London is one of the greatest cities in the world with thousands of attractions and things to do. But within easy reach of London there are lots of amazing places you can visit on a day trip out. From cultured cities, historical sites, castles, to some of the best beaches in Europe – there is a lot of choice and something for all interests from solo travellers to families.
We decided to write this article because after reading other online guides with recommended day trips from London, some places we saw included were hours away and who wants to spend all day travelling, stuck on trains or on a motorway! All of the places we have included are generally under 2 hours away, and can be easily reached by train or car.
There is the option to drive or take a bus/train and go independently, or for some of the more popular locations on our list some travel operators offer organised coach trips and tours
Get inspired to find your next trip away with our top rated places to visit near London.
1. Brighton
Brighton is one of the coolest and green cities in the country and is home to the only Green Party MP in the UK – Caroline Lucas. Brighton is one of the best summer weekend breaks in the UK but it is also a great city to visit all year round.
There are lots of independent shops cafés bars restaurants and the atmosphere by the beach is really special. Some things you must do in Brighton include going on the big wheel, riding the rollercoasters on the pier, eating fish and chips, going up the i360 observation tower which offers amazing panoramic views of the city and enjoying the nightlife which is some of the best in the country.
Getting to Brighton
Brighton is located fifth around 50 minutes away from London you can catch a train from Victoria.
2. Windsor
Windsor is one of the closest places to London located just 25 minutes away from Paddington train station. Windsor is a very wealthy and quintessentially English city and it is also home to Windsor Castle which is where the Queen often resides. We recommend visiting Windsor Castle and going on a tour inside to see things like what the Queen and the royal family eat and photos of the past. The town of Windsor is very scenic with lots of cafes and shops.
Getting to Windsor
From west London you can reach Windor in around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car or bus. The fastest way to travel to Windsor Castle from London is to take the train from London Paddington Station to Windsor Central Station. There is also a direct South West Train from London Waterloo Station to Windsor Castle.
3. Bath
Bath is the largest city in the county of Somerset around 97 miles west of London. Bath is one of the most historical places to visit in the UK and it has UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Bath is one of the most popular places to visit for domestic and international tourists famous for its architecture and ancient Roman baths. Some of the most popular attractions to see in Bath include The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and the Fashion Museum.
Getting to Bath
Train journeys from London to Bath take around 1 hour 20 minutes. If you would like to drive from London it takes around 2 hours depending on traffic.
4. Stonehenge
Stonehenge is an important prehistoric circle located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, two miles west of Amesbury. Stonehenge is a World Heritage site and consists of an outer ring of vertical sarsen standing stones, each around 13 feet high, seven feet wide, and weighing around 25 tons, topped by connecting horizontal lintel stones. Stonehenge is quite a long way from London to just visit on its own, unless you are really desperate to see it. You can also include a visit with Bath or Salisbury to make the day trip even more action packed.
Getting to Stonehenge
Stonehenge is around 2 hours and 15 minutes from central London by car or bus tour, approximately 2 1/2 hours by train, and roughly 3-4 hours by public coach.
5. Bournemouth
Bournemouth has one of the best beaches in the UK and is a great destination escape the hustle and bustle of London life. There are so many amazing things to do in Bournemouth like relaxing by the beach, padleboarding, surfing or exploring the stunning coastline taking in places like Durdle Door which is one of the best destinations in the UK.
Getting to Bournemouth
Bournemouth is located 1 hour and 45 minutes by train from London, or around 2 hours and 30 minutes by car or bus. The quickest way to reach Bournemouth is catching the train from Waterloo. If you are on a budget there is a National Express coach service which departs from London Victoria Coach Station and is the cheapest way to travel.
6. Oxford
Oxford is a city located close to London and is world famous due to its prestigious university. The architecture and streets led poet Matthew Arnold to nickname Oxford the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’. Most must visit attractions are locally centrally and can be seen on foot. Try to explore Oxford city centre and visit places like Christ Church Cathedral, Christ Church College, Magdalen College, Radcliffe Square, Sheldonian Theatre, Ashmolean Museum, Martyrs’ Memorial and Oxford Castle & Prison.
We also recommend trying to make time to visit Blenheim Palace, located close to Oxford and just 20 minutes by car or bus. Blenheim Palace is a World Heritage Site with over 300 years of history, this was where Winston Churchill was born. The town of Woodstock located next to Blenheim is also recommended for a quick walk around.
Getting to Oxford
Oxford is around 1 hr 44 minutes from Central London by car, or bus. You can also travel to Oxford by train with frequent services from London Paddington and London Marylebone.
7. The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one of the furthest away day trips on our list but it is also one of the best. The Cotswolds is located in west of England and covers a huge area, around 800 square miles. Here you can see some of the most picturesque villages in the UK. The buildings are very old and charming, and most are built using Cotswold stone. There are lots of rural walks here and some great places to eat and drink.
Getting to the Cotswolds
You can take a 51m direct train from London Marylebone station to Banbury, on the northeastern edge of the Cotswolds. To reach the southern part of the Cotswolds by train, take the direct service from London Paddington station to Kemble (1h 11m), Stroud (1h 29m), or Stonehouse (1h 32m). By car or bus there journey is 89.3 miles via M40 and A40 and takes just under 2 hours depending on traffic.
8. Seven Sisters Cliffs
Are you keen to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and fantastic views? Take a day trip from London to the southern coast of England and visit the Seven Sisters cliffs. These cliffs form part of the South Downs National Park and are really Instagramable. Walking along the cliff paths is amazing and the views are breathtaking.
Getting There
The journey by car takes just under 2 hours from central London and there is parking close to the coastline and the main road of Beachy Head. You can also catch the train from London to either Eastbourne or Seaford and walk to the cliffs, or get a train to either Eastbourne, Seaford and Brighton and then a connection bus. Another option is to take a tour from London or a tour from Brighton to the Seven Sisters.
9. Warner Bros. Studio – The Making of Harry Potter
Have you read the Harry Potter books or seen the films? If you were a fan of either you will love a visit to the world of Harry Potter at the Warer Brothers Studio in Hertfordshire. Here you can see how the films were made and tour through seeing the sets, costumes and magic that made the films such a big blockbuster. This is a perfect family day out from London.
Getting There
The Warner Bros Studio Tour is located 20 miles North West of London and is less than three miles from the M1 and M25 motorways. The Studio Tour’s nearest railway station is Watford Junction and direct services arrive there from both London Euston (20 minute journey). From Watford Junction there is a shuttle bus taking you direct to the studios.
10. Paris
Paris? As a day trip from London? Yes! Paris is our wildcard entry and is closer than you might think. You can reach Paris from King Cross and the journey time is less than two and a half hours. Paris is one of the most romantic destinations in the world, so perfect for a couples break from London, but also great for anyone keen to see some of the most famous attractions in the world like the Eiffer Tower and Louvre. View some top advice for visiting Paris for the first time.
Getting to Paris
You can catch the Eurostar train from London’s King Cross to Paris in around 2 hours 16 minutes.
