where to visit around london

35 Easy Day Trips from London + 24 to Avoid

If you’re visiting Europe, it makes sense to make the most of your time in England with a day trip from London.

I get a lot of emails asking which day trips from London are feasible, and which ones aren’t. Here I’ve compiled the most common destinations that travelers ask about and analyze whether they’re fit for a day trip or need more time.

Let’s go over the best day trips from London that won’t leave you totally depleted, and explore the day trips from London that just aren’t realistic.

Disclosure: I only recommend products & services I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read my full privacy policy here .

Day Trips from London that are Absolutely Feasible ✅

Please note that these travel times are approximate and can vary based on specific starting points in London, traffic, specific train schedules, and other factors. Always check current travel times before planning a trip using Google Maps or my favorite app: Citymapper .

This is not an exhaustive list – that would take up the whole of the internet 😉

1. Oxford ✅

• Drive: 1.5 hours
• Train: 1 hour 

Famous for its prestigious university, Oxford offers beautiful architecture, museums, and the Bodleian Library.

Oxford is one of the best day trips from London by train. It’s like stepping into the Harry Potter films, and it’s such a short train ride to be transported a world away.

2. Cambridge ✅

• Train: 50 minutes

Another charming, ancient university town with punting on the River Cam and the stunning King’s College Chapel.

Cambridge is truly magical and makes for one of the easiest day trips from London by train.

3. Brighton ✅

• Drive: 2 hours
• Train: 1 hour  

A vibrant seaside town with a pier, the Royal Pavilion, and quirky shopping lanes.

If you want a day trip from London by train that takes you to the beach, Brighton is the way to go!

• Drive: 4 hours
• Train: 2.5 hours 

A historic city with a rich Viking and Roman heritage. While it’s possible to visit in a day, you may may feel rushed as there’s lots to see here!

5. Windsor ✅

• Drive: 1 hour
• Train: 50 minutes  

Visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. I always encourage London travelers to fit this in if they have time, as it’s much more magical than Buckingham Palace.

6. Canterbury ✅

Home to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral and a charming medieval town center. This day trip from London by train will take you worlds away in just 1 hour.

• Drive: 2.5 hours
• Train: 1.5 hours  

Known for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture, Bath is a picturesque town in the Cotswolds. This is one of the best day trips from London by train because once you arrive in Bath, it’s all walkable straight from the train station.

8. Stonehenge ✅

• Train (to Salisbury, then bus): 1.5 hours 

The iconic prehistoric monument is a super popular day trip from London. Many tour companies offer excellent Stonehenge tours in conjunction with other nearby attractions like Windsor and Bath for a really affordable price.

Personally, I don’t think Stonehenge on its own is worth the trip, but if you book with a company that also takes you to other iconic locations on the way, it’s totally worth it.

9. Stratford-upon-Avon ✅

• Train: 2 hours 

The birthplace of William Shakespeare! So much charming history, and a great day trip for students and history lovers.

10. Cotswolds ✅

• Train (to various towns): 1.5-2.5 hours 

Picturesque villages and rolling hills. Bath is the most visited place in the Cotswolds, but there’s so much more to explore here, especially if you drive or rent a car there .

11. Bristol ✅

A vibrant city with a rich maritime history. Bristol is a great day trip from London if you want a larger city (not a small village) with more things to do.

12. Winchester ✅

The ancient capital of England with a stunning cathedral. This place is charming as heck.

13. Blenheim Palace ✅

• Train (to Oxford, then bus): 1.5 hours 

A monumental country house and UNESCO World Heritage site. Blenheim Palace is truly magical, and well worth the trip from London.

14. Bletchley Park ✅

• Train: 40 minutes 

The historic site where British codebreakers decrypted German codes during WWII. History and science nerds – this one is your best bet. So much world history happened here!

15. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour ✅

• Train: 20 minutes to Watford Junction, then a shuttle bus, though most tour companies include transport from Central London.  

Dive into the magical world with The Making of Harry Potter tour, a must for fans of the series.

This is the most popular day trip from London, and tickets often sell out months ahead. Read all my tips to scoring tickets here.

16. Hampton Court Palace ✅

• Train: 35 minutes  

A historic palace once home to Henry VIII, showcasing Tudor and Baroque architecture. Fans of SIX the Musical and history nerds, you have to go!

• Train: 1.5 hours 

A medieval town with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a rich smuggling history. A super charming, quaint little village!

18. Leeds Castle ✅

• Train: 1 hour to Maidstone, then a local bus 

A picturesque castle set on two islands in a tranquil lake.

19. Hever Castle ✅

• Train: 40 minutes to Hever, then a short walk 

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, set within beautiful gardens.

20. Salisbury ✅

A historic city close to Stonehenge, home to the impressive Salisbury Cathedral.

Known for its magnificent cathedral and the historic home of Oliver Cromwell.

22. St Albans ✅

• Train: 20 minutes 

A historic market town boasting Roman ruins and a stunning cathedral.

23. Rochester ✅

A town steeped in history with its Norman castle, cathedral, and Charles Dickens connections.

24. Hatfield House ✅

• Train: 20 minutes

 This is a lesser-known day trip from London to a really incredible spot. Hatfield House is a Jacobean house with sprawling gardens, once the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I.

25. Sissinghurst Castle Garden ✅

• Train: 1 hour to Staplehurst, then a local bus 

A historic estate renowned for its beautifully designed gardens by Vita Sackville-West.

26. Cardiff, Wales ✅

• Drive: 3 hours

Wales is the closest country to England , so if your goal is to just get to another country cheaply and quickly, go to Cardiff!

The capital of Wales, Cardiff boasts a blend of historic and modern attractions. The Cardiff Castle, located in the city center, showcases 2,000 years of history, while the Cardiff Bay offers a modern waterfront with dining and entertainment options.

27. Dover ✅

• Train: 1.5 hours

Famous for its iconic White Cliffs, Dover also offers the impressive Dover Castle. The port town is a gateway to the continent, with ferries frequently departing for France.

On a clear day, you can actually see France from the cliffs!

28. Birmingham ✅

As the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham offers a mix of cool experiences. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, and the historic Jewellery Quarter are among its top attractions.

29. Lille, France ✅

Hop on the Eurostar and be in another country in 1 hour and 22 minutes ! Lille, located in the Hauts-de-France region, is a vibrant city with a rich blend of French and Flemish influences. It’s not nearly as big as Paris, so it’s perfect for a day trip from London.

30. Southend-on-Sea ✅

• Train: 1 hour

A popular seaside resort, Southend offers the longest pleasure pier in the world. With its beaches, arcades, and Adventure Island amusement park, it’s a fun destination for families.

31. Broadstairs ✅

A charming coastal town, Broadstairs boasts sandy beaches and a rich history. It’s known for its association with Charles Dickens, who visited frequently.

32. Portsmouth ✅

A historic port city, Portsmouth is home to the Historic Dockyard, where you can see the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum. The Spinnaker Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.

33. Bournemouth ✅

• Train: 2 hours

A vibrant coastal town, Bournemouth is known for its seven miles of sandy beaches, beautiful gardens, and a bustling town center. The Bournemouth Pier and Oceanarium are popular attractions.

34. Brussels, (Belgium) ✅

• Eurostar: 2 hours 

As Belgium’s capital, Brussels is accessible via Eurostar for a day trip , but you won’t get to explore this huge city for very long. 

35. Bury St. Edmunds ✅

• Drive: 2 Hours
• Train: 2 Hours

Commonly just called “Bury,” this is a charming historic market and cathedral town in Suffolk.

Day Trips from London that Are Just Too Far ❌

While all these destinations are fascinating and offer unique experiences, the travel times and logistics involved make them challenging for day trips from London. If you do decide to visit, consider staying overnight to truly appreciate what each location has to offer.

Keep in mind that although flights to some of these places might be a short time in the air, getting to and from the airport in London will take at least 1 hour, not to mention time going through security and passport control & immigration.

1. Edinburgh ❌

• Drive: 7-8 hours
• Train: 4.5-5 hours 

Scotland’s capital is too far for a comfortable day trip. It deserves an entire trip of its own!

2. Paris & Disneyland Paris ❌

• Eurostar to Paris: 2.5 hours
• Eurostar to Marne-la-Vallée (Disneyland): 3 hours  

Can you do Paris as a day trip from London? Technically yes. But even with the short(ish) Eurostar journey, it’s a stretch to do in one day and truly enjoy. Paris deserves so much time as it’s such an incredible and massive city. 

Disneyland Paris is equally difficult to do in one day, especially with kids – everyone would be absolutely exhausted.

3. Lake District ❌

• Drive: 5-6 hours
• Train: 2.5-3 hours to Windermere  

While beautiful, it’s a long journey from London!

4. Dublin ❌

• Flight: 1.5 hours
• Ferry: 3.5-8 hours (depending on route and ferry type) 

Requires a flight or a long ferry ride.

5. Cornwall (Penzance, St Ives, etc) ❌

• Drive: 4.5-8 hours (depending on destination within Cornwall)
• Train: 3-5 hours 

The stunning coastline is too far for just one day. The trouble with Cornwall is you really need a car once you’re there, but driving from London takes forever with traffic and the narrow twisting lanes of the West coast.

6. Isle of Skye ❌

• Drive: 12-13 hours
• Train (to Mallaig, then ferry): 10-11 hours 

Located in Scotland, it’s too remote for a day trip.

7. Liverpool ❌

• Drive: 4-5 hours
• Train: 2-2.5 hours 

Home to The Beatles and rich maritime history, Liverpool is doable for a day trip but would be very rushed.

8. Loch Ness ❌

• Drive: 9-10 hours
• Train to Inverness: 8 hours, then drive or bus: 30 minutes 

Located in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is famous for its legendary monster and beautiful scenery, but it’s too far for a day trip from London.

9. Amsterdam, Netherlands ❌

• Flight: 1 hour
• Eurostar: 4 hours 

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is famous for its canals, historic houses, museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and vibrant nightlife.

While technically reachable in a day, Amsterdam really deserves a longer stay of at least 2 days minimum. Here’s all the ways to get there from London.

10. Provence, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 10-12 hours
• Flight to Marseille or Nice: 2 hours, then drive/train varies 

Known for its lavender fields and picturesque towns, Provence in the south of France is too far for a comfortable day trip.

11. Nice, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 12-14 hours
• Flight: 2 hours 

Located on the southeastern coast of France, Nice and its surrounding towns are famous for their Mediterranean beaches, but the journey would be too long for just a day trip.

12. Bordeaux, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 8-10 hours
• Train (Eurostar to Paris, then TGV): 6 hours

 Famous for its wine, Bordeaux in the southwest of France would be a stretch for a day trip.

13. Snowdonia National Park, Wales ❌

• Train: 3-4 hours to Betws-y-Coed

In Wales, it’s a lengthy journey from London. This is an incredible area that deserves more than a day to explore fully! 

14. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland ❌

• Drive (including ferry): 10-12 hours
• Flight to Belfast: 1.5 hours, then drive: 1 hour 

Located in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a unique geological formation and UNESCO World Heritage site, but it’s too far away for a practical day trip from London.

15. Bruges, Belgium (Brugge) ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 3.5-4 hours total 

A medieval gem with picturesque canals, Bruges is technically reachable for a day trip from London, but you won’t hardly any time to spend in one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe.

When booking travel to Bruges, don’t confuse your destination with Bruges, France. Try typing in “Brugge” instead of “Bruges, ” and you’ll be sure to find your correct Belgian destination.

16. Ghent, Belgium ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 3-3.5 hours 

Slightly closer than Bruges, Ghent’s blend of historic sites and vibrant culture can be sampled in a day.

17. Antwerp, Belgium ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 2.5-3 hours 

Known for its diamonds and port, Antwerp isn’t feasible for a day trip from London.

18. Scottish Highlands ❌

• Drive: 8-12 hours (depending on destination)
• Train: 8-9 hours to Inverness 

While parts of the Highlands might be reachable by a very long train journey or flight, the vast landscapes truly deserve more than a day.

I know this makes some of you Outlander fans sad, but you really can’t do a day trip from London to the Highlands.

19. Pembrokeshire Coast ❌

• Train: 4.5-5 hours to Tenby 

Located in the southwest of Wales, this stunning coastal national park is too far for a day trip from London.

20. Isle of Man ❌

• Ferry: 2.5-4 hours 

Situated in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man has its own rich history and culture. Getting there would involve a flight or ferry, making it impractical for just a day.

21. Belfast, Northern Ireland ❌

• Drive (including ferry): 8-10 hours 

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is steeped in history and culture. From the Titanic Belfast museum, which commemorates the city’s shipbuilding heritage, to the political murals of the Falls and Shankill roads, Belfast offers a deep dive into the region’s past and present.

22. Guernsey ❌

• Ferry: 3 hours (from Portsmouth. Portsmouth is a 2.5 hour train from London).

Located in the English Channel, Guernsey boasts beautiful beaches, historic forts, and a unique blend of British and French influences. The island’s compact size is perfect for exploring, but its distance from London makes it a challenging day trip.

23. Jersey ❌

• Ferry: 4.5 hours (from Portsmouth. Portsmouth is a 2.5 hour train from London)

The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey offers a mix of sandy beaches, cliffside walking trails, and historic castles. Its rich history spans from prehistoric times to its occupation during World War II.

Even though the Channel Islands look quite close on the map, it’s not feasible for a day trip from London.

24. Rotterdam, Netherlands ❌

• Flight: 1 hour to Amsterdam, then train: 40 minutes
• Eurostar to Amsterdam, then train: 4.5 hours in total 

A major port city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture, maritime heritage, and cultural attractions like the Kunsthal and the Cube Houses. It’s a bit of a stretch for a day trip from London, especially if you want to explore the city in depth.

Taking a Day Trip from London: Final Tips

The most important tip I can give you is this: if you’re only in London for a short time, don’t do a day trip. London has so much to see and do that you’ll never get bored.

If you’re in London for more than 5 days, I would absolutely recommend a day trip. Just make it something that won’t exhaust you too much – two hours on a train, max.

If you live in London like me, you probably have a list as long as your arm of day trips to take. All you can do it tick them off, one by one!

More on Trips from London

Debating ‘Should I Rent a Car in London?’ Insider Tips

Visiting Greenwich with Kids: 5 Things That Adults Will Love, too! 

The Perfect Day out in Cambridge: 7 Things you Have to See 

Is Solo Travel Boring? 5 Reasons You Should Travel Alone ASAP

Trip from London to Amsterdam: 4 Ways to Get there for Every Budget

How to Get from London to Cornwall: 3 Easy Ways for Every Budget

Kynance Cove in Cornwall: 10 Must-Read Tips before Visiting 

Kennack Sands Beach: Is it the Best Beach for Kids in Cornwall? 

10 Things to Know about Visiting Stunning Poldhu Cove

Day Trips from London by Train FAQ

What is the best day trip out of london.

The best day trip for you depends on your goals and preferences.

Do you want to see a pretty village? Try St Albans, Canterbury, Bath, or Rye. Do you want to go to the seaside? Try Brighton, Dover, or Margate. Are you into history? Definitely check out Blenheim Palace, Bletchley Park, Stratford upon Avon, or Windsor Castle. Are you a student or an academic? Check out Oxford or Cambridge.

The list goes on, and all you can do is pick a place that sounds cool, get your train ticket, and go!

Can you do a day trip from London?

If you have enough time to spend in London and want to explore more of England, you can definitely do a day trip from London!

The best way is to pick a destination (start with this list!) and hop on the train. There’s so much to see in England, you don’t have to go far.

What is 1 hour away from London?

Harry Potter Studios, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Windsor, Canterbury, Winchester, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, St Albans, Rochester, and Hatfield House are all within a 1 hour train ride from London.

What countries are a day trip from London?

Wales is the closest country to London for a day trip. Try Cardiff, which is a charming Welsh city less than 2 hours from London by train.

Other countries like France are possible for a day trip, but you won’t get much time to spend there. Lille is a short 1.5 hour journey from London on the Eurostar, and it’s a much easier and smaller place to explore than Paris.

Belgium is also fast to get to, with only a 2 hour train ride to Brussels. Brussels is a bit easier to explore than Paris, but it’s also a large city.

What towns are 2 hours away from London?

York, Stonehenge, Stratford upon Avon, Cardiff, Dover, Birmingham, Worcester, Bournemouth, Bristol, Brussels, and many more towns are just a 2 hour (or less) train ride from London.

What is the closest beach to London?

Brighton is the closest proper sandy beach to London, and it takes less than 1 hour to get there by train. Margate is also a popular beach destination that takes only 2 hours on the train.

What is the shortest Eurostar journey from London?

The shortest journey on the Eurostar from London is to Lille, France at just 1 hour and 22 minutes.

What is the closest countryside to London?

There is incredible countryside bordering London, but the prettiest and closest natural woodlands are probably Epping Forest , which is just 1 hour from London on the Overground.

Which country is easy to travel from London?

France, Belgium, and Wales are the easiest countries to travel to from London by a short train ride.

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Brighton Beach is just a short train journey from London © Klaus Vedfelt / Shutterstock

Since London is a world unto itself, it’s only natural that many travelers never look beyond the confines of the city limits for a fulfilling trip.

But when you’ve made the most of free entry to the city’s best museums  and wandered through its many vast parks and green spaces , you might be ready for a day trip to explore the towns, historic sites and coastline that lie just beyond the capital.

Many of the most famous attractions in England  are just a short train ride away from London . While road trips are also a great option farther afield, in and around London, traffic and exorbitant parking fees mean escaping the city by train (or bus) is usually your best bet. For the cheapest rates, try to book rail tickets at least three months in advance. 

Then set out on one of these great itineraries, the 10 best day trips from London.

1. Explore royal Windsor and nearby Eton 

Travel time: 1 hour

Most people who visit Windsor do so to see Windsor Castle , the location for many a royal wedding  and the place where Queen Elizabeth II (and many other monarchs before her) spent much of her life and is now resting in peace. Along with its towers and beautiful chapels, you can also see the Changing of the Guard , a ceremony packed with music and pageantry.

The best way to appreciate the full majesty of Windsor Castle is to approach via the aptly named Long Walk. This arrow-straight road cuts through Windsor Great Park . (There are no cars, but you might see some deer.) While the castle could keep you busy for days, must-sees include Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House , the Albert Memorial Chapel and the State Apartments. Across the river, Eton is a pretty little town that's quieter than Windsor and worth a stroll.

How to get to Windsor from London: Trains run from London Paddington and London Waterloo twice an hour; the journey takes between 40 and 60 minutes and the Paddington line requires a change at Slough. It’s around a 45-minute drive, and there are parking lots near the town center and at the base of the castle.

2. Enjoy art and amusements in Margate

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Its long curve of golden sand made Margate a  top seaside destination for the Victorians, only to fall out of town with holidaymakers in the late 20th century. Recent investment has brought many day-trippers back to enjoy its retro charm.

Leading the way with this regeneration is art gallery  Turner Contemporary , one of the top attractions in the area, which showcases world-class art exhibits with superb views of the harbor and beyond. The skies off the coast here captivated the great painter JMW Turner; linger in the gallery yourself to take in the light out on and off the sea. Internationally renowned artist Tracey Emin has also opened a studio and exhibition space in Cliftonville. 

If you like your day to be sprinkled with a bit of mystery, then book a ticket to tour the intriguing  Shell Grotto  (is it an ancient site or a 19th-century hoax?), while  Dreamland  is the town's famous amusement park and a great day out for the family, with many different classic rides. Once you've got your fill of the windswept beach, artworks and rides, warm up with a hot chocolate at one of the independent cafes in the rejuvenated old town before browsing or buying in the many vintage stores.

How to get to Margate from London: Trains run to Margate station, right on the beach, from London St Pancras International (1 hour 30 minutes) and Victoria (1 hour 40 minutes). It takes around two hours to drive from London to Margate, and you should expect to pay upward of £10 to park all day in town.

3. Spot Harry Potter fans in Oxford

Best known for its world-famous university and forest of ocher spires, Oxford is a grand old place steeped in privilege and prestige. Though it’s hard to escape the history of this storied town, the large student population keeps the atmosphere young and fresh, and there’s plenty for visitors to do. Highlights include several museums, punting along the River Isis and the 30 colleges that make up the university, the most famous of which are Christ Church and Magdalen . You could easily spend more than a day in Oxford.

A tour of the university colleges is a must. (Harry Potter fans will recognize various locations used in the movies.)  Blenheim Palace , a monumental 18th-century country house and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, is a short bus ride or drive from the city.

How to get to Oxford from London: Trains from London Marylebone and London Paddington to Oxford run several times an hour, and the journey time is about an hour. If you’re on a tight budget, consider taking the Oxford Tube , a coach that departs from several locations in London. Driving time is around two hours, but you’ll have to park outside town and catch a shuttle bus for the last leg.

4. Visit the country’s most important cathedral in Canterbury

Canterbury is one of England’s most attractive and important cathedral cities, with its star building considered one of the finest in Europe. The town itself is almost absurdly quaint, with narrow alleyways following the original medieval street plan and the River Stour idling past Tudor facades.

Visiting  Canterbury Cathedral , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an absolute must. As the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England, it’s the most important Christian site in the country. Just outside, you can see the ruins of the 6th-century St Augustine’s Abbey .

Other highlights include the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge  and boating trips  on the River Stour. On these peaceful jaunts in a flat-bottomed punt, knowledgeable guides share stories of the city as they expertly navigate the boat under bridges with barely any headroom. For a traditional English tearoom experience, visit  Tiny Tim’s Tearoom . 

How to get to Canterbury from London: Fast trains from London St Pancras International depart once an hour, with the journey taking about an hour. Slower trains (1 hour 30 minutes) run from London Victoria and London Charing Cross. The drive takes around an hour and a half.

5. Head into nature in the New Forest

Designated a  national park  in 2005, the New Forest dates all the way back to 1079. So it’s anything but ”new.” And it’s not even really a forest.

Comprising woodland, bog, marshland, heathland and coast, with many quaint villages in between, the area is home to free-roaming animals, including pigs, cattle and the famed ponies. You can easily spend more than a day in the New Forest, and while there are fantastic cycling routes and hiking trails, to make the most of the region as a whole, it’s best to explore by car.

If you’re in the New Forest for just the day, focus your attention on one activity, whether that’s visiting a historic site, such as Buckler's Hard, Hurst Castle  or Beaulieu ; or following a walking trail, where you’ll be drawn in by the beautiful colors of the landscapes. Many people come to the area simply to dine at The Pig  in Brockenhurst, which celebrates home-grown and local produce (book well in advance).

How to get to the New Forest from London:  The region is slightly under a two-hour drive from central London. If traveling by train (1 hour 30 minutes from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst), consider renting bikes and following trails that take you beyond the town.

6. Step back in time in Winchester

Travel time: 1 hour

Its fabulous cathedral officially makes  Winchester  a city – though it has more of the feel of a friendly small town. The city served as England’s capital about 1000 years ago and was the home of King Alfred the Great; today, it boasts a variety of excellent pubs, countryside walks and lively streets.

At the top of the high street is an imitation of King Arthur’s Round Table hanging in the Great Hall . Just off the high street through a short alleyway is Winchester Cathedral , a stunning building with the longest nave of any Gothic cathedral in Europe. Back on the high street, head past the statue of Alfred the Great to the River Itchen, then follow it to get to Winchester College .

How to get to Winchester from London: Trains leave London Waterloo several times an hour, and the journey time is about an hour. The drive from central London takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, and Winchester’s city center has several parking options.

7. Marvel at Roman ruins and Regency streetscapes in Bath

Bath might be Britain ’s most beautiful city. Founded by the Romans, who used the area’s thermal springs to create a spa retreat, it’s now the premier tourist attraction of southwest England . It’s also celebrated for its magnificent Georgian architecture, with grand squares and felicitous crescents defining the city.

Start at the beginning with the Roman Baths complex, which is divided into four main parts: the Bath House, the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple and the museum, displaying fascinating finds from the ruins. Next, have a wander around Bath Abbey , a huge medieval church that you can climb to the top of. Fuel up with the substantial gastropub fare at  Marlborough Tavern .

If you have time, it's worth staying in Bath for the full weekend. Wander the streets and enjoy the architecture, including ulteney Bridge and the  Royal Crescent , two of the city’s Georgian masterpieces – then take time to relax in Thermae Bath Spa .

How to get to Bath from London: Direct trains leave London Paddington twice an hour; the journey time is 1 hour 30 minutes. Driving takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, but traffic around the city is often heavy, with parking very limited and expensive.

8. Soak up Brighton’s indie attitude

Stuffed with independent businesses and creative spirit, Brighton is often referred to as London-on-Sea – though these days that’s more a nod to property prices than a reference to its character. This city has a personality all its own – grungy, creative and bohemian – and it's one of the UK's most LGBTIQ+ friendly cities.

There’s no shortage of things to do  in Brighton. Start in the North Laine neighborhood, packed with pubs, cafes and theaters, before going shopping in The Lanes a little farther south. Make a visit to the eccentric Royal Pavilion – built by King George IV in 1787 as a seaside retreat – and take a walk along the pier while checking out the amusements and swimmers at the beach. Brighton teems with great bars and restaurants:  Food for Friends offers excellent vegan dishes and is a great spot for lunch, while the Walrus pub is a good place to grab a beer.

How to get to Brighton from London:  Get on one of the frequent direct trains from London Victoria or London Bridge. The journey time is about an hour. Since it takes about two hours to drive from London to Brighton, and parking is both hard to find and expensive, the train is generally a better option.

9. Tour the colleges and go punting in Cambridge

With its world-class university, clutch of ancient colleges and love for punting (river rowing), Cambridge shares many similarities with its Oxfordshire counterpart. But with more green space and less traffic, this city is a more tranquil affair. A walking tour of the university is a must: the university colleges are the highlight, with Corpus Christi, Clare College, King’s College and Christ’s College being the most popular.

Once you’ve had your fill of academia, a punting trip along the River Cam is a lovely way to see the city. On a summer’s day, a picnic on the Backs is highly enjoyable.

How to get to Cambridge from London: Trains from London Kings Cross run several times an hour, with a journey time of about 50 minutes. It takes about 90 minutes to drive to Cambridge from central London.

10. Ponder the mystery of Stonehenge

Travel time: 2 hours

Stonehenge  is like an amazing magic trick – it boggles the mind, but you don’t really want to know how it happened. Which is convenient, because no one’s fully figured it out yet . Here’s what we do know: this massive, prehistoric stone circle is believed to have been constructed around 5000 years ago, making it older than the Pyramids of Giza. The largest stones weigh 25 tons and stand 9m (30ft) tall. 

Although you can’t touch the stones (to protect them), you can stroll around them on paths. The visitor center has an interactive presentation that allows you to experience among the stones as the seasons change. If you have your own ride, you could drive north to Avebury, home to another famous prehistoric circle – whose stones you can touch.

How to get to Stonehenge from London: Trains from London Waterloo to Salisbury depart twice an hour, taking just over an hour and a half. From Salisbury, hop on the Stonehenge Tour Bus , which takes you directly to the visitor center in just over 30 minutes. Alternatively, the drive takes around two hours from central London (traffic depending), and parking is available at the site.

This article was first published May 20, 2019 and updated Mar 12, 2024.

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17 Absolute Best Day Trips from London (+ How to Visit, Top Tours & Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2024

London is an amazing city with so much to offer that you could spend weeks and still not see it all. But in addition to all the top sights and attractions in the city itself , there are also so many beautiful places near London, many of which can easily be visited as a day trip from London.

However, with such an array of possibilities, how do you choose the very best day trips from London that are worth your time the most?

In this article, we feature the absolute best places that you can visit as a one-day trip from London, England . This guide includes all the ‘musts’, the very best day trip destinations near London for first-time visitors, but also for local travelers who want to (re)discover some of the most popular sights near London.

In addition, for each place, we include recommendations on how to visit on your own and also the best day tours from London . Because even though you can visit many of these places by train, often, you will be able to see so much more if you go on an organized tour.

Many tours combine several major landmarks in one day, allowing you to make the most of your time and see a lot in a short time. Furthermore, going with a local guide is a great opportunity to explore deeper, scratch beneath the surface, and discover things you didn’t even know existed…

Good to know: At the bottom of this article, you can find a map indicating all the places that you can easily visit as a day trip from London mentioned in this guide. It will give you a better idea of where everything is.

TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the entire article and are looking for the best day trips from London, here are the 4 most popular day tours among our readers:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath (also in combination with Roman Baths that you can add when booking).
• Cotswolds .
• Harry Potter Studio (also in combination with Oxford).
• Seven Sisters & South Downs .

Interesting to know: Overall, the most-visited day trip destinations from London are Windsor Castle and Harry Potter Studios.

These are the best & most popular day trips from London:

1. Windsor Castle

If you visit just one place outside of London city, make it Windsor Castle ! Located just 20 miles (32 km) from the city center, a day trip to Windsor is a must on any London bucket list!

The spectacular Windsor Castle is one of the queen’s official residences and has been home to the royal family for 900 years! Kings and queens have been buried here, including the infamous Henry VIII and Jayne Seymour, his third wife. Most recently, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is also buried at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

An excellent example of church architecture in medieval times, Windsor Castle is still used for royal receptions and state occasions. In recent years it has been the venue of the weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

Open all year round, Windsor Castle is a great way to explore royal history, from touring the Castle Precincts to viewing the lavish staterooms and apartments. The Castle Grounds are both beautiful and peaceful and from there you can observe the iconic Changing of the Guard, which normally happens at 11 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from April until the end of July.

