16 best day trips from London

The royal town of Windsor is a historic destination in south-east England and just 35 minutes by train from London Paddington. The charming town centre offers plenty of things to do and there's lots to explore in the surrounding parks and countryside.

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 royal residence, Windsor Castle, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot.

Windsor Castle is more than 900 years old and is the official residence of the Royal family. Visit the state rooms, St George's Chapel and see Queen Mary's Dolls' House – a wonder of fine craftsmanship – as well as other decor and artefacts within the castle and grounds.

In Windsor, you can also join hop-on hop-off bus tours, jump aboard a sightseeing cruise to see the town from the river Thames, or visit Legoland, a tourist attraction filled with statues and captured scenes from around the world.

If that's not enough, there are also plenty of multi-destination tours to choose from that include Windsor.

Distance from London: about 25 miles (40km)

Enjoy a day out in Oxford and experience the cobbled lanes of this historical university city, which is just an hour and a half by car from London. Oxford is home to the oldest and most prestigious English-speaking university in the world.

There are plenty of options to explore the city. If you are short on time, take the train to Oxford and enjoy an Open Top Bus Tour to see the most famous sights of the city like the Bodleian Library, the Ashmolean Museum, the Sheldonian Theatre and Christ Church College.

If you are looking for an active and sustainable way to explore the city, you can find numerous walking tours to learn more about the city and its university. Or take part in a walking tour exploring the city's top filming spot, showcasing famous filming locations from the Harry Potter movies, like the great hall in Christ Church College.

If you fancy seeing multiple locations and have plenty of time to spare go on a multi-trip bus tour that includes other cities as well as Oxford.

Distance to London: about 50 miles (80km)

Visit the Churchill War Rooms and step into the underground headquarters where Winston Churchill and his government directed Britain’s efforts during the Second World War. Explore the historic Cabinet Rooms, preserved as they were left in 1945, and learn more about Churchill’s leadership, decisions and daily life during wartime Britain.

 

Continue your journey by coach to Blenheim Palace, set in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside. This magnificent Unesco World Heritage Site is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and one of England’s most impressive stately homes.

 

Your tour includes entry to Blenheim Palace, where you can explore its grand State Rooms, admire priceless artworks and discover fascinating exhibitions about Churchill’s early life. Walk through the palace’s extensive grounds and landscaped gardens, designed by Capability Brown, and take in sweeping views of the estate.

 

Many tours also allow time to stroll through the formal gardens, visit the Churchill exhibition and enjoy the wider parkland, offering a deeper insight into both Churchill’s legacy and the history of this iconic British landmark.

 

Distance to London: about 65 miles (105km)

Head to the gorgeous British seaside on a luxury coach day trip to Brighton and the Seven Sisters cliffs from London.

 

Enjoy Brighton's lively seafront, where independent cafes, restaurants and quirky shops line the shore. Then follow the sweeping coastline to the striking Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and take in the views from Birling Gap.

 

Breathe in the fresh sea air and look out for the historic Belle Tout Lighthouse, set against the sea below the cliffs. Recognised for its cinematic beauty, this iconic landscape has featured in films including Harry Potter and Atonement.

 

Distance to London: 47 miles (75km)

Spend a day outside London exploring Kent and seeing some of the UK's best sites on a luxury coach day trip to Leeds Castle, Canterbury and Dover from London.

 

Start your day by heading to Leeds Castle. Discover 500 acres (202 hectares) of parkland and 1,000 years of history of a castle that was once home of Henry VIII. On your next stop, take in the beautiful 12th- and 13th-century stained-glass windows that illuminate Canterbury Cathedral. Don't leave without exploring the iconic medieval city and old town centre with its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses.

 

Then, arrive at the gateway to England and the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover. Enjoy sweeping views of the English Channel as you drive along the coast to reach your next destination. Visit the Battle of Britain Memorial, before returning to the capital and the World Heritage Site of Greenwich in south London. End your day trip by seeing London from a different perspective as you sail down the Thames aboard a boat from Greenwich to Embankment Pier.

 

Duration: 10 hours

This prehistoric monument still fascinates people from all over the world. Stonehenge is near Amesbury in Wiltshire, a short ride from Salisbury by coach or car. It's about two hours by road and one and a half hours by train from London. 

 

The stone circle is a testament for human ingenuity, which sparks the imagination of visitors trying to figure out what it was built for. The visitor centre holds about 250 artefacts and offers an audio-visual experience that enhances the visitor experience.

 

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.

 

Distance to London: around 90 miles (145km)

The city of Bath is a Unesco World Heritage Site and wellbeing destination. You can travel there in about three hours by road and about one hour and 20 minutes by train. The city is famous for the ancient and excellently-preserved Roman baths and pump room. 

 

Visit the Botanical Gardens, Bath Abbey and the Jane Austen Centre, then, take a stroll along the river and marvel at the iconic Pulteney Bridge. Bath has many impressive museums and galleries and offers great places to eat and drink – it's the ideal place for a city break.

 

Enjoy a day-long excursion to the Roman city of Bath by rail that includes the Roman Baths and a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Or simply book a hop-on hop-off bus tour and explore the city in your own pace.

 

There is also the option to join a multi-destination tour so you can visit more popular destinations, including Bath.

