Best 21 day trips from London

Use London as a hub to explore other exciting historic locations around the UK.

If you're planning to visit London for a holiday, add a fun day out to your itinerary and get cheap deals on day tours from London. 

Many of the best UK cities, villages, castles and famous landmarks can be included in one-day trips from London, when you travel by train or coach.  

Choose from a wide variety of London breaks. Book one of the days out from London to see the remarkable Stonehenge, the royal residence at Windsor Castle, the hot pools of Bath, the stone cottages in The Cotswolds, the university towns of Oxford and Cambridge, and much more.

Short day trips from London

1. Stonehenge

Stonehenge ancient monument © Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock
Travel from London to Stonehenge on a day out, and see other sites along the way, such as Bath, Oxford and Windsor. Or, opt for the Simply Stonehenge tour, focusing entirely on the prehistoric monument. Tap into the knowledge of experienced tour guides, and enjoy convenient coach travel to all destinations. Duration: 6 to 12 hours.

2. Windsor

The Grand Reception Room at Windsor Castle. Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023. Photo Credit: Peter Smith

Head to Windsor for the ultimate royal excursion. Rummage for treasures in quaint boutiques; wander the historic cobblestone streets; and take a peek inside the Queen’s favourite residence, Windsor Castle, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot. Duration: 5 to 12 hours.

Long day trips from London

3. Bath

The Roman Baths. © Unsplash/Virginia Choy
Enjoy a day-long excursion to the Roman city of Bath. This day out from London package includes the Botanical Gardens, the Jane Austen Centre, Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. Duration: 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours. 

4. Oxford

Go punting down the river Thames in Oxford. © Unsplash/Noel Broda

Enjoy a day out in Oxford to experience this historical university city, which is just an hour from London. Once there, see the Bodleian Library, the Ashmolean Museum, the Sheldonian Theatre and Christ Church College on an open-top bus tour. Duration: 11 hours.

5. Cambridge

King's College, Cambridge. © Unsplash/Chris Boland
Travel just outside of London on a luxury coach to explore the wonderful city of Cambridge. Or visit two world-famous university cities in one day – Oxford and Cambridge. Often referred to collectively as 'Oxbridge,' both places are full of beautiful architecture and plenty of history. Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes.
Prices from £79.00 Book now

6. Paris

Discover the beautiful city of Paris on a day trip from London. © Unsplash/Juan Ordonez

Whether you want to visit the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, hit the shops or simply relax at a cafe, Paris is the ideal day-out destination from London. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Paris's most romantic sights, with return tickets on Eurostar included. Duration: 15 to 16 hours.

7. Canterbury

View on Canterbury waterway with a group of people enjoying a punting tour, photo by Elena Dijour, Shutterstock

Treat yourself to a day out in Canterbury. Explore the iconic medieval city and don't miss the historical site of Canterbury Cathedral. Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes.  

8. York

Wander the charming alleyways of The Shambles. © Unsplash/Hayden Pollen

Discover the land where Vikings once roamed with a day trip by train to the fascinating city of York. Wander the charming alleys of The Shambles picking up a souvenir or enjoying an afternoon tea. See the locomotives at the National Railway Museum and hop aboard a bus tour to explore the city from a new perspective. Duration: Explore at your leisure, choosing your own return train timings.

9. 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 on one of the best weekend trips from London. Keep your camera ready on this one-day tour of The Cotswolds, whose bustling market towns are great for gentle strolls. Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes.

10. Stratford-upon-Avon

Tudor buildings in Stratford-upon-Avon. Image courtesy of VisitBritain

Enjoy a day out in 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. Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes.

11. Brighton

Shopping in North Laine, Brighton. © Unsplash/Evgeny Klimenchenko

Take a rail trip to the British seaside with a day out at the vibrant city of Brighton. Head to the pier for endless fun on retro rides and arcade games before rambling through the Lanes. Don't miss the famous Royal Pavilion and other key landmarks on a hop on hop off bus tour. Duration: Explore at your leisure with an open return. 

12. Salisbury

Aerial view of Salisbury cathedral, Image courtesy of Shutterstock
Travel to Salisbury from London on a day trip and experience medieval architecture, fascinating museums and an eclectic mix of medieval-meets-modern shops and eateries. Duration: 12 hours.

13. Leeds Castle

Take a day trip from London to Leeds Castle. Photo by Ian Simpson on Unsplash.

Discover 500 acres (202 hectares) of parkland and 1,000 years of history at Leeds Castle. This day out from London includes stops at Canterbury and the White Cliffs of Dover, and a river Thames boat ride from Greenwich to Embankment Pier. Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes.

14. Liverpool

Statue of the Beatles, located in Liverpool near the Albert Docks, photo by Neil Martin on Unsplash
From incredible music and architecture to iconic art and football, find it all and more in Liverpool on a fun-packed day trip from London. This maritime-heritage city on the banks of the Mersey is a fantastic city break destination. Go on a Beatles-themed tour, visit Liverpool Stadium and explore all that this northern city has to offer with a range of day trip options. Duration: 14 hours.
Prices from £189.00 Book now

15. Manchester

Visit Manchester City Stadium on a day trip from London. Photo by Mark mc neill on Unsplash.
Visit the best attraction in Manchester for football fans on a day trip to Manchester City’s famous stadium, including return rail travel from London and an immersive stadium tour experience. Discover what goes on behind the scenes, as you go pitch-side, walk through the players’ tunnel and learn how footballers prepare for matches. Duration: 14 hours.
Prices from £114.00 Book now

16. 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. Duration: 13 hours.

Prices from £249.00 Book now

17. Cardiff

Visit Cardiff on a day trip from London. Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash.
Head over to Wales and discover Cardiff’s rich cultural heritage on a day trip from London, including entry to Cardiff Castle and an open-top bus tour. From cool culture to astounding architecture, explore the best things to see and do in the Welsh capital. Duration: 12 hours.
Prices from £145.00 Book now

18. Edinburgh

Visit Edinburgh on a day trip from London. Photo by Kate Bielinski on Unsplash.
Make your way to Scotland and explore the magnificent city of Edinburgh on a day trip from London, which includes an open-top bus tour and entry to Edinburgh Castle. This gem of a destination is not only rich in history and culture but it is filled with wonderful sights and incredible attractions. Duration: 15 hours.
Prices from £209.00 Book now

Entry-only day trips from London

19. Warwick Castle

Live arena jousting show at Warwick Castle. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.

Make your own way to the impressive Warwick Castle where medieval England is brought to life through artefacts, tours and immersive experiences. With your entry ticket, you can discover ancient treasures as you wander through the impressive Grand Hall, test your nerve in the terrifying dungeons, cheer on knights in live jousting performances, see impressive birds of prey displays, and much more.

20. Brighton i360

Brighton i360 overlooking the beach. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Brighton and the glorious pebble beach seafront in a giant glass viewing pod 138m (452ft) high in the sky, with tickets to the Brighton i360 experience. Marvel at impressive panoramic views of the city before exploring the seaside town at your leisure.

21. Dover Castle

Explore Dover Castle. © Unsplash/Valerio Gentile
Discover Dover Castle, a medieval royal palace, fortress and defender of the realm for over nine centuries. Learn about the fascinating history of the castle that rises above the famous White Cliffs of Dover, and explore its wartime tunnels, labyrinths and Great Tower at your own pace on a self-guided tour.
Prices from £20.90 Book now