Some of the most beautiful places in Britain can be visited on a day trip from London. Imagine photo-perfect villages with pretty thatched cottages, gentle meandering rivers, ponies grazing in ancient forests, miles of dune-backed beaches, chalk cliffs overlooking the ocean, and historic cities dressed with medieval wonders. Follow our wanders into ‘olde worlde’ England and discover the most beautiful places to visit, the very best day trips from London (UK).
Other popular destinations in Britain too far away for a day trip from London are good for a longer break, there are lots of beautiful places to visit in Devon or some amazing beaches on Jersey Channel Island to enjoy, for example, while Cornwall is perfect for a summer holiday.
The Most Beautiful Places to Visit on Day Trips From London
Stratford-Upon-Avon (Warwickshire)
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy somewhere a bit more peaceful and picturesque, then Stratford-upon-Avon is for you! One of Britain’s most iconic locations, it’s the best day trip from London you can image. Some people often feel that this place is too far from London when they look at it on the map, but it’s actually only 2 hours by train which means that you can easily spend all day in Stratford-upon-Avon and won’t be too tired the next day. This is a great reason to visit, but not the only thing that makes Stratford-upon-Avon impressive!
Stratford-upon-Avon is actually the hometown of William Shakespeare! You can visit his birthplace, the restored 16th century half timbered house, which so many historic figures have visited (including Charles Dickens, Samuel Pepys and even Benjamin Franklin). But that’s not the only Shakespeare connection that you can see. Thanks to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, you can visit five houses that are related to the great English playwright.
If you decide to travel by car then you can easily get around to visiting all five Shakespeare houses which includes:
- Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
- Shakespeare’s Birthplace
- Hall’s Croft
- Mary Arden’s House
- The Nash House and New Place
If you are planning on visiting all of the Shakespeare houses, then you might need two days away to truly appreciate them! Mary Arden’s House is a huge place, that also includes a farm plus extra activities, so it’s the perfect spot to visit with children and the same can be said for Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. All of the places should be enjoyed, so don’t rush around them.
It’s not just the impressive Shakespeare houses that make Stratford-upon-Avon special, you’ve also got the Royal Shakespeare Company, which is great for the theatre fans, you can also take a boat trip on the River Avon, plus so much more! This is a town that you are meant to spend all day exploring, walk up and down the high-street and enjoy all the different shops it has – you can check out the Christmas shop that is open all year round! Or the Peter Rabbit shop, or even the wizardry shop called Alohomora!
For people who like a bit of adventure as well, then why not go check out the Magic Alley? A place where you can let your imagination run wild – it is one thing to read about dragons, fairies and time travellers, but quite another to actually meet them! This is not just a magic shop, but a place where you can go on an adventure, take part in puzzles in the interactive quest and explore the magical world! And if you get tired after your quest, or have spent all day walking around the town, then you can relax at the park and have an ice-cream or find a nice coffee shop or even a bite to eat to end your day out to Stratford-upon-Avon.
How to get to Stratford-upon-Avon from London
Distance from central London: 100 miles
Travel time by train: 2 hours 15 minutes
Travel time by road: approx. 2 hours
The easiest way to travel from London to Stratford-upon-Avon is by rail (direct on Chiltern Railways from Marylebone Station). If you are driving, take the M40.
Recommended by Izzie from Castles and Turrets
Day Trips from London to Wiltshire & The Cotswolds
Salisbury & Stonehenge (Wiltshire)
Salisbury is famous for its Cathedral, built in the 13th century which is home to the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom, as well as one of the oldest working clocks in the world, and the best surviving copies of the Magna Carta (of which there are only four in the world). A day in Salisbury will take you on an incredible journey around historic England with some fantastic eateries and cafes to keep you going or, if you’re after some traditional pub food, there are plenty of options in pubs dating all the way back to the 13th century.
Salisbury is home to some beautiful sites, a fantastic walk is heading from the cathedral to Elizabeth Gardens, and walking down Town Path through water meadows, past an alpaca field to a beautiful old pub, The Old Mill a 15th century building with features dating back to 1250 where you can enjoy a meal by the River Avon before taking the stroll back.
A short walk, or even shorter bus journey can take you just outside the City Centre to the original settlement of Salisbury, now called Old Sarum, which is particularly stunning at sunset. Here you can walk around the settlement, see the outlines and remains of the original Cathedral, and even go around the castle remains. The settlement is one of the earliest recorded in the country.
It’s safe to say, Salisbury is a fantastic day out for any history fanatic. Stay over for a couple of days and you’ll have time to visit the sights of Wiltshire – just a short bus ride away is Stonehenge, one of the most famous historic landmarks in Britain, dating back to 3000 BC! You can view the stones from afar or book to enter the protected site and inner circle from the English Heritage Trust. Stonehenge is also opened at both the Summer and Winter Solstice for religious rituals and ceremonies.
