If you’re seeking a break from London’s urban rhythm, sometimes a day trip is all you need to feel a sense of rejuvenation again.
Beyond the capital’s iconic landmarks and sprawling streets lie a wealth of day-trip destinations that promise a change of scenery and pace, a touch of history, and a chance to explore the surrounding beauty of England.
This guide provides 14 lovely day-trip ideas for when you’re hankering for a little escape out of London. Whether you’re looking to embark on long coastal walks, stroll through medieval market towns, or indulge in culinary treats and cultural museums, this guide has you covered for that and more.
Tip: To ensure you get the best deals on train fares, times, and available seats, pre-book via Trainline.
1. Canterbury: Spiritual Heritage and Medieval Tales
Canterbury holds a special place in England’s history, boasting one of the most important and architecturally impressive cathedrals in England. If you love history, count this city as one of the best London day trips available.
Pilgrims have navigated the route to and from Canterbury Cathedral for centuries. Some famous routes include The Pilgrims’ Way from Winchester to Canterbury (153 miles – 15 days); The Becket Way from Southwark to Canterbury (90 miles – 11 days); and Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome (approx 1200 miles – 90 days).
As you walk through the medieval streets, you’ll discover quintessential charm singing from every corner. Book lovers must enter through the crooked door of the Catching Lives Charity Bookshop, and food lovers will have their pick from a splendid selection of restaurants and cafes from where to indulge. Perhaps the best way to soak up the city’s relaxed atmosphere is via a boat journey along the River Stour.
How far? 60 miles
How to get there: Train runs from various stations in London. From London Victoria it takes 1 hr.
Want to stay overnight? → Check hotels in Canterbury
2. Rye & Camber Sands: Quintessential England
Nestled in the scenic East Sussex countryside, the quaint town of Rye and the nearby Camber Sands offer a delightful escape to a world of timeless charm and natural beauty.
Rye, characterised by its cobbled streets, half-timbered buildings, and medieval architecture, transports visitors back in time. Explore historic lanes such as Mermaid Street, peruse the antique shops dotted along the high street, and soak up the olde-worlde atmosphere that fills its every corner.
Just a short drive or bus-ride away lies Camber Sands, a stunning stretch of golden coastline and charming sand dunes that offer gorgeous views of the English Channel. Better still, if you’re up for walking, a 3-km stroll through the countryside is in my opinion the best way to travel between both places.
How far? 55 miles
How to get there: 1 hr 25 mins by train from King’s Cross.
Want to stay overnight? → Check hotels in Rye
Read more: Walking From Rye to Hastings Along the East Sussex Coast
3. The Seven Sisters: Coastal Sightseeing
One of the most popular and scenic walks along the Seven Sisters is the route from Seaford to Eastbourne, offering stunning views of the chalk cliffs, the English Channel, and the picturesque landscapes of the South Downs National Park. Beginning in Seaford, it takes approximately 13.8 miles (22.2 kilometers) to reach Eastbourne and the route passes through Birling Gap and Beachy Head Lighthouse, a striking red-and-white striped landmark perched below the cliffs.
If you’d prefer a shorter walk, begin in Birling Gap and follow the marked coastline to Beachy Head Lighthouse. This short route offers some of the most scenic views of coastal England. Rugged cliffs and sea-views on one side, and rolling countryside on the other.
How far? Approx 80 miles
How to there: 1 hr 25 mins by train from London Victoria to Seaford. Return is 1 hr 30 mins by train from Eastbourne to London Victoria.
Want to stay overnight? → Check hotels in Eastbourne
4. Knebworth House: A Stately Home Guarded by Dinosaurs
If you’re looking for something for the whole family to enjoy, look no further than Knebworth house located in the leafy Hertfordshire countryside. It has everything you could wish for in a stately home, and the garden alone makes it worth a trip out of London.
The architecture of Knebworth House is a captivating blend of historical styles that reflect the changing tastes and aspirations of its owners over the centuries. The house’s core structure showcases elements of Tudor architecture, including the use of timber framing, gabled roofs, and mullioned windows.
During the 19th century, the house underwent significant renovations to reflect the fashion of the time and new additions in Gothic Revival style were made during this period. The exterior was transformed with turrets, pointed arches, and decorative stone detailing that evoke the romanticism of the Gothic style. The result of these additions make this one of the most unique homes in England.
Perhaps the quirkiest thing about Knebworth House is the garden. Stroll through the different areas, each adorned with ornamental sculptures, fountains and floral displays. The Dinosaur Trail, a favourite among young visitors, leads you on a prehistoric journey through the gardens, featuring life-sized dinosaur sculptures while narrating the life of these begone creatures.
How far? Approx 30 miles
How to there: 35 mins by train from King’s Cross to Knebworth Station. Entrance to the park takes 3o mins by foot from the station.
