London is a buzzing metropolis with a never-ending list of things to see and do. From world-class museums to lively neighborhoods, it’s easy to stay busy for days. But if you’re craving a change of pace, London also makes a great home base for scenic day trips.
Just a short train ride away, you’ll find charming towns, peaceful countryside, historic castles, and coastal views that feel worlds apart from the city’s hustle and bustle. Here, you’ll discover 10 easy and scenic day trips from London, perfect when you’re ready for a change of scenery. Let’s get reading!
Before your trip
Before you leave for London and its picturesque surroundings, make sure your pre-trip prep is on-point. Find out how you can speed through the immigration queues with the E-Passport gates, as well as get all the tips and tricks on how to travel around London on a budget.
Day trips from London
1. Stonehenge
Take your time to explore the stone formations that make up this 5000-year-old monument – for a deeper insight into the mysteries and history surrounding this stone circle, go on a Stonehenge guided tour.
2. Bath
About two hours and a half hours out from city-center in London, the Georgian City of Bath is a popular day trip stop for the world-famous Roman Baths. One of Europe’s best preserved spa sites built on a natural thermal spring, the Roman Baths contain four different sections to explore: the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House, and a museum.
The city itself is great for exploring on foot, admire the incredible architecture of the Pulteney Bridge, The Assembly Rooms, Royal Crescent and more. To make the most of your trip out, take a combined Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London, with a guide and round-trip from Victoria Station included!
3. The Cotswolds
Escape to the Cotswolds, for an adventure to the rolling hills and tranquil towns beyond London city. Marked as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, many of the quaint towns in the Cotswolds District have been known as some of the prettiest places for travelers to explore.
In Stratford-upon-Avon, you’re walking through the birthplace and childhood hometown of literary legend William Shakespeare! Famous for its homegrown tea, the town of Bilbury in Gloucestershire is one to visit for its quaint 17th-century stone cottages as well.
Also known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is a charming market town with many little bridges arching over the River Windrush that winds through the village centre.
For a tour of these three Cotswolds towns, take a Shakespeare’s Stratford and the Cotswolds Tour from London!
4. Lake District National Park
Out in the north-west of England, a day trip to the breathtaking Lake District National Park is just what you need if you’re a nature lover visiting London. . As its name suggests, Lake District contains many lakes of all shapes and sizes, from the lesser-known but no less charming Esthwaite Water to the expansive Windermere, England’s largest lake
Take a Lake District rail tour to some of the most scenic spots in the Lake District National Park. Besides lakeside panoramas, you’ll be able to explore quaint villages, farms and even have tea in Beatrix Potter’s home!
5. Brighton
Less than an hour away from Victoria Station by train, the resort town of Brighton makes for the perfect seaside escapade.
Take some of your photos at the iconic Brighton Palace Pier and take on the thrilling rides at the fairgrounds. If you’re looking for antique shops, boutiques, quaint bookstores and independent cafes, head to The Lanes many passageways for an afternoon of exploration.
6. Bicester Village factory outlet shopping trip
If you’re a shopaholic, Bicester Village is a dream come true. Home to more than 160 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, this designer factory outlet in the Oxfordshire countryside is the ultimate shopping destination.
From leading British luxury fashion brands like Alexander McQueen and Burberry to international fashion powerhouses all around the Village, you’ll definitely be able to score all the discounts you want and shop to your heart’s content. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Bicester Village is an awesome photo-op spot too!
Enjoy the convenience of hopping on a train, shopping until you drop, and then returning back to your hotel in London at any time you wish when you book a Bicester Village shopping trip!
7. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden
London is pretty much the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’ve stepped into the Wizarding World, without actually being there.
But to truly make like a wizard, head to the Warner Bros. Studios Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden for a behind-the-scenes dive into the magical universe of the Harry Potter films! You’ll explore everything from the iconic Great Hall to the incredibly detailed Gringotts Wizarding Bank, complete with grand chandeliers and goblin teller desks stacked with gold.
8. Cambridge
Home to the esteemed Cambridge University, the quaint town of Cambridge is more than just your basic student town.
While you’re there, tour the beautiful campus grounds and spacious greens before stopping by the iconic King’s College, to explore its spectacular gothic chapel. For an immersion into the flora and fauna of this picturesque town, the heritage-listed Cambridge University Botanic Garden holds 40 acres of gardens in every shade and colour.
Don’t skip out on your chance to go punting down the River Cambridge, which winds through the town, it’s one of the best ways to sightsee around the city!
9. Oxford
The famous rival to its university town counterpart Cambridge, Oxford is a different kind of picture-perfect from Cambridge’s wide greens.
Take a scenic walking tour through this maze of a city. Amongst the 38 colleges that make up Oxford University, all of which have their old-world charm, Christ Church college stands out for its stunning chapel and impressive atmosphere. You might even recognise the hallways and the staircase, which were used as filming locations for the Harry Potter films!
Check both Cambridge and Oxford off your travel bucket-list with an Oxford and Cambridge Day Trip from London– two-way transport, entrance fees, WiFi and guided walking tour all included.
10. White Cliffs of Dover
White cliffs of Dover from Langdon Cliffs
The iconic White Cliffs of Dover are a landmark worth travelling for, especially if you love hiking.
There are many ways to see the Cliffs. You can take a boat out to see and view the Cliffs from there, but the best way to experience them is to take a long walk along the Cliffs, which overlook the glassy-smooth summer sea.
Even iffrom afar or from top of the cliffs’ edge, you’ll see some stunning views. On a clear summer day, you might even be able to spot the France’s skyline in the distance!
Aside from the views, the Cliffs hold a good deal of history too. Constructed in World War ll, the Fan Bay Deep Shelter provides an underground adventure that will transport you back in time.During your walk along the Cliffs, see if you can spot the SS Falcon and Preussen shipwrecks at the base of the Cliffs.See the famous White Cliffs as part of a Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich Day Tour for a full day adventure out of London!
FAQs about day trips from London
What’s the best day trip from London?
The best day trip from London really depends on what you’re in the mood for. If you love history, places like Windsor or Oxford are classic choices and easy to reach. For many travelers, the best day trips from London are the ones that feel completely different from the city but don’t take much effort to get to.
Where can I go for a 2-hour flight from London?
With a two-hour flight from London, you have plenty of exciting options across Europe. Cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Dublin are popular for a quick getaway that still feels special. These trips work well if you’re planning a longer stay and want to add an international twist alongside your London day trips.
Where to visit within 2 hours of London?
Within two hours of London, you can reach charming towns, coastal spots, and countryside escapes. Places like the Cotswolds, Brighton, and Cambridge are all easy to visit by train. These are great choices if you want a one day trip from London that’s simple, relaxing, and rewarding.
What is the closest city to London by train?
Brighton is one of the closest cities to London by train, with journeys taking about an hour. It’s a favorite for travelers who want sea views, beach walks, and lively streets. As far as day trips out of London go, it’s one of the easiest and most popular options.
What is the most beautiful village near London?
Many travelers point to villages in the Cotswolds as some of the most beautiful near London. Spots like Bourton-on-the-Water or Bibury are known for stone cottages and peaceful scenery. They’re perfect if you’re looking to slow down and enjoy a scenic escape just outside the city.
Ready to plan your London day trip?
London is the perfect starting point for quick escapes, if you’re craving countryside views, charming villages, or historic cities. With so many easy day trips out of London, it’s simple to add something new and refreshing to your itinerary. Pick a spot that matches your travel style, book your tickets ahead, and turn a free day into a memorable adventure.
Before you leave London, don’t miss these travel reads!
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