London is my favorite city in the world, and the perfect place to start a UK visit. But, as fantastic as London is, there’s even more to see when you venture beyond the city center. With lots of transportation options at your fingertips, it’s easy to visit castles, coastal towns, and English villages on one of these day trips from London.
To help narrow down your list of places to visit, I’ve put together this guide to some of the most memorable spots you can reach in one day. All locations are within a maximum two hour journey from central London.
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My Top 5 Day Trips From London at a Glance
- Easiest by train: Windsor
- Most unique: Brighton
- Least touristy: Arundel
- Best with kids: Hampton Court Palace
- Best small group tour: The Cotswolds
Know Before You Go: London Day Trips
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10 Best Day Trips From London
London is one of the best cities in Europe for day trips. You can leave the city in the morning and be walking along the coast, exploring a medieval town, or touring a royal palace before lunch. The key is choosing the right destination for your interests and travel style.
Below are the day trips I recommend to friends and family the most often. I’ve chosen these spots based on how enjoyable they are, how easy they are to reach, and whether they provide something different from what you can see in London.
1. Brighton (Most Unique Day Trip From London)
Brighton reminds me a little bit of Santa Monica, CA and Galveston, TX mashed up together. There’s a ton of creative independent shops, a pleasure pier complete with roller coaster, and unique Victorian era architecture scattered around the city.
The beach in Brighton is a pebble beach, which can be strange to American visitors who haven’t experienced it. Pretty much no sand, just rocks that make a surprisingly soothing noise as they’re tumbled in the waves.
Much like Santa Monica, I wouldn’t necessarily come here for the beach, but the pier and the boardwalk stretching towards Hove are a delight on a warm day. Even on cooler days, I like to go say hello to my ocean friend for a refreshing break from the city.
You should also make time to wander The Lanes. This maze of narrow streets is especially good for jewelry shopping, though you’ll find plenty of vintage clothing and some posh brands sprinkled in. I really love the food at Lost in the Lanes if you’re craving a bougie lunch stop.
From there, stop by the Royal Pavilion, an English royalty take on Indian architecture that looks almost Seussical in this setting. Aside from the architecture, this place has seen everything from relaxing royals to WWI soldiers recovering from battle injuries. It’s a fascinating visit.
If you’d rather spend your seaside day in a dramatic natural setting, pick up the 12X bus from Brighton to Seven Sisters Country Park for a walk on the dramatic Seven Sisters Cliffs. The white cliffs offer some of the best coastal views in southern England.
How To Get To Brighton
Take a direct train from London Victoria or London Bridge. The journey to Brighton takes about 1 hour.
Travel Tip: Brighton is a popular escape on warm weekends. Arrive early or visit on a weekday for a less crowded experience.
More About Brighton
Brighton Day Trip Itinerary Guide
2. Bath (Best Popular Day Trip That Lives Up To The Hype)
Bath is one of the most popular day trips from London, but it truly lives up to expectations. Whether you’re visiting to see how Romans created a spa destination centuries ago, or how Bridgerton continues to make use of the gorgeous Georgian streets, it’s a fantastic day.
The main highlight is the Roman Baths, where you can walk through the ancient bathing complex and learn how the Romans once used the natural hot springs. It’s remarkable for how ancient it feels, while also reminding me of modern spa and gym complexes. My personal favorite bit is the curse tablets ordinary people once used to seek petty vengeance.
Aside from visiting the baths, take time to wander through the city. The sweeping curve of the Royal Crescent is one of the most iconic views in England. You also shouldn’t miss Pulteney Bridge, one of the few bridges still lined with shops and overlooking the structured waterfall of Pulteney Weir.
Bath is easy to get around on foot, making it an easy place to explore without rushing or stressing over travel logistics.
How To Get To Bath
Take a direct train from London Paddington. The journey takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
More About Bath
Travel Tip: Book entry to the Roman Baths in advance, especially during peak travel months. Timed tickets can sell out, and having one secured will make your day much smoother. Click here to check availability
3. Oxford (Most Classic British Day Trip)
When visitors envision a proper British college town, they most often picture Oxford. The garden courtyards and ivy-covered buildings here definitely lean into that image.
The main draw of an Oxford visit is the University of Oxford, which is made up of dozens of gated colleges spread throughout the city. Several of the colleges welcome visitors, though a few are closed or restricted to guided tours. Each college has its own character, so it’s worth checking out a few different ones on your visit.
This is also a lovely city to walk around, with sights like the Radcliffe Camera or Hertford Bridge (Oxford’s own Bridge of Sighs) right out in the open. I recommend a stop in the Covered Market for lunch or just a browse.
Harry Potter fans should zero in on a visit to the Bodleian Library and Christ Church college to see the most spots highlighted in the original films.
How To Get To Oxford
Take a direct train from London Paddington or London Marylebone. The journey takes about 1 hour.
