London is always a perfect stop on a first trip to Europe. It is also a fantastic place to base yourself to take some day trips from London and should be a part of any United Kingdom trip.
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Where to Stay in London
There are so many different areas to stay in London. Personally, I prefer to stay in the Westminster area. My favorite is the Great Scotland Yard. Alternatively, you may want to check out some of the following options.
- Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars
- Hampton by Hilton Waterloo
- Hotel Indigo London
- Novotel London Blackfriars
- Ibis London Blackfriars
Day Trips from London: Under 1 Hour
Cambridge
By Cristina of My Little World of Travelling
One of the best day trips from London is Cambridge. It is about 61.2 miles by car, but I recommend taking the train, which will help you avoid traffic, and you can find trains that take only 50 minutes.
Cambridge has a lot of things to offer, but one of the most popular activities is taking a guided tour of its university, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Another must-do activity is punting. It’s a fantastic way to discover the city, and part of the route is only accessible by river. It does make you feel a bit like you are in Venice. These tours are fun and a great way to learn more about Cambridge’s history and hear anecdotes from famous locals.
Beyond these activities, explore the historic centre, grab a delicious Chelsea Bun at Fitzbillies, and visit the botanical garden (a true gem often missed by travellers!).
Cambridge is the type of destination that will amaze you with its beautiful architecture, rich history and picturesque streets. The good thing about Cambridge is that you can visit its main attractions on a day trip, like other European destinations such as Malaga.
While you can visit the city all year round, I suggest planning a day trip in late spring or early autumn, when it’s less rainy, the days are longer, and you have more chances of experiencing a beautiful sunny day. Regardless of the season, pack an umbrella; you never know when it might rain.
Canterbury
By Marija of Miss Tourist
Canterbury is about about 60 miles, and around 55 minutes on the high-speed train from St Pancras to Canterbury West. There are also regular trains from London Victoria and Charing Cross, which take around an hour and a half.
Canterbury is a fantastic place for a Sunday stroll. The city has real old-town charm, with plenty of shops and restaurants, and it’s small enough to explore on foot in a single day.
The main attraction is Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest Christian structures in England and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. It comes into view from afar as you reach the high street, and the architecture is simply stunning. A city walking tour is the best way to understand what you’re looking at. Then slow down. Tiny Tim’s Tearoom is a little gem: tiny, cosy and perfect for a chilly afternoon, with delicious homemade cakes.
Tips: Visit on a weekend for that relaxed Sunday-stroll feeling, but get to the cathedral early. With more time in Kent, the county’s castles are well worth adding, like Hever Castle and Leeds Castle. It is one of the best day trips from London.
Hampton Court
By Katie of Where’s Katie Now
If you are looking for one of the most beautiful and historic day trips from London, Hampton Court Palace is unmissable! Located around 19 miles from central London, this royal palace is most famous for its connection to one of Britain’s most infamous monarchs, King Henry VIII. Plus, it’s a must-visit for fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton, as Hampton Court Palace is a key filming location!
Inside, you’ll see the stunning historic interiors and hear fascinating stories from the palace’s past. I highly recommend taking the guided audio tour, included in your ticket, to make the most of your visit. My favourite room is the iconic Great Hall, home to the magnificent Abraham tapestries and Anne Boleyn’s coat-of-arms and initials.
But a top highlight of Hampton Court Palace has to be its sprawling gardens and grounds! If you can, visit in spring, when thousands of beautiful tulips bloom across the grounds for the Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival. It’s my favourite time of year to visit, thanks to this spectacular display, which is quite unlike anything else I’ve seen in the UK! Whatever the season, don’t miss the formal Privy Garden and the tucked-away Pond Gardens.
To get to Hampton Court Palace from London, you could drive in around an hour. But I wouldn’t recommend this for a stress-free day trip, as parking is limited. Instead, take the direct South Western Railways train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court station. The journey takes around 37 minutes, followed by an easy 10-minute walk to the palace.
Make sure you stop on the bridge over the River Thames on your way! It’s a beautiful photo opportunity, with your first glimpse of the palace on the opposite riverbank.
Day Trips from London: 1 to 2 Hours
Brighton
By Aimee of Snap Happy Travel
Brighton is one of the most famous coastal cities in England, and it may be the quirkiest, too. And because it’s so close to London (just 47 miles/ 76 km), you can easily hop on a train to Brighton from the ‘big smoke’ for one day. There are regular departures from London Victoria or London Bridge stations and the ride usually takes about an hour. Or if you’d prefer to drive, you can take the M23 and A23 motorways, which will take one and a half to two hours, depending on traffic.
