day trips from london for seniors

35 Easy Day Trips from London + 24 to Avoid

If you’re visiting Europe, it makes sense to make the most of your time in England with a day trip from London.

I get a lot of emails asking which day trips from London are feasible, and which ones aren’t. Here I’ve compiled the most common destinations that travelers ask about and analyze whether they’re fit for a day trip or need more time.

Let’s go over the best day trips from London that won’t leave you totally depleted, and explore the day trips from London that just aren’t realistic.

Disclosure: I only recommend products & services I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read my full privacy policy here .

Day Trips from London that are Absolutely Feasible ✅

Please note that these travel times are approximate and can vary based on specific starting points in London, traffic, specific train schedules, and other factors. Always check current travel times before planning a trip using Google Maps or my favorite app: Citymapper .

This is not an exhaustive list – that would take up the whole of the internet 😉

1. Oxford ✅

• Drive: 1.5 hours
• Train: 1 hour 

Famous for its prestigious university, Oxford offers beautiful architecture, museums, and the Bodleian Library.

Oxford is one of the best day trips from London by train. It’s like stepping into the Harry Potter films, and it’s such a short train ride to be transported a world away.

2. Cambridge ✅

• Train: 50 minutes

Another charming, ancient university town with punting on the River Cam and the stunning King’s College Chapel.

Cambridge is truly magical and makes for one of the easiest day trips from London by train.

3. Brighton ✅

• Drive: 2 hours
• Train: 1 hour  

A vibrant seaside town with a pier, the Royal Pavilion, and quirky shopping lanes.

If you want a day trip from London by train that takes you to the beach, Brighton is the way to go!

• Drive: 4 hours
• Train: 2.5 hours 

A historic city with a rich Viking and Roman heritage. While it’s possible to visit in a day, you may may feel rushed as there’s lots to see here!

5. Windsor ✅

• Drive: 1 hour
• Train: 50 minutes  

Visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. I always encourage London travelers to fit this in if they have time, as it’s much more magical than Buckingham Palace.

6. Canterbury ✅

Home to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral and a charming medieval town center. This day trip from London by train will take you worlds away in just 1 hour.

• Drive: 2.5 hours
• Train: 1.5 hours  

Known for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture, Bath is a picturesque town in the Cotswolds. This is one of the best day trips from London by train because once you arrive in Bath, it’s all walkable straight from the train station.

8. Stonehenge ✅

• Train (to Salisbury, then bus): 1.5 hours 

The iconic prehistoric monument is a super popular day trip from London. Many tour companies offer excellent Stonehenge tours in conjunction with other nearby attractions like Windsor and Bath for a really affordable price.

Personally, I don’t think Stonehenge on its own is worth the trip, but if you book with a company that also takes you to other iconic locations on the way, it’s totally worth it.

9. Stratford-upon-Avon ✅

• Train: 2 hours 

The birthplace of William Shakespeare! So much charming history, and a great day trip for students and history lovers.

10. Cotswolds ✅

• Train (to various towns): 1.5-2.5 hours 

Picturesque villages and rolling hills. Bath is the most visited place in the Cotswolds, but there’s so much more to explore here, especially if you drive or rent a car there .

11. Bristol ✅

A vibrant city with a rich maritime history. Bristol is a great day trip from London if you want a larger city (not a small village) with more things to do.

12. Winchester ✅

The ancient capital of England with a stunning cathedral. This place is charming as heck.

13. Blenheim Palace ✅

• Train (to Oxford, then bus): 1.5 hours 

A monumental country house and UNESCO World Heritage site. Blenheim Palace is truly magical, and well worth the trip from London.

14. Bletchley Park ✅

• Train: 40 minutes 

The historic site where British codebreakers decrypted German codes during WWII. History and science nerds – this one is your best bet. So much world history happened here!

15. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour ✅

• Train: 20 minutes to Watford Junction, then a shuttle bus, though most tour companies include transport from Central London.  

Dive into the magical world with The Making of Harry Potter tour, a must for fans of the series.

This is the most popular day trip from London, and tickets often sell out months ahead. Read all my tips to scoring tickets here.

16. Hampton Court Palace ✅

• Train: 35 minutes  

A historic palace once home to Henry VIII, showcasing Tudor and Baroque architecture. Fans of SIX the Musical and history nerds, you have to go!

• Train: 1.5 hours 

A medieval town with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a rich smuggling history. A super charming, quaint little village!

18. Leeds Castle ✅

• Train: 1 hour to Maidstone, then a local bus 

A picturesque castle set on two islands in a tranquil lake.

19. Hever Castle ✅

• Train: 40 minutes to Hever, then a short walk 

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, set within beautiful gardens.

20. Salisbury ✅

A historic city close to Stonehenge, home to the impressive Salisbury Cathedral.

Known for its magnificent cathedral and the historic home of Oliver Cromwell.

22. St Albans ✅

• Train: 20 minutes 

A historic market town boasting Roman ruins and a stunning cathedral.

23. Rochester ✅

A town steeped in history with its Norman castle, cathedral, and Charles Dickens connections.

24. Hatfield House ✅

• Train: 20 minutes

 This is a lesser-known day trip from London to a really incredible spot. Hatfield House is a Jacobean house with sprawling gardens, once the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I.

25. Sissinghurst Castle Garden ✅

• Train: 1 hour to Staplehurst, then a local bus 

A historic estate renowned for its beautifully designed gardens by Vita Sackville-West.

26. Cardiff, Wales ✅

• Drive: 3 hours

Wales is the closest country to England , so if your goal is to just get to another country cheaply and quickly, go to Cardiff!

The capital of Wales, Cardiff boasts a blend of historic and modern attractions. The Cardiff Castle, located in the city center, showcases 2,000 years of history, while the Cardiff Bay offers a modern waterfront with dining and entertainment options.

27. Dover ✅

• Train: 1.5 hours

Famous for its iconic White Cliffs, Dover also offers the impressive Dover Castle. The port town is a gateway to the continent, with ferries frequently departing for France.

On a clear day, you can actually see France from the cliffs!

28. Birmingham ✅

As the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham offers a mix of cool experiences. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, and the historic Jewellery Quarter are among its top attractions.

29. Lille, France ✅

Hop on the Eurostar and be in another country in 1 hour and 22 minutes ! Lille, located in the Hauts-de-France region, is a vibrant city with a rich blend of French and Flemish influences. It’s not nearly as big as Paris, so it’s perfect for a day trip from London.

30. Southend-on-Sea ✅

• Train: 1 hour

A popular seaside resort, Southend offers the longest pleasure pier in the world. With its beaches, arcades, and Adventure Island amusement park, it’s a fun destination for families.

31. Broadstairs ✅

A charming coastal town, Broadstairs boasts sandy beaches and a rich history. It’s known for its association with Charles Dickens, who visited frequently.

32. Portsmouth ✅

A historic port city, Portsmouth is home to the Historic Dockyard, where you can see the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum. The Spinnaker Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.

33. Bournemouth ✅

• Train: 2 hours

A vibrant coastal town, Bournemouth is known for its seven miles of sandy beaches, beautiful gardens, and a bustling town center. The Bournemouth Pier and Oceanarium are popular attractions.

34. Brussels, (Belgium) ✅

• Eurostar: 2 hours 

As Belgium’s capital, Brussels is accessible via Eurostar for a day trip , but you won’t get to explore this huge city for very long. 

35. Bury St. Edmunds ✅

• Drive: 2 Hours
• Train: 2 Hours

Commonly just called “Bury,” this is a charming historic market and cathedral town in Suffolk.

Day Trips from London that Are Just Too Far ❌

While all these destinations are fascinating and offer unique experiences, the travel times and logistics involved make them challenging for day trips from London. If you do decide to visit, consider staying overnight to truly appreciate what each location has to offer.

Keep in mind that although flights to some of these places might be a short time in the air, getting to and from the airport in London will take at least 1 hour, not to mention time going through security and passport control & immigration.

1. Edinburgh ❌

• Drive: 7-8 hours
• Train: 4.5-5 hours 

Scotland’s capital is too far for a comfortable day trip. It deserves an entire trip of its own!

2. Paris & Disneyland Paris ❌

• Eurostar to Paris: 2.5 hours
• Eurostar to Marne-la-Vallée (Disneyland): 3 hours  

Can you do Paris as a day trip from London? Technically yes. But even with the short(ish) Eurostar journey, it’s a stretch to do in one day and truly enjoy. Paris deserves so much time as it’s such an incredible and massive city. 

Disneyland Paris is equally difficult to do in one day, especially with kids – everyone would be absolutely exhausted.

3. Lake District ❌

• Drive: 5-6 hours
• Train: 2.5-3 hours to Windermere  

While beautiful, it’s a long journey from London!

4. Dublin ❌

• Flight: 1.5 hours
• Ferry: 3.5-8 hours (depending on route and ferry type) 

Requires a flight or a long ferry ride.

5. Cornwall (Penzance, St Ives, etc) ❌

• Drive: 4.5-8 hours (depending on destination within Cornwall)
• Train: 3-5 hours 

The stunning coastline is too far for just one day. The trouble with Cornwall is you really need a car once you’re there, but driving from London takes forever with traffic and the narrow twisting lanes of the West coast.

6. Isle of Skye ❌

• Drive: 12-13 hours
• Train (to Mallaig, then ferry): 10-11 hours 

Located in Scotland, it’s too remote for a day trip.

7. Liverpool ❌

• Drive: 4-5 hours
• Train: 2-2.5 hours 

Home to The Beatles and rich maritime history, Liverpool is doable for a day trip but would be very rushed.

8. Loch Ness ❌

• Drive: 9-10 hours
• Train to Inverness: 8 hours, then drive or bus: 30 minutes 

Located in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is famous for its legendary monster and beautiful scenery, but it’s too far for a day trip from London.

9. Amsterdam, Netherlands ❌

• Flight: 1 hour
• Eurostar: 4 hours 

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is famous for its canals, historic houses, museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and vibrant nightlife.

While technically reachable in a day, Amsterdam really deserves a longer stay of at least 2 days minimum. Here’s all the ways to get there from London.

10. Provence, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 10-12 hours
• Flight to Marseille or Nice: 2 hours, then drive/train varies 

Known for its lavender fields and picturesque towns, Provence in the south of France is too far for a comfortable day trip.

11. Nice, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 12-14 hours
• Flight: 2 hours 

Located on the southeastern coast of France, Nice and its surrounding towns are famous for their Mediterranean beaches, but the journey would be too long for just a day trip.

12. Bordeaux, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 8-10 hours
• Train (Eurostar to Paris, then TGV): 6 hours

 Famous for its wine, Bordeaux in the southwest of France would be a stretch for a day trip.

13. Snowdonia National Park, Wales ❌

• Train: 3-4 hours to Betws-y-Coed

In Wales, it’s a lengthy journey from London. This is an incredible area that deserves more than a day to explore fully! 

14. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland ❌

• Drive (including ferry): 10-12 hours
• Flight to Belfast: 1.5 hours, then drive: 1 hour 

Located in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a unique geological formation and UNESCO World Heritage site, but it’s too far away for a practical day trip from London.

15. Bruges, Belgium (Brugge) ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 3.5-4 hours total 

A medieval gem with picturesque canals, Bruges is technically reachable for a day trip from London, but you won’t hardly any time to spend in one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe.

When booking travel to Bruges, don’t confuse your destination with Bruges, France. Try typing in “Brugge” instead of “Bruges, ” and you’ll be sure to find your correct Belgian destination.

16. Ghent, Belgium ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 3-3.5 hours 

Slightly closer than Bruges, Ghent’s blend of historic sites and vibrant culture can be sampled in a day.

17. Antwerp, Belgium ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 2.5-3 hours 

Known for its diamonds and port, Antwerp isn’t feasible for a day trip from London.

18. Scottish Highlands ❌

• Drive: 8-12 hours (depending on destination)
• Train: 8-9 hours to Inverness 

While parts of the Highlands might be reachable by a very long train journey or flight, the vast landscapes truly deserve more than a day.

I know this makes some of you Outlander fans sad, but you really can’t do a day trip from London to the Highlands.

19. Pembrokeshire Coast ❌

• Train: 4.5-5 hours to Tenby 

Located in the southwest of Wales, this stunning coastal national park is too far for a day trip from London.

20. Isle of Man ❌

• Ferry: 2.5-4 hours 

Situated in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man has its own rich history and culture. Getting there would involve a flight or ferry, making it impractical for just a day.

21. Belfast, Northern Ireland ❌

• Drive (including ferry): 8-10 hours 

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is steeped in history and culture. From the Titanic Belfast museum, which commemorates the city’s shipbuilding heritage, to the political murals of the Falls and Shankill roads, Belfast offers a deep dive into the region’s past and present.

22. Guernsey ❌

• Ferry: 3 hours (from Portsmouth. Portsmouth is a 2.5 hour train from London).

Located in the English Channel, Guernsey boasts beautiful beaches, historic forts, and a unique blend of British and French influences. The island’s compact size is perfect for exploring, but its distance from London makes it a challenging day trip.

23. Jersey ❌

• Ferry: 4.5 hours (from Portsmouth. Portsmouth is a 2.5 hour train from London)

The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey offers a mix of sandy beaches, cliffside walking trails, and historic castles. Its rich history spans from prehistoric times to its occupation during World War II.

Even though the Channel Islands look quite close on the map, it’s not feasible for a day trip from London.

24. Rotterdam, Netherlands ❌

• Flight: 1 hour to Amsterdam, then train: 40 minutes
• Eurostar to Amsterdam, then train: 4.5 hours in total 

A major port city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture, maritime heritage, and cultural attractions like the Kunsthal and the Cube Houses. It’s a bit of a stretch for a day trip from London, especially if you want to explore the city in depth.

Taking a Day Trip from London: Final Tips

The most important tip I can give you is this: if you’re only in London for a short time, don’t do a day trip. London has so much to see and do that you’ll never get bored.

If you’re in London for more than 5 days, I would absolutely recommend a day trip. Just make it something that won’t exhaust you too much – two hours on a train, max.

If you live in London like me, you probably have a list as long as your arm of day trips to take. All you can do it tick them off, one by one!

More on Trips from London

Debating ‘Should I Rent a Car in London?’ Insider Tips

Visiting Greenwich with Kids: 5 Things That Adults Will Love, too! 

The Perfect Day out in Cambridge: 7 Things you Have to See 

Is Solo Travel Boring? 5 Reasons You Should Travel Alone ASAP

Trip from London to Amsterdam: 4 Ways to Get there for Every Budget

How to Get from London to Cornwall: 3 Easy Ways for Every Budget

Kynance Cove in Cornwall: 10 Must-Read Tips before Visiting 

Kennack Sands Beach: Is it the Best Beach for Kids in Cornwall? 

10 Things to Know about Visiting Stunning Poldhu Cove

Day Trips from London by Train FAQ

What is the best day trip out of london.

The best day trip for you depends on your goals and preferences.

Do you want to see a pretty village? Try St Albans, Canterbury, Bath, or Rye. Do you want to go to the seaside? Try Brighton, Dover, or Margate. Are you into history? Definitely check out Blenheim Palace, Bletchley Park, Stratford upon Avon, or Windsor Castle. Are you a student or an academic? Check out Oxford or Cambridge.

The list goes on, and all you can do is pick a place that sounds cool, get your train ticket, and go!

Can you do a day trip from London?

If you have enough time to spend in London and want to explore more of England, you can definitely do a day trip from London!

The best way is to pick a destination (start with this list!) and hop on the train. There’s so much to see in England, you don’t have to go far.

What is 1 hour away from London?

Harry Potter Studios, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Windsor, Canterbury, Winchester, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, St Albans, Rochester, and Hatfield House are all within a 1 hour train ride from London.

What countries are a day trip from London?

Wales is the closest country to London for a day trip. Try Cardiff, which is a charming Welsh city less than 2 hours from London by train.

Other countries like France are possible for a day trip, but you won’t get much time to spend there. Lille is a short 1.5 hour journey from London on the Eurostar, and it’s a much easier and smaller place to explore than Paris.

Belgium is also fast to get to, with only a 2 hour train ride to Brussels. Brussels is a bit easier to explore than Paris, but it’s also a large city.

What towns are 2 hours away from London?

York, Stonehenge, Stratford upon Avon, Cardiff, Dover, Birmingham, Worcester, Bournemouth, Bristol, Brussels, and many more towns are just a 2 hour (or less) train ride from London.

What is the closest beach to London?

Brighton is the closest proper sandy beach to London, and it takes less than 1 hour to get there by train. Margate is also a popular beach destination that takes only 2 hours on the train.

What is the shortest Eurostar journey from London?

The shortest journey on the Eurostar from London is to Lille, France at just 1 hour and 22 minutes.

What is the closest countryside to London?

There is incredible countryside bordering London, but the prettiest and closest natural woodlands are probably Epping Forest , which is just 1 hour from London on the Overground.

Which country is easy to travel from London?

France, Belgium, and Wales are the easiest countries to travel to from London by a short train ride.

Similar Posts

Everything You Need to Know About London Money & Currency Exchange

Everything you need to know about London money, from notes to coins to ATMs and exchange rates.

Can You See France from England and Vice Versa? 6 Locations for Stunning Views

Can you see France from England? On a clear day, yes! Here are 6 locations for views across the English Channel.

Debating ‘Should I Rent A Car In London?’: Insider Tips

Wondering ‘should I rent a car in London?’ The answer is almost always no, with a few exceptions. Here’s all your best options.

Easy Illustrated Itinerary for 6 Days in London (+ Printable)

Here’s your local’s ultimate guide to 6 days in London. See all the major sights, plus some unique hidden gems!

The Ultimate Taylor Swift Guide to London

Complete Taylor Swift Guide to London: where she eats, where she shops, places she’s been, and places every Swiftie should see while in London.

Where to Stay Your First Time in London? 8 Top Tips (From a Londoner)

Where to stay your first time in London? From where to stay for sightseeing to where to stay on a budget, here are 8 suggestions from a Londoner.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Europe Chevron

United Kingdom Chevron

England Chevron

London Chevron

The 22 Best Day Trips From London

London ’s hustle and bustle can become overwhelming, even for the most dedicated locals—but its handy location means that day trips from London are easy for anyone who needs a quick escape, whether it be for a country walk, a seaside jaunt, or a cultural getaway. Most of our selection of the best day trips from London can be reached by train , within less than two hours—and many couldn’t be further from the busy streets and crammed schedules of the capital. Whether you’re looking for fresh air, delicious eateries, or a new selection of shops, these easy-to-plan day trips should slot nicely into your schedule.

Below are 22 of our favorite day trips from London, in no particular order.

Read our complete London travel guide here .

All listings featured on  Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

Stratford-upon-Avon

The best day trip from London for: a Shakespearean adventure How to get there from London: a little over 2 hours by train from London mainline stations; changes are often required.

There are few places more charming than the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s the birthplace and resting place of Shakespeare, and it’s easy to fall in love with the West Midlands spot during a jam-packed day trip from London.

Day trips here, understandably, centre around the Bard. Start where the wordsmith’s journey began with an educational walk around Shakespeare’s Birthplace, now a museum highlighting how his work continues to shape our lives today. From here, onto Anne Hathaway’s cottage. The family home of Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife, is full of fascinating stories and historical finds, and passionate guides are on hand to delve into tales of the famous family that resided here for 13 generations. For the full experience, visit William’s resting place in Holy Trinity Church via Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall.

Literary associations aside, entertain young minds at the Mechanical Art and Design Museum, get tropical at the stunning Stratford Butterfly Farm, and sample a craft beer before the return journey home at The Garrick Pub Restaurant, which is purportedly the oldest boozer in the town.

In a town dating back almost 1,000 years, you’d expect to stumble across a spectral resident or two in the historical buildings. Check into one of the charming hotels during spooky season and embark on a ghost tour to hear about tales from a haunted tearoom and what some unlucky guests have experienced in one of the town centre’s four-star hotels.

If you decide to stay over: For a fittingly period stay, check into The White Swan . The property’s use as an inn dates back to the sixteenth century, and the walls hold all the charm of a Tudor property with trimmings suited to twenty-first-century travelers. Cozy by the fire after a hearty meal, and sink into four-poster beds before another day exploring Warwickshire’s attractions and natural beauty.

Canterbury, Kent

The best day trip from London for: a colorful, food-fuelled history lesson in the garden of England How to get there from London: The direct train from London St Pancras to Canterbury West can take as little as 53 minutes

Prehistoric settlements have been uncovered in this corner of Kent, and it was a popular haunt of the Romans, who surrounded the early city by constructing an earth bank and fortified walls around 130 acres of land. The story of Canterbury that schoolchildren learn, however, comes from the medieval period, courtesy of Chaucer.

The city is home to one of the UK’s most spectacular cathedrals. Pilgrims have navigated the route to this ethereal site for many centuries, and it’s here that Thomas Becket was infamously slaughtered at the order of Henry II—although this series of events has been contested by countless historians. From the cathedral, scan the selection of novels through the crooked door of the Catching Lives Charity Bookshop, before soaking up the sun in one of the city’s hidden pub gardens—The Dolphin and The Parrot are some of our favorites.

Stroll along the remnant of the ancient wall that is still accessible, or settle in for a lazy afternoon on the colorful banks of the River Stour after collecting treats from The Goods Shed. Historic river tours of the river are touristy but not overly expensive, so well worth booking ahead of a visit to uncover the secrets of these romantic, cobblestone streets. – Connor Sturges

If you decide to stay over: Parts of The Falstaff Hotel date to the 13th century, and original features such as fireplaces and oak beams are a nod to the city’s medieval history. The city’s main attractions are within walking distance, and comfortable beds, craft cocktails, and a signature afternoon tea await once you are back in the cozy setting.

Elmley Nature Reserve

The best day trip from London for:  getting fully immersed in nature How to get there from London:  The train from London St Pancras International to Swale takes 1 hour 50 minutes, and then it’s a short taxi ride to Elmley Nature Reserve.

Think of day trips to Kent, and you’ll probably skip straight over the Isle of Sheppey. Just off the northern coast of Kent next to the Thames Estuary, Sheppey is an unglamorous largely industrial island that initially lacks the tourist appeal of some of its Kentish neighbors. But there’s a secret gem here right off the mainland–the bucolic Elmley Nature Reserve, 3,300 acres of wetlands and wilderness. This family-run estate is a true wildlife conservation haven and is the perfect trip for birdwatchers and nature lovers. With over forty varieties of birds raising their young at Elmley each year, there are some beautiful walking trails to spot them all, plus the other resident hares, frogs, dragonflies, cows, voles, bees, and more. As soon as your taxi turns onto the long entry drive, it’s easy to see elegant birds such as egrets, lapwings, and redshank happily frolicking on the flat marshlands, and that’s before you’ve even started exploring. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the entry fee is £6 and that gets you access to the beautiful open landscape for a self-guided wander (although you have to stay on the paths!); they also arrange organised tours at dusk and dawn for £29.50 if you want an expert to help you spot marsh harriers, long-eared owls, sparrowhawk, and peregrine falcons. It might be only 40 miles from London, but it feels like another world. As well as an incredible place for a day out in nature, there’s also a lovely barn restaurant to get cozy in for toasties at lunch and more hearty evening meals, plus an impressive range of smart places to stay dotted across the reserve if you want to extend your visit. – Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over:  From decked-out shepherd’s huts with outside baths to four poster beds in the grand 18th-century main house, there’s a wide range of places to stay—all with stunning views over the nature reserve.

Great Garden Escape, The Newt in Somerset

The best day trip from London for: a VIP experience How to get there: The train from London Paddington takes about 1 hour 25 minutes

If you’re not the planning type, The Newt in Somerset’s Great Garden Escape is a fun-filled organized day trip that shows off the best of the British countryside and its charming traditions. With a jam-packed schedule starting at Paddington station, day trippers travel First Class with breakfast served on-board. On arrival, they’ll be given a tour of the gardens at The Newt, which have been landscaped over hundreds of years and are now home to wildlife including deer and newts—of course. There's even an opportunity to explore the grounds with experts, along with a dive into the history and traditions of Somerset. Plus, a stopover at the incredible Roman Villa Experience.

Lunch leads into a cider tasting, made on-site using apples grown in local orchards, where you’ll undoubtedly be swayed into picking up a bottle or two to take home. When you’ve breathed in just enough country air, the train journey home serves up afternoon tea, depositing you back in the city just in time for sundowners. The whirlwind tour is the ideal tonic for shaking off burnout and reminding yourself of the beauty on your doorstep. — Abigail Malbon

If you decide to stay over : Should you choose to forego the train ride home in favor of waking up somewhere new, The Newt is a Jane Austen dream, whether you choose a room in the Georgian house or the converted outbuildings, barns, and stables. Bedrooms are simple and beautiful, with a focus on relaxation, but those with a view are truly exceptional. In the morning, wake up early and treat yourself to a swim in the spa pool as the sun comes up—you’ll return to London feeling like a new person.

Clifton, Bristol

The best day trip from London for : packing a lot in How to get there from London: The train from London Paddington takes about 1 hour 35 minutes.

After hopping off the train at Bristol Temple Meads, take a stroll to Clifton—the city’s most beautiful leafy suburb. Quiet residential streets are lined with pretty Georgian townhouses, spots of greenery to wander through off the cobbled streets and an eclectic mix of independent cafés, restaurants, and shops.

Start with a gander around Clifton Arcade in the heart of Clifton Village, where the 17 boutiques are filled with knick-knacks and intriguing antiques. It’s not a true shopping experience without a pit stop for coffee and cake—try one of Bristol’s top coffee spots, Spicer + Cole, or—for a 100-per-cent plant-based menu—refuel with a slice of rose and vanilla loaf and a superfood latte at East Village Café.

Pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables from the local greengrocers and head to Clifton bridge for fabulous views across the River Avon. It's one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. Learn about its history at the Visitor Centre, stopping off for a pint of traditional Somerset cider at the White Lion by its side. Continue the historical tour by walking up to Clifton Observatory, which has a museum featuring a Victorian-era Camera Obscura and a mythical Giant’s Cave, alongside its own rooftop café serving up breathtaking views. And don’t miss out on a walk down Royal York Crescent—one of the most expensive streets in Bristol, which was also once reputed to be the longest terrace in Europe.

Next, spend time at Bristol Lido, a restored Victorian swimming bath from the 1800s surrounded by a spa and poolside bar for the ultimate in pampering. Round off the day with a cozy pub meal at The Albion, an Indian fine-dining experience at Nutmeg or a hearty pizza at Bosco around the corner on Whiteladies Road. – Cordelia Aspinall

If you decide to stay over: Book a room at the recently refurbished Number 38 boutique hotel for a peaceful stay overlooking the Clifton Downs, perfect for your morning stroll.

Bath, Somerset

The best day trip from London for: soaking up history How to get there from London: The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

Bath is known for its history, but among the buttery-hued Georgian architecture and ancient thermal springs there’s a fresh independent spirit. When the weather is good, there are a couple of brilliant walking routes to try: the six-mile Bath Skyline, for example, is a short stroll from the city center and tramps through woodland, meadows, and orchards with views of the buildings below.

The Somerset city’s literary heritage is well documented—Jane Austen is probably the most famous one-time resident—and there’s still a thriving network of bookshops and literature festivals here, including at bookworm magnet Topping and Company, which stocks more than 55,000 titles. Restaurants are driven by excellent local produce and seasonal ingredients. Grab a traditional lunch at The Circus (we recommend the Wiltshire lamb two ways), or order bun cha at Vietnamese spot Noya’s Kitchen. After a bite, shop at clever concept stores such as Nām, which sells antique furniture and homeware curated by owner Sharan Kaur, and Found, where you can buy clothes from niche global brands, or spend an afternoon at wine bar Corkage, where about 70 bottles are available to sample by the glass. – Sarah James

If you decide to stay over: Small hotel Eight lives up to its name; there are just eight rooms, and the ground-floor restaurant always has eight dishes on the menu.

Read more about the best things to do in Bath, Somerset

The New Forest, Hampshire

The best day trip from London for : woodland walks and long pub lunches How to get there from London: The train from London Waterloo usually takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.

With its purple carpets of heather, ancient woodland, and England-of-yore villages, the New Forest has long been a release valve for Londoners eager to clear the cobwebs and the cortisol. The apex of its beauty has to be autumn, when its rich hues cut through morning mists and dazzle in the afternoon sun. It's best enjoyed during a long ramble, where you’re likely to meet free-roaming New Forest ponies, cattle, and even pigs, followed by a hearty pub lunch with local ale and a warming log fire.

