20 best day trips from London: Top places to visit

Visit no fewer than three of England's most iconic destinations on this guided coach tour from London. Soak up the royal splendour of Windsor Castle, explore the Roman history and Georgian streets of Bath and uncover the ancient mystery of Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Find out more in our Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath tour review.

Best for: First-time visitors, history lovers and anyone wanting to experience must-see landmarks in a single day.
Good to know: You can purchase tickets either including or excluding entry to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and the Roman Baths.

Book your Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge tour.

Learn about the history of Stonehenge and step inside the mysterious Inner Circle on this tour led by a private guide.

Getting much closer to the stones than you can on a standard visit, enjoy a unique look at this magnificent landmark, where you can truly appreciate its dizzying size and fascinating past. Visitors are given plenty of time to explore and snap some photos before heading back to London.

Best for: A rare, intimate view of an ancient landmark.
Good to know: The tour departs at 1pm on 8, 15 and 19 September, so make sure to check in no later than 12.45pm.

Book your Stonehenge Inner Circle tour.

Book this action-packed day trip that transports you from London to the French capital via Eurostar, where an expert guide takes you into The Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.  

Start the day with a panoramic bus tour before you hop off and step inside your first landmark: the Eiffel Tower. Expect stunning views of the Parisian skyline and plenty of photo opportunities. Then, enjoy a guided tour of both Notre Dame Cathedral and the dazzling Louvre Museum before you head back to London.  

Best for: Anyone keen to see France’s most popular landmarks in just one day.
Good to know: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, so tours on this day include a luxury cruise down the Seine instead.

Book your Paris day trip tickets.

Kick off your day on this Beatles-themed tour with a visit to the Beatles Shop on Mathew Street, plus the nearby Mathew Street Gallery, which is packed with art inspired by the legendary British band. Head down to Albert Dock to explore The Beatles Story Museum before you’re treated to a Beatles Magical Mystery Bus Tour. The route gives visitors a front-row seat to the biggest Beatles landmarks in Liverpool.

Marvel at these iconic sights before the final part of your trip: a visit to the beloved Cavern Club, where The Beatles first performed together. Visitors are given an exclusive souvenir to keep before heading back to London by train. 

Best for: A Beatles-themed tour of this popular city.
Good to know: Return travel, entry to The Beatles Story exhibition and The Beatles Magical Mystery coach tour are all included in your ticket.

Book your Beatles-themed Liverpool day trip.

Embark on this tour of Windsor Castle, where you can explore the opulent State Apartments and the breathtaking St George’s Chapel. Then, swap royal heritage for ancient history as you visit Stonehenge, a 5,000-year-old monument shrouded in mystery. Finally, enjoy a guided walking tour of Oxford, where you can admire iconic landmarks including the Bodleian Library and see the many college courtyards featured in the Harry Potter films. 

Best for: A multi-stop tour encompassing three famous British attractions.
Good to know: You can purchase tickets either including or excluding entry to Stonehenge and Windsor Castle. However, Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so a walking tour of Windsor operates on these days instead.

Book your Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford day trip.

Embark on a walking tour of Windsor's cobbled streets and admire the elegant buildings as your guide shares thrilling facts and royal secrets. Purchase a ticket that includes Windsor Castle entry, where you get to step inside this historic residence and visit both the lavish State Apartments and St George’s Chapel. 

After exploring Windsor, visitors are driven to the second stop on the tour: Stonehenge. Purchase admission to this magnificent landmark to see it up close and marvel at the towering stones as your guide explains their mysterious origins.

Best for: A deep dive into royal history and ancient artefacts.
Good to know: You can only enter Windsor Castle and Stonehenge by purchasing specific tickets when you book your tour. A ‘no entry’ ticket gives you time to explore each location without visiting the attractions.

Book your extended Windsor and Stonehenge tour.

Swap London’s glittering skyscrapers for the historic streets of Bath and the cobbled lanes of the Cotswolds during this brilliant day trip.

In Bath, visitors get to explore the famous Roman Baths before embarking on a guided walking tour. From here, you're driven to the Cotswolds, where you get to stroll around two famous market towns: Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water.

While Burford is famed for its medieval buildings and quaint cottages, Bourton-on-the-Water is home to the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection, as well as the Model Village. 

Best for: Spectacular architecture and leafy scenery.
Good to know: The tour includes a return coach journey, a guided walking tour of Bath and entry to the Roman Baths. However, food is not included, so we recommend bringing a packed lunch with you.

Book your Bath and Cotswolds tour.

Book this tour that includes optional entry to Shakespeare's Birthplace, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage and Shakespeare's New Place – the cottage that he lived in until his death.

