Staying in London and wondering about where to visit on an easy day trip, somewhere interesting that is simple to get to? Some of the best places to see in England are close to the capital so you don’t need to go far for a great day out.
Here is our pick of day trips from London, historic cities (with things to do for the kids), stately mansions and landscaped gardens, ancient cathedrals and royal castles, everything in fact from country walks to theme parks. So grab your camera, board the train and enjoy these easy day trips from London.
Great Places To See On Easy Day Trips From London
What To do And See Near London
Here are some great ideas on what to do and see near London suggested by local bloggers, fascinating locations which are easy to reach by road or rail.
Windsor (Berkshire)
Windsor is located about one hour away from Central London, making it a great location for an easy day trip. There are plenty of things to do in Windsor that should keep you busy for the entire day (or a few days).
Windsor Castle is one of England’s most famous sites – with a Royal history that goes back some nine hundred years, it’s the oldest and grandest inhabited castle in the world! Tickets are a bit on the pricey side (£23.50 for an adult or £60.50 for a family), but in return you get to see the home of The Queen.
If you want to visit Windsor Great Park, follow the Long Walk from Windsor Castle. Set on 5,000 acres of parkland, you can admire a vast lake, polo grounds, a deer park, woodland areas, and flower gardens. A restaurant and several outdoor seating areas means it is easy to spend the whole afternoon in the park.
Apart from the castle, there are numerous other historical buildings that are worth exploring in this historic market town, for example, Windsor Royal Station and Eton College. The Windsor & Royal Borough Museum will teach you everything you need to know about the history of the area.
Watch the Queen’s Guards marching up High Street towards the castle for the famous ‘Changing of the Guards Ceremony’, wander through the old town to the medieval market place, pass the Georgian and Victorian period houses, and along to the banks of River Thames for panoramic views of the castle. From here, you can cross the pedestrian footbridge to the Elton Walkway (a round route which takes in the sites of Elton Village).
If you are travelling with children, you may want to visit Legoland Windsor. From the castle, it is only a 30-minute bus ride (route 16) to the theme park.
How to get to Windsor from London
Distance from Central London: 22 miles
Travel time by train: 1 hour
Travel time by car: 55 minutes
To reach Windsor by public transport, take the train from London Paddington and change at Slough.
Alternatively, ride The Royal Windsor Steam Express for a scenic 1.5 hour trip (London Victoria arrives Windsor & Eton Riverside Station; only on Tuesdays, June till September).
By car, simply follow the M4 until Datchet and then follow Kind Edwards Avenue until you reach your destination. Parking space is tight in Windsor so I recommend arriving early, especially on weekends.
Recommended by Jennifer from Monethalia https://monethalia.com
Hampton Court (Surrrey)
One of my favourite easy day trips from London is a trip to Hampton Court Palace. It is a fascinating place to spend an entire day, and it is one of the best things to do in London with kids!
This magnificent palace was once home to Henry VIII and the Tudor Dynasty, as well as other royalty. It is an interactive experience that, along with the costumed characters who role-play historical figures, will bring you right into the 1500s.
In addition to the people you will meet, you can walk through much of the castle and see its period furniture and tapestries. A well-stocked, interactive Tudor kitchen also teaches you about the food popular during Henry VIII’s reign. As a huge fan of this history, it is a fascinating experience.
Kids will also find a lot to explore at Hampton Court Palace. With a thematic play area, costumes for dress-up, and a hedge maze, there is so much for kids – and parents – to discover. My kids also loved that there were kid-version audio guides, which helped tell the history of the castle and its inhabitants in a way they understood. There is also a great dining hall on-site, complete with kid-friendly options.
Hampton Court Palace is definitely worth the trip when you visit London, as it is a significant part of English history. You will want to spend a full day at Hampton Court Palace to enjoy all that it has to offer. In addition to the palace, it also is home to 60 acres of world-famous gardens that were created and maintained by its former Royal residents.