And I do think that one day is enough to see Brighton’s top sights as it’s such a walkable city. Places like the very British Brighton Pier and the stunning Royal Pavilion (which mirrors the Taj Mahal) are a short-ish walk from one another.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Brighton as my husband is from here and I’d start my day in Brighton with a wander through the lanes to catch these narrow lanes at their quietest. Later in the morning, I recommend ticking off what is easily Brighton’s top attraction – Brighton Pier! Then in the early afternoon I’d head for The Royal Pavilion; it is such a stunning building, and would you believe it took over 20 years to be built.
Afterward, I’d take a walk along the boardwalk into Hove where I’d have an early dinner at one of my favorite spots – the Little Fish Market. Then walk back along the same beach boardwalk to catch the sunset from either the West Pier or the Brighton Bandstand (both are along your walk). Brighton is one of the best day trips from London.
Oxford
By Sonia of Carey On Travels
Oxford is one of the best day trips from London for travelers who love history, architecture, and charming English towns. Just 60 miles from London, this historic city is home to the world-famous University of Oxford, with its stunning medieval colleges. Beyond the university, you’ll discover fascinating museums, charming streets, and peaceful riverside walks.
The easiest way to reach Oxford is by train. Direct trains from London Paddington take approximately 50–60 minutes, while the budget-friendly Oxford Tube bus takes 1.5–2 hours or longer with traffic. If driving, allow 1.5–2 hours and use one of Oxford’s Park and Ride facilities.
Start with a walking tour of Oxford’s historic center, taking in the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, and Bridge of Sighs. Explore a historic college, such as Christ Church, Magdalen, or Oriel. Visit the Ashmolean Museum for art and archaeology, or the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum for science and fascinating cultural collections.
For outdoor time, stroll through the Oxford Botanic Garden or along the River Cherwell, watching traditional punts glide past. Feeling adventurous? Book a punting session at Cherwell Boathouse, but be warned—it’s harder than it looks! Stop for lunch in a historic pub or browse Oxford’s Covered Market.
Insider Tip: Oxford gets crowded, especially on summer weekends. Arrive early or explore late afternoons-evenings, book college visits in advance, and explore quieter riverside paths and colleges.
Leeds Castle
By Karen of Forever Karen
Most visitors to London see classic castles like the Tower of London and Windsor Castle, but if you venture a little further, you’ll discover some real treasures. Leeds Castles, in Kent, is a prime example. The 44-mile journey from London takes an hour by train or 75 minutes by car.
Leeds Castle, often referred to as the “loveliest castle in the world,” dates back more than 900 years. It served as a Norman stronghold, a royal residence, a military hospital and a retreat for wealthy owners. It is one of the best day trips from London.
Today, visitors can explore its elegant interiors, wander through landscaped gardens, and enjoy the scenic grounds, including a yew hedge maze and woodland walks. Unlike many English castles, this one isn’t lived in. The Leeds Castle Foundation runs it. Consider enhancing your visit by staying in one of the castle bedrooms or enjoying a “knight’s retreat” or “knight’s glamping” for the budget conscious. We suggest packing a picnic for day trippers.
Highlights of a Leeds Castle visit include:
- The Dog Collar Museum
- The yew maze, which ends in a shell-adorned grotto
- The Falconry Show, where you get to meet owls and birds of prey up-close
- The surrounding moat which gives the castle its fairytale persona
With its fascinating history and storybook setting, Leeds Castle is well worth visiting for anyone exploring the English countryside. The best part; tickets last for a whole year.
Worthing
By Gillian of Secret Sussex
Worthing is a great option for a fantastic seaside town and one of the best day trips from London. Escape the bustle of the City to come and explore a lovely, quaint seaside location. You can get a direct train from London Victoria to Worthing in approximately 80 minutes. Worthing is roughly 55 miles from the capital city, but easy enough to get to.
There are some great things to do in Worthing and it is a foodie heaven. Start your day by wandering down to the seafront and exploring East Beach, where there are some wonderful independent makers and sellers. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade and take in the sea air.
