22 Best Day Trips From London By Train or Car
Looking for the best day trips from London? There is so much beauty in the UK close to the capital and these are all my top picks!
London is best known for its iconic landmarks, from the London Eye to Buckingham Palace. But did you know that there are also plenty of day trips from London that can take you to a whole different side of England in less than 30 minutes?
London is one of the best cities in Europe (and the world) to visit. But sometimes you just want to escape the hustle and bustle for a bit. But there is so much more to England than just London and it shocks me how many people see the entire country as just that one city.
So, I’ve explored the 22 best day trips from London, within 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours, and slightly longer, from the English capital. Whether you want a quick escape or a full-day excursion, these destinations are sure to please!
My Top Travel Resources for London
✅ My favourite London day trips are Bath, Oxford, Windsor, and Paris.
✅ Here is a fantastic hotel in London.
✅ Don’t miss the London Eye or Westminster Abbey.
✅ To see the best of England, I highly recommend hiring a car.
1 Day Trips From London Within 30 Minutes
For those who are looking for a quick and easy day trip, 30 minutes is all you need to get out of the city.
There are plenty of great spots to visit within half an hour, but these are a few of my favourites:
1. Warner Bros Studio Tour
Easily one of my favourite places in the UK and definitely one of the best day trips from London, the Warner Bros Studio Tour is a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan. The best part? It’s only 30 minutes from the capital!
When you arrive at the studios, there’s a lot to explore. As you walk around each set or attraction, they explain how it was built and what it was created for, along with some fun facts about it.
You can also see costumes and props used in filming, including Sirius Black’s motorbike and Dumbledore’s office. There’s also a big tour of the set where you can explore Hogwarts Castle, Diagon Alley, Hagrid’s Hut, and more.
They recommend allowing at least 4 hours for the tour and you will most certainly need it. You may even need more time if you stop for a butterbeer in the cafe.
How to get there from London
This is one of the easiest day trips from London because there are so many ways to get there. You can take the train directly from London Euston train station which is approximately a 20-minute journey.
There’s also a 15-minute shuttle bus that operates from Watford Junction. This will take you directly to the studios and costs £3.
If you’re driving, the journey time is approximately 40-50 minutes, and the studio is within easy reach of the M25 and the M1.
2. Guildford
For those interested in seeing the rural side of the UK, Guildford is one of the best London day trips 30 minutes from the city. This town has plenty going on.
There are galleries, museums, breweries, and vineyards as well as lots of great shopping spots (including vintage boutiques). There’s also an abundance of pubs and eateries that offer traditional British fare like fish & chips.
Be sure to visit Guildford Museum and Guildford Castle for some ancient archaeological history. The Guildford Cathedral offers some beautiful stained glass windows and hilltop views. Plus, Stoke Park is great for those who want to get back to nature.
How to get there from London
To get to Guildford from London, it takes about 35-40 minutes by train from London Waterloo train station. There are direct trains with the South Western Railway.
If you’re driving it will take approx 1 hour, depending on how long it takes you to get out of the heart of the city.
The Best London Day Trips Within 1 Hour
A little further afield, these are the best day trips from London within one hour of the city.
3. Rochester
For those looking for some historical background and beautiful architecture, Rochester is one of the best day trips from London.
Rochester Cathedral has been around since 1070 AD. The cathedral holds many impressive pieces like stained glass windows and an intricately carved rood screen.
There are also tombstones memorializing Charles Dickens’ father alongside other important figures such as Sir Francis Drake.
If you continue exploring the town, you’ll find loads more things to see. There are plenty of pubs that offer traditional English cuisine. Explore lots of great antique stores and some picturesque 16th-century buildings that still house their original residents.
How to get there from London
To get to Rochester from London, you’ll need to take the train directly from Victoria Station. The train will then be about 45 minutes to Rochester.
If you’re driving it will probably take just over an hour depending on traffic.
4. Windsor Castle
Windsor has been the home of British royalty for over 1000 years. It’s best known for Windsor Castle, the place where the Royal Family sometimes live.
It’s a great place for a day trip if you’re looking to get away from London but still want something historical, beautiful, and steeped in Royal history.
The major draw to Windsor is obviously Windsor Castle. But there’s also the ornamental Savill Garden, a haunted Tudor mansion, five intriguing museums at Eton College, and the beautiful St George’s Chapel.
