Look, I love London as much as the next person. The museums, the theatre, the energy, the food—it’s all incredible. But after a few days of navigating crowded Tube stations, dodging tourists on Oxford Street, and paying £8 for a mediocre sandwich, you might find yourself craving something different. Fresh air. Open spaces. Villages where people actually say “good morning” to strangers.
Here’s the brilliant thing about London: some of England’s most stunning destinations are literally just a train ride away. We’re talking ancient stone circles, fairytale villages, royal castles, university towns where Harry Potter was filmed, and seaside piers—all within 1-2 hours of central London.
So let me walk you through the best day trips from London, complete with honest advice about which ones are worth your time, how to get there without renting a car, and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Whether you’ve got just one day to spare or you’re planning multiple escapes from the capital, I’ve got you covered.
Why Take Day Trips From London?
Before we dive into specific destinations, let’s talk about why you should even bother leaving one of the world’s greatest cities.
You’ll see the “real” England. London is amazing, but it’s not representative of the entire country. The villages, countryside, and smaller cities show you a completely different side of England—one that’s often more charming and memorable.
It’s ridiculously easy. England’s train network connects London to dozens of fascinating places within 1-2 hours. No car rental needed, no complicated logistics—just hop on a train.
You’ll avoid burnout. London can be exhausting. The noise, the crowds, the pace—taking a day trip gives you a mental break while still making the most of your UK visit.
You’ll impress people back home. “I went to London” is fine. “I went to London AND saw Stonehenge, Bath, and the Cotswolds” is way better.
History literally surrounds London. Windsor Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Oxford University—these aren’t just tourist attractions, they’re living pieces of history that have shaped Western civilization.
Now, let’s explore your options.
The Classic Must-Sees: Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath
If you’re a first-time visitor to England and only have time for one or two day trips, these are your heavy hitters. They’re popular for a reason—they’re genuinely spectacular.
Windsor Castle: Where the Queen Used to Live
Distance from London: 20 miles (30-40 minutes by train)
Why it’s worth it: This is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it’s still a royal residence.
Windsor Castle is located just 20 miles from the city center, and if you visit just one place outside of London city, make it Windsor Castle. This isn’t some ruin you view from behind ropes—this is a working royal palace where state banquets still happen.
You can explore St. George’s Chapel (where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married), see the State Apartments with their incredible art collection, and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The castle sits on a hill overlooking the Thames, and the views are stunning.
How to get there: 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. Alternatively, trains from Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central take about 30 minutes.
Pro tip: Book your Windsor Castle tickets online in advance to skip the ticket queue. Arrive early—it gets crowded by midday. If you have time, explore the charming towns of Windsor and Eton after your castle visit.
Stonehenge: The Mysterious Stone Circle
Distance from London: 90 miles (about 2 hours by train + bus)
Why it’s worth it: It’s one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, and it’s genuinely awe-inspiring.
Many tour operators combine Stonehenge with Windsor Castle and a city tour of either Bath or Oxford—a smart way to get to several big spots at once.
Here’s the thing about Stonehenge: Visiting Stonehenge is one of the best day trips from London. It is also quite popular with school trips as it is one of the last standing prehistoric monuments in the world. Standing in front of these massive stones that were somehow transported and erected 5,000 years ago is surreal. You can’t help but wonder: how did ancient people do this without modern technology?
How to get there: This one’s trickier without a car. Your best options are taking a train to Salisbury and then a bus to Stonehenge, or booking a guided tour that handles transportation. Many tours combine Stonehenge with Bath and/or Windsor, which is actually a smart way to see multiple sites in one day.
Pro tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The site looks particularly magical at sunset (if weather cooperates). Pre-book tickets online—you can’t just show up.
Bath: Roman Baths and Georgian Architecture
Distance from London: 115 miles (1.5 hours by train)
Why it’s worth it: This UNESCO World Heritage city combines Roman history, stunning Georgian architecture, and natural hot springs.
