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Countryside and villages near London – best day trips from London

There's plenty of countryside near London that you can explore within a day on a coach tour or visit by train.
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Find charming little villages and towns with cobbled streets and quaint cottages in the countryside near London. Marvel at beautiful and tranquil river views along the way or grab your walking boots and enjoy a trip along the Seven Sisters with stunning views of the sea and famous white cliffs. Rest and refresh in a cosy pub less than two hours away and leave the hustle and bustle of London behind.

Beautiful villages near London

The Cotswolds

Explore pretty Cotswolds villages. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.
See idyllic villages, undulating green hills, gorgeous limestone buildings, beautiful gardens and old pubs in a gorgeous part of the British countryside, on an escorted tour of The Cotswolds. You can also choose a tour that combines The Cotswolds with other dreamy countryside locations such as Shakespeare's Stratford, Oxford and Warwick Castle. Or visit Blenheim Palace – a World Heritage site with stunning grounds and the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Tudor buildings in Stratford-upon-Avon. Image courtesy of VisitBritain.
Discover Stratford-upon-Avon, deep in Shakespeare country, where the world's most famous author was born and raised. Explore the town on an open-top bus tour, hopping off at Shakespeare's house en route, and go for a wander in the stunning surrounding countryside. Combination day trips also include visits to The Cotswolds, Oxford and Warwick Castle.

Stonehenge

Sunset at Stonehenge. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.
Stand in awe of England's most iconic monument, the Stone Age site of Stonehenge. Take a day trip from London to visit the mysterious stone circle that has kept historians guessing for centuries. Book a combination day trip to include visits to Bath, Windsor and Oxford as well.

Countryside day trips from London by train

Oxford

See the city of Oxford on a relaxing river cruise. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.

Make your way to Oxford by train and explore the world famous university city and it's iconic architecture. The town boasts history and things to explore. Visit the different colleges of the University of Oxford, go punting down the river Thames and visit one of the markets, museums and galleries.

Cambridge

King's College in Cambridge, England. ©Chris Boland/Unsplash.
Travel to Cambridge, another popular university town next to Oxford, with its own long history and beautiful architecture. The colleges are uniquely situated around the river so you get to see all of them on a punting tour. You'll have plenty of picture opportunities with a gothic backdrop and beautiful gardens.

Lake District

Scafell Pike in the Lake District. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Join an action-packed guided tour to the Lake District, which winds through country roads and villages. You're then bussed to Lake Windermere, where you can cruise along England’s largest lake, before moving on to the charming village of Hawkshead. You'll end with a cream tea at Lindeth Howe, the family home of children's author Beatrix Potter.

South Downs National Park *

Make your way to Arundel or Chichester to take in the beauty of the rolling hills of the South Downs. Or travel to Haslemere for a Half Day South Downs Walking Adventure* with a qualified guide to learn more about the geology of the area and marvel at the wildlife along your path.

Old Amersham

White piglet in a farm.

Just a tube ride away, Old Amersham is a quaint little village with plenty of artisanal shops and is surrounded by picturesque countryside and woods, perfect for a weekend walk. Take a seat in one of the charming local cafes for a calming time out – you'll not be disappointed.

Surrey Hills

You can take the train to Betchworth, which is near Box Hill, a beautiful area of Surrey Hills with panoramic views of the valley below. Only a short journey from London and perfect for a hiking trip or a day out in the English countryside. Bring your walking boots and a picnic and soak up this beautiful atmosphere. Or make your way to RHS Garden Wisely, one of Surrey's most spectacular gardens with grounds covering over 240 acres.

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