Take the train from Waterloo to Beaulieu Road station and fuel your hike with a pint of real ale at the Drift Inn. If independent shops, cafés, and beaches are on the agenda, it’s best to head to Lymington instead, as this one-and-a-half-hour loop around the pub on the edge of the New Forest is blissfully rugged and remote. Having traipsed through a mixed mosaic of woodland and absorbed the silence and sweeping views across the heathland, hunker down at the Drift Inn for a Hampshire beef burger, ale-battered haddock, or the pie of the day (invariably something along the lines of mud pie with mash and gravy). – Rosalyn Wikeley

If you decide to stay over : Those seeking the quintessential heather-and-wild-ponies New Forest should bed down at The Pig hotel in Brockenhurst or Limewood near Lyndhurst (about five minutes from the Drift Inn). However, the trusted favorite among New Forest devotees, Chewton Glen continues to lure weary urbanites with its coveted position—wedged between woodland and the coast—and commitment to the good, old-fashioned service and comforts of a country club. You’ll find few zeitgeisty design details or next-gen touches here. Instead, antiques, thick carpets, and mahogany furniture keep this 18th-century manor house sure of its identity—save a few fun treehouse bedrooms, should privacy or the 21st century fall into your criteria. Don’t miss the fresh salads and fish lunches once you’ve been pummeled in the spa or worked up an appetite in the Grecian-style pool. The gardens are also glorious for afternoon tea after visiting Highcliffe beach.

Hertford, Hertfordshire

The best day trip from London for : pub-crawling and country walks How to get there from London: The train from Finsbury Park takes 35 minutes.

With its higgledy-piggledy, pastel-colored buildings, and cobbled streets, this county town serves up a slice of English antiquity that’s postcard-pretty enough to satisfy both shiny-eyed visitors from further afield and weary Londoners searching for fresher air, shorter queues, and somewhere different to look at for the day. With trains running every half hour, it’s possible to find yourself marching around its 15th-century castle grounds (check ahead for cinema screenings, talks, and events), net fishing from a sandy cove in Hartham Common, or wandering about its dinky museum within the hour. Alternatively, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can cycle from London along the River Lea towpath.

On arrival, dip into its handful of local shops—The Women's Society Boutique has an imposing exterior but is a real treasure trove—before stopping at one of the many independent cafés and restaurants. Popular deli-bar Giambrone’s serves authentic Italian plates, while Hertford Coffee Lab makes for a cool pit-stop, and Georgian townhouse and B&B Number One Port Hill hosts occasional pop-up suppers. Plus, the artsy Dog and Whistle, once a pop-up café, has blossomed into a hipster foodie pub and music venue with rooms. Indeed, Hertford—quiet market town by day and more bustling nightspot come evening— specializes in pubs, particularly old-world ones. There's The Salisbury Arms Hotel, said to have been the place where Oliver Cromwell stayed during the Civil War and home to a number of ghosts; the 16th-century White Horse; the 17th-century Blackbirds; and the riverside Old Barge (exact age unknown, but 'old' is part of the name…) If you have time, go on the three-mile walk to Ware alongside the River Lea towpath–the neighboring town also has a plethora of pubs—and catch the train back to London from there. – Becky Lucas

If you decide to stay over: Hertford House Hotel took over the former local newspaper’s offices in pretty Parliament Square in 2006 and hasn’t stopped evolving since, with its latest restaurant and bar renovation completed in autumn 2020. Don’t miss out on brunch in the secret garden, a locally sourced roast in the restaurant and a pint in smart sister pub The Quiet Man.

The best day trip from London for: an under-the-radar getaway How to get there from London: The fast train from St Pancras International takes 1 hour 22 minutes.

This hillside scribble of Georgian streets tucked behind the Kent coast really hit our radar in 2018. Nicknamed ‘Margate’s little sister’, it’s a much cozier, countryside version of its arty neighbor. And that’s exactly its appeal. Deal is less shouty than Margate, but there’s still an exciting slew of shops, cafés, and galleries that have arrived over the past few years. The Saturday Market stalls are worth a rummage, but it’s the food that brings the locals back each weekend. For more of a sit-down lunch we love Frog and Scot where the chef, previously of The Sportsman in Seasalter, cooks up a daily changing menu based on hyper-local produce. Founder of Smugglers Records Will Greenham (ex singer and guitarist of the band Cocos Lovers, who’ve supported Mumford & Sons on tour) is at the heart of the town’s music scene, and in terms of art, Linden Hall Studio is a contemporary gallery in a converted chapel that wouldn’t look out of place in Mayfair. — Tabitha Joyce

If you decide to stay over: The Rose was revamped in 2018 and now there are eight cute bedrooms splashed in bold colors and filled with vintage finds. The restaurant is looked after by Rachel O’Sullivan (previously of East London’s Towpath Café) who dishes up Scandi-inspired breakfast plates of smoked salmon, avocado, soft-boiled egg, dill, and whipped cream cheese.

Read more about Deal, Kent

Whitstable, Kent

The best day trip from London for: oysters on the beach How to get there from London : The train from from St Pancras takes 1hr 13 minutes.

This little town on the north Kent coast isn’t quite the sort-of-secret it was back in the 1990s, when DFLs (local jargon for Londoners) rediscovered it, arriving at weekends for seafood at Wheelers on the high street and pints of Kentish ale at the beach-side Old Neptune pub. But it’s still an atmospheric place to head for a hit of vitamin B12—via a dozen or so oysters—then a scrunch along the shingle shore, spotting Second World War sea forts across the waves and seals in the harbor. There are plenty of places to eat: avoid the overpriced Royal Native Oyster Stores and head instead to JoJo’s, just down the road in Tankerton, for mackerel fillets and Med-inspired small plates. Or Samphire, a Whitstable bistro with cuttlefish risotto and Romney Marsh lamb on the menu. There’s also a thriving micropub scene here, with The Handsome Sam, The Black Dog, and the larger Twelve Taps for hoppy experimentation. But our favorite pastime is picking up a pot of cockles and whelks from the quayside, or fish and chips and oysters from The Forge shack, and devouring them in the shade of a wooden groyne on the beach, preferably with a bottle of English fizz to hand. – Rick Jordan

If you decide to stay over: The Victorian fisherman’s huts on the beach are the best place in which to hole up, the sound of waves and boat masts jangling in the wind outside, and can be booked via Hotel Continental. Along the coast in Seasalter is the Driftwood Beach House B&B .

Rye, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : a bracingly fresh seaside getaway How to get there from London: The train from St Pancras International takes about 1 hour 10 minutes with a change at Ashford International.

Rye is home to what might just be Britain’s prettiest (and most prettily named) street, and a wave of newcomers have moved in alongside the quaint old-timers in Mermaid Street and beyond, opening smart interiors stores and artisan bakeries next to unironically vintage tea rooms and souvenir shops. After breakfast at Whitehouse Rye–order the halloumi hash–pick up a new read at The Tiny Book Store (the clue’s in the name) and window shop for that fantasy mansion at striking antiques shop Strand House Interiors. The blustery dunes and invigorating waters of Camber Sands, one of the best beach near London , are a 15 minute ride away on the local bus, but head back in time for a rustic supper at Tuscan Rye, where fresh pasta (ricotta ravioli with brown-butter sauce, potato, and thyme tortellini in a rich ragù) draws loyal locals. – Sarah James

If you decide to stay over: Book a room at the lively George in Rye , which welcomes A-list guests (George Clooney and Helena Bonham Carter have both checked in for sleepovers) and smart locals in the same breath.

These are our favorite things to do in Rye

Margate, Kent

The best day trip from London for : a cultural day out How to get there from London: the fast train from London St Pancras takes 1 hour 25 minutes.

It’s no secret that this Victorian seaside town has had quite the hipster renaissance in recent years, sparked mostly by the arrival of the Turner Contemporary gallery in 2011 and spurred on by a slew of new openings and a wave of Londoners upping sticks and moving down to the Kent coast. For a cultural outing, the waterside Turner Contemporary is still a must. Entry is free so it’s worth popping in even if you’ve never heard of the artists on show, and the shop has some nice local products. For more contemporary art head to Crate, an artist-led project space in an old printworks. If you’d prefer something older—much older—wander over to the most ancient building in town, the Tudor House, a Grade II-listed 16th-century timber-framed house on King Street. It’s on your route from the seafront to the mysterious Shell Grotto, a spooky set of underground tunnels covered in more than four million shells.

A trip to Margate isn’t complete without a few hours in Dreamland, whether it’s for some spins on the rides or to see one of the amusement park’s impressive line-up of gigs in the evenings. Do take a stroll around town to hit up the vintage shops selling retro clothes, furniture, and homewares, where you can still find some decent bargains. And don’t forget to head over to Cliff Terrace to visit the flagship store of cult natural skincare brand Haeckels, which makes divine-smelling beauty products using seaweed gathered on the beach nearby. Speaking of the beach, if you want to go swimming walk along the coast to Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, a man-made sea lagoon where you can find calm waters and steps for easier access. If you arrive early (or stay the night), tuck into cracking breakfast at Storeroom coffee shop or at Cliffs, where there’s also a record shop, a hair salon, and a yoga studio. In fact, the whole up-and-coming area of Cliftonville is worth exploring. After all that roaming, great seafood can be found for dinner at either Angela’s or Hantverk & Found—reserve a table in advance though, as both get booked up. – Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over: The best beds in town are at The Reading Rooms , a boutique b&b in a restored Georgian townhouse a few minutes’ walk from the seafront. Be sure you don’t have to rush off in the morning as they’ll bring breakfast to your room so you can eat it overlooking the leafy square.

Read more about Margate's best things to do

Eastbourne, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : fair-weather walkers How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

Eastbourne is an old-timey British seaside town with a Victorian pier, a pebble beach, and a much-loved bandstand where tribute acts reign: ‘Queen’, ‘ABBA’, ‘Frank Sinatra,’ and ‘Lady Gaga’ have all played. You could spend the day taking in the town’s thriving art galleries, with plenty of opportunities for refueling stops along the way (our favorite is the stripped-back-trendy Nelson Coffee Co opposite the station), but the real draw here is enjoying the great outdoors at Beachy Head, where you’ll find the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. A hike with seriously impressive views out to sea runs across the top. Wander all the way along to neighboring Seaford or make one of the secret beaches tucked away at the foot of the cliffs your way point. It’s a steep climb down, but Falling Sands Beach is quiet and sandy and well worth the adventure. Eastbourne often makes the list of the sunniest places in the UK, so don’t forget your sunglasses. – Olivia Holborow

If you decide to stay over: Book into the Beachy Head holiday cottages –there’s a choice of 8, all set around a rambling walled garden with fruit and vegetables you can help yourself to.

An insider guide to the South Downs

Brighton, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : blasting the cobwebs away by the sea How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 34 minutes.

Brighton is a brilliant mish-mash of retro, seaside fun, and progressive culture. Book in advance and you can get return tickets from London for as little as £10. A maze of bunting-lined streets, The Lanes bursts at the seams with vintage shops–don’t miss Beyond Retro and Dirty Harry, and our two favorite independent boutiques, Our Daily Edit and Peggs & Son, as well as retro memorabilia (navigate the turnstile at Snoopers Paradise for collectors’ items, vinyl, and furniture). Time your day trip to include breakfast at Kensingtons—grab a table on the balcony for giant plates piled high with eggs, toast, and beans. It’s not the easiest spot to find, so look out for a shop called Artemis on Kensington Gardens, which overflows with sheepskin rugs and pelts—the café is on the left; follow the smell of bacon up the stairs. Later, reserve a table at Food for Friends, a superb veggie restaurant with award-winning flavors and presentation. A short walk away is the huge 8km pebbly beach–the section near the Palace Pier is dotted with stripy deckchairs and usually buzzing from spring to autumn (and often absolutely crammed in summer). There’s something terribly British about layering up and enjoying a windswept walk in the winter months, too. Reward yourself with a bag of hot, sugary donuts from the pier.

If you decide to stay over : Walk along the seafront to The Ginger Pig, a restaurant-with-rooms with pre-mixed cocktails in the minibars and Cowshed bottles by the standalone bathtubs.

The best restaurants in Brighton

Lewes, Sussex

The best day trip from London for : history buffs and vintage hunters How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes just over 1 hour.

Lewes: the market town in the South Downs that sits against a backdrop of chalk hills and green peaks. Cobblestoned 'twittens' (narrow streets), hand-painted shop signs and crumbling tiles from the 1960s make it feel like a town time forgot, and its slower rhythm makes for a reinvigorating gear-change. The Needlemakers on West Street is home to a range of small, independent shops that sell local craftsmanship, from jewelry to books–Alexis Dove is a favorite for delicate silverware and Susie Petrou has an eye for vintage blouses and Romanian embroidery. There’s an incongruous well at the bottom by the vintage shops— throw in a penny for good luck before you start hunting through piles of clothes and bags. Lewes Flea Market is an alluring source for antique furniture and quirky homeware, and is open daily (not to be confused with the outdoor Sunday market, which is also worth a visit). At the other end of town, at the bottom of Cliffe High Street, you can find Bill Collison’s very first Bill’s restaurant, a European deli-turned-eatery, where you can get hearty dishes such as pumpkin, fig, and chestnut roast, or a beef, bacon, and camembert burger. After lunch, ponder the paperbacks at the Fifteenth Century Bookshop, which has been carefully restored in recent years but remains as much of a landmark as Lewes Castle. Finish the day with a pint; Harvey’s Brewery is the only independent brewery in Sussex and provides the John Harvey Tavern over the road with local cask ales (download the self-titled app to find out where you can get it in London).

If you decide to stay over : Head to Firle for a night at The Ram Inn , and enjoy crisp linen and generous breakfasts served by an open fire.

Folkestone, Kent

The best day trip from London for: a coastal up-and-comer How to get there from London : The fast train from London St Pancras to Ashford takes 40 minutes, where you can change for Folkestone Central.

The seaside town of Folkestone is mid-makeover, which is the ideal time to visit—before everything gets priced up and the place’s quirks glossed over. The appeal of Sunny Sands beach is self-explanatory—this tiny, windswept slip of sand is one of the best beaches in Kent and the ideal spot to kick off your day (unsurprisingly, it fills up with families wielding buckets and spades, sticky with sunscreen, too). A trio of swashbuckling pubs and restaurants—The Ship Inn, The Mariner, and The Captain’s Table—lines the seafront, but the real treasure can be found in the Creative Quarter. At the bottom of The Old High Street is Bounce Vintage, an open space with rails full of retro sportswear, French chore jackets, and Aloha shirts. If you exchange smiles and pleasantries with the rosy-cheeked owners, they might just offer you an espresso on the house. Failing that, further up the road, Steep Street sells specialty coffee, homemade cake, and books . Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall shelves of hardbacks tower over fat leather armchairs and blackboard tables that you can doodle on in chalk. There are endless places to eat and drink around town: Rocksalt for a smart menu and sea views; Papas for old-fashioned fish’n’chips ; Beano’s for veggies; La Casa Del Bello Gelato for ice cream Follies for pizza; and The Pullman for pints. The Harbour Arm, though, is where Folkestone’s own folk go—the Champagne bar hidden in the lighthouse at the end is rustic, romantic, and completely charming.

If you decide to stay over : Book a room at the Linen Shed , a dove-gray, weatherboarded house on the old Roman road to Canterbury.

The best restaurants in Kent

Oxford, Oxfordshire

The best day trip from London for : a traditional slice of British culture How to get there from London : The Oxford Tube coach service takes 1 hour 30 minutes and runs until 3am; trains also run from Paddington and Marylebone stations and take 1 hour.

In one of the most quintessentially English cities in the UK (and the most expensive to live in outside London), cream tea is not just a rite of passage—it’s a requirement. And there’s only one place to take it—The Vaults & Garden Café, signposted by the presence of an antique bicycle with a flowerbed in its basket, is a gorgeous 14th-century building surrounded by colleges (Oriel, Brasenose, Murton, All Souls), where scones come loaded with clotted cream and seasonal homemade jam (the café has serious sustainability credentials, too). Architecture is a major draw in Oxford ; the libraries, bridges, and even cinemas feature Palladian domes, Norman design, ziggurat influences and listed buildings which make this a city to see on foot (Radcliffe Square is a must, and it’s worth paying £4 to climb the tower at the Church of St Mary The Virgin for the best view of Oxford). If you’re taking kids, the Pitt Rivers Museum is packed with bizarre artifacts and stories they’ll tell their friends about, and The Story Museum welcomes you through a wardrobe into Narnia and other fictional worlds of wonder. If you booked a babysitter, however, grab a drink at the brilliant Freud bar in Jericho—a stained-glass church-turned-cool-cocktail-bar that is grown-up enough to feel sophisticated but student-y enough to have plenty of atmosphere and frivolity in the air (or perhaps it’s something in the drinks).

If you decide to stay over : There are plenty of lovely hotels in the Cotswolds , such as The Wild Rabbit —the latest outpost from eco-queen Carole Bamford of Daylesford Organic fame.

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The best day trip from London for : people-watching and scenery How to get there from London : The train from London King’s Cross takes 45 minutes.

Like cycling in Amsterdam or taking trams in San Francisco , punting really is the most sophisticated way to see the city of Cambridge and the university grounds. Scudamore’s is the oldest ‘chauffeur’ company and offers a more traditional tour, but board a boat from the Garret Hostel Bridge for a younger, more humorous experience (ask your punter why the GHB is also known as Orgasm Bridge). For lunch, foodPark is a top hawker convoy of Sri Lankan curries, wood-fired pizza, and open-wide burgers that sets up from 12pm until 2pm in varying locations around Cambridge from Wednesday to Friday. For something more upscale, book one of Galleria’s terrace tables on the south side of the Magdalene Bridge, with British fusion food and views of the River Cam (your gluten- and dairy-free friends will thank you, as there are two separate menus specifically catering to their diets). In the autumn, the leaf-covered colleges are particularly picturesque as they turn red and rust, and in spring, Parker’s Piece is a scenic stretch of greenery from which to navigate (spot the lamppost that supposedly inspired the post in CS Lewis’ Narnia). From here, find eccentric English shop Bowes & Co, Fitzbillies for iced buns, Aromi for Italian nibbles, Kettle’s Yard art gallery, and G David for antique books. Finish your day with the choral evensong at King’s College Chapel around 5.30pm: goosebumps guaranteed. For more ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in Cambridge .

If you decide to stay over : It doesn’t get much better than the iconic University Arms hotel , reopened in 2018 after a serious reboot.

Ashdown Forest, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for: boot-wearing outdoorsy types How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour to East Grinstead (a 15-minute drive from Forest Row).

A.A. Milne famously wrote the stories of Winnie the Pooh while living just north of Ashdown Forest. Known as 100 Acre Wood in Pooh’s world, the forest is home to the spellbinding stories and is an enchanting place to stretch your legs for a day, easily accessible via East Grinstead station. Stretches of open heathland give way to leafy walkways and carpets of bluebells in spring, where the woods teem with wildlife (spot fallow deer, badgers, and the odd friendly pheasant—no honey-eating bears, though), and the only noise is birdsong. You can even visit Pooh Bridge (for a game of Poohsticks, naturally), but be warned, it’s a prominent tourist spot. Pooh was a big fan of having ‘a little smackerel of something’, and nearby village Forest Row has plenty of places for elevenses. Taffels deli is a family-run café and much-loved lunch spot (there is nothing skinny about the skinny chips; they are double-fried and divine) and caters to all dietary requirements, while Java & Jazz serves huge hot chocolates cakes and crispy-crusted pizza. For proper pub food, the cozy Hatch Inn (one of our favorite country pubs near London) is known for roasts with all the trimmings and offers plenty of dog-patting opportunities. If you’re not in a hurry to get home, head to Linton’s car park—locally known as ‘the viewpoint’—for sunset.

If you decide to stay over : Gravetye Manor is a very English Elizabethan country-house classic and one of our favorite weekend breaks in the UK .

Dungeness, Kent

The best day trip from London for : nature enthusiasts How to get there from London : The drive to Romney Marsh via the A20 and M20 takes 2 hours.

Arriving in Dungeness from London feels a little like stepping out of a Tardis into a different time zone, where a recent apocalypse has left the landscape barren, the wildlife overrun, the buildings flattened, and the population dramatically compromised (in fact, the Dungeness Power Station appeared in Doctor Who in 1971). Unofficially known as ‘Britain’s only desert’, Dungeness has a unique environment—single-story buildings appear to have been swallowed by the shingle and plants let loose with little regard for human-imposed order. The beach resembles a mass shipwreck; abandoned fishing boats, crumbling shacks, winches, and forgotten tractors coated in decades of rust sit, untouched, unmoved and as mysterious as a Russell T Davies plot. There’s not a whole lot to do here—but there’s so much to see, and so much to pique your curiosity that you’ll spend the journey back googling the area. Kids will love the sheer strangeness of it all, and it’s impossible to resist the childlike urge to climb and run and play. Few places so close to London feel like such an adventure; the journey can take less than two hours, and, if you time it right, you can order the catch of the day for lunch from roadside hut the Snack Shack, which does the freshest fish, lobster rolls, and ice-cold cans of San Pellegrino.

If you decide to stay over : You’ll have to venture out of Dungeness—try The Rose in Deal , a grown-up bolthole splashed with bold colors and covetable vintage finds.

The best day trip from London for : switching off How to get there from London: The train from London Waterloo to Dorking takes 50 minutes.

Surrey’s proximity to London makes the journey a breeze—and it’s an especially astute pick if you’re likely to be coming with a car full of little ones. At Henry VIII’s home Hampton Court Palace, there are family-friendly events such as beast quests and ghost tours, as well as the famous giant hedge maze, where adventurous kids can lead the troops. In winter, an ice rink is set against the historic backdrop of the palace, a building whose grandiose architecture is shaped by both the Tudor and Baroque periods. If you’re escaping the city (and the kids), however, check in at Grayshott Health Spa, a traditional country home with cutting-edge treatments. Surrounded by 47 acres of flowering gardens, it’s a peaceful place to step back and take stock. Connect with nature at Kew, too, where the Royal Botanic Gardens are open to the public all year round. The winter light show is particularly mesmerizing, when the sun starts to sink earlier and earlier. Be sure to take cash for mince pies and mulled wine as you wander through the grounds. Having been awarded a Michelin star, Steve Drake’s restaurant Sorrel in Dorking (a market town with chocolate-box charm) is currently the county’s hottest restaurant with the most exciting ‘discovery menu.’

If you decide to stay over : Surrey is home to some of the best spas near London, such as Grayshott, where the Manor House rooms offer faded charm.

Hastings and St Leonards

The best day trip from London for:  old-school seaside charm How to get there from London:  The fast train from London St Pancras International takes 1 hour 32 minutes with a change at Ashford International

There’s almost too much to fit into a one-day visit to Hastings, especially if you want to pop over to the neighboring town of St Leonards. Over the last few years, these two East Sussex enclaves have become a popular bolthole for burnt-out Londoners looking for a bohemian seaside escape. To see what all the fuss is about, head straight to explore Hasting’s quaint Old Town, a picturesque maze of streets sandwiched between two dramatic cliffs. Pedestrianised scenic George Street is where most of the action happens, with a thrum of cafés, shops, and pubs, but it’s worth wandering the surrounding streets too. Seek out AG Hendy & Co on the High Street for well-curated vintage homewares and stop into The Crown for cozy pub grub made with excellent local produce. If you’re up for a wander, get the funicular up and walk along to the cliff to Fairlight Glen, a beautiful secluded beach where clothing is optional. Or if that sounds a bit much, stay in the Old Town and explore the dramatic black fisherman’s huts on Rock-A-Nore beach where there’s Hastings Contemporary art gallery, a tiny shipwreck museum, fresh seafood stalls, and a very cute miniature railway. Next up, take the 40-minute amble along the beach past the pier to St Leonards and stop off for food at the fabulous seafront café, Goat Ledge. It’s worth the trip for their crispy panko fish baps and katsu curry sauce chips alone. Nearby, there are great independent shops selling everything from candles to kimonos on Norman Road and King’s Road where you can easily spend a few hours happily browsing and café hopping before settling into dinner at Michelin-recommended pub The Royal. — Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over:  Book into  The Old Rectory , a bijou  b&b  in Hasting’s Old Town with treatment rooms and a walled garden.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

17 Absolute Best Day Trips from London (+ How to Visit, Top Tours & Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2024

London is an amazing city with so much to offer that you could spend weeks and still not see it all. But in addition to all the top sights and attractions in the city itself , there are also so many beautiful places near London, many of which can easily be visited as a day trip from London.

However, with such an array of possibilities, how do you choose the very best day trips from London that are worth your time the most?

In this article, we feature the absolute best places that you can visit as a one-day trip from London, England . This guide includes all the ‘musts’, the very best day trip destinations near London for first-time visitors, but also for local travelers who want to (re)discover some of the most popular sights near London.

In addition, for each place, we include recommendations on how to visit on your own and also the best day tours from London . Because even though you can visit many of these places by train, often, you will be able to see so much more if you go on an organized tour.

Many tours combine several major landmarks in one day, allowing you to make the most of your time and see a lot in a short time. Furthermore, going with a local guide is a great opportunity to explore deeper, scratch beneath the surface, and discover things you didn’t even know existed…

Good to know: At the bottom of this article, you can find a map indicating all the places that you can easily visit as a day trip from London mentioned in this guide. It will give you a better idea of where everything is.

TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the entire article and are looking for the best day trips from London, here are the 4 most popular day tours among our readers:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath (also in combination with Roman Baths that you can add when booking).
• Cotswolds .
• Harry Potter Studio (also in combination with Oxford).
• Seven Sisters & South Downs .

Interesting to know: Overall, the most-visited day trip destinations from London are Windsor Castle and Harry Potter Studios.

These are the best & most popular day trips from London:

1. Windsor Castle

If you visit just one place outside of London city, make it Windsor Castle ! Located just 20 miles (32 km) from the city center, a day trip to Windsor is a must on any London bucket list!

The spectacular Windsor Castle is one of the queen’s official residences and has been home to the royal family for 900 years! Kings and queens have been buried here, including the infamous Henry VIII and Jayne Seymour, his third wife. Most recently, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is also buried at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

An excellent example of church architecture in medieval times, Windsor Castle is still used for royal receptions and state occasions. In recent years it has been the venue of the weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

Open all year round, Windsor Castle is a great way to explore royal history, from touring the Castle Precincts to viewing the lavish staterooms and apartments. The Castle Grounds are both beautiful and peaceful and from there you can observe the iconic Changing of the Guard, which normally happens at 11 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from April until the end of July.

Good to know. At the moment, Windsor Castle is open daily except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Because it’s a working royal palace, sometimes parts of the castle or even the entire castle can get closed on short notice. Below, you can find all the practical information for your visit. Read on!

How to visit. You can easily get to Windsor by train from London. There’s a direct train from London Waterloo Station and it takes about 1 hour. From Windsor & Eton Riverside station, it’s just a short walk to the castle. Be sure to book your Windsor Castle tickets online in advance ! This is the best option for those who prefer to take their time and explore the castle at their own pace.

If you come here for a day, be sure to check out Windsor and Eton towns as well! The best way to do this is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus in Windsor . Another nice thing to do is take a boat tour and enjoy different views of the castle from the river.

Good to know: Entry to Windsor Palace is also included with the London Pass , which offers good value if you spend more time in London and plan on visiting many popular tourist attractions and museums.

Best tours from London. Windsor Castle is the most popular day trip destination near London, so there are many tours that can bring you here as well. Most tours that visit the castle also include one or several other nice places nearby – perfect for those who are short on time and want to make the most of their day.

Here are the most popular day tours from London that visit Windsor Castle:

• Windsor Castle only – this is a convenient bus transfer from/ to London that also includes the tickets to the castle. This tour takes about 4 hours in total – the fastest way to visit Windsor Castle from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – the most popular full-day tour from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – with an option to visit Roman Baths.

2. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and another extremely popular destination for London day trips. Built almost 5000 years ago by farmers in the Neolithic period, this is a spiritual and architectural wonder that many people consider an absolute must-see in the UK!

Historians still debate its original purpose, although most agree that it was probably built for spiritual reasons. Meanwhile, engineers marvel at the extraordinary skill and size of the construction project, which must have involved hundreds of workers given the very simple tools they had available at the time.

Whilst the main attraction at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the mystical Stone Circle itself, you can also view the 5 on-site Neolithic houses. Their design was based on the remains of houses from this period that were discovered during a nearby excavation in 2006.

