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Best day trips from London

The British Isles are home to some of the most stunning landmarks in the world. While metropolitan cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh are on the top of every traveler’s list, there is also a lot to see in the countryside. The island is fairly small, where no place is more than 150 km from the coast, making it easy to take a day trip from London.

Why take a day trip from London

While London is a must-visit for any traveler in the UK, there is much to see outside of it. While tourists love London's fast-paced lifestyle, they can enjoy a change of scene by visiting towns and villages around the city. The capital city is in Southern England and is well-connected to the rest of the country through trains, flights, and buses. This impressive connectivity makes it even easier to take a day trip from London.

Here are some places that are a must-visit that you can explore as day tours from London.

What are my tour options for taking a day trip from London?

Guided tours

Guided tours include an expert guide who accompanies you on your trip. More often than not, these tours also include transfers, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.

Non-guided tours

Also known as a self-guided tour, this option ensures you can plan your own itinerary and explore the location at your own pace. Typically, one has to arrange their own transportation when on non-guided tours.

Audio-guided tours

An audio-guided tour is one where you pay for and use an audio guide, usually found at the location, to get insight into the particular attraction. Most sightseeing locations have audio guides available in different languages to ensure all visitors can avail it.

Half-day tours

True to its name, a half-day tour takes up a part of your day for the tour. This is usually done for locations close by, so that the travel time isn’t a lot, giving you more time at the location.

Full day tours

Full-day tours either include multiple close-by locations or one far-off location, hence taking up an entire day for your visit. The tour starts in the morning and ends in the evening when you return home. It usually includes transfers and transportation.

Combo tours

Combo tours include two or more sightseeing locations in a single day trip, ensuring visitors can cover more locations in a set amount of time. It follows a strict schedule, and typically includes transfers and the assistance of an expert guide.

Day Trips from London Map

This is an interactive map of England. Click on the location markers to find more details about day tours from London.

1. Day trip from London to Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the most well-known monuments in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, and is visited by nearly a million people every year. The precision and symmetry of the structure are shrouded in mystery, considering the lack of advanced instruments during the time of construction. A must-visit for history buffs, it is also home to hundreds of artifacts that were found in and around the area.

Best time to visit Stonehenge: March to June and September to November.

Distance: 140 kilometers from London.

Day Trips to Stonehenge >

Plan Your Day Trip

Things to do

How to get there

Discover one of England’s most fascinating cultural icons, Stonehenge.
Shop at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre or simply enjoy a drink at the Stonehenge Cafe.
Visit Stonehenge Exhibition to gain insight into the history of the monument.

Train
To get to Stonehenge, you will need to take a train from London to Salisbury, which is the closest station. From Salisbury, you can board a tour bus which will take you directly to the Stonehenge Visitor’s Centre. This route will take about 1.5 hours.
Bus
As with the train, you will need to take a bus to Salisbury, and then take the Stonehenge tour bus from the station. The journey will take you about 3 hours.
Car
This is a direct way of getting to Stonehenge, and will take you a little over 2 hours.

2. Day trip from London to Bath

Best known for its Roman-built bathhouses, Bath is located in the Somerset county of England. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is packed with stunning architecture, natural beauty, and rich history. It is also the only city in the UK to have natural hot springs, making the Thermae Bath Spa a must-visit for all travelers. A day trip from Bath to London should be on your list when visiting the UK.

Best time to visit Bath: June to September.

Distance: 185 kilometers from London.

Day Trips to Bath >

Plan Your Day Trip

Things to do

How to get there

Explore the Roman Baths and discover well-preserved remains of an ancient religious spa.
Learn about the significance of Bath Abbey.
Admire the fine Georgian architecture of The Royal Crescent.

Train
There are frequent trains to Bath Spa from Paddington Station, with a travel time of about 1.5 hours.
Bus
The Victoria Coach station is where you can board a bus to Bath. Your travel duration will be about 3-4 hours.
Car
While driving is a direct and easy way to get to Bath, you may have trouble with parking as Bath is a small city and parking can get pricey. If you do drive, the journey will take you about 2.5 hours.

3. Day trip from London to Windsor

Windsor is one of the most popular day trip destinations from London, thanks to the magnificent Windsor Castle. b, it is almost 950 years old and has housed 39 monarchs. Its splendid architecture and verdant gardens cannot be missed! Windsor is also home to several lush parks and racecourses, Legoland, Eton College, and Windsor & Eton Brewery.