How to get to Salisbury from London
Distance from central London: 88 miles
Travel time by train: 1 hour 30 minutes
Travel time by road: 1 hour 50 minutes
Taking the train from London Waterloo, in around 1 hr 30 mins you can find yourself in Salisbury. If driving, it’ll take you a little longer, at 1 hr 50 mins along the M3.
Recommended by Emilie from Millennial Saves
The New Forest (Southeast Wiltshire & Southwest Hampshire)
The New Forest is over 200 square miles of heathland, ancient forest and coastline, planted by William the Conqueror back in 1079! Situated on the south coast of England, in between Bournemouth and Southampton, the New Forest makes the ideal day trip if you’re visiting London. With a huge range of activities, including hundreds of miles of cycle tracks and bridleways, exciting watersports such as sailing and kitesurfing, and picture perfect villages to explore, the forest is the perfect antidote to busy London. Animal and nature lovers will enjoy the New Forest ponies, rare breed cattle, donkeys and even pigs which roam free in the forest, with their owners enjoying rights to grazing in a century’s old tradition.
The seaside resort of Lymington on the Hampshire coast and Brockenhurst village in the depths of the Forest are both busy hubs; the latter is particularly good for cyclists as you can hire bikes next to the train station, which has a main line direct connection to London. Beaulieu is a picturesque village dating back to the 13th century on the Beaulieu river, home to the National Motor Museum and with a couple of great pubs and a family of donkeys who frequent the tiny main street!
A few miles from Beaulieu is the beautiful Buckler’s Hard, where Nelson’s warships were made from wood collected from the New Forest. This is a tranquil place, with a pub – wonderful for enjoying a drink as you watch the meandering river go by, or get out on the river itself in an open canoe, to see the local flora and fauna. For activity lovers, head to Lepe or Calshot on the Solent for water and wind sports. You can paddle board here too if you prefer a more gentle activity! There is also a velodrome at this hive of activity, along with a climbing wall and indoor dry ski slope to keep you busy.
How to get to the New Forest from London
Distance from Central London: 85 miles
Travel time by train: 1 hour 40 minutes
Travel time by road: 2 hours
Catch the train in Waterloo and be in Brockenhurst in an hour and 40 minutes, or drive straight down the M3 and arrive in the forest in around 2 hours.
Recommended by Izzy from 24 Hour City Guides
Castle Combe (Cotswolds, Wiltshire)
Situated in the British countryside in the area of the outstanding beauty of The Cotswolds, visiting Castle Combe makes a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of London. One of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, Castle Combe is a medieval village with honey-coloured cottages that will take you back in time to the era of its greatness and importance in the cloth industry.
If you’re a history buff, you will be delighted to know that Castle Combe is steeped in fascinating history. Start your tour from the 14th-century market cross, which you will find in the main village square. The cross signifies the granted privilege of being able to hold a weekly market. Pop into St Andrew’s Church right next to the cross, which is a Grade I listed building and dates back to the 13th century.
If you’re not into history, don’t worry; there is plenty to do for everyone. Stroll down the charming streets and soak in the countryside vibe. At the bottom, you will find the picturesque stone bridge. This is the most photographed spot in the whole Cotswolds and a nice place to get a view of the entire village. Your visit to Castle Combe wouldn’t be complete without sampling traditional afternoon tea, and a great place to do it is The Old Rectory Tearoom. Castle Combe also has a few traditional pubs worth checking out, such as The White Hart. If you’re more of a luxury tourist, stay at The Manor House and dine at their Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurant.
How to get to Castle Coombe from London
Distance from central London: 110 miles
Travel time by train: 2 hours
Travel time by road: 2 hours 20 minutes
You can get there by car within just over 2 hours on the M4, or catch a train from London Paddington station with a short change in Chippenham, which is only 5 miles away. The best time to visit is between May and September, and if you visit midweek, you’ll avoid the crowds.
Recommended by Mal from Raw Mal Roams
Bourton-on-the-Water (Cotswolds, Gloucestershire)
Located by the river Windrush, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the prettiest towns in The Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Located approximately about 100 miles from London, the whole area is breathtakingly beautiful; however, what makes Bourton-on-the-Water even prettier is its bridges scattered across the river – often called the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ it’s a very romantic setting!
In the town centre, you’ll find a ‘model village’, a replica made with precise measurements and using the same materials used to build the actual village. The Cotswolds Motoring Museum is another point of interest, a great place to see, particularly on a rainy day. Bourton-on-the-Water has many tiny local shops where fine linen, gemstones and even perfumes are available, which means it’s quite touristy! If you’re only here for a day trip, try staying until evening to enjoy the place after most of the visitors have left.