Don’t forget to explore the historic town centre which has some cute shops and a market on the weekends. You could also go on a day tour which covers Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath.
How to get there from London
By train, the journey takes about 1 hour directly from Farringdon.
If you’re travelling by car, you can get there in about an hour and a half.
5. Cambridge
For those interested in seeing one of the best universities in the world, Cambridge is one of the top day trips from London. And it’s only a 55-minute train ride away.
Cambridge has some beautiful architecture. You can’t miss King’s College Chapel which dates back to 1446 and features beautiful stained glass windows. There are also plenty of great places to eat in Cambridge, as well as bookstores, libraries, parks, and colleges.
If it’s raining, don’t forget about all the museums in Cambridge, such as the Fitzwilliam Museum or the University Museum of Zoology. Then, if it’s sunny, go for a walk through one of Cambridge’s gorgeous parks.
And definitely add punting on the River Cam high on your to-do list. This experience will give you a view, not many people get to enjoy while cooling off your travel-weary feet.
How to get there from London.
There are lots of direct trains from London to the university town of Cambridge easily from King’s Cross St Pancras station which is around a 55-minute journey.
If you’re driving, it will probably take you about an hour and a half, however, traffic into Cambridge can be pretty bad and traffic out of London can be also. So, it might take longer than this.
6. Hampton Court Palace
If you love magnificent historical sites, you’ll love it here! Hampton Court Palace is a royal palace located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It’s about 12 miles southwest of central London.
It is one of the most significant palaces in British history, known for its beautiful architecture, stunning gardens, and rich history. Originally constructed by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the early 16th century, it later became one of King Henry VIII’s favourite residences.
It was frequently redesigned throughout his reign. The palace has a gorgeous blend of Tudor and Baroque architecture. While there, be sure to explore the Great Hall, the King’s and Queen’s Apartments, and picturesque gardens with intricately carved sculptures.
How to get there from London
To get to Hampton Court Palace from London, you can get a direct train from Vauxhall. This takes around 45 minutes.
If you’re driving, it’ll take just over an hour from the centre of the city.
7. Southend-on-Sea
If you’re looking for something a little more lively, Southend-on-Sea is one of the best London day trips.
Southend features an amusement pier that’s open all year round. It offers lots of rides as well as other attractions such as simulators and arcades. In fact, the pier is one of the main attractions in this seaside town as is the longest pier in the UK. It juts out 1.33 miles into the Thames Estuary.
There is also some beautiful history. Explore Hadleigh Castle, the ruins of an ancient English castle built in 1215. Then, for kids, Adventure Island, Sealife Adventure, and Southend Cliff Railway are also worth a visit.
How to get there from London
To get to Southend-on-Sea from London, you can take a direct train from Liverpool Street train station. This will take around an hour to get there.
If you’re travelling by car, expect the journey to be around an hour and 20 minutes.
8. Hever Castle
For those looking for some culture and Instagram-worthy photos, Hever Castle is one of the top day trips from London.
Hever is only a 90-minute train ride from London. It’s best known as being the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife to Henry VIII. There are many other things for those interested in history.
For instance, the 12th-century St Peter’s Church which has been around since before the Norman Conquest, Chiddingstone Castle, in the nearby village of the same name, and beautiful water maze garden.
If you’re looking to explore the town, you’ll find plenty of pubs, antique stores, and even some art galleries if you want to pick up a souvenir.
How to get there from London
To get to Hever Castle from London, take the train directly from London Bridge train station to Hever which will be about a 45-minute journey. Then, it’s about a 20-minute walk to reach the castle or a short drive – around 5 minutes in a taxi.
If you’re driving, it will be about a 90-minute journey. Or an hour and 15 if you go through Dartford (but this is a bit risky as traffic can get really bad here).
9. Canterbury
Another city that is best known for its architecture, the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral is the fourth largest church in England.
It’s also home to several attractions including the Canterbury Roman Museum. This museum is dedicated to the Roman history of the city. You could also visit St Augustine’s Abbey which dates back to the 6th century.
Plus, there are lots more things worth seeing. For example, don’t miss the National Trust Folkestone Westgate house from 1320 that features four floors of exhibitions relating to medieval life and living conditions. Don’t forget to walk the old city walls.
How to get there from London.
To get to Canterbury from London, take the train directly from St Pancreas International which will be around 55 minutes.