You can step through the doors of these houses to see just how the builders of Stonehenge might have lived thousands of years ago, with each house equipped with replica axes, pottery, and artifacts.

How to visit . Stonehenge is located about 90 miles (145 km) from London. There are no direct trains to Stonehenge, but you can take a train to Salisbury train station and then take The Stonehenge Tour Bus service from there. The easiest way to get here from London is either by car or by tour. If you drive, prepare for very busy traffic and count at least 2 hours one way. If you go without a tour, be sure to book your admission tickets online in advance !

Best tours from London. Since Stonehenge is quite a drive from the city, but it doesn’t require that much time to visit, it’s usually included as one of the sights of some of the most popular day tours from London.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Stonehenge from London:

• Stonehenge only – a very popular half-day tour (morning or afternoon) that includes transportation and entrance tickets. It takes about 6 hours and is the fastest way to visit Stonehenge from London.
• Stonehenge & Bath – the most relaxing full-day tour.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – a very complete tour that also includes an entry to the Roman Baths.

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and the most popular town that you can easily visit as a day trip from London. This picturesque historic city is filled with stunning examples of honey-colored Georgian architecture and some of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Perhaps the most famous feature of this UNESCO World Heritage City is the ancient Roman Baths built around thermal springs and supplying water for over 2,000 years. Whilst the Baths are open for you to view, no bathing has been allowed there since 1978. Instead, the much more modern Thermae Bath Spa was opened in 2006, containing the only natural hot spring in England in which you are allowed to bathe.

In the city stands the magnificent Bath Abbey , with its unique ‘ladder of angels’ on the west front. This feature was inspired by Bath’s Bishop at that time, who saw angels ascending and descending in a dream. You will also see the iconic ‘Royal Crescent’ – 30 Grade I listed terraced houses built in the late 18th century, arranged in a crescent around a verdant lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park.

Another architectural gem is the Circus , also built in the latter half of the 18th century. This historic street of large townhouses forms a circle, which is how it got its name (Circus is Latin for a ring, circle, or oval).

And perhaps most beautiful of all is the romantic Pulteney Bridge , with its small, leaded domes, pilasters, and pediments. The bridge was named after the wife of William Johnstone Pulteney, an important figure in Bath at that time and owner of much of the surrounding land. A popular thing to do in Bath is to take a short boat trip on River Avon – it allows you to easily see some of the main sights of Bath in a short time.

How to visit. Bath is about 120 miles (195 km), about 2.5 hours drive from London. If you drive, be sure to stop at Stonehenge along the way! The fastest way to get to Bath from London is by train – it takes less than 1.5 hours. And there are also many tours that visit Bath from London, usually in combination with other beautiful places nearby.

TIP. If you visit Bath on your own, you may want to take a walking tour of the city. It’s the best way to see a lot in a short time – you’ll be sure not to miss any important places, but it also gives you a better insight into the history and architecture of this unique town.

Best tours from London. Since Bath is so close to Stonehenge, most tours from London visit both of these places together. In addition, some tours also include one or several other places nearby.

Here are the most popular day tours from London to Bath:

• Stonehenge & Bath .
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath .
• Stonehenge and Bath Tour with Secret Site – a very highly rated small group tour.

One of the UK’s most famous university towns, Oxford is also a place that you can easily visit as a day trip from London.

Oxford University was established in the 12th century and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university is composed of 38 separate college buildings, whose architecture inspired the poet Matthew Arnold to name it the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ (see the picture of the All Souls College below, and you’ll understand where the name comes from).

Some scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Oxford, so it can be fun to try and spot them as you tour the city. Harry Potter fans can also opt for this popular walking tour of the filming locations .

In the heart of the city center is Christ Church College , home to the magnificent Hall and Christ Church Cathedral with its landmark spire and Tom Tower. The gardens of the 12th-century Cathedral inspired Lewis Carroll to write ‘Alice in Wonderland’. You can hunt for features of the story, such as the Alice in Wonderland motives in one of the large windows in the Great Dining Hall.

The Cathedral also contains the shrine and tomb of Saint Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford. Christ Church College – one of Oxford University’s largest colleges – has lots more for visitors to see, from the famous Bodley Tower to the stunning Meadow Building.

There are two main museums that are well worth seeing during a visit to Oxford. Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is Oxford University’s museum of art and archaeology. Free to enter, it’s a great place to learn all about human culture and societies across the world and throughout time, with its collections including everything from Egyptian mummies to contemporary works of art.

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History , meanwhile, houses a captivating collection of natural specimens, covering everything from Earth’s beginnings to a look inside an active beehive!

Connecting two parts of Hertford College is the Hertford Bridge , popularly known as the ‘Bridge of Sighs’. Named after its resemblance to Venice’s Bridge of Sighs , this particular bridge is a skyway that allows students to travel from one building to another. Designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and completed in 1914, this photo-worthy bridge is best viewed from the steps of the University’s Bodleian Library (another must-see in Oxford).

How to visit. Oxford is just 60 miles (95 km), 1.5 hours drive from London. There are also direct trains from London and the journey takes about 1 hour – this is the best way to visit Oxford on your own. There are also organized tours that visit Oxford from London – usually in combination with one or two other places nearby.

TIP: If you visit Oxford for a day, consider this walking tour . It takes just 1.5 hours and is a great way to learn more about the city and the university. River cruises are also very popular and are a fun way to explore Oxford!

Best tours from London. While you could easily fill an entire day in Oxford, most one-day tours from London only spend a few hours here and combine a visit here with several other places.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Oxford from London:

• Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford – a bucket list day trip for all Harry Potter fans!
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – see three of the most popular locations in one day.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – this is a great tour for those who want to see the English countryside. It’s also a nice addition to the popular Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath tours mentioned above. If you do two of these tours, you get to see most of the nicest day trip destinations near London in just two days.

5. Cotswolds

The scenic traditional towns and stone villages of the Cotswolds is one of the most popular London day trips for those who want to experience the true English countryside. This area is so picturesque! Below, you can find an overview of the most beautiful places not to miss.

Minster Lovell village is the home of Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote, which sits on the banks of the River Windrush. This 15th-century Oxfordshire manor house was built by William, Baron of Lovell and Holand – one of England’s richest men at the time. The house was eventually abandoned and now only the substantial ruins remain, giving lots of wonderful photographic opportunities against their beautiful rural backdrop.

A Cotswold village of outstanding beauty is Bibury , with its gorgeous stone buildings that run along the banks of the River Coln. Here you can see the iconic Arlington Row – a series of buildings that were originally built as a monastic wool store but were later converted into cottages. Now owned by the National Trust, Arlington Row is considered to be so quintessentially English that its image appears on the inside cover of UK passports.

Another village well worth visiting is Buford , with its 3 arched medieval bridges across the River Windrush. Famous for its High Street which runs down toward the river, Buford is popular for antique shopping and boasts lots of good restaurants, pubs, and tea rooms. It’s also home to a hotel in which King Charles dined with his mistress, Nell Gwynne.

Whilst there are many contenders for the title, most people will agree that Bourton-on-the-Water is the prettiest village in England. Also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, this ‘must-see’ village is named for the many beautiful bridges that cross its river at the center. Located in a small valley, Bourton-on-the-Water has many charming tea rooms and restaurants, plus a range of eclectic shops including pottery and the Cotswold Perfumery. Don’t miss the popular model village, which is a 1/9th scale replica of the entire center of the village.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting on the afternoon of the August Bank Holiday Monday, you’ll witness one of the village’s more curious traditions, in which a local team plays a full game of football right in the River Windrush. This bizarre game of soccer has been filmed and reported all over the world!

If you have more time in this area, here are some more really nice villages to see in the Cotswolds: Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester, Chipping Campden, Blockley, and Stanton .

How to visit. The Cotswolds are about 30 minutes drive west of Oxford and about 2 hours drive from London. Since the main attractions of the Cotswolds are its various villages, the best way to visit here is either by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. The beautiful Cotswolds region is just a short drive from Oxford, so many tours combine the two places. There are also popular Downton Abbey filming location tours that combine a visit here to that of the Highclere Castle, but because of time restraints, you usually only see one village on these tours.

Here is an overview of the most popular Cotswolds tours from London:

• Cotswolds only – this is the best tour for those who want to explore the Cotswolds deeper as it visits several of the nicest villages and allows you more time to experience this beautiful area.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – the most popular day tour.
• Oxford and Cotswolds Villages – the best small-group tour.
• Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, and Cotswolds – this tour is packed, but well organized and you get to see some of the best places in a very short time.

6. Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small medieval market town and also a very popular place to see near London. The birthplace of William Shakespeare is probably at the top of most people’s must-see lists and the main reason to visit here.

The timber-framed house on Henley Street is where Shakespeare not only spent part of his childhood but also the first 5 years of his marriage after his father’s death in 1601. Live presentations from guides dressed in period costumes and the carefully restored Tudor rooms bring history to life.

In the many Tudor-style buildings of Stratford, you’ll also find 3 theatres owned by The Royal Shakespeare Company. They perform plays by Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and other, later writers. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is situated on the banks of the River Avon, panoramic views of which can be enjoyed from the theatre’s tower.

Also on the River Avon is the Swan Theatre , built on the side of the Royal Theatre and offering a more intimate atmosphere. The third theatre – the Other Place – is smaller and used as a center for performing arts.

For a taste of old-fashioned romance, pay a visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage a bit outside of town. This beautiful 500-year-old building was originally a farmhouse and was where William Shakespeare courted Anne, his future wife. Incredibly picturesque, the cottage still contains original features and furnishings and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Another must-see is the Hall’s Croft , the house of Shakespeare’s daughter, with stunning gardens. Inside, you can find original 16-17th-century furniture, paintings, and other items.

How to visit. Stratford-upon-Avon is about 100 miles (160 km), 2 hours drive from London. If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to visit here on a day trip from London is by joining a tour.

Best tours from London. Most tours visiting Stratford-upon-Avon from London combine it with other places nearby and only spend a few hours here. They usually include a guided walk in the town center and sometimes a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace.

Here is a small selection of the best day tours from London:

• Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds – this is one of the few tours that spend more time in Stratford and also visits Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. It also brings you to three villages in the Cotswolds.
• Oxford, Stratford, & Cotswolds – this popular tour spends about 2 hours in Stratford and covers more ground in a day.

7. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Fans of Harry Potter – and even those who have yet to experience the wizardly wonder of the movies – will enjoy a visit to the fascinating Warner Bros. studio near London . It’s one of the most popular day tours from London (after Windsor Castle), and a must if visiting London with kids .

Here, you can see firsthand some of the amazing sets used in the film’s production, including the Great Hall of Hogwarts (which went on to be used in 6 more films) and the Forbidden Forest filled with 19 trees, each with a diameter of over 12 feet. You can even see The Hogwarts Express locomotive at the elusive Platform 9¾.

There are prop rooms where you can take a close-up look at look at the elaborate props used in the Harry Potter movies. There are almost 2,000 potion jars and memory vials, all with labels hand-designed by the Graphics Department. You can also see Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which took 3 months to build and was intended to look as much as possible as a real 18th-century storefront.

If you have an interest in the making of movies, you will enjoy other parts of the studio as well. The Special and Visual Effects section reveals how some of the more incredible scenes were created, including how Harry and his friends were made invisible by the Invisibility Cloak and how they appeared to fly! Even more captivating is the Creature Effects section, where you can learn how the magical creatures in the Harry Potter films were created and brought to life.

A visit to the Making of Harry Potter Studio provides a magical and educational experience for adults and children alike. If you are looking for a fun relaxing day trip near London, this is a great option for the whole family!

How to visit. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio is located in Leavesden, Watford, about 20 miles from London city center. But because of the busy traffic, it’s quite a long drive. There’s a train from London to Watford, from where you’ll have to take a bus to the studios – the journey will take you over 1 hour not counting the time to get to the station. There are also several companies offering bus transfers from London – see below.

Best tours from London. The easiest way to get to Harry Potter Studios is by booking a transfer or a tour from London. That way you don’t have to worry about the tickets either.

This highly-rated  Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour  departs from Victoria Station, close to Westminster Catedral in the city center. There is also a popular  tour that departs from King’s Cross . The prices are usually the same and include a bus transfer and tickets. You’ll need about 7-8 hours in total for this day trip.

PRO TIP: One of the most popular tours from London is this popular tour that includes a visit to the studios and also visits Oxford . It’s a truly magical day trip as Oxford is one of the places where Harry Potter movies were filmed.

8. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace , one of the Tudor Palaces, was the former royal residence of King Henry VIII. In addition to Windsor, this is another really nice place to visit near London, especially if you are a fan of royal history.

Hampton Court is a huge, impressive baroque-style palace located at the River Thames and surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland . If you visit in spring, you can see the magnificent tulip festival. But the gardens have something nice to offer in every season, and there are various events at the Palace throughout the year.

The interior of the castle gives you a chance to take a glimpse into the daily life of royals in the 16-17th centuries. You can visit the impressive State Rooms and private apartments of William III . Also, don’t miss the kitchens of Henry VIII , where over 200 people worked in the past, cooking and serving more than 800 meals per day.

Another highlight is the magnificent Great Hall that was originally a dining room, but afterwards became a sort of theatre that was used for entertainment, plays, and dances. Back in the day, William Shakespeare performed his plays here. The highlights here include a series of tapestries showing scenes from the Book of Genesis and the impressive timber roof with Anne Bollaine’s coat-of-arms.

This is also a very nice place to visit for families, with a maze in the garden, fantastic play areas for children, and plenty of places for a picnic. When the weather is nice, you could easily spend an entire day just exploring the gardens.

How to visit. Hampton Court Palace is located on the outskirts of London, about 15 miles southwest of the city center. You can easily visit Hampton Court Palace from London by train. There is a train from London Waterloo Station to Surbiton Station, and from there to Hampton Court. It takes about 40 minutes.

In addition, there are also several tours – see below.

Good to know: Hampton Court Palace entry is included with the London Pass .

Tours from London. Because Hampton Court is quite easy to get to and explore on your own, there aren’t many organized tours. The best ones are private tours like this one ; it combines a visit to Hampton Court Palace with that of Windsor Castle. That way, you get to see two of the most impressive royal palaces near London in one day.

There are also some nice bike tours or boat tours that explore the surroundings of Hampton, starting from different locations nearby.

9. Brighton & Seven Sisters

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London and see some of the stunning nature of England, then definitely consider a day trip to the white cliffs of Seven Sisters and South Downs . At the same time, you can also visit one of the UK’s nicest coastal cities – Brighton .

Brighton is worth a trip in its own right, with all the little pleasures that a lively seaside resort has to offer. If you have some time to spare, check out the Royal Pavilion , an Asian-style palace that looks like it belongs in an Indian fairytale…

But for a sightseeing day trip from London, you can also opt for something slightly different and explore some of the beautiful nature outside of town as well.

The rolling hills of the South Downs offer so much to explore and enjoy, with spectacular views and popular spots with their own unique legends. One of the most famous is that of the Devil’s Dyke , a v-shaped dry valley whose creation was attributed to the work of the devil himself (although, as you will see, it’s far too beautiful for that!). The South Downs is also home to the Long Man of Wilmington – a 235 ft tall chalk figure on the side of a grassy hill and one of only two human hill figures in England.

Be sure to check out Beachy Head , which – at 535 feet – is the highest chalk cliff on the southern coast of England. From the top, you can see miles of coastline in either direction, plus the candy-striped lighthouse that sits just out to sea. Nearby is the Birling Gap – one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. Here you can see coastal erosion firsthand, with the cliffs eroding up to a meter a year at certain points.

Another highlight of any visit to the South Downs is the Seven Sisters – an undulating line of white chalk cliffs, each hill with its own name. They are best viewed from Seaford Head , where you can see evidence of an 8th hill beginning to form from the erosion of the sea.

TIP: Any visit to the Downs must include a visit to the popular Middle Farm , which offers such delicacies as local cheese, sparkling wines, and traditional Sussex cider.

How to visit. South Downs and the Seven Sisters are located near Brighton in south England. While you can easily get to Brighton by train from London, you’ll need a car for the other places. The best way to visit is with a tour – see below.

Best tours from London. There are just a few tours from London that visit this area. The best option is this highly-rated tour that includes a train ticket from London to Brighton and a small-group minibus tour of the sights along the coast. If you prefer to make your own way to Brighton, you can also book the same tour starting in Brighton .

TIP: If you rather book a private tour, there is one tour that offers a pick-up in your hotel in London and covers all these sights in and around Brighton.

10. Cambridge

Less than an hour by train from London, Cambridge is another beautiful town to visit for a day. Just as Oxford, it’s probably best known for its centuries-old University, and this beautiful town has lots of well-preserved historic buildings. But this medieval city is also a student town and has a very nice, relaxed atmosphere.

Don’t miss the King’s College Chapel , Queen’s College , Trinity College, and Wren Library . You can also climb to the top of the tower of Great St Mary’s Church for nice views over the city.

In addition to exploring the many colleges in the city (there are 31! of them), be sure to walk along the River Cam ! Also Cambridge has its own Bridge of Sighs . This covered bridge at St John’s College spans over the river and is a favorite photo spot for weddings as well as tourists visiting the town.

Other nice bridges worth seeing in Cambridge are the Mathematical Bridge , Clare College Bridge , King’s College Bridge , and there are many others.

A great way to explore the beautiful river, see the bridges, the town, and the surroundings is a punt tour . This traditional boat ride is a very typical thing to do in Cambridge – don’t miss it!

How to visit. Cambridge is just over 60 miles (95 km) north of London, and the easiest way to visit is by taking a direct train from King’s Cross Station in London. It takes less than 50 minutes, so you can easily visit Cambridge on your own, without a tour.

Once in Cambridge, you can take a walking tour with a local or explore on your own. The earlier mentioned punt tours on the river are also not to be missed.

Best tours from London. If you rather visit Cambridge with a tour from London, there are several options as well. We recommend this 2-in-1 tour that visits Cambridge and Oxford . That way, you get to see two university towns in one day.

11. Canterbury Cathedral & Leeds Castle

While Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral are over 20 miles apart, these two landmarks don’t require that much time and so are usually visited on the same day. In fact, they are usually combined with a short visit to Dover too, but more about it further below.

After a visit to Leeds Castle , you will not be able to help but agree with Lord Conway, who described it as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. With a romantic, fairy-tale appearance, this 12th-century gem was built in the center of a natural lake, surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland.

Leeds Castle was once used as a palace by Henry VIII and the private property of six medieval queens. Its rooms have been beautifully restored and give you the opportunity to learn all about its long and fascinating history.

In addition to the Lady Baillie Garden, which gives stunning views across the lake, the grounds also hold one of Kent’s most popular mazes, with 2,400 yew trees. Once you reach the maze’s center, a fascinating underground grotto takes you back to the real world!

One of the most famous and picturesque Christian buildings in England, Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597, then extensively rebuilt from 1070 to 1077. It is the Cathedral of the leader of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and is still used for active worship.

The Cathedral contains the shrine of Archbishop Thomas Becket and you can stand on the spot upon which he was murdered, as told in Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous ‘Canterbury Tales’.

Also the medieval town center of Canterbury, with its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses, is a nice place to see if you have more time. It’s a popular day trip from London for locals. Also here, you can take traditional boat tours on the river.

How to visit. Unless you have a car, the easiest way to visit Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral is by taking a tour. If you just visit one of these places, you could also get there by public transport. For Leeds Castle, you have to take a train to Ashford, followed by a bus trip to the castle. For Canterbury, there’s a direct train from London, and you can make a nice relaxing day trip by visiting this picturesque town.

Best tours from London. There are several tours from London that visit these places. You can find them here and they are all quite similar in terms of itinerary.

12. White Cliffs of Dover & Dover Castle

“There’ll be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover” went the words to the popular wartime song – and if you’re familiar with the song then it’s quite incredible to see the inspiring white cliffs for yourself. If you are looking for something different to see near London than historic towns and villages, Dover is a wonderful place to visit!

Composed of chalk, Dover’s cliffs are 350 ft high and stretch for 8 miles. They were on the front line of both world wars and were a critical part of England’s defenses at that time. Now, they provide wonderful views across the surrounding countryside and the English Channel. On clear days you can even look across and see France!

The unique chalky grassland habitat of the cliffs means that they are abundant in wildlife and you can see all sorts of flowers, butterflies, and birds as you walk, including the rarely spotted peregrine falcon.

You can either spend your visit simply enjoying the cliff-top views, or take a short trip to see Dover Castle too. Dover Castle is one of England’s biggest castles and was built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Ironically, he built it to stop anyone from invading the country using the way in which he’d invaded it himself!

A visit to the Castle includes exploration of the tunnels that go deep into the cliffs, where you can learn all about the dramatic evacuation from Dunkirk and see the Underground Hospital that was used to treat injured soldiers in WWII.

How to visit. Dover is about 80 miles southeast of London. You can take a direct train to Dover from London and visit the town and the castle, and take a walk along the shore from where you can admire the beautiful white cliffs. Alternatively, you can also visit here with some day tours from London – see below.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that visit Dover from London, usually in combination with a few other places and Dover is often not more than a short photo stop. Here are the most popular day tours:

• Dover, Leeds Castle & Canterbury Cathedral – the most popular and best price/quality tour from London.
• Dover, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Greenwich – quite a full day, but you get to see a lot in a short time.

13. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a very impressive country house in Woodstock, about 65 miles northwest of London. This is England’s only non-royal country house that actually holds the title of a palace.

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill currently the home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is a stunning example of 18th-century Baroque architecture. During your visit, you will see the magnificent staterooms, which are filled with priceless works of art and beautiful tapestries. A grade I listed building and World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace also contains the finest collection of antiques to be found anywhere in Europe.

The gardens – set within over 754 hectares of land – are particularly wonderful to explore. Designed by the English landscape architect Capability Brown, there are several formal gardens to enjoy. Don’t miss the Rose Garden, the exquisite Water Terraces, the Secret Gardens, and the family-friendly Pleasure Gardens.

Historical monuments can be seen throughout, including the Column of Victory (built to commemorate the Duke of Marlborough’s military successes), the Grand Bridge which spans the two lakes and The Temple of Diana, where Sir Winston Churchill proposed to his future wife.

There are also a few recommended walks to take. Possibly the most beautiful is The Lake and Grand Cascade walk, which gives you breathtaking views of the countryside.

Good to know: The Palace and the grounds are so big and have so much to offer that you can easily spend an entire day here. In fact, many people find that one day isn’t even enough and many locals get a yearly pass for the Palace. However, many tours only spend a few hours here and just cover the main highlights. So how to visit depends on what you want to see and do here.

How to visit. The easiest way to visit Blenheim Palace is by car or with a tour, but you can also get here by public transport. From London Paddington Station, take a train to Hanborough (a bit over 1 hour), and from there, take a bus to the palace (it takes 7-10 minutes). If you want to spend an entire day at the palace, this is the best way to visit on a day trip from London.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that shortly visit Blenheim Palace from London. The best tour that spends more time at Palace is this Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds tour. This tour also includes a few short photo stops at other popular locations nearby.

14. Downton Abbey Filming Locations

Downton Abbey filming locations close to Oxford and the Cotswolds make another popular day trip destination from London. There are two main places that you’ll want to see here – Bampton village and Highclere Castle .

Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and another fine example of luxurious life in the English countryside. It has been used for various film sets but became hugely popular since the filming of the TV series Downton Abbey . It’s now a very popular place to visit from Oxford or from London. The castle belongs to the Carnarvon family and is kept as it is, without turning it into a ‘theme park’ like some other castles in the area.

Another must-see for Downton Abbey fans is the beautiful village of Bampton . You’ll recognize many of the buildings here from the series, and it’s great fun to try to spot them during your visit!

Be sure to locate the home of Isobel Crawley, the church (actually named St. Mary’s), two fictional pubs – the Grantham Arms and the Dog and Duck – plus the Downton Cottage Hospital. The building used for the hospital is, in reality, the Bampton Community Archive, which houses a collection of old photos of the village and its people.

Bampton is a lovely village to visit in its own right. It is mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 and was already a large settlement during the era of the Norman Conquest. On the other hand, it’s so small that you don’t need much time here.

How to visit. Highclere Castle is located about 65 miles (105 km) west of London, whereas Bampton village is about 30-40 miles from here, very close to Oxford. The best way to visit these places is either by car or by taking a tour.

Best tours from London. There are several tours visiting Downton Abbey filming locations from London. Some of the tours also visit Oxford, some others pass several villages of Cotswolds as well. This tour has the most complete itinerary covering most of the Downton Abbey filming locations.

The picturesque village of Lacock in rural Wiltshire near Bath is another place often visited on day tours from London. It’s a small village and you don’t need much time here, but it’s well worth a stop if touring the area.

The historic village of Lacock looks much as it did two centuries ago. Founded in the Saxon era, Lacock’s buildings originally made up part of a monastery complex (be sure to visit Lacock Abbey !). In the 19th century, it lost its main source of income from the wool industry, so very little development has taken place since then.

This means that this unspoiled little village gives an authentic look into days gone by. In fact, you can still see an old workhouse and medieval tithe barn in addition to the traditional stone cottages, with classic English pubs dotted throughout.

The village’s beauty makes it a popular choice as a TV and film location. Scenes from Pride and Prejudice were filmed here and Lacock Abbey was also used to film parts of Harry Potter.

Lacock was also used in Downtown Abbey, but because of its location, it’s usually a place you’d visit in combination with Bath and Stonehenge and not together with Highclere castle or Bampton. Unless you drive – in that case, you could make your own tour covering all three.

How to visit. Because of its rural location, Lacock is best visited by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. There are many tours that stop in Lacock, usually in combination with a visit to Bath, Stonehenge, sometimes also with Windsor Castle. This is the most popular tour that also brings you to Lacock (in addition to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath).

16. Warwick Castle

If you want to visit a real medieval castle near London, consider a day trip to Warwick Castle . With a history that goes back over 1000 years, a visit here takes you on a journey back in time, to a world of historic myths and battles for the English throne, but also lavish banquets, and royal splendor.

The castle was originally built as a wooden fort in 1068 and was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. As you arrive, you enter over the footbridge and find an impressive medieval castle with ramparts and towers. You can climb the stairs of the castle walls and explore this impressive castle inside out.

A visit to Warwick Castle is very different than the others mentioned in this guide – it has something of a theme park feel if you like. There are various events, shows, attractions, archery and sword lessons, and lots of other fun experiences all year round.

This is one of those places where locals visit with their children during weekends and school holidays, but it’s also fun and entertaining for tourists. Even more so if you are traveling with a family.

How to visit. Warwick Castle is located about 100 miles (160km), 2 hours drive from London. If you want to spend more time at the castle, by far the easiest way to visit Warwick from London for a day is by train.

There are direct trains from London Marylebone Station to Warwick Railway Station, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. From the station, it’s about 20-30 minutes walk to the castle. Be sure to check the official website of the castle for more info and book your tickets in advance!

Best tours from London. Most tours from London that visit Warwick Castle do this in combination with Oxford and Stratford. Some also stop at one or two villages in the Cotswolds. Here you can find a selection of tours that include a visit to Warwick Castle .

17. Liverpool & The Beatles

While not exactly next door, we feel that Liverpool also deserves a mention as a place that you can visit on a day trip from London. If you are a fan of The Beatles , a visit here is a bucket-list experience and well worth the journey.

A visit to Liverpool gives a fascinating look into the lives and times of 4 local lads who formed what would become one of the most famous bands in the world. A good starting point from which to enjoy this vibrant Victorian city is the Royal Albert Dock, which is made up of refurbished dock warehouses and is now packed with restaurants, cafes, and many attractions.

The Beatles Story is an award-winning, permanent exhibition totally devoted to the Fab Four! Located on the Dock, it contains lots of authentic memorabilia and provides an immersive experience for visitors. Even children are catered for in the Exhibitions Discovery Zone. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance !

Another interesting part of the visit for die-hard Beatles fans is the Magical Mystery Tour , which you take via a colorful tour bus that sets off from the Royal Albert Dock. In addition to the birthplaces, homes, schools, and original workplaces of the Beatles, you will also see the places that inspired some of their greatest hits, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Liverpool

How to visit. The best way to visit Liverpool as a day trip from London is by taking a train (going by car would be about 4 hours one way). The journey by train takes 2 – 2.5 hours and there are many trains throughout the day, but be sure to book in advance and start your day as early as possible!

Once in Liverpool, you can take the earlier-mentioned Magical Mystery bus tour. Definitely visit the Beatles Story exhibition as well!