Best time to visit Windsor: November to March.

Distance: 40 kilometers from London.

Day Trips to Windsor Castle >

Plan Your Day Trip

Things to do

How to get there

Head to one of the oldest occupied castles in the world, Windsor Castle.
Experience the lush and verdant Windsor Great Park.
Visit St. George's Chapel, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot.

Train
There are direct trains from Paddington and Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Central. The duration of the journey is 45 minutes.
Bus
The Victoria Coach station is where you can board a bus to Windsor, with the journey taking a little over an hour and round-trip fares as low as £15.
Car
The drive to Windsor should take you about an hour. Please note that the long-term parking is a 20-minute walk from the entrance of Windsor Castle.

4. Day trip from London to Cotswolds

Cotswolds is your chance to experience the British countryside. Sprawling over 800 acres, it covers five counties with traditional and medieval towns & villages. When in Cotswolds, one can explore the area through walking trails, or enjoy a drink in one of the many old-timey taverns, and even relish local dishes.

Best time to visit Cotswolds: Between March and May, or in the winter.

Distance: Approximately 140 kilometers from London.

Day Trips to Cotswolds >

Plan Your Day Trip

Things to do

How to get there

Visit the stunning village of Castle Combe, among many others.
Discover Cotswolds Wildlife Park.
Head to Cotswolds Distillery, the first full-scale distillery in the Cotswolds.

Train
There are trains from Paddington to the many stations in Cotswolds: Cheltenham, Gloucester, Kemble, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stonehouse, Ashchurch, Cam and Dursley, and Stroud. The journey can take up to 2 hours.
Bus
The Victoria Coach Station has buses that take you directly to Cheltenham, Gloucester or Stroud. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.
Car
Driving to Cotswolds can take anywhere between 1.5-2.5 hours.

5. Day trip from London to Oxford

Home to the University of Oxford, one of the oldest and most famous universities in the world, Oxford is a popular destination for day tours from London. Along with extraordinary landmarks such as Radcliffe Square, Bodleian Library, Christ Church College (where Harry Potter was filmed), and Oxford Castle & Prison, Oxford is also home to several museums and the iconic Oxford Covered Market. When visiting, don’t miss out on punting in Oxford!

Best time to visit Oxford: May to September.

Distance: 90 kilometers from London.

Day Trips to Oxford >

Plan Your Day Trip

Things to do

How to get there

Take a tour of the University of Oxford.
Visit the Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum.
Harry Potter fans can indulge in a tour of all film shooting locations.
Visit other landmarks like Radcliffe Square, Bridge of Sighs Oxford, and Bodliean Library.

Train
There are frequent trains between Oxford and London, where the duration of the journey is about an hour.
Bus
There are buses every 10-15 minutes from around the city to various bus stations in Oxford. This is called the Oxford Tube, and the journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Car
This choice is not as popular with travelers as parking in Oxford can get expensive. The drive is about an hour and a half without any stops.

6. Day trip from London to Stratford

Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as the birthplace of legendary playwright William Shakespeare. This town is perfect for a day tour from London, as visitors can enjoy its parks, medieval architecture, rivers, along with the world’s largest butterfly park. Literature and theatre enthusiasts can visit the house Shakespeare was born and grew up in, or even catch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Best time to visit Stratford: March to May.

Distance: 164 kilometers from London.

Plan Your Day Trip

Things to do

How to get there

Discover Shakespeare’s Birthplace and see the house he was born and grew up in.
Visit The Swan Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Explore Anne Hathaway’s cottage.
Visit Holy Trinity Church, home to Shakespeare's grave.
Get a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm.

Train
There are direct trains from Marylebone Station to Stratford-upon-Avon, with the trip taking between 2-2.5 hours.
Bus
National Express runs 3 coach trips daily on weekdays to Stratford-upon-Avon Riverside Bus Station from Victoria Coach Station. The journey takes between 3-4 hours.
Car
The drive takes about 3 hours, and parking is steeply-priced.

7. Day trip from London to Cambridge

A day trip from London to Cambridge is perfect to explore one of England’s premier scholar towns. With quaint streets, ancient buildings, and bridges all around the town, Cambridge makes for a great day tour from London. Apart from visiting the various buildings part of the University of Cambridge, one can also enjoy punting, a traditional pub lunch, and a stroll along the River Cam (popularly referred to as “The Backs”).