Whether you choose to visit these attractions or simply explore Stratford-upon-Avon, you can be sure to return to London armed with plenty of knowledge about the world's most famous playwright. Stroll the cobbled streets, visit the delightful shops and boutiques and take a relaxing walk along the River Avon.

Best for: A literary-themed adventure in an idyllic market town.
Good to know: There are three different tour options to choose from: one with no attractions included; one with attractions included; and one with attractions included as well as lunch and premium seats. Please note that the tour does not include a guide and there is no set itinerary.

Book your Stratford-upon-Avon day trip.

Combine a visit to Blenheim Palace with a trip to the Cotswolds or a peek inside the Churchill War Rooms in London.

Begin your adventure with a drive from London to Oxfordshire and step inside the breathtaking Blenheim Palace – the birthplace of Winston Churchill. If you choose to visit the Churchill War Rooms, the tour takes you back to London to see these incredible spaces, which are hidden beneath the Imperial War Museum. If you choose to visit the Cotswolds, get ready to be driven through the scenic Oxfordshire countryside to two famous villages: Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water. 

Best for: An action-packed trip to multiple historic sites.
Good to know: The ‘Essential’ tour package allows you to explore Blenheim but does not grant you access to the Palace.

Book your Blenheim Palace day trip.

Explore two of the UK’s most prestigious university cities on this exciting day trip. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the charming lanes of Oxford, passing the iconic Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera. Choose college entry and step inside famous college courtyards – many of which were featured in the Harry Potter films.

In Cambridge, expect another guided walking tour, plus free time to explore the city at your leisure. Must-see spots include Senate House – a grand building that is now used for graduation ceremonies – alongside the incredible Corpus Clock, which was designed by renowned scientist Stephen Hawking.

Best for: Grand architecture and Harry Potter filming locations.
Good to know: The order in which you visit the two cities depends on traffic conditions, but you can expect to have plenty of time to explore both locations.

Book your Oxford and Cambridge day trip.

This tour starts in the historic city of Oxford, where you can look forward to a walking tour led by an expert guide. Step inside the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, as well as admiring famous landmarks including the Bodleian Library. From here, enjoy a scenic drive through the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, before stopping off in Stratford-upon-Avon, where you can choose to visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace. 

The final stop on the tour is Warwick, which is home to the magnificent Warwick Castle. Accompanied by a medieval expert, visitors are invited to explore the castle's Great Hall and State Rooms. 

Best for: A combination of history and beautiful scenery.
Good to know: You can purchase tour tickets either including or excluding entry to Warwick Castle and Shakespeare's Birthplace.

Book your Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds and Warwick Castle day trip.

While this day trip is unescorted, tickets include entry to Edinburgh Castle as well as a brilliant open-top bus ride.  

At the castle, you can admire the spectacular Great Hall, see the Scottish crown jewels up close and step into St Mary’s Chapel, which dates to the 12th century. You can also visit the National War Museum, which is tucked away within the castle walls.  

Meanwhile, the hop-on hop-off bus tour gives visitors the chance to get acquainted with more of Edinburgh’s famous sights, from the Palace of Holyroodhouse – the King’s official residence in Scotland – to the bustling Royal Mile in the old town. There's also plenty of time to walk around and explore the many parks, gardens, cafes and boutiques in the city.

Best for: A leisurely trip to the Scottish capital.
Good to know: However you choose to spend your time in Edinburgh, ensure that you arrive at Edinburgh Waverley Station for the 5.30pm train back to King’s Cross.

Book your Edinburgh day trip.

If you fancy trading London’s skyscrapers for quaint country cottages, this is the perfect day trip. First stop: the market town of Burford, which is known as the ‘gateway to the Cotswolds’.

The tour continues at Stow-on-the-Wold. Look out for the famous wooden doorway in St Edward’s Church – flanked by two towering yew trees, this intriguing spot is widely believed to be the inspiration behind the Doors of Durin in J.R.R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. 

The final part of this trip takes visitors to Bourton-on-the-Water, where you can walk along the riverside, tuck into a delicious lunch at the Old New Inn and marvel at the famous Model Village, which dates to the 1930s. 

Best for: Countryside strolls and spectacular scenery.
Good to know: At the end of the tour, visitors are dropped off near Gloucester Road Underground Station.

Book your Cotswolds day trip with lunch.

Keen to explore Kent? This day trip covers Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, the White Cliffs of Dover and the Battle of Britain memorial, with a final stop in Greenwich.

