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. While tourists love London's fast-paced lifestyle, you 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.
Various full-day excursions are available from London, featuring multiple stops, expert guides, and comfortable round-trip transportation.
To choose the right day trip, review the destinations to ensure they align with your interests. Next, evaluate the duration and cost of the journey to determine if it fits within your budget and schedule. Finally, consider the amenities provided to ensure a satisfying experience.
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 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.
Stonehenge from London makes for a beautiful summer day trip that offers a scenic drive and pleasant weather. Experience the magical Summer Solstice, where thousands witness the sunrise perfectly aligned with the stones.
Winter in the Cotswolds offers crisp weather and stunning scenery, enhanced by Christmas markets and festive hot chocolates. Alternatively, explore Windsor Castle's Semi-State Rooms, open from November to March, for an enriching day 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.
The ideal transportation depends on your destination. Direct trains or coaches are generally quicker and more cost-effective. For locations requiring multiple changes, driving might be more convenient, though consider potential high parking fees.
Most mentioned locations offer guided tours, providing valuable insights to enrich your experience. Opt for tours with included transfers for a comprehensive, hassle-free day.
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.
Day trip tickets might not always cover entry fees to attractions or meals. Verify what's included in your ticket; options for purchasing attraction tickets on-site may be available. Always carry cash for these expenses and meals if they are not included.
Visit three historic sites in the UK in just one day with round-trip coach transfers from London.
Inclusions
Full-day tour of Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath
Entry to Stonehenge
Round-trip AC coach transfers
Boarding from Victoria Coach Station
Expert English, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese, French, or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Audio guide in English, German, Spanish, French, Dutch, Italian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Russian, Polish, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese at Stonehenge
Additional Paid Upgrades:
Entry to Windsor Castle
Entry to Roman Baths
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 38 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
See the royal, prehistoric, and academic side of England with this full-day trip from London.
Inclusions
Full-day tour of Stonehenge, Windsor, and Oxford
Entry to Stonehenge
Round-trip AC coach transfers
Boarding from Victoria Coach Station
Expert English, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese, or French-speaking guide on the bus and all three locations (as per option selected)
Audio guide in English, German, Spanish, French, Dutch, Italian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Russian, Polish, Japanese, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese at Stonehenge
Additional Paid Upgrades:
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Inclusions
Full-day tour of Cotswolds
English-speaking guide
2-course lunch
Round-trip AC coach transfers from London
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Inclusions
Full-day tour of Cotswolds
Tour of Stratford-upon-Avon
Walking tour of Oxford
Professional English-speaking guide
Entry to Shakespeare's Birthplace (as per option selected)
Entry to Warwick Castle (as per option selected)
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Inclusions
Full-day tour of Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & White Cliffs of Dover
Luxury air-conditioned coach
Professional tour guide
Personal audio sets
Free Wi-Fi
Entry into Leeds Castle
Entry into Canterbury Cathedral (optional)
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Inclusions
10-hour tour of Oxford and Cambridge universities
Entry to Christ Church College, Oxford
Walking tour of Oxford and Cambridge
English-speaking guide
Audio guide in German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish
Personal headset
Round-trip transfers from London
WiFi and USB Charging on bus
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Inclusions
Round-trip train transfers with reserved seats
Local guide
Entrance to Hawkshead village
Scenic lake cruise
Lindeth Howe Country Hotel cream tea
You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
A guided day trip to Canterbury, Dover Castle & White Cliffs from London with round-trip transfers!
Inclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Inclusions
Full-day tour of Paris
Expert guide
Round-trip rail transfers from London with reserved seating on the Eurostar
Panoramic coach tour of Paris
Fast-track entry to Eiffel Tower's 1st level
3-course lunch with wine & coffee
Seine River cruise
Seating in the Standard Premier Class on the Eurostar (as per option selected)
Spacious seats (as per option selected)
Food and drinks on the Eurostar (as per option selected)