21 best day trips from London

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.

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

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: 12 hours. 

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

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.

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.

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.  

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 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.

See idyllic villages, undulating green hills, gorgeous limestone buildings, beautiful gardens and old pubs on one of the best day 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.

Enjoy a day out deep in Shakespeare country in Stratford-upon-Avon, 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.

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 play 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. 

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.

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.

Find incredible music and architecture to iconic art and football 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.

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.

Join an action-packed guided tour to the Lake District, which winds through country roads and villages. Ride the bus to Lake Windermere, where you can cruise along England’s largest lake, before moving on to the charming village of Hawkshead. End with a cream tea at Lindeth Howe, the family home of Beatrix Potter. Duration: 13 hours.

Head 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, the Welsh capital has plenty of top things to see and do. Duration: 12 hours.

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 city is rich in history and culture and is filled with wonderful sights and incredible attractions. Duration: 15 hours.

Make your own way to the impressive Warwick Castle, where medieval England is brought to life through artefacts, tours and immersive experiences. 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 and see impressive birds of prey displays.

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.

Discover Dover Castle, a medieval royal palace, fortress and defender of the realm for more than 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.