Book one of the days out from London to see the remarkable Stonehenge, the royal residence at Windsor Castle, the hot pools of Bath, the stone cottages in The Cotswolds, the university towns of Oxford and Cambridge, and much more.
Bath is one of those cities where every street feels like a film set. The Roman Baths—nearly 2,000-year-old spa complex—are incredibly well-preserved. You can see the ancient pools, walk where Romans walked, and even taste the mineral water (spoiler: it’s not delicious, but you should try it anyway).
Beyond the baths, explore the Royal Crescent (gorgeous Georgian architecture), Bath Abbey, and the charming shops and cafes throughout the city. Jane Austen lived here, and you can visit the Jane Austen Centre if you’re a fan.
How to get there: Direct trains from London Paddington take about 1.5 hours. The city center is compact and walkable from the train station.
Pro tip: Bath gets very crowded during summer and weekends. Visit on a weekday if possible. Consider buying a combined ticket that includes both the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.
The University Towns: Oxford and Cambridge
These two cities are often mentioned in the same breath (collectively as “Oxbridge”), but they’re actually quite different. If you can only visit one, here’s how to choose.
Oxford: Harry Potter and Endless History
Distance from London: 60 miles (1-1.5 hours by train)
Why it’s worth it: Stunning architecture, literary history, and yes, Harry Potter filming locations.
Oxford looks like a chapter out of a fairytale: timeworn cobblestones and centuries-old stonework give way to spires looming overhead. This city has educated everyone from J.R.R. Tolkien to Bill Clinton, and walking through its medieval colleges feels like stepping into another era.
Highlights include Christ Church College (which doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films), the Bodleian Library (one of the oldest libraries in Europe), and the Bridge of Sighs. Don’t miss climbing the tower at St. Mary’s Church for panoramic city views.
How to get there: Trains from London Paddington to Oxford take about 1-1.5 hours. The station is a 10-15 minute walk from the city center, or take a bus.
Pro tip: Many colleges close during exam periods (May-June) and have restricted hours during term time. Check ahead. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, book a guided tour that covers filming locations.
Cambridge: Punting and Prestige
Distance from London: 50 miles (45-50 minutes by train)
Why it’s worth it: More intimate than Oxford, with beautiful riverside scenery and world-class colleges.
Cambridge is possibly my favourite of the university cities, says one travel blogger who’s visited multiple times. The city has this magical quality—narrower streets, the River Cam flowing through it, and somehow it feels less touristy than Oxford despite being equally prestigious.
Cambridge is one of the most famous university towns, not only in England but in the world. It’s only 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of London. Don’t miss King’s College Chapel (stunning Gothic architecture), punting on the River Cam (it’s touristy but genuinely fun), and the Mathematical Bridge.
How to get there: You can get a train to Cambridge from two London train stations, London King’s Cross and London Liverpool Street. Train rides are just over an hour long. The tickets were around 20£ (25 euros) per person for a return ticket.
Pro tip: Try punting—steering a flat-bottomed boat with a pole along the river. It’s harder than it looks and hilarious. Book a chauffeured punt if you don’t want the embarrassment of crashing into bridges.
The Cotswolds: England’s Most Beautiful Villages
Distance from London: 80-100 miles (varies by village; 1.5-2 hours by train)
Why it’s worth it: Picture-perfect villages with honey-colored stone cottages, rolling hills, and that quintessentially English countryside.
As a local who doesn’t drive, the Cotswolds can definitely be visited from London using public transport and makes for a fantastic day trip! This might surprise you since the Cotswolds are quite rural.
With its rustic rural charm, rolling hills, vibrant market towns and picture-perfect villages, the Cotswolds covers nearly 800 square miles of unspoilt countryside. This is England as you imagine it from movies—thatched-roof cottages, stone churches, village greens, and pubs that have been serving locals for centuries.
Must-visit villages include Bibury (Arlington Row is one of the most photographed streets in England), Bourton-on-the-Water (called the “Venice of the Cotswolds”), and Castle Combe.
How to get there: Take a train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh, a journey that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From there, you’ll need buses to reach individual villages, or consider booking a guided tour.