If you’re driving then it’ll take roughly 1 and 50 minutes.
1 Day Trips From London Within 2 Hours
Even further away from the capital, these are the best day trips from London that you can reach within 2 hours.
10. Oxford
Oxford is best known as being the home of one of the best universities in the world. It also proves to be a wonderful day trip from London. The city also has some amazing architecture that’s worth seeing.
You can’t miss Saint Mary’s Church which dates back to 1280 and features beautiful stained glass windows. Then, there’s Oxford Castle and Prison, built in the late 12th or early 13th century, which offers fascinating dungeon tours.
For Harry Potter fans, head to Christ Church College, the Divinity School, or even go on a dedicated walking tour of Oxford to explore all the locations for the Harry Potter films.
Plus, although it’s a rather expensive city, there are plenty of free things to do in Oxford including the Ashmolean Museum, the Bodleian Library, and the infamous Radcliffe Square.
How to get there from London
To get to Oxford from London, take the train directly from London Paddington train station which is around a 1 hour and 15 minute journey. Alternatively, you can take the Oxford Tube directly from the Green Line Coch Station which takes 1 hour and 35 minutes.
If you’re driving it will be about an hour and 40 minutes.
11. Blenheim Palace
Another gorgeous house for those who love architecture and royal residences, Blenheim Palace is a fantastic day trip from London. Located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of England’s most magnificent stately homes.
Built in the early 18th century, it is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture, huge landscaped gardens, and rich historical significance.
The palace was a gift from Queen Anne to John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704.
The palace has some incredibly beautiful interiors, including the Great Hall, the Long Library, and the State Rooms with stunning artworks and tapestries. Outside in the gardens, you’ll find lakes, flower beds, and grand water features.
It’s a fantastic place to explore if you love history. It’s also a wonderful place to visit in winter as it puts on a magnificent Christmas lights trail.
How to get there from London
To get to Blenheim Palace from London, you’ll need to take the Paddington train to Oxford city centre. From there, jump on the S3 Gold bus to Blenheim Palace.
If you’re travelling by car, it’ll take around 2 hours to get there from the centre of the city.
12. Brighton
Brighton is best known for being one of the ‘sunniest places in England’, and it’s well worth a day trip from London.
There are plenty of seaside attractions such as the Brighton Pier which features an amusement arcade, various rides, and other amusements. Many people visit Brighton purely for a day on the beach!
Alternatively, you can head to The Lanes for some great shopping. This area has 18th-century architecture with narrow cobbled streets lined with shops that sell everything from clothing to pottery.
You can explore twisting alleyways filled with boutique jewellers and tiny, independent antique shops.
For culture and history, head to the Royal Pavilion, Culture 24, or the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. And if you love city panoramas, then head straight to the top of the British Airways viewing tower.
How to get there from London
To get to Brighton from London, take the train directly from Blackfriars which will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
By car, it’ll take you around 2 hours.
13. Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is a medieval fortress located in Warwickshire. Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068, the castle has undergone numerous expansions and renovations over the centuries, resulting in a magnificent blend of architectural styles.
It served as a stronghold for various noble families, including the Earls of Warwick and the powerful Beauchamp family. The castle boasts well-preserved features such as the imposing Caesar’s Tower, the medieval Great Hall, and the atmospheric dungeons.
When you visit, you can explore the castle’s rich history through interactive exhibits, costumed reenactments, and guided tours. Also, the views from the castle ramparts are pretty impressive as are the beautiful gardens and grounds around the fortress.
How to get there from London
To get to Warwick Castle from London, take a direct train from London Marylebone. You’ll reach Warwick Castle in around 1 hour and 50 minutes.
If you’re driving, expect the journey to take around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
14. White Cliffs of Dover
This is one of the best day trips from London by train if you love beautiful coastal walks and iconic scenery. The White Cliffs of Dover are iconic chalk cliffs located along the coastline of the English Channel in Kent.
Standing at heights of up to 350 feet (110 meters), these dazzling cliffs have become one of Britain’s most recognizable natural landmarks (alongside Durdle Door in Dorset).
Their bold appearance is formed from chalk deposits laid down over millions of years. It looks pretty impressive against the blue waters of the ocean and the surrounding greenery.
When visiting the cliffs, you can enjoy breathtaking views from various points along the coastal paths, explore the surrounding countryside, and learn about the area’s geological and historical significance at the visitor centre.
