winchelsea Beach or Camber Sands.

To get here, take a train from St. Pancras International or Waterloo East station.

Highlights: History, beaches

Henley-on-Thames

Henley is known for hosting the annual Henley Royal Rowing Regatta (in July). It is also a picturesque place with sprawling green spaces. In summer, it is the great place to visit and cheer along the rowing championships.

You can go for a walk and stroll along the river, or get your shopping fix at Market Place. While there, go pub hunting – the town has dozens of them. The Anchor, Row Barge and Bird in Hand are some popular pubs nearby the riverside, or you can indulge in some well-crafted ale by participating in the Henley Ale Trail run by a local pub.

To get here, take a train from Paddington station.

Highlights: Rowing Regatta, parks and picnics, pubs, shopping.

St. Albans

Just a 20-minute train ride from London will take you to this old Roman town. There are quite a few places to visit here that might take your fancy. Verulamium Park covers about 100 acres and is the site of the old Roman town of Verulamium.

At the centre of medieval St. Albans lies the Medieval Clock Tower, which was built in 1403. You will also find Roman relics like the remaining section of the Roman wall which surrounded Verulamium. St. Albans is also known for its varied and exciting independent shops. Its Wednesday and Saturday markets are the largest in the south east of England, with over 100 stalls.

To get here, take a train from Blackfriars, Farringdon or St. Pancras International station.

Highlights: Medieval architecture, parks, shopping markets

The Cotswolds

Unwind in the rural scenery of the Cotswolds. If you want to experience old England, this is the place to be. The region is characterised by small towns and villages, and rolling hills. As you stroll through the narrow roads, you will notice homes and structures made from the Cotswold stone,  oolitic Jurassic limestone, which is synonymous with this region.

Beverston Castle and Sudeley Castle are some places of interest in this region. You can also experience life in the Roman era by visiting Chedworth Roman Villa, which is the largest ruins of Romano-British villas in the country. The villa has several fine mosaics that were excavated on-site with other artefacts.

To get here, take a train from Paddington station.

Highlights: Romano-British history, architecture, trails, museums.

Winchester, Hampshire

Easily accessible by road or train, Winchester is known for its historic roots. Here you will find various references to them, such as the cathedral and the 15th-16th century Cheyney Court. The High Street will transport you to ancient English times. It is hard not to, with the cobbled streets and historic sites around.

To get here, take a train from Waterloo station.

Highlights: Cathedral, Monument, history

 

The New Forest

The New Forest in Hampshire is the perfect getaway from bustling city life. Created as a royal forest for the royal hunt, this forest is home to various animals such as indigenous New Forest Pony and Shetland Pony, fallow deer, red squirrel and birds such as woodlarks, tree pipits, and red kites.

Explore Exbury Gardens, world-famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees. You can also take a 20-minute trip aboard a steam train to explore the beauty of this garden in its entirety. If you are a gearhead, you will be delighted to find the National Motor museum in Beaulieu.

To get here, take a train from Waterloo station.

Highlights: Gardens, nature, national park, motor museum

Rochester, Kent

Enjoy a day in Kent by exploring Rochester Castle and the Norman Rochester Cathedral for its historic prominence. The castle is one of the best preserved in England. The city was also a favourite of Charles Dickens, as it inspired many of his novels. The High Street also holds various historic buildings and is a short walk from Rochester station.

To get here, take a train from Victoria or St. Pancras International station.

Highlight: History, Charles Dickens literary association, cathedral

Whitstable

Since Roman times, Whitstable has been known for its oyster harvesting tradition, which is celebrated as the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival. This seaside town on the north coast of Kent is the place to be to satisfy your seafood cravings.

Shingle beaches flank the harbour, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, water sports or even a leisurely stroll down the beach.

Whitstable Castle is another landmark you don’t want to miss. Built in 1790s, the castle was the centre of social life in its early days. There are still many events and celebrations held there which are open to the public.