Pro tip: The Cotswolds are genuinely challenging to explore without a car. If you’re serious about seeing multiple villages, book a day tour that handles transportation. Otherwise, pick one or two villages accessible by bus from Moreton-in-Marsh.
The Coastal Escapes: Brighton and Canterbury
Brighton: England’s Quirky Beach Town
Distance from London: 50 miles (1 hour by train)
Why it’s worth it: Colorful, bohemian, and right on the seaside.
Brighton is located on the coast of the south of England in close proximity to London. Take a rail trip of around an hour to the British seaside with a day out at the vibrant city of Brighton.
Brighton is where Londoners go for weekend getaways. It’s got pebble beaches (not sandy, FYI), the famous Brighton Pier with its amusement rides, the exotic Royal Pavilion (seriously one of the most bizarre buildings you’ll ever see—imagine if India and England had an architectural baby), and “The Lanes”—narrow streets filled with vintage shops, quirky boutiques, and excellent restaurants.
The city offers unique and colourful street art and bustling vintage markets. It’s also a hotspot for foodies, catering to all dietary requirements, and was crowned the “Vegan Capital of The World” in 2022.
How to get there: Trains from London Victoria or London Bridge take about 1 hour. The station is a short walk from the city center and beach.
Pro tip: Brighton is best on sunny days (obviously—it’s a beach town). Visit the Royal Pavilion, walk the pier, explore The Lanes, and have fish and chips on the beach. If you’re into vintage shopping, you’ll be in heaven.
Canterbury: Medieval Cathedral City
Distance from London: 60 miles (1 hour by train)
Why it’s worth it: Home to Canterbury Cathedral, one of the most important Christian sites in England.
Discover some of the best sites in the county of Kent including Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and postcard-pretty seaside towns.
Canterbury Cathedral is where the Archbishop of Canterbury was murdered in 1170, and it’s been a pilgrimage site ever since. The medieval city center is charming and walkable, with original city walls, half-timbered houses, and winding streets.
How to get there: Direct trains from London St Pancras take about 1 hour.
Pro tip: Many day tours combine Canterbury with Dover (to see the famous White Cliffs) and Leeds Castle. If you have time, this makes for a full day exploring Kent.
The Harry Potter Experience: Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Distance from London: 20 miles (about 1 hour by train + shuttle)
Why it’s worth it: See the actual sets, props, and costumes from all eight Harry Potter films.
One of the most popular day trips? The Making of Harry Potter Tour at the Warner Bros. Studios London, about an hour outside the city, where you can check out the sets, props, and costumes used in the films.
Overall, the most-visited day trip destinations from London are Windsor Castle and Harry Potter Studios. This isn’t just for kids—even if you’re only a casual Harry Potter fan, the craftsmanship and attention to detail are incredible.
You’ll see the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Dumbledore’s office, Hagrid’s hut, Privet Drive, and so much more. Plus, you can try Butterbeer (it’s cloyingly sweet but you have to try it).
How to get there: Take a train from London Euston to Watford Junction (about 20 minutes), then a shuttle bus to the studios. Or book a tour package that includes transportation.
Pro tip: Book tickets WEEKS in advance—they sell out fast, especially during school holidays. The tour takes 3-4 hours minimum. There’s no rushing through this.
Day Trips for Different Interests
Let me break down recommendations based on what you’re actually interested in:
For history buffs: Windsor Castle, Bath, Canterbury Cathedral, Stonehenge
For Harry Potter fans: Oxford (filming locations) + Warner Bros. Studio Tour
For nature lovers: The Cotswolds, Seven Sisters Cliffs
For beach vibes: Brighton
For literary fans: Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare’s birthplace)
For architecture enthusiasts: Bath, Oxford, Cambridge
For photographers: The Cotswolds, Seven Sisters, Cambridge
For families: Brighton, Warner Bros. Studio, Windsor
How to Actually Plan Your Day Trip
Here’s my step-by-step process for planning successful day trips from London:
Step 1: Choose Your Destination
Consider:
- Your interests
- Time available (some places need full days, others are half-day trips)
- Weather (save outdoor locations for good weather)
- Crowds (weekdays are less busy than weekends)
Step 2: Book Transportation
All the popular destinations and major cities around England are perfectly connected to central London, with frequent train lines. I usually book all my tickets through Trainline. They give you the best deal they can at the moment of purchasing!