The area is perfect if you prefer the outdoors. There are numerous walks, and the Birdland Park & Gardens is ideal if you have children as they’ll love seeing all the different types of birds, and will have fun feeding the salmon in the pond! Farmers markets are often held around Bourton-on-the-Water, although the one held on the fourth weekend of every month is the most popular. The typical village tea rooms are quite famous for their delicious scones and English tea, and many of the cafés have a view over the river and the little bridges. Bakery on the Water and Bourton Riverside Café are the local’s favourites and are usually busy with tourists too, but worth it if you want to grab some food at lunchtime or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea.
How to get to Bourton-on-the-Water from London
Distance from central London: 90 miles
Travel time by train & bus: 2 hours
Travel time by road: 2 hours
To reach to Bourton-on-the-Water from London, get the train at Paddington station to the small market town of Moreton-in-Marsh (1 hr 30 min). From here, catch the Pulhams bus No. 801 to the town centre (30 min). By car, take the M40 and A40.
Recommended by Lavina from Continent Hop
Day Trips from London to Sussex and the Coast
Chichester (West Sussex)
Chichester is one of the easiest and best day trip destinations from London. There’s something for everybody and you can adapt your day, depending on the weather. First of all, you’ll want to check out Chichester Cathedral, which is located in the heart of the city. The cathedral, which dates back to 1075, is beautiful to walk around and you will see some amazing examples of both Gothic and Norman architecture. Take a peek inside if you have the time, as the stained-glass windows and ancient artifacts are worth seeing. Each item has a clear explanation for you to read and there are usually guides on hand if you have any questions. The cathedral is free to enter.
When you’ve see the historical ‘old town’, you could stop for lunch at one of the many eateries in the centre of Chichester. If the weather is nice, just grab a sandwich and head to the beach (30 minutes on the local bus).
West Wittering beach is a stunning blue flag beach that you can stroll along, whilst admiring the multi-coloured beach huts which line the white sands.
If you’re feeling brave, you can paddle in the water and on a sunny day you’ll be able to spot the Isle of Wight in the distance.
If you have time before travelling back to London (or if the weather is bad) then be sure to visit Fishbourne Roman Palace. It’s a residential Roman building (the biggest in Britain!) that has been excavated and preserved. There’s also an on-site museum. It’s a great place to visit and the kids will enjoy it too.
How to get to Chichester from London
Distance from central London: 71 miles
Travel time by train: 1 hour 30 minutes
Travel time by road: 2 hours
To get to Chichester, catch a direct train from London Victoria. They leave every half an hour and the journey takes about 90 minutes. By car, the journey will take just under 2 hours on the A3 (depending on traffic). To get to West Wittering beach, take the number 52 bus from Chichester Bus Station; if you’re driving, the journey only takes 15 minutes (all-day parking is available until 8.30 pm, or you can get afternoon parking from 3.00 pm onward).
Recommended by Claire from www.staposthriftylifehacks.co.uk
The Seven Sisters (East Sussex)
One of the most beautiful trips from London is a day out at South Down National Park to see The “Seven Sisters”! Located south of London on the East Sussex coast, The Seven Sisters are a series of seven grassy hills with a long stretch of chalk cliff face overlooking the English Channel. Although less well known than their white-cliff cousins in Dover, the Seven Sisters are far more impressive. Hikers and nature lovers can enjoy the headland trails where the sheer white cliffs drop dramatically down to the sea.
The coastal route begins at Seaford and ends at Eastbourne, taking in some wonderful scenery along the way – a landscape with spectacular coastal views, rolling hills, lighthouses, beach towns and those spectacular chalk cliffs. Although you can do the trail in the opposite direction, starting off from Eastbourne, the vistas are better appreciated walking along the path eastwards. The whole area is absolutely gorgeous, it’ll leave you speechless!
I highly recommend getting out of the city haze, to regenerate mind and body in nature! The easiest way from London to get to Seaford is by train. From the railway station, walk to Seaford waterfront and along to the eastern end of the beach where the coastal path begins through Seaford Head National Park. Continue to Chuckmere Haven, a point where the river meets the sea, past the beach and the bridge, and continue along the coast on the South Down Way. From here you can walk over the seven hills of the Seven Sisters right up to Eastbourne. At Birling Gap there’s a tourist information centre, a café bar (and toilets) and access to the beach.
How to get to the Seven Sister’s from London
Distance from central London:
Travel time by train: 1 hour 25 minutes
Travel time by car: 2 hours 15 minutes
If you’re coming down from London by car, take the A25, then the A23 towards Gatwick Airport / Brighton direction before heading off on the A26 to Birling Gap where there is a big car park. Alternatively get a train from London Bridge to Eastbourne.
Recommended by Miriam from Miry Giramondos
Rye (East Sussex)
The magical medieval town of Rye, East Sussex, makes for a perfect and easy day trip from London. This charming town is rich with history, interesting architecture, tales of hauntings, frequently visited by celebrities, and has some incredible shops, restaurants, festivals, and tea rooms! Stroll down the high street and pop into numerous unique shops featuring quirky, homemade goods, pottery, antiques, delectable treats, and items you won’t find anywhere else.
