Top 10 Day Trips to Take from London
There’s so much to see and do across Greater London, but what if you’re staying for an extended trip or are a London local looking to get out and about to see new sights? There are also lots of great sights and attractions nearby that are easy to get to by car or taxi from London. Whether you want to marvel at the mystery of Stonehenge or relax on the beach at Margate, let’s look at some of the best day trips to take from London.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Britain’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare was born in the quaint town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Lots of tourists flock there every year to visit the museum of Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (Shakespeare’s wife, not the other Anne Hathaway), and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for live performances of Shakespeare’s works and other shows.
Stratford-upon-Avon is a scenic town located on the River Avon, so you’ll enjoy your surroundings even if you’re not a fan of the bard.
Approx. 2 hours’ drive from Central London.
Bath
There are lots of great city breaks you can take from Greater London, and Bath is certainly one of the most beautiful options. This spa town and UNESCO World Heritage site features a system of Roman baths built on hot springs, dating back almost 2,000 years. Take a tour of the baths and enjoy a relaxing soak at the Thermae Bath Spa.
See more of the city with stunning views from the Bath Skyline Walk or the top of Bath Abbey’s Tower. And you can celebrate a famous British author here, too, at the Jane Austen Centre.
Approx. 2 and a half hours’ drive from Central London.
Salisbury (and Stonehenge)
Stonehenge is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in England, certainly of those outside of London. This circular formation of 25-ton stones has stood for thousands of years, possibly dated back further than 3000 BC, and experts still aren’t certain about how or why it was built.
Stonehenge is located just north of Salisbury, which is also worth a visit while you’re out there. Salisbury Cathedral is the main attraction here, boasting the tallest church spire in the UK and housing one of the original copies of the Magna Carta.
Approx. 2 hours’ drive from Central London.
Oxford/Cambridge
It’s difficult to separate these two both when it comes to academic prestige and striking, historical architecture. In both of these cities, you can see all of the incredible colleges and other buildings belonging to the universities. And you can even go punting along their respective rivers in both cities.
So, how do you choose?
The University of Oxford is the older of the two, so you might want to visit Oxford to see this institution that dates back to 1096. Cambridge is considered by many to be the more attractive of the two cities, although they both have incredible sights and views. Cambridge is slightly smaller than Oxford, so you could make your choice based on whether you want a bigger city or one that’s more manageable to explore. Or maybe you’ll be lucky enough to fit them both into your trip!
Both are approx. 2 hours’ drive from Central London.
Margate, Kent
There are some great coastal locations and seaside resort towns within driving distance of Greater London, with Margate being a particularly popular option. This Kent town is your typical British seaside resort with a nice sandy beach and fun attractions, including the Dreamland amusement park.
But it’s also a great place for culture, with the Turner Contemporary Gallery opening there in 2011. Definitely worth a visit once you’re done working on your tan, or if the weather turns in British fashion.
Approx. 2 and a half hours’ drive from Central London.
Windsor
If you’re visiting London for all the sights and experiences associated with the royal family, then you’ll also want to take a quick trip outside of Greater London to the town of Windsor, home of Windsor Castle. This striking castle and its grounds are one of Queen Elizabeth II’s three official residencies, and it also has the claim to fame of being both the oldest and the largest inhabited castle in the world. You can tour Windsor Castle and watch the Changing of the Guard, which is held around 11am on most days.
The town has more to offer than just the castle. It’s an attractive area with lots of nice parks and other attractions, including Legoland Windsor and the Royal Windsor Racecourse.
Approx. 1 hour drive from Central London.
Brighton
Head south from London to visit the famous Brighton Pier and the seaside town of Brighton. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach and enjoying the attractions along Brighton Palace Pier. Visit SEA LIFE Brighton or check out the local museums, such as the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery and the Brighton Toy and Model Museum.
For some fantastic views across Brighton and Hove, its surrounding countryside, and the English Channel, head to the top of the British Airways i360 Viewing Tower, where you can even enjoy a drink in the cocktail lounge. Brighton is also known for its great nightlife if you have the chance to stay for more than just the day.
Approx. 2 hours’ drive from Central London.
Canterbury
The namesake of the well-known collection, The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury is a charming cathedral city that’s well worth a visit while you’re in the area. Visit the incredible cathedral that was first founded in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 11th century. Ruins of another church founded in the same year as the cathedral can be seen at St Augustine’s Abbey. There’s also Canterbury Castle for more interesting history and impressive architecture.
And if you’re interested in The Canterbury Tales and the author Geoffrey Chaucer, then you should visit The Canterbury Tales attraction on St. Margaret’s Street.
Less than 2 hours’ drive from Central London.
The Cotswolds
If you’ve had enough of towns and cities and want to spend the day or a weekend in the countryside, then there are lots of great options nearby. The Cotswolds is one of the standouts, located mainly across Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, along with 4 other counties. Explore the incredible rolling limestone hills and surround yourself with nature and greenery.
Enjoy relaxing walks or challenging hikes across this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and stop at a countryside pub in one of many villages to take a break with a refreshing drink.
2+ hours’ drive from Central London (depending on which part of The Cotswolds you’re visiting).
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