15 Best Day Trips from London

London is one of the most popular and diverse cultural centers in the world. It has so much to offer in terms of food, entertainment, and history that it’s hard to imagine. However, in a city that seldom sleeps, you might feel the need for a change of scenery, and the English cities, ports, and towns around are the ideal antidote to the capital’s frenetic pace. The top 15-day trips from London are listed below:

Cambridge

One of the most well-known cities in England and one of the simplest day trips from London is Cambridge, which is home to excellent universities and internationally adored British exports like rowing. Find out about the famous Cambridge University and its beautiful gardens, which have many buildings that look like Hogwarts and brickwork from the 12th century. Pick up everything from seasonal fruit to pastries in Cambridge Market and join the masses of tourists, students, and couples bobbing along Cambridge’s rivers. With so many museums, parks, and farms, it’s no wonder Cambridge is so well-liked by tourists looking to spend the day outside of London.

Oxford and Stratford

Oxford and Stratford, two of England’s most charming cities, are only a short distance from London but are a world away from the hectic pace of the metropolis. William Shakespeare was probably born in Stratford-upon-Avon, and after strolling through the same cobblestone alleys past charming cottages as he once did, you’ll no doubt feel inspired. Continue on to Oxford, where the spires and towers of the many colleges look like something out of a fairy tale. This is the most famous university city in the world.

Birmingham

You’ll find it challenging to see all of Birmingham in a single day, but the West Midlands city is so close to London that it’s well worth the trip to get to know it. Birmingham has enough variety and action to keep you occupied for weeks. Try one of the many popular curry restaurants in the country and get inspired by the many museums and tourist destinations nearby, like the ThinkTank Birmingham Science Museum and, for those with a sweet appetite, the birthplace of the candy company Cadbury’s. Shop ’til you drop at the Bullring Shopping Center or just relax on a cruise along one of the many lovely canals in the city.

Bray, Berkshire

This charming community, also known as Bray-on-Thames, is perfect for visitors seeking a pleasant day excursion via hamlets and greens while taking in the English countryside. Incredibly beautiful in the spring and summer, Bray is only accessible on foot. Work up an appetite before visiting The Fat Duck and The Waterside, two of the UK’s four Michelin-starred restaurants. Even though The Fat Duck is very good (it was named the best restaurant in the world in 2005), make sure to make a reservation ahead of time because the wait times are notoriously long.

Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight, arguably one of the most popular tourist destinations in England, is well worth the three hours it takes to get there from London. Its south-facing beaches have golden sand and pastel-colored beach huts. They are surrounded by beautiful cliffs that can be climbed to get a view of the whole sea. Visit the medieval lighthouse known as the Pepperpot, or wander the country lanes in search of postcard-perfect old cottages, or even embark on a trek on the back of a friendly llama with West Wight Alpacas.

Ipswich, Suffolk

Ipswich, the county seat of Suffolk, is ideal for both history and environmental enthusiasts. It has plenty to offer everyone. From the 6th-century Anglo-Saxon burial mounds at Sutton Hoo to the lovely expanses of Crane Beach, Ipswich is a tribute to the quaint prettiness and culture-rich English seaside resort. If you’re willing to make the rather lengthy two-hour train ride from London, you may sample craft brews and ales at Ipswich Brewery or get close to nature at the rare wolf refuge, Wolf Hollow. The choice of activities is truly huge.

Harry Potter Tour

Possibly one of the UK’s biggest cultural exports that has become the stuff of legend, the Harry Potter cinema franchise was filmed predominantly at the Warner Bros. studios that are located a hair’s breadth outside of London. The film studio and sets are ideal for individuals who wish to learn about the magic that went into making the movie because they provide an exclusive window into the world of wizardry. Fans of Harry Potter won’t be disappointed by the large number of strange objects, clothes, and sets.

Stonehenge

The famous, ancient, and still-debated Stonehenge is a must-see for anyone planning a day trip from London. It is also still the subject of fierce debate. Enjoy the breathtaking English beauty as you go from the city to the Wiltshire countryside (summer is best for this!) and on to Salisbury Plain, where Stonehenge is located. Even though people have had very different ideas about this for decades, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is thought to have been a place where pagans worshipped. In less than a day, learn for yourself and unlock the secrets of this prehistoric treasure.

Canterbury

Many famous English authors, like Geoffrey Chaucer, got their ideas for stories from the city of Canterbury. This means that Canterbury is just as well-known as either Oxford or Cambridge. The old English cathedral, which is located in the city’s core and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts curious locals and visitors from around the world. Canterbury has a lot of museums and old buildings, but it also has a large student population, which gives the historic area a cool, modern feel.

Windsor

Windsor Castle is a fascinating piece of British history and the weekend home of the Royal Family. It is the world’s largest and oldest castle that has always been inhabited. There are many ways to get to the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and other parts of the castle that are used for official and ceremonial events. People who are interested in the British monarchy or just like to look at grand castles will find the castle’s rooms and halls interesting because they are filled with items from the royal collection.

Bath

Bath is a beautiful Georgian city, but it is most famous for its well-kept Roman baths. You can walk through warm pools and along old cobblestone paths while looking at Roman architecture. The city itself is beautiful, with charming Georgian structures adorned with terraces and crescents. After you’ve seen enough churches, abbeys, and World Heritage sites, take advantage of Bath’s lively, international atmosphere by going to one of its many pubs, which are known for serving some of the best country ale in the UK.

Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Great Missenden is a great place to see a classic English village, with its beautiful paddocks, winding cobblestone streets, and cute storefronts. There are countless lovely walks that can be taken around the town’s periphery because the nearby area is a part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Great Missenden, which is less than an hour from London, was also the birthplace of renowned novelist Roald Dahl, and as such, it boasts a variety of trails and tours based on his sources of inspiration.

Seaford and Seven Sisters Cliffs

You can easily take a day trip to Seaford from Brighton, or you can go there on your own. It is best known for the white chalk cliffs that line the East Sussex coast. The cliffs are a dream to explore because they are so well known and have been in so many movies and TV shows. On the way there, you’ll also get to enjoy a leisurely seaside trail stroll through the Seven Sisters Country Park. Since the weather in England is known to be bad, it’s best to go there in the spring or summer.

Leeds Castle and the Cliffs of Dover

Leeds Castle is a sight to behold, perched idyllically in the midst of a lake and encircled on all sides by English parklands and forests. Take a step back in time as you stroll through the castle grounds, taking in the views of the lake and Lady Baillie Gardens. After experiencing the castle’s particular allure, visit the White Cliffs of Dover, another renowned British location. The site, which is only a few hours away from London and is well worth the trip, is a popular tourist destination with an 800-year-old castle situated atop the spectacular chalk cliff face.

Brighton

Brighton, sometimes referred to as “London-by-the-sea,” is one of the most practical and idyllic British getaways that seems to pack everything the metropolis has to offer into a compact city that is only a small portion of its size. Brighton has a wide range of things to see and do, from the cute, bohemian market streets of The Laines to the luxurious Victorian-era coastal hotels. For the quintessential Brighton experience, stroll along the pier in search of ice cream and fish and chips, then pay a visit to the immaculate Royal Pavilion. If you’re looking for something a little different, check out a performance in the Brighton Dome, which is attended by both locals and students, or travel across town to the Marina to savor top-notch cuisine amidst immaculate yachts.