Day trips to the countryside from London

There are many areas of the countryside that are near London and which you can see within a day on a coach tour.
Content contains affiliate links, marked with asterisks (*). If you click through and make a purchase, Visit London receives a commission – every purchase supports London’s jobs and economy.

1. 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.

2. The Cotswolds

Explore pretty Cotswolds villages © Shutterstock. 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.

3. 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.

4. Lake District

Scafell Pike, Lake District, Cumbria. 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 Beatrix Potter.