Best time to visit Cambridge: June to October.

Distance: 105 kilometers from London.

Plan Your Day Trip

Things to do

How to get there

Take a tour of the University of Cambridge.
Visit the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
Take a stroll along The Backs.
Explore the King’s College Chapel.
Visit the Mathematical Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs.

Train
There are frequent trains to Cambridge from King’s Cross Station. The journey takes about an hour.
Bus
National Express runs buses between Victoria Coach Station and Cambridge City Center. The journey takes between 2-2.5 hours.
Car
The drive from London to Cambridge is very scenic and can take up to 2 hours.

8. Day trip from London to Lacock

Lacock is a charming medieval village in the Cotswolds. It is famous for its Abbey and cloisters, which have gained fame as a filming location for the Harry Potter movie franchise. One can also visit the Fox Talbot Museum (Photography Museum), which celebrates William Henry Fox Talbot, who once lived in the Abbey and is the inventor of the negative/positive photographic process.

Best time to visit Lacock: May to September.

Distance: Over 100 kilometers from London.

Plan Your Day Trip

Things to do

How to get there

Visit Lacock Abbey, where some part of the Harry Potter movie franchise were filmed.
Explore the Fox Talbot Museum.

Train
There are no direct trains from London to Lacock. One can take a train from Paddington Station to Lacock, with a change at Chippenham Railway Station. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.
Bus
National Express runs 5 coach trips daily to Chippenham from Victoria Coach Station. From Chippenham, you can take a bus to Lacock. The overall journey will take you approximately 3 hours.
Car
The drive from London to Lacock is easy as it involves no changing trains or buses. This route takes a little under 2 hours.

9. Day Trip from London to Leeds, Kent

In Maidstone, Kent lies the enchanting village of Leeds. It is home to the beautiful Leeds Castle, an important historical attraction in the region, the castle is visited by nearly a million people annually, and is often referred to as the “loveliest castle in the world”. Once a Norman stronghold, it has witnessed many important events in its 900 years of existence.

Best time to visit Leeds Castle: May to September.

Distance: 68 kilometers from London.

Day Trips to Leeds Castle >

Plan Your Day Trip

Things to Do

How to get there

Explore the magnificent Leeds Castle.
Visit the Dog Collar Museum.
Head to Culpeper Garden, named for the family that owned the castle in the 17th century.
Meet birds of various species at Bird of Prey Centre.
Check out the Falconry Displays.

Train
There are frequent trains from London and Bearsted Station, which is closest to the castle, where the duration of the journey is over an hour. You can then take a shuttle to the castle.
Bus
There are buses from London Victoria Coach Station. Take Bus Number 814 or 021 and disembark at Maidstone King Street. From here, transfer to Bus Number 10X and get off at Hollingbourne, which is about 15 minutes away from Leeds Castle.
Car
Follow the brown and white tourist signs from junction 8 of the M20 motorway. The drive is about an hour and a half.

10. Day Trip from London to Canterbury

A cathedral city in the county of Kent, Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city lies on River Stour, and is believed to have been occupied since the Paleolithic era. One of the most-visited cities in the country, it has an array of attractions that draw visitors from across the world. It is best-known for the Canterbury cathedral, which is one of England’s most-famous Christian places of worship.

Best time to visit Canterbury Castle: May to September.

Distance: 101 kilometers from London.

Day Trips to Canterbury Cathedral >

Plan your Day Trip

Things to do

How to get there

Explore the Canterbury Cathedral.
Experience a Stour Boat Trip.
Stop and smell the roses at Westgate Gardens.
Visit St Augustine’s Abbey, which was founded in 598.

Train
There are frequent trains from London to Canterbury. You can take a train from St. Pancras, Victoria, or Charing Cross stations to Canterbury East or Canterbury West stations. The journey should take you about an hour or so.
Bus
There are buses to Canterbury from London Victoria Coach Station. The journey should take you about two hours.
Car
You can drive down from London to Canterbury via the M2. The drive is about an hour and a half.

11. Day Trip from London to Salisbury

In the English country of Wiltshire lies Salisbury, a medieval cathedral city. About 15 kilometres from the famous Stonehenge, the city of Salisbury is well-known for the Salisbury Cathedral, which has a working 14th-century clock and one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. It is also close to Old Sarum, a hill fort from the Iron Age with Norman ruins.

