There are so many fun day trips from London. Whether you are a year-round resident or just visiting the capital, there is a wide range of days out to suit everyone.
As incredible as London is, you get a real authentic flavour of British life when you step outside the city.
1. Arundel Castle
Good To Know
- Open April until October, 10am – 5pm, last admission 4pm (check website for latest details)
- Adult, Child and Family tickets are available to buy online or on the day
If you love history and castles, Arundel Castle is well worth including as one of your day trips from London.
This Grade I listed building has been owned and home to the Duke of Norfolk family and their ancestors for almost 1,000 years.
Arundel Castle is an imposing and striking castle, commanding your attention as soon as you enter the town of Arundel.
The 40 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens are worth a lengthy exploration. They are a very popular part of the day for many visitors. The gardens are well laid out and perfect for all to enjoy.
How To Get To Arundel Castle From London
By Train – regular trains from London Victoria to Arundel Train Station (journey time approx. 1hr 45) and then a ten-minute walk from the station to the castle.
By Car – approx. 65 miles from central London. A pay and display car park is opposite the castle entrance (Mill Road Car Park).
The postcode for Sat Nav is: BN18 9PA
Related: Arundel Castle – A Visitor’s Guide
2. Bath
Bath is a unique, stylish and wonderful city. A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, the perfect place to explore Roman Baths, natural thermal waters, stunning architecture, Georgian terraces, and much more.
A day trip from London to Bath won’t seem enough; I’m sure you will fall in love with Bath, but hopefully, you will be able to get a memorable overview of this world-class tourist destination.
How To Get To Bath From London
By Train – regular trains from London Paddington to Bath Spa (journey time approx. 1hr 18).
By Car – approx. 115 miles from central London, depending on traffic, takes between two and three hours.
Take A Tour – Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath Full Day Tour
Find out more – 12 Things To Do In Bath
3. Brighton
Brighton is an exciting and vibrant city on the south coast of England.
Often called ‘London on Sea’, it is recommended as a day trip from London. One day won’t cover it all, and you will undoubtedly yearn to return for some more seaside fun.
But that shouldn’t stop you from including Brighton in your day trips from London’s shortlist.
Once a small fishing village with narrow winding lanes, Brighton has grown into a major visitor destination, attracting many day trippers from London. Brighton is also perfect for a weekend city break, with events happening all the time.
The range of things to do in Brighton is plentiful and varied. Just heading straight for the beach area and people-watching is an experience not to be missed. Brighton prides itself on its uniqueness, attracting visitors, students and residents from all over the world.
How To Get To Brighton From London
By Train – regular trains from London Bridge and London Gatwick to Brighton (journey time approx. 1hr).
By Car – approx. 50 miles from central London, depending on traffic, takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Check out more fun things to do in Brighton.
4. Bluebell Railway
Good To Know
- Tickets are available to book online.
- Adult, Child and Family tickets are available. Check the website for the latest prices.
Experience the exciting bygone era of the steam train on The Bluebell Railway in Sussex. The Bluebell Railway is one of the best-preserved railways in the country.
The locomotives operate between the stations of East Grinstead and Sheffield Park, with stops at Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. The collection owned by the society is the largest collection of steam engines in the south of the country.
How To Get To The Bluebell Railway From London
By Train – regular trains from London Victoria to East Grinstead (journey time approx. 1hr).
By Car – approx. 50 miles from central London, depending on traffic, takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
5. Cambridge
The university city of Cambridge is steeped in rich history and tradition. Cambridge draws visitors to the city to admire the jaw-dropping architecture, ancient colleges and beautiful riverside.
Just wandering around the bustling, the atmospheric city is memorable enough, but you won’t want to miss visiting the famous Cambridge University as well as trying out a spot of punting on the River Cam.
How To Get To Cambridge From London
By Train – regular trains from Kings Cross (49 minutes), St Pancras (1 hr 10 minutes) to Cambridge.
By Car – approx. 60 miles from central London, depending on traffic, takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Discover more things to do in Cambridge.
6. Canterbury
Canterbury is the perfect day trip from London, incorporating ancient ruins, culture, history and, of course, the oldest cathedral in England.
