10 Picture-Perfect London Day Trips For A Change of Scenery

London is a buzzing metropolis with a never-ending list of things to see and do, but if you’re looking to explore places more picturesque, London is also a great home base for scenic day trips away from the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city!

Plus, we’ve got a Klook-exclusive bonus deal for you to make your London summer trip even more affordable – read to the end for all the details. If it’s your first trip to the city, our London First-Timer Guide will have you covered!

One of the most iconic prehistoric monuments in Europe, Stonehenge is a must-see day trip destination. A drive through the picturesque Wiltshire countryside will lead you to this UNESCO-protected historical site, where you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time.

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, embark on a Stonehenge guided tour.

About two hours and a half hours out from city-centre 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!

Whisk away 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 lauded as some of the prettiest places for visitors to explore.

The town of Stratford-upon-Avon, named for its location by the river Avon, is the birthplace and childhood hometown of the 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!

Out in the north-west of England, a day trip to the picturesque Lake District National Park is just what any nature-lover visiting London needs. 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 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!

Less than an hour away from Victoria Station by train, the resort town of Brighton makes for the perfect seaside escapade.

Snap some photos at the iconic Brighton Palace Pier and take on the thrilling rides at the fairgrounds. For antique shops, boutiques, quaint bookstores and independent cafes, head to The Lanes many passageways for an afternoon of exploration.

Head up the British Airways i360, for breathtaking 360-degree views across Brighton, the South Downs, and the English Channel!

Shopaholics, 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!

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! From the iconic Great Hall to the incredibly detailed Gringotts Wizarding Bank complete with magnificent chandeliers and currency-stacked goblin teller desks.

Check out our Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter Guide for everything you need to know about maximising your day there!

Home to the esteemed Cambridge University, the quaint town of Cambridge is more than just your basic student town.

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!

The famous rival to its university town counterpart Cambridge, Oxford is a different kind of picture-perfect from Cambridge’s wide greens.

Take a picturesque 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 shooting locations for the Harry Potter films!

Tick 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.

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 meander along the Cliffs, which overlook the glassy-smooth summer sea. Whether from afar or from atop the cliffs’ edge, you’ll be guaranteed some stunning views. On a clear summer day, you might even be able to spot 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 Preuβen 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!

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