 

Distance to London: about 97 miles (156km)

The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, consisting of many different villages and towns amid rolling hills. It takes around two and a half hours to get to the Cotswolds from London by car or coach. You can find a fair few train stations within the Cotswolds and while you can get there by public transport, it is advised to visit by car or coach.

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.

Some of the most famous Cotswolds villages include Stow-on-the-Wold and its pretty antique shops, the charming town of Cirencester that dates back to Roman times, the honey-coloured cottages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury and Burford, and the Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury.

Several tours and day trips leave for the Cotswolds each day and include some other famous places like Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, Blenheim Palace or the famous Bath. 

Distance to London: about 90 miles (145km)

Enjoy a day out deep in Shakespeare's county in Stratford-upon-Avon, where the world's most famous author was born and raised. You can travel there in around two hours by car, or just over two hours by train from London.

 

Stroll along the river Avon or explore the town on an open-top bus tour, hopping off at Shakespeare's house on route. Or watch one of his plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and adjacent Swan Theatre. This beautiful Tudor town is filled with more than 800 years of history and holds plenty of stories to be uncovered.

 

You also have the option to join multi-destination tours that include Stratford-upon-Avon next to other famous places.

 

Distance to London: about 101 miles (162km)

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, where you can pick up a souvenir or enjoy an afternoon tea, or see the locomotives at the National Railway Museum. The train to York takes around two hours from London. If you prefer to go by car, the journey takes about four and a half hours.

 

Once in York you can find plenty of attractions and some of the UK's most iconic historic buildings. Hop aboard a bus tour to explore the city from a new perspective and drive by famous landmarks while an official on-board guide tells you more about the history and famous places in the city. If you'd like to hear more about the city's darker past, a Ghost Bus tour will be right for you.

 

The city is very walkable and the town centre is flat, making it easy to explore the city by foot. For those who prefer a guided walk why not join a wizard walking tour. You can also join an evening cruise, some of which also include a drink and a meal or snack.

 

Distance to London: about 174 miles (280km)

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Lake District on an escorted day tour from London, travelling by rail to this Unesco World Heritage Site. With its serene lakes, dramatic fells and charming villages, it offers a perfect countryside retreat.

 

Travel from London Euston by train in under three hours before joining a guided tour of the region. Choose between two experiences: a Beatrix Potter-themed tour, visiting places that inspired her stories including Hill Top Farm, or a highlights tour showcasing iconic scenery such as Langdale Valley and Blea Tarn.

 

Both tours include visits to picturesque villages such as Coniston and Hawkshead, along with time to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Windermere. Selected tours also feature a relaxing lake cruise.

 

Complete your day with a traditional cream tea at Lindeth Howe, once owned by Beatrix Potter’s family, before returning to London by train in the evening.

 

Distance to London: about 230 miles (370km)

Beatles fan? Head to Euston Station and hop on an early train to Liverpoolfor a fun-packed, Beatles-themed day trip to Liverpool from London.

 

Once you get there (after around two hours), make your way to Mathew Street and visit the Beatles Shop and Mathew Street Gallery. The Cavern Pub (opposite the Cavern Club) opens at 11am and contains Beatles memorabilia worth checking out.

 

Next, head to Albert Dock to visit The Beatles Story Museum, which is included in your Beatles and Liverpool day trip package. Learn about the lives of John, Paul, George and Ringo, from the band’s early gigs to their solo careers.

 

In the afternoon, you’ll be treated to a wonderful two-hour Beatles Magical Mystery Bus Tour, taking in iconic Beatles landmarks throughout the city. See the Fab Four’s childhood homes and schools, and get up close to places that inspired some of their most famous songs, including Strawberry Field and Penny Lane.

 

The tour finishes at the legendary Cavern Club where The Beatles started out. Enjoy live music and collect your exclusive souvenir, which is complimentary with your tour ticket.

 

Distance from London: about 212 miles (340km)

Make your way to Scotland and explore the magnificent city of Edinburgh on a day trip from London. The train journey to Edinburgh takes about four and a half hours, giving you enough time to visit Edinburgh Castle have some lunch and join a hop-on hop-off tour, before the train leaves for London at 5.30pm. 

 

The tour package includes the train to and from Edinburgh, an open-top bus tour and entry to Edinburgh Castle. Marvel at the Scottish crown jewels and enjoy the breathtaking architecture of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, from afar while on the bus tour.

 

The city is a gem rich in history and culture and is filled with wonderful sights and incredible attractions. If time allows, climb to the mountain peak of Arthur's Seat and enjoy the view of Edinburgh from above. 

 

Distance from London: about 412 miles (663km)

Whether you want to hit the shops, visit the Eiffel Tower, walk down the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées to Arc de Triomphe or simply relax in 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. The high-speed train takes just over two hours to get you from central London to Paris. 

 

If you are looking to combine museums and food the Paris Pass might be right for you, as it includes entry to all the museums and plenty of great food offers.

 

You can discover the French capital at your own pace with a Eurostar ticket and include add-ons like a river cruise, a hop-on hop-off tour and a one day Zone 1-3 Travelcard to explore what Paris has to offer.

 

Other options also include a trip to the Eiffel Tower, lunch, or a visit at the Louvre Museum. For those looking to add a touch of luxury, you can book a private tour with a driver which gives you a more in-depth experience of the city. 

 

Distance from London: about 286 miles (460km)

 

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.

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.