Good to know. At the moment, Windsor Castle is open daily except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Because it’s a working royal palace, sometimes parts of the castle or even the entire castle can get closed on short notice. Below, you can find all the practical information for your visit. Read on!

How to visit. You can easily get to Windsor by train from London. There’s a direct train from London Waterloo Station and it takes about 1 hour. From Windsor & Eton Riverside station, it’s just a short walk to the castle. Be sure to book your Windsor Castle tickets online in advance ! This is the best option for those who prefer to take their time and explore the castle at their own pace.

If you come here for a day, be sure to check out Windsor and Eton towns as well! The best way to do this is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus in Windsor . Another nice thing to do is take a boat tour and enjoy different views of the castle from the river.

Good to know: Entry to Windsor Palace is also included with the London Pass , which offers good value if you spend more time in London and plan on visiting many popular tourist attractions and museums.

Best tours from London. Windsor Castle is the most popular day trip destination near London, so there are many tours that can bring you here as well. Most tours that visit the castle also include one or several other nice places nearby – perfect for those who are short on time and want to make the most of their day.

Here are the most popular day tours from London that visit Windsor Castle:

• Windsor Castle only – this is a convenient bus transfer from/ to London that also includes the tickets to the castle. This tour takes about 4 hours in total – the fastest way to visit Windsor Castle from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – the most popular full-day tour from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – with an option to visit Roman Baths.

2. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and another extremely popular destination for London day trips. Built almost 5000 years ago by farmers in the Neolithic period, this is a spiritual and architectural wonder that many people consider an absolute must-see in the UK!

Historians still debate its original purpose, although most agree that it was probably built for spiritual reasons. Meanwhile, engineers marvel at the extraordinary skill and size of the construction project, which must have involved hundreds of workers given the very simple tools they had available at the time.

Whilst the main attraction at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the mystical Stone Circle itself, you can also view the 5 on-site Neolithic houses. Their design was based on the remains of houses from this period that were discovered during a nearby excavation in 2006.

You can step through the doors of these houses to see just how the builders of Stonehenge might have lived thousands of years ago, with each house equipped with replica axes, pottery, and artifacts.

How to visit . Stonehenge is located about 90 miles (145 km) from London. There are no direct trains to Stonehenge, but you can take a train to Salisbury train station and then take The Stonehenge Tour Bus service from there. The easiest way to get here from London is either by car or by tour. If you drive, prepare for very busy traffic and count at least 2 hours one way. If you go without a tour, be sure to book your admission tickets online in advance !

Best tours from London. Since Stonehenge is quite a drive from the city, but it doesn’t require that much time to visit, it’s usually included as one of the sights of some of the most popular day tours from London.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Stonehenge from London:

• Stonehenge only – a very popular half-day tour (morning or afternoon) that includes transportation and entrance tickets. It takes about 6 hours and is the fastest way to visit Stonehenge from London.
• Stonehenge & Bath – the most relaxing full-day tour.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – a very complete tour that also includes an entry to the Roman Baths.

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and the most popular town that you can easily visit as a day trip from London. This picturesque historic city is filled with stunning examples of honey-colored Georgian architecture and some of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Perhaps the most famous feature of this UNESCO World Heritage City is the ancient Roman Baths built around thermal springs and supplying water for over 2,000 years. Whilst the Baths are open for you to view, no bathing has been allowed there since 1978. Instead, the much more modern Thermae Bath Spa was opened in 2006, containing the only natural hot spring in England in which you are allowed to bathe.

In the city stands the magnificent Bath Abbey , with its unique ‘ladder of angels’ on the west front. This feature was inspired by Bath’s Bishop at that time, who saw angels ascending and descending in a dream. You will also see the iconic ‘Royal Crescent’ – 30 Grade I listed terraced houses built in the late 18th century, arranged in a crescent around a verdant lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park.

Another architectural gem is the Circus , also built in the latter half of the 18th century. This historic street of large townhouses forms a circle, which is how it got its name (Circus is Latin for a ring, circle, or oval).

And perhaps most beautiful of all is the romantic Pulteney Bridge , with its small, leaded domes, pilasters, and pediments. The bridge was named after the wife of William Johnstone Pulteney, an important figure in Bath at that time and owner of much of the surrounding land. A popular thing to do in Bath is to take a short boat trip on River Avon – it allows you to easily see some of the main sights of Bath in a short time.

How to visit. Bath is about 120 miles (195 km), about 2.5 hours drive from London. If you drive, be sure to stop at Stonehenge along the way! The fastest way to get to Bath from London is by train – it takes less than 1.5 hours. And there are also many tours that visit Bath from London, usually in combination with other beautiful places nearby.

TIP. If you visit Bath on your own, you may want to take a walking tour of the city. It’s the best way to see a lot in a short time – you’ll be sure not to miss any important places, but it also gives you a better insight into the history and architecture of this unique town.

Best tours from London. Since Bath is so close to Stonehenge, most tours from London visit both of these places together. In addition, some tours also include one or several other places nearby.

Here are the most popular day tours from London to Bath:

• Stonehenge & Bath .
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath .
• Stonehenge and Bath Tour with Secret Site – a very highly rated small group tour.

One of the UK’s most famous university towns, Oxford is also a place that you can easily visit as a day trip from London.

Oxford University was established in the 12th century and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university is composed of 38 separate college buildings, whose architecture inspired the poet Matthew Arnold to name it the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ (see the picture of the All Souls College below, and you’ll understand where the name comes from).

Some scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Oxford, so it can be fun to try and spot them as you tour the city. Harry Potter fans can also opt for this popular walking tour of the filming locations .

In the heart of the city center is Christ Church College , home to the magnificent Hall and Christ Church Cathedral with its landmark spire and Tom Tower. The gardens of the 12th-century Cathedral inspired Lewis Carroll to write ‘Alice in Wonderland’. You can hunt for features of the story, such as the Alice in Wonderland motives in one of the large windows in the Great Dining Hall.

The Cathedral also contains the shrine and tomb of Saint Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford. Christ Church College – one of Oxford University’s largest colleges – has lots more for visitors to see, from the famous Bodley Tower to the stunning Meadow Building.

There are two main museums that are well worth seeing during a visit to Oxford. Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is Oxford University’s museum of art and archaeology. Free to enter, it’s a great place to learn all about human culture and societies across the world and throughout time, with its collections including everything from Egyptian mummies to contemporary works of art.

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History , meanwhile, houses a captivating collection of natural specimens, covering everything from Earth’s beginnings to a look inside an active beehive!

Connecting two parts of Hertford College is the Hertford Bridge , popularly known as the ‘Bridge of Sighs’. Named after its resemblance to Venice’s Bridge of Sighs , this particular bridge is a skyway that allows students to travel from one building to another. Designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and completed in 1914, this photo-worthy bridge is best viewed from the steps of the University’s Bodleian Library (another must-see in Oxford).

How to visit. Oxford is just 60 miles (95 km), 1.5 hours drive from London. There are also direct trains from London and the journey takes about 1 hour – this is the best way to visit Oxford on your own. There are also organized tours that visit Oxford from London – usually in combination with one or two other places nearby.

TIP: If you visit Oxford for a day, consider this walking tour . It takes just 1.5 hours and is a great way to learn more about the city and the university. River cruises are also very popular and are a fun way to explore Oxford!

Best tours from London. While you could easily fill an entire day in Oxford, most one-day tours from London only spend a few hours here and combine a visit here with several other places.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Oxford from London:

• Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford – a bucket list day trip for all Harry Potter fans!
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – see three of the most popular locations in one day.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – this is a great tour for those who want to see the English countryside. It’s also a nice addition to the popular Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath tours mentioned above. If you do two of these tours, you get to see most of the nicest day trip destinations near London in just two days.

5. Cotswolds

The scenic traditional towns and stone villages of the Cotswolds is one of the most popular London day trips for those who want to experience the true English countryside. This area is so picturesque! Below, you can find an overview of the most beautiful places not to miss.

Minster Lovell village is the home of Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote, which sits on the banks of the River Windrush. This 15th-century Oxfordshire manor house was built by William, Baron of Lovell and Holand – one of England’s richest men at the time. The house was eventually abandoned and now only the substantial ruins remain, giving lots of wonderful photographic opportunities against their beautiful rural backdrop.

A Cotswold village of outstanding beauty is Bibury , with its gorgeous stone buildings that run along the banks of the River Coln. Here you can see the iconic Arlington Row – a series of buildings that were originally built as a monastic wool store but were later converted into cottages. Now owned by the National Trust, Arlington Row is considered to be so quintessentially English that its image appears on the inside cover of UK passports.

Another village well worth visiting is Buford , with its 3 arched medieval bridges across the River Windrush. Famous for its High Street which runs down toward the river, Buford is popular for antique shopping and boasts lots of good restaurants, pubs, and tea rooms. It’s also home to a hotel in which King Charles dined with his mistress, Nell Gwynne.

Whilst there are many contenders for the title, most people will agree that Bourton-on-the-Water is the prettiest village in England. Also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, this ‘must-see’ village is named for the many beautiful bridges that cross its river at the center. Located in a small valley, Bourton-on-the-Water has many charming tea rooms and restaurants, plus a range of eclectic shops including pottery and the Cotswold Perfumery. Don’t miss the popular model village, which is a 1/9th scale replica of the entire center of the village.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting on the afternoon of the August Bank Holiday Monday, you’ll witness one of the village’s more curious traditions, in which a local team plays a full game of football right in the River Windrush. This bizarre game of soccer has been filmed and reported all over the world!

If you have more time in this area, here are some more really nice villages to see in the Cotswolds: Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester, Chipping Campden, Blockley, and Stanton .

How to visit. The Cotswolds are about 30 minutes drive west of Oxford and about 2 hours drive from London. Since the main attractions of the Cotswolds are its various villages, the best way to visit here is either by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. The beautiful Cotswolds region is just a short drive from Oxford, so many tours combine the two places. There are also popular Downton Abbey filming location tours that combine a visit here to that of the Highclere Castle, but because of time restraints, you usually only see one village on these tours.

Here is an overview of the most popular Cotswolds tours from London:

• Cotswolds only – this is the best tour for those who want to explore the Cotswolds deeper as it visits several of the nicest villages and allows you more time to experience this beautiful area.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – the most popular day tour.
• Oxford and Cotswolds Villages – the best small-group tour.
• Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, and Cotswolds – this tour is packed, but well organized and you get to see some of the best places in a very short time.

6. Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small medieval market town and also a very popular place to see near London. The birthplace of William Shakespeare is probably at the top of most people’s must-see lists and the main reason to visit here.

The timber-framed house on Henley Street is where Shakespeare not only spent part of his childhood but also the first 5 years of his marriage after his father’s death in 1601. Live presentations from guides dressed in period costumes and the carefully restored Tudor rooms bring history to life.

In the many Tudor-style buildings of Stratford, you’ll also find 3 theatres owned by The Royal Shakespeare Company. They perform plays by Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and other, later writers. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is situated on the banks of the River Avon, panoramic views of which can be enjoyed from the theatre’s tower.

Also on the River Avon is the Swan Theatre , built on the side of the Royal Theatre and offering a more intimate atmosphere. The third theatre – the Other Place – is smaller and used as a center for performing arts.

For a taste of old-fashioned romance, pay a visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage a bit outside of town. This beautiful 500-year-old building was originally a farmhouse and was where William Shakespeare courted Anne, his future wife. Incredibly picturesque, the cottage still contains original features and furnishings and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Another must-see is the Hall’s Croft , the house of Shakespeare’s daughter, with stunning gardens. Inside, you can find original 16-17th-century furniture, paintings, and other items.

How to visit. Stratford-upon-Avon is about 100 miles (160 km), 2 hours drive from London. If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to visit here on a day trip from London is by joining a tour.

Best tours from London. Most tours visiting Stratford-upon-Avon from London combine it with other places nearby and only spend a few hours here. They usually include a guided walk in the town center and sometimes a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace.

Here is a small selection of the best day tours from London:

• Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds – this is one of the few tours that spend more time in Stratford and also visits Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. It also brings you to three villages in the Cotswolds.
• Oxford, Stratford, & Cotswolds – this popular tour spends about 2 hours in Stratford and covers more ground in a day.

7. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Fans of Harry Potter – and even those who have yet to experience the wizardly wonder of the movies – will enjoy a visit to the fascinating Warner Bros. studio near London . It’s one of the most popular day tours from London (after Windsor Castle), and a must if visiting London with kids .

Here, you can see firsthand some of the amazing sets used in the film’s production, including the Great Hall of Hogwarts (which went on to be used in 6 more films) and the Forbidden Forest filled with 19 trees, each with a diameter of over 12 feet. You can even see The Hogwarts Express locomotive at the elusive Platform 9¾.

There are prop rooms where you can take a close-up look at look at the elaborate props used in the Harry Potter movies. There are almost 2,000 potion jars and memory vials, all with labels hand-designed by the Graphics Department. You can also see Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which took 3 months to build and was intended to look as much as possible as a real 18th-century storefront.

If you have an interest in the making of movies, you will enjoy other parts of the studio as well. The Special and Visual Effects section reveals how some of the more incredible scenes were created, including how Harry and his friends were made invisible by the Invisibility Cloak and how they appeared to fly! Even more captivating is the Creature Effects section, where you can learn how the magical creatures in the Harry Potter films were created and brought to life.

A visit to the Making of Harry Potter Studio provides a magical and educational experience for adults and children alike. If you are looking for a fun relaxing day trip near London, this is a great option for the whole family!

How to visit. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio is located in Leavesden, Watford, about 20 miles from London city center. But because of the busy traffic, it’s quite a long drive. There’s a train from London to Watford, from where you’ll have to take a bus to the studios – the journey will take you over 1 hour not counting the time to get to the station. There are also several companies offering bus transfers from London – see below.

Best tours from London. The easiest way to get to Harry Potter Studios is by booking a transfer or a tour from London. That way you don’t have to worry about the tickets either.

This highly-rated  Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour  departs from Victoria Station, close to Westminster Catedral in the city center. There is also a popular  tour that departs from King’s Cross . The prices are usually the same and include a bus transfer and tickets. You’ll need about 7-8 hours in total for this day trip.

PRO TIP: One of the most popular tours from London is this popular tour that includes a visit to the studios and also visits Oxford . It’s a truly magical day trip as Oxford is one of the places where Harry Potter movies were filmed.

8. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace , one of the Tudor Palaces, was the former royal residence of King Henry VIII. In addition to Windsor, this is another really nice place to visit near London, especially if you are a fan of royal history.

Hampton Court is a huge, impressive baroque-style palace located at the River Thames and surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland . If you visit in spring, you can see the magnificent tulip festival. But the gardens have something nice to offer in every season, and there are various events at the Palace throughout the year.

The interior of the castle gives you a chance to take a glimpse into the daily life of royals in the 16-17th centuries. You can visit the impressive State Rooms and private apartments of William III . Also, don’t miss the kitchens of Henry VIII , where over 200 people worked in the past, cooking and serving more than 800 meals per day.

Another highlight is the magnificent Great Hall that was originally a dining room, but afterwards became a sort of theatre that was used for entertainment, plays, and dances. Back in the day, William Shakespeare performed his plays here. The highlights here include a series of tapestries showing scenes from the Book of Genesis and the impressive timber roof with Anne Bollaine’s coat-of-arms.

This is also a very nice place to visit for families, with a maze in the garden, fantastic play areas for children, and plenty of places for a picnic. When the weather is nice, you could easily spend an entire day just exploring the gardens.

How to visit. Hampton Court Palace is located on the outskirts of London, about 15 miles southwest of the city center. You can easily visit Hampton Court Palace from London by train. There is a train from London Waterloo Station to Surbiton Station, and from there to Hampton Court. It takes about 40 minutes.

In addition, there are also several tours – see below.

Good to know: Hampton Court Palace entry is included with the London Pass .

Tours from London. Because Hampton Court is quite easy to get to and explore on your own, there aren’t many organized tours. The best ones are private tours like this one ; it combines a visit to Hampton Court Palace with that of Windsor Castle. That way, you get to see two of the most impressive royal palaces near London in one day.

There are also some nice bike tours or boat tours that explore the surroundings of Hampton, starting from different locations nearby.

9. Brighton & Seven Sisters

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London and see some of the stunning nature of England, then definitely consider a day trip to the white cliffs of Seven Sisters and South Downs . At the same time, you can also visit one of the UK’s nicest coastal cities – Brighton .

Brighton is worth a trip in its own right, with all the little pleasures that a lively seaside resort has to offer. If you have some time to spare, check out the Royal Pavilion , an Asian-style palace that looks like it belongs in an Indian fairytale…

But for a sightseeing day trip from London, you can also opt for something slightly different and explore some of the beautiful nature outside of town as well.

The rolling hills of the South Downs offer so much to explore and enjoy, with spectacular views and popular spots with their own unique legends. One of the most famous is that of the Devil’s Dyke , a v-shaped dry valley whose creation was attributed to the work of the devil himself (although, as you will see, it’s far too beautiful for that!). The South Downs is also home to the Long Man of Wilmington – a 235 ft tall chalk figure on the side of a grassy hill and one of only two human hill figures in England.

Be sure to check out Beachy Head , which – at 535 feet – is the highest chalk cliff on the southern coast of England. From the top, you can see miles of coastline in either direction, plus the candy-striped lighthouse that sits just out to sea. Nearby is the Birling Gap – one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. Here you can see coastal erosion firsthand, with the cliffs eroding up to a meter a year at certain points.

Another highlight of any visit to the South Downs is the Seven Sisters – an undulating line of white chalk cliffs, each hill with its own name. They are best viewed from Seaford Head , where you can see evidence of an 8th hill beginning to form from the erosion of the sea.

TIP: Any visit to the Downs must include a visit to the popular Middle Farm , which offers such delicacies as local cheese, sparkling wines, and traditional Sussex cider.

How to visit. South Downs and the Seven Sisters are located near Brighton in south England. While you can easily get to Brighton by train from London, you’ll need a car for the other places. The best way to visit is with a tour – see below.

Best tours from London. There are just a few tours from London that visit this area. The best option is this highly-rated tour that includes a train ticket from London to Brighton and a small-group minibus tour of the sights along the coast. If you prefer to make your own way to Brighton, you can also book the same tour starting in Brighton .

TIP: If you rather book a private tour, there is one tour that offers a pick-up in your hotel in London and covers all these sights in and around Brighton.

10. Cambridge

Less than an hour by train from London, Cambridge is another beautiful town to visit for a day. Just as Oxford, it’s probably best known for its centuries-old University, and this beautiful town has lots of well-preserved historic buildings. But this medieval city is also a student town and has a very nice, relaxed atmosphere.

Don’t miss the King’s College Chapel , Queen’s College , Trinity College, and Wren Library . You can also climb to the top of the tower of Great St Mary’s Church for nice views over the city.

In addition to exploring the many colleges in the city (there are 31! of them), be sure to walk along the River Cam ! Also Cambridge has its own Bridge of Sighs . This covered bridge at St John’s College spans over the river and is a favorite photo spot for weddings as well as tourists visiting the town.

Other nice bridges worth seeing in Cambridge are the Mathematical Bridge , Clare College Bridge , King’s College Bridge , and there are many others.

A great way to explore the beautiful river, see the bridges, the town, and the surroundings is a punt tour . This traditional boat ride is a very typical thing to do in Cambridge – don’t miss it!

How to visit. Cambridge is just over 60 miles (95 km) north of London, and the easiest way to visit is by taking a direct train from King’s Cross Station in London. It takes less than 50 minutes, so you can easily visit Cambridge on your own, without a tour.

Once in Cambridge, you can take a walking tour with a local or explore on your own. The earlier mentioned punt tours on the river are also not to be missed.

Best tours from London. If you rather visit Cambridge with a tour from London, there are several options as well. We recommend this 2-in-1 tour that visits Cambridge and Oxford . That way, you get to see two university towns in one day.

11. Canterbury Cathedral & Leeds Castle

While Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral are over 20 miles apart, these two landmarks don’t require that much time and so are usually visited on the same day. In fact, they are usually combined with a short visit to Dover too, but more about it further below.

After a visit to Leeds Castle , you will not be able to help but agree with Lord Conway, who described it as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. With a romantic, fairy-tale appearance, this 12th-century gem was built in the center of a natural lake, surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland.

Leeds Castle was once used as a palace by Henry VIII and the private property of six medieval queens. Its rooms have been beautifully restored and give you the opportunity to learn all about its long and fascinating history.

In addition to the Lady Baillie Garden, which gives stunning views across the lake, the grounds also hold one of Kent’s most popular mazes, with 2,400 yew trees. Once you reach the maze’s center, a fascinating underground grotto takes you back to the real world!

One of the most famous and picturesque Christian buildings in England, Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597, then extensively rebuilt from 1070 to 1077. It is the Cathedral of the leader of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and is still used for active worship.

The Cathedral contains the shrine of Archbishop Thomas Becket and you can stand on the spot upon which he was murdered, as told in Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous ‘Canterbury Tales’.

Also the medieval town center of Canterbury, with its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses, is a nice place to see if you have more time. It’s a popular day trip from London for locals. Also here, you can take traditional boat tours on the river.

How to visit. Unless you have a car, the easiest way to visit Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral is by taking a tour. If you just visit one of these places, you could also get there by public transport. For Leeds Castle, you have to take a train to Ashford, followed by a bus trip to the castle. For Canterbury, there’s a direct train from London, and you can make a nice relaxing day trip by visiting this picturesque town.

Best tours from London. There are several tours from London that visit these places. You can find them here and they are all quite similar in terms of itinerary.

12. White Cliffs of Dover & Dover Castle

“There’ll be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover” went the words to the popular wartime song – and if you’re familiar with the song then it’s quite incredible to see the inspiring white cliffs for yourself. If you are looking for something different to see near London than historic towns and villages, Dover is a wonderful place to visit!

Composed of chalk, Dover’s cliffs are 350 ft high and stretch for 8 miles. They were on the front line of both world wars and were a critical part of England’s defenses at that time. Now, they provide wonderful views across the surrounding countryside and the English Channel. On clear days you can even look across and see France!

The unique chalky grassland habitat of the cliffs means that they are abundant in wildlife and you can see all sorts of flowers, butterflies, and birds as you walk, including the rarely spotted peregrine falcon.

You can either spend your visit simply enjoying the cliff-top views, or take a short trip to see Dover Castle too. Dover Castle is one of England’s biggest castles and was built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Ironically, he built it to stop anyone from invading the country using the way in which he’d invaded it himself!

A visit to the Castle includes exploration of the tunnels that go deep into the cliffs, where you can learn all about the dramatic evacuation from Dunkirk and see the Underground Hospital that was used to treat injured soldiers in WWII.

How to visit. Dover is about 80 miles southeast of London. You can take a direct train to Dover from London and visit the town and the castle, and take a walk along the shore from where you can admire the beautiful white cliffs. Alternatively, you can also visit here with some day tours from London – see below.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that visit Dover from London, usually in combination with a few other places and Dover is often not more than a short photo stop. Here are the most popular day tours:

• Dover, Leeds Castle & Canterbury Cathedral – the most popular and best price/quality tour from London.
• Dover, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Greenwich – quite a full day, but you get to see a lot in a short time.

13. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a very impressive country house in Woodstock, about 65 miles northwest of London. This is England’s only non-royal country house that actually holds the title of a palace.

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill currently the home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is a stunning example of 18th-century Baroque architecture. During your visit, you will see the magnificent staterooms, which are filled with priceless works of art and beautiful tapestries. A grade I listed building and World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace also contains the finest collection of antiques to be found anywhere in Europe.

The gardens – set within over 754 hectares of land – are particularly wonderful to explore. Designed by the English landscape architect Capability Brown, there are several formal gardens to enjoy. Don’t miss the Rose Garden, the exquisite Water Terraces, the Secret Gardens, and the family-friendly Pleasure Gardens.

Historical monuments can be seen throughout, including the Column of Victory (built to commemorate the Duke of Marlborough’s military successes), the Grand Bridge which spans the two lakes and The Temple of Diana, where Sir Winston Churchill proposed to his future wife.

There are also a few recommended walks to take. Possibly the most beautiful is The Lake and Grand Cascade walk, which gives you breathtaking views of the countryside.

Good to know: The Palace and the grounds are so big and have so much to offer that you can easily spend an entire day here. In fact, many people find that one day isn’t even enough and many locals get a yearly pass for the Palace. However, many tours only spend a few hours here and just cover the main highlights. So how to visit depends on what you want to see and do here.

How to visit. The easiest way to visit Blenheim Palace is by car or with a tour, but you can also get here by public transport. From London Paddington Station, take a train to Hanborough (a bit over 1 hour), and from there, take a bus to the palace (it takes 7-10 minutes). If you want to spend an entire day at the palace, this is the best way to visit on a day trip from London.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that shortly visit Blenheim Palace from London. The best tour that spends more time at Palace is this Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds tour. This tour also includes a few short photo stops at other popular locations nearby.

14. Downton Abbey Filming Locations

Downton Abbey filming locations close to Oxford and the Cotswolds make another popular day trip destination from London. There are two main places that you’ll want to see here – Bampton village and Highclere Castle .

Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and another fine example of luxurious life in the English countryside. It has been used for various film sets but became hugely popular since the filming of the TV series Downton Abbey . It’s now a very popular place to visit from Oxford or from London. The castle belongs to the Carnarvon family and is kept as it is, without turning it into a ‘theme park’ like some other castles in the area.

Another must-see for Downton Abbey fans is the beautiful village of Bampton . You’ll recognize many of the buildings here from the series, and it’s great fun to try to spot them during your visit!

Be sure to locate the home of Isobel Crawley, the church (actually named St. Mary’s), two fictional pubs – the Grantham Arms and the Dog and Duck – plus the Downton Cottage Hospital. The building used for the hospital is, in reality, the Bampton Community Archive, which houses a collection of old photos of the village and its people.

Bampton is a lovely village to visit in its own right. It is mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 and was already a large settlement during the era of the Norman Conquest. On the other hand, it’s so small that you don’t need much time here.

How to visit. Highclere Castle is located about 65 miles (105 km) west of London, whereas Bampton village is about 30-40 miles from here, very close to Oxford. The best way to visit these places is either by car or by taking a tour.

Best tours from London. There are several tours visiting Downton Abbey filming locations from London. Some of the tours also visit Oxford, some others pass several villages of Cotswolds as well. This tour has the most complete itinerary covering most of the Downton Abbey filming locations.

The picturesque village of Lacock in rural Wiltshire near Bath is another place often visited on day tours from London. It’s a small village and you don’t need much time here, but it’s well worth a stop if touring the area.

The historic village of Lacock looks much as it did two centuries ago. Founded in the Saxon era, Lacock’s buildings originally made up part of a monastery complex (be sure to visit Lacock Abbey !). In the 19th century, it lost its main source of income from the wool industry, so very little development has taken place since then.

This means that this unspoiled little village gives an authentic look into days gone by. In fact, you can still see an old workhouse and medieval tithe barn in addition to the traditional stone cottages, with classic English pubs dotted throughout.

The village’s beauty makes it a popular choice as a TV and film location. Scenes from Pride and Prejudice were filmed here and Lacock Abbey was also used to film parts of Harry Potter.

Lacock was also used in Downtown Abbey, but because of its location, it’s usually a place you’d visit in combination with Bath and Stonehenge and not together with Highclere castle or Bampton. Unless you drive – in that case, you could make your own tour covering all three.

How to visit. Because of its rural location, Lacock is best visited by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. There are many tours that stop in Lacock, usually in combination with a visit to Bath, Stonehenge, sometimes also with Windsor Castle. This is the most popular tour that also brings you to Lacock (in addition to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath).

16. Warwick Castle

If you want to visit a real medieval castle near London, consider a day trip to Warwick Castle . With a history that goes back over 1000 years, a visit here takes you on a journey back in time, to a world of historic myths and battles for the English throne, but also lavish banquets, and royal splendor.

The castle was originally built as a wooden fort in 1068 and was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. As you arrive, you enter over the footbridge and find an impressive medieval castle with ramparts and towers. You can climb the stairs of the castle walls and explore this impressive castle inside out.

A visit to Warwick Castle is very different than the others mentioned in this guide – it has something of a theme park feel if you like. There are various events, shows, attractions, archery and sword lessons, and lots of other fun experiences all year round.

This is one of those places where locals visit with their children during weekends and school holidays, but it’s also fun and entertaining for tourists. Even more so if you are traveling with a family.

How to visit. Warwick Castle is located about 100 miles (160km), 2 hours drive from London. If you want to spend more time at the castle, by far the easiest way to visit Warwick from London for a day is by train.

There are direct trains from London Marylebone Station to Warwick Railway Station, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. From the station, it’s about 20-30 minutes walk to the castle. Be sure to check the official website of the castle for more info and book your tickets in advance!

Best tours from London. Most tours from London that visit Warwick Castle do this in combination with Oxford and Stratford. Some also stop at one or two villages in the Cotswolds. Here you can find a selection of tours that include a visit to Warwick Castle .

