Day Trips From London – Explore Windsor Castle, Bath, Stonehenge, Cambridge, Oxford, Brighton, and the Seven Sisters Cliffs. Perfect for self-drive or local tours!
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Map of Key Day Trips From London
This map includes the 7 major day trip destinations around London, the Victoria Station (local tour meeting point) in central London, and hotel options near Heathrow Airport (for self-drive accommodations).
The map is set to English by default. Simply click "Enlarge Map" in the upper-right corner to switch to your preferred language! Click on the attraction names below to view detailed descriptions, opening hours, map links, and ticket information.
How to Plan a Day Trip from London
Planning a day trip near London can be tailored to the traveller's time and preferences:
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.
Expedia Car Rental- provides options from multiple suppliers, allowing you to compare and book according to your needs. Additionally, if any changes arise during your trip, Expedia’s customer service team is always ready to assist with support and advice. *Hotels.com Car-rental Taiwan * provides similar services.
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!
Stonehenge
Accommodation Tips for Day Trips From London
1. For Leisurely Travel
- Location：In each local town
- Advantages：Immerse yourself in local culture and avoid 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.
I only write about accommodations I have personally stayed in and found worthwhile. I won’t provide a generic 'recommended accommodations' list for places I haven’t experienced myself. However, based on years of trial and error, I’ve summarised a set of criteria that work for any destination and budget.
>>> Accommodation Selection Guide <<<
Bath UK
Day Trips From London – Windsor Castle, Bath, Stonehenge
If you're short on time in London but eager to experience British history and culture, Windsor Castle, Bath, and Stonehenge are three essential destinations not to be missed. These attractions are all located to the west of London, and it's entirely feasible to visit them in one day with a well-planned itinerary, even though it may be a tight schedule!
Windsor Castle, Bath, Stonehenge – Self-Drive Route Plan
*The hotel at the starting point on the map above is for reference only.
First Stop: Bath
- Departure：Start in the morning from accommodation near London Heathrow Airport, taking the M4 motorway to Bath (approximately 2 hours).
- Navigation: In Google Maps or GPS navigation enter -Post Code：BA1 1LZ
- Parking Information：Parking spaces in the city centre are limited, so it's advisable to park in the surrounding areas.
- Reason for Itinerary OrderThe Roman Baths open at 9:00, so it's advisable to leave early due to the longer journey, allowing you to fully enjoy the morning.
- Attraction Highlights：Bath is renowned for its well-preserved ancient Roman baths and magnificent Georgian architecture, which will surely remind friends from Hong Kong of the "Holiday" in Triumph in the Skies.
- Opening Hours：Roman Baths - 9:00 – 18:00
- Ticket Purchase Link：Get Your Guide
Second Stop: Stonehenge
- Route：After lunch, depart from Bath to Stonehenge (about 1 hour).
- Navigation: In Google Maps or GPS navigation enter -Post Code：SP4 7DE
- Parking Information：Stonehenge provides dedicated visitor parking for self-drive tourists.
- Reason for Itinerary Order：The visiting time at Stonehenge is flexible. If time is tight, you can simply take photos and stay for 1 hour before heading to the next stop.
- Attraction Highlights：As a World Heritage site, this prehistoric monument continues to attract countless visitors eager to explore its unsolved mysteries. From ancient construction techniques to its cultural significance, every corner is awe-inspiring.
- Opening Hours： 9:00 – 17:00
- Ticket Purchase Link：Get Your Guide
Third Stop: Windsor Castle
- Route：Return to Windsor from Stonehenge (about 1 hour 15 minutes).
- Navigation: In Google Maps or GPS navigation enter -Post Code：SL4 1NJ
- Parking Information：Public parking is available; it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a parking space.
- Reason for Itinerary Order：There are only one cafe in Stonehenge, while Windsor has a variety of dining options. This can be a good final stop where you can choose to dine in Windsor or wait until you return to London.
- Attraction Highlights：Windsor Castle is the official residence of the British Royal Family, featuring magnificent architecture and charming gardens. You can visit the State Apartments and admire various artworks or stroll through the gardens.
- Opening Hours：Daily 10:00-17:15 (Closes at Tue & Wed)
- Ticket Purchase Link：Get Your Guide
- Ka's Tip: -:London PassFree Entry
- London Pass discount purchase link：Get Your Guide | KKDAY
Windsor Castle, Bath, Stonehenge – Local Tour Recommendations
If you do not plan to drive, consider joining a local tour, which is a convenient option. For example, day trips from London to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath allow you to easily visit these three famous attractions.
Day Trip From London - Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath：Get Your Guide｜KKDAY
Oxford 牛津
Day Trips From London – Oxford and Cambridge
Oxford and Cambridge are the two most famous university towns in the UK. If you can only choose one city, it can be quite challenging; if time allows, I recommend planning two separate days to explore both. However, if your time is limited, a day trip to both Oxford and Cambridge is still feasible—“Kids choose; I want them all!”
Oxford
Renowned for its long history and magnificent libraries, particularly the Bodleian Library, which is one of the most important academic resources in the UK, boasting over 600 years of history. You can also visit Christ Church College, which is not only part of the University of Oxford but also a filming location for the Harry Potter series.
Cambridge
Known for its beautiful River Cam and impressive college architecture, you can enjoy punting on the river while taking in the scenery. King’s College, famous for its stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful gardens, is a must-see attraction for visitors.
Cambridge
Oxford and Cambridge – Self-Drive Route Plan
Start your morning by departing from accommodation near London Heathrow Airport and take the M40 towards Oxford (about 1 hour). In the afternoon, leave Oxford for Cambridge, with several route options available, all taking approximately 2 hours. It's advisable to choose based on real-time traffic conditions.
Reason for Itinerary Order: Since Oxford is to the west of London, if you stayed near Heathrow after a previous day’s itinerary in Windsor, you can first head to Oxford before continuing to Cambridge, located northeast of London.
Parking Tips for Driving：Consider parking in a roadside space that allows payment via an app.
If you prefer not to drive, you can consider joining a local tour, such as *Cambridge and Oxford Day Trip From London.
Seven Sisters Cliff
Day Trips From London – Brighton and Seven Sisters Cliffs
Brighton is a vibrant seaside city where you can enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze at Brighton Pier. The city centre is filled with unique shops, including vintage movie posters and old records, making treasure hunting here a delightful experience. If you have time, you can also visit the home ground of Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.
The nearby Seven Sisters Cliffs (for driving, enter the address: BN25 4AD) are highly recommended as a fantastic photo spot, featuring stunning white chalk cliffs and breathtaking coastal scenery.
You can easily take a train from central London to Brighton, and there are also buses available to reach the Seven Sisters Cliffs. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, you can rent a car or >Join a small group tour from London to Brighton and the Seven Sisters.
Parking Tips for Driving：In Brighton, it's advisable to park at the pier's parking lot, where you’ll find more available spaces. For the Seven Sisters Cliffs, there is a designated car park managed by the National Trust.
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