TIP: If you find it overwhelming to arrange everything yourself, you can also book a day tour to Liverpool from London. Most of these ‘tours’ are actually individual trips where everything from train tickets to all activities is pre-arranged for you. See below.

Best tours from London. This Liverpool and The Beatles day tour is the most popular and probably the best option. It includes reserved train seats, an entry to the Beatles Story exhibition, and also a ticket to the 2-hour Magical Mystery Tour!

Good to know: The above-mentioned tour from London to Liverpool starts at Euston Station in London and is normally available every day except Sundays. You’ll have to meet their representative at the station at 6.30 AM, so prepare for this to be a long day!

LEARN MORE: How to Plan a Day Trip to Liverpool from London

Map of the best places to visit as a day trip from London & practical info

To give you a better idea of where all these places are located, we created a map indicating all the best day trip destinations from London mentioned in this guide. You can click on the map below in order to see it on Google Maps.

Good to know: As already mentioned, many of the most popular day trip destinations from London can be visited with organized tours or by train .

We don’t recommend renting a car if you are staying in London – the traffic is so busy in and around the city that it would be a nightmare for someone who’s not used to it. Renting a car would only make sense if you are planning a longer road trip, outside of the cities.

For organized tours , we recommend booking via the GetYourGuide website . They have a great selection of tours at the most competitive rates and the best cancelation policy and customer service out there. We personally book all tickets and tours via this website when we travel anywhere in the world.

So, this is our guide to some of the most popular day trips and tours from London. I hope that this helps you choose a few nice places to visit near London and make your trip even more memorable.

For more travel inspiration for London and the UK, please see our featured articles below. Check it out!

More travel tips and inspiration for London:

• Must-see in London: Top London Attractions
• Hidden Gems of London
• Camden Market
• What to See in Camden Town
• Best Views in London
• London Travel Tips
• Where to Stay in London
• 1 Day in London
• 2-day London Itinerary
• London with Kids
• Family Afternoon Tea in London
• Best Things to Do in Greenwich
• Painted Hall
• Queen’s House and Tulip Stairs

READ ALSO: Traditional British Food & Where to Try It in the UK

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel tips and inspiration for all over the UK:

• Cities: Best Cities to Visit in the UK
• Cornwall: Best Places to Visit in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Yorkshire: Yorkshire Day Trips
• Liverpool: Best Things to Do in Liverpool & The Beatles in Liverpool
• Manchester: Best Things to Do in Manchester & 1-day Manchester Itinerary
• Scotland: Isle of Skye Itinerary & Scotland Whisky Tour
• Edinburgh: Top Places to See in Edinburgh & One Day in Edinburgh & Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
• Glasgow: One Day in Glasgow
• Seaside: Best Things to Do in Blackpool & Blackpool Travel Tips & Places to See Near Blackpool
• …for more destinations, check our UK travel guide .
• Read also: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Lacinda Mena

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

I am traveling with a group of six. We would like to depart London on September 4 and view Stonehedge, Windsor, and Bath on our way to Southampton. Do you know of any tours that would offer this service?

Hi Lacinda, no, I don't personally know any tours that offer this kind of service. I found this private tour that visits all the places that you mentioned from London. It's one of the cheapest and best-rated tours in its kind. However, I'm not sure if they wouldn't mind dropping you off somewhere else. You could probably book it and then contact them and ask what is possible. If it's not what you are looking for, you can cancel it. I see that the tour has free cancelation, so that's how I would do it. Otherwise, try to search the internet for private drivers and ask for a quote. Good luck!

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

Amazing blog! Was looking for something like this for my trip to London in a few days, and this has been really useful information; the detail with which you describe are amazing. Plus the alternatives to get there and the map, loved it all! Thanks for taking the time.

Thursday 27th of April 2023

Glad to help and thanks a lot for taking the time to leave this kind feedback, Alex! Have a great trip!

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Awesome! Thanks for the info!

Saturday 4th of February 2023

This was great information. Thanks

Monday 6th of February 2023

Glad to help. Have a great time in the UK!

Thursday 15th of December 2022

Love this blog!!! I am planning a trip to London with my son in February! This is exactly the information we are looking for! Super helpful!!

Friday 16th of December 2022

Glad to help, Holley. Have a great time in London!

13 BEST Day Trips from London by Train

From the roman city of bath to the wilds of the new forest, there are so many amazing day trips from london by train to discover.

Honestly, when I’m in London, I am 100% not using a car. Whether it’s riding on the Tube, hailing a taxi, or just wandering around the city centre, driving is not something I’m likely to do.

So, when I want to get outside of the city for the day, I rely on the train. Over the years, I’ve compiled a list of the best day trips from London by train. Maybe you want to hit the beach? Perhaps you want to dive into history? Or maybe you want to check out a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Within a couple of hours’ ride from London, you can do all of that!

Some of my favourite train trips from London include heading into the picturesque Cotswolds regions, hiking the Seven Sisters near Dover, and even casting a spell or two at the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

The best part? You can hop on a train, enjoy the scenic journey through the English countryside, and be back in London in time for a West End show or a late-night stroll along the Thames. The accessibility of these day trips is what makes them truly special—it’s like having a variety of mini adventures right at your doorstep.

So, with that in mind, let’s check out the best train trips from London. Hopefully this blog post will help you with planning your next day trip.

Day trips from London by train

Hampton court palace.

Looking to check out the palace where King Henry VIII used to reign supreme? This London day trip favourite is always popular with history buffs visiting the capital thanks to the beautiful architecture, art, and knowledgeable guides. It’s also a super easy train ride from the centre of London. 

In fact, it’s just a 45-minute ride from London Waterloo Station directly to Hampton Court Palace train station and from there, it’s only around a five-minute walk to the palace gates. Day trips from London by train don’t come much easier than this!

If you’re heading to Hampton Court, you can pick up your tickets here beforehand.

Harry Potter Studio Tours

Want to experience the magic in front of and behind the camera? Well then, a visit to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford is a must. Filled with memorabilia, props, sets, and costumes from the films, it’s every fan’s dream. 

To get to the studios, you’ll journey for about 20 minutes from London Euston Station to Watford Junction, and then jump on the 15-minute shuttle to the studio. The bonus is that the shuttle is actually designed like the famous Knight Bus, so the experience starts before you even arrive. All aboard!

This legendary Roman city is a beautiful train trip from London as it’s only 90 minutes from London Paddington Station. Home to the Roman Baths UNESCO World Heritage Site, stunning architecture, and the home of the iconic author, Jane Austen, there’s certainly a little something for everyone on a day trip to Bath.

You can easily spend a full weekend here, but with the regular train routes back to the capital that run relatively late, you can definitely enjoy a full day running around this historic city.

The Seven Sisters

As one of the UK’s most iconic sights, the Seven Sisters white chalky cliffs near Dover are an easy train trip from London. You can travel from London Victoria Station and get off at Eastbourne, allowing you to wander along the coastline and see the Seven Sisters in all their glory. 

Trains to Eastbourne take around an hour and 25 minutes from London, and then you can enjoy a stunning coastal hike to your final destination!

Windsor Castle

Love royal history or are you just a fan of insanely old castles? Well, Windsor Castle is one of the King’s royal residences and is over 900 years old. This impressive palace has played host to royal weddings, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s.

Windsor Castle is super popular at pretty much any time of the year, so I definitely recommend getting your tickets in advance . This will also let you know when the royal family are in residence, as you might not be able to access the full castle and grounds. Travel-wise, Windsor Castle is around an hour from London Waterloo station. 

If you’re looking to check out another bustling city, journey between one and a half to two hours from London Paddington Station to Bristol. Home to the impressive Clifton Suspension Bridge, a bustling independent food and drink scene, and a fun and thriving waterfront, Bristol is an ideal day trip from London by train. 

Make sure you take time to check out all the street art around the city, after all, the city is the hometown of famous artist, Banksy!

Leeds Castle

This next train trip from London is a little more complicated to get to, but if you’re visiting Kent, you can’t leave without checking out Leeds Castle . Get the 50-minute train from London Bridge to Maidstone and then jump on a short 20-minute bus ride to the gates of Leeds Castle.

With a super cool hedge maze, museum, lake, and more, this Norman Castle is a popular day trip for a good reason. Again, I’d recommend booking your ticket in advance , especially during the school holidays.   

Looking for a fun day at the seaside? Well, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a better day trip than Brighton . Located on the south coast around an hour from either London Victoria Station or London Bridge Station, Brighton is always bustling with things to do.

From the opulent and historic Brighton Palace Pier to the popular waterfront and beach to the dozens of independent boutiques and restaurants, you’re really spoiled for choice here!

Warwick Castle

If you’re looking for a train trip from London that’s a little further north, jump on the train to Warwick Castle. You can get a one hour and 45-minute train from London Marylebone to Warwick and then walk to the castle gates.

With the original parts of the castle stemming back to 1068, Warwick Castle has seen a lot of bloody battles, royalty, and history along the way. Nowadays, you can experience archery, falconry shows, renactments of medieval battles, and many more. It’s the perfect family-friendly day trip, but again, book way in advance !

As one of the academic heartlands of England, Oxford is a beautiful and architecturally stunning city to visit. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan who wants to visit the real Great Hall or you’re in love with the His Dark Materials series, Oxford has inspired a lot of writers and academics over the years.

Oxford is actually really easy to get to on a day trip from London by train. Depending on which is closer or more convenient, you can get a train from either from Marylebone Station or Paddington Station, and both routes are around an hour. 

The New Forest

Need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get back to the nature? Well, a day trip to the New Forest is going to be right up your street. You can get a 90-minute train from London Waterloo station to Brockenhurst, in the heart of the New Forest.

With tons of wildlife, walking routes, and museums in the area, you can easily have a fun-filled day surrounded by tranquil greenery.  Keep in mind that the National Park is huge and spreads all the way down to the coastline, so make a plan of the areas you want to visit first!

When you think of quintessential English towns and villages, the image that comes up is probably of the Cotswolds . Located just an hour and 40 minutes from London Paddington Station, the Cotswolds is the perfect quaint escape from the city. With chocolate box cottages, hiking and walking routes and plenty of cosy pubs to warm up in, it’s an amazing day out for the whole family.

In fact, the Cotswolds is actually an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you might want to bring your camera with you! It’s also rumoured that parts of the Cotswolds inspired J.R.R Tolkien when he was writing The Lord of the Rings!

Stratford-Upon-Avon

If you’re a literature lover then you have to carve out time in your itinerary to visit Stratford-Upon-Avon. This small town in the Midlands is known for basically one thing and that’s being the home of the iconic playwright, William Shakespeare.

Located around two and a half hours from London Marylebone Station, Stratford-Upon-Avon is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company who perform works of the Bard all year round. It’s a prestigious theatre and has featured actors like Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, and David Tennant to name just a few! Check out the RSC website ahead of time to find out what’s on while you’re in the area!

So, there you have it, the 13 best day trips from London by train. Where are your favourite day trips from London without a car? Let me know in the comments below!

Like this blog post? Then Pin it for the future!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Deals of the Week   Must-haves for 2025   Up to 50% OFF

England Tours for Seniors

128 trips for 'over 50s' in england with 1,293 reviews.

5-Day Devon & Cornwall Small Group from London

"We had a wonderful time on our tour of Devon and Cornwall. Adequate time was given for each stop." Peter, traveled in May 2024

London Explorer (8 Days)

"There were a couple of small hiccups, nothing is perfect, but our guide and our driver did a fantastic job." Derek, traveled in June 2023

• €100 deposit on some dates

Best of Devon and Cornwall (6 Days)

"Wonderful tour. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute." CHERYL, traveled in June 2023

3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Manchester

"It was a wonderful experience!" Maryam, traveled in June 2023

London and Bath explorer Tour - 6 days

London and Iconic England Tour - 6 days

Corners of Cornwall

• €150 deposit on some dates

London & Country

"The Plaza hotel and staff were wonderful. The tours were excellent." Gina, traveled in September 2023

Stonehenge, Devon & Cornwall - 5 days

Stonehenge, Devon & Cornwall (Hotel) - 5 days

Kent: the Garden of England

Highlights of South-West England

Independent London City Stay

"His knowledge of all the countries we visited was amazing, and he had a great sense of humor." Harvey, traveled in August 2023

Walking The Best of Hadrian's Wall

Cycle Hadrian's Wall - Coast to Coast

"Really enjoyed the trip. Excellent company." Neil, traveled in October 2021

• 10% deposit on some dates

What people love about England Tours for Seniors

This Tour was excellent and I would recommend it to anyone and our Guide and Driver John was extremely informative regarding the History of the area.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience. There were a couple of small hiccups, nothing is perfect, but our guide and our driver did a fantastic job of making the experience fun and meaningful. The only thing I would flag is that the group size is a bit large - we were 46 - which can sometimes make for slower travel. Otherwise, absolutely wonderful!

Greg is an excellent tour guide, knowledgeable, friendly, cheerful and very helpful. As well our driver was the best, kind and helpful.

Contact our England travel experts

Expert in England at TourRadar

Hannah is one of our seasoned England Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about England tours answered!

• Choose from 128+ England tours
• 1,293 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
• 24/7 customer support

Write us a message

More Tours in England for Seniors

• South West England tours (28)
• Cornwall tours (5)
• Yorkshire tours (5)
• UK Lake District tours (10)
• England Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Solo/Single tours (157)
• For Couples (91)
• Budget tours (10)
• Luxury tours (22)

Discover TourRadar

• Botswana Safari
• Chile Tours
• Switzerland Zurich tours
• 12 Days Best of Kenya and Tanzania
• Journey through Belize - 8 days
• Poland & Lithuania - Castles, Lakes, Kayaking by Locals
• Jordan's Breathtaking Sceneries

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best of London for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy London without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

17 day trips from London to escape the city

Whether you’re after a seaside jaunt or a country retreat, here are the best trips from London we’re planning right now

Photograph: CBCK/Shutterstock.com

As much as we love London here at Time Out, we’re also partial to the odd daydream about a leisurely getaway to somewhere that’s not quite so big and busy. Microdose on that holiday vibe by taking a day trip to one of the many laidback, joy-inducing destinations just a few hours away from London, which pack in plenty; from historic cities and cute villages to sandy beaches and rolling countryside.

If you’re wanting a quick getaway, here are 17 of the Time Out team’s favourite day trips from London, complete with our recommendations of cute pubs and ace restaurants – all close enough to the city to get there and back in one sweet day. 

RECOMMENDED: ✨The best day trips from London 👪 The best  family day trips from London ☀️ The best  weekend trips from London 🏘️ The best  Airbnbs near London 🌳 The best  quirky Airbnbs in the UK

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Dreamy day trips from London

1.  st leonards-on-sea.

Famed for how many Londoners moved here during lockdown (it’s even been referred to as Dalston-on-Sea, which is cringe, we’ll admit), St Leonards-On-Sea is a cracking day out from the Big Smoke for beachside drinks and a tonne of great food spots. Head to food market Heist  (basically a much nicer version of Boxpark) for orange wine and street food, then sink pints at Goat Ledge , a vibesy, colourful shack right on the beach. If you fancy splashing out a little, book dinner at the fabulously old-school  St Clement’s for white tablecloths and delicious seafood. Plus you've got easy access to the rest of Hastings for its Old Town, pier and the Norman castle ruins.

How far? 58 miles

How to get there: A one hour 18 minute train from London Charing Cross

2.  Dungeness

Dungeness’s shingly, shipwreck-dotted beach is so spookily empty that it’s been described as Britain’s only desert (though the Met Office refuses to technically recognise it as such, the party poopers). It’s a beautifully eerie landscape, with the (disused) nuclear power station and two lighthouses looming over a motley mixture of weathered shacks, beached fishing boats and sleek, modernist bungalows – all clustered along a single in-and-out road.

But despite all that emptiness, there’s a surprising amount to do here. You could catch the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch steam train down the coast, and hop off in Dungeness for a walk and a pint at the lonely Britannia Inn. Grab a freshly-caught lunch at the famous Snack Shack: specialities include lobster or crab rolls and smoked cod chowder. And check out the galleries and open houses showcasing the work of the (surprisingly) many artists who have moved down here, including the shingle garden of the experimental filmmaker Derek Jarman, whose yellow-windowed Prospect Cottage is a major landmark here. Book in advance for a 40-minute tour inside.

If you’ve got time, head over to RSPB Dungeness nature reserve for a chance to glimpse glossy ibises and marsh harriers – plus the huge concrete ‘sound mirrors’, pre-radar experiments from WW1 that were designed to listen out for planes. (Look out on the RSPB site for news of the rare open days when you can get up close.) Finish off your day with dinner at the Pilot Inn; I’m willing to back the quality of their famous fish and chips, which were the thing that brought Derek Jarman here in the first place.

How far? 86 miles

Get there O ne hour  by train from St Pancras International to Folkestone, with a one-hour 30-minute bus ride to Dungeness. Or take a bus or taxi from Folkestone to Hythe station to board the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. Alternatively, Dungeness is  around two hours from London by car.

3.  Stratford-upon-Avon

As a born-and-bred Midlander, I’ve spent many Saturdays traipsing around Stratford-upon-Avon’s lovely streets. With its half-timbered houses and canalside pubs, Stratford’s got just enough of the  small-town charm you’re craving on an escape from the Big Smoke, but unlike a small town, there’s actually loads to see and do.  

The Bard, of course, is the big draw here, and Shakespeare’s house, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage and the RSC’s famous theatre are all must-sees. But Stratford is more than just a Tudor Disneyland, we promise. Take a boat tour of the canal basin to find out more about the West Midlands waterways, refresh yourselves in the Grade II-listed Old Thatch Tavern and stop for a scoop of Eton mess ice cream at Hooray’s British Gelato Kitchen. 

How far? 104 miles

Get there T wo hours 15 minutes  by train from Marylebone; around two hours by car. 

4.  Whitstable

Don’t even think about thinking about it: Whitstable is far from overhyped. Sure, the secret is most definitely out about this fabulous little seaside town, but the vibes here are as great as they were 20 years ago. Grab brunch at Farm & Harper , fish and chips at Ossie’s and a glorious pint of craft at the Twelve Taps , and treat yourself to a dozen oysters to go at Wheelers Oyster Bar on the high street. Once you’ve walked the length of the beach and admired the beach huts, settle in at the famous pub-on-the-beach Old Neptune for a pint and wait for sunset to fall. Plus, Whitstable is so near, you’ll be back home before you can say ‘ another   bank holiday?’. But that’s if you don’t miss the last train.

How far? 50 miles

Get there One hour 15 minutes from St Pancras International, around two hours by car.

5.  Brighton

With its pebble beach, wall-to-wall live music venues and buzzing LGBTQ+ scene, there’s nowhere better for topping up your Vitamin Sea levels than Brighton . Start your day by dodging seagulls on the Palace Pier, then shop up a storm in the Lanes, which are packed with independent boutiques, record stores and vegan eateries. Sit down with a couple of pints in the Brighton Beer Dispensary, which champions small Sussex breweries like the Hand Brew Co.

How far?  A little over 50 miles

Get there One hour by train from Victoria, Blackfriars or London Bridge; around two hours by car. 

6.  The New Forest

A trip to the New Forest is about as close as you can get to going on safari without buying a plane ticket. As you make your way down dappled lanes and across the heather-covered heath you’ll be watched the famous ponies, which have grazed there for thousands of years, plus free-ranging Highland cattle and pigs hoovering up fallen acorns. Don’t fancy being stuck in the car all day? Hire a two-seater electric Twizzy buggy to explore in, or book a beginners’ hack at one of the stables. Don’t forget to make time for a proper ploughman’s lunch at the Royal Oak in Fritham.

How far? 90 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Waterloo to Brockenhurst; around two hours by car. Just remember that animals, not drivers, have right of way here.

7.  Rye

The antique shops and higgledy-piggledy cobbled lanes of Rye make it feel like a little slice of the Cotswolds on the coast. After you’ve satisfactorily browsed around the accurately named Tiny Book Store, treat yourself to a seafood lunch surrounded by lobster pots at Globe Inn Marsh, followed by Sussex real ale or a glass of local wine at The George. The Chapel Down vineyard is just up the road and well worth a visit if you want to know the ins and outs of wine-making – or simply enjoy a tipple with their signature wine tasting. Ten minutes away are the pillowy dunes of Camber Sands: roll your trousers up and splash through the shallows, take a kite for a spin or just park your towel and stretch out.

How far? 79 miles.

Get there  One hour 10 minutes by train from St Pancras International (with a change at Ashford); around two hours by car. 

8.  Box Hill

Biking to green and pleasant Surrey is a wheely nice way to spend a Sunday (sorry) – plus, Box Hill was part of the 2012 Olympic road-cycling route. Start in Richmond Park and pedal down past Hampton Court – it should take you about two hours. After a 1.6 mile climb and some hairpin bends (easier than it sounds!), you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the North Downs from the top of Box Hill. Grab a slice of cake from the National Trust café, and save space for lunch at The Tree, which serves homemade pies and crumbles. Your last stop is Box Hill and Westhumble station, where you can load your bikes on to a train back to Waterloo. Whew!

How far? 30 miles

Get there  Two hours by bike (obviously). Plan the route carefully before you set out, and take a map and a puncture repair kit, plus water and snacks.

9.  Bath

A glorious water-themed day awaits you in the city of Bath . Start as you mean to go on with a tour of the Romans baths (no paddling allowed, you’ve been warned), before making a splash in the Thermae Bath Spa – the rooftop pool has stunning views of the city. Once you’ve dried off, make like Jane Austen and stroll along the Royal Crescent. Peckish? Sally Lunn’s teahouse is home to the Sally Lunn Bun, a kind of sweet brioche bap – for a Bath take on the cream tea, order one toasted and spread with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

How far? 115 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Paddington; two hours 30 minutes by car. 

10.  Mersea Island

Attached to the mainland by a causeway that floods (and pub quizzers, take note: this is the UK’s most easterly inhabited island), Mersea feels properly remote at high tide. The big draw is The Company Shed, which serves seafood platters that pull in crowds from all over the country every weekend. It’s BYOB – bring your own bread – and they don’t take bookings, so get there before noon to make sure you can feast on prawns, smoked fish, oysters and dressed crab. Speaking of which, catch-and-release crabbing is encouraged – there are specially marked areas near the water, and shops selling the kit. Or you can book a boat trip around the bay.

How far? 69 miles

Get there  One hour by train from Liverpool Street to Colchester, then a 45-minute bus to Mersea Island; around two hours by car. D on’t forget to check the tide timetable before you set off...

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Claim your listing
• Time Out Offers FAQ
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Offers
• Time Out Worldwide

10 ways to get out of London and into the countryside for the day

Mar 12, 2024 • 11 min read

Brighton Beach is just a short train journey from London © Klaus Vedfelt / Shutterstock

Since London is a world unto itself, it’s only natural that many travelers never look beyond the confines of the city limits for a fulfilling trip.

But when you’ve made the most of free entry to the city’s best museums  and wandered through its many vast parks and green spaces , you might be ready for a day trip to explore the towns, historic sites and coastline that lie just beyond the capital.

Many of the most famous attractions in England  are just a short train ride away from London . While road trips are also a great option farther afield, in and around London, traffic and exorbitant parking fees mean escaping the city by train (or bus) is usually your best bet. For the cheapest rates, try to book rail tickets at least three months in advance. 

Then set out on one of these great itineraries, the 10 best day trips from London.

1. Explore royal Windsor and nearby Eton 

Travel time: 1 hour

Most people who visit Windsor do so to see Windsor Castle , the location for many a royal wedding  and the place where Queen Elizabeth II (and many other monarchs before her) spent much of her life and is now resting in peace. Along with its towers and beautiful chapels, you can also see the Changing of the Guard , a ceremony packed with music and pageantry.

The best way to appreciate the full majesty of Windsor Castle is to approach via the aptly named Long Walk. This arrow-straight road cuts through Windsor Great Park . (There are no cars, but you might see some deer.) While the castle could keep you busy for days, must-sees include Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House , the Albert Memorial Chapel and the State Apartments. Across the river, Eton is a pretty little town that's quieter than Windsor and worth a stroll.

How to get to Windsor from London: Trains run from London Paddington and London Waterloo twice an hour; the journey takes between 40 and 60 minutes and the Paddington line requires a change at Slough. It’s around a 45-minute drive, and there are parking lots near the town center and at the base of the castle.

2. Enjoy art and amusements in Margate

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Its long curve of golden sand made Margate a  top seaside destination for the Victorians, only to fall out of town with holidaymakers in the late 20th century. Recent investment has brought many day-trippers back to enjoy its retro charm.

Leading the way with this regeneration is art gallery  Turner Contemporary , one of the top attractions in the area, which showcases world-class art exhibits with superb views of the harbor and beyond. The skies off the coast here captivated the great painter JMW Turner; linger in the gallery yourself to take in the light out on and off the sea. Internationally renowned artist Tracey Emin has also opened a studio and exhibition space in Cliftonville. 

If you like your day to be sprinkled with a bit of mystery, then book a ticket to tour the intriguing  Shell Grotto  (is it an ancient site or a 19th-century hoax?), while  Dreamland  is the town's famous amusement park and a great day out for the family, with many different classic rides. Once you've got your fill of the windswept beach, artworks and rides, warm up with a hot chocolate at one of the independent cafes in the rejuvenated old town before browsing or buying in the many vintage stores.

How to get to Margate from London: Trains run to Margate station, right on the beach, from London St Pancras International (1 hour 30 minutes) and Victoria (1 hour 40 minutes). It takes around two hours to drive from London to Margate, and you should expect to pay upward of £10 to park all day in town.

3. Spot Harry Potter fans in Oxford

Best known for its world-famous university and forest of ocher spires, Oxford is a grand old place steeped in privilege and prestige. Though it’s hard to escape the history of this storied town, the large student population keeps the atmosphere young and fresh, and there’s plenty for visitors to do. Highlights include several museums, punting along the River Isis and the 30 colleges that make up the university, the most famous of which are Christ Church and Magdalen . You could easily spend more than a day in Oxford.

A tour of the university colleges is a must. (Harry Potter fans will recognize various locations used in the movies.)  Blenheim Palace , a monumental 18th-century country house and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, is a short bus ride or drive from the city.

How to get to Oxford from London: Trains from London Marylebone and London Paddington to Oxford run several times an hour, and the journey time is about an hour. If you’re on a tight budget, consider taking the Oxford Tube , a coach that departs from several locations in London. Driving time is around two hours, but you’ll have to park outside town and catch a shuttle bus for the last leg.

4. Visit the country’s most important cathedral in Canterbury

Canterbury is one of England’s most attractive and important cathedral cities, with its star building considered one of the finest in Europe. The town itself is almost absurdly quaint, with narrow alleyways following the original medieval street plan and the River Stour idling past Tudor facades.

Visiting  Canterbury Cathedral , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an absolute must. As the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England, it’s the most important Christian site in the country. Just outside, you can see the ruins of the 6th-century St Augustine’s Abbey .

Other highlights include the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge  and boating trips  on the River Stour. On these peaceful jaunts in a flat-bottomed punt, knowledgeable guides share stories of the city as they expertly navigate the boat under bridges with barely any headroom. For a traditional English tearoom experience, visit  Tiny Tim’s Tearoom . 

How to get to Canterbury from London: Fast trains from London St Pancras International depart once an hour, with the journey taking about an hour. Slower trains (1 hour 30 minutes) run from London Victoria and London Charing Cross. The drive takes around an hour and a half.

5. Head into nature in the New Forest

Designated a  national park  in 2005, the New Forest dates all the way back to 1079. So it’s anything but ”new.” And it’s not even really a forest.

Comprising woodland, bog, marshland, heathland and coast, with many quaint villages in between, the area is home to free-roaming animals, including pigs, cattle and the famed ponies. You can easily spend more than a day in the New Forest, and while there are fantastic cycling routes and hiking trails, to make the most of the region as a whole, it’s best to explore by car.

If you’re in the New Forest for just the day, focus your attention on one activity, whether that’s visiting a historic site, such as Buckler's Hard, Hurst Castle  or Beaulieu ; or following a walking trail, where you’ll be drawn in by the beautiful colors of the landscapes. Many people come to the area simply to dine at The Pig  in Brockenhurst, which celebrates home-grown and local produce (book well in advance).

How to get to the New Forest from London:  The region is slightly under a two-hour drive from central London. If traveling by train (1 hour 30 minutes from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst), consider renting bikes and following trails that take you beyond the town.

