I LOVE London (as you probably know if you read this blog regularly), but I also love leaving it. There are many options for a great day trip form London. This post will help you begin to work through where to visit. England has a lot of places you can visit on a day trip from London. All of the day trips in this post are about two hours from the city. These towns or places will show you a different side to the UK and unlock a world of history.

All of the places in this guide sit outside of the M25 and most are accessible by train. This post is not about the best-known places, but those with I think have a unique charm. As ever, these are all places I have visited. Some places in this I have written longer posts about and some I last visited before I started the blog and my memory is not great. I will be updating this post over time, so be sure to check back for more inspiration!

Contents

A map of the day trips from London

Oxford (Oxfordshire)

This is probably the most predictable day trip from London for me to recommend. But if you like history you really cannot go wrong with a visit to Oxford. As one of the UK’s oldest cities, it offers a combination of history, culture and academic prestige. There is too much to do in Oxford in just one day – if you can spare two days, it is ideal.

Oxford gives you a picture-perfect view of the UK, as an affluent city which gives you a glimpse of city and rural life.

Oxford traces its history back to the 9th century, and it is home the renowned University of Oxford, first referenced in 1096. Notably, many British Prime Ministers have been educated here.

If you have just one day, you cannot go wrong with:

• A guided tour of the Bodlean Library
• Lunch at the Red Lion
• The hop-on, hop-off bus*
• The Pitt Rivers Museum
• Punting on the Thames
• A wander through some of the central colleges (or a pre-booked tour of the University*)

To have the best day trip from London, consider:

Getting to Oxford from London and where to stay

Due to heavy traffic and limited parking, it’s best not to drive from London. I recommend taking the train or the Oxford Tube. The Oxford Tube is a 24-hour coach service starting from £12. It might be tempting to book a tour, but honestly, the Tube is easy and it’s so cheap too!

If you’re thinking about staying overnight, accommodation in Oxford city center can be pricey. Budget-friendly options include chain hotels on the Oxford Ring Road, which are accessible via bus routes or the Park & Ride.

By train: the train to Oxford goes from London Paddington. You can book tickets in advance via the Trainline.* You don’t want Oxford Parkway to visit the city.

By car: It is about 2 – 2.5 hours from London (depending where you’re starting from) to drive. The biggest thing to know for those driving is to use the Park & Rise. It was the UK’s first, and you can see why it took off as a result of this. There are four car parks and it offers convenient access with buses operating from early morning until late evening.

Brightlingsea (Essex)

One of the best day trips I have ever had from London was to Brightlingsea, a coastal town in Essex. It offers a serene day trip destination rich in history and charm.

Brightlingsea is a unique member of the Cinque Ports. Cinque ports are a medieval confederation of maritime towns providing naval support to the Crown. It stands out for its tranquil ambiance and historical significance. You can enjoy a leisurely promenade along the harbour, swim or paddleboard during high tide, and explore the town’s maritime past. The local museum delves into Brightlingsea’s shipbuilding and oyster fishing past, while Randall Framing & Gallery showcases works by local artists. A visit isn’t complete without indulging in afternoon tea at The Olive Room, a beloved spot among locals. Brightlingsea is easily accessible by car or train but it remains a hidden gem, untouched by mass tourism.

Cambridge

If you are looking for a day trip from London, Cambridge comes up high in guide books. It could be because I visited Cambridge as COVID-19 lockdown was just being lifted. Possibly it is because I know Oxford better, but I would put Cambridge firmly as a second choice if you’re looking to plan a trip from London to an English University town. Cambridge is beautiful for sure, but it felt like there was less to do if you are not studying there.

When we visited, we carved out half a day for the Botanic Garden (it is nice, but this was an over-allocation of time for sure). We allowed half a day to wander around the colleges (which are beautiful) and went to Ely to see the Cathedral there, this is definitely worth a visit.

If you have time for dinner, I cannot recommend Parker’s Tavern more. It is a classic British bistro which serves locally-sourced food with a sophisticated atmosphere.

Logistics for the best day trip to Cambridge from London

By car: like Oxford, Cambridge has a well-established park and ride, with five routes into the town centre, so you do need to plan your journey in advance.

By train: it’s easy to get to Cambridge from London Kings Cross with trains going a few times an hour. The Trainline* has more information on times and you can use it to buy tickets.

By bus: there isn’t the same Tube service as Oxford has, but there are plenty of tours to Cambridge * from London which make an easy day trip for all.

Shaftesbury (Dorset)

Shaftesbury makes a brilliant and slightly different day out from London. This quintessential British town is nestled just over the border from Wiltshire and transports you back to a time gone by. The fact the town was built at the top of a hill that is over 700 ft high means from multiple points there are breathtaking views of an almost unspoilt landscape.

Shaftesbury offers you a combination of a disused priory, excellent food, independent shops and a historical hill (the site of the Hovis advert. IYKYK).

If you’re planning a day trip from London, the logistics you need to know:

By train: there isn’t a train station in Shaftesbury, but Gillingham or Sailsbury are 2 hours from London Waterloo, you can then get the bus or a Taxi.

By car: It is about 2 – 2.5 hours from London (depending where you’re starting from) to drive.