Additionally, the cliffs are home to a variety of seabirds, making them a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
How to get there from London
To get to the White Cliffs of Dover from London by public transport, the easiest way is by catching a train from St Pancras. This will take just over an hour to get to Dover station and, from there, it’s either a 7-minute taxi or a bus and a 35-minute walk.
By car, your journey will take around 2 hours.
✅ I recommend this day trip to the White Cliffs of Dover from London
15. Salisbury
Salisbury is best known for its cathedral and as being one of the gateways to Stonehenge.
The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and features some of the best medieval architecture in England. You can’t miss this impressive structure as it dominates much of Salisbury. You’ll see a large spire that’s topped by three crocketed pinnacles.
Stonehenge is only 30 minutes away from Salisbury, so an easy day trip could combine the two. You can even book a half-day Stonehenge tour and spend the afternoon exploring Salisbury.
Plus, there are lots more things worth seeing such as the Wiltshire Museum with exhibits on everything from art to archaeology. It’s also great for hiking as it’s surrounded by greenery and lovely walking routes.
How to get there from London
To get to Salisbury from London, take the train directly from London Victoria train station which will be around an hour and a half.
If you’re driving then it’ll be about 2 hours.
16. Bath
Bath is best known for its Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved and most well-known ancient sites in Europe.
Located in Somerset, it’s also a fantastic location to visit as there are lots more things worth seeing. Visit the historic Roman ruins, the beautiful Bath Abbey and The Royal Crescent, a row of 30 terraced houses with Georgian architecture that date back to 1774.
Walk across Pulteney Bridge, which dates from 1826, or even visit Jane Austen’s house where you can learn all about her life through interactive exhibits.
With so much history at your fingertips, it might be hard to find any spare time. But, if you do have an hour or so spare on your London day trip, then why not go shopping?
The main street where the baths are located is packed with stores. There are also plenty of independent boutiques selling everything from vintage clothes to handmade jewellery down Pulteney Street.
How to get there from London
To get to Bath from London, take the train directly from Paddington train station which will be around an hour and 20 minutes.
If you’re driving then it’ll be around two and a half hours.
17. York
One of my favourite cities in England, the city of York is a wonderful day trip from London by train. Considering how much further north it is, it often surprises me that it doesn’t take longer to get to, but it’s perfectly doable as a day trip, and there’s a lot to see.
Located in North Yorkshire, and with roots dating back to Roman times, there are lots of wonderful things to do in York.
Its well-preserved medieval walls, winding cobblestone streets, and iconic landmarks such as York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, attract visitors from around the world.
There are also plenty of museums, including the Jorvik Viking Centre, which offers a fascinating insight into York’s Viking past. Beyond its historical charm, York offers a vibrant cultural scene, with bustling markets, quaint tea rooms, and lots of shops, restaurants, and pubs lining its charming streets.
How to get there from London
To get to York from London, you can take a direct train from London Kings Cross. This will take two hours to get to York’s City Centre.
If you’re driving, it will take much longer at around 4 hours. So, if you’re doing this as a day trip, I highly recommend the train.
18. Bristol
This vibrant city located in southwest England, is renowned for its rich maritime heritage, creative arts scene, and diverse culture.
It’s the home of Banksy, so art plays a pretty big role in the things you can do in Bristol. But there are also a lot of museums here and some gorgeous natural scenery.
Situated on the River Avon and just a short distance from the Bristol Channel, the city has played a significant role in maritime trade and exploration for centuries. Its historic harborside is lined with restored warehouses, trendy cafes, and cultural attractions such as the SS Great Britain.
You can also find lots of street art and colourful murals on buildings across the city. Beyond its maritime and artistic heritage, Bristol offers a dynamic nightlife, a thriving music scene, and lots of independent shops, restaurants, and cultural venues.
A day in Bristol is the perfect trip from London.
How to get there from London
To get to Bristol from London, you’ll need to take the direct train from Paddington. This will get you to Bristol in just 1 hour and 35 minutes.
By car, it will take around 2 and a half hours from the city centre.
19. Hastings
Hastings is best known for both its pier, which has been a popular seaside attraction since 1872 and the ruins of its 11th-century Normal fortress, perched atop a cliff overlooking the English Channel.
You’ll have plenty of fun here. For instance, St Clements Caves, the Cliff Railways, or even simply exploring the Old Town.
