The 11 Best Day Trips from London | Sarah’s 2024 Guide

London Escapes: Unveiling the Best Day Trips from London

Discover the magic of the English outdoors, historical wonders, and hidden gems with our guide to the best day trips from London. In this discovery of the hidden marvels of London, we unravel the captivating tranquility of landscapes that guarantee a perfect escape from the city chaos. Our curated list of London day tours is your gateway to a day filled with exploration and joy.

RELATED: Best Day Trips From Paris: Exploring Beyond the City

Did you know !
You can easily reach a diverse range of destinations within just a few hours, from iconic landmarks like Stonehenge and Windsor Castle to charming towns and scenic landscapes. This accessibility allows visitors to make the most of their time in London by embarking on enriching day adventures without the need for extensive travel planning.

Cambridge

• How to approach: Cambridge is stationed approximately 80 km (50 miles) north of London. Out of many ways to reach Cambridge, traveling by train is the fastest way of transportation. Pre-booking can secure cheaper rates. The return ticket costs ~£15-30 return. Bus traveling is a good option if you want to travel economically. People opting to travel by coaches, National Express coaches might assist you well. It takes 2 hours to reach via coach, the cost starts at around £10 return. Traveling by car can be convenient but at the same time, can be congested and expensive to park. The journey time is around 1.5 hours.
• Major Attractions: Out of the many tourist-captivating spots during London day trips to the best day trips from London to Cambridge, King’s College Chapel stands out. It is the chapel of King’s College in the University of Cambridge. In addition to this, if you are in search of good music, quality exhibitions, and exotic events, you should visit the. 
• Picturesque Spots: Cambridge is a beautiful place and grants you many serene sights like Trinity College Great Court and Parkers Piece to capture and cherish the beautiful architecture so that you can cherish your memories forever.
• Meals: When you visit Cambridge, you should stop by the Traditional pub Fare, experience market lunches, and enjoy the afternoon tea where you can cherish the classic dishes, consume fresh food items, and fuel your body with the warmth of typical British ambiance.
• Souvenirs: If you want to turn your London day trip into a lasting memory, you can collect some of the Cambridge exclusives as souvenirs. These memorable masterpieces include college-branded merchandise, local arts and crafts, and sweet treats.
• Tourist Favourite Activity: One of the most interesting activities that every tourist wants to experience in Cambridge is to punt on the river Cam. This tranquil experience grants you a glimpse of the colleges while cherishing the riverside scenery.

Some of the popular tour operators of Cambridge include Evans Evans Tours, Original London Tours, and Golden Tours.

Bath

• How to approach: The distance between London and Bath is approximately 97.2 miles. If you want to travel by train, the journey from Paddington Station in London to Bath Spa Station takes around 90 minutes and costs between £50 – £110. Another option is to choose bus-traveling, National Express operates a bus from Victoria Coach Station to Bath every 2 hours, with tickets costing between £21 – £30. The cheapest way to travel from London to Bath is by bus, which costs around £21 – £30.
• Major Attractions: There are several major attractions housing within Bath, including The Roman baths. It is an exclusive public bathing facility open to all the people who are planning for London day tours. If you want to have a glimpse of buildings from the Georgian era, you should pay a visit to the Museum of Bath and Architecture. Stop by destinations like The Fashion Museum, and The Jane Austen Centre, visiting these places is a good choice if you are a history buff.
• Picturesque Spots: Bath is known for its breathtaking picturesque spots showcasing the beauty of Georgian architecture, you can witness this royal beauty during London day trips at spots like The Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge.
• Meals: Bath owns several exotic culinary gems waiting to be discovered so that you can experience the best day trips from London. Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House is England’s one of the oldest houses and offers large, round, sweet buns that are garnished with sweet or savory toppings. If you want to experience contemporary British cuisine and elegant décor, visit The Ivy Bath Brasserie.
• Souvenirs: Bath is known for its locally crafted hand-made products, you can find them at spots like  Bath Aqua Glass and Bath Gin.
• Tourist Favourite Activity: One of the most popular activities for tourists visiting Bath while experiencing London day tours from London includes visiting the Roman Baths, which is a 2,000-year-old ancient destination and is one of the most beautifully mapped avenues showcasing Roman architecture.