17. Liverpool & The Beatles

While not exactly next door, we feel that Liverpool also deserves a mention as a place that you can visit on a day trip from London. If you are a fan of The Beatles , a visit here is a bucket-list experience and well worth the journey.

A visit to Liverpool gives a fascinating look into the lives and times of 4 local lads who formed what would become one of the most famous bands in the world. A good starting point from which to enjoy this vibrant Victorian city is the Royal Albert Dock, which is made up of refurbished dock warehouses and is now packed with restaurants, cafes, and many attractions.

The Beatles Story is an award-winning, permanent exhibition totally devoted to the Fab Four! Located on the Dock, it contains lots of authentic memorabilia and provides an immersive experience for visitors. Even children are catered for in the Exhibitions Discovery Zone. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance !

Another interesting part of the visit for die-hard Beatles fans is the Magical Mystery Tour , which you take via a colorful tour bus that sets off from the Royal Albert Dock. In addition to the birthplaces, homes, schools, and original workplaces of the Beatles, you will also see the places that inspired some of their greatest hits, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Liverpool

How to visit. The best way to visit Liverpool as a day trip from London is by taking a train (going by car would be about 4 hours one way). The journey by train takes 2 – 2.5 hours and there are many trains throughout the day, but be sure to book in advance and start your day as early as possible!

Once in Liverpool, you can take the earlier-mentioned Magical Mystery bus tour. Definitely visit the Beatles Story exhibition as well!

TIP: If you find it overwhelming to arrange everything yourself, you can also book a day tour to Liverpool from London. Most of these ‘tours’ are actually individual trips where everything from train tickets to all activities is pre-arranged for you. See below.

Best tours from London. This Liverpool and The Beatles day tour is the most popular and probably the best option. It includes reserved train seats, an entry to the Beatles Story exhibition, and also a ticket to the 2-hour Magical Mystery Tour!

Good to know: The above-mentioned tour from London to Liverpool starts at Euston Station in London and is normally available every day except Sundays. You’ll have to meet their representative at the station at 6.30 AM, so prepare for this to be a long day!

LEARN MORE: How to Plan a Day Trip to Liverpool from London

Map of the best places to visit as a day trip from London & practical info

To give you a better idea of where all these places are located, we created a map indicating all the best day trip destinations from London mentioned in this guide. You can click on the map below in order to see it on Google Maps.

Good to know: As already mentioned, many of the most popular day trip destinations from London can be visited with organized tours or by train .

We don’t recommend renting a car if you are staying in London – the traffic is so busy in and around the city that it would be a nightmare for someone who’s not used to it. Renting a car would only make sense if you are planning a longer road trip, outside of the cities.

For organized tours , we recommend booking via the GetYourGuide website . They have a great selection of tours at the most competitive rates and the best cancelation policy and customer service out there. We personally book all tickets and tours via this website when we travel anywhere in the world.

So, this is our guide to some of the most popular day trips and tours from London. I hope that this helps you choose a few nice places to visit near London and make your trip even more memorable.

For more travel inspiration for London and the UK, please see our featured articles below. Check it out!

More travel tips and inspiration for London:

• Must-see in London: Top London Attractions
• Hidden Gems of London
• Camden Market
• What to See in Camden Town
• Best Views in London
• London Travel Tips
• Where to Stay in London
• 1 Day in London
• 2-day London Itinerary
• London with Kids
• Family Afternoon Tea in London
• Best Things to Do in Greenwich
• Painted Hall
• Queen’s House and Tulip Stairs

READ ALSO: Traditional British Food & Where to Try It in the UK

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel tips and inspiration for all over the UK:

• Cities: Best Cities to Visit in the UK
• Cornwall: Best Places to Visit in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Yorkshire: Yorkshire Day Trips
• Liverpool: Best Things to Do in Liverpool & The Beatles in Liverpool
• Manchester: Best Things to Do in Manchester & 1-day Manchester Itinerary
• Scotland: Isle of Skye Itinerary & Scotland Whisky Tour
• Edinburgh: Top Places to See in Edinburgh & One Day in Edinburgh & Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
• Glasgow: One Day in Glasgow
• Seaside: Best Things to Do in Blackpool & Blackpool Travel Tips & Places to See Near Blackpool
• …for more destinations, check our UK travel guide .
• Read also: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

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Lacinda Mena

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

I am traveling with a group of six. We would like to depart London on September 4 and view Stonehedge, Windsor, and Bath on our way to Southampton. Do you know of any tours that would offer this service?

Hi Lacinda, no, I don't personally know any tours that offer this kind of service. I found this private tour that visits all the places that you mentioned from London. It's one of the cheapest and best-rated tours in its kind. However, I'm not sure if they wouldn't mind dropping you off somewhere else. You could probably book it and then contact them and ask what is possible. If it's not what you are looking for, you can cancel it. I see that the tour has free cancelation, so that's how I would do it. Otherwise, try to search the internet for private drivers and ask for a quote. Good luck!

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

Amazing blog! Was looking for something like this for my trip to London in a few days, and this has been really useful information; the detail with which you describe are amazing. Plus the alternatives to get there and the map, loved it all! Thanks for taking the time.

Thursday 27th of April 2023

Glad to help and thanks a lot for taking the time to leave this kind feedback, Alex! Have a great trip!

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Awesome! Thanks for the info!

Saturday 4th of February 2023

This was great information. Thanks

Monday 6th of February 2023

Glad to help. Have a great time in the UK!

Thursday 15th of December 2022

Love this blog!!! I am planning a trip to London with my son in February! This is exactly the information we are looking for! Super helpful!!

Friday 16th of December 2022

Glad to help, Holley. Have a great time in London!

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 21 Beautiful Villages Near London You Have to See

Today I want to share my guide to the most beautiful villages near London. The English countryside is the stuff of dreams, and it’s worth a special trip to see the highlights. From Kent to Surrey, Sussex, and the Cotswolds, there are fairy-tale villages in easy driving, train, and tour distance of the UK capital. Read on for my top picks. I’ve included a map, too.

Villages Near London

It’s hard to make a list of the best villages near London because there are so many of them. In fact, the whole of the English countryside is pretty. Some of the best places to visit in the UK are here.

From rolling hills to fluffy sheep, this green and pleasant land feels like something straight out of a storybook. But since it’s real and since I’ve set myself the task of making a list of some of the prettiest villages in England , I’m going to do my best.

Whether you’re looking for places with idyllic thatched-roof cottages, destinations for country breaks near London , or fun ideas for day trips from London by train or car, there’s a village you’ll love.

1. Shere, Surrey

Down in Surrey , Shere is one of the most beautiful villages near London. With streets packed full of heritage buildings and a pretty pond full of ducks, this place has all the ingredients for a rural idyll.

Picture-pretty Shere is famous for being a filming location for The Holiday and the Bridget Jones movies. In fact, the church in the village was used in multiple Bridget Jones films.

The streets of Shere are everything one could dream of in an English country village, and pubs like the White Horse have historic interiors worthy of a leisurely Sunday lunch.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay near Shere here . There’s a variety of options to choose from, including hotels and pubs with rooms.

2. Castle Combe, Wiltshire

Next on my list of the best villages near London is Castle Combe. With its chocolate-box high street, picturesque side streets, and shops with teapot signs overhead, it has everything one could want in one place.

Castle Combe is one of the best villages in Wiltshire to explore, not least because of its picture-pretty houses and bridge over the By Brook river.

This quintessential village in the Cotswolds will get you dreaming about England. It makes a great day trip from London by car or overnight trip to Bath and the Cotswolds . You can also take a day tour from London to see Castle Combe. You can book one here .

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can reserve a place to stay in Castle Combe here . The most famous is The Manor House . It’s a real treat to call this hotel home-away-from-home. You can book your room here .

3. Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Great Missenden is next on my list of the most beautiful villages near London. This place is famous for its Roald Dahl connections.

The famous children’s book author lived in the village for 36 years, and today there’s a museum dedicated to him in the heart of town.

But there’s more to see in the village beyond the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. The High Street and Church Street are both lined with historic facades and listed buildings.

Given the village is in the Chiltern Hills, there are lots of great walks and places to explore in nature around here, too. From Angling Spring Wood to Abbey Park, there’s no shortage of options.

This place is also accessible from London by direct train, so it’s an easy trip if you don’t have a car. I’ve done it before and I really enjoyed it.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Great Missenden here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including hotels, cottages, and inns.

4. Bray, Berkshire

Next on my list of the best villages near London is Bray. This beautiful place in Berkshire is so close to London you can take the Elizabeth Line (plus a short taxi ride) to get here.

Once in town, there are some exciting things to do in Bray. The village streets are packed with picturesque cottages, and the riverfront scenery on the Thames is beautiful. There are great walks you can do here, too.

But let’s be honest. Most people come here for the food. Bray is known for its Michelin-starred restaurants and pubs. From The Fat Duck to the Waterside Inn, it has more stars than many major cities.

It’s easy to come here for a half-day trip from London to walk around the village and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or pubs.

But it’s worth staying a night to experience a couple of the famous places to eat here (and explore the streets). You can see why on my guide to spending 24 hours in Bray .

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Bray here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including hotels, cottages, and restaurants with rooms.

5. Painswick, Gloucestershire

Back in the Cotswolds, Painswick is another of the most beautiful villages in England. With its pretty stone buildings and larger-than-life topiary trees, this place is bursting with beauty.

There are fun things to do in Painswick , too. The streets are full of heritage details, and the Painswick Rococo Garden is a stunning 18th-century number in a hidden valley with views across the English countryside.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Painswick here . There’s a variety of options to choose from, including hotels and B&Bs.

6. Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire

In Buckinghamshire, Amersham is another of the best villages near London. Just outside the UK capital, this place is so close to the city you can reach it on the tube.

Amersham is famous for the historic houses and buildings on the high street in Old Amersham. It’s also known for country walks, as it’s located in the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This is a fun place to visit if you want an easy half day trip from London with as little time in transit as possible.

If you want to extend your stay and live like a local, you can book a place to stay in Amersham here . There’s a variety of options to choose from, including historic hotels and inns.

7. Lacock, Wiltshire

Back in Wiltshire, Lacock is another of the most beautiful villages near London. Lacock is close to Castle Combe, and it’s famous for being a filming location for everything from the Harry Potter movies to Downton Abbey .

This beautiful village in the English countryside is brimming with yellow stone buildings and picturesque roadside stands with baked goods and bunting. Photogenic shopfronts with bicycles outside round out the scene.

This place is also home to the 13th-century Lacock Abbey. It has stunning medieval cloisters and a museum dedicated to the history of photography.

You can reach the village by car, or you can take a day tour from London to see Lacock and other famous places in the area. If the latter appeals, you can book the tour I recommend here .

If you want to stay a night, you can reserve a place to stay in Lacock here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including inns and B&Bs.

8. East Meon, Hampshire

Out in Hampshire , East Meon is another of the best country villages near London.

This idyllic spot has a river meandering through its heart. Thatched-roof cottages and pink facades make it a fairy tale lover’s dream.

Cheerful hollyhocks bloom on the waterfront in the warmer months, and red post boxes are set into by brick walls in true storybook fashion.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in East Meon here . There’s a variety of options to choose from, including lodges and guesthouses.

9. Bibury, Gloucestershire

Home of the most photographed street in the Cotswolds (that’s Arlington Row if you don’t know), Bibury sits on the banks of the River Coln. William Morris once called it ‘the most beautiful village in England’, and he could be right.

Arlington Row features 17th-century weavers’ cottages that attract photographers from all over the world. A historic village pub called The Catherine Wheel is the perfect place for a drink, too.

This English village is also home to a water meadow called Rack Isle. It’s an important wildlife habitat in the Cotswolds.

Bibury features a trout farm, too. Established in the early 20th century by naturalist Arthur Severn, it stocks local rivers and streams with native brown trout.

You can get here by car, or you can easily visit Bibury on a guided Cotwolds day tour . You can book the one I recommend here .

If you want to stay a night, you can reserve a place to stay in Bibury here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including hotels, houses, and B&Bs.

10. Burnham Market, Norfolk

Up in North Norfolk, Burnham Market deserves a place on my list of beautiful villages near London. Often referred to as Chelsea-on-Sea, the central green in this well-heeled place is surrounded by pretty buildings and cafes.

With great shopping, lively pubs and restaurants, and access to nearby coastal gems like Holkham Beach, Burnham Market is the perfect place to spend a weekend in Norfolk .

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Burnham Market here . I’ve spent a weekend at The Hoste and I loved the rooms, pub, spa, and restaurant. You can book a room here .

11. Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire

Back in the Cotswolds, Upper Slaughter is another of the best villages near London. This place wins hearts with its pretty stone cottages and idyllic surroundings.

The village lies on a slope above a stream, and it’s known for its 15th-century manor house, attractive medieval almshouses, and historic St Peter’s Church.

Upper Slaughter and its neighbor, Lower Slaughter, are some of the most beautiful places in England . They’re great to visit on a Cotswolds day trip .

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Upper Slaughter here . The most exciting is Lords of the Manor . This famous country house hotel is straight out of a fairy tale. You can book your room here .

12. Bampton, Oxfordshire

Situated between Oxford and the Cotswolds, Bampton is another of the most beautiful villages near London. This place has thatched-roof cottages, a historic church, and charming local pubs.

Bampton’s pretty streets have great details to discover, and the Church of St Mary the Virgin was used as a filming location for many scenes from Downton Abbey .

It’s easy to discover Bampton on a day trip from London by car. You can also take a guided day tour of Oxford and the Cotswolds or a Downtown Abbey tour to see it. You can book one here .

If you want to stay longer, you can reserve a place to stay in Bampton here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including hotels and inns.

13. Chilham, Kent

Next on my list of the prettiest villages near London is Chilham. Not far from Canterbury , this place is known for its chocolate-box streets and heritage buildings.

Chilham sits in the Kent Downs above the valley of the River Stour. It features steep, narrow lanes and a pretty square. There’s also a castle here.

You can visit Chilham independently by car or on a guided tour from London . You can book the tour I recommend here . It includes stops in famous places like Canterbury and Dover .

If you want to stay a night, you can reserve a place to stay in Chilham here . There’s a variety of options to choose from, including B&Bs and inns.

14. Sapperton, Gloucestershire

Next on my list of the best villages near London is Sapperton. This is one of my favorite places in the Cotswolds for a number of reasons.

The village is full of pretty houses, many of which feature Arts and Crafts architecture. Some of the most famous architect-designers of the movement lived here and are buried in the churchyard.

Speaking of which, St Kenelm’s Church is worth popping into for its historic interiors. There’s also a village hall, which is across the street from The Bell at Sapperton pub. Speaking of the pub, it’s fun to have a drink in the atmospheric surroundings.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Sapperton here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including hotels and pubs with rooms.

15. Brockenhurst, Hampshire

Back in Hampshire, another of the prettiest villages near London is Brockenhurst. Located in the New Forest, it’s been called ‘Britain’s Most Beautiful Place to Live’.

Brockenhurst is home to a high street full of shops, pubs, cafes, and restaurants. It’s easy to stop here on a New Forest day trip , or make a longer journey of it.

There are famous restaurants nearby, too. And that’s to say nothing of surrounding villages like Beaulieu and Lyndhurst.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Brockenhurst here . There’s a wide variety of options to choose from, including hotels, inns, and apartments.

16. Aylesford, Kent

Next on my list of the most beautiful villages near London is Aylesford. Situated in the heart of the countryside, this is one of the best places to visit in Kent .

Aylesford sits on the River Medway not far from Maidstone. The heart of the village is home to beautiful historic houses, shops, and pubs. It’s a treat to wander around and take in the views here.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Aylesford here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including guesthouses and apartments.

17. Ashwell, Hertfordshire

Ashwell is another of the best villages near London. This picture-pretty place is known for its half-timbered facades, museum, pubs, and heritage buildings. It’s also right by the Icknield Way, so it’s a great place for country walks .

The 14th-century Church of St Mary the Virgin is renowned for its tower and the Medieval graffiti on its walls. There are also springs in the village that make up one of the sources of the River Cam (it’s the one that runs through Cambridge ).

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Ashwell here . There’s a variety of options to choose from, including hotels and B&Bs.

18. West Chiltington, West Sussex

Next on my list of the best villages near London is West Chiltington. With pretty houses and country pubs with sunny gardens, this place is a treat to visit.

The village is surrounded by fields full of cows and gentle hills with some of the best vineyards near London . Idyllic cottages round out the scene.

There are great walks you can do while you’re here, too. I’ve done a fun circular walk in West Sussex that started in West Chiltington and took me alongside ponds and through fairy-tale woods adorned with flowers.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in West Chiltington here . There’s a range of options to choose from, including lodges and homes.

19. Lavenham, Suffolk

Another of the best villages near London is Lavenham. This place was one of the wealthiest settlements in England in the Medieval period.

Today Lavenham numbers among the best-preserved Medieval villages in England. So much so that it was used as a filming location for one of the Harry Potter movies.

Lavenham is known for its eye-catching historic buildings. From the Guildhall to Little Hall, the 15th-century church, and the half-timbered medieval cottages, there’s a lot to love about this place. There are also great country walks you can take from here.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Lavenham here . There’s a wide variety of options to choose from, including hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs.

20. Kingham, Oxfordshire

Kingham is another of my favorite villages near London. From topiary hedges to Cotswold stone cottages, this prettiest of villages is picturesque in every way.

It’s fun to explore the village streets and take walks in the area to soak up the fields and flowers. You can even walk to Daylesford Organic Farm in Gloucestershire. It’s a luxurious complex with shops, restaurants, and a garden center.

Additionally, Kingham has a village shop to browse, the historic St Andrew’s Church to admire, and atmospheric pubs to eat and stay in.

Kingham is easily accessible by train from London, so it’s a great place to go if you want to visit the Cotswolds without a car . You can see more about the village in my itinerary for 3 days in the Cotswolds and my blog post about a Kingham circular walk .

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Kingham here . I’ve stayed at The Kingham Plough and I love it. This beautiful property is a historic pub with rooms. You can book your stay here .

21. Cookham, Berkshire

Cookham is another of the best villages near London. Right on the Thames, this pretty place is known for its connections to Sir Stanley Spencer, one of the great 20th-century British painters. Many visitors come here to visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery.

But there’s more to the village than that. Cookham is home to one of the oldest pubs in England, a church with Norman origins, and sweeping views from Winter Hill.

It’s also one of the sites where the UK’s annual Swan Upping Ceremony takes place each summer. If you’re interested in witnessing this historic tradition, you can time your visit to coincide with it.

If this sounds like your kind of village, you can book a place to stay in Cookham here . There’s a range of hotels to choose from.

Map of Villages Near London

As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all the villages on my list. You can find it here . If you click on the pins, you can see my relevant blog posts about each one.

I’ve also published a Cotswolds map and a map of Cotswold villages . You might find them useful in your planning, too.

Beautiful Villages Near London

I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of beautiful villages near London and that you’ve found some inspiration for your future British travels.

If you want more ideas, you can take a look at my blog post about the prettiest towns and villages in Britain . It includes lovely places like Rye .

If you prefer to stay closer to the capital (or in it, rather), there are some great villages in London you can explore. From Hampstead Village to Dulwich Village , Highgate Village to Greenwich Village , they’ll let you get your fix without leaving the city. Happy travels!

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2 Comments on Lady’s 21 Beautiful Villages Near London You Have to See

I’ve only been to Lavenham. This is such an inspiring list. I’d love to visit some of these villages such as Shere or Lacock

Thanks, Tanja! I hope you can see them soon.

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21 Top-Rated Day Trips from London, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Sep 29, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley has visited England many times, including an eight-week trip in the spring of 2022.

While London has plenty of attractions to keep tourists busy, so many wonderful places to visit lie close by that you're certain to be tempted to take at least one day trip while you're here. Some of the best day trips from London are as close as the magnificent palace of Hampton Court, but you can travel farther in a day — all the way to Paris, in fact, thanks to high-speed trains.

Within easy reach from London are the beautiful and historic cities of Bath and Oxford, the soaring cathedral at Canterbury, along with some of the best castles in England . Legendary Windsor Castle is also close, and not far beyond is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stonehenge, one of the top attractions in England.

Renting A Car: Getting to these destinations is relatively easy and there are several options. Rental companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Europcar have many locations in and around London, and convenient online reservations mean more time exploring the countryside than spent lining up to get a car.

Trains: London is also the UK's major hub for passenger rail travel. And while train companies vie for business over some of the busiest routes, you can keep things simple by using online booking platforms such as Trainline and National Rail . Simple searches will not only show the best routes to get to your day trip destination but also the best prices, including cheap day returns and other money-saving options.

Find the best places to visit and things to do with our list of the top day trips from London, England.

1. Stonehenge, Wiltshire

2. hampton court palace, east molesey, 3. windsor castle, berkshire, 4. oxford and the cotswolds, 5. leeds castle, kent, 6. kew gardens: royal botanic gardens, surrey, 7. bath, somerset, 8. canterbury, kent, 9. paris, france, 10. highclere castle & downton abbey sites, hampshire, 11. harry potter warner bros studio, hertfordshire, 12. brighton beach & royal pavilion, east sussex, 13. stratford-upon-avon and warwick castle, west midlands, 14. cambridge, 15. hatfield house, hertfordshire, 16. chessington world of adventures resort, surrey, 17. rhs garden wisley, surrey, 18. syon house and conservatory, middlesex, 19. claremont landscape garden, surrey, 20. brooklands museum, surrey, 21. osterley park and house, middlesex, frequently asked questions, when is the best time to visit, which places can i visit with a london transport pass, what are the best day trips from london for children.

High on the list of England's top tourist attractions , Stonehenge has mystified scholars, scientists, and historians for centuries. The giant stones that rise from the Salisbury Plain have been here for at least four millennia.

Before circling the megaliths, spend some time in the Stonehenge Visitor Centre to learn about the stones and the people who built them. In addition to beautifully conceived audio/visual exhibits, its fascinating displays include more than 250 ancient artifacts. This UNESCO World Heritage site also includes authentic replicas of Neolithic houses illustrating everyday Neolithic life.

An easy way to get to Stonehenge is on a 6.5-hour London to Stonehenge Shuttle Bus and Independent Day Trip . This popular tour includes admission tickets to see the stones and all the related exhibits, plus a complimentary audio-guide.

Prefer to make the journey from London to Stonehenge yourself? If you're planning on driving the 88-mile route, allow at least 2 hours each way, traffic depending. As there are no direct trains to Stonehenge, you'll want to make the 90-minute journey to the pretty cathedral city of Salisbury and pick up a Salisbury Red shuttle bus for the short final leg of your Stonehenge adventure.

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire

Perhaps the most interesting of Britain's royal palaces, Hampton Court lies southwest of London on the north bank of the Thames. The Great Hall and other parts of the palace date from Henry VIII's time, and five of his six wives lived here as Queen; the ghosts of two of them are said to still haunt the palace. This is also where Elizabeth I learned of the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

Highlights of the palace include the Clock Court with its astronomical clock dating from 1540; the State Apartments, including the Haunted Gallery ; the Chapel Royal; the King's Apartments; and the Tudor tennis court. Visitors should also explore the Privy Garden, the Pond Garden, the Elizabethan Knot Garden, the Broad Walk, and the Wilderness, especially in mid-May when in full bloom .

One of the other popular things to do at Hampton Court Palace , particularly for children, is wandering through the palace's famous maze .

Hampton Court is easy to reach by a 45-minute train ride from London's Victoria Station. Although only 15 miles away from central London, driving there isn't recommended as it'll take as long, if not longer, by car.

Address: Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey, Richmond Upon Thames

The summer home of the British Royal Family, Windsor Castle is also the longest-occupied royal residence in Europe. Inside its walls is St. George's Chapel , begun by Edward IV in 1474 and among the finest examples of the English Perpendicular Gothic style. In its vaults and sacristy are the tombs of several monarchs.

One of the highlights of visiting Windsor Castle is a tour of the State Apartments , where the Queen's Gallery and the Dining Hall each have magnificently painted ceilings and wood carvings. The palace's art collection includes works by Michelangelo, Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Canaletto, and Rembrandt. Queen Mary's Dollhouse and the beautiful gardens are other highlights of the castle complex.

Windsor Castle is easy to combine with other nearby attractions on a Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London tour by luxury coach. The tour includes visits to both St. George's Chapel and the State Apartments, with an expert tour guide to point out the most important features and fill in the castle's history.

Other options for getting to Windsor Castle from London , a distance of only 23 miles, include by car, bus, or train. That said, given the usually busy roads in and around London, the 20-minute train journey is as good as it gets.

Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire

One of Europe's oldest and most beautiful university towns, Oxford is easy to reach by direct train from London. A distance of around 58 miles, trains will swoosh you through the picturesque countryside in around an hour. Prefer to drive? Sure, it'll take a little longer, but Oxford's location on the edge of the Cotswolds means you can actually cross two items off your London day trip bucket list.

While its main draw for tourists is the university, Oxford is certainly an attractive place to visit for other reasons. Topping the list are its many pleasant parks and gardens, the historic Covered Market, and Christ Church Cathedral .

Highlights of the university are the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College , which gained new attention when it was featured in several Harry Potter movies. Other fun things to do in Oxford include exploring the historic city center, visiting the History of Science Museum , and enjoying some shopping in Cornmarket Street.

Close to Oxford and easy to combine on a day trip from London is the Cotswolds , a beautiful region of rolling landscapes and picturesque villages. The Cotswolds have been named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty due to the rare limestone grassland habitats and old-growth woodlands. But, for most visitors, the region's appeal is in its charming villages and towns, such as Bourton-on-Water , Castle Combe, and Chipping Norton.

An easy way to visit this beautiful region is on the Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London . This 10-hour excursion by motor coach includes a guided walking tour of Oxford, as well as visits to Bodleian Library and Christ Church College.

For those who prefer to go it alone, this same route can easily be covered by car, with online admissions secured in advance from major attractions saving you both time and money.

Often named as the loveliest castle in the world, Leeds Castle in the county of Kent certainly has one of the prettiest settings. Surrounded by water, its stone towers are reflected from almost every angle. The first castle was built here in 1089, and Leeds became a favorite royal residence of King Edward I in the late 13th century.

Later, it was the home of Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. It continued as a country house through the Jacobean and Georgian eras, and finally as the retreat of an Anglo-American heiress and her fashionable friends in the 1920s. You'll see reminders of all these eras and lives in the lavish rooms and in the Gatehouse Museum.

The gardens are known for the yew hedge maze. You can explore Leeds Castle on a private guided tour before the castle is open to the public and have time to stroll in the gardens as part of the Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover, and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour . Traveling from the city on a comfortable coach, you'll have state-of-the-art headphones throughout the tour, so you can easily hear the expert guide's commentary throughout the day.

Although just 42 miles from London, a day trip to Leeds Castle is one of those rare instances when you might want to forgo the train for a car or organized tour. Situated mid-way between the towns of Ashford and Maidstone, the need for a bus ride to tackle the last few miles from either destination can add an hour or more to your journey each way.

Location: Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent

Officially called the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Gardens is situated in southwest London on the south bank of the Thames. And it's easy to get to. Just 8 miles from central London, Kew is served by the London Underground (yes, the "Tube"), with easy connections to the District Line available from almost anywhere in the city. So save the car for a more remote day trip destination.

The world's most important collection of living plants contains more than 50,000 specimens and a library of as many volumes of botanical literature. So important a collection is it that Kew Gardens has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list , making it the best day trip from London for garden lovers.

The gardens were laid out in 1759 and became government property in 1841. A thatched cottage built for Queen Charlotte between 1754 and 1771 was a long-time favorite of Queen Victoria.

An entire pavilion is dedicated to water lilies, and throughout the gardens are a variety of buildings that include a Japanese house, England's smallest royal palace, and a pagoda. Also worth seeing are its two galleries of botanical art and several conservatories.

A river cruise along the Thames is a great way to get to this spectacular 300-acre garden with its many musical and cultural events.

Address: Kew, Richmond, Surrey

The name of this beautiful city gives a clue to its origins and its most famous site: the remarkable 2,000-year-old Roman Baths built around the city's natural hot springs. But Bath continued to be a spa town long after the Romans left, and later became a center for fashionable, wealthy English in the Georgian and Regency periods.

Several Bath tourist attractions recall that era immortalized by Bath's most famous resident, Jane Austen. Recapture her world at the Jane Austen Centre and learn about Regency fashions at the Fashion Museum, located in the stunning and historic Assembly Rooms . Be sure to see the Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon, lined with shops and said to be patterned after the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy.

You can visit this UNESCO World Heritage city as part of an 11-hour Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London tour, accompanied by a guide who will explain the history as you explore the famous Roman Baths.

Alternatively, getting to Bath from London yourself is pretty easy, with regular train services covering the 100 miles in just 90 minutes. Driving is also doable, but factoring in parking on the city outskirts and bussing in adds at least another 30-45 minutes to your trip, each way.

A beautiful medieval city in its own right, Canterbury is best known for the soaring Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Home to the Archbishop of Canterbury, this cathedral has been the center of English Christianity since St. Augustine, its first bishop, converted the Anglo-Saxons here in 597.

The cathedral was also the site of the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170, an event memorialized in TS Elliot's Murder in the Cathedral . Along with strolling the charming streets of medieval houses, step outside the city walls to visit the remains of St. Augustine's Abbey and the graves of St. Augustine and King Ethelbert.

