The city of Cambridge is a hotbed of history, architecture and innovation.
Day trips from London
Britain packs a punch when it comes to the eclectic range of destinations within close proximity to London. Whether it’s experiencing the charm of the English countryside, breathing in the sea air, or walking in the footsteps of historic and literary greats, there’s plenty of opportunities to see Britain differently.
With the nation’s capital as your base, you can embark on a diverse choice of day trips from London. All have great transport links too, making it easy to discover the best of what each location has to offer.
Brighton Beach
Explore Brighton’s beachfront with its iconic pier, colourful beach huts, the Artists’ Quarter galleries, independent traders and Sea Life aquarium. After dark, hit the clubs and bars beneath the Victorian beachfront for cocktails and dancing.
SUP Bristol
Looking for a different kind of sightseeing tour? On a paddleboard, you’ll witness the nature, beauty and relaxed pace of life on Bristol’s waterways and harbourside – and get a great workout too. This award-winning company offers group sessions every day of the week, as well as private classes, family bookings and tours further afield – to the likes of Pembrokeshire and The Gower, in Wales.
Windsor Castle
Walk through 1,000 years of history at Windsor Castle, exploring its opulent state rooms and superb royal artefacts – such as the lavish gifts received by Queen Elizabeth throughout her reign.
Your ticket includes St George’s Chapel, where several royal couples have married.
Oxford Alumni Harry Potter Tour
Combine movie legends with fascinating history on this Harry Potter-themed walking tour, which visits key Oxford locations used in the ‘Philosopher’s Stone’ and ‘Goblet of Fire’ films. Every tour is hosted by Oxford University alumni or students, so you’ll also learn all about life in this world-famous academic institution and beautiful city – a treat for both wizards and muggles!
Cambridge University – The Theory of Everything
In the Theory of Everything film, St John’s College doubled as Trinity Hall, where Professor Stephen Hawking studied. See where the May Ball scene was filmed on the lawn outside the New Court Building, in which staunch atheist Hawking falls in love with devout Christian Jane Wilde.
The Shell Grotto
Decorated with an incredible 4.6 million shells, this spectacular underground hideaway has to be seen to be believed. It was discovered by accident in 1835, and nobody knows its origins. Was it a temple? A rich person’s folly? Enter the tunnels and decide for yourself.
Top day trips from London
London is an ideal base for a British adventure, with a wealth of unique day trips on the doorstep. With numerous rail hubs in the city, these day trips from London range from approximately 25 to 100 miles (40km-160km), are easy to get to by car if you’re hiring one, or take between 30 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes by train.
Cambridge
Bristol
Oxford
Windsor
Brighton
Kent
Colchester
Bath
Cambridge
Bristol
Oxford
Windsor
Brighton
Kent
Colchester
Bath
Top destinations
Cambridge
Getting here: Around 50 mins by train from London King’s Cross station, or around 1 hour 20 minutes from London Liverpool Street station. Or 60 miles (96km) from London by car (1 hour 30 minutes).
Cambridge is known for its iconic University, where the late Professor Sir Stephen Hawking studied. Some of the city’s highlights include the University’s Botanic Garden, eclectic street food at Market Square, and leisurely punts along the River Cam.
Windsor
Getting here: Around 40 minutes by train from London Paddington station or around 1 hour from London Waterloo station. Or 27 miles (43km) from London by car (1 hour).
For a taste of Royal Britain, head to Windsor. One of the most famous landmarks is Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world and an official residence of King Charles III. The charming town is packed with half-timbered houses and quaint shops, while Windsor Great Park has something for all ages. Eton College, just across the River Thames, can be toured and also boasts notable alumni including George Orwell and Prince William.
Oxford
Getting here: Around 50 mins by train from London Paddington station, or 60 miles (96km) from London by car (1 hour 45 minutes).
With history at every turn, you can be in the heart of Oxford’s cobbled lanes and canals in no time. A tour of Britain’s oldest university is a must, while Harry Potter fans can spot famous landmarks which featured in several of the movies. From modern art to history-filled museums, look out for the Bodleian Library on this unmissable day trip.
Bristol
Getting here: Around 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London Paddington station, or 118 miles (190km) from London by car (2 hour 20 minutes).
Bristol, a mecca for street art and the birthplace of Banksy, is a cultural and artistic hub with plenty to offer for all tastes. Highlights include surfing at The Wave, delicious eats at the historic St Nicholas Market, and numerous artistic tours and workshops. With multiple museums, craft beers to taste, paddle boarding on Bristol’s waterways and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice on things to do.
Canterbury
Getting here: Around 50 minutes from London St Pancras station by train, or around 1 hour 30 minutes from London Victoria station. Or 60 miles (97km) from London by car (1 hour 30 minutes).