Out of the many renowned tour operators that offer day trips from London to Bath, Evan Evans Tours, and Golden Tours.

Deal

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  How to approach: The distance between London and Deal is approximately 69 miles. The train journey from London St Pancras Intl to Deal St Pancras International – Ramsgate takes around 1 hour and 24 minutes and costs between £45 – £70. National Edealss operates a bus from Victoria Coach Station to the Bus Station and then to South Street, deal every 3 hours, with tickets costing between £24 – £30. The cost of transportation from London to Deal varies depending on the mode of transportation. The cheapest way to travel from London to Deal is by bus, which costs around £24 – £30. The train journey from London St Pancras Intl to Deal St Pancras International – Ramsgate costs between £45 – £70.

• Major Attractions: Deal is home to several major attractions, including Deal Castle, Deal Pier, and Deal’s Old Town. These destinations will allow you to catch a glimpse of the artillery forts, vintage bars and restaurants, and beautiful piers.
• Picturesque Spots: Deal is famous for its picturesque streets, pastel houses, and seaside serenity. If you want to fuel your body with this tranquility, you should visit Middle Street. It is lined with colorful and vibrant houses from the 17th and 18th centuries.
• Meals: Deal owns plenty of dining options. From casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, some of the famous ones include eateries like The Courtyard and The Bohemian. Here you will be served seafood, steak, vegan, and gluten-free options.
• Souvenirs: This city of Deal is also renowned for its locally sculpted aka handmade products. Some of these that you can conveniently shop are Deal Gin, Deal Rum, and Deal Cider.
• Tourist Favourite Activity: One of the most loved activities for tourists visiting Deal is to tour the Deal Castle. Constructed by Henry VIII, Deal Castle is one of seven forts built between 1539 and 1540.

Many famous tour operators offer day trips from London to Deal, like Omio, National Express, and Southeastern Trains Service.

The New Forest

• How to approach: The distance between London and The New Forest is approximately 68.8 miles. Traveling via train journey from Paddington to Pewsey takes around 1 hour and costs between £35 – £80. National Express operates a bus from Victoria Coach Station to Bus Station every 4 hours, with tickets costing between £18 – £26. The cheapest way to travel from London to The New Forest is by bus, which costs around £18 – £26.
• Major Attractions: The New Forest is home to many major attractions, like The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu,  Paulton’s Park Home of Peppa Pig World, and The New Forest Wildlife Park. These places are a perfect choice for those who enjoy the serenity of the spirit of the wild. The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu stands ideal for car and motorcycle enthusiasts.
• Picturesque Spots: The New Forest is known for its beautiful landscapes, ancient woodlands, and heathlands. Some of the most picturesque spots include Bolton’s Bench, Hatchet Pond, and Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.
• Meals: The New Forest offers several dining options. From casual cafes to fine-dining restaurants. If you want to experience a 25-mile menu with locally sourced produce, you should visit The Pig. The Elderflower is ideal for those who want to enjoy modern British food with a sprinkling of French.
• Souvenirs: The New Forest is renowned for its locally made products. You can shop the farm-fresh products from New Forest Cider, New Forest Lavender, and New Forest Honey.
• Popular Tour Operators: Out of many famous tour operators that offer day trips from London to The New Forest, the ones that top the list are:
  • Southwestern Railway
  • National Express
  • Salisbury Reds
• Tourist Favourite Activity: One of the favorite activities for tourists visiting The New Forest is to survey the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. The museum owns a collection of vintage and unique vehicles dating back to the earliest days of Motoring.

Out of many famous tour operators that offer day trips from London to The New Forest, the ones that top the list are Southwestern Railway and Salisbury Reds.