You can tour Canterbury Cathedral with an expert guide on the Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip from London with Guided Cathedral Tour , a 10-hour excursion from the city by a comfortable coach that also includes two more of southern England's outstanding sights.

If you're only interested in Canterbury, this picturesque 65-mile journey through the heart of Kent can easily be done yourself in about two hours by car or train each way.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Canterbury

With an early morning departure by the fast Eurostar train, you can be across the Channel for a full day's sightseeing in magical Paris from London in under 3 hours. You could take a car, but the additional 2 or 3 hours needed to cover the 300-mile route only works if you're planning on staying longer and touring more of France.

By train, however, you can reasonably expect to see several of the top Paris tourist attractions , including the Eiffel Tower and the magnificent 45-foot-tall stained-glass windows of Ste-Chapelle. You'll even have time to admire the highlights of the Louvre or the Impressionist collections at the Musée d'Orsay. All in a single day, and still be back in London for bedtime.

Alternatively, you could spend the day exploring the charming streets and attractions of the Left Bank. Here, you can spend time browsing in boutiques, pausing in cafés to absorb the Parisian atmosphere, and taking a leisurely cruise on the Seine for views of Paris landmarks.

Choose whether you want to explore Paris with the expert help of a guide, or independently on a Paris Rail Day Trip from London with an Optional Guided Tour or Sightseeing Bus tour . The fully escorted rail tour option includes a guided Paris city tour, a sightseeing cruise on the Seine River, and time to explore. The independent tour option includes a Paris hop-on-hop-off bus tour and time to explore the city as you wish.

Until the hit British TV series Downton Abbey was filmed here , very few people had heard of the stunning English manor house of Highclere Castle . Now its opulent halls, the Red Stairs, the music room, the sumptuous saloon, and even the bedrooms are a familiar sight to audiences all over the world.

The castle is open to visitors both for seasonal public viewings and for special tours for smaller groups that are themed around food, gardens, or the filming of Downton Abbey . Not far from Highclere are several other locations that fans will recognize as settings, including the Cotswolds village of Bampton , featured as Downton Village.

Get the inside scoop on the hit series by taking the Small Group Tour of Downton Abbey and the Village Tour of Locations from London . On this full-day tour, you'll visit the little village in Oxfordshire that doubled as Downton and hear behind-the-scenes stories about the series. Then you'll continue on to Highclere with time to explore the castle and gardens independently. The tour includes Highclere admission and return transport.

If you prefer to go it alone, you'll want to rent a car for the 67-mile journey to Highclere. If you do, you'll get there in around 2 hours, ensuring you'll have a full day to explore the famous manor home, plus even a little time to explore the historic city of Winchester , just a 20-mile drive to the south.

Address: Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury, Hampshire

Around 30 miles northwest of London, the studio where the Harry Potter films were produced is filled with original sets, costumes, and props used in re-creating the world inhabited by J.K. Rowling's characters. Visitors can step into the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, see the actual Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾, and stand in the Forbidden Forest.

The actual costumes are on display, along with props, including the hundreds of potion jars lining the walls of the classroom, each with its own individually designed labels and spooky contents, from shrunken heads to dried animal bones. Exhibits explain how magical creatures were crafted and brought to life, and how special and visual effects made Harry and other characters fly.

The studios are about an hour's drive from Oxford where many of the scenes were shot. You can experience the studio and visit a few Oxford shooting locations, such as Bodleian Library, Christ Church College, and other university buildings used in the films, on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter and Oxford Day Trip from London .

Another good option is to take the train for the 70-minute journey, hopping on a bus in Watford which will deposit you at the attraction. If you drive, stop at nearby St. Albans for a few hours. This often-overlooked city is home to one of the most unusual, uncrowded cathedrals in England.

Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford, Hertfordshire

On a hot summer day, when you want to escape the city's soaring temperatures and head for the seaside, Brighton is the place to go. Getting from London to Brighton , a distance of 55 miles and around an hour's travel time, is easy and well worth the time and effort.

Not only is there a great beach and the charmingly retro Palace Pier loaded with old-fashioned penny arcades and entertainment, but Brighton also boasts many fun things to do . Highlights include shopping in the historic Lanes, eating fish and chips on the seafront, or spending time on the beaches .

The prime tourist attraction is the famous Royal Pavilion & Garden . This stunning structure was built for George IV and is pure frothy fantasy, a multi-domed and minareted faux-Indian palace faced in cream-colored tiles.

The interior is equally exotic and is furnished with Chinese wallpapers, silks, bamboo and lacquer furniture, and Oriental-themed art. The chandelier in the banqueting hall is a glittering tower held in place by a dragon.

Address: 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, East Sussex

One hundred miles northwest of London, the Elizabethan market town of Stratford-upon-Avon is known primarily as the birthplace of William Shakespeare . But even without this famous poet and playwright, its importance as a stage and research center for his works, Stratford-upon-Avon is worth visiting for its charming half-timbered homes and the historic Stratford-upon-Avon Canal.

Most tourists come here, however, to follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare, visiting his well-preserved birthplace and several other homes of those associated with him. About a mile from the town center is the lovely thatched cottage of Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway, with its cottage garden.

Just 9 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon is medieval Warwick Castle with its impressive ramparts. You can tour the huge castle complex from the top of its towers to the dungeons and watch jousting matches or demonstrations of falconry and other medieval skills. Its theme park atmosphere provides plenty of things to do with children. Afterward, spend time exploring the historic town center and Warwick attractions , including the medieval Lord Leycester Hospital.

Warwick Castle and Shakespeare's birthplace are easy to combine with two other highlights of this part of England on the Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London . After traveling from the city by coach, you'll have plenty of time to tour the castle and explore the Shakespeare sights.

Thanks to good road and rail connections, both of these historic English cities are doable in a day either by car or train.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon

Every inch the equal to Oxford, Cambridge is as popular a day trip destination as it is for those wanting a fun weekend break . Only an hour (60 miles) from London by train or car, this university city offers plenty of great attractions that are walkable from the train station, meaning it's easy to cross off multiple places to visit in a day.

Start your exploration at Cambridge University Botanic Garden . Just a five-minute walk from the station, this 40-acre site is a great place for a picnic or a coffee break before delving deeper into the city.

From here, it's only a 15-minute stroll to the Fitzwilliam Museum . Set in an impressive Neoclassical structure built in 1816, this museum is home to rare antiquities from across Europe as well as many artworks by the world's leading painters.

You'll want to spend the bulk of your remaining time exploring some of the 31 colleges of Cambridge University itself, some of them dating back to medieval times. Highlights include King's College and its famous chapel; Queens' College , home to the remarkable Mathematical Bridge ; and Trinity College with its attractive grounds.

For a truly memorable Cambridge experience, take a "punt" along the River Cam. These flat-bottomed vessels are propelled by a long "setting pole" that's thrust into the shallow river to push the boat forward. They can be rented by the hour, or better still, find a punt that comes with a tour guide and punter.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cambridge, England

This imposing Jacobean Hatfield House is surrounded by beautiful parkland and was designed at the beginning of the 17th century for the Earl of Salisbury (the home remains in the family today). The magnificent interior contains valuable period furniture, paintings and 17th-century tapestries in one of the largest and most impressive Jacobean mansions in England.

In addition to the house, the spectacular gardens and park encompass Hatfield Park Farm , complete with animals, a miniature train, play areas, and a restaurant.

Only an hour north of London by train (around the same by car if the traffic's light), it's well worth making this 22-mile journey for a pleasant day out in the Hertfordshire countryside.

Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire

After all that historic sightseeing, Chessington World of Adventures , about 12 miles south of London, is a great place to unwind, particularly for those traveling with kids. One of Britain's biggest theme parks, Chessington features thrilling roller coasters and rides in its several themed areas, which include Market Square, Mystic East, Pirates Cove, Transylvania, and Land of the Dragons.

Chessington is also famous for its zoo (it's how the park began in 1931), today split into areas including the Children's Zoo, the Sea Life Centre, and AMAZU Treetop Adventure. The zoo features over 1,000 exotic animals, including tigers, lions, gorillas, monkeys, and penguins.

Just 17 miles from central London, this is yet another great day trip from London where you'll want to forego the car and opt for public transit, which will get you there in just over an hour.

Address: Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey

The Royal Horticultural Society's showpiece garden, the 350-acre RHS Garden Wisley , showcases the widest range of gardening styles and techniques in the world. Among its nearly two dozen different gardens are a walled garden, alpine meadow, cottage garden, rose garden, mixed borders, and a Bonsai Walk.

The Glasshouse features plants from tropical, moist temperate, and dry temperate habitats. The woodland garden, Battleston Hill, is its most beautiful in the spring, when its winding paths are bordered in blooming camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons, and azaleas. One of the oldest, constructed between 1910 and 1912, is the naturalistic Rock Garden, showcasing alpine plants with dwarf conifers.

The newest, opened in 2017, is the Exotic Garden, filled with palms, ginger, banana plants, and large vibrant tropical blossoms you might not expect to see flourishing outdoors in northern European latitudes.

If driving the 25-mile distance from London to the gardens, you can expect to spend just under an hour on the road. You can travel the same distance by train and bus in 90 minutes.

Address: Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking, Surrey

Originally a 15th-century monastery, Syon House in Brentford was one of the architectural jewels on the periphery of London, especially from the point of view of its interior, redesigned in the 18th century by architect Robert Adam.

As well as its imposing columns and statues, valuable paintings and fine silken wall coverings, Syon House is noted for its 54-acre park and gardens, which include the magnificent Great Conservatory built in the 1920s.

Just 10 miles from Central London, you can easily get here by bus or tube, with a journey time of around 45 minutes. Either way entails a little walking, but it's only a few minute's stroll through a pleasant park.

Two other excellent museums in Brentford are the Kew Bridge Steam Museum with its working steam engines, and the Musical Museum at Kew Bridge with its fine collection of automated musical instruments.

Address: London Road, Brentford, Middlesex

This lovely 300-year-old National Trust property features a serpentine lake, an island with a pavilion, a turf amphitheater, and numerous pleasant viewpoints and vistas. Located 21 miles southwest of London and accessible either by rail (plus a short bus ride) or car, Claremont Landscape Gardens are where many of England's best-known gardeners have left their mark, most notably Capability Brown .

Other highlights include a grotto, Camellia Terrace, Belvedere Tower and a café. There's also the Victorian Thatched Cottage , a great place for younger kids to play and dress up in period costumes.

Address: Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey

The Brooklands Museum in Weybridge is one of Surrey's most popular museums and is home to the only Concorde in the southeast with public access. Brooklands opened as a racetrack in 1907 and is now famous as the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation.

Just 21 miles from London and easily accessible by a 30-minute train ride and a 20-minute walk, the museum contains the Malcolm Campbell Workshop, a racing car collection, a Wellington bomber rescued from Loch Ness, and an aircraft collection spanning 85 years.

Another excellent display of aircraft can be seen at the De Havilland Aircraft Museum in London Colney, Hertfordshire . The oldest aviation museum in Britain, the museum has three historic Mosquito fighter-bombers as well as a variety of jet fighters.

Location: Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey

This National Trust property located near Heathrow Airport is a stunning 18th century Georgian villa set in 140 acres of parkland with an interior designed by Robert Adam. Once the home of Thomas Gresham, founder of the Royal Exchange, it was described in his time as the "palace of palaces."

The house is preserved exactly as it would have looked in the 1780s. The estate also includes colorful formal gardens, roses and vegetable beds, as well as a lovely summer house with lemon trees and scented shrubs.

Just a 10-minute drive (4 miles) from Heathrow Airport, Osterley Park and House makes for an excellent final stop before catching your plane home.

Location: Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex

Southern England's climate is temperate, so extremes of heat and cold are rare. But late March to mid-June, and September to mid-November, are likely to have the least rainfall . If you plan to visit several of the gardens, most are at their height in May and June, but there will be something in bloom, and the gardens will be lovely from spring through fall. Remember, Kew Gardens has extensive glasshouses, so there's plenty to see there year-round.

London hotel prices are the cheapest during the off-season: November and January through March. The highest rates are from mid-June through August. If you plan day trips to several stately homes, consider December. Even though the weather may be cold, most of them decorate for the holidays, some quite spectacularly.

A few of the tourist attractions above are accessible on a Visitor Oyster Card , the preferred London transport pass for tourists. You can buy these online or at any Visit Britain shop. Fares are determined by which zones you will be traveling in. You can also simply "tap in, tap out" using your credit card, an easy and convenient option that's available on most train, underground, and bus services.

Kew Gardens is in Zone 3 and has its own station, about 500 meters from the garden's Victoria Gate. It is served by the Richmond branch of the District Line.

Oyster cards are accepted on trains to Hampton Court, leaving from London Waterloo station at half-hour intervals. For Syon House and Conservatory, you can take the Piccadilly Line to Boston Manor, then an E8 bus to Brentlea Gate bus stop. Hatfield, unfortunately, is just outside the Oyster Card Zone.

The two theme parks, Chessington World of Adventures and Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio are especially appealing to young visitors. But historic sites and even gardens often have features specially designed for children.

Hampton Court Palace has excellent programs and special brochures to engage children, as well as costumed performers who impersonate, often humorously, figures from the palace's history, bringing them to life for kids.

Warwick Castle is filled with theme park activities and experiences that include learning swordplay and, for older kids, an interactive dungeon tour. The Brooklands Museum will interest auto-crazy teens with its racing cars, and younger kids will like the Hatfield Park Farm animals and miniature train rides.

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Posted on Published: 10th November 2022  - Last updated: 5th December 2022 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

28 Brilliant Day Trips from London

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We all love London… but the UK is full of wonderful spots that are ripe for exploration. Planning your next adventure? Here are 28 cool day trips from London to get you started.

London is a great city – but there’s so much more to the UK to explore.

Hop on a train or into your car and you can go on an adventure around some of the UK’s historic sites and beautiful landscapes.

In need of some inspiration? Check out this guide to the best day trips from London by train and by car.

Sneak a peek at the day trip destinations in this video to see what they look like in action!

Day Trips from London by Train

Planning your day trip from London? We love using Omio for finding the best deals when it comes to train travel around the UK. They work with over 1000 major travel companies to bring you the best deals (including many major airlines if you’re looking to travel a little bit further). 

Better yet, download the Omio App and you can store all of your travel tickets in one place. This means that you can spend less time organising your tickets and more time planning an adventure. Yes, please!

Oxford, the city of the dreaming spires is an easy day out from London. It’s only an hour on the train and trains run frequently until the early hours.

We might be biased, but we really think that it’s one of the best places to visit in the UK – a gorgeous city that’s brimming with history and cool things to do.

While there’s a lot to see in the city, its small size means that a lot of the biggest Oxford attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.

From the iconic Radcliffe Camera to the world-famous Ashmolean Museum, you certainly have your work cut out when it comes to seeing Oxford in a day – but it is possible. Start with this 24 Hours in Oxford guide .

Train departs from: London Paddington and London Marylebone

Average journey duration: 1 hour

Hassle-free option: Book this Oxford day trip from London

Read more: The Best Things to do in Oxford Finding Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations

Canterbury has always been an important place to visit in the UK – it was the destination for many a pilgrimage in times past (hence its role in Chaucer’s famous Canterbury Tales). It still deserves to be at the top of your list of days out from London today.

What’s there to see? How about one of England’s great cathedrals, ye olde English pubs and quaint little streets that look like they’ve been plucked straight from medieval times? Add to that a selection of cool museums and some scenic walks and you’ve got an excellent day trip in the making.

Train departs from: London Victoria and St Pancras International

Average journey duration: 1 hour from St Pancras, 1.5 hours from Victoria

Hassle-free option: Book this day trip to Canterbury and the White Cliffs of Dover

Read more: One Day in Canterbury Itinerary

Cambridge is beautiful. This world-famous university town is another popular day trip outside London – and for good reason.

Visiting impressive colleges such as Trinity College and King’s College (whose chapel you simply must see) would be enough to fill your day alone. But you should also take time to visit some of Cambridge’s other landmarks – The Fitzwilliam Museum and Botanical Gardens among them.

If you’re visiting in the warmer months be sure to hire a punt and indulge in the traditional pastime of gliding down the River Cam. Bonus points to you if you don’t fall in or lose your pole along the way.

Train departs from: Kings Cross and Liverpool Street

Average journey duration: 50 minutes from Kings Cross, 1 hour 20 minutes from Liverpool Street

Hassle-free option: Book this London to Cambridge Day Trip

We think that Brighton is South East England’s coolest beach destination. 

First thing’s first – the beach is pebble – so don’t get your hopes up with dreams of golden sands. It’s still perfectly good for plumping down on your towel and soaking a few rays of the rare British sun.

Away from the beach, Brighton’s history as the seaside escape for the UK’s rich and famous has left its mark.

Long rows of Regency houses, the long-standing Pier, not to mention the out-and-out fabulous Brighton Pavillion stand as testament to Brighton’s colourful past.

There’s a thriving dining and drinking scene – and a number of cool little independent shops clustered in The Lanes area. Just be sure not to have so much fun that you miss the last train home (this has totally happened to me).

Train departs from: St Pancras International (also stops at Farringdon, Blackfriars and London Bridge) and London Victoria

Hassle-free option: Book a bike tour of Brighton (doesn’t include transport to Brighton)

Read Next: 21 Brilliant Beaches Near London

Hampton Court

Hampton Court is one of the easiest day trips from London – easy transport connections and short travel time make it perfect for an impromptu trip.

Hampton is pretty much all about the palace – which was first built by the ill-fated Cardinal Wolsey before being pinched by Henry VIII.

All six of Henry’s wives lived here at some point or another, before it passed through a number of hands and was finally opened to the public during the Victorian times.

Wonderful as Hampton Court’s interiors are, we would recommend visiting during the summer months when the gardens are at their best (avoid the summer holidays if you can though, when it’s always busy). Don’t miss the maze, which is the oldest surviving hedge maze in the world.

Train departs from: London Waterloo

Average journey duration: 50 minutes

Hassle-free option: Buy your Hampton Court tickets in advance

A trip to the Georgian spa town of Bath is like stepping straight into the pages of a Jane Austen novel (not surprising, seeing as she set so many of them there).

Jaunt around town, checking out the city’s many historical sites. Start with the immersive experience of the Roman Baths (unfortunately you’re not actually allowed to bathe there any more) and the Pump Room.

You can even “take the water” at the Pump Room – sipping on the supposedly restorative waters in the fashion of the hoi polloi of old.

We should warn you that the water tastes absolutely gross though.

Just across the road, Bath Abbey is one of the UK’s most beautiful cathedrals – make sure that you take a look inside too, it’s just as spectacular.

Small but entertaining, The Fashion Museum walks you through the catwalk of British fashion through the centuries.

Don’t think that Bath’s spa heritage is dead and gone – it’s still home to more than its fair share of spas that are perfect for a spot of pampering.

The reasonably-priced Thermae Bath Spa is a popular option thanks to its rooftop pool and indulgent massages, while the high-end Gainsborough Bath Spa is the place to go when you really want to push the boat out.

Train departs from: London Paddington

Average journey time: 1hr 30 minutes

Hassle-free option: Book this Bath & Stonehenge Day Trip

The fact that it’s the home of the royal residence Windsor Castle means that Windsor’s many other charms often get overlooked.

Windsor is well-known as one of the best day trips from London. Even so, many visitors disembark from the train, make a beeline for Windsor Castle, have a nose around and then head straight back home. It’s a shame as Windsor is a rather charming riverside town that merits your attention.

Sure, you should start your visit with a look at the castle, which just so happens to be the oldest inhabited castle in the world. The State Rooms and beautiful grounds take some time to explore.

However, you shouldn’t make the mistake of dashing home the moment that you are finished. Stick around to visit the Royal Windsor Racecourse and its more famous counterpart Royal Ascot Racecourse next door.

Or why not walk around the expansive Windsor Great Park then test your skills on the water rowing or kayaking along the Thames?

Train departs from: London Waterloo and Paddington Station

Average journey time: 50 minutes

Hassle-free option: Half-Day Windsor Day Trip and Tour

Read More: 15 Must-Visit Castles Near London

The Lake District

The Lake District is a long day trip from London but it’s just about doable and worth the effort if you’re short on time and can’t stay overnight.

With its gorgeous green pastures, towering fells and chocolate-box villages, it’s no surprise that the Lake District tops the list of Britain’s beautiful regions. The fastest train to the Lake District takes around 2.5 hours to Oxenholme, so is easiest to tackle on a day trip from London.

Luckily, the area surrounding Oxenholme is ripe for exploration.

There are frequent buses to Kendal, a pretty Lakeland town with lots of cute shops and tea rooms. You can also catch a local train (or taxi) to Windermere – the most famous of the Lakes – the walks around the lake are superb.

As we have already mentioned – The Lake District is not close to London, so you will need to start early and come back late to make it worth the effort.

Don’t even think about doing it by car either – you can just about do it by train but you’re really much better off staying overnight if you want to drive. Or you can go the full mile and head off on a road trip to a few British national parks .

Train departs from: Euston

Average journey time: 2 hrs 45mins

Hassle-free option: A 10 lake day tour

Read more: Walking in the Lake District

Despite being pretty far from London, York is actually not a difficult day trip.

Trains take just a smidge under two hours and run frequently enough that you can just turn up and go.

The walled city is best-known for the Gothic masterpiece that is York Minster but, with more attractions per square mile than any other UK city, there’s a lot to see here.

It’s tough to cover it all in one day – start with York Minster, the fascinating Yorkshire Museum and York Castle Museum (which comes complete with a restored street of Victorian shops) then add in a few other spots if time allows.

Chocolate-lovers will want to head to Chocolate Story – where you can learn about York’s important role in the history of British chocolate and, more importantly, gorge yourself on your own handmade chocolate bar.

Train departs from: King’s Cross

Average journey time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Hassle-free option: See the best sights on foot

Lewes (pronounced Lewis ) often sits in the shadow of nearby Brighton, but there’s a lot to charm in the county town of East Sussex on a one day trip from London.

The town itself is pretty, with a few spots like Lewes Castle, the remains of Lewes Priory and the timber-framed Anne of Cleves House to lure you in for an hour or two.

A surprising number of Lewes’ medieval buildings have survived the test of time – there’s history around every corner.

Personally, we think the spectacular walks in the area surrounding Lewes are also worth the trip. We recommend the six-mile walk to Glynde – there are a couple of steep hills but each step comes with views out over the South Downs.

You can extend the walk to Southease and back to Lewes if you’re feeling really energetic – then quench your thirst with a locally-brewed pint of Harvey’s when you’re finished.

Train departs from: London Victoria

Average journey time: 1 hour

Hassle-free option: This is a DIY trip – but it’s really easy

Read More: Fantastic Hikes Near London You Shouldn’t Miss

Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town. With a long history that dates back beyond the Roman times, it was a Roman city and traces of that heritage can still be found dotted all over Colchester today.

Walking in the footsteps of the Romans, visit the remains of the Roman wall, as well as the Roman Circus – the only verified Roman chariot-racing track still standing.

Move onto Colchester Castle, which while not Roman itself, displays a few Roman mosaics and many Roman artifacts in the large Norman keep.

The castle is actually the largest Norman keep in Europe – testament to the fact that you can pretty much spy architecture from every single period in British history in Colchester.

Away from the past Colchester also happens to be the home of some very good tea shops. It would be rude not to indulge in a cream tea before you hop on the train back home again.

Train departs from: Liverpool Street

Hassle-free option: Book onto one of the frequent tours run by Visit Colchester

There haven’t been nearly enough seaside towns in this guide to day trips around London – time to fix that. Where better to head to than Whitstable with its picturesque, cobbled streets and famous oyster eateries?

There’s not a tonne to do in Whitstable – you can visit Whitstable Castle, but really, most of the appeal is wandering around the gorgeous town, seafront and harbour.

Seafood-lovers will be in their element – there’s no better place to tuck into a pint of fresh prawns or guzzle down half-a-dozen oysters.

If you’re really keen, time your visit for the annual knees up that is the Whitstable Oyster Festival .

Not only can you eat all the oysters you can ever dream of (20 is our personal best), but there’s live music and markets selling local wares and wine.

Train departs from: St Pancras International, London Bridge and London Victoria

Average journey time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Hassle-free option: None – but it’s a really easy trip

Henley on Thames

More than just the annual regatta that sees it burst into life, Henley on Thames is one of England’s traditional market towns.

The best way to explore Henley on Thames is on a self-guided walking tour – be sure to stop by the River & Rowing Museum for a walk through the history of the famous sport.

It contains an immersive Wind in the Willows experience that’s just as fun for adults as it is for kids – you’re led through the eccentric world of Mr Toad, Badger, Ratty and Mole.

Henley also used to hold the dubious title of having more pubs per head than any other town in the south east. While those days are gone, the upshot is that there are still a number of cool little pubs for you to explore.

Train departs from: London Paddington, change at Twyford

Average journey time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Hassle-free option: Just hop on a train and go and explore

Margate’s renaissance has been a marvel to behold. Once the darling of the British seaside, it had a bit of a slump before transforming itself into one of the UK’s coolest seaside spots.

That transformation is complete – these days you’re more likely to hear Margate being compared with Copenhagen than with any shoddy seaside town.

There’s the Turner Contemporary of course, which turned heads when it opened in 2011 and is still doing so several years later.

Add to that an assortment of chic independent shops, contemporary restaurants and even a gorgeous tidal pool for a quick dip and you’ll start to understand why it charms the pants off of so many people.

Average journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Hassle-free option: Check out the Thanet Tourist Board’s Page for Inspiration

Manchester is the small city that packs a big punch. With a strong culture and identity (think the Industrial Revolution and Oasis and you’re on the right track) a visit to Manchester is a breath of fresh air.

There’s too much to see in one day – Manchester Art Gallery, Imperial War Museum North, a guided tour of the BBC, the Museum of Science & History among them. If you’re a footie fan, a visit to Old Trafford is a must.

Seeing as you’re short on time, we recommend stopping off at a few museums, visiting Manchester Cathedral and fuelling up from one of the city’s cool eateries. Then, if you’re so inclined, stay for a taste of Manchester’s legendary nightlife before you head back home.

Average journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Hassle-free option:  Book a private tour with a local (transport to Manchester not included)

Bristol is one of our favourite cities. The chilled-out, easygoing city (which just so happens to be the largest in the southwest) is a brilliant day trip from London.

Bristol is a city of contrast – on the one hand, there are plenty of big landmarks to see – the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the SS Great Britain being two. On the other hand, a lot of the city’s appeal is the cool and quirky culture it’s fostered over the years.

A hive of street art, indie cafes (where you can guarantee you’ll get a great flat white) and alternative music venues – Bristol is just so damned cool.

It’s perhaps no surprise that one of the city’s biggest claims to fame is that the street artist Banksy hails from there.

Hassle-free option: Book this Self Guided Tour

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Lincoln (@visitlincoln)

Although it was previously a bit far for a day trip, LNER has launched new trains to Lincoln after the success of their Lincoln Experience event, which was part of a Visit Lincoln week celebrating the city. 

This is big news. It means that in just two hours you can escape London and make your way to the city steeped in Roman history.

The day trip alone is worth it for Lincoln castle and the picturesque grounds surrounding it, but you’ve also got plenty of shops, cafes, and pubs to make your way through in the city centre between museum hopping.  

Train departs from: London King’s Cross

Average journey time: 2 hours 19 minutes

Hassle-free option Book a guided walking tour of the city

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As one of the strangest day trips from London, a visit to the mysterious Stonehenge is a must for everyone. This is a rock formation that has puzzled historians for centuries.

How did the stones get there? Nobody is quite sure, but experts reckon that they were carried for over 160 miles, so they must be pretty special. 

We highly recommend booking a guided tour of the site, so you get to hear about all the interesting theories surrounding the mystical Stonehenge – and you can ask any burning questions (trust me, you’ll have a few).

Bear in mind that post-lockdown you need to book your entry time slot for Stonehenge well in advance, and remember to bring your booking confirmation with you.

Train departs from: Waterloo

Average journey time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Hassle-free option: A morning tour of Stonehenge with London transfers

Harry Potter Studios

From the mystical to the pure magical – if you haven’t visited the Harry Potter Studios yet, what are you waiting for? 

This is one of the best family days out near London and whether you’re a Potterhead or not, it’s so fun to go behind the scenes of arguably the most popular franchise to ever exist.

If the idea of heading to a city and wandering aimlessly doesn’t appeal to you, book yourself a ticket to the studios and experience Hogwarts for yourself.

If you want the full lowdown on the studio tour, including how to get there, tickets, and what to expect when you arrive, check out this article.

Train departs from: London Euston

Average journey time: 30 minutes

Hassle-free option: Entry tickets and London transfers all rolled into one

This old spa town is one of the prettiest in Gloucestershire and can be reached in around 2 hours from London. Cheltenham boasts Regency buildings in abundance, including the Pittville pump room which was incredibly important in Cheltenham’s spa town history. 

Famed for hosting both the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival and the Jazz Festival, this historic town is incredibly lively during the summer months. 

Don’t get us wrong, it’s equally beautiful in winter – but there’s just something so magical about hanging out in Montpellier Gardens in the sunshine.

Make sure to visit The Wilson Museum for fine art and catch a movie at the Everyman Theatre – the ornate Victorian ceiling is divine.