For trains:
- Book in advance for cheaper tickets (up to 12 weeks ahead)
- Off-peak tickets are cheaper than peak
- Railcards offer discounts if you’re traveling frequently
For tours:
- Compare prices on GetYourGuide, Viator, and tour company websites
- Read recent reviews
- Receive a full refund if you cancel coach trips up to 24 hours before the travel date
Step 3: Book Tickets/Tours for Attractions
Many popular sites require advance booking:
- Windsor Castle
- Stonehenge
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour
- Bath Roman Baths (though walk-up is sometimes possible)
Step 4: Plan Your Timing
Typical day trip schedule:
- Leave London: 8-9am
- Arrive at destination: 9-11am
- Explore: 9am-5pm
- Return to London: 5-7pm
- Back in London: 6-8pm
Build in buffer time for delays, getting lost, and spontaneous discoveries.
Step 5: Pack Smart
Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk MILES)
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers!)
- Umbrella (it’s England—it might rain)
- Water bottle
- Phone charger
- Small backpack
- Snacks (train station food is expensive)
DIY vs. Guided Tours: Which Is Better?
This is the eternal question. Here’s my honest take:
Go DIY if:
- You like flexibility and spontaneity
- You’re comfortable navigating public transport
- You want to save money
- You prefer going at your own pace
- You’re traveling to easily accessible places (Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton)
Book a guided tour if:
- You want to see multiple places in one day (Stonehenge + Bath + Windsor combinations)
- You’re visiting hard-to-reach places (Cotswolds villages)
- You want expert commentary and historical context
- You don’t want to deal with logistics
- You’re short on time and want maximum efficiency
My recommendation: DIY for single destinations with good train connections (Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Brighton). Book tours for multi-stop trips or rural areas with limited public transport (Cotswolds, Stonehenge combinations).
Money-Saving Tips
Day trips can add up quickly. Here’s how to keep costs reasonable:
Book trains in advance. Last-minute train tickets are expensive. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for best prices.
Travel off-peak. Peak trains (weekday mornings and evenings) cost more. Off-peak is cheaper.
Get a railcard. If you’re taking multiple trips, a Two Together Railcard (for couples) or 16-25 Railcard (for young people) save 1/3 on train fares.
Pack your lunch. Train station and tourist area food is pricey. Bring sandwiches and snacks.
Consider combination tickets. Many day tours bundle multiple attractions, which can be cheaper than visiting separately.
Free attractions exist. Many Cambridge and Oxford colleges are free to enter. Brighton Beach costs nothing. Walking around Cotswolds villages is free.
The Bottom Line: Which Day Trip Should You Actually Take?
If I had to recommend just one day trip for first-time visitors, I’d say: Windsor Castle. It’s close, easy to reach, genuinely impressive, and gives you that “royal England” experience everyone wants.
If you have time for two day trips: Add either Oxford (for history and Harry Potter) or Brighton (for something completely different—seaside fun).
If you have time for three or more: Consider Bath (stunning city), the Cotswolds (quintessential English countryside), or Warner Bros. Studio Tour (if you’re a Harry Potter fan).
The beauty of London’s location is that you really can’t go wrong. Every destination on this list offers something special—whether it’s ancient history, stunning architecture, natural beauty, or just a change of pace from the capital’s intensity.
So pick a destination that excites you, book that train ticket, and get out of London for a day. The city will still be there when you get back, and you’ll have experienced a fuller, richer picture of what England has to offer.
Trust me—some of my best England memories aren’t from London itself, but from those spontaneous day trips to places I’d never heard of until I arrived. That’s the magic of having an entire country’s worth of history, culture, and countryside just a train ride away.
Now go book that day trip. Your adventure awaits!