Oxford

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  How To Approach: The distance between London and Oxford is approximately 52 miles. If you want to travel by train, it takes around 54 minutes and costs between £30-£70. The bus journey takes around 1 hour 49 minutes and costs between £13-£18, while the cheapest way to travel from London to Oxford is by bus, which costs £7.

• Major Attractions: Oxford has plenty of tourist attractions to offer, including Christ Church Cathedral. It is one of the smallest cathedrals in England and it has been featured in many films and TV shows, including the Harry Potter series. You can also visit the Oxford University Museum of Natural History which displays the University of Oxford’s natural history specimens.
• Picturesque Spots: Some picturesque spots in Oxford include The High Street, which is home to many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Sheldonian Theatre, the Clarendon Building, and the Bridge of Sighs. You can also visit Port Meadow to capture the scenic sunset with your camera.
• Meals: Oxford has several exotic dining outlets to offer, some famous options include The Handlebar Cafe & Kitchen, The Rickety Press, and The Perch. Here you will be served pizza, sides, drinks, and vegetarian options with an exotic view of the river Thames.
• Souvenirs: Historical Covered Market is the perfect spot to shop for souvenirs, including local produce, handmade crafts, and vintage clothing.
• Tourist Favorite Activity: A popular activity for tourists visiting Oxford is punting on the River Cherwell. Punting is a traditional means of transport in Oxford and allows a rare mode to glimpse the city’s renowned landscapes.

Some popular tour operators for day trips from London to Oxford include Golden Tours, Evan Evans Tours, and International Friends.

Stonehenge

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  How to Approach: The distance between London and Stonehenge is approximately 85 miles. From London Waterloo to Salisbury, the train journey takes around 1 hour 23 minutes followed by a 33-minute bus journey to the visitor center. The cost of the train ticket ranges from £35-£85. The driving distance from London to Stonehenge is 85 miles and takes around 1 hour 30 -20 minutes. The cheapest way to get from London to Stonehenge by public transport is to take the train and bus. It costs approximately £34 per person.

• Major Attractions: Some of the major attractions for the tourists reside within the Stonehenge Structure where the stones are arranged in a circle, with some of them topped by lintels. You can also visit the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge aka the Stonehenge Visitor Centre.
• Picturesque Spots: Majorly there are no specific picturesque spots in Stonehenge. However, the city of Bath, situated at some distance is an enchanting Georgian spa town.
• Meals: There are no restaurants or cafes at Stonehenge. However, there are many renowned options in the nearby city of Salisbury.
• Souvenirs: The Stonehenge Visitor Centre houses a gift shop from where you can shop for souvenirs, like books, postcards, and replica artifacts.
• Tourist Favorite Activity: Clicking a photo with Stonehenge is one of the major interests of tourists visiting Stonehenge.

Some of the famous tour operators for day trips from London to Stonehenge are Golden Tours, Evan Evans Tours, and International Friends.

