Top 10 day trips from London

Nestled in England’s countryside, Oxford is a historic city renowned for its prestigious university and rich literary heritage. From London, travlers can take a short train from Paddington or Marylebone, reaching Oxford in about an hour. The city’s charm and stunning architecture will greet you upon your arrival, with the University of Oxford at its heart, having inspired luminaries like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien. Learn more about these great authors with our C.S.Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkier Tour of Oxford. 

Upon exploring Oxford you’ll discover landmarks including the Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library, or step into academic life at Oxford with the Oxford Official University and City Walking Tour. Immerse yourself in Oxford’s vibrant social scene and visit one of the city’s legendary pubs, like The Eagle and Child and The Turf Tavern; experience tthem with an expert local guide on the Oxford City, University and Pub Walking Tour. Just beyond the city, Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recent filming location for the popular TV show Bridgerton, awaits with its opulent architecture and gardens.

There’s so much to see outside of London, and with a BritRail London Plus M-Pass getting out of the city couldn’t be easier. The pass gives you unlimited rail travel across the South East of England, so you can explore as much as you like. Check out our guide to some of our favourite towns and cities within around two hours of London.

Nestled in southwest England, Bath is a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich history, Georgian architecture, and natural hot springs. The city blends ancient heritage with modern allure. 

From London, reach Bath easily via a direct train from Paddington Station, arriving in just over an hour and a half. The scenic journey sets the perfect tone for your visit. 

Explore the city’s past at the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient bath complexes, which you can enjoy as part of our Windsor Castle and Roman Bath Tour. Literary enthusiasts can visit the Jane Austen Exhibnition Centre to delve into the life and works of the beloved author who called Bath home for many years. 

Fans of the hit series Bridgerton will enjoy discovering the city’s connection to the Regency-era, which serves as the backdrop for the show. Wander through the elegant streets lined with Georgian townhouses and quaint lanes of the city. Discover top filming locations with our Bridgerton Bath Walking Tour. 

As the day draws to a close, take a leisurely stroll along the tranquil banks of the River Avon or indulge in a relaxing soak at the Themae Bath Spa, where you can bathe in the same mineral-rich waters that have attracted visitors for centuries.

Located along the picturesque shores of the English Channel, Brighton is a vibrtan coastal city known for its charm and rich culture. Just an hour from London by train from Victoria, London Bridge, or St Pancras, it’s an ideal trip or weekend getaway from the city. 

Brighton offers a mix of history, creativity, and diversity, with a proud LGBTQ+ legacy. Key landmarks include the iconic Brighton Pier, offering panoramic coastline views, while thrill-seekers can indulge in classic fairground rides. No visit to Brighton is complete without exploring the opulent Royal Pavilion, with its Indo-Saracenic design and lavish interiors. 

Explore Brighton by wandering through The Lanes, famous for their winding alleyways, eclectic boutiques and steet art. Learn all about the secrets of this fascinating Brighton’s neighbourhood from a local with our Secret of The Lanes Walking Tour. 

The SEA LIFE Centre Brighton Aquarium is great for families and is home to marine life from around the world. For a bird’ s-eye view of the city, the Brighton i360 offers a unique perspective. Soaring 450 feet above sea level in a futuristic glass viewing pod, it’s the perfect vantage point to admire Brighton’s scenic beauty.

Cambridge, just north of London, is a city packed with history and beauty. Easily accessible by train from King’s Cross in about an hour, it’s an ideal day trip or weekend getaway. 

Once the stomping ground of luminaries like Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking, Cambridge’s academic legacy is kept alive through the stunning university colleges, cobblestone streets, and bustling pubs named after well-known Cambridge graduates, explore the Cambridge colleges and learn about the graduates and the innovations they brought to light with ur Famous Graduates and Inventions of Cambridge Self Guided Podcast Tour. 

Key landmarks around the city include King’s College Chapel and The Bridge of Sighs, which arches over the River Cam and offers a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline. To glimpse Cambridge’s history, visit the Imperial War Museum Duxford or enjoy punting on the river.

Nestled in the heart of Kent, Canterbury is a medieval city steeped in history and culture. Hop on the high-speed train from London to St Pancras International to Canterbury West Station, which takes about an hour. Alternatively, you can opt for a slower but scenic journey on Southeastern trains from London Victoria or London Bridge. 

Known for its gothic charm, the Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest Christian structures in England, will greet you upon your arrival. Visit the Cathedral as part of our Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich River Boat Ride. 