The history of Canterbury sits well alongside a modern-day, vibrant city, with independent shops, first-class restaurants and inviting pubs.
Getting around Canterbury is easily done on foot, with plenty of organised or self-guided tours available. Mix your day up with a combination of exploring the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a relaxing boat trip along the River Stour.
How To Get To Canterbury From London
By Train – regular trains from London Victoria (1 hr 20 minutes), St Pancras (1 hr 10 minutes) to Canterbury.
By Car – approx. 60 miles from central London, depending on traffic, takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
7. Chislehurst Caves
Good To Know
- Tickets are available to book online up to 7 days in advance.
- Adult tickets cost £7, children and seniors are £5 and under 3’s are free.
- Tours leave on the hour and last for about 45 minutes.
- The caves are open from 10am and the last tour leaves at 4pm.
Chislehurst Caves are not far from central London, located close to Bromley in Kent.
The caves are 30 metres deep, home to 22 miles of passageways that, although called caves, were dug by man and once used as chalk and flint mines.
How To Get To Chislehurst Caves From London
By Train – regular trains from London Bridge (25 minutes) to Chislehurst. The caves are a 5 minute walk from the station.
By Car – approx. 16 miles from central London, depending on traffic, takes about 45 minutes.
8. Colchester
Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town, attracting over 4.5 million visitors yearly. Colchester has a rich history dating back 2,000 years. In 2004, Britain’s only Roman Circus was discovered in the south of the town.
From its Roman roots to its Norman castle, there is plenty to explore in Colchester.
History buffs will enjoy exploring the Roman ruins that can be found around Colchester; the town was once the capital of Roman Britain, and there are still many Roman artefacts to be found here.
Colchester Castle dates back to the 11th century and is one of the best-preserved Norman castles in England.
There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy; the town centre is home to various high street stores and independent shops selling everything from clothes to books.
There are plenty of places to eat, from cafes and pubs serving traditional English food to international restaurants.
9. Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle)
If you are a fan of the award-winning TV series Downton Abbey, you can visit some of the locations used in the show. Depending on what you want to see, you might consider taking an organised tour to make the most of your day.
Set in Berkshire in South East England, Highclere Castle is the real castle that plays Downton Abbey.
10. Eastbourne
The seaside resort of Eastbourne, with a pebbly beach and clean promenade, makes for a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Elegant hotels line the seafront with the colourful Carpet Gardens in front.
The famous Beachy Head with its high chalk sea cliffs at the western end of Eastbourne seafront. They are part of the South Downs National Park and Seven Sisters Country Park and make for a great side trip from the Eastbourne beaches.
Check out more fun things to do in Eastbourne.
11. Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is high up on many visitors’ lists when they come to England.
And with good reason, Hampton Court Palace is rich in atmosphere, with history oozing at every turn.
From the outside, it is breathtakingly beautiful – and the inside is spectacular, with fantastic exhibitions that really transport you back in time.
12. Harry Potter Studio Tour
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London offers visitors the unique opportunity to step onto the authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter film series.
13. Hever Castle
Built in the 13th century and home to Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle is now a popular tourist attraction. Having been bought by William Waldorf Astor in the early 20th century, the castle has been renovated extensively and is in splendid condition throughout.
The Castle is set in the rural village of Hever, near Edenbridge in Kent, 30 miles from central London.
The charming castle exudes splendour, with a rich and intriguing 700-year history, sure to draw in the young, old and everybody in between.
14. Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens’ close proximity to central London makes it a perfect day trip contender. It is also one of London’s top tourist attractions.
There is always something to enjoy, no matter the season, but to make a whole day out of it, any time between Spring and Autumn is ideal.
Kew Gardens was originally established in 1759 and today has the world’s largest collection of living plants. In 2003, Kew Gardens was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
15. Hundred Acre Wood
Home of Winne the Pooh & Friends!
Pooh Bear has won the hearts of millions worldwide, young and old. Hundred Acre Wood, the home of Winnie the Pooh and his friends, is based on and inspired by Ashdown Forest in Sussex.
