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The best day trips from London: 11 Easy ideas from a local
Explore the best day trips from London with local expert insights, transport tips, and easy escapes to castles, coastlines, and countryside.
London is undeniably one of the world’s most exciting and happening cities, but there are a few must-visit places just beyond it. Hampton Court Palace, Dover, The Cotswolds, Oxford, and Cambridge are some of the most popular locations and make the best day trips from London, along with many more.
What makes this blog a little more special and reliable is that it’s based on my insights as a local. Living in London, I’m able to offer a unique perspective on what first-time visitors look for while experiencing London day trips.
So, whether you’re planning cheap day trips from London for solo travelling or family-friendly escapes, this guide covers the best for every mode. Consider getting a travel eSIM to ensure you’re connected 24/7 to navigate and find the best routes on your trip.
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Why London is perfect for day trips
One of London’s biggest advantages is its connectivity. From central London and with major hubs like London St Pancras, London Waterloo, and London Bridge stations, you can reach castles, seaside towns, Roman cities, and rolling hills in just over an hour.
You don’t need to go too far to feel like you’ve left the city completely. However, it will certainly feel like it, even though they’re only a short train ride away, thanks to London’s public transport system.
The best day trips from London
To make planning easier, I’ve organised the best day trips from London into a list, based on vibe, scenery, and convenient accessibility.
Top tip: Summer is definitely the best season to visit each of these locations, although some may enjoy the gloomy vibe that winter brings. Winters in the UK usually bring endless rain spells, too.
1. Hampton Court Palace
✨Best for: Royal history, riverside walks, and relaxed cultural exploring
Hampton Court Palace is one of the most rewarding day trips from London if you want to experience fascinating history without the touristy vibe. This location was once home to Henry VIII, and it’s famous for its Tudor kitchens, grand halls, and expansive gardens along the River Thames. It’s spacious, family-friendly, and easy to explore at your own pace.
How to get there: District line to Wimbledon, then a short train ride to Hampton Court station.
2. Bath
✨Best for: Elegant historic city with Roman heritage and refined architecture
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular cities near London. You can visit the Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, and the city centre, which is very walkable with Georgian-style streets. Save this day trip from London for a full day of exploring.
How to get there: Direct train from London Paddington to Bath Spa.
3. The Cotswolds
✨Best for: Romantic countryside, scenic village, and slow-paced travel
The Cotswolds feel frozen in time with rolling hills and stone cottages. It honestly feels like you’ve stepped back in time with market towns like Bourton-on-the-Water. It’s one of the most photographed places to visit outside London by car, but also reachable by train with some planning.
How to get there: London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh. Then, take a local bus or taxi.
4. Seven Sisters, East Sussex
✨Best for: Scenic hiking and outstanding natural beauty
The Seven Sisters hike is one of the most breathtaking things to do near London if you enjoy nature. The chalk cliffs, open skies, and coastal views feel like stepping into a painting. The name actually comes from the fact that there are seven rolling cliffs (evergreen in the summertime). If you’re up for it, you can complete the entire hike, across all seven cliffs!
Try to do this hike in warmer weather, though, since the winds can make it seem colder than it really is.
How to get there: Train from London Victoria to Seaford, then walk to the trailhead.
5. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
✨Best for: Peaceful walks, plant lovers, and cultural learning
Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the easiest London day trips if you want greenery without leaving the city entirely. It’s beautiful year-round and ideal for a calm afternoon.
How to get there: District line or Overground to Kew Gardens stations.
6. Kent (Leeds Castle)
✨Best for: Bridgerton-style castles and countryside scenery
Leeds Castle is described as the “loveliest castle in the world,” with landscaped gardens and lakes. It’s one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain and was even once the home of Anne Boleyn. Located on a stunning lake, it’s the perfect place to take the family for a calm day out.
How to get there: Train from London Victoria to Bearsted. Then, take a short bus or taxi ride.
7. Windsor
✨Best for: Experiencing iconic royal landmarks and Gothic architecture
Windsor is home to the renowned Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and St George’s Chapel, known for royal weddings. It’s historical and easy to navigate in a single day.
How to get there: Train from London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside.
8. Cambridge
✨Best for: Historic university charm and river walks
This is one of the United Kingdom’s popular university cities, with star-studded graduates like Isaac Newton, Eddie Redmayne, and Charles Darwin. There’s so much to enjoy here, including punting on the River Cam and having brunch at one of the local cafes.
How to get there: Train from London King’s Cross or London Liverpool Street to Cambridge.
9. Oxford
✨Best for: University charm and river walks
Yet another historic university city on our list, but undoubtedly, a must-visit location! Oxford is home to one of the best and oldest universities in the world and has hosted some of the world’s most famous politicians.
It was also one of the main locations for filming one of the most popular films in the world, Harry Potter. You might even recognise a famous lamppost from C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. Use your cell phone in the UK to find the exact locations. You might need to get a local UK SIM card or an eSIM to use mobile internet.
How to get there: Train from London Paddington to Oxford.
10. Stonehenge
✨Best for: Exploring a prehistoric structure
Stonehenge is one of the world’s greatest mysteries, and fortunately, it lies only one to two hours outside London. It’s a vast prehistoric landscape that has served as a burial ground, healing centre, and temple for various groups of people over millennia.
You can get general admission tickets to explore the boundaries, but if you want to get to the inner circle, you’ll have to book that in advance.
How to get there: Train from London Waterloo to Salisbury. Then, take hourly Stonehenge shuttles from the station to the stones.
11. Brighton
✨Best for: A lively seaside escape perfect for beach walks
Brighton is easily one of the best day trips from London, known for its pebble beach, iconic pier, and lively atmosphere. You’ll find seaside charm, picturesque streets with vintage shops and small galleries, and an attractive boardwalk for views of the English Channel.
If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll be happy to explore the pier’s amusement park and aquarium.
How to get there: Train from London Bridge, London Victoria, or London St Pancras.
Bonus places to visit around London
Try these extra quick trips from London if you’ve already ticked off the list above!
- Overnight spa weekend in Champneys (Henlow): Perfect for a romantic getaway
- Vauxhall City Farm: Ideal for animal lovers and kids
- Tulley’s Farm: Perfect to visit during fall for pumpkin picking and Shocktober (not suitable for kids)
Stay connected on your day trips from London
Whether you’re navigating train stations, checking return times, or planning a busy day, staying connected matters. Reliable internet makes day trips from London by train much smoother, especially in rural areas.
Grab Holafly’s eSIM for the United Kingdom for ultimate peace of mind on your travels. Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM lets you connect as soon as you arrive. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone and five minutes to activate your digital SIM. No store visits, no physical swaps, and no worrying about coverage changes as you move between cities, countryside, and coastal areas.
Whether you’re checking platform updates at London Waterloo, navigating winding streets in the Cotswolds, or pulling up maps during a seaside walk in Brighton, your connection stays consistent.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
