Now that the UK is slowly starting to open up and we are allowed domestic travel once again, a lot of us are starting to plan a day trip somewhere. Below, I have compiled a list of what I think are the best UK day trips to take from London.
What I love the most about day trips is that they do not require too much planning nor commitment. You may decide to do it the day before, or even the morning of. There is something about the spontaneity of a day trip that makes it so much fun. The thought that you will be returning back home to your bed while having discovered a new place in your country is also a fun one.
1. Brighton
If you are missing the beach, then Brighton is where you should be going!
Located only 1.5 hours away from Central London, Brighton offers everything you want in a day trip. Take a stroll along the beach, check out the pier and grab a bite of fish and chips. This is the best way to get away from the busy nature of life in London and have a breath of fresh air.
The Royal Pavilion is also worth a visit. This was a pleasure palace built for King Georgia IV, and combines the styles of Chinese and Indian cultural styles.
Brighton is the perfect size to be able to see it all in one day. I have never stayed here overnight but have managed to see a lot of it by foot very time I visited.
2. Bath
Bath is one of my favourite places in the UK and definitely one of the best UK day trips from London. Being another big UK town, Bath is easily accessible from London. There is an option to drive, which takes around 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take the train, which only takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. So even if you don’t have a car, Bath is definitely worth a visit.
On your day trip to Bath, make sure to visit the Roman Baths. They receive over 1 million visitors every year from all around the world and are a huge tourist attraction. When I first went to see the Baths, I thought I was in a different country! Considering they were built in 60-70 CE, the ruins are very well preserved and it is very fascinating finding out about how the Roman Baths were used.
Also make sure to try one of their local cafes. I always enjoy walking around the city, as you can discover a lot of cute houses, cafes and boutique shops. The locals here are very nice and friendly, so don’t miss a chance to chat to them!
3. Cotswolds
Driving to Cotswolds takes a little under 2 hours from London, and you find yourself in a little fairytale village. You can go back to Cotswolds countless times and always be able to discover something new. It is made up of a few small villages, all quite close to each other.
My personal favourite is Castle Combe, which is the most Instagrammable village. The village was built back in the 14th century, so visiting it almost feels like stepping back in time. It was previously named one of the prettiest villages in England, and has been used as a backdrop for a lot of period dramas and movies such as War Horse.
4. Windsor
One of the most famous landmarks in all of the UK is located here – the Windsor Castle. William the Conqueror built this stunning castle back in the 11th century. Since then, the Royal Family have resided there. You can visit the castle and have a tour of the interior. The entry price is £20 per adult and £12 for under 17s.
Other than the castle, you can also take a walk in the town and do some shopping. If you happen to be a fan of afternoon tea, there are many places in Windsor to have this very British experience and to feel a little closer to royalty.
5. Cambridge
I love Cambridge because it is so easy to get to from London and also a very beautiful city with loads to do and see. Some of my favourite things to do here include going punting, going on a tour of the university and visiting the amazing architecture around. King’s College Chapel is one of the most notable places which are really must visit in Cambridge.
6.Oxford
Oxford is one of those iconic places which you really must visit. Oxford is only 1 hour away by car or train, making it one of the easiest destinations to reach from London. Famous with its university, Oxford feels like a small English city with a character. It has absolutely everything you may need for a day trip – beautiful architecture, nice cafes and restaurants, cool shops and very beautiful parks. This is not to mention the fun nightlife and student culture which you can also find here.
7. Stratford upon Avon
Have you ever wanted to visit the real life place where Shakespeare grew up and wrote all of his plays?
Well, I present to you Stratford upon Avon. Here you will not only find the buildings that would have been standing during Shakespeare’s times, but you will also be able to fully enjoy the English village life. This cute town will also make it much easier to imagine what Shakespeare had in mind when writing his famous plays.
It is also possible to visit the exact house where Shakespeare was born and lived until the age of 23. Luckily for us, the house was preserved so well that today it is used as a museum, hosting several live performances and exhibitions for tourists.
If you really want to feel like stepping back in time, you can also visit the flea market and watch one of Shakespeare’s plays at the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company).
8. Seven Sisters Cliffs
Some of the most dramatic cliffs in London are located only an hour drive from London. Seven Sisters Cliffs are White Chalk Cliffs bordering the coast and offer some of the most stunning views in all of England.
It is difficult to believe that this place is so close to London. On a sunny day, it can be a great place to plan a visit to. It does not get extremely busy here and can give you a nice break from the busyness of city life.
9. Surrey
Surrey is one of the easiest day trips to do from London, which is why I included it in the list of the best UK day trips from London. The best way to go to Surrey is to drive. In this way, you will have more freedom of where to go.
A great way to spend the day in Surrey is to take a stroll in Surrey Hills and admire the views. The forest there is also very beautiful and perfect for a walk in nice weather. Another fun activity is to visit a pub for some traditional fish and chips. My favourite pub is called the Gomshall Mill – it is a very cute and traditional British pub and offers a very authentic experience as well as delicious food!
10. Sandwich Bay, Kent
The last destination on my list of the best UK day trips from London is Sandwich Bay in Kent.
If you are looking to spend a day on a beach and away from people, then this day trip would be perfect for you. Sandwich Bay is a sandy beach and it can almost feel like your own private beach. Imagine a sunny day but instead of going to St James’s Park, you get to have a picnic on the beach!
Have you been to any of these places? What did you think?
If you want to read more about London you can do it here.
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This is a great list of day trips. I’ve done a couple of them, but would definitely like to do more next time I’m in England. I think Bath will be top of my list – that looks amazing!
Author
Thanks a lot for reading! Bath is also one of my favourites!
Great list! I am working out where I want to go!
Author
Thank you!💕
Great tips! The Seven Sisters Cliffs look terrific! Worth a visit.
Author
Thank you so much! It is absolutely stunning!
I had no idea that there were such beautiful day trips from London. The Seven Sisters Cliffs remind me a little of Ireland. So beautiful. And I’d love to walk the fields of Surrey.
As someone who has lived in a desert for their entire life, I really love seeing pictures of the UK countryside and villages. It really is so magical. Someday, when things are safe again, I would love to visit and explore some of these beautiful places. Until then, thank you for the digital escape!
Author
Oh definitely! I hope you get to come and visit soon!
These are all incredible places! I’ve only been to Bath and Brighton, but I really want to visit these other places too. My grandfather lived in England for years and always raved about the Cotswolds, so those are probably next for me… eventually!
Author
Oh wow amazing! All the more reason for you to visit!