Best Day Trips From London
Day Trips From London: Golden Tours provides popular day trips in the UK to destinations such as Stonehenge, Bath, Oxford, Paris, The Cotswolds, and more! Fully organized tours from London are professionally guided, there’s no better way to embark on an exciting adventure during a day trip from London. Our London day out tours will transport you to places of rich British history, culture, and breathtaking scenery all in one day and to ensure that you have everything that you need, all of our full-day coach tours come with a Free Lunch!
When planning a London break, weekend getaway, or holiday, there are always plenty of tours, attractions, and events to enjoy in the capital. It’s also a great place from which to explore UK sites and cities such as Stonehenge, Windsor, Oxford, and Bath on one of the many cheap day trips from London. There are lots of deals, offers, and packages to enjoy.
Day Trips From London By Train
London is one of my favorite cities in the world and will likely oneeal your heart too, but if you have any more than three days in the city, take the opportunity to get out of London and see more of the UK (and further afield) as there are some great day trips to take from London. Here are the 10 best day trips from London to inspire your trip!
A day visit to Bath, Windsor Castle & Stonehenge is the most popular day trip to take from London. Sure, it’s a long day, but it is entirely worth it to pack so much into one day. Should you wish to spend more time in Bath and skip the others, this is also a really great day trip from London and can be done on your own by train (1.5 hours one way).
Another very popular day trip from London is to visit nearby Oxford University City (1.5 hours one way). If you make it out for a day visit, you’ll have plenty to fit in as there are a handful of free universities and some paid that cannot be missed (particularly Christ Church for Harry Potter fans!) If you allow time for a few hours to visit Blenheim Palace just 20 minutes up the road by bus, be sure to take the time to also drop into Woodstock, a small town right next door. Buses are frequent (usually every 20 minutes) and inexpensive (6 pounds return Oxford-Blenheim Palace).
It is also entirely possible to leave England and visit another country entirely! Paris is just a little over 2 hours away by Eurostar, making it another one of London’s most popular day trips. Sure, this isn’t anywhere near long enough in Paris (you’ll need 3-4 days to see and do everything), but if it’s your only chance don’t miss it!
Day Trips From London England
One of the most frequented and diverse cultural hubs in the world, London has an unimaginable amount to offer the intrepid traveler in the way of cuisine, entertainment, and history.
However, in a metropolis that hardly sleeps, you can be left wanting a change of scenery, and the surrounding English cities, coasts, and villages are the perfect remedies to the breakneck pace of the capital.
Here are the 5 best day trips from London:
1. Stonehenge
Ever the topic of fierce debate to this day, the iconic, prehistoric, and divisive monument of Stonehenge is a must-see for anyone looking to take a day trip from London.
Take in the gorgeous English scenery on the route from the capital to the Wiltshire countryside (it helps to visit in summer!) and make your way to Salisbury Plain where you’ll find Stonehenge.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to have been a site of pagan worship, though opinions have famously differed on this for decades.
Find out for yourself and discover the mysteries of this prehistoric marvel in under a day.
2. Windsor
Boasting the title of the largest and oldest occupied castle on earth, Windsor Castle is a hallmark of British history and the intriguing weekend getaway home of the Royal Family.
Also used for state and ceremonial occasions, the castle features an elaborate visitor route that grants access to the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and more.
Bedecked with treasures from the royal collection, the stately rooms, and halls of the castle are fascinating to those both interested in the British monarchy and those who simply enjoy ogling at impressive castles.
3. Oxford and Stratford
Known as England’s most romantic cities, Oxford and Stratford is a veritable stone’s throw from London, a mere few hours away but a world away from the metropolitan capital’s hustle and bustle.
Stratford-upon-Avon is undoubtedly most famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, no doubt you’ll be feeling inspired before long after walking on the same cobbled streets in between attractive cottages as he once did.
Continue on to Oxford and explore the most famous University City on the planet as you wind your way in between the various colleges and their fairytale-like spires and towers.
4. Bath
The undeniably gorgeous Georgian city of Bath is best known for it’s perfectly preserved Roman baths, where you’ll have the chance to walk around the steaming pools, along with ancient paving stones whilst marveling at the Roman architecture.
The city itself is a visual delight too, with picturesque Georgian buildings filled with terraces and crescents.
Once you’ve had your fill of World Heritage sites, churches and abbeys, take advantage of the buzzing cosmopolitan environment found in town and visit one of Bath’s many pubs, famed for producing some of the best country ale in the UK.
5. Leeds Castle and the Cliffs of Dover
Idyllically placed in the middle of a lake surrounded on all sides by English forests and parklands, Leeds Castle truly is a spectacle to behold.
Step back in time as you stroll the castle grounds, admiring the views of the lake and lose yourself in the beautiful Lady Baillie Gardens.
After you’ve experienced the unique magic of the castle, continue on to another iconic British site, the White Cliffs of Dover.
With an 800-year-old castle perched atop the impressive chalk cliff face, the site is a popular tourist spot, a mere few hours from London and well worth the trip.
Day Trips From London To Paris
Paris Day Trips From London
Why go
Stonehenge is like an amazing magic trick – delightfully mind-boggling, but you don’t really want to know how it happened. Which is convenient, because no one’s quite figured it out yet. Here’s what we do know: it’s a massive, prehistoric stone circle, believed to have been constructed around five thousand years ago, which makes it older than the Great Pyramid of Giza. The largest stones weigh 25 tons and stand 30 feet tall. Epic.
What to see
Although you can’t touch the stones (to protect them from erosion), you can stroll around them on walkways. The visitor center has an interactive presentation that allows you to sit amongst the stones as the seasons change. If you have your own transport, you could drive north to Avebury, home to another famous stone circle – and these you can touch.
Where to eat and drink
The onsite cafe serves sandwiches and soups, or you can take a picnic. If you make your way to Avebury, Circle is a good cafe.
How to get there
Trains from London Waterloo to Salisbury depart twice an hour, taking 90 minutes. From Salisbury, hop on the Stonehenge Tour Bus, which takes you directly to the monument.
Why go
Stuffed with originality and independent businesses, Brighton is often referred to as London-on-Sea, though that’s more a nod to property prices than a reference to its character. This place has a personality all its own – grungy, creative, and bohemian.
What to see
Start in the North Laine neighborhood, packed with pubs, cafes, and theatres, then delve into The Lanes a little further south for a great shopping experience. Look out for the eccentric Royal Pavilion – built by King George IV as a seaside retreat – and take a walk along the pier, checking out the amusements.
Where to eat and drink
Brighton has a fantastic array of bars and restaurants. Food for Friends offers superlative vegan dishes and is a great spot for lunch, while the Walrus pub is a good place to grab a beer.
How to get there
Frequent direct trains from London Victoria and London Bridge; journey time about an hour.
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, which displays fascinating finds from the ruins. Next, have a wander around Bath Abbey, a huge medieval church that you can climb to the top if you have the energy. Lastly, see two of the city’s Georgian masterpieces: Pulteney Bridge and Royal Crescent.