Average journey time: 2 hours

Hassle-free option: Take a self-guided tour

Explore two capitals in one day by taking a day trip to Cardiff. It’s surprisingly easy thanks to the high speed train from London Paddington, and Cardiff Castle is beautiful and well worth the journey alone.

Other things to do in Cardiff include taking a trip to the famous Wales Millenium Centre – an arts centre which hosts plenty of live performances and workshops – and exploring the harbour nearby, as well as trying a famous Welsh Cake. Fabulous Welshcakes (opposite the castle) is our top pick for the best.

Hassle-free option: Take a day trip tour from London

Guildford is a picturesque medieval town with a castle at its heart. It’s a surprisingly quick day trip here from London and one we implore you to make – after all, it’s one of our favourite places to visit outside London.

Nestled in the Surrey countryside, it may be small but this town certainly packs a punch when it comes to things to do. Not to mention it’s filled with plenty of brilliant pubs for a well-deserved pint.

What to do? Our top picks include Guildford House, a 17th-century townhouse gallery with rotating exhibitions, hikes along dapdune walk, and a visit to the hilltop cathedral that boasts views of the town.

Hassle-free option: Take a walking tour

Day Trips from London by Car

Easy as it is to hop out of London on a train, some places are more suited to day trips from London by car.

The Cotswolds

It’s a rare event indeed when the words picture-perfect and Cotswolds aren’t mentioned in the same breath.

The Cotswolds is the kind of England you find on the postcards – twee villages with thatched cottages in golden hues, rolling green hills, steaming piles of scones piled high with jam and clotted cream for your afternoon tea.

If it all sounds perfectly lovely, it is.

There’s a reason that the Cotswolds find themselves on many a travel itinerary. Bibury and Burford are two of the prettiest villages- be sure to visit them during your trip.

If you want to see as many villages as possible, I’d recommend starting in Burford and finishing in Winchcombe, meandering through Northleach, Lower and Upper Slaughter, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Camden along the way.

It’s an easy drive, but it means you don’t get much time any one spot.

Alternatively, you can narrow it down to a couple of villages and add in a long walk and some afternoon tea for a much more relaxed trip.

Average driving time from central London: 2 hours

Hassle-free option: Book this full-day Cotswolds four-village tour

Read Next: Pretty Spots You Have to Visit in the Cotswolds

Stratford Upon Avon

Stratford Upon Avon – the birthplace of Britain’s famous bard, Shakespeare and a twee little Tudor town set around the River Avon.

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Theatre dominates the town – rightly so. There’s always something fantastic to see on one of its several stages.

Away from the theatre, Stratford Upon Avon’s Tudor architecture offers a glimpse into days of yore. You can visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, as well as the home that he retired to after the bright lights of London proved too much.

His final resting place, Holy Trinity Church is said to be the most visited parish church in the country.

But Stratford isn’t just Shakespeare – hop onto a boat and row along the Avon, go on a river walk out of town, hole up in an old pub for a pint or two and appreciate the sleepy appeal of this quaint little town.

Seven Sisters Country Park

There are few landscapes as striking as the sight of the chalk faces of the Seven Sisters rising up from the coast.

These gorgeous cliffs form the focal point of the larger Seven Sisters Country Park, part of the South Downs National Park.

Strap on your hiking boots and set off on a walk along the Sisters for a refreshing day out from London. Park at the Visitor Centre (where you can also pop in to learn about the history of the country park) and take the path to Seaford Head View Point for the classic view of the cliffs.

Alternatively, why not tackle the part of the South Downs Way that runs through the country park and over the sisters themselves.

Hassle-free option: Seven Sisters and South Downs day trip

The New Forest

The New Forest might be less than 100 miles outside of London but it feels like a world away. It’s the largest stretch of unenclosed pasture land and forest in the country and is famous for the wild ponies that roam across its lands.

In terms of attractions, The New Forest has surprisingly varied arsenal of things to see. Beaulieu, a vintage car museum, stately home and medieval monastery rolled into one is one such destination and worth seeing if you’re not a complete petrolhead.

Still, a lot of the appeal is in getting outdoors and onto the many walking trails that crisscross the region. Be sure to wear some comfortable shoes.

Hassle-free option: Train to Lymington or Brockenhurst and hop onto the New Forest tour bus

Leeds Castle

London has plenty of castles nearby that make for great day trips, and, despite its name, Leeds Castle is actually in Kent.

This castle is no stranger to royalty with 6 medieval queens previously residing here, and Queen Elizabeth I was even imprisoned at the castle before her coronation. If you fancy stretching the day trip into an overnight experience and live the life of a royal yourself (who wouldn’t?) you can even book a place to sleep in the Maiden’s Tower.

Humbly labelling itself as the “loveliest castle in the world”, you’ve got over 900 years of history to uncover at Leeds Castle – if you can make it past the moat!

Tickets cost £28 for adults and £19.50 for kids, but you get a better deal if there’s a group of you, which is definitely worth looking into.

Average driving time from central London: 1 hour 15 minutes

Hassle-free option: Tour Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover with transfers from London

Highclere Castle

Yes, this is the Downton Abbey Castle. I can’t guarantee that you’ll run into any of the Crawley family while you’re there, but I can promise you a brilliant day trip from London at Highclere Castle .

Take a walk around the grounds and make sure to snap some all-important insta pics of the Jacobethan facade, before you enter the castle and soak in all the history.

Admission tickets cost £24 for adults and £14 for children but check out the website as they host plenty of special events throughout the year, including Downton Abbey Tours and quaint Afternoon Teas.

Average driving time from central London: 1 hour 30 minutes Hassle-free option: Combine Highclere Castle with Oxford

Cirencester

Looking for the best day trip from London? Technically Cirencester is in the Cotswolds, but we think it’s so nice that it’s worth us raving about it separately. It has, like many other English cities, a distinctive Roman history that you can explore in the Corinium Museum.

Cirencester is also great when it comes to shopping – it boasts plenty of independent boutiques and dreamy bookshops that you could spend an entire day exploring alone. 

Cirencester Park is the perfect place to spend an hour or two if the sun decides to make a much-welcomed appearance. You might just catch a game of Polo here, too.

Average driving time from central London: 2 hours 15 minutes

Hassle-free option: There isn’t one – though this is an easy DIY

So, there we are – 28 day trips outside London. We hope that you have found more than a few things to inspire your next jaunt out of the city.

PS: Looking for a longer trip? You’ll want to scope out our guide to Weekend Getaways from London .

Practical Tips for Planning Day Trips Out of London

• It’s always worth checking your train times but you should be sure to do so if you are planning to do your day trip on a Sunday. Sunday train service is notoriously bad – with rail replacement buses, less frequent services or indirect connections often popping up to mess up your travel plans.
• If you are travelling by train, try and book your tickets as far ahead as possible for the best prices. You should also consider whether it’s worth purchasing one of the many railcards available if there are a few of you travelling or you plan to do several excursions within a short period of time.

Best London Day Trips: Map

Discover More Day Trips From London Guides

• 2 8 Fabulous Beaches Near London
• National Parks Near London for a Weekend Break
• Caves in and Around London That You Have to See

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24 Hours in Oxford – insidersoxford.com

Wednesday 5th of May 2021

[…] looking for a short break or escape in the United Kingdom within easy reach of London, Oxford is a perfect day trip. Even if you aren’t, you should go […]

Wednesday 27th of May 2020

Juliana - thank you for all of your posts. We have one weekend left in London coming up before returning to the US. We've been here 3 months and enjoyed exploring London by foot and the city cycles.

I'd love a recommendation on a day trip knowing we have to take the train and that we are still in lock down (somewhat).

In the last weeks we visited Cambridge, Hastings, Greenwich and Seven Sisters. Prior to lock down we have visited the Cotswalds and the Lake District and Oxford.

I look forward to your reply! Beth

Julianna Barnaby

Thursday 28th of May 2020

A total pleasure Beth - sounds like you've been exploring a lot! If you haven't been to Bath, I'd normally recommend a trip there - it's very pretty but obviously destinations like the Roman Baths and the Pump Rooms will be closed. I would say the city is pretty enough to more than justify a trip to spend some time walking around. That said, I think the official guidance is only to use transport for necessary journeys, so I'd check that before you book anything.

Sunday 3rd of February 2019

What a great assortment of day trips! I've bookmarked this post for when I'm visiting London later this year - so handy. Thanks very much!

Tuesday 5th of February 2019

Thanks Lesley - I hope you get to head on at least a couple of the day trips while you're in London. Have an awesome trip!

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Places To Visit Around London

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Windsor castle.

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The New Forest

The New Forest is an unenclosed pasture area of northern England that is renowned for its forest trails, native ponies, and heathland. It is the hotspot for many interesting outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, horse riding, and hiking. The New Forest National Park is the prime attraction of this area where you can have a picnic with your family, or you can witness deers, tigers, rhinoceroses, and wild buffalo in the region. You should also visit the Hearst castle that is an artillery fortress designed by Henry XIII. Apart from that, Exbury Gardens is the ideal weekend getaways from London for a family day out, and you can even have an Exbury steam railway ride here. Distance from London: 69 mi. Best Time: May to September. How To Reach: You can board a train from Waterloo that will drop you at The New Forest in 90 minutes. Suggested Read:  Things To Do In Victoria London   Must Checkout:  Europe Honeymoon Packages

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Must Visit Cities Near London

Known throughout the world for its unparalleled educational magnificence, the town of Oxford is a global educational hub. It is considered to be one of the best places to visit near London due to its historical buildings and covered markets. One such amazing place that you must visit here is the Christ Church Cathedral that exudes excellent architecture and beauty. Oxford Castle is another major attraction here that gives you a chance to have a 360 degrees view of London. You should also visit the Sheldonian Theatre, which houses the Museum of the History of Science. It has a splendid collection of ancient art and antiquities, Greek and Roman pottery, classical sculpture, Far Eastern art, and jewelry. While here, you should also consider going shopping in Cornmarket Street, which is pedestrian-friendly and sells a range of items. Among many branded shops and departmental stores, this street also has the historic Golden Cross arcade which is well-known for its jewelry and craft shops. Distance from London: 56.1 mi. Best Time: August and September, May & July. How To Reach: Board a train from Paddington Station to Oxford. It will take sixty minutes to reach Oxford from London. Checkout & Book:   London Tower Bridge Tickets    Suggested Read:  Places To Visit In London       

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Regarded as one of the best places to visit around London, the city of Brighton has some outstanding attractions and monuments. A must-visit attraction is the Brighton Palace Pier, a perfect example of a Victorian pleasure pier. You can have traditional seaside fun here while enjoying the rides and the delicious street food. Another great attraction over here is the Royal Pavilion, which was the home of Prince Regent. This pavilion is one of the most exotic and stunning architecture in the British Isles. During your trip to Brighton, you should also visit the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, which includes fashion & style, design & fine art and exciting interactive exhibitions. Distance from London: 56.4 mi. Best Time: May to September. How To Reach: Board a bus from Victoria Coach Station to Brighton. Book Now: Buckingham Palace Tickets  Recommended Read: Places In West London  

Located in the county of Kent, Canterbury is one of the heritage cities of Britain that has retained its old-world charm as well as modern glitz. It houses the Canterbury Cathedral that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for being the murder site of Archbishop Thomas Becket. You should also visit the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, which has a facility-part museum, an art gallery, and even a library. It displays a collection of paintings, prints, engravings, European ceramics, Anglo-Saxon jewelry, and Asian porcelain. Canterbury Castle is another major attraction here where you can discover the historical treasures of Canterbury. Distance from London: 60.8 mi. Best Time: May & September. How To Reach: South Eastern train runs regular service from St Pancras, Charing Cross and London Victoria. Do Read:   T hings To Do In Central London

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Known to be a rival of the Oxford University, Cambridge is claimed to have one of the most preserved historic buildings in England. The King's College Chapel is the most famous attraction over here that is renowned for its 12-bay perpendicular-style interior and incredible architecture. Besides that, the Mathematical Bridge is the major highlight of the city as it has been built without any nails solely relying on the calculative structuring. You should also visit the  Cambridge University Botanical Garden stretching across 40 acres in Cambridge. This garden boasts of having more than 8,000 plant species from across the world. Another must-visit place is the Fitzwilliam Museum, which is an architectural masterpiece. It displays collections of Egyptian antiquities, illuminated manuscripts,  potteries of English, China, Greek, and Roman origins. Distance from London: 64.0 mi. Best Time: June & July. How To Reach: ThamesLink Runway and The Great Northern Runway runs the fastest train to Cambridge. Check This Out:  Hidden Places In London    

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Best of England

Winchester functioned as a former cultural and political capital of England until the 13th century. It is home to some of the best places to visit around London, such as the Winchester museum, which is one of Europe's largest cathedrals. Another such attraction is the Highclere Castle: Aka Downton Abbey that was featured in the English TV series of the same name. The Castle includes a spectacular gothic saloon, a library with 5,650 rare books and historic portraits. Another popular attraction over here is the Hospital of St. Cross, which is England's oldest almshouse. It features the 15th-century Hall of the Brothers, a kitchen, and a chapel. Other must-visit places are Winchester City Mill, Winchester's Military Museums, Marwell Zoo, and Winchester City Museum. Distance from London: 67.8 mi. Best Time: May to June. How To Reach: Take a train from Waterloo to Winchester. Best Offers On:  London Eye Tickets   Recommended Read:  Things To Do In London With Kids     

If you're looking for one of the best places to visit around London, then St Albans should be your topmost choice. It is a vibrant city located in the northern belt of London known for its centuries-old medieval cathedrals and scenic parks. Verulamium Park is one of the beautiful spaces in St Albans that houses an ornamental lake, and you can witness here the remains of ancient Roman walls. If you wish to trace the rich history of this city, then the Verulamium Museum should be your ideal stopover. It has displays of gold coins, mosaic structures, and second-century Roman theater. Distance from London: 69 mi. Best Time: May to September. How To Reach: You can take a flight from Gatwick and Luton airport. Both these airports are linked directly to London. Do Read:  Things To Do In Shoreditch   

Mersea Island

This is a small fishing town with sandy beaches and an impressive collection of cafes, shops, and restaurants. Due to its old-world charm and impressive landscape, it is considered to be one of the best places to visit around London. Mersea Island Vineyard is a popular destination here that is known for producing local and traditional wines, while also offering an enthralling view of lush greenery of nature. Get a glimpse of the history of Mersea Island by visiting the Mersea museum that houses the oldest sculptures and archeological relics. Distance from London: 69 mi. Best Time: May to September. How To Reach: You can catch a train from Liverpool Street to Colchester train station. From here you can board a taxi to Mersea Island. Check This:  Things To Do In Kings Cross   

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One of the beautiful and charming villages in South East England, Rye, is a haven for nature lovers. This adorable fairy-tale town has medieval cafes and inns, winding streets and quirky shops. It houses the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve that is spread in around 1,000-acres and has over 4,000 species of animals. Another attraction is the Rye Castle Museum and Ypres Tower, which has two sites, East Street and The Ypres Tower. The East Street site includes collections of the museum and is the best place to know about the rich history of Rye. You should also visit the Parish Church of St. Mary, Rye, which houses magnificent stonework and exquisite stained-glass windows. Another must-visit site is the Mermaid Street, lined with crooked timber houses and quirky cafes. It is considered to be one of the most photographed streets in Rye. Distance from London: 76.7 mi. Best Time: June to October. How To Reach: No direct train runs from London to Rye. You can however board a train from St Pancras. Do Read:  Things To Do Near Borough Market   

Portsmouth is one of the most famous places to visit near London that serves as the base of the Royal Navy and contains around two-third of the surface fleet of the UK. It houses some of the most popular ships such as the Tudor carrack Mary Rose, HMS Warrior and HMS Victory. Further, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard gives you a chance to discover the eight hundred-year-old maritime histories of the town. You can also visit the Blue Reef Aquarium to witness the diverse species of aquatic animals housed here. Distance from London: 74.8 mi. Best Time: March to November & January to February. How To Reach: Board a train from Waterloo to portsmouth. Suggested Read:  Things To Do Near London Eye   

The stark landscape and the otherworldly beauty of Dungeness make it one of the best places to visit near London. It boasts of having the largest shingle beach in Europe where you can enjoy sunbathing, and you can also relish the seafood at the cafes and beachside shacks located here. Also, the RSPB Nature Reserve is an absolute paradise for the wildlife watchers as you can witness here a dazzling variety of migratory as well as domestic birdlife. Another major attraction that you must visit here is the Pilot Inn that is known for serving the best chips and traditional seafood. Distance from London: 77.8 mi. Best Time: March to May. How To Reach: Board a train from St Pancras to Ashford International. Board a taxi from Ashford to Dungeness. Recommended Read:  Museums Near London Bridge   

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Surrounded by sandy beaches, fishing villages, and family attractions, Chichester is one of the most popular weekend getaways from London. West Wittering Beach is one of the prime attractions of Chichester that has been awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness. It is a sandy and long beach where you can enjoy sunbathing and boating. Chichester Cathedral is also an important attraction that is the sacred church of the Holy Trinity and is the seat of Bishop of Chichester. Also, the city center is the main shopping arena of Chichester, where you can buy a variety of elite brands. Distance from London: 80.8 mi. Best Time: June to Early September. How To Reach: You can board a train from Victoria to Waterloo station. Check This Out:  Places In East London   

Well known as an elegant spa town since Roman times, Bath is built for relaxation and pleasure. This is one of the best weekend getaways from London where you can have an aromatic spa or Roman Baths to relieve your senses. It is a gorgeous city dotted with exquisite architectural monuments and cobblestone streets. Nestled between Somerset and Mendip Hills, it is considered to be one of the best places to visit near London because of its honey-colored Georgian houses and beautiful gardens and parks. Bath Abbey is also a popular site over here that is a Gothic cathedral with beautiful paintings and architecture. Furthermore, another popular attraction is Pulteney Bridge that is considered to be the departure point for various fun river excursions. Distance from London: 114.6 mi. Best Time: January to February. How To Reach: Frequent trains run from Paddington station to London after every thirty minutes. Do Read:  Adventurous Things To Do In London   

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Also known as the capital of castles in Wales, the city of Cardiff is known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscape. Among many places to visit around London, Cardiff should be an ideal stopover in your itinerary due to its beautiful castles and historic houses. It houses the Cardiff Bay Barrage, which is located in a stunning maritime setting, perfect for a bike ride or a relaxing stroll. You should also pay a visit to the Albany Gallery and the Martin Tinney Gallery that depict some of the greatest art collections in the world. Some other attractions that you must visit over here are Hensol Castle Distillery, St. John's Parish Church, and Forest Farm Country Park. For a calming experience after a busy day of touring, you should surely visit the chic Mermaid Quay to have a romantic dinner with your partner. Distance from London: 150.6 mi. Best Time: Early June to Late September. How To Reach: 27 trains operate in a day from London to Cardiff. You can board any of the trains that will drop you at Cardiff in 2hrs and 28 mins. Also Read:  Things To Do Near Borough Market   

Manchester is one of the most lively and vibrant cities in London, throbbing with architectural splendours and creative spaces. It houses the most popular football club in the entire world known as the Manchester United Football Club. Moreover, a paradise for the foodies, Manchester has a huge variety of street food markets as well as elegant cafes and restaurants. The city is also home to some of the oldest libraries, such as the Chetham's and John Rylands library that houses a collection of novels and books spanning across five millennia. Distance from London: 208.4 mi. Best Time: June and August. How To Reach: Take a bus from Victoria bus station to Manchester. Suggested Read:  Things To Do In London In September   

Guildford is a beautiful town located on the southern periphery of London. It is considered to be one of the best places to visit around London because it is home to historic cathedrals and castles that offer peace and tranquility like none other. Apart from that, the city seems to be brimming with an array of pubs, restaurants, bars, and shopping venues as well. Moreover, the Odeon Cinema is a paradise for the film fanatics, and you can watch some of the best Hollywood movies over here. If you're a shopping enthusiast, then Tunsgate Quarter should be your ideal spot as it is home to some of the branded stores such as Cath, Loaf, and Kidston. Distance from London: 208.4 mi. Best Time: June and August. How To Reach: Direct buses don't run from London to Guildford. You can however board a bus from Victoria Coach Station and arrive at Friary Bus Station. Check This Out:  Thing To Do In London In October   

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Home of iconic music-band, The Beatles and Liverpool Football Club, the city of Liverpool, is one of the best places to visit near London. To start the tour of this city, you should visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum, which has an impressive collection of artifacts and sculptures. Another such attraction is the Pier Head area of Liverpool, which houses the Three Graces,  the traditional trio of harbor buildings. Moreover, the Museum of Liverpool celebrates the city's distinct history, geography, and culture with several displays. It houses various collections of decorative art and period costumes and other archaeological materials. Liverpool also has some of the best gardens and parks, such as the Sefton Park Palmhouse, that is lush with greenery and large varieties of flowers. Distance from London: 220.5 mi. Best Time: May to June. How To Reach: Board a train from Euston station in London to Liverpool. Suggested Read:  Places In North West London  

The capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast is the birthplace of the sunken ocean liner, RMS Titanic. To recall the legacy of the ship, the Titanic Quarter has been built, which pays tribute to Belfast's maritime history. Another major attraction over here is the HMS Caroline museum, which houses one of the last surviving vessels to have witnessed service in both world wars. This floating museum also displays history related to WWI and WWII. You should also visit St. Anne's Cathedral, which is a neo-Romanesque style of a basilica featuring a beautiful mosaic ceiling and elegant stained-glass windows. Other worthwhile visits in Belfast are the Grand Opera House, Crumlin Road Gaol, the Belfast Castle and the Belfast Zoo. Distance from London: 470.0 mi. Best Time: April to October. How To Reach: Board a train from Euston station to Belfast. You can also take a car ferry from London that takes ten hours and four minutes to reach Belfast. Recommended Read:  Camping Near London   

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London Top Attractions

Located on London’s Southbank, the London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilever wheel and an iconic figure in the London sky. This wheel attracts nearly 4 million visitors every year, making it a popular destination among tourists and locals alike. If you're planning a trip to Europe, consider including the London Eye in your itinerary as part of our exciting Europe tour packages.Wheel consists of 32 capsules which are made of glass. On a clear day one can see up to 40 km from the wheel. There are multilingual guides giving a commentary on the details of the spectacular view of the city. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and other famous London landmarks can be seen from the London Eye.The slow rotation of the wheel enables one to take pictures of the famous landmarks. Apart from the stunning view, another major attraction is a 4D show that forms a part of your London Eye experience. Over the past 19 years, it has become an important feature of the London skyline.You can also look out for special themed events like pop-up dining events, Valentine day celebrations or an anniversary dinner. London Eye is one of the major attractions in London’s New Year day firework celebrations. Seeing London at a glance should definitely be a part of your London itinerary. The wheel was dedicated to the public in 2000. It was originally planned to be in public service for only 5 years. However, its popularity made it a permanent feature in the tourist map of London. Tourists love the experience of the thrilling ride on the wheel and observe the breathtaking view of the London city over the River Thames.If you are planning for a honeymoon trip to Europe, you can checkout Europe Honeymoon Packages

Popular as one of the unique UNESCO World Heritage sites in London, Kew Gardens is one of the pleasant getaways in the city to enjoy with your family and friends. Explore this captivating destination as part of our curated Europe tour, home to a fascinating collection of living plants and an internationally recognized scientific research center. With over 14,000 trees, Kew Gardens' exquisite natural landscape spanning 300 acres is truly spellbinding, making it a leading center of research, complete with a library, museums, and beautiful gardens.It invites people of all ages to discover a day of serenity in the city of London. The visitors here can enjoy a number of activities whether it is taking a stroll along the colourful canopies of trees or exploring the beautiful glasshouses. Some of the popular attractions of Kew Gardens include the Palm House, Princess of Wales Conservatory and the Waterlily House.There are activities which the visitors can enjoy at Kew Gardens like the 59 ft high Treetop Walkway, catching the views of the city by climbing the Great Pagoda and getting to know about its history at the Kew Palace. Kew Gardens is also a paradise for photographers who wish to capture the natural beauty of London at its best.

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10 Picture Perfect Villages That Are Within Easy Reach Of London

From beautiful walks with scenic views to cosy pubs with roaring fires; these enchanting villages make for the perfect day trip to escape the city this summer.

It’s almost summer and the sun should be well on its way back to this country (finally). We all know that London has its fair share of green spaces to get lost in, but sometimes a day trip outside of the city is very much the juice that we need to drink to keep us level. And what better way to spend an adventure out of the city than heading to a picturesque village that looks like it could have been plucked straight from a movie scene?

Escape the city and treat yourself to a well-earned weekend or day trip away. They’ll be looking as pretty as ever this summer!

1. Lavenham, Suffolk

For a trip to medieval England, a journey to Lavenham is a far simpler feat than time travel. This idyllic village boasts over 340 listed buildings and a huge, decorative church that stands 141ft tall. The high street is lined with brightly coloured buildings, including Corpus Christi Guildhall and the De Vere House, which you may recognise from the blockbuster ‘ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ‘.

🚂 1 hour 20 minutes by train from Liverpool Street to Sudbury, with a change at Marks Tey. From there, hop on the 753 bus to Lavenham. 🚗 1 hour 50 minutes by car.

2. Shere , Surrey

Shere is the village where Christmas dreams actually come true. Long regarded as one of Britain’s quaintest country villages; Shere has everything you could ever hope for in a city escape : from cute cottages and a 12th-century church, to traditional boozers and a lovely village tea room. After a short visit, you won’t be surprised to learn that scenes from ‘ The Holiday ‘ were all filmed here . So, follow in the footsteps of Cameron Diaz and head on over to the White Horse Pub for a cosy drink by a warm, crackling fire. It may not be Christmas right now but the spots are all still there; still pretty.

🚂 50 minutes by train from Waterloo (or Victoria) to Dorking, followed by a 25-minute bus ride on the 32 directly to Shere. 🚗 Less than 1.5 hours by car.

3. Rye, East Sussex

Rye is a gorgeous, storybook village (okay it’s technically a town but let us have it?) in East Sussex. Filled with cobbled lanes with enchanting names like Mermaid Street and Wish Street, the place is just as magical as it sounds. As you explore the streets, lined with crooked, medieval, half-timbered houses, you’ll be transported back in time. An absolute hotspot for gorgeous walks, and there’s also a castle and a few olde inns, making it the perfect place to while away the weekend or a charming day trip from the big smoke .

🚂 1 hour by train from St Pancras International to Rye, with a change at Ashford International. 🚗 1.5 hours by car.

4. Finchingfield, Essex

This award-winning chocolate box village near London is categorically beautiful. Oozing with culture , Finchingfield is home to many historical landmarks. Among them, the 18th Century Roundhouse, once home to author Dodie Smith of ‘ 101 Dalmations ‘, the 15th Century Guildhall, now a museum and library, and Spains Hall, a gorgeous, imposing Elizabethan country house. Elsewhere you’ll discover the village green, plenty of cosy country pubs , and even a windmill. It’s a delightful spot and well worth exploring if you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet.

🚂 1 hour by train from Liverpool Street (or Stratford) to Braintree. From there, hop in a 15-minute taxi. 🚗 1 hour 20 minutes by car.

5. Much Hadham, Hertfordshire

Much Hadham is a gorgeous little village in Hertfordshire, not too far from Stansted Airport. It may be small but it’s certainly mighty, boasting a whole lot of culture . Visit the Forge Museum — housed in listed buildings dating back to 1480 – to learn about the history of this remarkable village. There are also loads of lovely country walks in and around the village, and a couple of great pubs to finish out the day. What more could ask for from a day trip ? You won’t get snow at this time of year (at least, you’re not likely to), but it’s well worth a visit.

🚂 40 minutes by train from Liverpool Street to Bishop’s Stortford, followed by a 25-minute bus. 🚗 1 hour 10 minutes by car.

6. Wendens Ambo, Essex

This charming village in the countryside near London is packed full of thatched cottages and lovely country gardens . It got its unusual name from the joining of the villages of Great and Little Ambo back in the 1600s, and means “both Wendens” or “Wendens together”. Wendens Ambo is the perfect spot to begin a countryside walk, with its storybook looks and its easy-to-reach location. If you’re after an easy escape from London, then this is a great place to start.

🚂 1 hour by train from London Liverpool Street to Audley End. You’ll arrive smack bang in the middle of Wendens Ambo! 🚗 1.5 hours by car.

7. Castle Hedingham, Essex

Not too far from Wendens Ambo, you’ll find another of the prettiest villages near London – Castle Hedingham – home to a fairytale castle which, funnily enough, is called Hedingham Castle . While the castle gets loads of visitors, the village itself is also well worth a wander around. It’s packed full of cute cottages and half-timbered houses and is also the starting point for the 150-year-old Colne Valley Railway. This short one-mile line offers the perfect opportunity to take a ride on a real-life vintage steam train. Perhaps a great one to take the kids to then?

🚂 1 hour by train from Liverpool Street to Braintree, followed by a 45-minute bus. 🚗 1.5 hours by car.

8. Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Next on this roundup of the most beautiful villages near London is the charming Great Missenden – once the home of legendary author Roald Dahl. Synonymous with leafy lanes, ancient churches, higgledy-piggledy streets and the rolling green hills of the Chilterns, it’s a cute spot that has been used as the filming location for a range of different TV shows – including ‘ Midsomer Murders ’. There are plenty of great walks and cycling trails surrounding the village itself, and you can even follow the ‘Roald Dahl Village Trail’. This will take you to Roald Dahl’s grave and past sites such as Sophie’s ‘norphanage’ in ‘The BFG’ or the library visited by Matilda.

🚂 40 minutes by train from Marylebone. 🚗 Less than 1.5 hours by car.

9. Lurgashall, West Sussex

Tucked away in the rural Chichester district of the South Downs lies Lurgashall , a picturesque village close to London that only has a population of around 600 or so inhabitants. There’s a pleasant village green here which is arguably the centre of the village, and Blackdown – the highest spot in West Sussex – which is synonymous with the former Poet Laureate Lord Alfred Tennyson. There’s a fab winery here which is family-run and specialises in fruit wines and meads. Be sure to also check out The Noah’s Ark pub – a beautiful 16th-century country boozer with a cottage garden, open fires, real ales and locally sourced food to sustain you.

🚂 55 minutes by train from Waterloo to Haslemere. From there you’ll need to catch a bus to Midhurst and then the Y2 bus on to Lurgashall. The journey should take about 130 minutes in total. 🚗 Around 90–120 minutes by car.

10. Brockenhurst, Hampshire

Our last addition to this roundup of the best villages near London is a real gem. Located right in the heart of the picturesque New Forest National Park – Europe’s largest surviving area of ancient pasture woodland – Brockenhurst is a bustling village synonymous with wildlife at every turn, acres of unspoilt ancient woodland, and miles of walking and bike trails. There are some great pubs here, as well as restaurants, boutique stores, quaint tea rooms and some excellent accommodation options that range from campsites to B&Bs, and self-catering spots too. You’ll really feel like you’re in the countryside here – wild ponies, deer and herds of cows regularly wander through the village!

So there you have it – a roundup of some of the most picturesque villages near London which are well worth a visit. Whether you’re looking to visit charming tea rooms in the New Forest or cosy up by a roaring fire in Shere, you’re sure to find it in this guide!

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9 Castles Near London That You Can See During a Day Trip

From the Royal Family's home in Windsor to ancient fortresses with historic moats, these castles are all a short journey from London.

When people think of castles, they often imagine far-flung palaces surrounded by endless acres of land in remote corners of the world. And while many castles are set on massive plots, plenty of others are located near bustling cities like London.

In fact, you don't even have to leave London to visit one, as the British capital is home to two major working palaces as well as the legendary Tower of London , a medieval fortress complex that's home to a castle, a prison, and several other buildings dating back to the Middle Ages (where you can also view the Crown Jewels). Catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace , where the Royal Family lives and works. Nearby, Kensington Palace and its majestic gardens are worth a visit. Tour the palace, where Queen Victoria was born in 1819, and pay your respects at the Princess Diana statue in The Sunken Gardens. If time allows, head 30 minutes southwest of London to see Hampton Court Palace , the former home of Henry VIII and a beautiful baroque palace built in 1514.

If you're willing to go farther, here's a look at nine castles you can easily visit on a day trip from London , all reachable by car, public train, bus, or via an organized tour.

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Highclere Castle

With more than 200 rooms on over 1,000 acres of rolling land, Highclere Castle is a Victorian gem located about 90 minutes from London. Highclere Castle is known as the real Downton Abbey , as it was used as the on-screen home of the show's Crawley family. Visitors are able to see some of the 12 bedrooms on the first floor, plus the lavish library, saloon, drawing room, and smoking room, among other parts of the property. Highclere has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679 when it was rebuilt as a castle from the site of the earlier house, which dated to 749.

Blenheim Palace

About an hour and a half from London, Blenheim Palace is a massive baroque masterpiece that served as the boyhood home of Sir Winston Churchill. It was built between 1705–1724 and gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, the storied palace — which remains in the Churchill family — is regarded as the finest example of Baroque architecture in Great Britain. An audio tour of the palace state rooms is available through the website. All tickets must be purchased in advance and visits are largely self-guided, though you can pay extra for several themed guided tours. Outside the palace, the Walled Garden, Formal Garden, and Marlborough Maze are a real treat.

Broughton Castle

Complete with a moat, Broughton Castle gives off major medieval vibes. The castle, about 80 miles from London, is built of local Hornton ironstone and was once a center of opposition to Charles I. While the house dates to 1306, most of what people tour today dates from the 1550s. Broughton was used as a filming location for "Jane Eyre" and "Shakespeare in Love." The castle, just a 90-minute drive from London, has remained in the same family since 1447 and its house, garden, and tearoom are open to the public.

Travel from Venice to London Gatsby-style in this 1920's-themed Luxury Train

Highgrove house.

The long-time family residence of King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, Highgrove House is about a two-hour drive from London. After the then-prince arrived in 1980, Highgrove saw a drastic transformation in the gardens, which now include a center for organic farming and are a haven for wildlife. While the house, a Georgian neoclassical beauty, is not open to the public, the gardens welcome thousands of people a year.

Windsor Castle

RORY FULLER/TRAVEL + LEISURE

Forty minutes west of London, Windsor Castle is home to the Royal Family and is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the site has more than 900 years of history and has been home to 39 monarchs. The castle is open to guests throughout the year, and The Queen spent most of her private weekends there.

Leeds Castle

Two cool features of this castle: a moat and a maze. Just over an hour from London, Leeds Castle formerly served as a Norman stronghold during the 11th and 12th centuries, the private property of six medieval queens, as well as a palace for Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The maze has 2,400 yew trees and is set in a square, yet has a circular pattern when viewed from the air, which adds to its difficulty. After reaching the center, exit the maze through an underground grotto, complete with mythical forms. Save on admission by purchasing your tickets at least two days ahead of time online — they're good for a year so you can come back and see more of the estate and grounds anytime.

Hever Castle

It's hard to imagine that this grand castle is a mere hour south of London. Hever Castle , with 700 years of history and a double moat, was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII and the mother of Elizabeth I. The original medieval castle was built in 1270, while the Tudor dwelling and walls were added in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The castle is set on 125 acres and is open daily.

Rochester Castle

Built starting in the 1080s to guard an important crossing on the River Medway, Rochester Castle consists of three floors above a basement, standing 113 feet high. In 1215, the site endured a siege by King John and was rebuilt by Henry III and Edward I. The castle endured three sieges in total and remained a fortress until the sixteenth century. Only 30 miles (or an hour's drive) from London, Rochester Castle is easy to tackle in half a day.

Arundel Castle

Mandy Haakenson/Travel + Leisure

Located about 65 miles (or 90 minutes) from London, Arundel Castle has almost 1,000 years of history, overlooks the River Arun, and sports immaculate gardens that are worthy of a visit alone. The oldest castle feature is the motte, an artificial mound constructed in 1068 that rises more than 100 feet above the dry moat. The castle has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for over 850 years. Pay a visit to the stunning castle and gardens in the spring, summer and autumn (they're closed seasonally during the winter) to visit the decorated state rooms, Regency Library, Drawing Room, and the Barons' Hall, as well as several medieval defense towers, the Keep, a 14th-century chapel, and several bedrooms and bathrooms designed in the Victorian and Edwardian styles.

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The 56 best places to visit in london and the south east of england.

The South East is home to many of the most famous and glorious historic houses and gardens, and here we look at 56 of the most stunning examples from different counties within the region.

If you’re visiting the UK, or looking for a staycation adventure exploring the history and extraordinary heritage of Britain, then a visit to the South East of England offers some of the finest collection of historic houses and gardens anywhere in the world. From the Tudor castle of Hever – the childhood home of Queen Anne Boleyn, to stunning gardens of Arundel and ‘World Garden’ of Lullingstone . We also list some of the best places to visit in London, including the neo-classical Spencer House and Fulham Palace alongside the Thames.

Dorney Court, Windsor

Dorney Court is one of England’s outstanding Tudor Manor Houses. Grade 1 Listed, acknowledged for its architectural and historical importance while combining great character and warmth.

The House is home to the Palmer family, passing through fourteen generations, and hosts tours, weddings, filming and events.

Englefield House, Reading

There is an inscription on a stone staircase in Englefield Gardens which reads, “If you help towards Englefield Garden either in flowers or invention you shall be welcome thither”.

This inscription was taken from a letter written in 1601 by Sir Edward Norris, the then occupier of Englefield House, and shows that a garden was managed and cared for on the Estate over 400 years ago.

Highclere Castle, near Newbury

Highclere Castle is a magnificent family home, often described as ‘the finest occupied Victorian mansion in England’. Owned by the Carnarvon Family for over 300 years, we hope visitors will discover its treasures throughout the tours of the State rooms as well as exploring the Egyptian Exhibition.

The Castle you see today was designed by Sir Charles Barry. He began in 1842 whilst re-building the Houses of Parliament. Many similarities exist between the styles of the two buildings.

Shaw House, Newbury

Shaw House is one of the best preserved Elizabethan mansions in England, built by Thomas Dolman in 1581. Over the centuries Shaw House has welcomed royalty, seen action during the Civil War, housed soldiers during World War II and schooled generations of local children.

Buckinghamshire

Chenies Manor House, Chenies

Historic Chenies Manor is open to visitors and is available for wedding ceremonies, receptions, exhibitions, events, filming and guided tours.

Beautifully nestled in the natural beauty of the Chilterns on the Herts/Bucks border. The idyllic rural setting of the manor also benefits close proximity to London and London Heathrow, situated just outside of the M25. Chenies Manor House is one of the UK’s finest Tudor Mansion Houses.

Nether Winchendon House, Aylesbury

Welcome to Nether Winchendon House, an enchanting Medieval and Tudor Manor House and Country House Wedding Venue.

Nether Winchendon House is one of the most romantic of the ancient historic houses in England and listed Grade I, set in seven acres of tranquil Gardens and surrounded by 600 acres of Parkland, on the Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire border.

Stowe House, Stowe

In the 18th-century, the powerful Temple-Grenville family chose to create an idyllic landscape filled with temples. Amidst these enchanting gardens, they built the most lavish temple of all, Stowe House, famous during its 18th-century heyday as an important artistic masterpiece.

In 1922, in the face of demolition, Stowe School saved the building from certain destruction. Unlike the loss and decline of many English country houses, Stowe House found a new and revived use for the 20th and 21st-centuries as a school for boys and girls.

Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury

This splendid mansion, built by Ferdinand de Rothschild in the style of Louis XIV, boasts an extensive art collection and immaculate furnishings.

The collection, built by successive members of the Rothschild dynasty, includes Dutch Masters, works by Reynolds, Gainsborough and others, and outstanding furniture.

Book an event when in South East England

Historic houses and gardens all across the UK play host to a range of regular events, especially in the peak season from March to October and then in the run-up to Christmas. If you’re visiting the South East of England, or live in the area, take a look at all the fabulous events on the horizon on our official events page here.

East Sussex

Firle Place, Lewes

Firle Place has been the home of the Gage family for over 500 years, and is a house with a rich history and extraordinary collection of old master paintings, porcelain and furniture.

The Firle Estate sits in the heart of the South Downs National Park and just 60 miles from the centre of London. Incorporating several villages and farms spread over rolling hills, Firle is a thriving rural community set in one of the most picturesque parts of the United Kingdom.

Glynde Place, Lewes

Glynde Place is situated at the top of the village of Glynde and has commanding views over the Weald and Sussex Downs.

The house was built in 1569 by William and Anne Morley, to replace the previous existing family home, from local flint, chalk and Caen stone. Glynde Place has passed from William and Anne, through three intermarried families, to the current owners.

Great Dixter Gardens, near Rye

Great Dixter was the family home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd – it was the focus of his energy and enthusiasm and fuelled over 40 years of books and articles.

Now under the stewardship of Fergus Garrett and the Great Dixter Charitable Trust, Great Dixter is an historic house, a garden, a centre of education, and a place of pilgramge for horticulturists from across the world.

Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker

Welcome to England’s longest medieval water filled moat. This picturesque island offers a great day out for all the family.

Discover 800 years of history at Michelham: from its foundation by Augustinian canons, through the dissolution of the monasteries into its later life as a country house.

Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst

At Pashley you will discover 11 acres of beautiful borders and vistas – the culmination of a lifetime of passion for gardening and an admiration of the tradition of the English Country garden.  These award winning gardens are family owned and maintained – visitors often express delight at the attention to detail displayed throughout and the intimate, peaceful atmosphere.

Breamore House, Fordingbridge

The magnificent Elizabethan Manor House overlooks the Avon Valley on the edge of the New Forest, just north of Fordingbridge. The house was completed in 1583 and looks today much as it would have done to its original owners.

Visitors can enjoy seeing a wide variety of paintings as well as tapestries, porcelain, 17th-century needlework and a rare James I carpet. There are also fine examples of period furniture in the house.

Chawton House, Alton

Built by the Knight family in the 1580, the house has undergone centuries of change and development as it has passed through different hands.

This makes it rich with quirky and fascinating features: from graffiti on paintings and ‘witch marks’ on walls, to heraldic stained glass windows and ornately carved fireplaces.

Houghton Lodge Gardens, Stockbridge

Houghton Lodge Gardens has been described by visitors as ‘the jewel of the Test Valley’, and ‘A stately pleasure-dome on the most romantic river in England’.

The Grade II* listed formal and informal gardens surround the UK’s best surviving example of an 18th-century Cottage Orné, idyllically set above the tranquil waters of the River Test.

Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle

Stansted Park is home to stunning weddings, forest walks, afternoon teas and some of the best events in the south! Visit the Mansion with its State rooms and fully furnished Servants’ Quarters for a real sense of a bygone era.

The Grounds and Walled Gardens are open all year, this includes the Arboretum, The Pavilion Tearoom, The Stansted Park Garden Centre, The Stansted Park Farm Shop and The Maze & Railway.

Stratfield Saye House, between Reading and Basingstoke

After the Duke of Wellington’s victory against Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the Duke chose Stratfield Saye as his country estate.

The house contains many of the 1st Duke’s possessions and is still occupied by his descendants, being a family home rather than a museum.

Take a boat to Tennyson's home...

Farringford is a Grade 1 listed building on the Isle of Wight that was the main residence of renowned Victorian Poet Laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson from 1853 until his death until in 1892.

Here he wrote some of his most famous works, including Maud and The Charge of the Light Brigade, as well as entertaining eminent artists and intellectuals of the day.

Belmont House, Faversham

Belont is a neo-classical brick country house by Samuel Wyatt, faced in pale mathematical tiles with Coade stone dressings. The light interior includes a fine staircase, hall and interesting collections of Indian and English furniture, as well as an outstanding clock collection.

A lifelong passion for horology led the 5th Lord Harris to accumulate one of the largest personal collections of clocks in the country. Six generations of the Harris family have each left their mark on this lovely country house.

Chiddingstone Castle, near Edenbridge

A historic house with Tudor origins, Victorian rooms that was rebuilt in the 1800s to resemble a medieval castle, set in 35 acres of Kentish countryside.

Chiddingstone is set in 35 acres of informal gardens with breathtaking views of the North Downs. It features large lawns for picnics, an intimate rose garden, woodland and a beautiful fishing lake.

Doddington Place Gardens, near Sittingbourne

Doddington Place is surrounded by wooded countryside in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the North Downs.

The lovely landscaped gardens, recognised of being of historical importance by Historic England, are set in the grounds of an imposing Victorian mansion and cover ten acres.

Godinton House & Gardens, Ashford

Godinton is a comfortable, much-loved home; each room has a different feel, a contrast on a theme, not designed by architect or curator but for the taste and enjoyment of those who lived here over the centuries and now for visitors.

Tours of the house are led by expert guides unravelling the 600 years of history and revealing an excellent country house collection of furniture, art, porcelain and curios.

Goodnestone Park, Canterbury

Goodnestone Park was built in 1704 by Brook Bridges who had recently purchased the estate. The date of the house is scratched onto a brick on the main front.

During the early 18th century the house was surrounded by extensive formal gardens recorded in a view by William Harris. These disappeared later in the 18th century when Sir Brook Bridges, the 3rd baronet and great-grandson of the builder, replaced the gardens with a landscape park in the fashion of the time.

Hever Castle, Edenbridge

Dating back to the 13th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I.

It formed the unlikely backdrop to a sequence of tumultuous events that changed the course of Britain’s history, monarchy and religion. Its panelled rooms house fine furniture, tapestries, antiques and an impressive collection of Tudor portraits.

Visit South East England sustainably

We’re really keen to promote sustainable travel to historic houses and gardens across the UK, so we’ve teamed up with the folks at Good Journey , offering car-free alternatives to reaching these stunning historic attractions. We recommend you take a look at their website when planning a trip around the houses and gardens.

...also in Kent

Hole Park, Cranbrook

A less well known but delightful private home, centerpiece of a rural estate situated in the Weald of Kent in a wonderful parkland setting.

The extensive 16 acres of gardens open to the public feature formal lawns with specimen trees and extensive yew topiary with statuary and herbaceous borders within. An interesting feature is the standard form wisteria in the Vineyard.

Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford

Set within 120 acres of beautiful Kent Countryside, Lullingstone Castle is one of England’s oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Domesday. The present Manor House and Gatehouse dating from 1497 have been home to the Hart Dyke family ever since.

Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham

We’re most well-known for our spectacular 10 acre Edwardian gardens featuring a topiary garden, rock and water garden, arboretum and rose garden.

We also have a fabulous grass maze, planted with ornamental grasses and herbaceous perennials. We are home to an extensive collection of spring bulbs, trees and shrubs including Rhododendrons, many types of Camelias and Magnolias.

Penshurst Place, Tonbridge

Penshurst Place has been home to the Sidney family since 1552 making it one of the oldest family-owned estates in England.

Surrounded by 11 acres of walled formal gardens and housing one of the few surviving medieval Baronial Halls in England, Penshurst Place is an historical gem in the Weald of Kent countryside. The stately home and gardens were once used as a hunting lodge for King Henry VIII, and now feature beautiful staterooms and grounds that are frequently showcased in popular TV and film productions.

Restoration House, Rochester

Restoration House is the amalgamation of two medieval buildings which were combined in the late 16th or early 17th-century to create a mansion house just outside the city wall of Rochester.

Over the past ten years the present owners have uncovered various parts of the decorative scheme which were  the “run up” for King Charles II’s visit on the eve of his Restoration to the throne. These provide fascinating examples of fashionable mid-17th century Continental taste seen through provincial eyes at a time when such innovations had been quashed by Cromwell.

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks

170 years of continual planting by six generations of the same family has created a rich and valuable plant collection for visitors to enjoy at Riverhill.

The gardens are an intriguing mix of historic and traditional planting, with contemporary and quirky twists, making it a fascinating ‘must visit’ garden for families and garden lovers alike.

London and Middlesex

Fulham Palace, Fulham

Discover the historic home of the Bishops of London at Fulham Palace. The Palace sits beside the Thames in Fulham and reflects the 1,300 years of occupation by the Bishops.

Take a stroll through 13 acres of botanic garden, with a peaceful walled garden at its centre. Admire the 500 year old holm oak and the new Compton beds, grown with varieties originally brought to the Palace in the 1700s.

Grove House, Roehampton Lane

Grade II* Georgian House which is closed to the public but available for private hire.

Set in fifteen acres of parkland with original Georgian and Victorian features including a large lake, mausoleum, grotto and sham bridge. The gardens are open to the public free of charge.

Spencer House, St James' Place

From its conception, Spencer House was recognised as one of the most sumptuous private residences ever built in London and a building of unique importance in the history of English architecture.

Designed by John Vardy and James ‘Athenian’ Stuart, the State Rooms are amongst the first neo-classical interiors in Europe. The House has regained the full splendour of its eighteenth-century appearance after a painstaking ten-year restoration under the Chairmanship of Lord Rothschild.

Syon House, Brentford

The London home of the Duke of Northumberland, whose family were granted the former monastic site at the end of the 16th-century.

The Tudor mansion was remodelled by Robert Adam for the 1st Duke in 1760’s and the interiors are an architectural tour de force – the great hall may be Adam’s finest classical work.

The Charterhouse, Smithfield

Set in the heart of Clerkenwell, the Charterhouse has been living the Nation’s history since 1348.

Initially a Black Death burial ground, the site became home to the largest Carthusian monastery in the world until it was brutally dissolved in 1537 when 16 monks became proto-martyrs of the Reformation.

The Queen's House, Greenwich

Commissioned in 1616 by Anne of Denmark, wife of James I, the Queen’s House is the first purely classical building in Britain and represents a turning point in english architecture.

Designed by Inigo Jones as a private royal retreat, it was completed in 1638 after Charles I had given the House to his queen, Henrietta Maria.

Oxfordshire

Ardington House, Wantage

Ardington House is a Georgian masterpiece which we invite you to make your own for the most special of occasions.

Set in its own extensive gardens and parkland, Ardington House is a listed stately home, built in 1720 with an emphasis on perfect symmetry and natural light throughout.

Blenheim Palace Park, Woodstock

With its own special place in Britain’s history, Blenheim Palace is a true national treasure which brings wonder, delight and discovery to all who visit.

Home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, this masterpiece of 18th century baroque architecture boasts over 300 years of history.

Broughton Castle, Banbury

Broughton Castle is a moated and fortified manor house near Banbury in North Oxfordshire.

Set in parkland and built of the rich local Hornton ironstone, it was selected by Simon Jenkins as one of only twenty to be awarded five stars in his book England’s Thousand Best Houses.

Hook Norton Brewery, Banbury

Brewing since 1849, Hook Norton Brewery is a proudly independent family owned, fifth generation brewery based in the heart of the Cotswold Hills.We take the very best of our handcrafted brewing heritage and combine it with a thoroughly modern approach, to create a range of cask, keg and bottled core ales, seasonals and one off unique brews.

Brewing on the same site for over a century and a half; still housed in the original buildings, Hook Norton invite you to come and experienced the unique sights, sounds and smells of a historic brewery at work and share in our passion and commitment to beer.

Kingston Bagpuize House, near Abingdon

Kingston Bagpuize House remains a family home. Surrounded by garden and parkland this beautiful early Georgian style house is in red brick with stone quoins, banding and window surrounds.

The entrance hall is dominated by the handsome cantilever staircase. The elegant reception rooms have period furniture and paintings.

Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames

Stonor Park has been the Stonor family’s residence for 850 years making it one of the oldest family homes still lived in today.

Discover art and treasures collected from across the globe and view historic maps and documents that reveal generations of service to the country. A stroll through this house is a vivid walk through history.

Limnerslease, Compton

In 1889, seeking a winter retreat from their Holland Park house and studio and wishing to escape the smogs of London that caused George’s bad health, G F and Mary Watts stayed with friends in Compton.

They quickly decided that this picturesque village nestled in the Surrey hills would make the ideal location for their own autumn/winter residence.

Loseley Park, Guildford

Loseley House is situated only a short distance from London in acres of rolling parkland with views that have changed very little in 500 years. The house is a fine example of Elizabethan architecture featuring many fine works of art. Loseley was built as a family home and it still remains so.

Hospitality is a family tradition and we take pride in opening our estate, house and gardens to visitors as well as for weddings, corporate events, country fairs and artisan shows.

Painshill Park, Cobham

Painshill is a beautiful award-winning 18th century landscape garden in Surrey.

The 158 acre wonderland has something for everyone and makes a great family day out. Discover the mystical follies, historic plantings, the John Bartram Heritage Collection of North American trees and shrubs (Plant Heritage, NCCPG), and some of Surrey’s amazing wildlife.

The Garth, Lingfield

The origins of The Garth, also known as The Garth Pleasure Grounds, go back to 1729 when the Lingfield parish drew up a contract, with a local carpenter Thomas Stanford, to build a new workhouse at a cost of £290. It provided basic schooling for boys making shoes, hats, bonnets and waistcoats.

The garden at the Garth covers 9 acres and was designed in 1919 by a distinguished historic Arts and Crafts buildings and landscape architect Walter H Godfrey (1881-1961).

Titsey Place, Oxted

Titsey Place in Oxted, Surrey is an impressive manor house with beautiful gardens set in the stunning countryside of the North Downs.

The House and Gardens are held in Charitable Trust and for part of the year are open to the public offering guided tours of the house which dates back to the 16th century and stunning gardens, including the walled kitchen gardens, landscaped lakes, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Rose Garden.

Vann, near Godalming

The Historic England Registered Garden is some 5-acres, maintained with three days help.

It surrounds and complements a historic family home dating from the 16 century, giving a series of garden rooms of great variety, from the formal old “cottage garden” at the front with delightfully informal planting, to a robust pergola of Bargate stone by W.D.Caröe.

West Sussex

Arundel Castle Gardens, Arundel

Set high on a hill, this great castle commands the local Sussex landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and the River Arun. From its 11th-century Norman Keep to the grandeur of its State Rooms with their stunning art and the glorious gardens, Arundel Castle will appeal to a wide range of visitors.

Gardens and grounds free to members. Closed Mondays. Free entry not valid on event days.

Borde Hill Gardens, Haywards Heath

Borde Hill features the delightful Azalea Ring and Rhododendron Gardens, Rose Garden and scenic Italian Garden, plus subtropical dells and ruins of Old Potting Sheds.

Beyond the Garden visitors can enjoy beautiful woodland walks, lakeside strolls or explore the grade II* listed parkland. Children can let off steam in the adventure playground and dogs on leads are welcome. Events throughout the season include horticultural talks and family activities during the school holidays.

Goodwood House, Chichester

Goodwood House, home to the Dukes of Richmond for over 300 years, is open to the public for 60 days a year.

The Regency State Apartments house some astonishing treasures including celebrated paintings by horse artist George Stubbs and Canaletto’s stunning views of the City of London. An extensive Sevres porcelain service is also on show, together with French tapestries, fine furniture, and fascinating objects.

High Beeches Garden, Handcross

A hidden gem in the High Weald of Sussex, High Beeches is a botanical treasure trove planted with many rare trees and shrubs.

There is much to see at every season: In spring the magnolias and camellias are under planted with swathes of daffodils and the woodland glades and vistas are,in early summer, carpeted with bluebells and filled with the colour and fragrance of the many rhododendrons and azaleas.

Parham House, Pulborough

Parham is a traditional stone E-shaped Elizabethan mansion, built in 1557. Idyllically set in the heart of an ancient deer park, below the South Downs, the Elizabethan house contains an important collection of needlework, paintings and furniture.

Parham has always been a well-loved family home, and only three families have lived here since its foundation stone was laid.

St Mary's House, Bramber

Enchanting medieval timber-framed house in the pretty downland village of Bramber, with fine panelled interiors and five acres of beautiful gardens.

St Mary’s has a unique Elizabethan ‘Painted Room’ with trompe l’oeil murals. Visitors admire its picturesque charm and enjoy its atmosphere of friendliness and welcome.

Explore other UK regions

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9 Great Places To Visit Near London

London’s a great place to visit, but it would be a shame if you didn’t also grab the chance to see a bit of what else England has to offer whilst you’re there. Here’s our list of places we’d visit.

Each idea is meant to be able to be done as a day trip although you can, of course, spend longer there.

We’ve also included ideas for a range of age groups and interest – families with kids, culture vultures and the like – and so there should be something for everyone here.

( This post was updated in January 2023 )

Table of Contents

The internationally renowned seat of learning is also extremely pretty.

The University is actually a collection of about 40 colleges, each its own distinct ethos – some are new, whereas others are over 800 years old – but the prettiest are within a mile radius of the center.

Explore some of these colleges, punt on the river or just wander around soaking up all that history and learning…

Oxford’s an hour on the train from Paddington Station in London.

Update: We recently published a post focusing on Oxford here>>> 10 Must See Sites In Oxford

2. Stonehenge

If you think Oxford’s old then you’ll think it positively juvenile compared to Stonehenge, reckoned to be over 5000 years old.

Comprising huge blocks of stone arranged in a circle in the middle of Salisbury Plain, it is one of the most recognisable monuments in the world.

It’s a bit tricky to get there given its remote location.

However its a short drive from London – or you could take one of the many tours from London.

3. Legoland

A change of take: this is one for the kids (and big kids).

Legoland is a short trip west of London – there are several coach operators such as Golden Tours – and will suit kids of all ages.

4. Cambridge

Given we’ve listed Oxford, it would be unfair not to mention its arch rival Cambridge.

If anything it’s even prettier than Oxford and quieter – Oxford a reasonably sized city whereas Cambridge is much smaller in relation to the university.

There are frequent rail services from Kings Cross station.

5. Stratford Upon Avon

One for the more culturally inclined.

Stratford Upon Avon was the home town of William Shakespeare. You can visit his actual birthplace and where he lived with his wife, Anne Hathaway (no, not that one).

It’s also the home of the world famous Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and so you can always catch a play whilst you’re there.

6. Bletchley Park

Fans of the movie ‘The Imitation Game’ will know that Bletchley Park was where codebreakers – especially the genius Alan Turing – broke the German Enigma code during the second world war. This allowed the Allies to spy on German naval communications.

The Bletchley park trust now does a great job of explaining how it was done – great for scientifically mided older children.

Again, it’s a short train ride from London.

7. Windsor Castle

Windsor was Queen’s favourite castle – she stayed there often – and also one of the most accessible.

Windsor itself is a beautiful place to visit, but the highlight is the castle itself, available for tours.