More About Oxford
Travel Tip: A lot of the famous sights in Oxford University are only visible if you purchase a visit to the college or go on a guided tour. I’ve taken the tour hosted by university alumni twice and really enjoyed it both times. Click here to check availability
4. Arundel (Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Day Trip)
Arundel may sound a bit like the fairytale kingdom from Frozen, and it does pack a big fairytale punch despite not being in a Nordic country. This village in West Sussex is not as well-known as other day trips from London, and still tends to draw locals as much as international visitors.
When you arrive by train from London, you’ll spy Arundel Castle sitting atop the hill above the village. This is an appropriate start to your fairytale day out. At the castle, you can tour the interiors, walk through the gardens, and take in views over the surrounding countryside from the medieval keep.
Beyond the castle, Arundel has a lovely high street with independent shops and cozy cafes. Have tea at Cockburn’s Tea Rooms for a peak British experience that’s way less pricy than most London tea rooms.
Arundel is set along the River Arun, which only adds to the peaceful village environment. It’s common to spot hikers setting off from here for a countryside ramble.
How To Get To Arundel
Take a train from London Victoria to Arundel. The journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, followed by a short walk into town. There are often taxis at the station if you prefer a ride into the village center.
More About Arundel
Castle Day Trips From London by Train
Travel Tip: Check castle opening times before you go. Arundel Castle is not open in the winter, and hours can vary depending on the season. Summer often brings special weekend events with added entertainment like medieval jousts.
5. The Cotswolds (Best English Countryside Experience)
The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful regions in England. In fact, when people imagine rural England, the Cotswolds is typically what springs to mind.
With that said, I’ve found one thing to be true when it comes to quaint and gorgeous English villages: the better they are, the harder they are to reach. The Cotswolds is dotted with many picturesque spots, but they land across a wide region that is easiest to reach by car. This can make the Cotswolds challenging as a day trip.
If you have time in your itinerary, I recommend renting a car and spending a few days exploring the Cotswolds. After all, what’s the point of visiting such a beautiful place if you’re too stressed and lost to enjoy it?
To fit in a Cotswolds visit as a day trip, the best way to go is on a guided day trip. There are several options that will pick you up in London and let you leave the stress of driving to a local. You’ll also have the benefit of a local’s knowledge to see the best of the Cotswolds without wondering where you should go next.
How to Get To The Cotswolds
Either rent a car with Discover Cars, or book a guided tour direct from London.
Guided Tours to The Cotswolds From London
More About The Cotswolds
6. Stonehenge (Best Combined Day Trip Option)
Stonehenge is one of the most famous landmarks in England, but it’s also a bit of a pain to reach on a day trip.
The site itself is impressive, especially when you see the scale of the stones up close and think about how they were constructed thousands of years ago. But the visit is relatively short. Most people spend about 1.5 to 2 hours here, which is coincidentally about how long it will take you to get here from London if you’re lucky with traffic.
There is no direct train to reach Stonehenge, so the easiest way to get here is with a bus tour. I recommend combining Stonehenge with another destination to make the journey more worthwhile. Many guided tours from London include Stonehenge on day trips that also visit Windsor Castle or Bath.
How To Get There:
To travel on your own, take a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury (about 1 hour 30 minutes), then continue by bus to the site. Alternatively, book a guided tour that includes transportation.
Guided Tours That Include Stonehenge
7. Windsor (Best Royal Day Trip)
Windsor is one of the easiest day trips from London and is very popular, especially if you’re interested in royal history.
The main draw is Windsor Castle, which is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It’s still used by the royal family today, and visiting gives you a look inside the State Apartments, along with St. George’s Chapel, where several monarchs are buried.
The town of Windsor is also a pleasant place to spend a few hours. The Long Walk is perfect for stretching your legs, and you’ll find many shops and cafes along the riverside. If you have extra time, you can even walk across the bridge to explore the town of Eton.
Windsor is a convenient pairing with Stonehenge if you’re booking a guided tour, as it helps balance a shorter stop with a fuller day of sightseeing.
How To Get To Windsor
Take a direct train from London Paddington (via Slough) or London Waterloo. Having two train routes is part of what makes Windsor an easy day trip. Even if engineering works muck up one route, the other is usually operating fine. The journey only takes about 30 to 50 minutes.
More About Windsor
Travel Tip: While an easy to plan day trip, be sure to book your entrance tickets for Windsor Castle in advance. This is a very popular destination and tickets often sell out in peak months. Click here to check availability
8. Hampton Court Palace (Best Family-Friendly Historic Site)
Hampton Court Palace is one of the most impressive historic sites you can visit without ever really leaving London. If you’re interested in Tudor history, this is one of the best places to experience it up close. It’s also my top pick for a day trip with family because there is something here to entertain everyone.
This palace was once the home of King Henry VIII, and you can still see parts of the palace as they appeared in Henry’s time. The Great Hall, built to celebrate his marriage to Anne Boleyn, is particularly impressive. I also really enjoy the Tudor kitchens, which show you what it was like to feed a palace in Tudor times.