There’s more than one tale to discover in Canterbury. Where pilgrims walked and Romans ruled, this city that is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites has never stood still in the face of time. Wake up under the shadows of towering cathedral spires with a stay in the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge or pick up an ale at Canterbury’s 14th century pub. With history to uncover, a river punt to see the sights and several nearby vineyards too, Canterbury is calling you.
Colchester
Getting here: Around a 1 hour journey by train from London Liverpool Street, or 67 miles (108km) from London by car (1 hour 40 minutes).
A blissful blend of nature and urban living, Britain’s oldest city was made to explored. Step back in time and uncover the hidden secrets of Europe’s largest Norman Keep, prisons and vaults. A journey out to neighbouring Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty connects you to the environment, with foraging walks or cycling adventures on offer. From local flavours to contemporary art, and plenty of history, now’s the time to unlock the stories of Colchester that span over 2000 years.
Seaside day trips from London
Margate
Getting here: Around 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London St Pancras, London Victoria or Charing Cross stations. Or 75 miles (121km) from London by car (2 hours).
Found to the south east of London on Kent’s northern coast, Margate’s sandy beach and seafront provide a taste of traditional seaside Britain. The revived Old Town is awash with cafes, retro shops and vibrant independent stores, as well as eclectic art and tasty food from pop up stalls. Discover the region’s artistic past at the Turner Contemporary gallery, or be immersed in the mysteries of the Shell Grotto, a captivating subterranean complex first discovered in 1835. From sea front hotels to cosy bed and breakfast options, Margate also has a broad range of places to stay if you fancy more than a day trip.
Brighton
Getting here: Around 60 minutes by train from London Victoria, London Bridge, Blackfriars or London St Pancras stations. 0r 60 miles (96km) from London by car (2 hours).
Eccentric and trendy, head south to Brighton for its boho shopping streets and for a taste of traditional fish and chips on the beach. Try adrenaline-fuelled roller coasters on Brighton Pier, be immersed in the city’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ scene, or climb to the top of the Brighton i360 observation tower for breathtaking views. Marvel at the architecture of the Royal Pavilion, and absorb the charm of this British seaside resort. Choose from a wide range of accommodation options if you want to spend more than a day here too.
Eastbourne
Getting here: Around 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London Victoria, or 75 miles (120km) from London by car (2 hours).
Eastbourne, on England’s southern coast, mixes history and culture with striking outdoor landscapes. Explore the town’s wealth of independent shops in Little Chelsea, browse contemporary art at Towner Eastbourne, the south-east’s largest purpose-built gallery, and sample fish and chips on the town’s Victorian pier for lunch. For something a little more adventurous, venture out onto the water for kayaking or paddle boarding. Eastbourne also boasts vast green spaces for scenic coastal hikes, where you can admire the chalky white cliffs of Seven Sisters and the luscious Seven Sisters Country Park. Great as a day trip, there’s also an array of seafront hotels and guest houses if you fancy an extended stay.
Hastings
Around 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London Bridge, or 70 miles (113km) from London by car (1 hour 50 minutes).
Steeped in history, Hastings has a rich fishing heritage and is home to Britain’s steepest funicular railway, offering stunning views across the English Channel. While the town gives its name to one of the most significant battles in British history in 1066, explore the historic conflict’s actual location a few miles to the north at Battle Abbey. Hastings Pier offers modern amusements and seaside views, while the Shipwreck Museum reveals rare artefacts from sunken vessels. Browse an eclectic mix of exhibitions and modern art at Hastings Contemporary, or head into nature at the Hastings Country Park Local Nature Reserve. If you’re keen to spend more than a day here, Hastings has a range of accommodation options for all budgets too.
Southampton
Getting here: Around 1 hour 20 minutes by train from London Waterloo station, or 80 miles (129km) from London by car (2 hours).
A catalyst for creatives, Southampton shines bright with artsy vibes, exhilarating watersports and relaxing boat trips. Discover contemporary galleries or indulge in luxury at the Ocean Village Marina. Or out on the water, pick up a paddle for a unique way to see the city. From clambering up the Clock Tower to tucking into seafood delights, uncover the bounties of this coastal city. Opt to spend longer here and look to Southampton’s abundance of places to stay, with waterfront views, city centre hotels and rural escapes all on offer.
Portsmouth
Getting here: Around 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London Waterloo station, or 77 miles (124km) from London by car (2 hours).
Whether its for a slice of history, nature or film, Portsmouth is a melting pot of what makes Britain brilliant. A star of the screen, look to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for scenes from Les Misérables alongside maritime history in its museums, galleries, and ships. Take your tea quite literally higher, with an afternoon tea at the tip of the Spinnaker Tower. Or for those that dare, up the antics with an abseil 100m down the iconic building. Choose to extend your stay and have your pick of hotels, guest houses and campsites with budget friendly options too.
Looking further afield
If you’re willing to travel slightly further, all of these locations are accessible via train from London in under three hours.