Opening times & further information see: www.knebworthhouse.com
5. Cambridge: A Cultural Odsessey
Cambridge, a picturesque city world-famous for its prestigious university, delights with a smorgasbord of medieval architecture, museums and riverside charm.
There’s much to see and do but exploring the hallowed halls of institutions like King’s College and Trinity College, each boasting their own tales of scholarly achievement and history is a must. For serenity, head to Queen’s College, which is home to the Mathematical Bridge (shown below).
Cambridge’s blend of architectural splendour and tranquil waterways creates a peaceful atmosphere for walking or punting along the River Cam, with the city’s iconic colleges serving as a backdrop.
Lastly, no trip to Cambridge is complete with a trip to Kettle’s Yard. A dreamy place for those with a penchant for art and interior design.
How far? Approx 70 miles
How to there: 50 mins by train from King’s Cross; 1 hr 10 mins from Liverpool Street; around 2 hr by car. I live near Liverpool Street, and I’m always blown away how quick the journey is to Cambridge. It’s easily one of my favourite London day trips.
Want to stay overnight? → Check hotels in Cambridge
Read more: 14 Wonderful Things to do in Cambridge
6. Oxford: A Scholarly Haven
Just like its academic rival, Oxford offers a day of inspiring exploration and architectural wonder. As home to one of the world’s most renowned universities, Oxford University, visitors can potter through the historic colleges and soak up the inspiring tales of yesteryear. Depending on your interests, it’s important to do a bit of research about the colleges first to ensure you visit the ones that appeal to you most.
Christ Church College is probably the most famous and should be on any Oxford itinerary. If you’re looking for the prettiest campus, Magdalen College gets my vote.
Visitors can experience the stunning Bodleian Library, bask in the serenity of the Oxford Botanic Garden and experience a wealth of museums including the Ashmolean Museum which serves up world-class art, and for something a little more obscure, head to the Pitt Rivers Museum.
How far? 60 miles
How to get there: The bus service from London Victoria takes 1 hr 30 mins; trains also run from Paddington and Marylebone stations and take 1 hr. It’s a particularly quick journey if you live in West London!
Want to stay overnight? → Check hotels in Oxford
Related: Oxford Travel Guide – the Quintessential and the Quirky
7. Whitstable: Seaside Treats & Oyster Paradise
This little town on the north Kent coast is a firm favourite for Londoners craving a seaside getaway. Whitstable is fun, unpretentious and stacked with a fabulous array of restaurants specialising in seafood.
Most famous for its fresh abundance of oysters, head to Wheelers or the working harbour. The harbour is home to a ramschackle oyster shack that dishes them straight out from the sea and onto a paper plate. Before gobbling them down, add a squeeze of lemon for a dash of tanginess. You’ll finish wishing you had more.
The best thing about Whitstable perhaps is simply finding a relaxing spot from where to basking in the salty sea breeze and admire the waves lapping back and fourth along the shore. Make sure to pack your flip flops, walking along the shingle beach might be uncomfortable without them. Here, I enjoyed my pastime of looking for pretty shells washed ashore.
How far: 60 miles
How to get there: The train from from St Pancras takes 1hr 15 mins.
Want to stay overnight? → Check hotels in Whitstable
8. Bath: Soak in History and Elegance
A journey to Bath transports you to a city steeped in history, renowned for its Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and natural hot springs. The Roman Baths, with their ancient ruins and well-preserved artifacts, offer a glimpse into the past, while the elegant Bath Abbey stands as a testament to the city’s architectural beauty. Beyond its historic sites, Bath’s charming streets, picturesque squares, and surrounding countryside create a captivating backdrop for exploration.
If time allows, and the sun is shining, embark upon the six-mile Bath Skyline walk. Beginning just a stone’s throw away from the city centre, this elevated circular route takes you through woodland, meadows, and Sham Castle with views of the buildings below.
How far? 60 miles
How to get there: Train runs from various stations in London. From London Victoria it takes 1 hr.
Want to stay overnight? → Check hotels in Bath
9. Dungeness: Shipwrecks & Pebble beaches
While visiting Dungeness, enter Derek Jarman’s Home and its wonderful garden which has such a unique and dreamy quality. It is made up from sculptural forms made from the stones and rusted iron relics found on the stretches of beachland along the Dungeness coastline in front of his home. The plants there grow half wild and abundantly, which feels like a little bit of magic considering the coastal winds and the salty air.
Whittle away the hours by walking along the flat, wide and quiet pebble beach. The old bits of rusted machinery, the abandoned boats, the factories in the background all create a particular atmosphere which feels quietly cinematic – perhaps that’s one of the things that drew Jarman to Dungeness.
