Welcome to our guide to the Best Day Trips from London. If you’re visiting England and wondering where you should start, we’ve put together a list of the best days out within a short drive of the capital. England has so much to offer, from historic cities to peaceful countryside. We hope you find this guide useful!

Stonehenge

This ancient monument is one of the most popular destinations for any tourist in England. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it receives over one million visitors every year. Seeing the stone circle with your own eyes is an unforgettable experience. You can marvel at the breath-taking stone from all angles and take stunning photographs from all angles. There is also the amazing visitor centre, with an in-depth exhibition to take you through the 5000 years of Stonehenge’s history. Overall, it is an unmissable destination for a day trip just two hours away from London.

Bath

Visitors to Bath often say that going to the city feels like stepping back in time. Rebuilt in almost its entirety in the 1700s, Bath is known as one of the prettiest cities in the south of England. Literature fans adore the Jane Austen Centre and Mary Shelley Museum. Likewise, history-lovers can dive into the past in the Roman Baths Museum, with the 2000-year old ruins underground in the heart of the city. Other attractions include the Abbey, the Royal Crescent and Pultney Bridge. Three hours away from London, the honey-coloured buildings of Bath are worth the journey to see.

Windsor Castle

For fans of the English royal family, Windsor Castle is the perfect day out. Stepping into the world of royalty, you can walk through the gorgeously decorated State Apartments, see the centuries-old Changing the Guard ceremony and explore St George’s Chapel where royal weddings have taken place. Marvel at the paintings of the Royal Collection in the Drawings Gallery, then take a walk through the lush gardens of the grounds. For a more in-depth visit, hire a local guide or download the free audio tour to appreciate all the history throughout the castle. Just twenty miles from London, Windsor is a must-see for a day tour while in the city.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are ideal for those looking to get out of the city. A great green expanse in the middle of England, their rolling hills and pretty villages enchant all those who see them. Some of the most popular destinations include: Bibury, “the most beautiful village in England”; Burford, “the gateway to the Cotswolds”; Bourton-on-the-Water, “the Venice of the Cotswolds”; and Bampton, one of the oldest villages in England. And while travelling between these charming towns, take in the lovely sight of colourful patchwork fields over the area’s iconic rolling hills. Head to the Cotswolds for a peaceful excursion through the English countryside.

Oxford

Often called “the city of dreaming spires”, Oxford is famous for its stunning architecture. The 39 colleges that all together make up the world-famous university are built in a range of styles, from gothic to neoclassical. Due to their history and beauty, Oxford has become a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, for example, Harry Potter and Inspector Morse. Many tourists visit the city to explore inside the colleges and see their favourite on-screen scenes in real life. Other attractions include visiting the Ashmolean Museum, shopping on Cornmarket Street, eating tasty food in the 250 year-old Covered Market and walking in Christchurch College gardens. Just two hours away, Oxford is the ideal day trip from London.

Leeds Castle

Known as the ‘loveliest castle in the world’, Leeds Castle is located in Kent, just south-east of London. It is built on islands of a lake, with a stunning landscape and so many things to do. From the Bird of Prey Centre, to adventure golf, to the Maze and Grotto, there is something for everyone. Within the castle, you can admire intricate tapestries, discover the seven mediaeval queens who once lived there, and dive into the glamorous 1930s Drawing Rooms, Salon and Library. There are also three unique and beautiful gardens, as well as the walking routes of the grounds, all waiting for you to explore. For history and nature, Leeds Castle is a perfect excursion near London.

The White Cliffs of Dover

As one of the most recognisable English landmarks, the White Cliffs of Dover are an unforgettable sight to see. The scenery up on the winding cliff paths is breath-taking, with views across the sea all the way to the coastline of France on a clear day. It is also a haven for native wildlife, home to various rare species including butterflies, birds and wildflowers. Dover Castle is also popular, with not only the Great Tower dating back to the 12th century, but also the ruins of a Roman lighthouse and even secret underground tunnels used extensively for planning Operation Dynamo in World War Two all for you to explore. Only two hours drive from London, the White Cliffs make a lovely day tour.

Canterbury

Canterbury is known for being a very pretty and historic city. Most famous of all is Canterbury Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that receives over one million visitors every year. It has been a pilgrimage destination for Christians for over 800 years and to this day is one of the most-visited cathedrals in England. The city itself is very charming, where you can wander cobbled streets, shop for souvenirs along the King’s Mile and admire the flowerbeds of Westgate Gardens. You can even go punting along the city’s network of canals, listening to your guide tell you stories about Canterbury as you gently float along. Within two hours from London, Canterbury is great for a relaxed day out.

Book Your Day Trip Today!

Thank you for reading this guide to the Best Day Trips from London. Wherever you end up in England, you are sure to enjoy your time at your destination. If you can’t wait to get out there and explore, check out some of the amazing Day Tours from London that we offer. Looking forward to seeing you on tour soon!