There is also a meadow called The Wilderness that is home to wildlife and wildflowers, which is well worth a walk through during your visit. Before you depart Hampton Court Palace, be sure and make a stop at The Longwater Canal – known as The Long Water. It is toward the end of the Longford River, which was commissioned by King Charles II to bring water to Hampton Court Palace. Yet another piece of fascinating history at this incredible site.
How to get to Hampton Court from London
Distance from central London: 15 miles
Travel time by train: 45 minutes
Travel time by car: 1 hour
To get to Hampton Court from Central London, take the National Rail from Waterloo station. It is about a 45-minute train ride. The nearest station to the palace is Hampton Court (a 5 minute walk). Hampton Court is in travelcard/oyster card Zone 6.
Recommended by Keri from Bon Voyage With Kids
St Albans (Hertfordshire)
Located in Hertfordshire just north of London is the city of St Albans. Reachable on the Thameslink train line, this city is perhaps most famous for its iconic cathedral which is officially known as the Cathedral & Abbey Church of Saint Alban.
Construction started in 1077 and finished in 1893. As a result, the cathedral has an interesting mishmash of Norman, Romanesque and Gothic architecture to mark the styles that changed throughout the centuries.
St Albans is the perfect day trip for history lovers. Both the cathedral and the city are named after Britain’s first recorded saint, Alban, who was martyred for his Christian beliefs during Roman times. The date of his death is disputed but it’s thought to be between 209-304 C.E.
However, the city’s history goes back even further. An Iron Age settlement known as Verlamion inhabited the site before the Roman invasion in 43 C.E. Officially known as Verulamium, it became the second-largest town in Roman Britain after Londinium – London. Remarkably preserved traces of the Roman city can still be seen today in Verulamium Park. More can be found in Verulamium Museum.
Roman history and Christian saints aren’t the city’s only claim to fame. It’s also home to, quite possibly, one of the oldest pubs in England, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks. It has a cosy sixteenth century appearance which is attributed to its original use as a pigeon house. Its earliest proven license date as a public house is around 1756 so whether or not it really is one of the oldest pubs is yet to be determined.
Other highlights include wandering around the medieval town which has a bustling street market on Wednesdays and Fridays. From there you can admire the old clock tower that was built in 1405. There are 93 steps up to the top and you can do it on weekends from spring to autumn.
How to get to St Albans from London
Distance from central London: 26 miles
Travel time by train: 18 minutes
Travel time by road: 1 hour
St Albans is only 20 miles or so outside central London and well connected by rail. The Thameslink express takes you direct to St Albans City from St Pancras station. St Albans Abbey is on the Abbey Line from Watford junction. The M1 and M25 motorways both pass close to the city if you’re driving.
Recommended by Francesca from Little Lost Travel
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)
Cambridge is a beautiful city that you should visit if you are looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of London. It’s only an hour train ride away so it’s perfect to spend a few hours here, or even 2 days in Cambridge, exploring the quaint city.
This is the home of the world-renowned university founded in 1209 so the scholastic roots go back a long way in time, and students from across Britain are proud to study at the well-known colleges. But Cambridge has more than just academic buildings, it has plenty of history and natural surroundings.
You can enjoy punting on the River Cam, exploring medieval churches and strolling around beautiful gardens, browsing the stalls at traditional Market Square or shopping at great stores. You’ll find some of the best restaurants and museums hidden in the historical streets too!
But first of all, go to see the top attractions that Cambridge is famous for: King’s College, Trinity College, and Quayside which the place to hire a punt for a bit of river cruising. The little bridges are quite emblematic – the Victorian era ‘Bridge of Sighs’ and the intricate wooden ‘Mathematical Bridge’ are both picture-perfect.
Follow the riverside paths to Grantchester meadows if you love walking in the countryside. It’s surprising, how many great free things to do in Cambridge there actually are, it means a day out can be quite affordable, even for travellers on a tight budget – in fact, most of the museums are totally free.
The architecture is completely charming and gives an atmospheric feeling to this lively place. There’s always something fun going on that will appeal to everyone. Attend the beer festival in summer on Jesus Green, hear live music events at the Cambridge Corn Exchange, and don’t forget to head to Fitzbillies for the best and stickiest Chelsea buns in the city (you deserve a treat after an exciting day)!
