Top 15 Exciting Day Trips From London

These UK day trips are quick, fun alternatives to a day in the city. Castles, famous movie sets, great discount shopping, historic homes, and gardens are all less than two hours from London. Moreover, transportation links from the British capital to the suburbs, the countryside, and other nearby cities are easy, fast, and reasonably priced.

If you wish to escape London’s hustle and bustle, and see England from a different perspective, a quick “away day” could be just the ticket. They’re all easily reachable by public transportation.

UK travel tip: To keep transportation costs down, try to arrange your train or coach tickets well in advance to take advantage of the lowest fares.

1. Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle embodies the essence of a fairytale castle. You can enjoy plenty at the Queen’s weekend home, which reportedly is her favorite. The building alone covers 13 acres and is the largest inhabited castle globally. Established by William the Conqueror, it has served as a royal residence and fortress for almost 950 years.

How to Get There

• By train: Trains leave regularly from London’s Paddington Station to Windsor & Eton Central. The castle, located just a short walk from the station, is easily visible and takes between 25 and 40 minutes, depending on your train choice.
• By car: Windsor Castle is 24 miles from Central London. Follow the A4 and M4 to Junction 6, then follow the signs for Windsor town center.
• By bus: Green Line buses (701 and 702) depart hourly from Victoria station, stopping at Windsor Castle and Legoland Windsor.

2. Warner Brothers Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter

If you’ve dreamed of walking in the footsteps of your favorite film characters or peeking behind the scenes at special effects, the Warner Brothers’ Harry Potter attraction at its Leavesden studios, 20 miles northwest of London, is a must-see destination. If you or your family members are Harry Potter fans, this is an unforgettable experience.

The makers of the film have assembled iconic sets, numerous actual props from the films, and organized a walking tour within two soundstages where the Harry Potter films were produced. Even for those not deeply familiar with the series, it’s endlessly fascinating. Planning to spend about five hours there makes the ticket prices surprisingly good value for money.

Top tip: Remember to purchase your tickets in advance, as they are not available for sale on-site.

How to Get There

• By train: Trains from London’s Euston Station to Watford Junction run roughly every ten minutes throughout the day, taking about 15 to 20 minutes. After arriving, a vibrant bus will transport you directly to the attraction as you watch a film to get you in the mood.
• By car: The attraction is situated just a few miles from the M1 and M5 motorways. Brown signs will guide you once you exit the motorways. Detailed directions are available on the attraction’s website.
• By coach: Transfers from London are routinely scheduled with a preferred transportation partner and can be bought separately.

3. Brighton – London’s Beach

Brighton boasts the newly added BA i360, a giant viewing platform that rises more than 500 feet above the seafront, offering breathtaking views on a clear day. This resort, known as London’s beach, features the iconic Royal Pavilion, an exquisite summer house built by George IV when he was Prince Regent. Its distinct Arabian Nights style is sure to capture your imagination.

How to Get There

• By train: Trains leave about every 15 minutes from either London Bridge or Victoria Station and take roughly an hour.
• By car: Brighton is 54 miles due south of London, requiring approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive. South of the M25 ring road, the M23 leads directly into Brighton.
• By bus: Buses from London to Brighton range from an hour and forty minutes to over three hours. Always purchase tickets in advance, as the lowest fares sell out quickly.

4. Oxford, England

Oxford University, the oldest university in the English-speaking world, dates back to the 11th century. Its graduates have significantly contributed to numerous fields and disciplines.

Walking through these streets, you follow the paths of Nobel prize winners, political leaders, and artists. The university also provides an array of wonderful pubs and fantastic shopping opportunities.

Additionally, visitors can explore the recently reopened Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology which houses extraordinary collections. The museum, founded in 1683, has undergone considerable refurbishment and now showcases over 39 new galleries.

How to Get There

• By train: Express trains to Oxford from Paddington Station are frequent, taking about an hour. If you don’t catch the express, a conventional journey will take approximately an hour and 45 minutes.
• By car: Oxford is 62 miles northwest of London via the M4, M25, M40, and A roads, taking about an hour and a half to drive. Although parking can be challenging, Park and Ride options are available.
• By bus: The Oxford Tube operates buses every ten minutes, 24 hours a day, from multiple stops in London to Oxford.