Here’s our post on the castle: Windsor Castle

Another beautiful place, Bath in Somerset has been a spa town – renowned for its mineral water, well, baths – since Roman times. Indeed one of the major attractions is the well preserved Roman baths which can be toured year round.

In later years it become one of the best sites of Georgian architecture – be sure to visit the streets around the Royal Crescent for great examples of this popular building style.

Here our post on this lovely town>>> Bath

9. Cotswolds

No trip to England could be considered complete without a trip to its beautiful countryside, shaped by thousands of years of human activity- especially farming.

One of the best examples is the Cotswolds, gentle rolling hills dotted with pretty villages built with the local Cotswold sandstone.

Update – we just published a post focusing on the best places to visit in the Cotswolds .

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7 Magnificent Castles near London you must visit (+ map & tips)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 13, 2023

Do you want to explore an English castle? In this article discover 7 of the most magnificent English castles near London plus tips to help plan your visit.

With so many magnificent castles to visit in the UK the hardest decision can be deciding which one to visit? In this article, you will discover 7 of the best castles near London.

Each of these English castles is within easy reach of the capital either by train, car, or tour. I have included information about how to get to the castle from London using each of these methods.

Many of the castles belong to English Heritage . If you are visiting from outside the UK it may be cost-effective to purchase an overseas visitors pass if you are planning to visit a number of English Heritage Properties. Click here to find out more about the pass.

Are you are looking for inspiration for day trips from London? Our guide to the 17 best day trips to take from London has all the practical information and tips you need to choose and plan your day.

If you would like to engage the services of a private driver guide for tours of South East England (with tour options including Hever Castle, Leeds Castle, and Dover Castle) we recommend John England Tours . John is a professional tour guide who provides personalised private day tours and will ensure you have a memorable day experiencing an authentic England that many visitors miss. Click here for more information about John England Tours.

Dover Castle

Arundel castle, highclere castle, windsor castle, leeds castle, hever castle, warwick castle, enjoy your visit to these english castles near london, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

7 best castles near London to add to your itinerary

The first castle you visit from your list of castle day trips from London should unquestionably be Dover Castle. Nicknamed the “Key to England”, Dover Castle has served as the gateway to the English realm for over nine centuries. The history of the castle’s location, however, goes back even further — at least 2,000 years.

Today, it is the largest unoccupied castle in the UK and is a towering symbol of English strength from its perch overlooking the English Channel. It is 90 minutes from London but a mere 21 miles from France, underscoring the castle’s strategic location.

William the Conqueror began construction of the castle shortly after his successful invasion in 1066. In the 1180s, Henry II added outer walls and a keep to the castle. Over the years, the castle evolved and expanded to meet the changing needs of tactics and warfare. Visitors will delight in the drama of its high towers, rugged stone walls and sweeping views.

Make sure to see the Roman lighthouse on the grounds, one of the oldest landmarks on the property. In the castle itself, don’t miss climbing to the Great Tower, where royalty once received dignitaries and conducted diplomacy and political intrigue.

If you dare, take a tour of the dungeons and imagine all of the souls who once lingered there. Don’t forget about the tunnels snaking below the castle walls. There are eerie medieval passages as well as more modern tunnels built to protect the castle during the Napoleonic Wars. During WWII, these spaces were turned into air raid shelters and underground command centres.

When visiting Dover Castle, make sure you’re adequately prepared for a lot of walking and stair climbing. There is ample outdoor space to explore around the castle but beware — it can get very windy up on those cliffs, so maybe save the fussy up-do for another day.

Member of English Heritage? Yes – click here to join

How to get to Dover Castle from London

By train – From London St Pancras International or London Victoria to Dover Priory train station. 26-minute walk to the castle.

By road – 1 hour 35 minutes via M2 and A2 (76 miles)

By tour – From London take a day tour which includes Dover Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and the White Cliffs of Dover

In West Sussex, 65 miles south of London, is Arundel Castle, one of the more awe-inspiring castles close to London. For the last 850 years, it has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors. It was built at the top of a manmade hill by the Earl of Arundel — Roger de Montgomery — in 1068.

The castle is known for its round towers, gothic windows and sweeping views of the South Downs and River Arun. In the late 19th century, the castle was converted into a country home, which is difficult to imagine when you visit and see its epic scale. The owners modernized the castle and made it one of the first to have electricity and central heating.

Today, the castle is open to visitors who will enjoy exploring the well-tended formal gardens as well as the greenhouses and vegetable patches. Inside, they’ll find works of art and extravagant furnishings. There’s also a collection of armour and some of the personal possessions of Mary Queen of Scots.

Don’t miss the oldest part of the castle, the ancient motte and keep. It’s a circular fortress atop a 100-foot-high artificial mound and was the strongest point in the castle.

You can climb up the steps and imagine what it must have been like all those years ago watching for invaders intent on your destruction. The views of the countryside from atop the keep are simply breathtaking.

On the western side of the grounds, visit the 14th century Fitzalan Chapel, a lovely example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. As with most medieval castles near London, visitors should plan to pre-book their tickets and make sure to check the website for any special events like combat demonstrations or historical talks.

Parking is a short walk away but if there are any members of your party with mobility issues, they will provide a golf cart to take them to the gardens.

Member of English Heritage? No

How to get to Arundel Castle from London

By train – London Victoria to Arundel. 18-minute walk to the castle.

By road – 1 hour 35 mins from London via A3 and A283 (65 miles)

By tour – Take your own chauffeur-driven limousine to Arundel Castle and Brighton on this luxury tour option.

Highclere Castle will of course be familiar to fans of the period drama Downton Abbey. Tours of Highclere include many of the rooms familiar from Downton Abbey which is perfect for lovers of this popular British TV show.

Home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon the estate dates back to 749 The castle as we see it today was created in 1842 by Sir Charles Berry (who also designed the Houses of Parliament )

Highclere Castle is also famous as the former residence of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. Those with an interest in Egyptian history will immediately recognise his connection with the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. Tours of Highclere include time to explore the Egyptian Exhibition which features a reproduction of Tutankhamun’s magnificent sarcophagus.

Highclere Castle is the venue for many tours and events throughout the year including their popular ‘Real lives and Film Sets Guided Tour’

If you wish to visit Highclere Castle it is important to book tickets as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.

Read more – Complete guide to visiting Highclere Castle

How to get to Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) from London

By train – 50 minutes from London Paddington to Newbury station (5 miles from the castle) Take a taxi from the station (£15 – £20 one way)

By road – 1 hour 26 minutes via M3 (62 miles)

By tour – Take a Downton Abbey and Village Small-Group Tour from London

If you see only one castle while you are in the UK, it should probably be Windsor Castle near London. It’s not only the Queen’s second home after Buckingham Palace , but it’s a museum of English history and culture that is not to be missed.

Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has seen 900 years of history and has been the home to over 39 monarchs. It is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Plan to spend at least several hours during your visit — the place is huge!

The castle sits on 13 acres and has magnificent grounds, stunning architecture and immaculately manicured gardens. Visitors will be treated to a tour of the state apartments which are used by the Queen and Royal Family to receive everyone from local dignitaries and heads of state to everyday men and women being honoured. The staterooms are extravagantly decorated and contain seemingly endless historical treasures.

The royal art collection housed in Windsor Castle is second to none, as is Queen Mary’s Doll House. An amazing study of life in Edwardian England, it’s made to a precise 1:12 scale and has running water, electric lights, original art and literature created specifically for the dollhouse by the age’s most celebrated personalities.

Don’t forget to visit St. George’s Chapel—it’s a glorious gothic cathedral. Take it all in when you’re there — photography inside is forbidden. The chapel is open every day except Sunday.

No visit to Windsor Castle would be complete without watching the changing of the guards. During April through July, the changing of the guards happens at precisely 11:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday. August through March, it is every other day, so you may want to check online before you visit to make sure you don’t miss it.

A visit to Wndsor Castle is one of our top day trips to take by train from London .

Read more – Complete guide to visiting Windsor Castle

How to get to Windsor Castle from London

By train – London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (55 minutes)

By road – 46 minutes via M4 (23 miles)

By tour – If you prefer to take an escorted tour this half-day tour by coach from London is a great option.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to travel all the way to the northern part of England to visit Leeds Castle. It’s really just an hour south of London, near Maidstone in Kent.

Of all the castles around London, Leeds Castle is the most rural. It is named after the small village of Leeds and is set on two islands in a lake formed by the River Len. Its rural location adds to its picturesque quality —no wonder it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in the UK.

It was built by the Normans and eventually became a royal castle beginning in the 13th century. Eventually, Henry VIII took it on as a remodelling project when he needed a residence for his new wife, Catherine of Aragon. Later, it went on to become a Jacobean country house and even later it became a Georgian mansion.

Leeds Castle was handed down through various generations until the death of the last owner, the Hon. Olive, Lady Baillie. In 1974, the castle and 500 hundred acres of land were bequeathed to the nation. Today, it is a popular tourist site known for its history and romantic beauty.

There are plenty of guides on site who are knowledgeable and friendly and will happily answer questions about the history of the property.

One of the most popular features of this castle is the maze. Fun for all ages, the maze is made up of over 2,400 tightly packed yew trees formed into a large square. Navigate the twists and turns until you find the surprise at the centre. Spoiler alert! It’s a passage to descend into the earth and exit through a mysterious underground grotto.

The grounds are lovely and include a children’s play area as well as a birds of prey exhibit that everyone will enjoy.

How to get to Leeds Castle from London

By train – London Victoria to Hollingbourne (2 miles from Leeds Castle)

By car – 1 hour via M20 (40 miles)

By tour – Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Dover are included in this full-day tour from London.

Hever Castle can be found in the village of Hever, in Kent, 30 miles south east of London.

It’s unlike the other, more formidable castles outside of London in that Hever Castle began life as a 13th-century country house — albeit one with a gatehouse and walled bailey.

Over the years, the dwelling expanded, adding the moat, the Great Hall and the towers. Eventually, it became the seat for England’s famous Boleyn family. Young Anne Boleyn grew up there, long before she became the unfortunate second wife of Henry VIII and mother to Queen Elizabeth I.

A few years after Henry had Anne Boleyn arrested for treason and subsequently dispatched, his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, took possession of Hever Castle and owned it up until her death.

Since then, it has been passed down through 37 owners from 13 different families. In 1903, William Waldorf Astor bought the property and spent five years restoring the interior and the grounds.

Today’s visitors will be treated not only to an impressive castle but will enjoy the gorgeous 125-acre property that boasts a lovely lake, tranquil gardens and an array of charming topiary.

There’s also a double moat, which is rare among medieval castles. The walk up to the castle’s vine-covered entrance across the drawbridge is stunning, as the is rather intimidating portcullis.

Inside the castle are plenty of historical artefacts relating to the Tudors, as well as to the entire 700-year history of the castle. Bring the kids because they’ll enjoy interacting with the staff, many of whom are dressed in period costumes.

Some of the castles near London to visit welcome picnickers and Hever Castle is no exception. Pack a lunch and plan to spend the day enjoying the lovely rural setting. The castle is open daily but check online for any scheduling changes.

How to get to Hever Castle from London

By train – London Victoria or London Bridge to Edenbridge Town. Taxi for 3 miles to castle.

By road – 1 hour via A2 and M25 (39 miles)

One of the most family-friendly castles to visit near London is Warwick Castle. It has a long and colourful history that is presented in an appealing way using a variety of actors in period costumes.

In 1068, soon after his successful invasion of England, William the Conqueror ordered Warwick Castle’s construction in the small country town of Warwickshire. A rather primitive wooden motte-and-bailey structure was erected but later, during the Hundred Years War, the castle was expanded and refortified with stone.

Today, Warwick Castle is one of the best castles to visit near London because its façade is a perfect example of 14th-century military architecture. It simply looks like a quintessential castle.

It’s amazingly well preserved and offers a wide variety of attractions that are perfect for a family day of historical fun. There is a birds of prey show called Falconer’s Quest that features expert training and aerobatic demonstrations using many of their 60 magnificent birds. When that’s done, wander along the grounds and you may see bowmen demonstrating their remarkable archery skills.

Also, for those who enjoy medieval weaponry, don’t miss the perfect replica of a medieval trebuchet. It’s huge and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to witness them launching it, which is really something to see.

Inside the castle itself, you can visit the Great Hall and staterooms which have been historically recreated in painstaking detail.

Warwick Castle is less than a two-hour drive from London but well worth the trip. The castle is situated on a scenic bend of the River Avon and the gorgeous countryside and grounds make going there feels like a true getaway.

Make sure to book your tickets well in advance and check the website for any additional events like medieval banquets or drive-in cinema days.

Member of English Heritage? Yes (50% discount for members) Click here to join.

How to get to Warwick Castle from London

By train – London Marylebone to Warwick Station takes 1 hour 45 minutes

By road – 2 hours via M40

By tour – Combine Oxford, Stratford Upon Avon, Cotswolds, and a visit to Warwick Castle on this full-day tour from London

With so many castles to visit in the UK (an incredible 300 medieval castles remain in England alone!) these 7 will give you a taste of the best to see near London.

There are many other beautiful castles in England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland to include in your itinerary and my regional guides detail some of the best.

If you want to spend a night or two in a castle there are many options to choose from in the UK including

• Top 5 castle hotels in Wales
• 8 Fairytale castle hotels in Scotland
• 18 Beautiful Castles to visit in Scotland

Are you planning a trip to the UK? Check out my UK travel planning guide with essential resources to help you plan your perfect trip.

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 25 Best Things To Do In London (England)

25 Best Things To Do In London (England)

Attracting 27 million visitors every year, London is the most visited city in Europe. It’s no surprise that London is top of so many people’s travel plans: the city was founded by the Romans and has thrived over the centuries.

Today, London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with a rich history and some of the most outstanding culture on the planet.

The City of London is the ancient center of London but is actually the smallest city in England . The London that we’re familiar with covers a much wider metropolitan area and is home to almost 9 million people.

Split into the vibrant and distinctive areas of North, West, South and East London – as well as the commercial and tourist hub of Central London – every district has its own recognizable neighborhoods. There is always something to see and do in London. With some of the world’s best art, entertainment, shopping, dining, and history, it’s impossible to be bored in London.

Let’s explore the best things to do in London :

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is possibly the most famous park in London, and it is one of the largest. The park has historical significance, having hosted a number of demonstrations and protests including protests by the Suffragettes.

The park’s famous Speaker’s Corner is still occupied by debates, protests, and performance artists every week. The park is home to several memorial features, as well as two bodies of water, the most famous being the Serpentine. Here you can go paddle-boating, see a number of swans, and take in a breath of fresh air in the center of the city. A must-visit.

Want to see it from above? Try the London: Helicopter Flight Experience

2. Westminster

Westminster is considered the political hub of London and is home to the Houses of Parliament and the world-famous Big Ben. Big Ben is the name of the bell housed within the iconic clock tower, and it still chimes every hour.

You can also find Westminster Abbey here, which is open to the public most days. Whilst visiting these landmarks, be sure to rest your feet in Parliament Square which features statues of important political individuals including Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill.

Book online : Westminster Abbey Entrance Ticket

Camden is a well-known cultural neighborhood in north London. Known for its alternative culture, the crowds here are filled with goths, punks, rockabillies and tourists alike. Camden has a vibrant body mod community and you will find a number of piercing and tattoo shops in this part of town.

Camden Market is eclectic and diverse, featuring street food from international cuisines, and lots of stalls selling trinkets and unique artwork to take home. Rummage through vintage clothing racks, find a used book to take on your travels, or visit one of the city’s best vegan bakeries at Cookies And Scream.

After your shopping spree, stroll down to Camden Lock to relax by Regent’s Canal or walk along the water all the way to King’s Cross.

Related tour : Regent’s Canal Waterbus Little Venice & Camden Town

4. London Eye

A trip to London isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic London Eye. Originally constructed to celebrate the millennium, the Eye is a giant ferris wheel offering gorgeous views across the city. At night, the wheel is lit up in seasonal colors and is the centerpiece of London’s annual New Year’s fireworks display.

You can share one of the spacious pods with other keen visitors, or splurge on a private pod for you and someone special. Team your visit to the Eye with a trip to the adjacent London Aquarium to see aquatic creatures from around the world, including jellyfish, seahorses and crocodiles.

Book online : The London Eye Tickets

Soho has long been known as the base of London’s sex industry. The area is now the most popular nightlife spot although there are still some sex shops dotted here and there, giving Soho a delightfully risqué vibe. Soho is often considered the center of the city’s LGBTQ* community with plenty of gay and lesbian bars to check out after the sun goes down.

In addition to bars and clubs, Soho has a number of theaters, jazz bars and restaurants to explore, making it a cultural hotspot. Its close proximity to Leicester Square means it’s also a great place to go for a few drinks after a play or stage show.

During the day, Soho loses none of its charm. Here you’ll find lots of music shops, small cafes and quaint bakeries. Stop for a coffee and pastry on Old Compton Street for perfect people-watching.

Take a tour : Piccadilly and Soho Beer Bike Tour

6. Shoreditch

Shoreditch is one of the trendiest areas of London having recently undergone extensive regeneration. It is now one of the hottest nightlife spots in the city and one of the coolest places to stay in London.

Packed full of bars and eateries, it’s the perfect place to spend a day and an evening. Check out Trapeze, a circus-themed bar that serves endlessly inventive drinks out of popcorn tub-style cups.

For pop culture lovers, there’s Far Rockaway, a chilled bar and restaurant filled with comic books, band posters and a regular 90s night. Or visit the Blues Kitchen for a blues night accompanied by sticky ribs and other American staples.

Available tour : Jack the Ripper walking tour

7. Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is one of the largest parks in London, covering a massive 790 acres. It sits atop of one of the highest points in London, offering excellent views of the city from Parliament Hill.

The Heath features grassy fields, wooded areas, and a number of large ponds. It is the best place to experience nature in London with plenty of wildlife around and small woods in which to get lost.

There are swimming lidos for those feeling brave enough to swim outdoors in the great British weather. For history buffs, visit Kenwood House, a historical stately home that is known for its curated art collection.

Interactive tour : Hampstead Self-Guided Walking Discovery Game

The BFI – or British Film Institute – is a must-see for film lovers. The BFI is situated on the ever-popular Southbank and is the perfect spot to relax after a stroll along the waterfront taking in the culture and atmosphere of this vibrant part of the city.

The BFI show films every day, from mainstream blockbusters to reshowings of cult classics to one-off screenings of indie hits. There is also a library and shop for those who like to take their cinema seriously. The BFI also houses its own bar and riverfront restaurant for a delicious meal or to chat about the latest film releases over some drinks.

9. Thames Cruise

The Thames is the lifeblood of London, bringing industry to the city for centuries. It is England’s longest river, leading into the North Sea at its end. It has been the base for settlements since prehistoric times, and was a strategic importance to the Romans and English Kings, as well as during both World Wars.

There are a number of companies in London offering cruises across the Thames. Cruises run as regularly as every 30 minutes from several key locations. The cruises pass several key sightseeing locations, including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.

Some cruises run at night so you can see the sights all lit up, whilst others are served with a meal or afternoon tea. This is a lovely and unique way to view the city, traveling along the historic Thames.

Check out this list of cruises you can book online.

10. Baker Street

One of the cultural staples of London is Baker Street, best known as the street that Arthur Conan Doyle’s infamous detective Sherlock Holmes lived on.

Today you can find a Sherlock Holmes museum near the Underground station, especially popular after the BBC revival ‘Sherlock’.

Madame Tussauds is just around the corner, the internationally-famous wax museum where you can pose with your favorite celebrities.

Afterwards, escape the crowds of Baker Street in the nearby Regent’s Park, or by climbing Primrose Hill for London’s most spectacular view of the city.

11. Brixton Academy

For those on a hunt for live music, London has thousands of unique venues to offer. Venues span every niche or you can just go to an open night at a local pub and see some up-and-coming musicians. One of the best venues in town, though, is Brixton Academy in south London.

The Academy was originally a theater and cinema called the Astoria, opened in 1929. Fifty years later, the venue became the Academy and now hosts some of the biggest rock and pop acts in the world.

Some acts that have played at Brixton Academy include The Clash, Sex Pistols, New Order and Madonna. The Smiths played their final ever performance at Brixton Academy. This is the go-to music venue if you want to catch some live music in London.

The O2 Arena was originally constructed in celebration of the millennium, under the name of ‘the Millennium Dome’. It once acted as exhibition center with various exhibits and hands-on activities aimed primarily at children.

Today, it is a premier destination for live music and stage shows, hosting the biggest names in entertainment on a regular basis. It also houses a cinema as well as various bars and restaurants featuring cuisines from all over the world.

The O2 is an ideal spot to hang out with friends. If you’re seeking some adventure, try climbing to the top of the O2. On these guided walks, you can climb along the dome to the roof where you will witness beautiful views of the city. Afterwards, take the Emirates Air Line across the water. The Air Line is a cable car link offering an exciting and unique view of the city.

Top rated (most booked) tour: Climb The Roof of The O2 Arena

Another great way to explore the nightlife of London is this top rated London Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour

13. Brick Lane

Brick Lane was made famous by the book and film adaptation of the same title. As the book’s narrative made clear, Brick Lane is the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community. An incredibly diverse neighborhood, Brick Lane features road signs in both English and Bengali, and is well-known for its abundance of curry houses.

This is the perfect spot to find something spicy to eat but be sure to go to one of the many sweet shops for some authentic South Asian desserts. The area also features a number of trendy bars as well as regular marketplaces, attracting a young and fashionable crowd.

For an art fix, head around the corner to find Whitechapel Gallery – or hunt down the many pieces of street art on Brick Lane and its neighboring streets.

14. Chinatown

London’s Chinatown can be found around Gerrard Street, sandwiched between Soho and Leicester Square. With its Chinese lanterns and eye-catching red arches, it’s difficult to miss this vibrant neighborhood. Filled with authentic Asian restaurants as well as supermarkets and secret bars, there is always something new to explore in Chinatown. For a slice of genuine Asian cuisine, try the HK Diner for delicious roast duck, good service, and big portions. They also serve bubble tea, an Asian trend that has recently swept across the city!

15. Electric Avenue

Electric Avenue is a street in Brixton, south London, famous because it was the first market street in London to be lit by electricity. It spawned the #1 song by Eddy Grant and has been the center of some parts of London history, including the Brixton race riots in 1981. Today, Electric Avenue is home to Brixton Market, a diverse and eclectic food market.

Afterwards, check out the rest of the neighborhood. Brixton features a multitude of small businesses selling unique, quirky and handmade items. This is one of the most diverse areas of London and an excellent spot to do some shopping or catch some live music.

16. Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is instantly recognizable, a square filled with bright lights and big electronic screens. Piccadilly Circus has been a busy London spot since the 17th century when it was a commercial hub.

Today it is still the heart of the West End, with easy access from Piccadilly Circus to some of London’s biggest theaters and nightclubs, including the Criterion Theatre. The Statue of Eros in the center of the circus is itself a popular meeting point and tourist destination.

Pay a visit to Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum at Piccadilly Circus to learn some new facts and see the world’s weirdest things. The Trocadero houses a games arcade and some niche shops to satisfy any pop culture cravings.

17. Oxford Street

Oxford Street is not only London’s top spot for shopping but is Europe’s busiest shopping street. It has 300 shops and receives over 500,000 visitors every day.

Shop ‘til you drop in designer stores and internationally-famous department stores like Debenhams and House of Fraser. Selfridges features intricate and beautiful window displays that change with the seasons. These frequently feature interactive windows and work by acclaimed artists.

Around Christmas, the Oxford Street Christmas lights illuminate your shopping sprees and add some glitter to the evenings.

18. Leicester Square

Walk in the footsteps of Hollywood stars by paying a visit to Leicester Square. The square is most famous for hosting film premieres to some of the biggest blockbusters. In fact, the square has been a London hotspot since 1670 and an entertainment center since the 19th century.

The square is surrounded by a number of cinemas with some of the city’s biggest screens, as well as a variety of restaurants. The garden in the center of the square is perfect for cooling off in during the summer or resting your feet after a long day of exploring London.

Visit the Prince Charles Cinema for cult films, singalong screenings, and epic marathon nights. Leicester Square also hosts celebrations for the Chinese New Year where you can see traditional dancing dragons and get lost in the crowds.

19. Galleries

London is an ideal city for art lovers with so many galleries to visit, featuring the best in classic and contemporary art. Most of the city’s galleries are free to visitors, including the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery has something for everyone with work by da Vinci, Turner, van Gogh and Rembrandt on display.

For prolific modern art, visit the Tate Modern on the Southbank. The building itself is a piece of art, towering above the waterfront. Inside, find pieces by Picasso, Klee and Delauney. The gallery also features exciting temporary exhibits on every level of the building making it the perfect place for an art fix.

20. Harrods

Harrods is one of London’s most famous department stores, known particularly for serving the elite and the super-rich. Since opening in 1824, Harrods’ patrons have included Oscar Wilde, Laurence Olivier and the Royal Family.

The luxury is spread across a number of floors, laid out in style through Harrods’ themed halls. The food hall sells indulgent delicacies from fresh meat and cheese to superior marmalades and pates. The Egyptian hall sells fashion in opulent style to make you feel like a pharaoh as you pass through.

At Christmas, Harrods puts together a number of luxury Christmas hampers filled with goodies to make the festivities even more special. Explore the building and get lost while shopping for lavish perfumes, children’s toys, and even pets in London’s most exclusive department store.

21. Platform 9 ¾

King’s Cross is one of the city’s busiest locations with a train station that has been open since 1852 serving much of the country. Recent renovations have given a sleek, modern look to the station – try to find the hidden tunnel with walls that light up with art.

But for many people around the world, King’s Cross is known best for something else: the station that Harry Potter uses to journey to Hogwarts. Now you can visit Platform 9 ¾ in real life, in King’s Cross railway station.

Pose besides a luggage trolley disappearing magically into the wall and have your photo taken to commemorate your wizarding journey forever! Don’t forget to wear house colors.

22. Museums

London is one of the best cities in the world for culture with a number of free museums to enjoy. On Exhibition Road in South Kensington, you can find many museums close together.

Start with the Natural History Museum and pose for a photo with the infamous Diplodocus skeleton in the main hall. Explore the museum and find ancient fossils and stuffed animals including a dodo replica.

Afterwards, go to the Science Museum next door for hands-on activities and to investigate scientific progress throughout the ages.

A short stroll to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) will shift focus to cultural history.

The V&A Museum has artwork on show alongside fashion and living tools from around the world. Here you will find art students diligently sketching the classical statues and ironwork.

Finally, pay a visit to the British Museum where you can see the Rosetta Stone, mummified remains and explore centuries of archaeological discoveries.

The Samsung Digital Discovery Centre is perfect for children, with hundreds of free activities to explore history and culture through modern technology.

23. Bond Street

Bond Street connects to Oxford Street and is a popular shopping district in its own right. Bond Street differs to Oxford Street in its selection of stores, with a much greater focus on the exclusive and the designer. Bond Street is one of the most expensive shopping streets in London and is worth visiting for a taste of the indulgent.

Doormen stand patiently outside many shop entrances. Diamonds glitter in the windows of watchmakers, jeweller’s, and even handbag stores. On this street you will find Tiffany’s, as well as the flagship stores for Cartier and Ralph Lauren.

After a spot of window shopping – or flashing the cash – pose with the ‘Allies’ statue of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt sitting on a bench. Finish your trip to Bond Street by seeking out London’s oldest outdoor sculpture above the entrance to Sotheby’s. This sculpture is from Ancient Egypt and is over 3,000 years old.

24. Buckingham Palace

A trip to London is incomplete without strolling through Green Park to catch a glimpse of Buckingham Palace. The palace has been home to the British Royal Family since 1837. It features 775 rooms and the largest private garden in London.

Some of the palace is open to visitors so you can see a little piece of the royal lifestyle. From outside, watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard. This procedure happens a few times every day and is a great opportunity to witness a historic tradition and the utmost discipline of the Royal Guard – who are all wearing the iconic London bearskin.

25. Explore at Night

London is a vibrant metropolis both during the day and throughout the night. There is always something happening even after dark, from one-off events to club nights. As the sun sets, London’s lights switch on providing the city with a magical illumination.

There are free walking tours that explore the city at night or hop on a night tour bus. See St Paul’s Cathedral lit up after dark or visit the Gothic architecture of Big Ben and Westminster Cathedral. Go to Soho and the West End for buzzing nightlife amongst the big neon signs.

Travel a little further out to Hampstead Heath for a spot of stargazing or see Hyde Park at night where bats are frequently sighted. Finally, after a long day and night exploring one of the best cities in the world, visit Polo Bar at Liverpool Street for 24/7 greasy spoon dining.

25 Best Things To Do In London (England):

• Westminster
• Hampstead Heath
• Thames Cruise
• Baker Street
• Brixton Academy
• Electric Avenue
• Piccadilly Circus
• Oxford Street
• Leicester Square
• Platform 9 ¾
• Bond Street
• Buckingham Palace
• Explore at Night

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Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty near London to discover nature

Sure, London’s a stunner, but check out these rolling meadows, ancient forests and serene stretches of coastline, all within easy reach of the city

London might be filled with a tonne of  pretty parks ,   flower-filled gardens   and   walks , but sometimes you just can't beat getting out the city for some much needed fresh air. Luckily, there are some stunning places to enjoy nature near London to choose from. So many, in fact, that it can be tricky to decide where to go.  That’s where Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (or, as they're currently being rebranded, National Landscapes) come in. These verdant areas are given special conservation laws to limit development and preserve their natural beauty. In other words they’re quiet, pretty, and perfect places to take a hike.