For some interesting history of this ancient town, visit the Rye Model which shows a scale model of the town with a historic light and sound presentation, spanning Rye’s 700 years of history. Be sure to pop upstairs to visit the Vintage Penny Arcade, featuring functioning machines as old as the 1900s! Ypres Castle is another worthy stop in Rye. It was built in the 1200s to protect the city from French raids. There is also the church tower at St Mary’s Cathedral to climb on clear days for sweeping views of the town and overlooking the English Channel.
No visit to Rye would be complete without visiting the Mermaid Inn – a hotel and pub rebuilt in 1420 and often frequented by celebrities. Cozy up at the Giant’s Fireplace after enjoying an amazing farm to table meal. This hotel is also haunted – truly! If you’re lucky, you may be able to go on a cellar tour. The cellars here date back to the 1100s!
There are numerous walking trails out of town which make for a great afternoon trip to places like Winchelsea or Camber Sands.. These paths are along a pebbled beach, dense forest, and the stunning picturesque countryside. Take a rest for a decadent afternoon tea at one of the many tearooms like Cobbles, Fletcher’s, or Hayden’s and enjoy the ambience.
If you decide to stay overnight or for a few days, there are plenty of Bed and Breakfast options available, as well as hotels and Airbnbs. The town is very quaint and everything is within walking distance of attractions, shops, and restaurants, so there is no need to worry about picking a prime location!
How to get to Rye from London
Distance from Central London: 72 miles
Travel time by train: 1 hours 10 minutes. Take the train from St. Pancras International and change at Ashford International for Rye.
Travel time by car: 1 hour 50 minutes. From London, take the M25 to the A21 and follow it through to Hawkhurst Rd.
Recommended by Sarah from In Search of Sarah
Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire is renowned for its vibrant market towns. Notable towns to visit include Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, and Great Missenden. Aylesbury, for example, was home to the ancient Britons who ruled these lands 2 millenniums ago – landmarks include St Mary’s in Church Street (dates to the 1200’s) and authentic 15th century Inns where you can still stop for a glass of ale! Beaconsfield is famous for its old town architecture (mix of Tudor and Georgian), and it’s the gateway to the outstandingly beautiful Chiltern Hills. Over the hills in the Misbourne Valley, Great Missenden village is where you’ll find the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, once the home of the author himself! Most of the towns to visit in Buckinghamshire are off the Chiltern train line so this makes for an easy day out from London.
One of the top destinations to visit in Buckinghamshire is Waddesdon Manor, a National Trust property, located in the village of Waddesdon. For those visiting in the summer, Waddesdon Manor hosts their Artisan Food Market. The Artisan Food Market is a free farmers market held once a month. Visitors can explore and shop from a mix of hot food and local produce, from high quality meat to cakes and plants. The Manor hosts a variety of art exhibitions throughout the year, including the incredibly popular exhibition, Nick Knight: Roses from my Garden. After a tour of the exhibition on display, visit Eythrope, the private Rothschild walled-garden, for a guided tour. There is also an on-site restaurant where guests may enjoy a tasty afternoon tea. The best way to get to Waddesdon Manor is by car or by taxi via the train station.
Buckinghamshire has many local eateries, particularly for dining al fresco. The Nags Head in Great Missenden is a 4 star family-owned hotel and restaurant with a lovely garden, and fun teepee in which to dine outside. Their restaurant offers an Anglo-French menu. Another option is The Three Oaks in Gerrards Cross, an award-winning pub with a large terrace and weather-proof pods. For chocolate lovers, Rumsey’s Chocolaterie is a must-stop -they have two locations in Wendover and Thame.
How to get to Buckinghamshire from London
Distance from central London to Aylesbury: 43 miles
Travel time by train: 50 minutes
Travel time by car: 1 hour 30 minutes
Buckinghamshire is located northwest from London, close to Oxford and the Cotswolds. The easiest way to visit Buckinghamshire from London is by rail from London’s Marylebone station. Trains are frequent and run approximately every 15-30 minutes. Alternatively, drive up to Aylesbury via the A41.
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What a roundup! I now have even more day trips that I need to do from London! The Seven Sisters is next!
There’s always somewhere new to see on a day out from London! The countryside looks gorgeous around the Seven Sisters, will head over that way next time we’re in England.
These all look like amazing places to go explore! So many great day trips from London… I use to live down there for three years and I wish I had explored more when I could! But now I’m more up North – oh well! Brilliant round up, everyone gave great recommendations!
Living in London as kids we did family day trips to most of these places (a school trip to Stratford-upon-Avon was epic!), but the Cotswolds is still on my bucket list!