Brighton

• How to Approach: Brighton is located 53 miles (85 km) south of London. The quickest and most convenient option of conveyance for day trips from London is traveling via the train, which takes around 1 hour. The Thameslink and Southern services offer frequent departures from Victoria, London Bridge, and Blackfriars stations. The cost varies depending on time and date but expect to pay between £12-£30 return. National Express coaches take approximately 2h 30 min from Victoria Coach Station, costing around £10-£20 return. The drive takes around 1 hour 30 min via the M23 motorway. Parking can be expensive in Brighton, so consider public transport or park-and-ride options.
•  Major Attractions: Among the major attractions of Brighton, Brighton Pier features a variety of attractions, including an amusement arcade, fairground rides, and food outlets. It also offers stunning views of the English Channel 34. You can also visit the Royal Pavilion for a typical English museum and art gallery experience. The Brighton Sea Life Centre is an aquarium located in Brighton, England also qualifies as a major attraction for many.
• Picturesque Spots: Some of the major picturesque spots that allow you to capture their serene beauty
• in your camera include Brighton Marina, Brighton Bandstand, and Royal Pavilion Gardens. While snapping pictures you can also consume the facilities of shops, restaurants, and museums offered by these destinations.
• Meals: Brighton, exclusive eateries at your service, have some of the best dining options to offer like fish and chips, pub food, vegan and vegetarian options, and finally, the exotic local cuisine aka street foods.
• Souvenirs: This city owns many spots that house some of the most well-crafted masterpieces, which you can shop for souvenirs including Brighton rocks, Teacups and mugs, Honey, and Souvenirs from the Royal Pavilion.
• Tourist Favorite Activity: Major Brighton getaways for tourists, where they can relax and enjoy include meditating on the beach and soaking up the seaside atmosphere. Exploring the unique shops and cafes in The Lanes visiting the Royal Pavilion and stepping back in time to Regency England. Taking a ride on the iconic Brighton Pier is also one of the refreshing exercises tourists prefer.

Some of the famous tour operators in Brighton are Golden Tours, Brighton and Beyond, and The Original Tour.

Canterbury

• How to Approach: The distance between London and Canterbury is approximately 55 miles. If you are opting for a train as your mode of transportation, it might take about 53 minutes and costs between £35-£55. The bus is the most affordable option, but it takes 2 hours and 25 minutes and costs between £17-£24. Rideshare is also available and costs between £4-£12. The driving distance between London and Canterbury is 61.9 miles. The cheapest way to get from London to Canterbury costs only £7.
• Major Attractions: Canterbury is a historic city with many attractions like the Canterbury Cathedral with stained glass windows, and Gothic and Romanesque infrastructure. You can also visit Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, the museum owns a diverse range of artistic exhibits, local history, and archaeological displays.
• Picturesque Spots: Some of the locations in Canterbury like Butchery Lane, Westgate Gardens, and River Stour are renowned for their scenic beauty. You can shop for some great items from the pedestrian street of Butchery Lane while clicking some beautiful pictures. The River Stour is a river in Kent, England. It flows through the city of Canterbury and is home to a variety of wildlife, including otters and kingfishers. Westgate Gardens is a public open space consisting of lawns and gardens where you can snap some beautiful pictures of Mother Nature.
• Meals: If you want to experience some mouthwatering delights like cheese, pastries, breads fresh meats, and seafood, you must pay a visit to The Goods Shed located in Canterbury. The other renowned eateries like The Ambrette and The Refractory have also been serving some rich cuisines for a while.
• Souvenirs: Many shops in Canterbury sell souvenirs. Some of the popular testimonials of this city include Canterbury Cathedral merchandise, Kentish Lavender, and Canterbury Tales merchandise.
• Tourist Favourite Activity: One of the tourist’s favorite activities in Canterbury is to visit the historic river Stour.

Some popular tour operators for a day trip from London to Canterbury include Tour Scanner and Viator.

Windsor

• How to Approach: The distance between London and Windsor is approximately 22 miles. Traveling by train is the quickest method of transportation, taking about 30 minutes and costing between £14-£27. The bus is the most affordable option, but it takes 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs between £9-£10. Taxis are also available and cost around £170-£210. The driving distance between London and Windsor is 27 miles. The cheapest way to get from London to Windsor costs only £7.
• Major Attractions: Windsor is a historic town with many attractions. Some of the major attractions include the Windsor Festival, which is an annual music and arts festival. Windsor Castle is a royal residence located in Windsor that is also a center of attraction for the history buffs. You can also have a glimpse of Frogmore House & Gardens, which is now used by the royal family for entertainment purposes.
• Picturesque Spots:  Some of the tourist destinations in Windsor are an ideal spot to capture the scenic beauty of this city in the camera. Places that have topped the list as one the most beautiful picturesque locations of Windsor include, The Long Walk, Windsor Great Park, and Thames Path.
• Meals: Many restaurants and riverside pubs in Windsor serve a variety of freshly prepared cuisines including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. Some of the popular restaurants include The Boatman, and Gilbey’s Bar and Restaurant.
• Souvenirs: Many shops in Windsor sell souvenirs. Some of the popular souvenirs include Windsor Castle merchandise, Royal Family merchandise, and Eton College merchandise.
• Tourist Favorite Activity: One of the tourist beloved activities of tourists visiting Windsor is to travel to the famous Windsor Castle.

