Skip to main content

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

The city of Cambridge is a hotbed of history, architecture and innovation.

Find out more

Photo by: Shutterstock/Pajor Pawel

View of college in Cambridge with people punting on River
Oxford

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires.

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Man looking up at a historical building with dome
Windsor

Lovers of The Crown can wrap themselves in royalty, as this town is about as regal as it gets.

Find out more

Photo by: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Guards marching, Windsor Castle
Brighton

A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline-fuelled adventure.

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain

Smiling woman in denim jacket standing between shops
Kent

From ice-cream parlours to seafood festivals, the ‘Garden of England’ is meant for discovery.

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain/Dipyourtoesin

Location: Kent

Man and woman walking between vines at a vineyard
Colchester

A perfect blend of nature and urban living, this Essex city was made to be explored.

Find out more

Photo by: Indre @Colchesterstreets

Man walking through arch covered in flowers at Lion Walk, Colchester
Bath

A wellness retreat for the Romans, with elegant Georgian architecture around every corner.

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain

Woman swimming in a swimming pool at a spa
Portsmouth

Known as the Great Waterfront City, Portsmouth offers adventure sports, relaxation and refreshing sea air.

Find out more

Photo by: HMS Warrior

Location: Portsmouth, England

A family walking alongside a ship at a dock
Cambridge

The city of Cambridge is a hotbed of history, architecture and innovation.

Find out more

Photo by: Shutterstock/Pajor Pawel

View of college in Cambridge with people punting on River
Oxford

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires.

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Man looking up at a historical building with dome
Windsor

Lovers of The Crown can wrap themselves in royalty, as this town is about as regal as it gets.

Find out more

Photo by: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Guards marching, Windsor Castle
Brighton

A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline-fuelled adventure.

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain

Smiling woman in denim jacket standing between shops
Kent

From ice-cream parlours to seafood festivals, the ‘Garden of England’ is meant for discovery.

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain/Dipyourtoesin

Location: Kent

Man and woman walking between vines at a vineyard
Colchester

A perfect blend of nature and urban living, this Essex city was made to be explored.

Find out more

Photo by: Indre @Colchesterstreets

Man walking through arch covered in flowers at Lion Walk, Colchester
Bath

A wellness retreat for the Romans, with elegant Georgian architecture around every corner.

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain

Woman swimming in a swimming pool at a spa
Portsmouth

Known as the Great Waterfront City, Portsmouth offers adventure sports, relaxation and refreshing sea air.

Find out more

Photo by: HMS Warrior

Location: Portsmouth, England

A family walking alongside a ship at a dock

Top destinations

More day trips from London

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.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Two women walking under the arches of a college quad

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.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

A Chinese couple entering a Windsor tea room to have cream tea. Antique signs.

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.

Photo by: Bodleian Libraries/Stu Heppell

Olds Schools Quad, Bodleian Libraries, Oxford

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.

Photo by: Getty Images/Mint Images RF

Rear view of an standing on paddleboard on river at dawn.

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.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Alex Hare

A man and a couple in a punt on a small river surrounded by gardens and houses

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.

Photo by: Colchester City Council

Mother and daughter looking at a display case in Colchester Castle museum

Seaside day trips from London

Photo by: Dreamland Margate

 Dreamland Margate

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, or immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ scene. 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

Getting here: 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.

Exploring further afield

If you’re willing to travel slightly further, all of these locations are accessible via train from London in under three hours.

World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival

DJ playing to groups of people at Manchester Craft Beer Festival, in Depot Mayfield, Manchester

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

The Victorian formal gardens with statues and low hedges in front of Harewood House

Steeped in the legends that surround Robin Hood, Nottingham is home to literary greats and a thriving independent arts scene.

Photo by: projecthoop

A performer in front of Nottingham Castle

An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

Photo by: West Midlands Growth Company

Historical building, with a clock tower, beside a fountain

A wellness retreat for the Romans, with elegant Georgian architecture around every corner.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Woman swimming in a swimming pool at a spa

Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Cardiff

A gay couple enjoying the shopping facilities at Castle Arcade in Cardiff, Wales

Lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers - the Cotswolds has it all.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Cotswolds, England

Pärchen, das sich im Garten in der Nähe eines Springbrunnens umarmt

From a medieval monarch found under a car park to the city’s celebration of multicultural modern life, Leicester has it all.

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

An outdoor view of Leicester's historic Guild Hall

Known as the City of Stories, create your own narrative as you explore Norwich’s huge array of historic and modern day attractions.

Photo by: Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

Location: Norwich, England

A group of people paddleboarding on the River Wensum

From traditional seaside towns to adventure sports and charming cities with heaps of history, the East of England has something for everyone.

Photo by: Visit East of England

Location: Dunwich, England

A woman carrying a dog along a beach in Dunwich

Plymouth is Britain’s Ocean City with maritime charm, natural beauty and award-winning museums and waterfront attractions. See the best things to do here.

Photo by: Jay Stone

Location: Plymouth, England

People paddleboarding near a dock in Plymouth

Peppered with rolling hills, ancient woodlands and unique local flavours, Somerset is calling out to be explored.

Photo by: Glastonbury Festival

Crowd at Glastonbury Festival

A gateway to the Peak District, Derby is drenched in industrial heritage – yet nature is never far away.

Photo by: Visit Derby

A group of people riding in a riverboat

Sitting on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Sheffield is made for outdoor lovers and creatives. Find the best things to do in our guide.

Photo by: Salt St for The Outdoor City

People riding bikes on the inner city mountain bike trails at Parkwood Springs, Sheffield

Not found what you were looking for?

Not found what you were looking for?