Just a short train ride from London lies a world of wonder in the United Kingdom! These iconic day trips from London are the perfect way to add magic to your UK holiday – allowing you to explore the prehistoric monoliths of Stonehenge, witness the grandeur of Windsor Castle, delve into the academic history of Oxford and Cambridge, and so much more.
Reaching these destinations is easy with fast and frequent train connections. National Rail makes planning your journey simple, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. So, extend your London itinerary and discover the treasures that await beyond the city limits with these iconic day trips.
The best day trips from London
Bath (1 hour 22 minutes from London Paddington Station)
Bath, an erstwhile spa town in Somerset, is the only city in the UK designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s historic charm is the confluence of English and Roman cultures, with the Roman Bath as the star attraction. Spend the day strolling around Bath Abbey, head to Pulteney Bridge, and dip in the same natural hot spring waters of the Roman Bath at Thermae Bath Spa. Literature enthusiasts can also explore the Jane Austen Centre.
How to reach: Bath Spa Station is the way to the city.
Stonehenge (2 hours 15 minutes from London Waterloo Station)
Go back in time to Stonehenge, standing tall and aloof in the Salisbury Plain of England. Shrouded in mystery, this prehistoric megalithic structure remains a spectacle of human ingenuity that incites wonder among tourists. The best way to visit Stonehenge is through a tour, which usually includes tickets to the attraction and the bus ride from Salisbury to Stonehenge.
Tickets: Starting from GBP 22.7 (INR 2,397)
Timings: 9:30 am to 5 pm
How to reach: Salisbury Station is approximately 14 kilometres away.
Related Stories
Windsor (1 hour from London Paddington/Waterloo Station)
Visit the home of the reigning British Royal family to see the iconic Windsor Castle. Fans of The Crown will be eager to see the castle, a crucial part of the late Queen Elizabeth and King Charles III’s life. Other key attractions in Windsor are the St George’s Chapel, Windsor Great Park and the Ascot Racecourse, where world-class horse races are held throughout the year. Don’t forget to have a childlike adventure at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort.
How to reach: Windsor & Eton Central Station is the way to the city.
Oxford (1 hour from London Paddington/Marylebone Station)
One of the most popular day trips from London, Oxford attracts tourists and aspiring students. The city is home to the prestigious Oxford University and is an idyllic destination brimming with natural beauty, museums, and libraries. Explore Oxford Castle, the Pitt Rivers Museum, Blenheim Palace, the Ashmolean Museum, Radcliffe Camera, and the Bodleian Libraries. Oxford also boasts an immersive Harry Potter tour showcasing iconic real-life filming locations.
How to reach: Oxford Station is the way to the city.
Cambridge (1 hour from London Liverpool Street/King’s Cross/St Pancreas International Station)
Home to the revered Cambridge University, this city needs no introduction! Experience English beauty with a traditional punt ride down the River Cam. The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge Market Square, King’s College Chapel, Bottisham Airfield Museum, and the Corpus Clock are symbols of Cambridge’s culture that can easily be explored in a day.
How to reach: Cambridge Station is the way to the city.
Brighton (1 hour from London Victoria/Blackfriars Station)
Head to London’s beloved beach destination, where locals flock to spend some time in the sun and enjoy the waves of the English Channel. Brighton blends traditional architecture, centuries of history, and modern culture. Explore Brighton Beach, the Royal Pavilion, the Lanes, Brighton Pier, Devil’s Dyke, Undercliff Path, and British Airways i360. Immerse yourself in Brighton’s proud queer history with an LGBTQ+ walking tour.
How to reach: Brighton Station is the way to the city.
York (2 hours from London King’s Cross Station)
Founded by the Romans, the walled city of York was once the playground of Vikings, making it a cultural hotspot. Feel the city’s unique beauty as you stroll around York Minster, the Shambles or the City Walls. Learn about the history of the National Railway Museum, York, York Castle Museum, the JORVIK Viking Centre and Clifford’s Tower.
How to reach: York Station is the way to the city.
Related Stories
Rye (1 hour from London St Pancras International Station)
Embrace the beauty of cobbled lanes and half-timbered houses in East Sussex’s Rye. The English town offers a charming escape from London with its picturesque Mermaid Street, the red-brick Lamb House, Camber Sands, Rye Castle Museum, Rye Bay, and Ypres Tower.
How to reach: Rye Station is the way to the city.
Canterbury (1 hour from London St Pancreas International Station)
The Cathedral City of Southeast England was a revered religious site in the Middle Ages. Now, the city attracts charm through its Roman and Gothic architecture, beckoning tourists to appreciate Canterbury’s beauty. The main attractions are the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey, Westgate Gardens, The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, and the Canterbury Roman Museum.
How to reach: Canterbury East/West Station are the way to the city.
Dover (1 hour 20 minutes from London St Pancreas International Station)
Known as the ‘Lock and Key of England,’ Dover was the gateway to the nation before planes and trains revolutionised world travel. Its strategic position on the English Channel makes it a port city, with several ferries to Calais in France. On your day trip from London, discover the city’s history at Dover Castle, sunbathe at Dover Beach, or witness the natural beauty of Samphire Hoe and the White Cliffs of Dover.
How to reach: Dover Priory Station is the way to the city.
Shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature image credit: Chait Goli/Pexels)
Related: The Best Times To Visit London, According To Local Experts
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The best day trips from London are Oxford, Bath, Cambridge, Stonehenge, Brighton, York, Rye, Canterbury, Dover and Windsor.
Oxford, Bath, Cambridge, Salisbury, Brighton, York, Rye, Canterbury, Dover and Windsor are some of the closest to London.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelPriyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read More