Beyond the cathedral, explore the city’s cobbled streets lined with timber-framed houses and buildings and explore charming cafes, traditional pubs, and fine dining options. Visit St. Augustine’s Abbey, a medieval monastery founded in the 6th century, and the ruins of St. Martin’s Church, the older parish church in continuous use in England. 

Canterbury also boasts a lively cultural scene. Head to the Marlowe Theatre for a diverse program of performances ranging from West End shows to contemporary plays and live music. Don’t miss the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, a museum and art gallery housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building.

Just North of London, you can explore the birthplace of William Shakespeare, in the medieval market town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Hop on an early train from London Marylebone or London Paddington and arrive in StratfordUpon-Avon in approximately two hours. 

Upon arrival, you’ll be transported back in time and experience the Tudor charm of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. For a glimpse into Shakespeare’s early life, visit his birthplace on our Warwick Castle, Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Oxford tour or our Shakespeare Walking Tour of Stratford-upon-Avon. 

For more cultural heritage, visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, a modern architectural gem overlooking the River Avon, where world-class performances bring Shakespeare’s timeless works to life on stage. 

For a deeper dive into Tudor history, venture into Tudor World, an immersive museum where history comes alive through interactive exhibits and costumed guides, transporting visitors back to the Elizabethan era.

Windsor is a quintessentially British destination, steeped in history, culture, and royal allure. Catch a train from London Paddington or Waterloo stations and arrive in Windsor in less than one hour. 

Windsor’s rich culture and history is intertwined with its royal connections, notably Windsor Castle, the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. As one of the oldest and largest inhabited castles in the world, it stands as a testament to centuries of royal heritage and grandeur. 

For a day out with the kids in Windsor, visit Legoland Windsor Resort for thrilling rides and attractions. Or take the family on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, which offers a convenient way to see the city and landmarks with little ones. 

Beyond its royal and family-friendly attractions, Windsor offers a leisurely escape along the tranquil waters of the Thames. Embark on Afternoon Tea Cruises from Maidenhead or a French Brothers Windsor Boat Trip to soak in scenic views down the river.

Portsmouth is a coastal city in southern England, a perfect day trip destination from busy London. Catch a direct train from Waterloo station and arrive at Portsmouth Harbour in just 90 minutes. 

Once in Portsmouth, explore the historic dockyards, where you’ll find lively cafes, restaurants and an abundance of naval heritage. Head to the Spinnmaker Tower for panoramic views of the city and coastline, then visit the D-Day Story museum for an immersive account of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. 

Portsmouth also boasts great shopping options, including Gunwharf Quays, a designer shopping outlet by the water, and a wealth of independent shops and unique street markets throughout the city.

We recommend a day trip to Winchester if you’re looking to escape London for a quaint escape with unique shopping, historic charm, and links to the countryside. To reach Winchester from London, hop on a direct train from London Waterloo station, which takes about an hour. 

Winchester’s rich culture and heritage date back centuries, earning it the title of the ancient capital of England. Its cobblestone streets whisper tales of Saxon Kings, medeival knights, and Tudor monarchs. The Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, stands as a testament to the city’s religious heritage. During your visit, you can visit the iconic Great Hall, home to the legendary Round Table of King Arthur. 

Winchester also has connections to the story of the Titanic, as the city was the departure point fo the ill-fated ship’s crew. The Titanic Engineers’ Memorial in Southampton, is not far from Winchester and is easily accessible by public transport. 

For those eager to delve deeper into Winchester’s past, the Journey Through Winchester’s Past Walking Tour takes you on a wander through the ancient streets, uncovering tales of battles, historical sites, and everyday life through the ages.

Head to Salisbury for a day exploring quaint cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. To reach Salisbury from London, take a 1.5 hour train from London Waterloo to Salisbury station. 

Salisbury’s history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of settlement from as early as the Neolithic period. The Salisbury Cathedral dates back to the 1200s and dominates the city’s skyline with its magnificent spire. It is home to the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta, a historic document that laid the foundation for modern democracy. Learn all about the history of the Salisbury Cathedral with our Salisbury Cathedral and the 1215 Magna Carta Tour. 

Other attractions include a visit to the historic Market Square and Old Sarum, the original site of Salisbury’s settlement. Nature lovers can enjoy the nearby Salisbury Plan for scenic walks and a visit to the ancient Stonehenge on our popular Simply Stonehenge Tour.