How to get to Cambridge from London
Distance from central London: 55 miles
Travel time by train: 1 hour
Travel time by road: 1 hour 35 minutes
By car will take you roughly 1 hour and 35 minutes. Leave London city centre and take the M11 northwards straight past Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, Saffron Walden and then turn off into Cambridge city centre.
Get there by train on the Great Northern line from Kings Cross Station. This will take just under one hour and cost around £18 for a return ticket.
Recommended by Alice from Adventures of Alice
Oxford (Oxfordshire)
In less than an hour by train you can be in the historical city of Oxford where there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained whatever the weather. Famous for its university, Oxford is full of incredible architecture with breathtaking buildings made with such intricate details.
As you wander from one landmark to the next, the eagle-eyed amongst you may spot a number of familiar places from some of your favourite TV shows and films including Harry Potter. You can even book tours that take you round and show exactly where certain Harry Potter Oxford scenes were filmed, perfect for fans of all ages.
If you find yourself in Oxford on a day when the weather isn’t too good then don’t worry as the city has lots of indoor attractions to offer too, including a number of museums and galleries. One of our favourite museums was the History of Science Museum, although only small it had a lot to offer and was brilliant for children with a whole area dedicated to educational crafts that they can make and then take home with them as souvenirs.
Once you have soaked up all the history and taken in the sights I highly recommend you finish your trip with a visit to Westgate Shopping Centre. Here you will find an array of shops, a lovely rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a drink whilst taking in the sights, numerous restaurants including a street food section and an area dedicated to keeping the children entertained.
How to get to Oxford from London
Distance from central London 58 miles
Travel time by train: 52 minutes from Paddington Station
Travel time by car: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
The drive from London to Oxford is relatively straight forward if you use the A40 followed by the M40. Parking is available but is limited. As everything is within walking distance once in the city you may prefer to take the train.
Recommended by Terri from www.thestrawberryfountain.com
Chelmsford (Essex)
Chelmsford became a city in 2012 and the number of things to do have increased a great deal since then. Only 40 miles from London, it’s easy to get here for a day out. In the summer, Chelmsford’s Central Park is a lovely place to take a stroll alongside the River Chelmer, stopping at the cafe for cake makes it even more pleasant.
The town centre has a great range of high street shops and the recently opened Bond Street area has a selection of high end retailers. If you fancy a drink you can stop at the Peaky Blinders themed pub, The Garrison.
If you want to do something a bit more active then I highly recommend ice skating at Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre. They have a large ice rink and offer skate hire so you don’t need to have your own skates to give it a go. The centre also has a swimming pool and cafe
While you’re in the town you may also want to take a look at Chelmsford Cathedral which dates back 800 years to the 13th century. It is very much a place of worship rather than a tourist attraction but visitors are welcome to go in and explore the gothic style building as well as the surrounding grounds.
Chelmsford museum is just a short walk from the town centre. It’s situated in Oaklands Park which includes two great play areas for children. The museum itself covers the history of Chelmsford with a focus on the history of radio as it was invented in Chelmsford. There is also an area dedicated to the Essex Regiment, an art gallery, and a cafe.
A bit further out of town is Hylands Estate where you can visit Hylands House, which was built in the 1730s, as well as walk around the beautiful landscaped gardens. The former stables have been turned into an artists’ workshop and you can visit these and see the artists at work. There is also a cafe and second hand book shop.
If you enjoy horticultural gardens and flower shows then Hyde Hall RHS Garden is well worth a visit. There are extensive gardens to walk around, a playground area, several places to eat, and an excellent shop and garden centre. Hyde Hall is to the South of Chelmsford so it’s a great place to either start or end your day.
How to get to Chelmsford from London
Distance from central London: 40 miles
Travel time by train: 35 minutes
Travel time by road: approx. 1 hour
Chelmsford is around an hour’s drive from London, just head for the M25, then change on to the A12 and it’s a straight road from there. It’s even easier on the train which runs from Liverpool Street to the centre of Chelmsford in around 35 minutes.