Next up, head towards the Art Deco Pier. Just before the pier, you will find the Two Faced Twins Art Gallery, where there are some gorgeous unique prints and other works of art. Then head to grab lunch at Perch on the Pier, where there are stunning panoramic sea views. After lunch, get the full seaside experience by having some fun in the Pier amusements!
Wander across to Warwick Street after this, where there are more independent businesses, a couple of galleries and some of the best gelato! Guiseppe’s have some delicious flavours to try.
Worthing Museum is home to one of the largest costume collections in the UK. The museum has had a major revamp recently and is well worth the visit. It has some interesting sections on the history of Worthing, dating back to Neolithic times. I particularly love the section on Sussex folklore. No trip to the seaside is complete without a quick dip in the sea. You can book the Fire, Salt, Sea beachside sauna for peak relaxation.
Finally, head towards Montague Street for drinks at the cosy Signal Post bar before enjoying the best curry of your life at Bauji. Some other great bars to round the night off include The Whiskey Rooms, Vudu, The Goose, or the Toad – where you might even catch a sea shanty session!
White Cliffs of Dover
By Paulina from the UK Every Day
Located roughly 80 miles southeast of London, the iconic White Cliffs of Dover make an ideal coastal getaway. The journey takes about two hours by train from London to Dover Priory. From the station, you can reach the cliffs via a short walk. Alternatively, driving via the M2/A2 or M20 motorways takes you directly to National Trust White Cliffs of Dover parking.
Rising dramatically above the English Channel, these striking chalk giants are among Britain’s most famous natural landmarks. They offer magnificent sea views stretching to France on clear days alongside deep historical significance. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along coastal paths toward St Margaret’s Bay. You can also explore wartime history at the Fan Bay Deep Shelter or nearby Dover Castle. Nature lovers can look for nesting seabirds and colorful butterflies along the chalk paths.
The best time to visit is during spring and early summer between April and June for pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers. It makes for one of the best day trips from London. Summer months provide the clearest views across the English Channel, though weekdays are best to avoid heavy crowds. Always stay well back from the unstable cliff edges due to ongoing natural erosion. Be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes because the terrain can get muddy and uneven.
Day Trips from London: Unique Experiences
The Belmond British Pullman
By Alex of A Life Well Travelled
The British Pullman is a vintage train that leaves from London Victoria and returns there, so it’s a proper day trip with no overnight stay. Once on board, my journey looped through the Kent countryside, with the train then following along the coast before returning to London after about 5 hours.
Head to London Victoria, where the British Pullman lounge is near Platform 2. Check in 30 minutes before departure. Victoria is on the Victoria, District and Circle Tube lines. The fun starts before you board with musical performances and drinks in the lounge.
The train is actually the destination. The beautiful carriages date back to the 1920s and 30s, and once ran on famous services such as the Brighton Belle and the Golden Arrow. Each has been restored, with one even being designed by Wes Anderson! Sitting at a table laid with champagne afternoon tea while Kent rolls past your window really does feel like stepping back in time.
Settle into your seat, enjoy the entertainment including historic musical performances, watch the English countryside go by and learn about the history of the train – all whilst drinking champagne and enjoying a traditional afternoon tea with scones and sandwiches. It all feels very classically British and makes for one of the best day trips from London.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
By Chelsea of Adventures of Chels
For a great day trip from London, head over to Leavesden to check out the Harry Potter Studio Tour! The Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden is located about 21 miles from London. It takes about an hour to travel there by car and an hour to travel there by public transportation. While both of those are great options, another is to book a “tour” that includes transportation.
The only difference between booking with a tour operator vs booking tickets directly through the studio is that the tour includes transportation. Once you arrive at the studio it’s all self guided and you can move at your own pace. It’s also a perk that the tour operated tickets are frequently still available even when tickets directly through the studio are sold out. It’s also a cool Harry Potter themed double decker bus that takes you to the studio, which is a fun experience in itself!
Inside the studio tour you’ll find ALL things Harry-Potter-movies. Sets, costumes, props, and a few favorite and notable pieces like the Great Hall, Hogwarts Express, Mirror of Erised, Gryffindor common room, Hargrid’s hut, Diagon Alley, and so much more! It’s well worth a day trip for any Harry Potter fan. *Also note that the holiday decorations come out for Halloween and Christmas which is also fun to see.
Final Thoughts About Day Trips from London
London is an amazing place to explore. You will want to spend at least a week in London if you plan on taking any day trips. If you have time, add in time in Scotland, Ireland, or France with a trip to London and the United Kingdom.