Alternatively, you can explore the smuggler’s tunnels, visit Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, and explore the beautiful country park with beautiful ocean views.
Plus, if you’re looking for some history then don’t miss Battle Abbey. This site was built in 1067 and is dedicated to St Martin of Tours. It’s also located on the site of the Battle of Hastings.
How to get there from London
To get to Hastings from London, take the train directly from London Bridge which will be around an hour and 20 minutes. If you’re driving then it’ll take about 2 hours.
The Best Day Trips From London That Take Over 3 Hours
If you want to go even further afield, there are plenty of day trips you can do from London to other parts of the UK or even outside of the UK completely!
20. The Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is one of my favourite places in the UK. It was the first time I ever went on a boat and the first time I ever left the mainland so it holds a pretty special place in my heart.
It makes a pretty easy day trip from London. You can catch a ferry from Lymington, Portsmouth, or Southampton. But if you are only going for a day, I highly recommend you leave early to make the most of the island.
The island has a huge range of attractions, from sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs to charming villages and historic sites. You absolutely have to visit the iconic Needles rock formation.
I also recommend taking a boat out to this, taking the chairlift over Alum Bay, and strolling along the scenic coastal paths.
You can also relax on popular beaches such as Shanklin and Sandown. The island is also steeped in history, with attractions like Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s former residence, and Carisbrooke Castle, which offers a glimpse into medieval life.
Check out this Isle of Wight itinerary for all the best things to do on the island.
How to get there from London
To get to the Isle of Wight from London, you’ll need to take a direct train from Victoria to Portsmouth. This will take around 2 hours. From there, you’ll need to head to the port where you can catch a foot ferry to the island in 30 minutes.
If you’re driving, you’ll need to take a similar route. From London, the drive to Portsmouth will take around 2 hours. Then, you’ll also need to catch a ferry to reach the island.
✅ I recommend this day trip to the Isle of Wight from London
21. Paris
The City of Lights is one of the best international day trips from London. In fact, this is possibly the most popular day trip overseas.
Paris is a global centre of art, fashion, and culture. It’s known for its iconic landmarks (everyone’s heard of the Eiffel Tower, right?), world-class museums, and beautiful river.
Situated along the Seine River, Paris is full of architectural gems including the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées boulevard lined with luxury boutiques and cafes.
The city is also home to world-renowned museums such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.
With its charming neighbourhoods, bustling street markets, and culinary delights ranging from haute cuisine to cosy bistros, Paris offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and sophistication that continues to enchant visitors from around the globe.
For more specific guides, check out my 1-day Paris itinerary and 3-day itinerary for Paris.
How to get there from London
You can get to Paris surprisingly easily via the Eurostar. The trip from St Pancras takes just 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the centre of the city.
By car, this is much longer. You’ll need to take the Eurotunnel across the English Channel from Dover to Calais and then drive to Paris. The whole journey will take around 5-6 hours, so this is one of the best London day trips by train.
22. Brussels
If you love architecture, food, and chocolate, you’ll love Brussels. Another international destination that you can reach really easily from London, this city is both charming and historic.
Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and the administrative centre of the European Union. Nestled in the heart of Western Europe, the city’s historic centre is full of medieval cobblestone streets, picturesque squares like the Grand Place, and ornate guild halls dating back centuries.
Brussels is also famous for its diverse culinary scene, offering lots of specialities such as waffles, chocolate, and beer. Additionally, you can explore iconic landmarks like the Atomium, a life-size model atom built for the 1958 World’s Fair, and the curious Manneken Pis statue.
How to get there from London
From London, you’ll also have to take the Eurostar to reach Brussels. The journey from St Pancras takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Just like with Paris, the car trip is significantly longer as you have to go via Dover. You’ll get to Brussels in around 5 hours, which is a pretty long day trip in my opinion. So, much better to take the train.
Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from London
Overall, London is the gateway to the United Kingdom and there are so many wonderful day trips that you can do to surrounding regions and areas of England.
You can explore the countryside, coastal scenery and everything from little villages, to some of England’s other vibrant cities. You could even hop across the Channel if you like to mainland Europe.
So, if you’re visiting England, don’t be afraid to venture outside the capital – you might just prefer what you find! For more London tips, here’s my 3-day London itinerary.
👉 Staying in London? Check out my favourite hotels with balconies in the capital!
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