Recommended by Josie Cornhill from Me, Them and the Others
Brighton (East Sussex)
Brighton is a coastal city in East Sussex, a seaside resort which many will know thanks to its carnival like pier. If you’re in London and fancy a day trip out to the beach, then Brighton is the perfect place to visit.
Brighton is famous for it’s ‘Blue Flag’ pebble beach which stretches for 4 miles along the clear waters of the English Channel, and of course the Brighton Palace Pier.
When you first arrive in Brighton for the day take a stroll down North Laine and take in the gorgeous wee shops, the brightly coloured streets are lined with bunting and provide ample opportunities for gift shopping, and taking photo-perfect shots too. At the end of North Laine, you will find the Lanes which are more narrow alleyways filled with adorable buildings.
Brighton Palace Pier is a must when you are visiting Brighton. The pier holds an amusement park and is completely free to enter and walk around. It is a very touristy destination but it is fun with a great laid-back atmosphere. To walk from one end of the pier to the other takes about 10 minutes!
Finally, take a stroll along the boardwalk which borders the whole length of Brighton beach. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of ice-cream parlours, a carousel, and lots of gift shops to pick up some souvenirs before boarding the train (or car!) back to London.
How to get to Brighton from London
Distance from central London: 53 miles
Travel time by train: 1 hour
Travel time by road: 1 hour 15 minutes
Brighton is located an hour and fifteen minutes south of London along the M23 motorway. If you do not have your own car, hiring a car in London is pretty simple, however, if you are a little nervous driving out of London, try to hire a car from the outskirts of London. If you would rather not drive, you can catch the train which takes an hour from London Victoria or an hour and twenty minutes from St Pancras train station.
Recommended by Fiona from Travelling Thirties
Cliveden House & Cliveden National Trust, Taplow (Berkshire)
Standing at the end of a majestic driveway stands the magnificent Cliveden House. An Italianate building set on perfectly manicured grounds, the timeless elegance of this luxury hotel and spa belies its scandal-filled history.
The original estate was built by the Duke of Buckingham to entertain his friends and his mistress, the Countess of Shrewsbury. Not surprisingly, this didn’t go down well with her husband, who challenged the Duke to a duel and was subsequently killed.
However, this wasn’t the country estate’s last scandal, nor even the biggest. In 1893 Cliveden House was sold to American multi-millionaire, William Waldorf Astor, who later gifted it his son (also Waldorf) as a wedding present. Waldorf and his wife Nancy hosted the ‘who’s who’ at their country pile, including King George (accompanied by his young daughter Elizabeth – who we know better as Queen Elizabeth II) and Winston Churchill.
But it was in 1961 that the stately home became truly infamous, when showgirl Christine Keeler caught the eye of Secretary of State for War, John Profumo, and their resulting affair ended up toppling the Conservative Party government.
Today, Cliveden House is a five-star private country hotel sitting in 376 acres of perfectly manicured grounds, owned by the National Trust. Members and the general public can stroll the grounds, enjoy the timetable of seasonal activities, or book to tour the Grade 1-listed house.
Rooms and suites are reserved for private guests, but anyone can book to eat in Cliveden’s fine dining room, or the more laid-back alfresco dining option of the Astor Grill, located in the old stables. For the ultimate pamper day, wander the grounds, then take a cruise down the River Thames in one of the vintage launches.
Enjoy afternoon tea, followed by a relaxing treatment in the art deco oasis of Cliveden’s spa. Cool off in the outdoor pool (the infamous site where Christine Keeler’s twilight skinny dip sparked the Profumo Affair), then luxuriate in the bubbling hot tubs. End your evening with dinner and drinks under the stars at the Astor Grill.
How to get to Cliveden House & National Trust from London
Distance from central London: 29 miles
Travel time by train: 40 minutes
Travel time by car: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cliveden House is in Taplow, Berkshire, around one hour’s drive from central London; travel west via the A40, or the M4. Trains leave from London Paddington, the nearest mainline stations are Taplow (3.4 miles) or Burnham) where you can get a taxi to Cliveden.
Recommended by Jacqui from jacquipaterson.com
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