Day Trips From London – Top 12 Nearby Towns and Attractions
Last Updated on 25/03/2025
Day Trips From London – I lived in London for nearly two years and often spent my weekends exploring nearby towns. This guide introduces the top 12 must-visit towns and attractions near London, including Windsor, Bath, Stonehenge, Cambridge, Oxford, and more – perfect for extending your itinerary.
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Map of Towns & Attractions Near London
This map features the top 12 must-visit towns and attractions near London.
The map is set to English by default. Simply click on the 'Enlarge Map' icon in the top right corner to switch to your preferred language!
How to Plan a Day Trip from London
Explore the attractions in the London suburbs, with flexible itineraries that can be tailored to suit travellers’ time and needs.
1. For Those Living in the UK or Taking It Easy
- Recommended Stay：Spend at least one to two days in each town, ideally spread over several weekends to fully explore the history and scenery of these places.
- Travelling Ways：Self-driving or taking the train is suitable, allowing more time to enjoy the essence of each attraction.
2. For Those with Limited Time and Looking for Quick Stops
- Classic Day Trip Routes：Departing from London, choose an itinerary that covers Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath in one day, or Cambridge and Oxford, or Brighton and the Seven Sisters cliffs.
- Travelling Ways：Joining a local tour is recommended to save time and arrange the route more systematically, allowing for a quick visit to multiple famous attractions in one day. Of course, self-driving can also achieve this goal.
Whether you want to dive deep into all the attractions, select a few highlights, or quickly check off classic routes, there’s no right or wrong pace of travel—just what suits your needs best. I hope everyone can find the way that works for them and enjoy the journey!
Windsor
Windsor Overview
Windsor is famous for Windsor Castle, the official residence of the British Royal Family. With over 1,000 years of history, this castle serves as a home to British monarchs and a symbol of the Royal Family.
- Windsor Castle
- St. George’s Chapel (the wedding venue of Harry and Meghan)
- State Apartments and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
- Changing of the Guard
How to Get to Windsor
- Take a train from London Waterloo Station to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station.
Windsor Castle Opening Hours
- Daily 10:00-17:15 (Closes at Tue & Wed)
Windsor Tickets & Tours
- Windsor Castle Tickets
- Free Entry With The London Pass (Afternoon Only)｜Buy London Pass Here
- Day Trip From London - Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath
Stonehenge
Stonehenge Overview
Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the UK, with the purpose of its mysterious stone pillars still remaining unsolved.
How to Get to Stonehenge
- Take a train from London Waterloo Station to Salisbury Station, then transfer to the Stonehenge Tour Bus.
Stonehenge Opening Hours
- Daily 9:00 – 17:00
Stonehenge Tickets & Tours
Bath
Bath Overview
Bath is a city rich in history and culture, renowned for its Roman Baths and elegant Georgian architecture, making it a treasure of England. It is also a filming location for the Hong Kong drama Triumph in the Skies.
- Roman Baths
- Pulteney Bridge
- Royal Crescent
How to Get to Bath
- Take a train from London Paddington Station to Bath Spa Station.
Roman Bath Opening Hours
- Daily 9:00 – 18:00
Bath Tickets & Tours
Oxford
Oxford Overview
Oxford is a world-renowned university city, home to numerous historic colleges and libraries, and is also a source of inspiration for Harry Potter.
- University of Oxford
- Bodleian Library
- Harry Potter Source of Inspiration (e.g., Christ Church College)
How to Get to Oxford
- Take a train from London Paddington Station to Oxford Station
Oxford Tickets & Tours
Cambridge
Cambridge Overview
Cambridge is another world-class university city, renowned for its historic colleges and the picturesque River Cam. For Hong Kong students who studied Xu Zhimo’s Farewell to Cambridge in secondary school, the city often carries a special sense of familiarity. Taiwanese readers, do you also feel a unique connection to Cambridge?
- University of Cambridge
- Punting on the River Cam
- Trinity College
How to Get to Cambridge
- Take a train from London King’s Cross Station to Cambridge Station
Cambridge Tickets & Tours
Cotswolds
Cotswolds Overview
The Cotswolds is a picturesque countryside region, and to me, having visited the Cotswolds, Giethoorn in the Netherlands doesn’t feel like a “must-visit” destination.
- Bibury
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Marlborough
How to Get to Cotswolds
- About a 2-hour drive from London
Cotswolds Tickets & Tours
- Day trip from London: Cotswolds and Oxford (English-speaking guide)
- Day trip from London: Full-day Cotswolds small group tour (English-speaking guide)
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon Overview
Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and one of England’s most culturally rich towns. This historic town features well-preserved Tudor-style architecture, theatres, and scenic canals, making it a must-visit for literature and history enthusiasts.
- Shakespeare’s Birthplace
- Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
- Royal Shakespeare Theatre
- Holy Trinity Church
How to Get to Stratford-upon-Avon
- From London Marylebone Station, take a train to Stratford-upon-Avon Station (approx. 2 hours).
- Approx. 2.5-hour drive from London.
Stratford-upon-Avon Tickets & Tours
Brighton & Seven Sisters Cliffs
Brighton Overview
Brighton is a seaside city that comes alive every summer, especially around the lively Brighton Pier. Nearby, the Seven Sisters Cliffs stand as one of the most iconic white chalk cliffs in southern England.
- Brighton Beach
- Brighton Pier
- Seven Sisters Cliffs
How to Get to Brighton
- Take a train from London Victoria Station to Preston Park Station
Brighton Tickets & Tours
Silverstone
Silverstone Overview
Silverstone is a world-renowned motorsport venue, famously hosting the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. It attracts racing fans from around the world who come to witness thrilling races.
- F1 Silverstone Official Website
- Silverstone Circuit
- Formula 1 British Grand Prix
- Driving Experiences
How to Get to Silverstone
- ake a train from London Euston Station to Northampton Station, then transfer to a bus; or drive
Dover & Canterbury
Dover Overview
Dover is one of the most famous ports in the UK, with ferries connecting to France. The White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle, and the nearby Canterbury Cathedral are all must-see attractions in the area.
How to Get to Dover
- Take a train from London St. Pancras Station to Dover Priory Station, then transfer to a train or head to Canterbury
Dover Tickets & Tours
Bristol
Bristol Overview
Bristol is a creative and historic city in the southwest of England, known for its unique Bristol Harbour and the works of world-renowned artist Banksy.
- Bristol Harbour
- Clifton Suspension Bridge
- Banksy Artwork
How to Get to Bristol
- Take a train from London Paddington Station to Bristol Temple Meads Station.
Southampton
Southampton Overview
Southampton is an important port city in the south of England and the departure point of the Titanic.
- Titanic Museum
- Waterfront Park
- Southampton Cathedral
How to Get to Southampton
- Take a train from London Waterloo Station to Southampton Central Station.
Accommodation Tips for Day Trips From London
1. For Leisurely Travel
- Location：In each local town
- Advantages：For a more comprehensive exploration of the suburban attractions around London, experience the local culture while avoiding long travel times.
2. For One-Day Road Trips from London
- Location：Near Heathrow Airport
- Advantages：Bypass central traffic congestion for quick access to the motorway.
3. For Joining Local Tours from London
- Location：Central London
- Advantages：Tour meeting points are often in the city centre, like Victoria Station, saving travel time.
>>> Accommodation Selection Guide <<<
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