Best time to visit Salisbury: April to October.

Distance: Nearly 140 kilometers from London.

Day Trips to Salisbury Cathedral >

Plan Your Day Trip

Things to do

How to get there

Admire the Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral.
Take a trip back in time at Old Sarum.
Visit Edward Heath’s home at Arundells.
Discover local artifacts at Salisbury Museum.

Train
There are frequent trains from London Paddington and Waterloo stations to Salisbury. Some require changes. The journey should take about two hours.
Bus
National Express runs buses from London Victoria Coach Station to Salisbury, New Canal. You will have to change at Ringwood. The journey should take you about three hours.
Car
You can drive from London to Salisbury via the M3. The journey takes between 2-2.5 hours.

12. Day Trip from London to Warwick

One of the best places to visit in the country, Warwick has an array of festivals, meaning there is something for everyone! Visitors must definitely check out the formidable Warwick Castle, which is one of the oldest castles in the world. Founded in 1068 by William the Conqueror, it has a rich heritage and beauty that has to be seen to be believed.

Best time to visit Warwick: March to June and September to November.

Distance: 153 kilometers from London.

Plan Your Day Trip

Things to do

How to get there

Explore the stunning Warwick Castle.
Head to Royal Leamington Spa, which is known for its medicinal springs and gardens.
See Lord Leycester Hospital, which is a well- preserved example of medieval architecture.
Visit St. Mary’s Church, which has been around since the 11th century.

Train
There are frequent trains from London to Warwick. You can take a train from London Euston or Paddington station to Warwick. The journey should take you about two hours, and may involve changes.
Bus
There are buses to Warwick from London Victoria Coach Station. Please note that you may have to change more than once. The journey will take you about four hours.
Car
You can drive down from London to Canterbury via the M40 or the M1. The drive will take you between 1.5-2.5 hours.

All Questions Answered About London Day Tours

Which are the best one-day trips from London?

Apart from the locations mentioned above, some of the best day trips from London are to Dover, Brighton, and Reading. The White Cliffs of Dover and the impressive Dover Castle make for a great day tour from London for people of all ages. Brighton, with its beach, galleries, and hipster culture is a hit with youngsters and couples. Reading is known for its rich history, as seen in its numerous museums. This destination is typically visited by families and couples.

What’s the best summer day trip to take from London?

One of the best day trips to take in the summer is to Stonehenge from London. The drive there is breathtaking, and the weather is quite pleasant. Most importantly, the Stonehenge Summer Solstice is celebrated every year to mark the longest day of the year. The sun’s rays glide over the monument and one gets the most perfect view of the sunrise, and thousands of people gather to watch it happen.

What’s the best winter day trip to take from London?

Cotswolds in winter is a breathtaking experience. The crisp, cold weather and inspiring natural beauty make for a wonderful time. If you time your trip right, you can also explore the many Christmas markets, grab a hot chocolate, and celebrate the festive season. Another great place to head to for a winter day trip from London is to Windsor. Between November and March, Windsor Castle’s King George IV’s Semi-State Rooms are open to the public, which will make your trip even better.

What is the best weekend trip from London?

If you have an entire weekend to spare, you can spend longer in the Cotswolds and head to different villages and explore the walking trails. Other popular weekend getaway destinations include Warwick, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Paris.

What mode of transportation works best for day trips from London?

This depends on the destination. If a direct train or coach is available to your destination, it’s best to opt for that, because it is usually more budget-friendly and gets you there quicker. However, if it’s a destination that requires a lot of changes, one would be more comfortable driving there. It is also best to keep in mind that in some places, parking fees can be pretty expensive, so if you opt to drive, you will also have to consider the parking charges wherever you go.

Are guided tours available in these locations?

All the above-mentioned locations have guided tours available. Whenever possible, it’s best to opt for a guided tour, as it gives you insight and information that you wouldn’t be able to get otherwise, thus enriching your experience. If you take a specific day tour, you can also purchase tickets with transfer that will get you to the location, followed by a tour, and back.

What should I carry along for my day tour?

What you need to carry along depends on the location and season. But overall, you need to carry your passport, some cash, a hat or sunglasses, and a camera. Additionally, as the weather in England can be unpredictable, ensure you pack a light jacket, and a raincoat or umbrella.