Best Day Trips from London

Best Day Trips from London

We lived in London from 2013 till 2019 and took many day- and road trips across London, England and the United Kingdom. In June 2025, I visited Oxford, Bath and Bristol again. Below you’ll find all my tips for the day trips from London we have made, as well as some that are still on my list to do.

Explore London

Explore The United Kingdom

1. Oxford, Oxfordshire
   

Oxford is one of England’s most iconic cities and steeped in history, stunning architecture, and academic tradition. Home to the oldest English-speaking university in the world and some of the world’s most famous colleges, including Christ Church, known for its grand architecture and Harry Potter filming locations, and Magdalen College, with its beautiful deer park and riverside walks. Make sure to explore the historic Bodleian Library and the iconic Radcliffe Camera, both are important parts of the university's long and famous history.

You can visit many of Oxford’s colleges by walking in and buying a ticket at the entrance. Some colleges are free, while others charge a small fee. It’s a good idea to check their websites for opening times or join a guided walking tour to see several at once.

I visited Oxford a few times in 2014 and 2015 and decided to spend another 2 days in 2025.

Read my Oxford City Guide

Just 8 miles from Oxford is Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Cotswolds, is a grand Baroque estate and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Surrounded by 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland and formal gardens, it offers a striking blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.We spend almost a full day here. Make sure to book tickets in advance.

The Cotswolds, known for its rolling hills, honey-colored stone villages, and postcard-perfect countryside, is one of England’s most picturesque regions. From Oxford, you can explore the area by car and visit the beautiful villages like Bibury and Stow-on-the-Wold and Castle Combe. If you have time, visit the beautiful Lacock Abbey located in the village of Lacock (you might recognize it from Harry Potter films).

Read the Cotswolds Guide

2. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Like Oxford, Cambridge is famous for its beautiful and historic colleges, such as King’s College, known for its stunning chapel and world-famous choir. Another popular college is Trinity College, which boasts impressive architecture and has produced many famous alumni like Sir Isaac Newton and 34 other Nobel Prize Winners.

Cambridge feels more compact and easier to explore by foot or bike than Oxford. Punting is a classic and relaxing way to explore Cambridge’s scenic river and historic university grounds, using a flat-bottomed boat called a punt that is pushed along by a person standing at the back with a long pole.

3. Bath, Somerset

Bath is a beautiful Georgian city known for its Roman Baths, historic architecture, and natural hot springs. You can visit the Roman Baths, relax at the modern Thermae Bath Spa. Go visit the Instagram famous Royal Crescent with its elegant Georgian architecture. Pulteney Bridge is one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, known for its elegant Georgian design and rare feature of having shops built along both sides. Don’t miss the Jane Austen Centre for a taste of literary history, or enjoy shopping and afternoon tea in the charming city center.

The Cotswolds villages nearest to Bath are Castle Combe and Bradford-on-Avon. Castle Combe is known as one of the most beautiful villages in England and is about a 30-minute drive from Bath. At the southern end of the village you’ll find the famous picturesque Bybrook Bridge. Bradford-on-Avon is only 15 minutes away and has pretty streets, old buildings, and a nice walk by the river. Visit the Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford-on Avon.

Read the Bath City Guide

4. Bristol

Bristol is a vibrant city in southwest England known for its rich maritime history and creative arts scene. You can explore the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, an iconic engineering bridge spanning the Avon Gorge. Don’t miss the street art tour to see works by Banksy, a famous artist who started in Bristol.

Read the Bristol City Guide

5. Windsor (Castle) and Eton

Windsor is a historic town by the River Thames, known for its charming streets and the royal Windsor Castle, an official residence of King Charles. Visitors can explore the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and the beautiful castle grounds of Windsor Park. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance. Just across the river is Eton, home to Eton College, one of the most famous and prestigious schools in the UK.

6. Canterbury, Kent
   

Canterbury is a historic city in southeast England, famous for its stunning Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has charming medieval streets, quaint shops, and plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants. Enjoy the beautiful river walks along the Great Stour. For lunch / dinner go to The Goods Shed, a Farmers Market, Food Hall & Restaurant near Canterbury West station. We combined Canterbury and the cute seaside village Whitstable in one day.

7. Whitstable, Kent
   

Whitstable is a charming seaside town famous for its fresh oysters and vibrant harbor. It offers beautiful beaches, colorful fishing boats, and a lively arts and food scene that attracts visitors year-round. Make your way to Wheelers Oyster Bar, the oldest pink restaurant in Whitstable, for some yummy fresh oysters. There are only a few tables and counter seatings, be prepared to wait.

8. Eastbourne, East Sussex
   

Eastbourne is a nostalgic and classic British seaside town with a Victorian pier and a pebble beach. Explore the UK's highest chalk sea cliff at Beachy Head and the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs, both stunning landmarks within the South Downs National Park. The Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk, stretching from Seaford to Eastbourne, covers approximately 13.2 to 13.6 miles (21.2 to 21.9 km) and offers a scenic coastal trail perfect for hiking and photography, with breathtaking views of the English Channel along the way.

9. Stratford Upon Avon and Warwick Castle
   

Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is a charming market town famous for its well-preserved Tudor architecture and vibrant cultural scene celebrating the Bard’s legacy. It does get quite touristy, but it’s still worth a visit. Nearby, you’ll have Warwick Castle. We found a lovely English garden created by local villagers with stunning views of Warwick Castle.

10. St Albans
    

St Albans is a historic city known for its stunning cathedral, which dates back to Roman times and features beautiful medieval architecture. The city also hosts a lively market offering fresh produce, crafts, and local goods, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of town.

11. Brighton
    

Brighton is a fun seaside town famous for its bright pier with entertainment and the Royal Pavilion palace, a beautiful old palace with unique design and pretty gardens. With lots of shops, cafes, and events. Brighton does get very busy with tourists and hen and stag parties. It reminded me a bit of Scheveningen in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, I would still visit this town for a day. For coffee visit Workshop Coffee Lab.