6. Step back in time in Winchester

Travel time: 1 hour

Its fabulous cathedral officially makes  Winchester  a city – though it has more of the feel of a friendly small town. The city served as England’s capital about 1000 years ago and was the home of King Alfred the Great; today, it boasts a variety of excellent pubs, countryside walks and lively streets.

At the top of the high street is an imitation of King Arthur’s Round Table hanging in the Great Hall . Just off the high street through a short alleyway is Winchester Cathedral , a stunning building with the longest nave of any Gothic cathedral in Europe. Back on the high street, head past the statue of Alfred the Great to the River Itchen, then follow it to get to Winchester College .

How to get to Winchester from London: Trains leave London Waterloo several times an hour, and the journey time is about an hour. The drive from central London takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, and Winchester’s city center has several parking options.

7. Marvel at Roman ruins and Regency streetscapes in Bath

Bath might be Britain ’s most beautiful city. Founded by the Romans, who used the area’s thermal springs to create a spa retreat, it’s now the premier tourist attraction of southwest England . It’s also celebrated for its magnificent Georgian architecture, with grand squares and felicitous crescents defining the city.

Start at the beginning with the Roman Baths complex, which is divided into four main parts: the Bath House, the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple and the museum, displaying fascinating finds from the ruins. Next, have a wander around Bath Abbey , a huge medieval church that you can climb to the top of. Fuel up with the substantial gastropub fare at  Marlborough Tavern .

If you have time, it's worth staying in Bath for the full weekend. Wander the streets and enjoy the architecture, including ulteney Bridge and the  Royal Crescent , two of the city’s Georgian masterpieces – then take time to relax in Thermae Bath Spa .

How to get to Bath from London: Direct trains leave London Paddington twice an hour; the journey time is 1 hour 30 minutes. Driving takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, but traffic around the city is often heavy, with parking very limited and expensive.

8. Soak up Brighton’s indie attitude

Stuffed with independent businesses and creative spirit, Brighton is often referred to as London-on-Sea – though these days that’s more a nod to property prices than a reference to its character. This city has a personality all its own – grungy, creative and bohemian – and it's one of the UK's most LGBTIQ+ friendly cities.

There’s no shortage of things to do  in Brighton. Start in the North Laine neighborhood, packed with pubs, cafes and theaters, before going shopping in The Lanes a little farther south. Make a visit to the eccentric Royal Pavilion – built by King George IV in 1787 as a seaside retreat – and take a walk along the pier while checking out the amusements and swimmers at the beach. Brighton teems with great bars and restaurants:  Food for Friends offers excellent vegan dishes and is a great spot for lunch, while the Walrus pub is a good place to grab a beer.

How to get to Brighton from London:  Get on one of the frequent direct trains from London Victoria or London Bridge. The journey time is about an hour. Since it takes about two hours to drive from London to Brighton, and parking is both hard to find and expensive, the train is generally a better option.

9. Tour the colleges and go punting in Cambridge

With its world-class university, clutch of ancient colleges and love for punting (river rowing), Cambridge shares many similarities with its Oxfordshire counterpart. But with more green space and less traffic, this city is a more tranquil affair. A walking tour of the university is a must: the university colleges are the highlight, with Corpus Christi, Clare College, King’s College and Christ’s College being the most popular.

Once you’ve had your fill of academia, a punting trip along the River Cam is a lovely way to see the city. On a summer’s day, a picnic on the Backs is highly enjoyable.

How to get to Cambridge from London: Trains from London Kings Cross run several times an hour, with a journey time of about 50 minutes. It takes about 90 minutes to drive to Cambridge from central London.

10. Ponder the mystery of Stonehenge

Travel time: 2 hours

Stonehenge  is like an amazing magic trick – it boggles the mind, but you don’t really want to know how it happened. Which is convenient, because no one’s fully figured it out yet . Here’s what we do know: this massive, prehistoric stone circle is believed to have been constructed around 5000 years ago, making it older than the Pyramids of Giza. The largest stones weigh 25 tons and stand 9m (30ft) tall. 

Although you can’t touch the stones (to protect them), you can stroll around them on paths. The visitor center has an interactive presentation that allows you to experience among the stones as the seasons change. If you have your own ride, you could drive north to Avebury, home to another famous prehistoric circle – whose stones you can touch.

How to get to Stonehenge from London: Trains from London Waterloo to Salisbury depart twice an hour, taking just over an hour and a half. From Salisbury, hop on the Stonehenge Tour Bus , which takes you directly to the visitor center in just over 30 minutes. Alternatively, the drive takes around two hours from central London (traffic depending), and parking is available at the site.

This article was first published May 20, 2019 and updated Mar 12, 2024.

Explore related stories

Public Transport

Dec 11, 2023 • 11 min read

Head out into Washington State, or even all the way to Canada, with these top day trips from Seattle.

Aug 2, 2022 • 7 min read

Jun 15, 2024 • 17 min read

Jun 12, 2024 • 12 min read

Jun 12, 2024 • 8 min read

May 30, 2024 • 6 min read

May 14, 2024 • 7 min read

May 13, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 8 min read

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 13 Easy Day Trips from London by Train

It’s day trip time again. I’ve gotten a lot of emails lately asking what the best day trips from London by train are, so I want to dedicate a blog post to the subject today. I hope you find it helpful for your travel planning, not to mention exciting for your London itinerary.

Day Trips from London by Train

One of the reasons I’ve never written about day trips from London by train before is that almost any day trip from the UK capital can be done by rail. That said, some are easier to do than others.

Windsor Castle is a good example. It’s accessible by train, but the trip requires a change en route and if you miss your connection—which is not uncommon and happened to me earlier this year—it can add a lot of time to your journey.

Similarly, the Cotswolds can be reached by train, but once you’re there it can be tricky and slow to get between towns and villages by taxi or bus.

So today I want to focus on the day trips that have direct train connections from London and stations in the heart of the action.

1. Cambridge

Like Cambridge . Not only is Cambridge easy to get to by train from multiple London stations, but it’s also less than an hour’s journey from the capital if you take a fast service.

That makes this university town one of the easiest day trips from London by train, which is great if you’re pressed for time.

Add to that beautiful architecture, rich history, and stunning streets, and Cambridge is hard to beat for a day out from London.

There are colleges to explore and lots of little lanes to wander down, and one of my favorite things to do in Cambridge is go punting on the river behind the colleges.

It’s an idyllic—not to mention quintessentially English—way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Cambridge’s academic rival, Oxford is another great option for spending a day away from London. It too is only 60 minutes from London by train and is served by multiple trains every hour.

Oxford has more of a city feel than Cambridge, but its colleges and architecture are just as beautiful.

There are covered markets to explore, shops to visit, and bridges to sigh over (or under). And Cambridge doesn’t corner the market on punting, either. There’s plenty of that to be done in Oxford, too.

West of Oxford, Bath is another of the most popular day trips from London by train. An hour and a half away, it has a slightly longer journey time than the universities but is still a straightforward trip.

And it’s worth it, too. Traveling to Bath is like stepping straight into a Jane Austen novel.

The architecture is stunning, the yellow stone glows in the afternoon light, and there’s romance in the air.

Add to that a Roman spa, an abbey with a gorgeous fan-vaulted ceiling, and bridges with arches, and it’s hard to beat Bath for beauty.

4. Brighton

Speaking of Jane Austen, Brighton is another easy day trip from London by rail. Trains leave from multiple stations in the capital and the trip takes an hour or less in many cases.

This seaside gem isn’t just somewhere young girls from Austen’s novels go to chase after their love interests, either. It’s just as fun for modern day travelers.

With an opulent 18th-century pleasure palace, an amusement park on a pier, wide beaches, and little lanes crammed with shops, Brighton was created with hedonism in mind.

Margate is another seaside town that’s easily accessible from London by train. Over on the Kentish coast, it’s around an hour and a half from the city and is conveniently served by a couple of London stations.

Often referred to as Shoreditch-on-Sea, Margate brings cool east London style to the waterfront. With a hip amusement park and lots of vintage shops, it’s a great place to play hipster for a day.

If that’s not your thing, Margate has a world-class art gallery, beautiful historic houses, and sweet cafes.

6. Winchester

Back inland, Winchester is one of my favorite day trips from London by train. It’s an hour or less by rail from the capital and the station is a quick and easy walk from the heart of the city.

Once in Winchester, there’s a wealth of heritage sites and beautiful places to explore. The cathedral is stunning, King Arthur’s round table is legendary, and the ruins of the medieval bishop’s palace are haunting.

Add to that the bucolic river walk and gardens of the Hospital of St Cross, and it’s hard to want to take the train home.

7. Birmingham

Birmingham is another city that’s easy to access from London by train, but for some reason not many day trippers do.

It’s less than an hour and a half on fast services, though, and there are multiple train stations right in the heart of Birmingham’s city center.

Birmingham is full of historic architecture and covered shopping arcades, and has a great museum and gallery with diverse collections of everything from art to antiquities.

Its library is a feat of contemporary architecture with sweeping views, and at Christmas the markets bring the streets alive with seasonal cheer.

8. Leicester

If Birmingham is overlooked, Leicester might as well not exist in most people’s minds. Which is a shame, because there’s a lot to love about this city. So much so that I’ve been twice. And at just over an hour from London, it’s easy to travel to.

So what is there to do in Leicester? There’s an abundance of historic treasures to discover, from Richard III’s burial site to Roman ruins and a beautiful cathedral.

There are pretty streets to explore, of which the pedestrianized New Walk is particularly lovely. And there are museums like the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, which has a great collection of Arts and Crafts Movement pieces.

Back by the sea, Dover is another of the best day trips from London by train. Out on Kent’s south coast, it’s served by a number of London stations and the fastest services arrive in just over an hour.

Once in Dover, there’s everything from the legendary white cliffs to the hilltop castle to explore.

The castle itself has extensive history featuring a Roman lighthouse, Anglo-Saxon church, and Napoleonic War-era tunnels that were used as an Allied command center in World War II.

And that’s to say nothing of the views across the channel to France.

10. Whitstable

Another Kentish coastal highlight, Whitstable is equally easy to get to from London by train. It’s served by more than one London station and the fastest services reach the town in less than an hour and a quarter.

Whitstable is famous for its seafood, and for the annual oyster festival that it hosts each summer. But it’s a great place to visit at other times of year for its delicious fresh catches, pretty beaches, and sweet high street full of shops.

11. Canterbury

Inland in Kent, Canterbury is just as simple to reach as its neighbors on the sea.

There are direct trains from London and the fastest arrive in just under an hour and a half. The two stations in Canterbury are both in easy walking distance of the center, too.

The cathedral is the main event in Canterbury, and it’s worth a visit whether you’re religious or not. It’s huge, beautiful, and inspiring, and once you’re done inside there are gardens and cloisters to see outside.

But it’s not just the cathedral here. The surrounding streets are full of shops, cafes, and hidden surprises to discover.

12. Bristol

Heading west, Bristol is another of the best day trips from London by train.

Less than an hour and a half from the capital, this city on and around the River Avon is easily accessible by rail and makes for a great day out from the Big Smoke.

Bristol has a lot to see and do, from large museums to small shops and cafes. There are stunning bridges, colorful houses, and little lanes to explore, and there’s a fantastic zoo as well (the red pandas are adorable!).

13. St Albans

I’ll end with what might just be the easiest day trip from London. St Albans is less than 20 minutes by train from some London stations and is a great choice if you don’t have much time or don’t want to spend too much of it in transit.

St Albans has a lot of Roman history, and is an ideal place to visit if you like Roman ruins. But it has a contemporary side, too, with shops, street markets, and restaurants in town.

It also has something in between with St Albans Cathedral, which dates back to Norman times, and the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, a pub that claims to be the oldest in England.

Tips for Day Trips from London by Train

Whichever day trip you choose, remember to buy tickets well in advance. Prices go up the closer you get to the date of travel, so booking ahead can save you a lot of money.

Also keep in mind that departure times and stations can change, so make sure to look for the most updated information before you travel.

And finally, remember that delays, maintenance work, and cancellations are common so leave yourself plenty of time if you have a connection to make or evening plans in London when you get back from your day trip.

If you want more advice about traveling by rail from London, you can read my easy tips for navigating train travel in the UK .

Above all, I hope you have a great day out and that this post has helped you discover some exciting new day trips from London by train. Writing this guide has inspired me to book two, so stay tuned for blog posts about them in the coming weeks.

Find this post helpful? Buy me a coffee!

New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email .

8 Comments on Lady’s 13 Easy Day Trips from London by Train

I heard there was a 2 hour fast train to York. Would you recommend this?

Yes, I’ve done it before and it’s great.

Thrilled we found your site! We’ve been to London many times and are now exploring the outskirts via train. Your 10 Day Trips blog is just what we were looking for.

Thanks! Iain and Marianne

I’m so glad to hear that!

Great article. I’ve been to England many times and there are still places I’ve yet to see including Whitstable and Bristol. Thanks for the recommendations!

You’re welcome! I hope you can visit them someday soon.

My friend and I are planning a trip to London in June 2024. We are meeting some friends for a few days,, then spending a couple of days shopping and sight seeing in London then Cornwall for 5 nights. After that I didn’t know what to do but I’m so glad I just found this site. What a great idea, doing day trips from London. Thank you ❤️

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found my blog helpful.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

© Copyright A Lady in London 2007 - 2024. Privacy Policy.

35 Best Day Trips from London, Ontario 2023 (We’re Locals!)

Are you looking for the best day trips from London, Ontario? As local Londoners, we’re here to help!

As locals of London for the last 15 years, we’ve honed our expertise in coming up the best places to visit around London, Ontario. And as avid explorers, we’ve managed to visit almost all of these day trip ideas on our list.

Let us take you around our backyard to the best tourist attractions, small towns, and other exciting places to day trip in Southwestern Ontario. Each place to visit is no more than 2 hours from London, and many are much closer.

Best Day Trips & Places to Visit Near London, Ontario

London is perfectly nestled between many of the best things to do in Southwestern Ontario. The area surrounding London is full of beautiful nature spots, historic sites, tourist attractions, and downright fun places to visit. Check out our top picks.

1. Guess Where Trips

Distance from London: Varies Price: $39 – $65 Location: View Trip Locations

If you’re looking for a spontaneous day trip near London, Ontario, you have got to check out Guess Where Trips . With an office located right in London, this local small-business is an expert on unique, one-day itineraries that blend mystery with exploration. 

When you buy a Guess Where Trips itinerary , you will pick an itinerary that hints to the type of journey you’ll embark on, and that gives you an approximate idea of the area you’ll be driving around.

Your itinerary comes equipped with envelopes that reveal each leg of the journey as you go, recommending stops and offering insider tips and discounts along the way. Think Amazing Race within your own backyard!

Because all of their itineraries are planned and ready to go, they make the perfect gift for someone who has it all or who loves adventure and spontaneity. We honestly think it’s the best new way to road trip around southwestern Ontario and see some of the best small towns and attractions in the area.

🗺️ Check out exciting Guess Where Trip itineraries close to you!

2. Clovermead Adventure Farm

Distance from London: 35 minutes Price: $20 (online rate), $27 (walk-in) Location: Google Maps Link

Clovermead Adventure Farm is one of the best adventure farms in Southwestern Ontario, and it’s located in Aylmer, just half an hour outside of London. At Clovermead, you’ll get to explore to animals, rides, play equipment, splashpad, fun farm-inspired educational attractions, and so much more.

And of course, a trip to this farm wouldn’t be complete without watching the bees do their busy work of creating honey right in front of your eyes! Make sure you also walk through the gift shop and taste free samples of delicious honey, and pick up some to go as a perfect souvenir of your visit to the farm.

We visited Clovermead last year with some friends and had a blast. The kids had hours of fun exploring and connecting with nature. If you’ve been raised in the city, there’s nothing like a trip to the farm, and Clovermead is just the place to visit near London to accomplish just that.

3. Apple Land Station

Distance from London: 20 minutes Price: $6-9 (Kids 2 and under are free) + additional for Apple Picking Location: Google Maps Link

One of our new favourite attractions near London, Ontario is Apple Land Station in Thames Centre. As parents of a busy toddler, we are always on the lookout for fun outdoor activities that are reasonably priced, educational and hands-on. If that’s you too, Apple Land Station does not disappoint! 

With a fun outdoor adventure area (with play equipment, a massive sand pile, petting zoo and more) and the chance to pick-your-own apples in their orchards, kids will easily be entertained for hours here. Our son particularly loved the “train” (wagon) ride to the orchards and the barn of animals to observe.

Even if you’re not coming with kids, Apple Land Station is a great place to visit near London for adults and older kids. It’s one of the only places to go apple picking close to the city, and has a seriously tempting indoor market with produce, freshly baked goods and tons more.

With affordable weekday discounts and reasonable prices all season long, Apple Land Station is one of our new go-to tourist attractions near London for the summer and fall seasons.

4. Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo

Distance from London: 1 hour Price: Adults – $17; Kids – $12.50 Location: Google Maps Link

Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo is an incredible local gem not only for its spectacular array of exotic birds and wildlife, but also for its park features that make it so much more than just a zoo. If you have kids around, this is one of the best places to visit near London, Ontario.

Greenview Aviaries has an extensive picnic and playground area, including a splash pad, jungle gym, mini zipline, and kids’ ball pit.

After visiting the animals and playing in the kids’ zone, don’t forget to walk through the miniature Shakespeareland before heading back home to London. This place can get very busy in the summer, but for good reason!

5. Treetop Trekking in Binbrook Conservation Area

Distance from London: 1 hour 25 minutes Price: Zipline + Aerial Game Trek – $47-$64; other activities – various Location: Google Maps Link

Get ready to find your inner kid (and inner Tarzan) as you climb and swing across the canopy at Treetop Trekking !

This adventure park is located in Binbrook Conservation Area, just outside of Hamilton (in addition to other locations throughout Ontario).

Treetop Trekking is most well-known for its ziplines and aerial courses, consisting of suspended bridges, balance cables, netted walkways, Tarzan swings and more.

There are also courses geared towards younger kids, making this a fun place for all ages. Not for the faint of heart and definitely for those ready for a thrill!

6. African Lion Safari

Distance from London: 1 hour 15 minutes Price: Adults – $33.95 + tax; Kids – $18.95 + tax (discount if purchased online) Location: Google Maps Link

African Lion Safari is another top tourist attraction close to London, Ontario. For many of us, it’s the closest thing we will ever get to seeing exotic animals in the wild. There are over 1000 species of animals and birds on over 750 acres of land.

What makes the African Lion Safari so unique compared to other zoos is that there are seven game reserves, where the animals roam freely while you drive around in your vehicle or on the park safari bus! There is also a lake cruise to see monkeys, lemurs, water foul and more!

The African Lion Safari will definitely be a memory to remember. If you choose to bring your own vehicle through the reserves, beware of possible damage that may be done (especially by the monkeys).

7. Twin Valley Zoo Brantford

Distance from London: 1 hour Price: Adults – $20; Kids – $10.50 Location: Google Maps Link

Brantford’s Twin Valley Nature Park provides an excellent opportunity to see over 80 species of animals and birds up close and personal.

Regular admission or guided tour options are available during the spring-fall months. The Twin Valley Nature Park is a smaller, family run park that comes at an affordable price, making it a great place to visit near London.

Twin Valley Nature Park also offers summer Nature Camps for kids!

8. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Distance from London: 20-25 min Price: $240-$300 + tax per person Location: Sundance Balloons ; Cloud Chasers Balloon Rides

Nothing says thrill quite like floating through the sky in an open bucket at 2000 feet!

If that catches your attention then you may just find your next day trip being to Sundance Balloons in Belmont, or Cloud Chasers Balloon Rides in Thorndale. Skyward Balloons even features options to parachute from the balloon or flying in Cold War Jets!

Other options a bit further away from London include Skyward Balloons in Cambridge, or Air Display in Barrie.

9. Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake

Distance from London: 2 hours Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Niagara Falls is easily one of Canada’s largest tourist attractions, and unofficially the 8th Wonder of the World for its truly unique geological features and colossal falls.

If you’ve never spent time at the falls, take heart in knowing there are a ton of free and affordable things to do, along with many well-loved tours for the best experience.

As a budget-friendly option, we recommend spending time at the top of the falls outside the Table Rock Welcome Centre, checking out the entertainment on Clifton Hill, and spending time in the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.

If you’re driving to the falls on your own, you’ll want to know that visiting the falls up close is free, other than paying for parking. Check out this Guide to Parking for all of the best spots (and even some free ones!).

Another popular way to see the Niagara region is to explore the scenic wine region of Niagara-on-the-Lake . You can easily visit multiple wineries and take a stroll through the picturesque downtown for a quaint day out.

✅ Check out our guide to the best hotels, inns and resorts in Niagara-on-the-Lake .

10. Toronto

Tourists rarely make it far in Ontario without paying a visit to Ontario’s capital city of Toronto. It’s only to be expected that downtown Toronto falls on our list of must-do day trips from London.

Toronto boasts many world-class tourists attractions, museums, educational centers, and parks. The CN Tower is often high on the list of things to see in Toronto, with many people enjoying a visit to the top and a walk on the famous glass floor.

You can also book admission tickets in advance to places like the Royal Ontario Museum , Hockey Hall of Fame and Art Gallery of Ontario , which are some of Toronto’s most popular destinations.

If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend spending time soaking in the busy city streets by walking through some of Toronto’s famous districts, like the Distillery District, Kensington Market, Chinatown, Cabbagetown, and the Waterfront District.

We also enjoy shopping at some of Toronto’s eclectic vintage and thrift stores or walking through the popular Eaton Centre mall.

A good compromise between budget travelling Toronto and seeing the most of the city is to book a walking tour. Because you’re cutting out the need for transportation, the cost goes way down, but you still get the benefit of a guide to show you some of the most interesting parts of the city.

Looking for the best Toronto tours? ✅ Best ‘Spirited’ Tour: Best Distillery District Walking Tour 🍜 Foodies’ Favourite: Kensington Market International Food Walking Tour 🚴‍♀️ Best Bike Tour: Downtown Toronto Bike Tour

If you have the time, we also recommend catching a roundtrip ferry ride ($8.50 per adult) to the Toronto Island for unique attractions and stellar views of the Toronto skyline!

Finally, if you are truly a thrill-seeker, you will want to make sure to check out Canada’s Wonderland for the best rollercoasters in Ontario!

Just be prepared that driving in Toronto can be hectic to say the least. Planning your trip around rush hour is definitely a wise idea, and if time allows, consider booking a hotel overnight so you can experience the best of Toronto at night .

Staying in Toronto overnight? Check out one of these top downtown hotels: ✅Best Luxury Hotel:  Ritz-Carlton Toronto ✅Best Budget Hotel:  Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown

11. St Jacob’s Farmer’s Market & Flea Market

Distance from London: 1 hour 15 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market is Canada’s largest year-round farmer’s market and flea market ! There are hundreds of local food, craft and antique vendors here, many who come from Kitchener-Waterloo’s respected Old Order Mennonite communities.

Not only will you easily enjoy browsing many fresh, local and homemade foods and goods, you will also have the chance to step into a different culture as you see people arriving by horse and buggy. Enjoy diversity on many levels at St. Jacob’s for a truly unique shopping experience!

12. U-Pick Fruit Farms

Distance from London: Various Price: Pay for produce picked Location: Various

Without a doubt, trips to local pick-your-own fruit (and vegetable) farms are always a highlight of our summers. Most offer free admission and often even cheaper prices than you will find in stores, making U-Pick experiences an easy win on a summer day out.

Many farms also sell other ready-picked produce and some even offer additional fun activities for kids!

Here are a few local pick-your-own fruit farms close to London for you to check out this year: Millar Berry Farm (U-Pick Strawberries, Raspberries, Apples) – London Heeman’s Berry Farm (U-Pick Strawberries) – London Talbotville Berry Farm (U-Pick Strawberries) – Talbotville Apple Land Station (Apple Picking) – Thorndale Gabriel Fresh Produce (U-Pick Vegetables) – Komoka Kustermans Family Farm (U-Pick Blueberries) – Mount Brydges Olde Drive Blueberry Farm (U-Pick Blueberries) – Mount Brydges *cash only Park’s Blueberries (U-Pick Blueberries) – Bothwell Blueberry Hill Estates (U-Pick Blueberries) – St. Williams Arrowwood Farm (U-Pick Blueberries) – Melbourne

13. St Mary’s Quarry

Distance from London: 35 minutes Price: $7 per adult; $4.50 per child/youth Location: Google Maps Link

St Mary’s Quarry is Ontario’s largest freshwater outdoor swimming pool! Swimming here is truly an experience you will not forget. No sandy beaches to contend with, no fear of currents, just a wide open body of fresh water surrounded with beautiful rocky cliffs and fish swimming below you.

Swimmers can have fun cliff jumping, floating on rafts, and renting stand-up paddleboards ($10). Additional activities (water trampoline, beach volleyball and slides) are subject to restrictions applicable at the time of visiting.

Advanced reservations are required online. The Quarry is expected to be open each year from early July to Labour Day.

14. Erieau Beach

Distance from London: 1 hour 20 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Erieau is one of Lake Erie’s hidden gems. Erieau is the perfect place to escape to the beach without having to contend with the large crowds and hiked prices that you will find at many beaches closer to Ontario’s larger cities. The village comes alive in the summers, as it is home to many cottagers.

The Erieau Public Beach has great swimming and good amenities for families, such as a pavilion, playground, skatepark and public washrooms.

We recommend enjoying some wood-fired pizza and local craft beer, or some fresh-caught perch or pickerel before making your way back to London. This little village really is the perfect place to retreat to the beach!

👉 Check out our Ultimate Vacation Guide to Erieau .

15. Long Point Provincial Park

Distance from London: 1 hour 20 minutes Price: Day use – $15.50 per vehicle Location: Google Maps Link

If you like long walks on the beach, then Long Point Provincial Park is for you. With 2 km of beautiful sandy beaches slowly leading out into shallow warm waters, Long Point is called by many the best beach in Ontario .

As you might expect, Long Point Provincial Park’s main attraction is its pristine sandy beaches leading out to a 40 km sand spit into Lake Erie. While it’s not possible for visitors to access the far tip of the park by foot, you can catch a boat tour that does just that.

The park also offers campgrounds, hiking trails, a bird observatory and many other activities to keep you busy.

We also recommend spending the day, or even booking an overnight glamping stay at Long Point Eco-Adventures .

This glamping and adventure resort gets our vote for one of the top family resorts in Ontario , as it’s filled with fun activities like ziplining, axe throwing, canoeing and kayaking, stargazing and touring the bee apiary and foraging for mushrooms.

Stop in nearby Port Rowan for beach town shopping or at Turkey Point for another fantastic sandy beach.

16. Goderich & Bayfield

Distance from London: 1 hour – 1 hour 20 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Goderich has been known for over 100 years as the “Prettiest Town in Canada.” The town butts up against the bluffs of Lake Huron, making for spectacular waterfront views, and of course, popular beaches. With well-kept historic buildings, cute boutique shopping, and local fine dining, a day out in Goderich is easily enjoyed.

Check out our full post on Goderich Beach activities so you can be convinced that this town is worth visiting!

Bayfield is another tourist town about 15 minutes south of Goderich, along the shores or Lake Huron. With popular beaches, shoreline walking trails and thriving local businesses, Bayfield makes for a perfect pair with Goderich for your next summer road trip.

17. Grand Bend

Distance from London: 1 hour Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Grand Bend is one of Ontario’s most popular beach destinations. If you’re looking for a crowd, busy main street shopping, and no shortage of ways to have fun this summer, you’re likely due for a trip to Grand Bend.

Grand Bend definitely attracts a young crowd and has a reputation for its beach nightlife. Many have made this their go-to summer beach for good reason!

If you’re looking for camping near Grand Bend, consider booking a site at the Pinery Provincial Park , less than 10 minutes from town.

👉 Read more at in our full guide to what to do at Grand Bend Beach .

18. Port Stanley

Distance from London: 40 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Port Stanley is our go-to beach destination each summer. While there are many fantastic beaches close to London, we find the atmosphere here to be exactly what we crave.

For us, Port Stanley has the perfect mix of a bustling sandy beach, warm Lake Erie waters, and the fantastic GT’s on the Beach where you can enjoy a drink while you sink your toes in the sand.

Nothing comes closer to our memories of our travels to the Caribbean than spending an evening here, where some of the locals have even planted their own palm trees! 

Only a 40 minute drive from London, Port Stanley is the perfect place to relax on a weekday evening or for a full day out. 

👉 We’ve written a full guide to Port Stanley Beach and what to do nearby.