Petworth

Petworth is a historic market town in West Sussex, right in the heart of the South Downs which is home to a 17th Century National Trust property which is surrounded by a 700-acre deer park, some brilliant walks, independent shops and a lovely church.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is home to the UKs Naval History and it is really easy to get to by car, train or coach. Its position on the south coast of England means that Portsmouth boasts a combination of maritime museums, the D-Day experience, the historic dockyard and a good disused Castle.

Like so many cities which the UK counts as ‘historic’, Portsmouth as a strong link to Henry VIII – in fact you can stand in the exact spot where he watched the Mary Rose sink. How about that.

If you’re planning a full day, the Historic Dockyard* should be what you plan around. The three ships (HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose) can take you 3-4 hours alone so you do want to allow plenty of time. The other attractions take much less time – you can whip around the D-Day experience* in an hour and Southsea Castle in much less.

Equally, Portsmouth is great if you just fancy a day at the beach – you have all the classics – a lake with pedal boats, places to paddleboard, fish and chips, a sealife centre and an amusement arcade.

Another great way to see Portsmouth is attending Victorious Festival which is over the August Bank Holiday. There are always great music acts, and you get the D-Day experience and Southsea Castle admission too (the festival site closes these, so it’s kind of essential they give it to you, but still….).

If you’re planning a day trip to Portsmouth from London, the logistics you need to know:

By train: Portsmouth Harbour is the best station for the historic dockyard and from there it is easy to get a bus or taxi to the other places of interest. Portsmouth Harbour is quickest from London Waterloo, but it is also on the line from London Victoria (this is a cheaper route) and Brighton. It’s also the end of the train line, so you really cannot miss it. Book your train ticket via theTrainline.*

By coach: Both the National Express and MegaBus run regular services from Victoria Coach Station to Portsmouth.*

By car: It is about 1 hour 20 from London to Portsmouth – just stay on the A3 until it becomes the A27. There is ample parking in the city too.

St Albans

St Albans is the pinnacle of the well-heeled UK commuter town, where people who work in the city move to bring up their families. The good schools and artisan coffee are not the main attraction for day trippers however. St Albans is a Roman town which boasts a 100-acres Veralium (complete with Roman ruins), a Roman Museum and a stunning Abbey. The Abbey is not only large with magnificent stained-glass windows, but has some brilliant exhibitions – we saw some Quentin Blake illustrations there last year which were charming, let alone in the setting.

St Albans is also a bit of a foodie hotspot. If you’re looking for a casual lunch (or brunch) then Hatch is a must-visit. You need to book in advance, even with their now much larger site. I would STRONGLY recommend the sweetcorn fritters with some Halloumi on top. You won’t regret it. Equally the farmers market boasts high-quality produce (not as locally-sourced as you would think as I have definitely spotted some of the same stalls at Surbiton Farmers Market, but it is delicious nonetheless).

If you’re planning a day trip from London, the logistics you need to know:

By train: St Albans has two train stations – St Albans City and St Albans Abbey. It’s worth checking which is closest to what you want to see before boarding a train as they are about a 30 mins walk from each other. St Albans City is on the Thameslink from London Blackfriars, and Abbey is on the line from Watford.

By bus: there are loads of options for the bus to St Albans from London. Avoid taking the National Express as it takes you via Stansted and it might be easier to walk there. Ok, this is an exaggeration but it takes a disproportionate amount of time. The best way to plan a bus trip is to use Rome2Rio.

By car: St Albans is easy to access via the North Circular and M1.

Hever Castle

Easily accessible from the M25, Hever Castle aka the Boleyn Family Home, is a great day out for families and history lovers alike. As you make your way through the castle, you are taken through the life of Anne Boleyn (the second wife of King Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I). What isn’t as immediately obvious in the house is the second of Henry’s wives called Anne who lived there – Anne of Cleves was given Hever as part of her annulment deal with Henry.

At Hever, they have thought through every detail – from the interior furnishings to how the gardens are landscaped. Hever is a great option for all – with a maze, iconic tudor paintings and acres of land to explore.

Considerations if you are visiting Hever Castle from London

Hever Castle is independently owned, which means that entry is not included in any of the memberships you might have (National Trust, English Heritage).

Transport: there is Hever Station (1 mile rural walk) or Edenbridge Town (3 miles in a Taxi) but it is not easy to get to Hever by public transport. It is however just a few minutes from the M25 by car.

If you’re feeling flush, you can upgrade your visit to an overnight stay. Which does sound cool, but it is very expensive.

Lavenham

Lavenham is one of the most beautiful and quintessentially British towns you could hope to visit. If you are looking for a taste of old England, this is the best day trip from London. It is located in the heart of the countryside in Suffolk and makes you feel as if you have been transported back in time. The streets are adorned with listed houses and buildings dating back at least 600 years and that have been pained in vibrant colours.

The mercantile past and affluence of Lavenham shines through today. The houses in the town are lovingly looked after by their current residents (or custodians). One of the most striking is the Crooked House. The Guildhall, many tea shops and details on the side of buildings make for a fun (and very wholesome) day out in the countryside.

Considerations if you are visiting Lavenham for a day trip from London

Transport: being in the middle of the countryside, Lavenham is best reached by car, but there are public transport options – with Colchester in Essex as a nearby train station and on a regular line from Liverpool Street.

*Denotes affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase, I get a small commission at no cost to you. This post contains links to a combination of tours I have and have not experienced first-hand.

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