There are 46 AONBs across Britain, and a handful of these are within just a few hours journey of the capital. Take a look through our list of places to enjoy nature near London and start planning your great escape.  Put that gorpcore to good use!

RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from London

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty near London

Isle of wight.

What is it? A pretty island of chalk cliffs, meadows and sandy bays.

Why go?  Sun seekers take note: the Isle of Wight is consistently among the sunniest places in the UK – the seaside resort of Ventnor even has its own microclimate. Aside from blue skies, the island has loads to do, including llama walks , cool gin bars and a steam railway which cruises through the countryside. 

Don’t miss: Get better acquainted with the stunning white cliffs on the Chalk Ridge Extreme cycle route. Not for the faint hearted, put your leg muscles to the test climbing some of the island's steepest hills. 

Stay here: Tiny Homes owners Helen and Frazer Cunningham are the proud creators of these adorable wooden houses, complete with wood-burning stoves and composting toilets. What’s more, the retreats are solar-powered and sleep up to four people. Cosy. 

Get there: One hour 30 minutes by train from Waterloo Station, plus ten minutes by bus and 25 minutes by boat.

What is it? A charming medieval landscape with a lively events calendar.

Why go? Whether you want to wander the pretty woodland walks, scale the sandstone crags of Harrison’s Rocks, or pedal along the 22km of cycle tracks in Bedgebury Forest, High Weald packs a lot into its patch of south east England. Despite enjoying a relaxed pace of life, the area also has a bumper line up of events throughout the year, from a popular walking festival to vineyard tours . 

Don’t miss: A trip along the Spa Valley Railway . Steam train experiences include murder mysteries and afternoon tea, all while being  hauled through the picturesque countryside by a steam or diesel engine. 

Stay here: Cabins don’t get much cuter than those nestled in the 40 acres of gardens belonging to Swallowtail Hill . Choose from the fairytale Meadow Keeper’s Cottage, complete with log burner and stable door, or the luxe Roundhouse with a wood-fired hot tub. 

Get there: Around 45 minutes from London Bridge to Tunbridge Wells, which has bus services out into the High Weald countryside. 

Surrey Hills

What is it? A pretty patch of verdant countryside that’s surprisingly easy to reach from London. 

Why go? Even the reluctant day-tripper can get on board with the Surrey Hills, a convenient green getaway that visitors can reach in under an hour. The area goes big on walking and trail running – both of which make the most of outstanding scenery. There’s a huge choice of destinations on offer, but for starters, go for Box Hill and follow the three-mile butterfly walk.

Don’t miss: The Georgian market town of Dorking is the perfect base to explore the surrounding hills. There’s Michelin-starred Sorrel restaurant, incredible antiques stores, and bags of independent character. 

Stay here:  Book the Garden Cottage, surrounded by formal grounds on the estate of grand Edwardian retreat Polesden Lacey . As an added bonus, the National Trust-run cottage allows guests free use of the on-site croquet courts and gardens out of hours, and entry to the main house for free. That’s if you can drag yourself away from the roll top bath. 

Get there: Around 50 minutes by train from Waterloo to Dorking Station.

What is it? Gentle rolling hills dotted with orchids, orchards and long winding rivers. 

Why go? The iconic white cliffs of Dover might be the most famous part of the Kent Downs, but the area has so much more to offer. Bike routes – such as the Great Stour Way and the Perry Woods Cycle Trail near Canterbury – offer paved, car-free paths through the countryside, while well-trodden rambling paths allow walkers to immerse themselves in nature. For the best views, trek up Lympne Hill and look out over a patchwork of fields and Romney Marsh. 

Don’t miss: One of the Kent Downs’ most stunning natural habitats is surprisingly (and conveniently) close to the M2. Nature-lovers should make a bee-line for the Medway Gap, just south of Rochester, famed for its orchids, wild poppies, dormice, birds, and butterflies.

Stay here: Perfectly placed for exploring the surrounding hills, Eastwell Manor is a grand old house and gardens under two hours drive from central London. The building is regal, but the vibes are much more chilled, with a modern fit-out and a selection of cosy rooms to choose from. We love the shepherd’s huts, based in the hotel grounds and overlooking the north Downs. 

Get there: One hour 20 minutes from London Bridge to Wye. 

The Chilterns

What is it? An uncrowded and peaceful area of natural beauty, which inspired the likes of Roald Dahl, Oscar Wilde, and Agatha Christie. 

Why go? Reclaim your personal space in The Chilterns, a quieter alternative to more well-known UK holiday destinations. Kids will love the Roald Dahl museum (Dahl lived here for almost 40 years), and grown-ups will love the relaxed rustic pubs and Michelin-starred restaurants. The area is so well bestowed with countryside walks, that it’s got its own festival dedicated to hillside strolling. Plan your trip to coincide with it in Spring and rub shoulders with fellow ramblers. 

Don’t miss: Food fans should add Marlow to their bucket list. Tom Kerridge has no less than three restaurants here, settle in for pub grub in at The Coach or head to The Butcher’s Tap for food on the go. 

Stay here: Nestled on the edge of the historic Stonor Park estate,  a short drive from picturesque Turville, White Pond Farm  has choice of cosy accommodation. Treat yourself with a cute barn-conversion, or go all out with a wing of the main house. 

Get there: Around 40 minutes by train from Marylebone to Amersham. 

Dedham Vale

What is it? A pretty pastoral landscape, captured by some of the UK’s best loved artists. 

Why go? Even if you haven’t been to Dedham Vale, you may well recognise it. The scenery inspired a troupe of nature-loving artists, its cute villages and agrarian scenes immortalised by the likes of Constable and Gainsborough. Imitate art and book a trip to enjoy boat trips on the River Stour, walk along the Stour Valley Path , or meander through any one of the chocolate-box villages. 

Don’t miss: The tiny hamlet of Flatford was a huge inspiration for Constable, and much of it is now owned by the National Trust. Walk in his footsteps and admire the cottage on Flatford bridge, the old mill and the granary. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to create your own masterpiece. 

Stay here: Live out your pastoral dreams at Thornington Lodge – a seventeenth-century building with bucket-loads of character, beaches within easy reach and long walks straight from the door. 

Get there: Around two hours by car, or 1 hour by train to Colchester and 20 minutes by taxi from there.  

North Wessex Downs

What is it? Picture-perfect villages, winding canals and Neolithic marvels in the third largest AONB in the UK. 

Why go? If giant horses float your boat, gallop over to the North Wessex downs. There, you’ll find the famous White Horse – a huge chalk equine figure carved into the hillside. When you’re done horsing around, there’s a colossal 670 sq miles of lush countryside to explore, which takes in parts of Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. 

Don’t miss: A walk along The Ridgeway – a prehistoric route which starts at Overton Hill and passes right through to the Chilterns. 

Stay here: From locally made ale to hand-made scotch eggs, the Red Lion Freehouse is a traditional boozer that strives to do things the right way. It’s been given a Michelin star for its troubles, and boasts comfortable dog-friendly rooms – some with roll top baths.

Get there: Around two hours by car. 

The Cotswolds

What is it? Lush green meadows and chocolate box villages in a stunning corner of rural England.

Why go? The Cotswolds take up  almost 800 square miles. Expect village fetes and kitsch dog shows galore in pretty honey-coloured villages. We’re big fans of Bibury , and the self-described ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton-on-the-water. It’s heaven for ramblers, who can walk all or part of the Cotswold Way National Trail - 102 miles of outstanding scenery, passing through historic sights, castles and churches.

Don’t miss: Just because it’s steeped in history doesn’t mean it’s stuck in time; there’s plenty of forward-thinking attractions in the Cotswolds, such The Wild Rabbit – a modern pub with a seasonal kitchen which sources directly from nearby organic farms. 

Stay here: Close your eyes and think of an idyllic rural pub. It probably looks something like The Swan Hotel , an old coaching inn covered in Ivy and set by the river. The idyllic spot also has cosy rooms – a great base to explore the local area. 

Get there: Around two hours 30 minutes by car. 

Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs

What is it? Charming countryside, winding country roads and cute villages. 

Why go? This AONB gets its name from the hunts that used to take place here – but nowadays it’s a much more relaxed affair. Stressed city folk can get in touch with nature (or at least the local village pubs) in Cranborne Chase, with its remote downland, ancient forests and winding streams. Highlights include the world-famous landscape gardens at the National Trust’s Stourhead , walks along the Nadder Valle y , and road-tripping between the many charming villages. 

Don’t miss: End of the Road Festival is chilled and friendly with a well curated line-up, and usually takes place at Larmer Tree Gardens at the end of August. 

Stay here: Soak up the rural vibes without giving up home comforts with a stay in this boutique shepherd’s hut  b ased on the grounds of Marshwood Farm. They even deliver a breakfast hamper to the door of your hut, if the short stroll to the farmhouse is a little too strenuous.  

Get there: Around two hours 45 minutes by car.

Suffolk Coast and Heaths

What is it? A pebbly stretch of heaths and estuaries for salty seaside walks through the bracken.

Why go? While it’s impossible to ignore Sizewell B – Britain’s youngest working nuclear power plant – this rather bulky building by no means dominates the Suffolk Coast. Elsewhere along the shingle coastline there’s pristine nature reserves, windy walks and pretty fishing towns. 

Don’t miss: Brace yourself and take to the north sea, which - despite being chilly - is a hot spot for kitesurfing, sailing and jet skis. Lowestoft, Kessingland, and Felixstowe are among the best beaches to get some water sporting action. 

Stay here: The luxury lodge tents at Secret Meadows are somewhere between luxury tent and country cottage, boasting everything you could need for a boujie weekend escape, including a hot tub and wood burning range. 

Get there:  Around two hours 20 minutes by car.

Norfolk coast

What is it? A huge expanse of serene coastline for you to stretch out and do your thing. 

Why go? The Norfolk coast is the perfect antidote to the overpacked streets of London. Broad sandy beaches and sweeping dunes provide an atmospheric backdrop – and film-makers seem to agree, with many spots along the Norfolk coast featuring in major films and TV productions. 

Don’t miss: Blakeney Point – it’s a salt marsh that’s home to a cute colony of grey seals. It’s best seen by boat, and it’s well worth a trip in winter: if you’re there between November and early January, you might spot pups. 

Stay here: Wells-next-the-Sea is a sprawling sandy bay dotted with classic beach huts. Not that you’ll be spending much time paddling after you check into your deluxe room at The Crown Hotel , with its freestanding, outdoor copper bathtub.

Get there: Around three hours by car.

What is it? A geologist’s dream filled with breathtaking views and dramatic cliffs.

Why go? The Jurassic Coast, West Country accents and Thomas Hardy: just three reasons why Dorset should be your next UK getaway. Fact-fans will be happy to hear that Dorset’s AONB takes up 44 percent of the county, and provides restorative, laid back charm. This protected area features the fossil-studded, historic Jurassic Coast and stunning limestone rock formations like as Durdle Door, which display around 185 million years of Earth’s history.

Don’t miss:  Just along the coast from Durdle Door,  Lulworth Cove is a sheltered white pebble beach that is almost perfectly circular, offering a haven of serenity as you watch the boats bobbing in the clear blue water.  

Stay here: Travel light and pitch up at a wooden camping pod at the Durdle Door Holiday Park . Just 200m from the beach, pods feature picnic tables, heating and electricity – but you will need to pack a sleeping bag. 

Get there: Around three hours by car. 

Malvern Hills

What is it? Rolling hills with breathtaking views over Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Why go? Fans of walking will love a good ramble over the Malvern Hills, famed for its stunning hillside treks – just remember to pack some locally bottled Holywell Malvern spring water for the journey. Start with the Worcestershire Beacon, a short hike from the town centre of Great Malvern to the highest point in the Malvern Hills and the county. 

Don’t miss: The water in Malvern has attracted all sorts of eminent guests, from  Queen Elizabeth I to Florence Nightingale. It’s supposed to have curative properties, but see for yourself at one of the many spas that have sprung up around the district, using the local spring water in pools and treatments.

Stay here: There’s a few hotel options in Great Malvern but they can be a little fusty – we’re fans of this modern apartment in the town centre. Available on Airbnb , it features a roll top bath, two bedrooms, a tranquil garden – and of course, the Malvern Hill walks at your doorstep. 

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Where to Stay in London: Our Editors' Favorite Neighborhoods

A London getaway is always exciting—take it from someone who has lived here for a decade—but first, you must decide the best area to stay in London for you. Do you want to be in the center of the capital, close to the action and the best things to do in London , or a little further out in a more peaceful location? Is it important to be close to public transport options, major train stations such as King's Cross, or iconic cultural landmarks like the Natural History Museum? Or perhaps you'd rather stay in one of the best neighborhoods in London to get under the skin of life like a local? Thankfully, whatever version of London you're interested in experiencing—foodie London, arty London, cultural London, or iconic London—there'll be world-class hotels to book as your base. But we get it—as one of Europe's biggest and busiest cities, it can be overwhelming when you need to decide where exactly to stay. Below we've listed our favourite areas of London for every type of traveler.

Where to stay in London at a glance

• For culture seekers
• For shoppers
• For foodies
• For families

Best for: culture seekers

Covent garden.

In London's West End, Covent Garden's central square was once a fruit and vegetable market. These days, it's home to shops and restaurants that draw in tourists every day of the week – but that's not the only draw here. This is the heart of theatreland, making it an ideal choice for those hoping to catch a show while in town, as well as where you'll find the Royal Opera House. Once a bit of a culinary wasteland, the food scene here is thriving these days—we especially like The Barbary, with its Mediterranean sharing plates concept, and Toklas, a bakery-meets-restaurant.

Why we like it:

• There's arguably no better location in London when it comes to getting around on foot
• Cultural icons such as the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden Market are right outside your hotel
• You're close to London's best theaters
• There's a buzz in this pretty neighborhood every day of the week

Where to stay

• NoMad London , New York swagger meets punchy period drama
• Henrietta Experimental , a cute boutique hotel
• The Savoy , one of the most iconic places to stay in London

Getting around

The best tube stations are Covent Garden and Leicester Square.

Best for: shoppers

Many come to London just to shop—if that's you, Mayfair is your best bet for a base. In this affluent neighborhood right in the centre of London, you're within walking distance of Bond Street, where you'll find all the big-name designers, as well as close to Regent Street and Oxford Street for a more casual shopping experience. Mayfair is home to some of London's best hotels, and, in recent years, restaurants too—book tables at Michelin-starred HUMO, Japanese spot KOYN or the arty Mount St. Restaurant to sample the best of it.

• Some of London's iconic places to stay are in this neighborhood
• Pretty architecture and well-groomed gardens abound
• You're right in the centre of central London, so getting around is a breeze
• Mayfair's restaurant scene is on a roll
• You're within walking distance of some of our favourite London areas such as Soho

• Claridge's , one of London's most legendary luxe hotels
• 1 Hotel Mayfair , an eco-focused modern stay
• The Twenty Two , Edwardian manor house turned 31-room hotel

The best tube stations in Mayfair are Green Park and Bond Street.

Best for: foodies

If you had to ask us which neighborhood in London had the best food and drink scene, it'd be a tough decision between Soho, in central London, and Shoreditch, out east. In this neighborhood, you'll find some of London's very best restaurants , such as Brat, The Clove Club, and Lyle's. We'd choose Shoreditch as a base not only because of its thriving restaurant scene but also because of the excellent hotel options and the cool, artsy vibe that the neighborhood has managed to retain despite years of gentrification.

• Being based in East London opens up some of London's best neighborhoods such as Hackney Wick, Dalston, and more
• You'll find some of London's best restaurants and bars here
• While no longer an edgy part of the capital, Shoreditch has a younger, cooler atmosphere – with street art, great bars and galleries – than many other top areas to stay in London
• One Hundred Shoreditch , with its cool rooftop bar and underground cocktail den
• The Hoxton , a cozy, chic stay for creatives
• Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch , a sleek hotel from the Japanese powerhouse group

Best for: families

If you're visiting with the whole family—whether you've got little kids or teenagers to entertain—access to London's (many) parks is vital. Hyde Park, one of London's royal parks, is right in the centre of London in Zone 1, set between well-heeled Knightsbridge and Green Park. Here, you're close to some of London's most iconic sites, like Buckingham Palace, as well as within touching distance of neighborhoods such as Mayfair, Belgravia, and Kensington. Plus, of course, you have the park itself to run riot in.

• Access to acres of green space, playgrounds and more within Hyde Park
• Close to central London for sight-seeing
• Great for families staying during events such as Winter Wonderland
• The Peninsula, London , a glassy, glossy new opening from the Hong Kong-based brand
• The Emory , London’s first all-suite hotel
• The Berkeley , a classic grand dame
• Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park , a hotel with historic charm that's undergone a modern makeover

The closest tube station to Hyde Park is Hyde Park Corner, on the Piccadilly line.

A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

I went to see Taylor Swift four times and didn’t notice this until the final show

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Taylor Swift has officially left the UK after her stunning final Eras Tour gig at Wembley Arena, closing out the European leg of the show.

It was beyond my wildest dreams to go to the Eras Tour even once, let alone four times — yes, four times.

Every show is different , so going more than once allows you to really take in the atmosphere. And at that final show, I noticed something I hadn’t before.

There is one song that completely divides the crowd.

It’s not a pop-heavy dance number, nor is it a disappointing surprise song. And it’s not even the fact that Speak Now only has Enchanted on the setlist.

It’s Marjorie.

Having spent the past three shows bawling my eyes out to the emotional song, I tore my eyes away from Taylor at the final gig and was shocked to discover that not everyone was having the same visceral reaction — not even close.

It turns out the Evermore track is incredibly divisive and places fans in two distinct camps ; bawling your eyes out, or bored and politely dancing.

Marjorie is dedicated to Taylor’s grandmother, Marjorie Finlay, who was an opera singer and part of the superstar’s journey into music.

She died in 2003 so never saw the dizzying heights her granddaughter would reach , but her voice is featured on the recording of the song.

Taylor sings: ‘And if I didn’t know better/ I’d think you were talking to me now/ If I didn’t know better/ I’d think you were still around.’

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Another gut-punching lyric reads: ‘You’re alive, you’re alive in my head’

For those who have lost someone, these words cut deep, and I can confirm it does not get easier the more you hear it live.

The song is a beautiful dedication not only to Taylor’s grandmother but to every fan who has lost a grandparent, family member, or friend.

It felt even more poignant hearing it after the Southport attack , where three young girls – Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar – lost their lives.

Standing with my arm wrapped around my best friend, we sobbed as we sang along in dedication to a friend who is no longer with us. It’s a moment I will never forget.

@chelsbadger this song hits so hard everytime ❤️‍🩹 #MelbourneTSTheErasTour #TSTheErasTour #TaylorSwift #swiftie #MelbourneNight1 #MelbourneN1 #SydneyTSTheErasTour #Melbourne #Sydney #swifties #swiftietiktok #swiftie4ever #swiftiesince2006 #swiftiesince06 #swifttok #swiftok #melbournetaylorswift #taylorswiftmelbourne #melbs #mcg #taylorswiftaustralia #aussieswifties #australianswifties #marjorie #taylorswiftmarjorie #marjorietaylorswift ♬ original sound – Chels Badger ✈️🌏

But on Tuesday’s final gig, I was shaken out of my emotional state when I spotted a man positively beaming as he sang along.

He danced and shimmied to the beat, apparently oblivious to the crying eyes around him — and he wasn’t the only one.

Everywhere I looked, there were people grinning and singing away, blissfully unaware of the emotional wrecks around them.

Some even used the track as a chance to grab a drink or a quick sit down ahead of Willow (a fan favourite).

Not everyone needs to have an emotional response to a song, and I am honestly pleased for anyone who is not reduced to a snotty, crying mess over the track.

But it felt deeply jarring to see an almost equal split of people in the pits of despair and dancing away like Taylor was performing Shake It Off.

There will never be a time when Marjorie does not make me bawl, and I will never know the joy that man felt as he bopped along. But that’s ok.

He isn’t wrong for having a less-than-devastated reaction to the track.

After four shows, you realise that grief is a gift, allowing that person you’ve lost back into your life for the short time Taylor belts the track.

That rollercoaster of emotions is the real beauty of the Eras Tour and the magic of Taylor Swift.

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Whimsical Parade of Banksy Animals Sends Fans on a Giddy Hunt

Each day for nine straight days, a new Banksy artwork appeared somewhere in London. For some, it became a citywide treasure hunt.

By Isabella Kwai

Reporting from London, where she visited some of the new Banksy pieces

The first Banksy piece to show up was a mountain goat, spotted by passers-by on a wall near the River Thames. The second work, a pair of elephants, appeared overnight on a house in southwest London. Then came some playful monkeys, a howling wolf, two hungry pelicans and a cat.

For nine straight days, Banksy, the famed and elusive street artist, unveiled a menagerie of animal artworks around the city, a prolific outburst that thrilled Londoners.

For Banksy fans, finding the works became a daily, citywide scavenger hunt.

“It’s like an adventure,” said Daniel Lloyd-Morgan, an artist who sketches live street scenes. “It’s turned into a safari around London.”

Every day since the first one appeared, Mr. Lloyd-Morgan checked social media to figure out the location of each new Banksy and pay it a visit. “This is like a happening,” he said. “So basically I put everything else on hold.”

It was an unusually whimsical outpouring from Banksy, a British artist known for his socially and politically charged street art, which has appeared in New York City , the West Bank , Ukraine and other areas around the world. More recently, he sent an inflatable boat with dummy passengers to surf across a crowd at the Glastonbury Festival in England, a commentary on the plight of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea .

But what message was Banksy trying to send with the animals scattered across London? That has spurred speculation, even as the works have delighted the residents of the neighborhoods they popped up in.

On Tuesday morning, a stencil of a gorilla was sighted outside London Zoo, appearing to lift a shutter for birds and other animals to escape. It was the ninth and final piece of the series, according to Pest Control Office, the organization that manages contact with Banksy, who has remained anonymous. It declined to comment on the meaning behind the works.

Those who hustled to see the gorilla only hours after Banksy shared it online had plenty of thoughts. On Tuesday, families that had gathered at the entrance of the London Zoo to see real animals were joined by a crowd of street art bloggers and photographers. Runners and cyclists, still sweating, stopped to take selfies. Two patrolling police officers, after checking on the crowd, posed with the Banksy.

Giulia Riva, a street art blogger from Italy, speculated that the work was about nature taking back the urban space. “These animals are now running wild throughout the city — and they are re-wilding the city,” she said. Ms. Riva, who arrived in London recently and has met other like-minded people during her Banksy pursuits this week, said that the hunt was part of the art.

“The point is not if the stencil is sharp or well-executed, but it is creating all this,” she said, gesturing around. “There are dozens if not hundreds of people going around the city, chasing the animals.” She added: “We are part of the piece in a way. It’s a performance.”

Banksy’s latest series has echoes of “ A Great British Spraycation ,” a set of artworks that appeared in towns across East Anglia in England in 2021, said Charlotte Stewart, the managing director of MyArtBroker , an art dealing platform for Banksy prints and originals. “But he claimed them all at once, via a video on his Instagram,” she said in an email. “This day-by-day process is new.”

The Johnson family, who were visiting London from Asheville, N.C., had been on a rock music tour when they heard about the last Banksy, the gorilla mural, online. Their guide interrupted the end of the tour to rush them over to the zoo. “To be able to see it within hours of it happening is a pretty great experience,” Daniel Johnson said.

Part of the reason behind the rush to see the works is that Banksy’s street art is often defaced, removed or obscured in some way shortly after appearing. Masked men removed one of the pieces in the series in South London, of a howling wolf on a satellite dish, soon after it was discovered. The artist was not connected to the theft, according to a statement from Pest Control. Another piece, a rhino, was soon defaced with a graffiti tag.

The London Zoo, which discovered the gorilla artwork early on Tuesday morning, left the shutter closed and set up a barricade for admirers. The zoo was discussing how to make the artwork available to view, said Karl Penman, the zoo’s commercial operations manager. “We will be doing all that we can to obviously protect this piece of amazing work,” he said.

Mr. Lloyd-Morgan, the sketch artist, was sad to hear that Tuesday would be the last day of the series. “It’s not just about the art,” he said, while painting a watercolor of the gorilla. “It’s about the whole environment that he creates.” Mr. Lloyd-Morgan added of passers-by: “I’ve gotten to know these people from coming everyday. I’ve seen the same faces everyday.”

He was still hopeful, though, that there could be more to come on this Banksy roundabout. “He likes to mislead people, fox them, send them in the wrong direction,” he said. “So who knows?”

Isabella Kwai is a Times reporter based in London, covering breaking news and other trends. More about Isabella Kwai

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London's Somerset House blaze brought under control by more than 100 firefighters

The fire at London's Somerset House has been brought under control with the help of around 125 firefighters, who were deployed Saturday to battle the blaze at the historic venue, known for housing priceless works of art.

Somerset House posted on X that the site “will remain closed until further notice.” It said earlier that “all staff and public are safe.”

London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster said the fire was located in the building's roof and that the "age and design of the building proved to be a challenge" for the crew.

Foster said four of the Brigade's aerial ladders were deployed, including a 64 meter turntable ladder, which is attached to a fire truck and can be raised to fight flames at higher locations.

"Crews have been working incredibly hard through the very hot weather and heat of the fire to protect Somerset House from further damage," Foster said.

The cause of the fire is still not known, he added. There are no reports of injuries. The Brigade said the investigation into the fire will begin now that it has been contained.

"Crews will remain on scene into tomorrow, carrying out further operations," The Brigade announced on X .

The Brigade said it sent crews after receiving a call just before noon local time, and that 20 fire engines had been deployed at the scene.

Videos posted on X showed fire on the roof of the building, with smoke billowing into the air over the River Thames.

The London Ambulance Service had asked people "to avoid the area if they can due to the high volume of smoke and local businesses to keep windows and doors shut."

The venue was due to host a day of breakdancing on Saturday, but Somerset House said that event and others will no longer take place.

The former stately home was the official residence of the Queen of England for much of the 17th century, but was gradually redeveloped over time as an arts venue and has hosted the Courtauld Institute of Art since 1989

The Courtauld Gallery is home to one of the U.K.’s most celebrated art collections, and includes paintings by Vincent Van Gogh, Édouard Manet and Paul Cézanne. The Somerset House said on X that the gallery "has not been directly impacted by the fire and it will remain open."

Freddie Clayton is a freelance journalist based in London. 

You Won’t Want to Miss August’s Rare Super Blue Moon. Here’s How and When You Can See It

O n the heels of  the exciting Perseid meteor shower, the public will be graced with another thrilling night sky moment.

On Monday evening, you’ll have more of a reason than usual to gaze up at the sky, as August’s rare super blue moon will take center stage for the pleasure of photographers, astronomers, and casual viewers.

Here's what to know about the celestial event:

What is a super blue moon?

A super blue moon is simultaneously a full moon, blue moon, and a super moon.

The first of these three is pretty well known to us: a phase in the lunar cycle in which the Earth, sun, and moon are aligned with the Earth in the middle, so the moon is fully illuminated on Earth.

A blue moon is not about the color of the moon, but instead the frequency of the full moon. There are two definitions of a blue moon—the first describes when there are two full moons in a single month. Since the moon’s cycle is 29.5 days, and our average calendar month is 30-31 days, it is incredibly rare to have two full moons in one single month, but it is possible, happening every two to three years, according to NASA. Around 3% of full moons are blue moons.

There are also seasonal blue moons, in which a calendar season contains four full moons instead of the usual three, and the blue moon is the third of the four full moons. August’s full moon is of this variety. The next seasonal blue moon is expected in May 2027.

The super moon part refers to the moon's orbit, which brings it slightly closer to Earth this month, making it appear bigger and brighter. This occurs since the moon’s orbit around the Earth is elliptical instead of just a circle, and thus there are times when the moon is further and closer to our planet.

During the moon’s closest approach to Earth, it can appear approximately 14% larger and shine 30% brighter than when at its farthest point in the orbit. This will be the first of four consecutive super moons this year, and it is less rare than the blue moon, occurring three or four times a year.

August’s full moon is often called the Sturgeon moon , dubbed by the Algonquin Native American tribe living in the Great Lakes area and throughout what is now known as the northeastern United States. They named the full moon after sturgeons—a type of large fish—which were most plentiful in the lakes during the month of August.

How and when can you see August’s super blue moon?  

The full moon's peak will occur on Monday afternoon, according to NASA , at 2:26 p.m. EDT and 11:26 a.m. PT. It will appear for three days, from Sunday morning until early Wednesday morning.

Though the moon will be visible to the naked eye, Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Ariz., says that telescope and binocular viewers will be able to see even more detail on the lunar surface than usual.

How rare is a super blue moon? 

According to NASA, the combination of the super moon and the blue moon is rare, and the time between their occurrences is quite “irregular” and could be as much as 20 years, with 10 years between the average.

Though we had a super blue moon somewhat recently, in August 2023, NASA predicts the next super blue moons will occur in January and March 2037. All the more reason to make sure you don’t miss 2024’s offering.

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Banksy depicts animals in new pieces around London: See the artistry