The 6,500-acre woodland and heathland is the perfect place for Pooh fans to come and immerse themselves in the magic and enchantment of the area that A.A Milne called home.
Find out more about visiting the home of Winnie the Pooh at 100 Acre Wood
16. Leeds Castle
Set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland and formal gardens in the heart of Kent, the 900-year-old Leeds Castle is both spectacular and breathtaking.
The moat surrounding the castle is an awe-inspiring vision. It is open all year round, with something to interest and entertains every visitor. Leeds Castle has a wealth of attractions and is one of Britain’s most visited historic buildings.
17. The New Forest
A day trip to the New Forest from London will offer you a taster of what a longer trip could offer.
The New Forest officially became a National Park in 2005. The unspoilt ancient woodland and wide open heathland is dotted with beautiful, picturesque towns and villages stretching across south-west Hampshire, south-east Wiltshire, and east Dorset.
Find out more things to do in the New Forest
18. Oxford
Oxford is one of the world’s most famous university towns. Oxford University is the oldest university in Britain, dating back to the 13th century.
Although Oxford is famous for its university, it offers so much more.
Oxford does a great job of combining the rich history and culture of the city with more modern-day attractions and a day trip from London to Oxford is possible.
Find more fun things to do in Oxford.
19. Paris
Paris hardly requires an introduction. Known the world over as one of the most beautifully captivating capitals to immerse yourself in, it is a city brimming with sophistication and cultural treasures.
Is Paris a suitable day trip from London?
Perhaps to suggest Paris as a day trip would surprise some; it is, after all, a destination that demands a much longer stay to do the city justice.
It is true that a day trip from London will only scratch the surface of the incredible delights to be unravelled within this magnificent city.
But, if time only allows a day, why not grab it and use it as a mere introduction – a snapshot to tempt you to come back for more. Paris deserves it.
20. Salisbury
Salisbury is a special city in the perfect setting and is easily reached from London for a day trip.
The surrounding countryside of Salisbury is all lush green fields and quintessential English landscapes. Even Salisbury Cathedral is set amongst picture-perfect scenery.
Salisbury is well known for its famous cathedral, but there is much more to Salisbury. The city is easy to get around and has much to delight visitors from London.
21. Stonehenge
Visiting Stonehenge from London is a popular choice for many. Looked after by English Heritage, Stonehenge is one of the most well-known prehistoric monuments in the world.
21. Warwick Castle
Castle lover or not, travelling from London to Warwick Castle is definitely worth the effort.
Warwick Castle is an incredible medieval castle located in Warwick, in the county of Warwickshire, on the bend of the River Avon. The castle was rebuilt in the 12th century, based on the original wooden castle that was built by William the Conqueror in 1068.
22. Winchester
The city of Winchester is located on the edge of the South Downs National Park, combining a perfect mix of rural beauty with a vibrant city. Winchester is compact, meaning getting about on foot is relatively easy. Winchester is also an accessible city, making a day trip from London possible.
Winchester, England’s ancient capital, is bursting with a rich and varied history. Once the seat of King Alfred the Great, whose statue you can see in the centre of the town. The River Itchen flows through the town, with a wide selection of independent shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.
23. Whitstable
Whitstable is a popular seaside town, about 5 miles north of Canterbury, on the north coast of Kent, so it is a real possibility when considering which day trips from London to choose.
The town dates back to before the writing of the Domesday Book and has a rich maritime history. Whitstable offers intriguing independent shops, inviting restaurants and pubs – don’t forget to try the oysters!
24. Windsor & Eton
Windsor Castle is probably one of the most well-known castles and Royal residences in England, if not the world. It is certainly the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world.
The original castle was built by William the Conqueror after the Norman invasion. It has since been occupied by each succeeding monarch.
25. York
York is one of the further away locations in our Day Trips From London guide. However, it is well worth the effort of making the trip north to the medieval city of York.
Once the Roman northern capital, York was founded in 71AD and sits with the River Ouse flowing through it. The historic city is well known for its Medieval buildings and, of course, the famous narrow cobblestoned street, The Shambles. York is a compact city and easily explored on foot.
Will you choose one of these day trips from London? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear about it!
PIN IT FOR LATER