After admiring Leeds Castle and strolling through the streets of Canterbury, enjoy sweeping views of the English Channel and the famous White Cliffs of Dover on a drive along the coast. Then, prepare for a visit to the powerful Battle of Britain memorial before you arrive in Greenwich for a scenic boat ride down the river Thames.

Best for: Wartime history and riverside adventures.
Good to know: The tour includes return coach travel, private entry to Leeds Castle and a Thames boat ride, but entry to Canterbury Cathedral is optional. The tour ends at London’s Embankment Pier after the boat ride.

Book your Leeds Castle, Canterbury and Dover day trip with a Greenwich boat ride.

Discover London’s south coast on this glorious day trip, which offers free time in Brighton, scenic cliff walks and plenty of picturesque views. 

In Brighton, spend time strolling along the seafront and visiting The Lanes, where tea rooms, antiques shops, jewellery stores and bookshops await. If you like, you can also pay a visit to the dazzling Royal Pavilion – King George IV’s former seaside retreat.  

Continuing along the Sussex coastline, the tour culminates at the Seven Sisters, where you can enjoy a beautiful clifftop walk before returning to London. 

Best for: Seaside strolls and magnificent views.
Good to know: The ‘Essential’ tour package includes return transport without entry to the Royal Pavilion, while the ‘Classic’ and ‘Signature’ package both include Pavilion entry. The ‘Signature’ option also includes premium seating and a lunch pack.

Book your Seven Sisters white cliffs & Brighton day trip.

Choose between two different guided tours on this day trip: the Beatrix Potter Tour and the Best of the Lake District Tour. Both include a delicious cream tea experience at Lindeth Howe hotel. 

The Beatrix Potter Tour features a walk along the shores of Lake Windermere, a stop at Wray Castle and a visit to key locations that inspired the author, including Hill Top Farm, Tarn Hows, Coniston and Hawkhsead. On the Best of the Lake District Tour, meanwhile, visitors are taken from Windermere to the Langdale Valley before driving through the Yewdale Valley, also stopping off in Coniston and Hawkshead. 

Best for: Breathtaking rural scenery.
Good to know: Each of the two tours operates on different days between Monday and Saturday, so make sure to check dates before you book.

Book your Lake Windermere day trip with cream tea.

On the hunt for Harry Potter things to do in London? This Warner Bros Studio Tour is likely on your list – although it’s actually located in Watford, just a few miles away from the capital.

This spellbinding experience takes visitors behind the scenes of the beloved film series to discover props, costumes and sets including Diagon Alley and the Great Hall. You can even learn how iconic special effects were created, from Harry’s famous invisibility cloak to the flying Quidditch brooms.

If you get peckish, meanwhile, there is a treasure trove of treats to enjoy, from Butterbeer to chocolate frogs. Take a seat at the Backlot Cafe and tuck into burgers and chicken wings while admiring famous sets including Privet Drive and the Hogwarts Bridge.

Best for: A thrilling glimpse into the making of the Harry Potter films.
Good to know: Ticket options include entry to the Studio Tour plus travel from London Victoria, Baker Street or King's Cross.

Book your tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour with return transport.

Take this day trip to LEGOLAND Windsor and you can choose from more than 55 different experiences. Whether you spend the day riding rollercoasters, watching interactive shows or getting stuck into LEGO workshops, this action-packed day out is perfect for families.  

Try your hand at LEGO-themed mini golf or earn your licence at the LEGO City Driving School, and make sure to pick up souvenirs at the LEGO gift shops during your visit. The tour includes return coach transport from London Victoria.

Best for: A thrilling day out with the family.
Good to know: You are free to choose when you depart from and return to London Victoria; coaches run approximately every hour.

Immerse yourself in the ancient mystery of Stonehenge on this unescorted tour of the national landmark. 

Wander the site at your own pace, uncovering its Neolithic history and learning about its intriguing origins. Make sure to visit the visitor centre, where you can peruse a spectacular display of artefacts dating back to the time the monument was constructed – around 2500 BC. 

Best for: A self-guided exploration of a national landmark.
Good to know: While the morning tour operates all year round, the afternoon tour is only bookable between April and September.

Book your half-day Simply Stonehenge tour.

Take this half-day tour to Windsor Castle, including return coach transport from London.

Upon arrival, you can explore the grounds and the Venus Garden alongside the opulent State Rooms and the breathtaking St George’s Chapel. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is another highlight; complete with electricity, running water and even working lifts, it’s a miniature mansion that is certainly fit for royalty!

Best for: Visitors who may be short on time but still want to explore Windsor.
Good to know: St George’s Chapel is closed for services on Sundays, but worshippers are free to join the services during their visit to the castle.

Book your Simply Windsor tour.