To get here, take a train from Victoria, London Bridge or St. Pancras International station.

Highlights: Castle, beach, seafood gastronomy, restaurants and cafés.

Canterbury

Canterbury is home to the iconic Canterbury Cathedral. The cathedral, along with its architecture and colourful stained windows, will mesmerise you. It is a treat for architecture and history buffs.

Along the way you will come across the Medieval Westgate Towers and Canterbury Castle. You will find ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey, which was originally founded in 598 AD and functioned as a monastery during the English Reformation. Together with the cathedral and St. Martin’s church, located nearby, St. Augustine’s Abbey has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

To get here, take a train from St. Pancras International or Waterloo East station.

Highlights: Archaeology, history, cathedral.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford was developed as a market town in the  Medieval ages. However, today it is known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The theatre culture here is unique. You can enjoy a picnic and a nice stroll at Bancroft Gardens and the surrounding riverside.

To get here, take a train from Marylebone station.

Highlight: Birthplaces of Shakespeare, theatres, gardens.

 

Bath

If you are a Jane Austen fan, you cannot miss Bath. Also known as the Spa City of England, it is home to Roman baths which were found upon the natural hot springs. This site was constructed around 70 AD and is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Visit Bath Abbey for its magnificent and spellbinding architecture and enjoy the soothing choral music to truly experience the wonder of this place.

Holburne Museum is another attraction here, many of the collections belonged to its namesake, the late Sir William Holburne. Across from the museum, you will find Austen’s 18th century Gregorian home, and you can lodge in one of the four appointed apartments.

To get here, take a train from Paddington station.

Highlights:  Spa, architecture, museum, Jane Austen literary association.

Epping Forest, Essex

Hop on a train to Chingford, this is the best way to reach Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge. The forest lies in between the valleys of the rivers Lea and Roding and is home to over 100 lakes and ponds, so has various thriving wildlife habitats. It regularly attracts mountain bikers and other sports enthusiasts.

To get here, take a train from Liverpool Street station.

Highlights: Nature, outdoor activities.

Lincoln

This cathedral city is in Lincolnshire county and is known for landmarks such as Lincoln Castle and cathedral. The cathedral features fine gothic architecture. Explore the rich history of Lincoln Castle that dates back to 1068, and has one of four existing copies of the Magna Carta.

You can also take a guided Medieval walk through the castle or check out their riveting archaeology exhibition, featuring stone sarcophagus and other excavated finds dating back to Medieval and Roman times. Other attractions include the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. This beautiful city comes with its complex history from Viking raids to Civil War to industrialisation.

To get here, take a train from King’s Cross station.

Highlights: Romano-British history, archaeology, castle, cathedral.

Constable Country, Suffolk

Escape to the rural landscape of Constable Country for a leisurely stroll or picnic. It features picturesque villages and rolling greenery that will remind you of idealistic English countryside. The meadows and rivers truly make this a dream escape. Places of historical interest include The Parish Church of St. Mary The Virgin, Flatford Mill and Colchester Castle Museum. You can also pursue various outdoor activities such as golfing, cycling and walking.

To get here, take a train from Liverpool Street station.

Highlights: Landscape, monuments, outdoor activities.

Cambridge

There is something for everyone in Cambridge and day trips here can be really rewarding. Its choicest galleries showcase a wide range of art forms. Experience classic, contemporary and live music showcasing local and international artists. What’s more, you can go punting on the River Cam or enjoy a picnic in nearby gardens. There are many parks and gardens around such as Arbury Town Park, Chesterton Recreation Ground, Christ’s Pieces and Jesus Green, etc.

Fitzwilliam Museum is another attraction here which displays a world-class collection of art and antiques from across the world spanning centuries.

To get here, take a train from King’s Cross station.

Highlights: Museum and galleries, parks and recreation.

These day trips are accessible by road, train or bus. Take a day off and see the magnificent places in the countryside – they will surely keep you occupied and elated.

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