The palace grounds are also well worth your time here. The formal gardens are huge and include a hedge maze that has stumped me more than I would like to admit. I also really like popping in to see The Great Vine, which is the longest and oldest grape vine in the world.
Hampton Court Palace is very family friendly. There are cafes on site and a large play area for little kids to blow off steam. There are also often actors portraying various historic figures that once called the palace home. I’ve seen many young visitors entranced by them.
You can easily spend the day at Hampton Court Palace and return to central London for dinner. If you’d like to extend your time in nature, head to nearby Bushy Park to look for the striking deer who call the park home.
How To Get To Hampton Court Palace
Take a direct train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court. The journey takes about 35 minutes, followed by a short walk across the river Thames to the palace entrance.
More About Hampton Court Palace
Castle Day Trips From London by Train
9. Richmond Upon Thames (Best Relaxed Escape)
Richmond upon Thames feels like a complete shift in pace from central London, even though it’s only a short journey away.
The town is known for its riverside setting along the Thames. The walking paths here follow the river past restaurants, gorgeous old homes, and farmers fields. It’s especially nice on a sunny day. Keep an eye out for the White Cross pub, which famously hands out wellies to patrons when the Thames tides flood the walkway leading to the pub entrance.
Aside from the river, Richmond Upon Thames is also known as the primary film location for the tv show Ted Lasso. Fans can spot the pub highlighted in the show, Ted’s apartment door, and even pop into a souvenir shop dedicated to all things Richmond FC.
Finally, Richmond Park is a nearby highlight for nature lovers who need a break from London’s city energy. It is a large royal park where you can walk through open landscapes and often spot deer roaming freely. Head to King Henry’s Mound near Pembroke Lodge to find an uninterrupted view corridor all the way back to St. Paul’s Cathedral in central London.
How To Get To Richmond
Take a direct train from London Waterloo or the District Line on the London Underground. The journey takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
10. Greenwich (Best Views And Maritime History)
Greenwich is one of the most rewarding day trips you can take without ever leaving London. It combines history, green space, and some of the best skyline views in the city, all in one place.
I like to start along the Thames by the Cutty Sark. This restored 19th century sailing ship offers a look at Britain’s maritime history. Ticketed entry allows you to explore the ship in-depth and walk the decks. If this isn’t your cup of tea, you can still admire the ship from the surrounding plaza.
Right next to the Cutty Sark is Greenwich Market, which makes for a fun wander and snack break.
Just past the market area is the Old Royal Naval College, which is another London landmark designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The Painted Hall is an especially popular area to visit here. It is massive and every inch of wall and ceiling space is covered in elaborate designs and paintings.
Back outside, you can’t miss taking a walk through Greenwich Park. Spring is an excellent time to visit when the cherry blossom trees explode with flowers. Walking up near the Royal Observatory Greenwich brings you up a hill with an expansive view back toward central London.
While you’re up here, you can visit the Royal Observatory itself. This is where you’ll find the Prime Meridian Line, marking the division between eastern and western hemispheres.
How To Get To Greenwich
Take the DLR, a train, or a Thames Clipper boat from central London. The boat is the most scenic option and adds to the experience, though I recommend taking it to Greenwich and a train or DLR on the way back. This is more budget-friendly and saves some time.
Travel Tip: Hotels in Greenwich are often cheaper than central London. However, I class this London neighborhood as a day trip because it takes at least 45 minutes to get to other major sights from here. Easy for a day, but that time adds up over a multi-day trip. For my top central London hotel picks, check out this guide for first-time visitors.
FAQs About Day Trips From London
Yes, day trips from London are absolutely worth it. They give you a chance to experience more of England without changing hotels, and many destinations are less than two hours away.
The best day trip from London that lives up to its reputation is Bath. However, what’s best for you depends on your interests. Brighton is a perfect quirky choice for artistic types, while Arundel is a hidden gem with its fairytale castle towering over a lovely village.
For visits of up to 5 days, plan no more than 1 day trip. If your trip extends to 7 days or longer, aim for 2 day trips.
For a more budget-friendly day trip, focus on places that are still in London’s city limits and easy to reach by public transport. Greenwich and Richmond upon Thames are affordable options, reachable on the Underground or DLR trains.
How To Choose The Right Day Trip From London
The best day trips from London come down to what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you love romantic architecture, then Bath or Oxford could be perfect for you. If you want max creativity, then head to Brighton.
Less popular spots like Arundel give you a chance to see a more local side of England without venturing too far from convenient travel. And if you’re most comfortable letting an expert handle your transportation, then Stonehenge or the Cotswolds are unforgettable.
There’s no single “right” choice here. The key is to match your day trip to your interests and energy level. I adore London, but mixing in one or more day trips really helps you see more of this gorgeous country beyond the city center.