Some popular tour operators for a day trip from London to Windsor include Anderson Tours and Evan Evans Tours.

Stratford-upon-Avon

• How to Approach: The distance between London and Stratford-upon-Avon is approximately 82.67 miles. The train takes about 2 hours and 36 minutes and costs between £34-£133. The bus is among the most affordable option, but it takes 4 hours and 35 minutes and costs between £16-£31. The driving distance between London and Stratford-upon-Avon is 99 miles. The cheapest way to get from London to Stratford-upon-Avon costs only £6.40.
• Major Attractions: Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic town with many attractions. Some of the major attractions include Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Gardens, and Tudor World. Shakespeare’s Birthplace has now transformed into a museum which is undoubtedly a major tourist attraction of Stratford-upon-Avon. Visitors can also explore the cottage, beautiful gardens, and woodland walks, of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Gardens.
• Picturesque Spots: Some of the picturesque spots in Stratford-upon-Avon which grants you the opportunity to capture the beauty for the sake of preserving the memories of this city, include The Guild Chapel, Holy Trinity Church, and Charlecote Park.
• Meals: Some of the popular restaurants include Lambs Restaurant, The Opposition, and El Greco. Here you are served with the classic Greek cuisines and the English exclusive dishes.
• Souvenirs: Many shops in Stratford-upon-Avon sell souvenirs. Some of the popular souvenirs include Shakespeare-related merchandise, Stratford-upon-Avon merchandise, and Tudor-themed merchandise.
• Tourist Favourite Activity: One of the tourist favourite activities in Stratford-upon-Avon is visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace.

Some of the popular tour operators for a day trip from London to Stratford-upon-Avon include Viator and Anderson Tours.

York

• How to Approach: The distance between London and York is approximately 174.9 miles. The train is the most convenient option, taking about 1 hour and 49 minutes and costing between £50-£130. The bus is the cheapest option, but it takes 5 hours and 35 minutes and costs between £30-£45. The driving distance between London and York is 209.3 miles. The cheapest way to get from London to York costs only £30.
• Major Attractions: York is a historic city with many attractions. Some of the major attractions include York Minster, The Shambles, and the York Castle Museum. Talking about The Shambles is a historic street in York, it has preserved medieval buildings, some dating back as far as the 14th century.
• Picturesque Spots: Some of the picturesque spots in York include York City Walls, Museum Gardens, and River Ouse.
• Meals: There are many restaurants and cafes in York that serve a variety of exotic cuisines. Some of the popular restaurants that are considered must-visit include The Star Inn in the City and Skosh. Here you are served fresh food prepared via the local sources of the city.
• Souvenirs: Many shops in York sell souvenirs. Some of the popular souvenirs include York Minster merchandise, Viking-themed merchandise, and Yorkshire tea.
• Tourist Favourite Activity: One of the tourists’ major interests resides in visiting York Minster and praising its tranquility and serene landscapes.

Some of the popular tour operators for a day trip from London to York include Liner and National Express.

Journey’s End

Reflecting on the Best Day Trips from London and the Beauty of London Day Tours

Best day trips from London are a crucial part of your travel memories. From the serenity of tranquil villages to the enticing power of historical landmarks, each location in our guide to London day tours offers a uniquely enchanting plethora of memorable best day trips from London experiences. So, when you crave a break from the bustling city, this go-to guide is your ultimate savior. These hand-picked London day trip destinations will take you into a world of discovery and thrill.