The best day trips from London
The best day trips from London
Looking to get away for the day? Consider one of these day trips and escape London’s hustle and bustle.
By Caroline McConnico
Cambridge
Enjoy a studious day in Cambridge alongside undergraduates and locals. Cambridge is a great spot for a trip outside the city with little commitment and fun activities to do. You can see the gorgeously gothic King’s College Chapel or take in the amazing museums and galleries before shopping along the side roads. Make sure to go punting on the water for some lovely views and picturesque bridges. Plus, from King’s Cross train station, Cambridge is only 47 minutes away, making it a perfect daylong getaway.
Bath
A 90-minute train ride from London Paddington, Bath has tons to do for a jam-packed day. Visit one of the many incredible museums, including the Jane Austen Centre, where you can learn all about the life of the famous Victorian author, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, for a chilling history about the author and a haunted basement, and the Holbourne Museum, an art gallery which also serves as the set of Lady Danbury’s house in Bridgerton. Later in the day, tour the Roman Baths and even sample the hot springs water.
Oxford
Oxford is steeped in rich history and academia, and is the perfect place to take a break from the city. Here you can pretend you are one of the big thinkers who spent much time in Oxford coming up with their groundbreaking ideas. Roam around campus and see today’s great minds walking in packs to study. You can also visit art galleries and eat and drink in the riverside pubs. Be sure to try some of the delicious Tibetan food at Taste Tibet, including dumplings called momos, and noodle soup called thukpa. The journey is only a 56-minute train ride from London Paddington.
Brighton
Travel 54 minutes by train from Victoria to Brighton for a funky atmosphere of beach bums, gig-goers and London commuters. Explore the Brighton Palace Pier before taking a lazy stroll on the beach to see the bold surfers and families splashing around in the water. Go to lunch at the Marina and spend the afternoon shopping at all of the little independent shops selling crystals and vintage clothing in the Lanes. Finish the day with an ice cream on the pier before hopping on the train back to London.
Canterbury
Spend some time in Canterbury for a day of history, eating and shopping. Only a 54-minute train ride from St Pancras, this town is complete with medieval streets of cobblestone and timber-framed houses. Check out the Canterbury Cathedral, which is the headquarters of the Church of England and considered the most important cathedral in the Anglican faith. The cathedral has beautiful Romanesque elements with stone carvings and stained-glass windows. You can also shop at the little boutiques and dine at one of the historic pubs.
Hampshire
Hampshire is a lovely county to explore for a day, with breathtaking countryside views and time to reconnect with nature. Take the 90-minute train ride from London Waterloo to the Brockenhurst station in the New Forest National Park for woodland walks and opportunities to see wild ponies. After that, start making your way back towards London and stop at the Winchester station to see the Great Hall where King Arthur’s supposed Round Table is kept. Finally, travel further towards London and stop at the Newbury station to tour Highclere Castle where Downtown Abbey was filmed.
Windsor
Only 28 minutes from London Paddington, Windsor is a great spot for a royal day trip. Just take a tour of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and see where 40 monarchs have lived and ruled. You can have plenty of family-friendly fun at Legoland Windsor Resort with rides, shows and other attractions. Take a stroll through Windsor Great Park and experience all of the ancient woodland, gardens and deer parkland. End your day with a walk around Eton College, a prestigious boys’ school known for its notable alumni like authors George Orwell and Ian Fleming, and members of the Royal Family like Princes William and Harry. The college’s museums and galleries are open to the public on Sunday afternoons, free of charge.
Marlow
Marlow is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Londoners looking to get out of the city. Take a 53 minute train ride from London Charing Cross and explore Marlow’s scenic streets full of traditional English charm. The riverside pubs are delightful and there are countless restaurants owned by TV chefs to meet all of your foodie needs. Be sure to check out the Hand & Flowers, which is the only pub in the UK with two Michelin stars. The pub has lavish rooms you can stay in if you are looking to extend your trip.
Cotswolds
A 90-minute train ride from London Paddington will take you right to the Cotswolds for you to enjoy the gorgeous rolling hills of the countryside. Soak up the picturesque views and visit some of the quaint villages like Bourton-on-the-Water (Moreton-in-Marsh station), Castle Combe (Chippenham station) and Bibury (Kemble station). Explore the amazing castles and estates, including Sudeley Castle (Cheltenham Spa station) and Blenheim Palace (Hanborough station) for a tour or afternoon tea experience. You can also visit Bampton (Oxford station), a small village in the Cotswolds which was depicted as the main village in Downtown Abbey.
Hastings
Dive into deep English history in this seaside town only 90 minutes from London Charing Cross. If you are a history buff, you can learn all about the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and visit the Hastings Castle which was built by William the Conqueror. You can also visit the Fishermen’ s Museum and learn about the towns’ maritime history. Other cool museums to check out include the True Crime Museum for those seeking a thrilling experience and Smugglers Adventure which tells the story of smuggling on the South Coast of England 200 years ago.