Engage in detailed looking, the colours and the shapes of the stones, the textures of the sea plants, the shifting shapes on the horizon. (There’s also a nice little hut on the way to the lighthouse that sells delish seafood)
How far? 75 miles
How to get there: It’s possible to go by train but it’s quite time consuming, so I recommend travelling by car if possible.
Want to stay overnight? → Check hotels in Dungeness
10. Painshill Park: Crystal Grottos & Abbey Ruins.
Imagine a big, beautiful garden that looks rather traditional on the surface, but as you begin exploring and strolling around, you keep finding more and more eccentric nooks and crannies.
Painshill Park dates all the way back to 1738, and was designed and created by Charles Hamilton, a British politician. After touring around Europe he was inspired to fill his own plot of land with eccentric follies, Renaissance architecture and an eerie grotto filled with quartz, calcite and fluorite crystals in the shape of stalagmites. His vision was a success!
How far? 30 miles
How to get there: Trains run from London Waterloo to Cobham (the nearest station to Painshill Park). Duration is approx 40 minutes.
11. Stonehenge and Salisbury: Mysteries and Marvels
Unravel the mysteries of Stonehenge, the iconic prehistoric stone circle that has intrigued historians and visitors alike for centuries. Standing on Salisbury Plain, this enigmatic site exudes an aura of ancient spirituality and human ingenuity. The monument’s purpose, whether religious, ceremonial, or astronomical, continues to captivate imaginations and draw visitors from around the world to marvel at its enduring presence on the landscape.
Following your encounter with the stones, venture to nearby Salisbury to witness the medieval grandeur of Salisbury Cathedral, with its magnificent spire and awe-inspiring interior. To explore both of these places in a day-trip from London, you’ll need to set of early!
How far? 60 miles
How to get there: Direct trains runs from London Waterloo to Salisbury and takes approx 1 hr 30 mins.
Want to stay overnight? → Check hotels in Salisbury
12. Dover to Deal: Castles & Coastal Walking
This 10-mile coastal walk from Dover to Deal takes you across cliff tops, meadows, pretty villages and beaches.
During the walk from Dover to Deal there are several highlights to take in. Begin with a quick tour of Dover Castle before passing through town and following the trail up to the White Cliffs of Dover. En route to Deal visit the South Foreland Lighthouse, enter the secluded village of St Margaret’s Bay, continue pass cliffs and meadows to the seaside village of Kingsdown, before arriving in the picturesque town of Deal, home to Walmar Castle.
How far? 77 miles
How to get there: Direct trains run from London St Pancras to Dover. The fast train takes approximately 1h 20min. Purchase a return ticket from Deal.
What to stay overnight? I recommend staying in Deal as opposed to Dover because it is super charming with a loverly selection of restaurants → Check hotels in Deal
13. Winchester: England’s Ancient Capital
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Hampshire, England, Winchester stands as a testament to the intertwining threads of history and modern charm. As the ancient capital of England, this city is steeped in a rich tapestry of historical significance that seamlessly blends with its vibrant present-day character.
History, literary, and architecture lovers will need to set their sight on Winchester Cathedral. This place of worship is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, that dominates the skyline. Furthermore, Winchester holds a significant place in the life of famed English novelist Jane Austen. The city became her final resting place, and her memorial can be found in the Winchester Cathedral. Austen’s close ties to the city are celebrated annually with events like the Jane Austen Regency Week, where fans gather to honour her literary legacy.
Perhaps the most pleasurable thing to do in Winchester, however, is simply roaming among its ancient ruins and Tudor buildings.
How far? 80 miles
How to get there: Direct trains runs from London Waterloo to Winchester and takes 1 hr.
Want to stay overnight? → Check hotels in Winchester
14. St Albans: A Window into Roman Britain
Located in the scenic Hertfordshire countryside, the city of St Albans is the perfect place to go if you’re searching for alternative day trips from London when you’ve already visited cities like Oxford, Cambridge and Canterbury. Similar to these cities, St Albans possesses a charming blend of captivating architecture, rich history and quaint, cobbled streets. What’s more it takes only 30 minutes or less to reach from central London by train.
In the heart of the city stands St Albans Cathedral. This stunning cathedral boasts a mix of Norman and Gothic architecture and is, in my opinion, the most beautiful cathedral in the whole of the UK – I know, a very bold claim indeed! You will also find remains of a roman wall, which one protected Verulamium, Roman Britain’s third largest town.
If pubs are your thing, you’re in the right place. I’m not even a pub-goer but even I couldn’t help but admire all the old-fashioned timber pubs that dot the streets of St Albans. Head to Ye Olde Fighting Cocks (what a name!), said to be England’s oldest watering hole. If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a pub crawl, St Albans is the place to be, seriously.
How far? 25 miles
How to get there: Direct trains run from various London stations, including King’s Cross, taking as little as 25 mins to get there.
Want to stay overnight? → Check hotels in St Albans
