4 Must-Experience Day Trips from London

While London is a beautiful city to discover and explore in itself, going beyond it is a must-experience too! There’s so much more outside the capital that both first-timers and frequent visitors should see. And if you’re wondering why you should even try going outside of London, iconic attractions such as Stonehenge, Bath, and the Cotswolds are nearby, but outside the city—and these are just a few of the many that you have yet to explore.

After all, you’re already in Europe, so we highly recommend experiencing the best of it and going beyond just the capitals. To help you plan your trip, we’ve curated this list of day trips from London just for you!

This Stonehenge, Bath, Stratford, & Cotswolds tour from London will start with a visit to Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you’ve probably seen on your computer in the early 2000s. This stone monument was built thousands of years ago, showcasing a unique structure with so much mystery to unfold, starting with why it was built in the first place.

Your next stop is Bath, where you'll get to see ancient Roman baths, have a chance to explore its charming shops and stalls, and stroll along Georgian architecture. Once you’re done walking around and maybe shopping for some souvenirs and trinkets, feel free to sit in a café and have a drink to relax and soak in the beautiful views of the Abbey.

On the way to your last stop, you’ll pass by the Cotswolds, which offers scenic views of nature and stone villages. Your final stop will be at Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare’s hometown. Get ready to unwrap its rich literary history and be in awe of the town’s medieval architecture and rivers, as well as some must-visit sites such as the Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was buried.

With so many beautiful towns and sites to visit, this tour is definitely one of the best day trips from London!

One of the best London day trips you can have is actually one that is solely focused on the famous Stonehenge. Instead of just going to the attraction all on your own, one convenient option is to get your tickets for this Stonehenge Day Tour from London, which not only includes entry to the site but also round-trip transfers. You can choose either a morning or an afternoon tour, depending on your preference. Both are great times to visit; in the afternoon, you can see Stonehenge by sunset, and the views are just immaculate! And hey, you can even upgrade your booking by selecting the package that comes with a meal at a London pub, where you can choose either fish and chips or vegetarian sausages and mash.

Make sure to use the audio guide provided with the tour, so you can learn more about Stonehenge as you explore.

Not convinced yet? We listed down some reasons you must go on a Stonehenge day trip from London at least once in your life!

This next tour is probably one of the most uncommon day trips from London, but so worth it because of the experience it promises. For this Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, & Dover tour, you’ll be visiting the British countryside — specifically three of Kent’s top sites, such as Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, and the White Cliffs of Dover.

Your first stop is at Leeds Castle, with 900 years' worth of history on its back. This site is home to a massive garden where you can have picnics or take photos with the castle as your backdrop. They also offer several activities for all ages here, such as playing golf, conquering The Maze & Grotto, and building sandcastles on the Leeds Castle Beach.

The next destination of the tour is Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was also established as the first archbishopric in England. The cathedral is most famous for being the site where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered. But apart from that, this sacred attraction is also known for its ancient architecture — a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

The tour’s last stop is the White Cliffs of Dover, a haven for those looking to just be in nature and take in its breathtaking beauty and atmosphere. Here, you can stroll along the coast while marveling at the scenic views of the English Channel. You can also spot some wildlife at this attraction, like skylarks and falcons. Don’t forget to drop by Dover Castle too, one of the largest castles in England.

For those looking to visit the Cotswolds fully on its own, this Cotswolds Full-Day tour is the perfect choice! This exciting tour starts at Burford, a quaint town with traditional stone architecture, as well as must-visit places like St. John the Baptist Church and Burford Tolsey Museum. The town is a great place for strolling around, shopping for trinkets, and spotting historic buildings with beautiful exteriors.

Your next stop is Bibury, a scenic village with must-visits such as Arlington Row, the River Coln, and St. Mary's Church. Bibury is a natural haven that evokes a tranquil atmosphere, where you can take peaceful walks and immerse yourself in the serenity that surrounds you.

The final stop is Stow-on-the-Wold, another must-see town in England. This charming and historic market town has a central square, a line of different shops, traditional pubs, and tearooms. Stow-on-the-Wold is the spot for those who love antiques and art. If you can, feel free to drop by their famous St. Edward's Church.

Spending a day here in the Cotswolds is surely one of the best day trips from London that you can have!

Now that we’ve rounded up some of the must-experience day trips from London just for you, all you have to do is book that flight, pack your bags, and fly to England. Have a happy and safe trip!

Some of the best day trips from London include the cities of Oxford and Cambridge, Stonehenge, and the Cotswolds.

Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Bath, Windsor, and Stratford-upon-Avon are all within two hours of London.

France and Belgium are countries that are a day trip from London.

It really depends on flight and overall travel costs. However, some of the cheapest European countries to travel to from London are France, Poland, Portugal, and Slovakia.