19. Underground Railroad Museums (Chatham-Kent & Essex)

Distance from London: Each approx. 1 hour 30 minutes Price: Various Location: Uncle Tom’s Cabin ; Buxton Museum ; John Freeman Walls Historic Site ; Amherstburg Freedom Museum

Grow in your understanding of the great freedom movement that has forever shaped North America by visiting some of Ontario’s well-preserved Underground Railroad Sites and Museums.

Hear the stories of the notable Josiah Henson ( Uncle Tom’s Cabin ) and other Black refugees from the American slave trade who bravely escaped into Upper Canada through the Underground Railroad.

View 1800s artifacts and historic buildings at the Elgin (Buxton) Settlement ( Buxton National Historic Site & Museum ), and walk through the old log cabin built and lived in by the fugitive slave John Freeman Walls ( John Freeman Walls Historic Site ).

Learn about Black history in one of the key entry points, Amherstburg, into Canada for fleeing slaves ( Amherstburg Freedom Museum ).

Visit one or many of these incredibly sites to gain an appreciation of the tremendous journeys braved by many Black slaves in our recent past.

20. Stratford

Distance from London: 50 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Stratford is another one of Southwestern Ontario’s charming small-town destinations, and for good reason.

Most known for its live performance Avon Theatre and Stratford Festival, this town, which shares a name with Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, understandably has a fascination with the great Elizabethan writer. 

Whether you choose to enjoy a live theatre show or simply walk the picturesque streets of this historic town, we think you will find your trip to Stratford relaxing and enjoyable. 

Oh yes, and if you happen to be a foodie, we recommend catching a food tour and definitely making a stop at Rheo Thompson Candies for their famous gourmet chocolates.

Tip: If you’re ever on the lookout for great Canadian gifts to send overseas , Rheo Thompson chocolates are a uniquely local, Canadian option!

Paris, Ontario (not to be confused with the one in France!) is the epitome of historic, picturesque town. While this town is quaint, it does not lack allure for visiting tourists.

From local food tours , to historic cobblestone tours, to viewing the “Lighting of the Paris Falls” of Penman’s Dam, to whitewater rafting on the Grand River, this little town knows the value of keeping its visitors wined, dined, relaxed and ready to return next time.

22. Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Distance from London: 1 hour Price: Adults (13+) – $20; Kids – $8 Location: Google Maps Link

Walk through a majestic tropical garden filled with over 2000 exotic butterflies and moths inside the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory . With over 40 different species, originating mostly from Costa Rica or the Philippines, you will rarely come across an opportunity like this to be so up close with these charming creatures. 

Kids will not only love seeing real butterflies in each stage of metamorphosis, they will also have the chance to learn about other insects and arthropods, spot exotic birds flying through the gardens, and of course hope for a butterfly to land on them!

If spending the day in an enchanted tropical garden sounds like the perfect way to spend the day out, you will not be disappointed at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory.

Just remember to wear bright colours so the butterflies will want to come close!

23. Dorchester Mill Pond

Distance from London: 20 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

The Dorchester Mill Pond is a perfect place for a half-day nature adventure just outside of London. The Mill Pond Trail is a 3.3 km loop around, you guessed it, Mill Pond. 

Admission and parking are free. There’s also a picnic and playground area just beside the parking lot, so pack a lunch and set out on this nature adventure! While you’re at it, why not have some fun with a nature scavenger hunt for the kids!

24. Wildwood Conservation Area

Distance from London: 40 minutes Price: In season – $15 per car (off season – free during daytime open hours) Location: Google Maps Link

Wildwood Conservation Area is located between the quaint towns of St. Mary’s and Stratford. Wildwood is another fantastic option for getting out on the water and soaking in Ontario’s fabulous nature. 

Like Fanshawe Conservation Area, Wildwood offers water sports, camping (even back country camping!), and a hiking and biking trail (Lake Trail) for 25 km around the perimeter of Wildwood Reservoir. 

25. Rock Glen Conservation Area

Distance from London: 45 minutes Price: $4 per person (kids 5 and under free) Location: Google Maps Link

Rock Glen Conservation Area is a unique and exhilarating choice for a day trip close to London. This site is home to a picturesque 10.7 m tall waterfall, and happens to be a hot spot for prehistoric Devonian era fossils! 

It’s charming, romantic, adventurous, and not far from the beaches of Lake Huron. We think Rock Glen Falls is perfect to pair with an afternoon on the beach at Pinery Provincial Park, Ipperwash Beach , or Grand Bend . 

 👉 Read more from our day trip to Rock Glen Conservation Area .

26. Cheltenham Badlands

Distance from London: 1 hour 50 minutes Price: $10 reservation fee + $10-$15 parking fee Location: Google Maps Link

The badlands? You’re not the only one who thought this was only a thing of the mid-west. Located just outside the town of Caledon, it’s these unique red clay hills that make the Cheltenham Badlands worth the drive.

Although taking in the sight from the viewing platform is the main attraction here, there are also some hiking trails that to make your visit more complete: the Badlands Trail (0.3 km) and the Bruce Trail (1.3 km). 

We recommend pairing up a trip to the badlands with some unique shopping or fine dining in Caledon, or even more hiking at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park . Consider adding on something fun to do in Brampton if you’re looking for just a little more to round out your day!

27. Hamilton Waterfalls

Distance from London: Various (approx 1 hour 20 minutes) Price: various

Not only is Hamilton home to many of Ontario’s most beautiful waterfalls , it’s is known as the “Waterfall Capital of the World!”

There are over 100 waterfalls in and around the city of Hamilton, and many of them are in very well maintained conservation areas. For nature lovers, Hamilton is one of the best places to go near London for endless opportunities to explore the outdoors.

Many of the waterfalls easily accessible and close to parking, and others will require a bit of a hike to reach. Of course, because the falls are fueled by rainwater, we recommend visiting in spring and fall! 

Here are 9 of the best-rated waterfalls in the Hamilton area: Sherman Falls Borer’s Falls Buttermilk Falls Chedoke Falls Tiffany Falls Albion Falls Webster Falls Tew Falls Devil’s Punchbowl

Hamilton definitely has all of the best waterfalls near London and is worth a day trip for the adventurous soul!

 👉 See our complete guide to Dundas Peak, Tew Falls and Webster Falls .

28. Rondeau Provincial Park

Distance from London: 1 hour 10 minutes Price: April-October – $18 per car; October-March – $11.25 per car Location: Google Maps Link

Rondeau Provincial Park makes for an excellent day trip, especially if you are an avid birder or have kids who are eager to get their hands dirty exploring nature. 

Rondeau is a peninsula jutting into Lake Erie (and Rondeau Bay) and for that reason its marshy wetland is an important spot for many species of birds during their migration. In fact, over 330 species of birds have been spotted here! Rondeau is also home to Canada’s largest remnant Carolinian forest. 

The park Visitor Centre runs a Discovery Program for kids from spring to fall, with hands-on activities and hikes with naturalists. Rondeau has 6 hiking trails ranging from 1.2 km to 8 km, and 11 km of sandy beach. Rondeau Bay is also a popular spot for fishing. 

Whether you come for the day, or choose to camp here overnight, we highly recommend a trip to Rondeau Provincial Park this summer!

29. Point Pelee National Park

Distance from London: 1 hour 50 minutes Price: April-October – $7.90 per adult (0-17 are free); November-March – $6.10 per adult Location: Google Maps Link

Ever wanted to go to the southernmost tip of Canada? No problem! Point Pelee National Park is less than 2 hours from London, and is totally worth the drive! 

Point Pelee is Canada’s most ecologically diverse national park, with marshy wetlands, cedar savannah, and drylands, and home to over 390 species of birds! Plan your visit during the fall monarch butterfly migration for a spectacular experience you will never forget. 

We highly recommend a long, slow stroll along Marsh Boardwalk and Tower, canoeing or kayaking the marshes, hiking some of the 12 km of trails, and of course, taking the shuttle to the tip of the peninsula.

Enjoy swimming along the 20 km of sandy beaches, and maybe camp the night in one of the park’s unique oTENTik structures!

If you’ve got a real sense of adventure, consider planning your trip to be on one of the designated stargazing nights when the park is open until midnight. Point Pelee is, after all, a Dark Sky Preserve and offers incredibly opportunity to view the starry skies above.

If you’re up a 2-day trip from London to go a little bit further south, consider heading to Pelee Island ! Pelee Island is officially Canada’s southernmost inhabited area, and the birthplace of winemaking in Canada.

👉 We visited Pelee Island and wrote all about it on our guide to touring Pelee Island .

30. Town of Elora & Elora Gorge

Distance from London: 1 hour 30 minutes Price: Elora Gorge – $7.50 per adult; $3 per child 6+ Location: Quarry Location ; Elora Gorge Location

One of the most beautiful natural areas in Southwestern Ontario is without a doubt the Elora Gorge and the town of Elora. This conservation area is a great place to enjoy the wonder of the Grand River and its gorge that sits surrounded by steep rock cliffs and forests. 

The Grand River includes some intense rapids, and in case you haven’t heard, tubing or white water kayaking is a big thing here! We also recommend a hike at the Elora Gorge (3 km of trails).

If you prefer to keep both feet on dry ground, consider exploring the quaint town of Elora, topped off with dinner in the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa , or even booking an overnight package.

The Elora Quarry , just minutes away from the Elora Gorge, is another attraction of the town. The quarry is a large swim hole surrounded by the area’s steep cliffs.

Day Trips in London, Ontario (Without Leaving the City)

Does just thinking of packing up the car and hitting the road have you tired and worn out? 

There are a lot of awesome attractions and activities in London, Ontario that don’t require leaving the city!

Shop at one of the exciting farmer’s markets or visit a new coffee shop you’ve never been to. Head to some of London’s many thrift stores , plan a romantic date on the town , or spend the day shopping at Masonville Mall .

Here’s our pick for the top things to do in London, Ontario that you could make a full or half day trip out of.

31. Boler Mountain

Distance from London: 15 minutes Price: Ski Day Pass – $34-$71 + tax; Treetop Adventure Park – $35-$53 + tax Location: Google Maps Link

Boler Mountain is London’s very own solution for fun for both winter and summer thrill-seekers. With skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the winter months, to the Treetop Adventure Park, mountain bike trails, and beach volleyball in the green months, Boler Mountain easily one of the top tourist attractions in Southwestern Ontario.

While you may have no trouble remembering Boler for its ski hills, keep this local gem in mind throughout the spring-fall for an aerial course and zipline that come at a reasonable price, so close to home.

32. East Park London

Distance from London: In London Price: Various (depending on activity); Waterpark only – $6-$28, age dependent Location: Google Maps Link

East Park is your perfect choice for something to do in London that is super fun for kids and adults. The popular waterpark includes large slides, splashpad and a wave pool.

Visitors can choose to only pay for admission to the waterpark, or to purchase access to specific indoor and outdoor activities such as Go Karts, rock climbing, mini golf, batting cages, bumper cars, arcade, and jungle gym.

If you’re looking for a full day of fun, this day trip option has enough to keep everyone well entertained.

33. Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Distance from London: In London Price: $10 Adults; $7 Kids Location: Google Maps Link

Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a delightful step back in time! In a truly unique way, visitors will be immersed in the stories of locals who lived in London and its surrounding rural communities during the period of 1820-1920. 

Kids will especially enjoy the hands-on experience of trying out old-fashioned games and chores as they walk through old-time homes and farm yards.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village is also a beautiful place to host events such as weddings. We’ve had the chance to experience this ourselves, and the entire experience was truly incredible!

34. Fanshawe Conservation Area

Distance from London: In London Price: In Season – $15 per car (off season – free during daytime open hours) Location: Google Maps Link

Fanshawe Conservation Area is one of London’s best places to get out and explore nature. So much can be done here even without having to leave the city! 

Fanshawe Conservation Area offers camp sites (for both tent and trailer camping), canoe/kayak rentals, fishing, boat launch docks, a large day use picnic/BBQ area with pavilion rentals, and over 20 km of gorgeous hiking and biking trails that run the perimeter of Fanshawe Lake. Perfect for adults, kids, groups in all seasons!

👉 Check out our review of London’s best trails , including at Fanshawe Conservation Area.

35. Museum of Ontario Archaeology

Distance from London: In London Price: Adults – $5; Children – $3 Location: Google Maps Link

The Museum of Ontario Archaeology is educational for visitors of all ages, as it steps you back in time to learn about human history within Ontario for the last 13,000 years.

With the permanent on-site exhibit of a 500-year old village and a reconstructed longhouse, visitors can grow in their understanding of and appreciation for the way of life for some of Canada’s early indigenous peoples. 

Combined with other permanent and featured exhibits, the Museum of Ontario Archaeology is a highly valuable experience for learners of all ages.

Best Hotels in London, Ontario

Whether you’re visiting London or just thinking of booking a staycation in the city, here’s our top recommendations for hotels that will get you feeling like you’re on a getaway while still being close to home.

Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre ($$)

⭐Rated: 8.5/10 Stars (Booking.com)

This family-friendly hotel in London is beautiful furnished and well-maintained and features an amazing indoor pool and waterslide. The pool is set in a tropical atrium, which adds to the feeling of a real vacation without leaving London.

We’ve stayed here for a wedding and had an awesome experience. The rooms were comfortable and clean, and the indoor atrium was a welcomed bright spot in the dead of winter.

✔️ Book Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn

The Idlewyld Inn & Spa ($$$)

⭐Rated: 9.1/10 Stars (Booking.com)

This Victorian era Inn is set in London’s picturesque Old South neighbourhood, just minutes from downtown. Featuring beautiful decored rooms, each with a private bath, your stay at the Idlewyld Inn will be luxurious, cozy and comfortable.

With an alluring spa and intimate restaurant onsite, you won’t even need to leave the Inn grounds to make the most of your stay.

✔️ Book Idlewyld Inn & Spa

👉 For more hotels, check out our full review of the best places to stay in London, Ontario .

Wrap Up: 35 Best Day Trips from London, Ontario

There are truly so many amazing places to see and things to do in Southwestern Ontario, that it is hard to narrow down a list.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our full list of posts on Ontario beaches , or check our all of the posts we’ve written from our travels around Ontario .

We hope that you will find inspiration from our list of favourites and wish you many fun-filled road trips ahead!

Erie is the owner and author of Everywhere Ontario. She’s lived and traveled around Ontario for over 30 years, visiting small towns and big cities from the shores of Lake Erie to the crisp northern air of Hearst along the Trans-Canada Highway. She is passionate about maximizing fun and supporting local tourist businesses and is always looking to provide the best recommendations to her fellow Ontario travelers. Read more about Erie here .

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

17 Best Day Trips From London — From Small Towns to Stunning Forests

Take a break from the big city.

joe daniel price/Getty Images

There’s no denying London is one of the greatest cities in the world for art, culture, history, and theater. After a weeklong trip, though, you may want to escape its hustle and experience some of the U.K.'s best forests, country houses, seaside towns, and even other European neighbors. Thankfully, all of this and more lies within easy reach of the capital.

"London is often seen as the gateway to the rest of Europe and the United Kingdom, with six international airports and excellent rail connections to continue your onward journey," said Rose Wangen-Jones, the managing director of London & Partners, which runs the city's official tourism site . "You could even be at the Eiffel Tower taking snaps of the Paris skyline in just over two hours, thanks to the high-speed Eurostar train."

Complete with riverside walks, ancient towns, idyllic streets filled with indie shops, and amazing restaurants, here are our picks for the best day trips from London.

Whitstable, Kent

CBCK-Christine/Getty Images

Ask any Londoner and they’ll often tell you Whitstable, located about an hour east of London via high-speed train, is at the top of their city escape list. One of the U.K.'s most charming seaside towns , Whitstable is famed for its multicolored North Sea-facing beach huts and restaurants that plate up fresh lobsters. The town’s castle ruins are well worth exploring, too, and the hilly — and sometimes windy — coastal walks will help brush off those cerebral cobwebs.

Another major draw is the town’s oysters. Guzzling half a dozen of these must-try mollusks is almost a rite of passage in these parts, and one of the best times to try them is during the Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival , which takes place every summer. Expect live music, markets selling local wares, and stellar wines.

Margate, Kent

Laurie Noble/Getty Images

Thanks to a cultural renaissance spearheaded by celebrities and artists such as Tracey Emin, Margate has experienced a rebirth. The Kent coastal town, less than a two-hour train ride from London, exudes cool grit and harbor glamour, with independent shops, contemporary restaurants, and the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool , made for a quick summer dip. Though Margate is on the gusty side, the Turner Contemporary gallery will keep you shielded from all the elements. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the retro theme park and roller-disco Dreamland is well worth the admission price.

Cliveden House, Berkshire

Andrew Holt/Getty Images

Over its long, illustrious history, Cliveden has been a retreat for royals (Meghan, Duchess of Sussex stayed here on the eve of her wedding), and it played host to the scandalous Profumo affair back in the 1960s. The former home of the Astor family, the house was originally built in 1666 by the Duke of Buckingham as a country pad to rival all others. Now, anyone can visit to admire its over-the-top English style (think winding oak staircases and hallways filled with paintings, chandeliers, and armor). Aside from it being a great spot for afternoon tea, Cliveden really is all about stunning riverside walks, park picnics, and if you’ve got the time, a riverboat tour down the Thames. The best part? It's just an hour's drive west of London.

Rye, Sussex

Aubrey Stoll/Getty Images

Instagrammers from across the globe descend upon Rye to snap photos of its cutesy, cobbled lanes and mishmash of Diagon Alley-esque antique shops and bookstores. Just under two hours from London, the small and hilly town is the perfect place to grab a local Sussex ale or English sparkling wine. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants serving top-notch seafood lunches and scrumptious lobster pots. Another bonus? It's close to one of the U.K.’s best beaches , picturesque Camber Sands. Tip: bring a fancy picnic basket.

Box Hill, Surrey 

Nickos/Getty Images

Green and pleasant pastures await in this dreamy part of the Surrey countryside. Less than an hour outside of London, Box Hill is a solid quick option for a day trip with fresh air. Most people cycle here from Richmond Park, but if you're short on time, you can take the train. It takes roughly four hours to complete the entire eight-mile circular Box Hill Hike , and those who reach the summit will be treated to sprawling views of the North Downs. Another option is walking from the train station via the Stepping Stones Path , which takes about two hours out and back. The National Trust cafe is a great spot for a well-deserved slice of cake, but if you fancy heading further out, the nearby Beaverbrook hotel has several dining venues on its 470-acre estate, including The Garden House Restaurant , which offers steaks of both the beef and cauliflower variety, salads, seafood, and pasta.

TJ Blackwell/Getty Images

Despite being more than 200 miles from the capital, York is actually one of the easiest day trips from London. Trains take just under two hours and run frequently enough that you can decide if you want to go the same day. The ancient walled city is best known for its Gothic masterpiece York Minster , one of the U.K.’s oldest cathedrals, dating back to the seventh century.

"York Minster is one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world, as well as one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe," says Nicola Butler, a T+L A-List advisor and owner of NoteWorthy . "The first recorded church on the site was built in 627, and it has had a colorful and varied history ever since. We then suggest our clients admire the timber-framed buildings of the Shambles, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086."

In addition to seeing this stunner, visitors can walk along the city walls before climbing up Clifford’s Tower for some awesome views of the city and beyond. Learn about 3,000 years of chocolate history at York's Chocolate Story museum, then hit up the Shambles for winding, Harry Potter -style streets packed with cool storefronts and tea shops.  

Lewes, Sussex

Patrick Donovan/Getty Images

Lewes often gets overlooked for its neighbor Brighton but this quaint town, located about an hour south of London, has lots to offer. Lewes Castle , the remains of Lewes Priory , and the former home of Anne of Cleves will keep you busy for a few hours, as will the pubs and local handicraft shops. If you have more time to spare, take a cab to the nearby village of Rodmell. Here, you’ll find Monk’s House , the former 16th-century country retreat of groundbreaking 20th-century author Virginia Woolf and her husband, Leonard. The garden is pretty, and you’ll also get to go inside Woolf’s writing lodge where she sat and wrote her most famous novels and essays. And if you’ve got the stamina, the walk to the village of Glynde and its Elizabethan manor is well worth the steep hills. Your reward? Spectacular views over the South Downs.

KavalenkavaVolha/Getty Images

The beauty of Europe is its excellent and efficient train network. The Eurostar , for example, takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach the French capital from London’s St. Pancras International station. With little planning, you can easily tackle many of the top attractions in Paris if you book yourself on the earliest service out and the latest back. To make the most of your day here, focus on the heart of the city: the Louvre , Musée d'Orsay , plus the amazing stores, coffee shops, and restaurants of Saint-Germain-des-Prés are all within walking distance of each other. Round out the day at the Trocadéro to snap a selfie with the Eiffel Tower and relax on the banks of the Seine with a picnic, Emily in Paris- style.

Bath, Somerset

One of the best day trips from London for history lovers, Somerset’s largest city beckons visitors with its ancient Roman baths and Georgian architecture. After the Roman period, its healing hot springs experienced a surge in popularity, transforming Bath into a fashionable spa retreat in the 17th and 18th centuries. Recognized as one of UNESCO's "Great Spa Towns of Europe," the city can easily be reached via an hour-and-change train ride from London. When you arrive, explore the bathing complex, constructed around 70 C.E., and have afternoon tea at The Pump Room restaurant. Then, stop by Bath Abbey , where you can tour the top of the church tower. While you can’t swim in the historic baths, the next best option is Thermae Bath Spa 's rooftop thermal pool — a perfect place to cap off your visit before taking the train back to London.

Ashdown Forest, Sussex

Winnie-the-Pooh fans will likely want to add Ashdown Forest to their list of scenic day trips from the capital. A.A. Milne lived near the 6,500-acre woodland when he penned the stories of Christopher Robin and his friends. Better known as the fictional “Hundred Acre Wood,” the forest is accessible via a one-hour train ride to East Grinstead station, followed by a short taxi or bus ride. For an even easier journey, join a customized tour with Pooh Trek , which will pick you up at the station and visit highlights like the historic Pooh Sticks Bridge, plus cozy cottages and pubs. Those looking to extend their stay can even spend a few nights at Milne’s former house, the 16th-century Cotchford Farm .

Brighton, Sussex

oversnap/Getty Images

The unofficial gay capital of the U.K. is the place to go if you're in search of wall-to-wall live music venues, classic seaside bed-and-breakfasts, buzzing clubs, and Soho House's members-only Brighton Beach House . About an hour's train ride from London, Brighton's famed Palace Pier , pebbly beach, and shops on The Lanes are all worth a visit. Visitors can expect narrow alleyways packed with independent boutiques, record stores, pizza shacks, vegan eats, and small pubs championing local ales sourced from all over the city’s home county, Sussex.

Hastings, Sussex

larigan - Patricia Hamilton/Getty Images

About a 1.5-hour train ride from London, Hastings has a long, colorful, and somewhat brutal history that’s kept tourists flocking to its windy cliffs for centuries. The former battleground of William the Conqueror offers all sorts of to-dos, from the ruins of its Norman castle (no dragons, sadly) to a strip of indie shops to great local restaurants. There's also a long pier stretching out into the English Channel that has "sunset walk" written all over it. The best views can be enjoyed from East Hill, accessible via the U.K.'s steepest funicular, the East Hill Cliff Railway. After riding down, head to George Street, a haven for continental-style cafes, art shops, and bookstores.

Stratford-upon-Avon, West Midlands

Jorisvo/Getty Images

Literature buffs will love this medieval town hidden away in England's West Midlands. Shakespeare’s former homes and his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage are the major draws. A little more than two hours north of London, the town is also a great place to indulge in a boat tour along the plant-flecked canal basin. If you’re a theater lover, catch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Company 's playhouse (book well in advance), or enjoy a dinner cruise down the picturesque River Avon on the Countess of Evesham restaurant boat.

Canterbury, Kent

Alexey_Fedoren/Getty Images

If you dig a medieval cathedral with a dash of Chaucer, head to Canterbury. Roughly a 45-minute train ride from London, the town is a great option for travelers who are pressed for time. Start off with a walk (or bike ride) down the wiggly King’s Lane to check out the city’s stellar indie shops. When it comes to fueling up, there's lots on offer, from pastries at The Goods Shed farmers market and food hall to Scotch eggs at pubs in town. Walk it off in one of England’s oldest parks, Westgate Gardens, before hitting up the nearby Blean Woods Nature Reserve , an ancient woodland filled with rare flora and fauna. The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is also worth visiting for a glimpse at one of the world's most important collections of cow paintings.

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Tu xa Ha Noi/Getty Images

An easy, one-hour train journey from St. Pancras, this university city dating back to 1209 is home to some of the world's most photogenic colleges and dorms. Begin your journey at King’s College and stroll through its 15th-century landmark Gothic chapel, home to the world’s largest fan vault and some impressive stained-glass windows.

Next, explore the waterways in a punt, a long, flat-bottomed boat. Aside from hopping on a bike, it’s the simplest (and most fun) way to explore the city on the cheap. Plus, you’ll see all the top attractions, from Trinity College to the Bridge of Sighs , along the way.

"NoteWorthy clients often visit the Wren Library in Trinity College Cambridge, designed by the renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren," says Butler. "It is one of Cambridge’s most famous and historic college libraries. This experience will take you behind the scenes to see some extraordinary and valuable literary works guided by a subject expert. Two of Shakespeare’s first folios and various letters of Sir Isaac Newton are just examples of what you could see on the tour."

When you get hungry, head to the Pint Shop for gourmet pub-style food served in a joint once loved by E.M. Forster. The Sunday roast is great, as are all the beers sourced from hops all over the country.

Oxford, Oxfordshire

Famed for its academic history, ivy-clad buildings, and Harry Potter filming locations , Oxford is another university city well worth a day trip from London. The train journey from Paddington or Marylebone station takes just over an hour and once you arrive, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a real-life version of the Wizarding World. Start your visit with a walking tour ( Bodleian Libraries offers guided explorations of the city and its beautiful libraries). Then, climb the tower of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin for one of the best views of the rooftops. In addition to the towering Gothic architecture, the city's historic streets are lined with traditional pubs and charming cafes. After refueling, end your day with a punting adventure along the River Cherwell or visit the Ashmolean Museum , which houses an impressive array of art and artifacts.

Bruton, Somerset

Tim Green/Getty Images

Somerset is a long day trip from London, but it’s doable and worth the effort if you’re willing to wake up early. One of the most convenient ways to get a taste of it is via the Great Garden Escape , courtesy of one of England's most celebrated hotels, The Newt in Somerset . The approximately two-hour journey sets off from London’s Paddington station, with breakfast served on board before the train rolls into the hills of the West Country. Next to the hotel’s Georgian façade, explore picturesque gardens and ancient woodlands, plus learn the art of cider making before digging into an afternoon tea overlooking the orchards. It’s basically England summed up in about eight hours.

Related Articles

Day Tours London

The Greatest Day Tours From London

Guided Day Tours From London

Morning Stonehenge Tour with Admission From London

White Cliffs of Dover & Canterbury Day Tour From London

Cotswolds Villages & Historic Oxford Day Tour From London

Stonehenge (with ticket) & Bath Day Tour from London

Why Day Tours London

Visit sites of historical & natural beauty.

Best prices, flexible dates, 24 hour refund policy.

Luxury transportation in coach or minibus.

Great day at the Cotswolds, Oxford and Stratford on Avon. Tour guide James was very informative, interesting and definitely not boring. Bus driver Marius was fantastic and also entertaining.

I took the Stonehenge and Bath tour. It was perfect, Rosie was so nice, and she explained everything so well because she actually lived there in Bath, so she knew interested facts about everything. I totally recommend it.

This half-day trip was great. It was nice to be able to arrive at the site right as it was opening. Our guide was very pleasant and knowledgeable and the bus ride was very comfortable. It was the right amount of time to spend at Stonehenge.

When in England do as the English do! So what could be nicer than enjoying a traditional English

In the back streets of Oxford, and hidden away, is the famous Turf Tavern. It’s one of the

The Stonehenge visitor centre no longer provides headsets on the site so it is advised you bring your

Sign up for exclusive deals on our tours

Once verified our team will send you a discount code.

[email protected]

+44 207 862 6338

INFORMATION

Best Sightseeing Tours in London for Seniors

• United Kingdom
• Sightseeing Tours
• Audio Guided Tours
• City Packages
• Classic Car Tours
• Escape the Room
• Hop-on Hop-off Tours
• Night Tours
• Pedicab Tours
• Photography Tours
• Segway Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Super Savers
• Sustainable Tours
• Trolley Tours
• Tuk Tuk Tours
• Underground Tours
• Volunteer Tours
• Adventurous
• Recommended
• Most visited
• Dog friendly

London Short Tour

A small group tour of London is a collection of day tours that visit and explore through the villages of the city. This escorted tour includes a journey out to Windsor castle. We explore Contemporary and learn about Roman Walled city , Medieval , Victorian London and the contemporary city today.

