Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Anderson/Royal Pavilion

Location: Brighton

Royal Pavilion at dusk, lit up in a range of vivid colours

Day trips from 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 are 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.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Brighton

Woman standing on the beach near the pier at sunset

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.

Kick back on Brighton Beach

Photo by: SUP Bristol

A person paddleboarding in the middle of Bristol's harbourside

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.

More about SUP Bristol

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

Visitors with ice cream, Windsor Castle

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 II throughout her reign.

Your ticket includes St George’s Chapel, where several royal couples have married.

Book tickets to Windsor Castle
Christ Church CollegeatChrist Church _ Experience Oxfordshire

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 (2001) and Goblet of Fire (2005) 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!

Enjoy a Harry Potter Film Locations tour

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Two people sitting in an archway outside landmark building

Cambridge University – The Theory of Everything

In the Theory of Everything film (2014), 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.

Explore St John’s College

Photo by: rockin.goodtimes

Shell Grotto

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.

Explore The Shell Grotto

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.

Press Escape while tabbing through the list to skip to the next section
Cambridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Two women walking under the arches of a college quad

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/Ben Selway

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

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: Bodleian Libraries/Stu Heppell

Olds Schools Quad, Bodleian Libraries, Oxford

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: Visit Bristol / Frank Beaumier

People paddleboarding on the river with the City of Bristol beyond

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: VisitBritain/Alex Hare

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

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: Colchester City Council

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

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 2,000 years.

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 seafront hotels to cosy bed and breakfast options, Margate has a 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 in Brighton 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 in Eastbourne 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 in Portsmouth, 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.

Manchester

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

Leeds

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

Nottingham

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

Birmingham

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

Bath

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

Cardiff

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

Cotswolds

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

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Cotswolds, England

Male and female couple hugging in a garden near a fountain

Leicester

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

Norwich

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

East of England

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

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

Somerset

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

Derby

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

Sheffield

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

  • Manchester

    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

  • Leeds

    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

  • Nottingham

    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

  • Birmingham

    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

  • Bath

    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

  • Cardiff

    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

  • Cotswolds

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

    Photo by: VisitBritain

    Location: Cotswolds, England

    Male and female couple hugging in a garden near a fountain

  • Leicester

    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

  • Norwich

    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

  • East of England

    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

    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

  • Somerset

    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

  • Derby

    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

  • Sheffield

    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

Day trips from London FAQs

  • Some of the cities that are closest to London outside of its boroughs are: 

     

    • Windsor – One of the closest cities to London, Windsor is only 40-minutes away by train and offers plenty to see, do and explore. 

    • Cambridge – Cambridge is only 50-minutes away by train and offers an array of sights to see, from the university to its several museums. 

    • Colchester – Located roughly an hour by train from London, Colchester is within easy reach and features its very own castle, arts centre and more. 

    • Oxford – Located an hour away from London by rail, Oxford offers a variety of landmarks to discover and peruse.  

  • Other places that you may wish to visit that are located near to London include: 

     

    • Bristol – Very much a city of art and with its own stunning cathedral, Bristol is just an hour and 30 minutes from London by train. 

    • Canterbury – Brimming with history, Canterbury is another great place to go near London. Featuring its own ruined castle, medieval buildings, and cathedral, it’s just 50-minutes from London by train. 

    • Southampton – Yet another city full of art and culture, Southampton offers beautiful waterside views and is 80 minutes from London via train. 

    • Hastings – Hastings is just a 90-minute train ride away from London and has plenty of history to explore, including its unique Shipwreck Museum. 

    • Margate – Margate is also located 90-minutes from London and is a stunning seaside destination with cafes galore.  

    • Eastbourne – Also located along the coast and just 90-minutes from London - Eastbourne offers wonderful sea views, independent shops, and food.  

    • Portsmouth – Portsmouth, which featured in Les Misérables, is a 90-minute train ride from London and offers a range of experiences such as the Spinnaker Tower and more. 

  • You can catch a train to Brighton from the following stations in London:  

     

    • London Victoria 

    • London Bridge 

    • Blackfriars 

    • London St Pancras 

  • For a direct journey to Manchester from London, you can catch a train at London Euston train station arriving at Manchester Piccadilly. The average journey time is 2 hours 40 minutes. 

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