If you’re planning a longer stay, you’ll be glad to know that “Explore More from London” isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a must. The UK’s capital is perfectly placed for unforgettable day trips and weekend getaways, whether you crave peaceful countryside strolls, ancient castles, or cities with their own distinct rhythm. London is your gateway to the best of southern England and beyond, thanks to its excellent rail links and motorways. And the best part? You can return to your London hotel for tea and scones by evening.
Rather than suggesting you flee the city, this page is here to show how London amplifies your options. History buffs can wander medieval university halls, royal watchers can roam real-life palace grounds, and nature lovers can picnic among wild horses or stroll beside white cliffs. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with the family in tow, there’s a side trip to suit your pace, mood, and budget.
Here’s our curated guide to five types of day trips from London, each offering something fresh, enriching, and surprisingly easy to reach.
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Nature Lovers
1. Seven Sisters Cliffs
Breathtaking chalk cliffs that roll down into the English Channel, often quieter than Dover, but equally iconic. Located in East Sussex, these white giants make for perfect photo ops and coastal walks.
Location: Seaford, East Sussex
Admission: Free
Hours: Open 24/7 (nature!)
How to Get There: Train from London Victoria to Seaford (approx. 1h 45m)
Insider Tip: Start at Seaford Head for the classic cliff view, not the visitor centre.
2. New Forest National Park
A lush escape with ancient woodland, roaming ponies, and quaint English villages. Ideal for hiking, cycling, or just breathing fresh air under a canopy of oaks and beech trees.
Location: Hampshire
Admission: Free (some parking charges apply)
Hours: Always open
How to Get There: Train to Brockenhurst from London Waterloo (about 1h 30m)
Insider Tip: Rent a bike in Brockenhurst and ride the Ornamental Drive loop.
3. Kew Gardens
While technically still within Greater London, Kew is an otherworldly oasis of global flora and historic glasshouses. With over 50,000 plants, it’s one of the most diverse gardens in the world.
Location: Richmond, London
Admission: £21.50 adults (cheaper online)
Hours: 10am–7pm (last entry 6pm)
How to Get There: Tube to Kew Gardens Station (District Line)
Insider Tip: Bring a picnic and sit by the lake near the Japanese Gateway.
© Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
History Buffs
1. Oxford
Home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford is full of cobbled streets, ivory towers, and ancient pubs. Highlights include the Bodleian Library, Christ Church, and the Ashmolean Museum.
Location: Oxfordshire
Admission: Free entry to town, £7–£16 for college tours
Hours: Vary by college
How to Get There: Train from Paddington (approx. 1h)
Insider Tip: Try the Turf Tavern: a hidden pub dating back to the 13th century.
2. Windsor Castle
Still used by the Royal Family, Windsor is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Expect staterooms, royal tombs, and the changing of the guard.
Location: Windsor, Berkshire
Admission: £30 for adults
Hours: 10am–5:15pm (last entry 4pm)
How to Get There: Train from London Paddington via Slough (approx. 50 minutes)
Insider Tip: Arrive by 10am to catch the Guard ceremony and avoid queues.
3. Canterbury
Steeped in medieval charm, Canterbury is known for its cathedral, crooked streets, and connections to Chaucer. The city centre feels like a time capsule.
Location: Kent
Admission: Cathedral £17
Hours: 10am–5pm (last entry 4pm)
How to Get There: Train from London St Pancras (under 1h)
Insider Tip: Join a guided walking tour for ghost stories and hidden gems.
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Cultural Exploration
1. Stratford-upon-Avon
Birthplace of William Shakespeare, this Tudor-style town oozes literary charm and well-preserved history. Visit his childhood home, the theatre, and take a boat along the Avon.
Location: Warwickshire
Admission: £20 for Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Hours: 10am–5pm
How to Get There: Train from London Marylebone (approx. 2h)
Insider Tip: Book ahead for the Royal Shakespeare Theatre performances.
2. Brighton
A colourful coastal city known for its artsy vibe, LGBTQ+ scene, vintage shops and quirky Royal Pavilion. A great spot for people-watching and seaside bites.
Location: East Sussex
Admission: Free; Pavilion £17
Hours: Pavilion 10am–5:15pm
How to Get There: Train from London Victoria or London Bridge (about 1h)
Insider Tip: Grab lunch at Shelter Hall, a seaside food market with epic views.
3. St Albans
Roman roots, a soaring cathedral, and one of Britain’s oldest pubs, all just 20 minutes from London. Don’t miss the Verulamium Park and museum.
Location: Hertfordshire
Admission: Mostly free; museum £6
Hours: 10am–5pm
How to Get There: Thameslink train from St Pancras (20–25 min)
Insider Tip: Visit Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, a pub claiming roots in AD 793.
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In the Footsteps of the Royals
1. Hampton Court Palace
Former home of Henry VIII, this riverside palace is a Tudor time machine with lavish halls, manicured gardens, and a haunted gallery.
Location: Surrey
Admission: £26.30
Hours: 10am–5:30pm
How to Get There: Train from Waterloo to Hampton Court (35 min)
Insider Tip: Arrive early for fewer crowds in the maze and kitchens.
2. Kensington Palace & Gardens
Part-time royal residence, part public museum, this spot blends regal glamour with serene parkland. Learn about Queen Victoria’s childhood and modern royals alike.
Location: Kensington Gardens, London
Admission: £20
Hours: 10am–6pm
How to Get There: Tube to Queensway or High Street Kensington
Insider Tip: Stroll toward the Italian Gardens for a quiet lunch bench.
3. Sandringham Estate (weekend trip)
The private country retreat of the Queen, open to the public in summer. Includes gardens, house tours, and a royal museum.
Location: Norfolk
Admission: £23.50
Hours: 10am–5pm (open March–October)
How to Get There: Best by car (2.5 hours from London); limited train options
Insider Tip: Combine it with a stay in a nearby B&B and coastal walk.
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City Tours
1. Cambridge
Elegant colleges, punting along the river, and a scholarly calm that contrasts London’s buzz. Walk or cycle the historic streets and discover quiet green spaces.
Location: Cambridgeshire
Admission: Free; college tours £5–£15
Hours: Varies by college
How to Get There: Train from London King’s Cross (about 1h)
Insider Tip: Skip the official punting tours and rent your own for more fun.
2. Bath
With its honey-coloured Georgian buildings and Roman ruins, Bath is a dreamlike city steeped in wellness and heritage. Highlights include the Roman Baths and Royal Crescent.
Location: Somerset
Admission: Roman Baths £27
Hours: 9am–6pm
How to Get There: Train from Paddington (about 1h 20m)
Insider Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to enjoy the baths without crowds.
3. York (overnight trip recommended)
A walled city with Viking roots, York offers Gothic cathedrals, timber-framed streets, and the magical Shambles alleyway. It’s further north but worth every minute.
Location: Yorkshire
Admission: York Minster £16
Hours: 9:30am–5pm
How to Get There: Train from King’s Cross (about 2h)
Insider Tip: Book a ghost tour after sunset — the city is full of stories.