From £3,654 GBP

Departing Apr, Sep

• 1. Attend a popular show in the West End
• 2. Visit and explore Eton & Windsor with a local guide for the day.
• 3. Visit a major exhibition at a leading gallery or museum with a local guide
• 4. Learn about contemporary London with a local guide around Shoreditch
• Departure Dates

Tour of London: 5-day small group tour

Explore the greater city of London on a small group tour with Odyssey Traveller for 4 full days.

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom and one of the major metropolitan centres in the European continent. Its history stretches back to the Romans , who founded the ancient settlement of Londinium in 43 AD. The Romans' London Wall was a defensive wall built around the city and which defined its boundaries until the late Middle Ages . Though the wall was dismantled around the 1700s, sections of it are still visible, snaking through private and public establishments in the city of London. Left largely abandoned after the fall of the Roman Empire, the city later grew and became increasingly prosperous until London itself became the seat of a vast empire that reached its peak during Queen Victoria's reign . The growth of industry ushered in the Industrial Revolution , which led to Britain accounting for nearly a quarter of global industrial production in the 19th century, with British workers becoming the richest men and women in Europe. But the mass migration of people from the countryside to the city also resulted in overcrowded housing, pollution, and unsanitary, disease-ridden living conditions. By the mid-18th century, London was a city of 750,000 people, filled with factories that burned coal and blanketed its buildings with soot. Working and living conditions improved with new government regulations, and the city, surviving widespread damage brought by two world wars, remains an important cultural and commercial centre in the world.

This small group tour is offered to travellers who are seeking a five-day extension in the city as part of an Odyssey Traveller escorted small group tour. Travellers may also consider joining the 21-day Queen Victoria's Great Britain tour , which begins in London and explores other cities in Great Britain.

The tour stays in a centrally located hotel in London. Each day we set out to explore various parts of the city, typically using public transport, including the London tube on occasion, taxis and the rail network to reach the destinations selected, taking in 2-3 key features or attractions of the city. We will be aided by knowledgeable, local guides who share the ancient, classical, and recent history of the city with the group as we explore. We typically use public and private transport or walk around the city for visits.

Highlights of this London small group tour:

• Walk the London Wall and view a portion of the wall underground at Spitalfields Market.
• View the Temple of Mithras. The remains of the temple was discovered in 1950s in Walbrook and was reconstructed for public viewing. The religion and rituals centred on the god Mithras remains a mystery, though we know the Mithraic religion was practised in Rome, especially among members of the Roman military. The Museum of London houses relics from the original temple.
• Walking along the Thames will give us a view of the many places we can explore: Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
• Enjoy one show at the theatre in the west end.
• Attend typically with a guide up to 3 exhibitions in London
• In 2019, Buckingham Palace is open to visitors from July 20 until September 29. Visit the Queen's official London residence and explore its lavish State Rooms.
• Take the train to Eton/Windsor for the day with a local guide touring this local area.

Articles about London published by Odyssey Traveller

The following list of articles published by Odyssey Traveller for mature aged and senior travellers to maximise their knowledge and enjoyment of London when visiting;

• The London Underground
• Victorian Women's Fashion
• Queen Victoria's Britain, Part 1 and Part 2
• Understanding British Churches
• Studying Gargoyles and grotesques
• Georgian Architecture
• London's Victorian Architecture

For all the articles published on Britain by Odyssey Traveller, please click through on this link to view.

External articles to assist you on your short break in London

• Unusual Facts about London
• The Royal parks of London
• UNESCO World Heritage sites of Britain

Tour in Britain with Odyssey Traveller

This short tour of London is only one of many small group tours offered by Odyssey Traveller in Great Britain. These active tours are designed for the mature traveller to enjoy in a small group holiday and learning environment.

Small Group Tours with Odyssey Traveller

This tour to London is based in the heart of the city and gives travellers easy access to popular tourist attractions and public transport. Similar to other Odyssey Traveller tours, this tour is designed for the senior traveller and is fully escorted, with the group accompanied by an Odyssey Program Leader and local guides, adding expert knowledge about the history and culture of the area. The small group setting also ensures flexibility and focused attention to programme participants.

This tour to London can be used as an extension of other Odyssey Traveller tours to England or across Europe .

For more details, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right-hand side of this page.

Day 1: London

Accommodation: London Lodge or similar

Welcome Dinner hosted by tour leader.

Day 2: London

Day tour and exploring London

West end theatre show.

Day 3: London

Day tour to Eton & Windsor

Day 4: London

Day exploring London embankment and a major gallery show.

Farewell dinner.

Day 5: London

Program concludes after breakfast.

Includes / Excludes

What’s included in our Tour

• 5 nights of hotel accommodation.
• 5 breakfasts and 2 dinners.
• All entry fees and services of local expert/guide where relevant.
• Services of a Tour Leader for the duration of tour.
• Gratuities and necessary tips.
• Detailed preparatory information.

What’s not included in our Tour

• Comprehensive travel insurance.
• Return international airfare and departure taxes.
• Items of a personal nature, such as telephone calls and laundry.
• Meals not specified in the itinerary.

Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, moderate walking on uneven surfaces between 3 - 5 kilometers per day. Suitable for most fitness levels

Make it a private tour

Easing your journey.

Crossing international borders with restrictions

The list of requirements to travel internationally has changed and will continue to change for several years. Odyssey is here to assist you in managing your way through these requirements:

For more information see our Crossing international borders with restrictions page.

Book With Confidence

If less than 30 days before your tour starts you are unable to travel as a result of Government travel restrictions, Odyssey Traveller will assist you with a date change, provide you with a credit or process a refund for your booking less any non-recoverable costs.

See Terms and conditions for details.

Peace of Mind Travel

The safety of our travellers, tour leader, local guide and support staff has always been our top priority and with the new guidelines for public health and safety for keeping safe for destinations around the world, we’ve developed our plan to give you peace of mind when travelling with us.

See Peace of Mind Travel for details.

Reading List Download PDF

Prettycitylondon: discovering london's beautiful places.

Siobhan Ferguson

A stunning photography, lifestyle and travel guide to London. This beautiful collection of images will take you past London's famous landmarks, and into the pretty hidden gems beyond. From secluded mews to undiscovered cafes, flower markets and tree-lined streets, prettycitylondon champions the quiet, gentle moments that allow you to escape in a huge capital city like London. If you know where to look, you will find that traditional shop fronts, vintage transport, artisan bakeries, florists and bookstores are but a hop skip and a jump from the centre, and some right bang in the middle. Curated by founder and editor of Instagram's prettycitylondon, this stunning guide also includes tips on how to photograph and plan your own prettycitylondon experience, whether on foot or from afar. Author Siobhan Ferguson is a photographer, a social media consultant, and the curator and founder of the hugely popular Instagram accounts, prettycitylondon, theprettycities, and siobhaise.

London: A Travel Guide Through Time

Matthew Green

Let time traveller Dr Matthew Green be your guide to six extraordinary periods in London's history - the ages of Shakespeare, medieval city life, plague, coffee houses, the reign of Victoria and the Blitz.

We'll turn back the clock to the time of Shakespeare and visit a savage bull and bear baiting arena on the Bankside. In medieval London, we'll circle the walls as the city lies barricaded under curfew, while spinning further forward in time we'll inhale the 'holy herb' in an early tobacco house, before peering into an open plague pit. In the 18th century, we'll navigate the streets in style with a ride on a sedan chair, and when we land in Victorian London, we'll take a tour of freak-show booths and meet the Elephant Man.

You'll meet pornographers and traitors, actors and apothecaries, the mad, bad and dangerous to know, all desperate to show you the thrilling and vibrant history of the world's liveliest city.

London Made Us: A Memoir of a Shape-Shifting City

Robert Elms

A personal journey - part anecdotal, part impressionistic - through London's constantly shifting cityscape by BBC Radio London's Robert Elms. 'London is a giant kaleidoscope, which is forever turning. Take your eye off it for more than a moment and you're lost.'

Robert Elms has seen his beloved city change beyond all imagining. London in his lifetime has morphed from a piratical, bomb-scarred playground, to a swish cosmopolitan metropolis. Motorways driven through lost communities, accents changing, skyscrapers appearing. Yet still it remains to him the greatest place on earth.

Elms takes us back through time and place to myriad Londons. He is our guide through a place that has seen scientific experiments conducted in subterranean lairs and a small community declare itself an independent nation; a place his great-great-grandfather made the Elms' home over a century ago and a city that has borne witness to world-changing events.

Hidden History of the Tower of London: England's Most Notorious Prisoners

JOHN PAUL DAVIS

Famed as the ultimate penalty for traitors, heretics and royalty alike, being sent to the Tower is known to have been experienced by no less than 8,000 unfortunate souls. Many of those who were imprisoned in the Tower never returned to civilisation and those who did, often did so without their head! It is hardly surprising that the Tower has earned itself a reputation among the most infamous buildings on the planet. There have, of course, been other towers. Practically every castle ever built has consisted of at least one; indeed, even by the late 14th century, the Tower proudly boasted no less than 21. Yet even as early as the 1100s, the effect that the first Tower had on the psyche of the local population was considerable. The sight of the dark four-pointed citadel - at the time the largest building in London - as it appeared against the backdrop of the expanding city gave rise to many legends, ranging from the exact circumstances of its creation to what went on within its strong walls. In ten centuries what once consisted of a solitary keep has developed into a complex castle around which the history of England has continuously evolved. So revered has it become that legend has it that should the Tower fall, so would the kingdom. Beginning with the early tales surrounding its creation, this book investigates the private life of an English icon. Concentrating on the Tower's developing role throughout the centuries, not in terms of its physical expansion into a site of unique architectural majesty or many purposes but through the eyes of those who experienced its darker side, it pieces together the, often seldom-told, human story and how the fates of many of those who stayed within its walls contributed to its lasting effect on England's - and later the UK's - destiny. From ruthless traitors to unjustly killed Jesuits, vanished treasures to disappeared princes and jaded wives to star-crossed lovers, this book provides a raw and at times unsettling insight into its unsolved mysteries and the lot of its unfortunate victims, thus explaining how this once typical castle came to be the place we will always remember as THE TOWER. AUTHOR: John Paul Davis is the international bestselling author of ten thriller novels and three historical biographies 40 b/w illustrations

Shadows Of The Workhouse: The Drama Of Life In Postwar London

Jennifer Worth

In this follow up to CALL THE MIDWIFE, Jennifer Worth, a midwife working in the docklands area of East London in the 1950s tells more stories about the people she encountered.There's Jane, who cleaned and generally helped out at Nonnatus House - she was taken to the workhouse as a baby and was allegedly the illegitimate daughter of an aristocrat. Peggy and Frank's parents both died within 6 months of each other and the children were left destitute. At the time, there was no other option for them but the workhouse. The Reverend Thornton-Appleby-Thorton, a missionary in Africa, visits the Nonnatus nuns and Sister Julienne acts as matchmaker. And Sister Monica Joan, the eccentric ninety-year-old nun, is accused of shoplifting some small items from the local market. She is let off with a warning, but then Jennifer finds stolen jewels from Hatton Garden in the nun's room.These stories give a fascinating insight into the resilience and spirit that enabled ordinary people to overcome their difficulties.

London's Underground: The Story of the Tube

Oliver Green

A comprehensive guide to the London Underground, combining a historical overview, illustrations and newly commissioned photography. It is impossible to imagine London without the Tube: the beating heart of the city, the Underground shuttles over a billion passengers each year below its busy streets and across its leafy suburbs. The distinctive roundel, colour-coded maps and Johnston typeface have become design classics, recognised and imitated worldwide. Opening in 1863, the first sections were operated by steam engines, yet throughout its long history the Tube has been at the forefront of contemporary design, pioneering building techniques, electrical trains and escalators, and business planning. Architects such as Leslie W. Green and Charles Holden developed a distinctively English version of Modernism, and the latest stations for the Jubilee line extension, Overground and Elizabeth line carry this aesthetic forward into the twenty-first century.In this major work published in association with Transport for London, Tube expert Oliver Green traces the history of the Underground, following its troubles and triumphs, its wartime and peacetime work, and the essential part it has played in shaping London's economy, geography, tourism and identity. Specially commissioned photography by Benjamin Graham (UK Landscape Photographer of the Year 2017) brings the story to life in vivid portraits of London Underground's stations, tunnels and trains.

National Geographic Walking Guide: London 3rd Edition

Sara Calian, Brian Robinson

The best way to see and appreciate the sights of London is to walk, absorbing all the energy and vibrancy of the city. This guide offers 15 itineraries, accompanying the reader step by step on a journey of discovery in the company of expert travel writers, all true Londoners, who explain the most important monuments of the city. The "Whirlwind Visit" section includes schedules for visiting the entire city in one day or in a weekend, for solo travel and family outings. The walks go from The City to Westminster and from Kensington to Knightsbridge, touching on all the sites shown on the maps. Each "Walking Tour" is complete with maps and walking times; the underground stations where the tours start are clearly marked. There are detailed descriptions of museums and other destinations, including Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the National Gallery, with tips on what to see and how to plan a visit. This insider guide will introduce the reader to the most intimate aspects of the city- Royal London, Shakespeare's London, and London pubs- there will be no doubt why this city is considered one of the best in the world.

• Return To Top
• Tour Details
• Reading List

Articles about London

Georgian Style of Architecture: Definitive Guide for Seniors

Article to provide the senior couple or mature solo traveler with an appreciation of the influence of Georgian Architecture in Britain when on a small group educational tour.

Great Britain - a profile and travel tips for seniors

Great Britain. Travel tips for seniors. With over 36.115 million visitors in 2015 alone, Great Britain is the world’s 8th biggest tourist destination, offering a range of experiences to entice travellers […]

Highlights of London

Article about London, capital of England. Supporting educational small group tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers to those interested in English history , culture and landscapes. Article shares insights about London.

Industrial Revolution. Britain's contribution to the world

Britain and the industrial revolution. A progressive period that spanned Queen Victoria's period . Small group package tours for mature and senior travellers explore this fascinating period of history across England and Scotland and key cities such as Manchester , Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow.

London's Victorian Architecture: The Definitive Guide for Travellers

Small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travelers with History tours including those examining the Industrial revolution , Victorian Britain the Gilbert and Sullivan era via the D'Oyle Carte family and the cities such as Glasgow, Liverpool and Manchester.

Markets of Victorian London

Article about the markets of London as part of a small group educational tour of England , Scotland and Wales as well as Europe. Collection of Articles about Victoria and her England including the industrial revolution for senior couples and mature solo travelers.

Personalities from Queen Victoria's Britain

Article for senior couples and mature solo travellers exploring Queen Victoria's Empire including Britain and the personalities. Supports small group educational tour about the monarch and the industrial revolution.

Queen Victoria's Britain: The Definitive Guide for Travellers

Article for educational small group tours of England for senior couples and mature single travellers . Queen Victoria , Britain's longest serving monarch through most of the Industrial revolution and rural life and the Empire is discussed in this article.

Queen Victoria's Britain part 2: The Definitive Guide for Travellers

Queen Victoria’s Britain (Part 2 of 2) This two-part article on Queen Victoria’s Britain was prepared by one of our Odyssey Program Leaders, Mal Bock. She will be leading this small group tour especially designed for…

Questions about England

Escorted small group tours for mature and senior travellers to England. Designed for couples and solo travellers who like to explore and enjoy learning as they travel to Devon and Cornwall , Manchester or Newcastle , or learn about English villages and the romanticism of the Lake district and beyond.

Ten Things We Never Knew About London

Article supports time in London , England's capital city. The city has a history back beyond the Romans , and a collection of some of the finest Georgian and Victorian Architecture on an educational small group tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers .

The Globe Theatre, London

Article about the Globe theatre and its place in London and Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon . Stories and learning for senior couples and mature solo travelers on a small group tour.

Underground London

London's underground railway network. Article foe senior couples and mature solo travellers joining a small group tour interested in learning about Victorian London and the evolution of the Tube network in the Industrial revolution.

Related Tour Categories

Level 1 - introductory to moderate.

Join 22,383 like-minded travellers receiving our weekly newsletter.

Try These 10 Best Day Trips From London For Memorable Adventures

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Forget Denver And Visit This Underrated Alternative

This cute colorado town is the perfect alternative to telluride, this banff lake hides an unsuspecting secret under the surface.

• Uncover the beauty of the English countryside with unforgettable day trips from London, exploring historical sites, charming towns, and natural landscapes.
• These handpicked destinations offer a perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and excitement, promising to make your London experience truly remarkable.
• From the stunning Windsor Castle and the mystique of Stonehenge to the charming streets of Oxford and the maritime magic of Bath, these day trips offer a tapestry of memories just a stone's throw away from the bustling capital.

Travelers escape the bustling streets of London and embark on unforgettable day trips to uncover the beauty of the English countryside. They explore the fascinating history of Windsor Castle , indulge in the mystique of Stonehenge, or wander through the charming streets of Oxford. They unwind in the scenic villages of the Cotswolds , where thatched cottages spot the landscape. For a touch of maritime magic, people visit the historic city of Bath, with its Roman baths and Georgian architecture . These day trips promise a tapestry of memories, presenting an ideal blend of history, culture, and natural splendor just a stone's throw away from the vibrant capital.

People discover a world of unforgettable escapades just a stone's throw away from the bustling heart of London. This article delves into the best day trips for those seeking memorable adventures beyond the city limits. From charming historical towns to breathtaking natural landscapes, these handpicked destinations offer a perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and excitement. Travelers embark on journeys that promise to make your London experience truly remarkable.

The Charm Brighton Boutique Hotel and Spa

The laindons, bathen house boutique hotel, dunkerleys hotel, jeakes house, the beetroot, macdonald windsor hotel, old bank hotel, abode canterbury, hotel du vin & bistro cambridge.

With its rock beach, live music venues, and humming LGBTQ+ scene, there’s nowhere better for topping up someone's Vitamin Sea levels than Brighton. They start their day by weaving seagulls on the Palace Pier, then shop up a storm in the Lanes, which are packed with separate boutiques, stores, and vegan eateries. They sit down in the Brighton Beer Dispensary, which backs Sussex breweries like the Hand Brew Co.

• Distance from London: 1 hour by train, from Victoria, Blackfriars, or London Bridge, and around 2 hours by car.

20-21 New Steine, Brighton

Related: Brighton Beach Is A Sweet Summer Alternative To Coney Island

Hastings offers a lot of history, from the battlefield of William the Conqueror’s triumph in 1066 to its role as an eighteenth-century smuggling hotspot. London’s sunseekers have been herding to this town for centuries. They learn more about its rich history by exploring the gorgeous ruins of its Norman castle or visiting the museum lodged in former smugglers’ caves. Some visitors prefer to browse the independent shops in the scenic Old Town, trek along the pier, and just take some time to admire the views from the clifftop, the Hill Cliff Railway, before ending their days in accommodations as comfortable as London hotels .

• Distance from London: 1 hour 30 minutes by train, from London Bridge, and around 2 hours by car

23 High Street, Hastings, TN34 3EY

Bath is the largest city in all of Somerset, England. It is named after its key interest: the Roman Baths. The city itself is beautiful and is one of the top day trips from London. People visit the Roman Baths and head to the amazing rooftop spa that includes hot and cold pools and delivers the best view of the historic city from above. After a nice day at the spa, people head into town for afternoon tea to make the most out of the day.

• Distance from London: 1.75 hours by train from Paddington Station

88 Newbridge Hill, Bath, BA1 3QA

Deal features quaint rows of Georgian houses, special boutiques, and a well-loved Saturday market. People visit the Deal Castle built by Henry VIII, then treat themselves to lunch at 81 Beach Street or Victuals & Co. Visitors make sure they stop by Taylor-Jones & Son, the homewares boutique where the sheepdog, Delilah will welcome them with open paws.

• Distance from London: 1 hour 20 minutes by train, from St Pancras International, and around 2 hours by car.

19 Beach Street, Deal, CT14 7AH

Rye brags antique shops and cobbled lanes, making it feel like a little piece of the charming Cotswolds on the seaside. After people skimmed around the Tiny Book Store, they treat themselves to a seafood lunch encircled by lobster pots at Globe Inn Marsh, followed by a glass of local wine at The George. The Chapel Down vineyard is well worth a visit for people wanting to know the wine-making or enjoy their signature wine tasting.

• Distance from London: 1 hour 10 minutes by train, from St Pancras International, and around 2 hours by car.

Jeakes House Mermaid Street, Rye, TN31 7ET

Margate is dense with cold-brew coffee and craft beer, helping people survive windy sea breezes. They start at the Turner Contemporary Gallery, then go to the retro theme park and roller-disco Dreamland. They then head to Hantverk & Found for a fresh seafood lunch and natural wines. They go shopping, snapping up vintage pieces in Breuer & Dawson and skincare at Haeckels.

• Distance from London: 1 hour 25 minutes by train, from St Pancras International, and around 2 hours by car.

Market Street Car Park, Margate, CT9 1EU

The beautiful town of Windsor is home to the British Royal Family. For history lovers, a day trip to Windsor is a must. Situated in Southeast England, Windsor Castle is residence to 1000 years of royal history and is the most senior and most extensive castle in the entire world. People visit the castle to learn about British history, see the changing of the guard, St George’s Chapel, the state apartments, and much more.

• Distance from London: 40 minutes by train, from Paddington Station and around 50 minutes by car

23 High Street, Windsor, SL4 1LH

Oxford is a known academic opponent of Cambridge and one of the best day trips from London. Oxford University is composed of 38 colleges loaded within the medieval city and full of history, culture, and architecture. Church College is one of the most dramatic and famous university buildings worth checking out. People also visit the Oxford Botanic Garden, Museum of the History of Science, Arboretum, Harry Potter films location, and much more.

• Distance from London: 1 hour and 20 minutes by car or train from Paddington Station

92-94 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BN

Related: Oxford: Discover The Most Historic University Town With These Tours

Canterbury is the place where people came for a big old religious knees-up In Chaucer’s day. Today, it is a little more calm, but its large student population means there’s still a nicely wild edge. People stroll down the King’s Mile, home to boutiques, and have a pizza straight from the oven at the indoor farmers’ market, The Goods Shed. They also visit the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, which features one of the world’s most significant displays of cow paintings and a mummified Egyptian cat.

• Distance from London: 1 hour by train, from St Pancras International, and around 1 hour 30 minutes by car.

30-33 High Street, Canterbury, CT1 2RX

Cambridge is quieter, smaller, and lovelier than Oxford. A visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum is a good way to start someone's trip, followed by a nibble at Fitzbillies. They make sure to buy a box of the sticky Chelsea buns to take home and spend a couple of hours strolling around King’s Chapel before taking to the river for a place of punting . Come teatime, they head for Grantchester and have dinner in The Orchard Tea Gardens, just like the poet Rupert Brooke.

• Distance from London: 45 minutes by train, from King’s Cross, 1 hour 20 minutes from Liverpool Street, and around 2 hours by car.

15-19 Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1QA

• Bucket List Ideas

We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! TheTravel has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.

• * Cruises *
• Australia/ New Zealand
• * Group Travel *
• South America
• Cinque Terre
• Monte Carlo
• St. Petersburg
• North America
• Palma de Mallorca
• More…
• Many more cities!!!
• Cartagena, Columbia
• St. Maarten
• Accessible Cruise Advice
• Accessible Cruise Deals
• 6 Benefits of Booking Your Cruise with Sage Traveling
• Egypt Accessible Tours and Cruise Excursion
• French Riviera
• [FULLY BOOKED] 7 Night Accessible London Group Trips – August 21-28, 2024
• 12-Night Escorted “Best of Scandinavia” Accessible Baltic Group Cruise. Celebrity Eclipse, July 4-16, 2025
• 10-Night Escorted “Greek Isles and Turkey” Accessible Group Cruise. October 6-16th, 2025.
• London Individual Package Deals
• FREE Newsletter
• Top 10 Disabled Travel Tips
• More Disabled Travel Tips
• 25 Things Can Go Wrong
• 50 Accessible Vacations
• Disabled Travel Insurance
• Disabled Travel FAQ’s
• More Advice…

Accessible London Guided Tours & Day Trips

Disabled visitors to London have numerous options for accessible London tours including accessible walking/rolling tours, accessible driving tours, accessible boat tours, and accessible train tours to nearby cities. All tours include step-free tour routes, and many include transportation by private vehicles with wheelchair ramps.

Don’t miss out on our  private accessible walking/rolling tour of the West End ,   accessible London boat tour on the Thames River, or the memorable  3 hour highlights of London accessible driving tour.  or the  accessible Stonehenge and Salisbury tour from London

Tour Packages

Driving Tours  

Walking Tours 

Accessible Boat Tours

Accessible London Day Trips

Several wheelchair accessible London day trips are available to disabled and senior visitors to London. Stonehenge, Cambridge, Oxford, Hampton Court, Windsor Castle, and Greenwich are a few of the most popular options. Tours are possible either by accessible private driving tour or by accessible train.

“I want to thank you for your assistance in helping us thoroughly enjoy our London holiday. Our London Highlights tour was excellent. Your guide has a wealth of knowledge he enthusiastically shares with his engaging style. We enjoyed every minute.” -Dee, USA, Mobility Scooter User Read more client testimonials

London Accessible Travel – main page Pros and Cons of London Disabled Access 13 Wheelchair Accessible Travel Tips for London England 9 Keys to Success for London Handicapped Travel Tower of London Wheelchair Access London Eye Wheelchair Accessibility Stonehenge Disabled Access Travel Insurance for Disabled Travelers London Accessible Travel Packages Accessible Walking and Driving Tours in London Highlights of London Accessible Driving Tour Classic London Wheelchair Accessible Tour Royal London Accessible Guided Tour London Accessible Boat Cruise on the Thames River Stonehenge & Salisbury Accessible Driving Tour Stonehenge & Windsor Castle Accessible Guided Tour Oxford Accessible Tour from London Highlights of Greenwich Accessible Tour London Accessibility Guide by John Sage London Trip Planning by Sage Traveling – Travel with Ease!

Contact us to Book Your Accessible London Tour

Get our 100% Free Accessible Travel Advice Newsletter

• Learn the secrets of how to travel in Europe with a disability
• Receive a €50 Accessible Travel Coupon for signing up!
• 100% free advice

"We could go on and on but this was the best trip that we could ask for. Our next trip will definitely be through you..." Read More...

"The Paris Accessibility Guide is the most valuable travel document I have ever encountered…" Read More...

"We had a splendid time in Europe, thanks to all your planning. We remarked again and again how difficult it would have been without your planning! Thanks again for the wonderful trip!" Read More...

"I wanted to let you and Mr. Sage know that we loved our accessible private tour of the Vatican…" Read More...

"Let me thank all you guys at Sage Traveling. I got my scooter in Berlin. It was a brand new Orion…" Read More...

"I am a wheelchair user and have just returned with my husband from a cruise which started in Istanbul and ended in Venice. The information you provided on both these cities was absolutely invaluable…" Read More...

"The hotel you recommended was very centrally located and within convenient walking distance to the Louvre and Notre Dame. We even walked to the Latin quarter and to the boat tour! Thank you again for making our trip a wonderful and manageable experience…" Read More...

"I just wanted to thank you for an excellent experience in Paris. The wheelchair was delivered exactly on time and we’ve been everywhere with it over the last two days…" Read More...

"We will certainly recommend your services to others and use you again in the future…" Read More...

  Don't just take our word for it!

Listen to what our clients have to say about..." Read More...

Dear Danielle

Thank you once again for organising my recent trip to Edinburgh. It was very enjoyable and was helped considerably..." Read More...

Having just returned from Paris and thoroughly enjoyed our River tour and meal on Boat Dinner tour, I feel I..." Read More...

Emily's purse was stolen with our passports and credit cards in Delft so we had to rejuggle our travel plans..." Read More...

A quick note to let you know our tour guide in Barcelona was wonderful. She was there dead on the..." Read More...

We are back home - tired from the long flight but it was a wonderful trip. Weather chilly and..." Read More...

We have now returned from an absolutely amazing trip – largely due to the excellent arrangements made by Sage..." Read More...

You have truly been amazing, my mother & I thank you from the bottom of out hearts she would have..." Read More...

Dear Danielle,

You were so right about the hotel in Bruges! It's just lovely! We love it and Bruges. Thanks for..." Read More...

It was a seamless experience, wheelchair arrived exactly on time, was lightweight and comfortable.  Highly recommended.  

-Mark   Florida, USA Read More...

Hi Danielle,

Just a note to thank you for arranging the hire of the wheelchair in Bruges. Without it we would..." Read More...

Hello Danielle :)

Well we are all home safe and sound and really missing Brugge :(

The holiday was excellent, everything that..." Read More...

Hello Donna,

I am writing to you to advise that my Parents - Alexander & Irene have just returned from Istanbul..." Read More...

I would like to comment on what an excellent 2 trips we had in Rome. The guide was very knowledgeable..." Read More...

Dear Donna,

Let me thank all you guys at Sage travels. I got my scooter in Berlin. It was a brand..." Read More...

Jennifer, I wanted to thank you! We had an amazing trip. Everything went as planned and we are so grateful..." Read More...

Dear John and Donna:

David and I would like to say a BIG, "Thank You" for all of your help in regards to..." Read More...

Jennifer, Best family vacation EVER! We certainly couldn't have done this without you and Sage Travel'. You were our best..." Read More...

Margaret from the UK describes how the Istanbul Accessibility Guide and Venice Accessibility Guide helped on her trip.  The Accessibility..." Read More...

Donna and John,

I have been meaning to write to you to thank you for helping us to arrange the wonderful..." Read More...

Accessible Destinations

Disable Travel Advice

Accessible Trip Planning

Accessible Cruising

Accessible Ports

Shore Excursions

Destinations

Accessible Travel Packages

Sage Access Guides

Group Trips

More Advice...

• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Stonehenge Tours and Day Trips from London

Because of its popularity, it's no surprise that London offers plenty of Stonehenge tours. But which are the best? To find out, we've analyzed all of the tours in the area not just for their experiences, but also for their price, guest ratings, quality, and service.

Tours to Stonehenge from London provide a convenient and enriching way to visit one of the world's most mysterious and iconic ancient sites. These tours typically include comfortable transportation from central London, often with knowledgeable guides who offer fascinating insights into the history, myths, and significance of the prehistoric stone circle. Visitors can marvel at the engineering prowess of the ancient builders and ponder the purpose of this enigmatic structure, set against the backdrop of the picturesque English countryside. Many tours also combine a visit to Stonehenge with other nearby attractions, such as the charming city of Bath, the medieval town of Salisbury with its magnificent cathedral, or the quaint village of Lacock. These excursions offer a seamless blend of education, exploration, and convenience, making them a popular choice for those looking to delve into England's rich historical tapestry.

The 142 tours in our research have an average price of $578. Also, the typical experience length is 4 hours. Below are our picks for the best, so let's start planning!

(Prices are listed in U.S. Dollars.)

Day trip by coach - Stonehenge, Avebury & Uffington White Horse

Stonehenge morning half-day tour from london including admission, london to stonehenge shuttle bus and independent day trip, stonehenge half-day tour from london with admission, half day stonehenge trip by coach with admission and snack pack, stonehenge & bath day tour from london including admission, stonehenge and windsor tour from london, windsor castle, stonehenge and bath tour from london & admissions, stonehenge and bath tour from london, stonehenge summer solstice sunrise shuttle by coach from london, stonehenge, windsor castle, and bath from london, how much do stonehenge tours cost in london.

In London, Stonehenge tours cost on average $578 based on our research of 142 different tours. Many of these tours offer varying activities, add extra services, and last different lengths of time, so it's not always possible to compare every option equally. Also, the highly rated options tend to cost a bit more on average.

More Options

If you're looking for more things to do in London, see also The Best Walking Tours in London , The Best Affordable Airport Transfers in London , The Best Windsor Castle Tours from London , The Best Westminster Abbey Tours in London , The Best Harry Potter Tours in London , The Best Cotswolds Tours and Day Trips from London , The Best Tours to The White Cliffs of Dover from London , or The Best Buckingham Palace Tours in London .

London Travel Costs London Hotel Prices

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in London? , Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in London? , and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in London? .

Subscribe to our Newsletter

By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies , plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers!

Budget Your Trip

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.

• Privacy / Terms of Use
• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Solo travel becoming more popular — and seniors, particularly older women, are getting in on the trend

Besty Lepera. Credit: John Roca

More people are discovering the joys of hitting the road (or skies) alone — and seniors, particularly older women, are getting in on the trend.

Nearly 70% of those surveyed for American Express Travel’s 2024 Global Travel Trends Report said they planned to take at least one solo trip this year. And the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s 2024 Industry Outlook said a surge in interest in solo travel is expected this year, especially for women traveling alone.

In interviews, older Long Islanders said they now have the time, and many have the money, for globetrotting. For varied reasons, they may find themselves alone — perhaps they lost a spouse or partner to death or divorce, or their loved one’s health is declining. Other seniors said they preferred to travel solo because they want to try something new or immerse themselves in an activity or locale that may not be of interest to their spouse or friends.

“We’ve seen an increase in solo travelers ages 55 to 70. Many are women who have gone through a major life event and want to get back out there to reaffirm their independence and autonomy through wellness and adventure travel,” said Rebecca Alesia, an Oyster Bay travel adviser with SmartFlyer.

“I also have clients, single men in their 70s, who are triathletes and Ironmen who adore doing Backroads and other group travel on their own.”

From breaking news to special features and documentaries, the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you.

By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy .

While it can sometimes be more expensive to travel solo, that’s changing. “Many cruise lines and tour operators have reduced or waived the dreaded single-occupancy surcharge, which has helped get more people out there,” Alesia added.

Freeport travel agent Marietta Cleckley said some cruise lines are incorporating more single rooms on their ships, as well as offering special get-togethers for solo travelers.

While safety is a concern, there are benefits to being a party of one.

“Traveling solo is incredibly empowering. It’s a clear signal to yourself that you’re the captain of your own ship,” said Olivia Dreizen Howell, chief executive of Fresh Starts Registry and a certified life and success coach in Huntington.

Here are the stories of six Long Island seniors who have ventured out on their own:

Nan Toelstedt in Alaska. Credit: PR for Sisterhood Travels

Women-only tours

Nan toelstedt.

Toelstedt’s first solo trip, to St. Lucia in 2018, happened by accident. There was a major pipe leak at her Massapequa home, and the repairs weren’t done, so her husband stayed home to oversee them.

Then, a few months later, she again left by herself on a two-week Caribbean cruise when her husband got pneumonia. “The trip was great, but mostly couples. I felt somewhat isolated,” Toelstedt, 73, recalled. “That said, it didn’t deter me from future solo travel.”

When her husband’s mobility declined during the pandemic, she said he no longer enjoyed traveling. Last year, the part-time registered nurse discovered Sisterhood Travels, and she now travels with the women-only group. “I’ve developed friendships and shared great experiences with like-minded women. Finding this group made the challenge of isolation and other logistical elements nonexistent,” she said.

Toelstadt noted that she loves the freedom and independence of solo travel. “I can be as busy or as relaxed as I want.”  

Roberta Perry shows a picture of herself in England. Credit: Dawn McCormick

Adventure travel

Roberta perry.

Perry, 62, of Plainview, said her husband doesn’t love travel like she does. So 20 years ago, the avid inline skater said she found an adventure tour company and booked a trip to Colorado. “It was the first time I traveled without my family or husband. It felt strange, but exciting,” she said.

While her husband occasionally accompanies her, Perry said she has gone alone to the Netherlands and Northern Spain for hiking, biking and inline skating. The grandmother of three said she went to London last year and explored the city by herself for a few days before meeting up with friends.

There are downsides to traveling alone, she said. “If problems arise, you have to deal with them by yourself. You also don’t have anyone to share expenses like a car rental or hotel.”

But, she said, the positives outweigh the negatives.

Andrea Cherry at her home with art work from a trip to Ghana. Credit: Dawn McCormick

Be ‘situationally aware’

Andrea cherry.

As a flight attendant, Cherry, 60, of Baldwin, said she can take advantage of discounts on travel. She has trekked to Bogota, Colombia; Panama; the Bahamas; Jamaica; and Barcelona, Spain. “I love that I do what I want without any restrictions,” said Cherry, who is divorced with two grown children.

Cherry said she researches locations before visiting and advises others to do the same. For example, she said, are there neighborhoods you should avoid? What kind of public transportation is available?

“My only real concern is security. I am always situationally aware,” she said. Her advice: “Try not to go out and about at night, and do group tours when you can, rather than being completely on your own. Be aware of your surroundings and ask for a hotel room that isn’t at the back of the resort.”

One of Cherry’s best solo adventures was a trip to Panama, she said. “I relaxed, met new people and enjoyed the area. I found peace and serenity.”

Learn about yourself

Betsy lepera.

Lepera, 65, of Westhampton Beach, said she has been traveling solo since her 20s. The registered nurse said she was fascinated by all things Irish, but no one she knew wanted to go to Ireland. “I didn’t let that stop me,” she said. “I figured they spoke English, it was a small country, how hard could it be? It was wonderful.”

Lepera, who is single, said trips to U.S. national parks, the Amazon and Africa have been “amazing.” She has traveled on her own and with the tour company Country Walkers.

She admits that traveling solo as a woman has its challenges. “I’ve been lucky as I’ve not had any harrowing experiences. The worst that happened was getting totally lost on a hike with no one nearby and it was getting dark out,” she said, recalling a trip to Grand Teton National Park. “Luckily, after about an hour, a couple of hikers came by and got me on track.”

Lepera said she usually asks hotel staff for places to go and what locations she should avoid. Another tip, she said: “Always act and look like you know what you’re doing and where you’re going, even if you don’t.”

Her favorite trip was to Tanzania a few years ago. Lepera said she was booked with a tour group of five others who cancelled at the last minute. “It could have gone badly but didn’t,” she said. “My guide brought me lunches that he made when I asked what he was eating. We traded recipes and ate while watching the Great Migration” — an annual journey of millions of wildebeests, zebras and other animals in search of food and water.

“The country was beautiful, the people warm and welcoming, the wildlife breathtaking,” she said. “I hope to go back.”

To those shy about venturing out on their own, she advised, “You’ll meet wonderful people, learn about different cultures and a lot about yourself. It’s the best education you can get.”

Regina Raab at her home in Lake Ronkonkoma. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca

Follow your own path

Regina raab.

For Raab, 74, solo travel is ideal: “It’s easier than asking friends and waiting for answers. Also, many times they are not interested in the same things, short on funds or are physically unable to do what is required on the trip.”

The Lake Ronkonkoma resident, a retired teacher who’s single, said her first trip alone was to El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize in 2010. “We went whitewater rafting, horseback riding and in pyramids to see drawings,” she said.

Since then, she’s taken many trips alone or booked with the Overseas Adventure Travel tour company. She said she’s visited the Galapagos, the Grand Canyon, Morocco, Australia and New Zealand, and gone on safari in Kenya.

Raab loves flying solo. “I don’t have to worry about what someone else wants to do. I know how much money I have to spend and don’t have to think about someone else’s pocket,” she said. “If I just feel like staying in bed, I am not inconveniencing anyone.”

Jack Libert at the Taj Mahal in India. Credit: Jack L. Libert

Eating at the bar

Jack libert.

While older women in particular explore solo travel, men are also packing their bags.

Libert said he started traveling solo in 2014 after his divorce. His first trip was to South Beach in Miami. He has since traveled to Japan, India, Italy, Morocco and Austria. “It took some time to get comfortable traveling alone, but it was well worth it,” the Oyster Bay resident said.

Libert, a retired state Supreme Court justice who is now chief of staff for Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, said he loves the freedom to easily make changes, be it to his itinerary, where he will sightsee or where to eat. One thing he’s learned, he said, is that “dining at the bar almost always scores you a seat at a fully booked restaurant and is a great way to meet other solo travelers.”

To others debating whether to venture out on their own, he said, “Just do it.”

TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP

Traveling by yourself may seem intimidating. Olivia Dreizen Howell, co-founder and chief executive of Fresh Starts Registry and a certified life and success coach in Huntington, offers tips for getting past your fears.

Research. “Visit the websites of landmarks, restaurants and attractions you will go to," she said. "Check out the best route there, know their hours, arm yourself with information.”

Start small.  Before traveling, take yourself to dinner alone. Consider doing a solo staycation. How do you feel being alone? “Just like learning to walk and talk, you need to learn to be with yourself on a new journey,” she said.

Be prepared.  Make sure friends or family have your itinerary. Be sure you can manage your technology and understand any apps that you’ll use for travel.

Positive attitude. "Practice affirmations so you feel empowered traveling alone. Repeat mantras like, ‘I am strong and capable.’ "

Go. “Create your own schedule, eat what you want, see what you want," she said. "Take in all of the joy of the world on your own terms.”

— Sheryl Nance-Nash

Massapequa house fire ... Bob's Stores closing ... Fireworks on LI ... Scott visits Saratoga

Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories

Most Popular

Latest videos.

YOU'VE BEEN SELECTED

FOR OUR BEST OFFER ONLY 25¢ for 5 months

Unlimited Digital Access.

cancel anytime.

Newsday subscriber - Log in

UK election latest: Cabinet announcements start as key figures enter Number 10 - as Farage speech sabotaged by protesters

Sir Keir Starmer is in Number 10 starting work as prime minister and is naming his cabinet. Rishi Sunak said "sorry" to voters as he resigned as Tory leader. His party endured a torrid night, with the Lib Dems and Reform making big strides.

Friday 5 July 2024 16:09, UK

• General Election 2024

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Need to know

• Sir Keir Starmer pledges to 'end era of noisy performance' after winning landslide | Work to bring change starts 'immediately'
• New PM naming cabinet - Angela Rayner is deputy PM, Rachel Reeves is chancellor, David Lammy foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper is home secretary
• Sam Coates analysis : A 'loveless landslide'
• Tory wipeout: Sunak says sorry | Resigns as Tory leader | Liz Truss shock loss | 12 cabinet ministers booted out
• Nigel Farage one of four Reform MPs - but speech sabotaged by protesters
• Record seats for Lib Dems - as SNP collapse
• Starmer landslide with lower vote share than Blair and fewer votes than Corbyn
• Sam Coates : Partygate investigator to have 'pretty unprecedented power'
• Labour vote share down in areas with large Muslim populations
• Next Tory leader odds
• How night unfolded in eight videos - from exit poll to defeated Rees-Mogg's film quote
• Ed Conway : The new political geography
• Results in every constituency

Live reporting by Samuel Osborne, Mark Wyatt, Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel,  Richard Williams  and Andy Hayes

• Rachel Reeves - chancellor
• Angela Rayner - deputy prime minister and levelling-up secretary
• David Lammy - foreign secretary
• Yvette Cooper - home secretary
• Pat McFadden - chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
• John Healey - defence secretary
• Shabana Mahmood - justice secretary
• Bridget Phillipson - education secretary
• Wes Streeting - health secretary

Alan Campbell is next to arrive, and he's expected to be Sir Keir Starmer's chief whip. 

Our deputy political editor Sam Coates says we "won't see him out in the sunlight very much" - and Mr Campbell smiles as he hears this. 

"He is in charge of instilling discipline into Labour's parliamentary operation," says Sam. 

"Every time a Labour MP steps out of line, they'll be hauled out in front of that man."

Ed Miliband has been appointed the secretary of state for energy security and net zero by Sir Keir Starmer.

Mr Miliband ran for prime minister in 2015 and is considered passionate about climate, having pushed the climate agenda in Sir Keir's shadow cabinet - though he was forced to retreat over the party's £28bn investment promise.

Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Bridget Phillipson as the new education secretary.

She took on the role of shadow education secretary in 2021 and has been fundamental in shaping Labour's education policies.

In the role she pledged to provide universal free breakfasts for primary school children, 3,000 new primary school-based nurseries and 100,000 new nursery places.

Read more about Ms Phillipson here :

Wes Streeting has been appointed health secretary.

He took up the role of shadow health secretary in 2021 and has since been outspoken on the health brief.

This included saying the NHS must "modernise or die" and the private sector should be utilised to help tackle backlogs.

He has also criticised the way he was "mucked around" by the NHS when he was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2022 - he has since been treated and recovered - although he praised the individual staff who treated him.

Read more about Mr Streeting here :

Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Shabana Mahmood as his justice secretary.

A Birmingham-born barrister, the 43-year-old has been an MP since 2010 and served in the shadow cabinet of both Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband.

Ms Mahmood was promoted to shadow justice secretary in September 2023 and was the only Muslim in the shadow cabinet.

Vladimir Putin is "unlikely" to congratulate Sir Keir Starmer on his election victory, the Kremlin has said.

It also described Britain as an "unfriendly country to Russia", the TASS news agency reported.

Labour is unlikely to restore ties with Moscow, the Kremlin added. 

The UK has been supporting Ukraine as it defends itself following the Russian invasion in February 2022.

The new chancellor has been pictured outside her new home of 11 Downing Street. 

She earlier passed a throng of reporters. Ms Reeves didn't answer questions but was smiling as she walked through.

Yvette Cooper has been made secretary of state for the Home Department.

After rising to Labour stardom under New Labour, Yvette Cooper was sidelined under Jeremy Corbyn. But she's now seen a rapid return to the frontbenches.

Yvette Cooper was first elected in the 1997 Labour landslide; the previous incumbent was prised from a safe seat to afford her easy entry to the Commons.

Since then, she has been the first female chief secretary to the Treasury, where she was an advocate for a "feminist approach to economics".

Read more here...

Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Pat McFadden as chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

An MP since 2005, Mr McFadden shadowed his new cabinet role and was national campaign coordinator since September 2023.

He served as shadow chief secretary to the treasury between 2021-2023.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

More From Forbes

Emerald suppler myne london to support the malala fund.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Malala Yousafzai at the 2019 G7 Development and Education Ministers Meeting in Paris. (Photo credit: ... [+] CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON/AFP via Getty Images)

London-based emerald supplier, Myne London, will become an official supporter of the Malala Fund to help girls’ access to education in Pakistan. It will do so through its charity arm, the Myne London Foundation.

Myne London sources all its emeralds from Swat Valley, Pakistan. The business is also focused on promoting women’s empowerment through access to education, training and skilled employment, supported by the region’s high-quality emerald melee, as well as the creation of Swat Valley emerald bespoke jewels and collaborations with international jewelry brands and designers.

Sisters Fiona Wellington and Kate Murray Gordos founded Myne London in 2018 based on their personal experiences. The sisters were born in Malaysia and raised in London and Peshawar, Pakistan. They travelled extensively across Pakistan including the Khyber regions and into Afghanistan and Kabul. During this time, they established relationships with the area. In 2018, they sent a team of experts to investigate little-known emerald mines in the Swat Valley. This is the source of all its emeralds, which the sisters say are traceable and transparent.

Myne London gemstone workers in Swat Valley, Pakistan.

The Myne London Foundation , established in 2021, receives 10% of all Myne London profits, to support those seeking access to education in the Myne London lapidary and emerald mining community. It hosted its inaugural fundraising event in London on March 19, 2022.

Fed’s ‘Critical’ Warning Sparks Serious $50,000 Bitcoin Price Crash Alert As $200 Billion Is Wiped From Ethereum, XRP, Solana And Crypto

‘the first descendant’ servers remain offline during a rough day two, bitcoin price drops below $58,000 for the first time in 2 months.

As the foundation’s core focus is on advancements in girls’ education, the company said it chose to support the Malala Fund and donate $10,000 to its grassroots efforts in Pakistan.

“Pakistan is a beautiful country and so close to our hearts as we spent a wonderful part of our childhood there,” Murray Gordos said in a statement. “We are deeply and historically connected to the education system in Pakistan.”

Female students in Lebanon in 2022 at a school funded by the Malala Fund following the 2010 ... [+] explosion in Beirut.

Murray Gordos said their father was a principal of a college in Peshawar who met with the president of Pakistan at the time to lobby for educational funds.

“Fiona and I were also extremely lucky to go to Murree Christian School, an American-run school in Murree in the foothills of the Himalayas,” Murray Gordos said. “Our world-class emeralds are sourced from mines very close to where we lived in Peshawar, and this also strengthens and affirms our commitment to Malala Fund.”

The Malala Fund was established by Malala Yousafzai and her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai in 2013 to champion every girl’s right to 12 years of free, safe and quality education. It has given more than $12.9 million to local organizations across Pakistan since 2014, according to the statement. It also funds education initiatives in other countries in the region.

Myne London Grass Collection collar in 18k white gold with 47 natural emeralds from Pakistan

“Malala Fund is commendable for its efforts to tackle barriers that prevent girls from staying in school, as well as bolstering government funding for girls’ education and promoting science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) learning,” Murray Gordos said.

Myne London in its statement said it plans to expand its support for Malala Fund by entering into a commercial co-venture in which a percentage of profits from Myne London jewelry sales will be donated to the charity.

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani education activist who rose to international prominence through tragedy. On October 9, 2012, while on a bus in Swat District of Pakistan, Yousafzai, who was 15 at the time, and two other girls were shot by a Taliban gunman in an assassination attempt targeting her for her education activism. She was struck in the head by a bullet and remained unconscious and in critical condition.

The attempt on her life sparked an international outpouring of support. After her recovery she became became a more prominent activist. She founded the Malala Fund in 2013. In 2014, at the age of 17, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, making her the youngest person to achieve this honor.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

CDC Recommends Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Fall/Winter Virus Season

For Immediate Release: June 27, 2024 Contact: Media Relations (404) 639-3286

Today, CDC recommended the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines and the updated 2024-2025 flu vaccines to protect against severe COVID-19 and flu this fall and winter.

It is safe to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same visit. Data continue to show the importance of vaccination to protect against severe outcomes of COVID-19 and flu, including hospitalization and death. In 2023, more than 916,300 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19 and more than 75,500 people died from COVID-19. During the 2023-2024 flu season, more than 44,900 people are estimated to have died from flu complications.

Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendation

CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 this fall and winter whether or not they have ever previously been vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine. Updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available from Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer later this year. This recommendation will take effect as soon as the new vaccines are available.

The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, is always changing and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.

Last season, people who received a 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine saw greater protection against illness and hospitalization than those who did not receive a 2023-2024 vaccine. To date, hundreds of millions of people have safely received a COVID-19 vaccine under the most intense vaccine safety monitoring in United States history.

Updated 2024-2025 Flu Vaccine Recommendation

CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions, receive an updated 2024-2025 flu vaccine to reduce the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications this fall and winter. CDC encourages providers to begin their influenza vaccination planning efforts now and to vaccinate patients as indicated once 2024-2025 influenza vaccines become available .

Most people need only one dose of the flu vaccine each season. While CDC recommends flu vaccination as long as influenza viruses are circulating, September and October remain the best times for most people to get vaccinated. Flu vaccination in July and August is not recommended for most people, but there are several considerations regarding vaccination during those months for specific groups:

• Pregnant people who are in their third trimester can get a flu vaccine in July or August to protect their babies from flu after birth, when they are too young to get vaccinated.
• Children who need two doses of the flu vaccine should get their first dose of vaccine as soon as it becomes available. The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first.
• Vaccination in July or August can be considered for children who have health care visits during those months if there might not be another opportunity to vaccinate them.
• For adults (especially those 65 years old and older) and pregnant people in the first and second trimester, vaccination in July and August should be avoided unless it won’t be possible to vaccinate in September or October.

Updated 2024-2025 flu vaccines will all be trivalent and will protect against an H1N1, H3N2 and a B/Victoria lineage virus. The composition of this season’s vaccine compared to last has been updated with a new influenza A(H3N2) virus .

For more information on updated COVID-19 vaccines visit:  Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC . For more information on updated flu vaccines visit: Seasonal Flu Vaccines | CDC .

The following statement is attributable to CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen:

“Our top recommendation for protecting yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness is to get vaccinated,” said Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. “Make a plan now for you and your family to get both updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall, ahead of the respiratory virus season.”

### U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC’s world-leading experts protect lives and livelihoods, national security and the U.S. economy by providing timely, commonsense information, and rapidly identifying and responding to diseases, including outbreaks and illnesses. CDC drives science, public health research, and data innovation in communities across the country by investing in local initiatives to protect everyone’s health.

To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:

• Data & Statistics
• Freedom of Information Act Office

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Novak Djokovic grinds out a victory over wild card Jacob Fearnley at Wimbledon

The Associated Press

July 4, 2024, 2:09 PM

• Share This:
• share on facebook
• share on threads
• share on linkedin
• share on email

LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic says he wouldn’t have been surprised if his second-round match against young Jacob Fearnley at Wimbledon went to a fifth set, but he’s “very glad it didn’t.”

The seven-time champion at the All England Club beat his 22-year-old Scottish opponent 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 on Centre Court on Thursday in another test of his fitness following recent knee surgery.

“Can I be playing better and moving better? Yes, absolutely,” Djokovic said in an on-court interview. “So I’m hoping that as the tournament progresses each day or each match I’ll be feeling a bit better.”

Fearnley, a wild-card entry who recently finished playing college tennis at TCU, had a strong cheering section that erupted when he took the third set.

“He served very well, it was very difficult to break his serve. He made me work, definitely,” said Djokovic, who will face Alexei Popyrin in the third round.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion said he should have closed it out in straight sets but that he “was not really comfortable in my own skin, particularly in the third and fourth.

“Sometimes you have rough days where maybe you are not feeling your best,” he added, “and of course it also depends on the opponent across the net. He made me earn this victory.”

It was a big day for Britain on and off the court — with the U.K. holding a national election and several locals in the spotlight.

“It’s a great day for British tennis, and there’s no better place to do it than at home at Wimbledon,” Fearnley said. “Yeah, it’s an unbelievable tournament, unbelievable crowd.”

It got off to a rough start when wild-card entry Yuriko Lily Miyazaki won only 19 points en route to a 6-0, 6-0 loss to Daria Kasatkina.

The 28-year-old Miyazaki committed 31 unforced errors and five double-faults in falling to the No. 14-seeded Kasatkina, a Russian who won the Eastbourne title ahead of the grass-court Grand Slam .

Harriet Dart came back to beat compatriot Katie Boulter, the No. 32 seed who is Britain’s highest-ranked women’s singles player, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8). Dart trailed 6-2 in the deciding tiebreaker. Boulter compiled 75 unforced errors and 39 winners.

Later on Centre Court, Andy Murray was set to play doubles with his brother, Jamie. The two-time Wimbledon champion pulled out of the singles competition.

Top-seeded Iga Swiatek extended her winning streak to 21 matches with her 6-4, 6-3 victory over Petra Martic.

No. 5 Jessica Pegula become the highest-seeded women’s player to lose. The American was defeated by Wang Xinyu 6-4, 6-7 (7), 6-1. For Wang, it was her first victory over a top-10 player.

Two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka was the No. 3 seed at Wimbledon before she pulled out before the first round because of a shoulder injury.

Kasatkina will next face Paula Badosa, who advanced Thursday by beating Brenda Fruhvirtova 6-4, 6-2.

Ons Jabeur, the No. 10 seed who reached the past two Wimbledon finals, eliminated 19-year-old American Robin Montgomery 6-1, 7-5.

A handful of other Americans advanced, though, on U.S. Independence Day.

No. 11 Danielle Collins beat Dalma Galfi 6-3, 6-4, No. 12 Madison Keys topped Wang Yafan 6-2, 6-2, and Bernarda Pera came back to beat No. 23 Caroline Garcia 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

“I’ve always really loved playing during the Fourth of July. I think I’ve spent more Fourths of Julys in London than anywhere else in the world,” the 29-year-old Keys said. “It’s always fun, and it’s definitely an experience. Like today walking by I saw a bunch of Americans, and they all said, ‘Happy Fourth.’”

No. 14 Ben Shelton outlasted Lloyd Harris of South Africa 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 6-3, 7-6 (10-7). Arthur Fils also advanced to the third round when No. 7 Hubert Hurkacz retired in the fourth set because of a leg injury. They were in a fourth-set tiebreaker after Fils won the first two sets and Hurkacz took the third.

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

Related News

Bochy won’t have any of his players in AL All-Star lineup at home after Texas had 5 starters in ’23

Wimbledon Results

Luka Doncic and Slovenia head to Olympic qualifying semifinals

Recommended.

Triple threat: DC area hit with heat advisory, poor air quality, storm alert on 4th of July

Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago wins his first men’s title at annual Nathan’s hot dog eating contest.

Concerns over cloudy water — and having enough water for firefighters — led to rare boil water advisory for all of DC, officials say

Related categories:.