5. Blenheim Palace – Magnificent Home of the First Churchills

Blenheim Palace isn’t just another one of England’s stately homes; this magnificent palace, home of the Dukes of Marlborough, is a short trip from London and offers:

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site
• An impressive example of 18th-century English Baroque architecture
• A tribute to the first Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill
• Beautiful grounds designed by renowned landscape architect Launcelot “Capability” Brown
• A fantastic venue for family activities throughout the year

Located in Woodstock, just under two hours from London, it also serves as a gateway to the Cotswolds.

How to Get There

• By train: Express trains from Paddington Station to Oxford are frequent and cost under £25; then it’s a 10-minute local bus ride from the station.
• By car: Blenheim is approximately 62 miles from London via the M4, M25, and M40 motorways. Follow directions from Woodstock High Street to access the main entrance.

6. Bicester Village – Discount Designer Outlets

If you believe London is the ultimate destination for fashionable shopping, a short train journey to Bicester Village will change your perspective. With over 100 chic boutiques offering discount designer outlets, all major European and international brands are available at reduced prices compared to Bond Street.

How to Get There

• By train: Trains to Bicester North Station run up to four times an hour from London Marylebone, taking just under an hour. A shuttle bus provides inexpensive transportation directly to the village.
• By car: Bicester Village is located about 64 miles from Central London, with drive times ranging from one to two hours. Clear signs will guide you there.
• By bus: Luxury coach trips from London frequently visit Bicester Village with pick-ups at various hotels.

7. Ightham in Kent – A Village With Secrets and a Great Day Trip

Ightham is a delightful Kentish village with a storied past that would intrigue any mystery lover. With picturesque 14th and 15th-century houses, Ightham is close to Ightham Mote, a fortified medieval manor, and Oldbury Wood, an ancient woodland with Iron Age earthworks. Visitors can enjoy easy walks and satisfying meals at local pubs.

How to Get There

• By train: Trains to nearby Borough Green & Wrotham Station from Victoria Station run frequently, taking less than an hour.
• By car: Ightham, pronounced “item,” is about 55 miles from Central London, reachable via the A3, M25, and M26.

8. Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral

Nothing prepares you for your first glimpse of Stonehenge. Observing this iconic landmark rise from Salisbury Plain is breathtaking. A new visitor center, completed in 2013, significantly enhances the experience with a reconstructed Stone Age village and an exhibition about the ancient landscape surrounding the stones.

Visitors can either walk a mile to the stones or take a silent electric buggy for some convenience.

And a Visit to Salisbury Cathedral

Consider taking the train via Salisbury to visit the nearly 800-year-old cathedral. Highlights include the best-preserved remaining copies of the 1215 Magna Carta, the oldest working mechanical clock in the world, and Britain’s tallest spire at 404 feet.

How to Get There

• By train: Trains from London Waterloo to Salisbury leave about 20 minutes and 50 minutes after the hour, taking around an hour and 20 minutes. Regular bus services connect the train station to Stonehenge.
• By car: Stonehenge is 85 miles from Central London via the M3 and A303.

9. Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle, located near Maidstone in Kent, is often referred to as “the loveliest castle in the world.” Dating back 900 years, the moated castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland.

Historically, this castle has been inherited by women and served as the dower house for six Plantagenet Queens. Later, Henry VIII updated the castle for Catherine of Aragon.

Leeds Castle caters to a diverse range of visitors, featuring captivating interiors and beautiful gardens, a fun maze, playgrounds, and even a dog collar museum showcasing an impressive collection of historical examples.

How to Get There

• By train: Southeastern Trails provide regular services, running 22 and 52 minutes past the hour from London Victoria to Bearsted Station, taking about an hour. A shuttle bus operates to the castle during the summer months.
• By car: About 44 miles from Central London via the A20 and M20, follow the brow and white tourist signs from Junction 8 off the M20 motorway.
• By bus: Several sightseeing tour companies offer visits to Leeds Castle from London—check the castle website for updated information.

10. Hever Castle – Home of Anne Boleyn

Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, is rich in Tudor history. Initially constructed in the 13th century, the house offers fascinating collections, two mazes, and an enchanting garden, making it suitable for all family members.

Beyond the castle’s stunning gardens, visitors can indulge in various activities including:

• An adventure playground
• Yew and water mazes
• The Hever Lake walk
• An exhibition on historical armor and instruments of execution

Throughout the summer months, Hever Castle hosts activities such as jousting tournaments and performances in its open-air theatre.

How to Get There

• By train: Frequent trains leave from London Bridge Station to Edenbridge Town Station, followed by a three-mile taxi ride. It’s wise to book your ride beforehand.
• By car: Hever Castle is 44 miles from Central London via the A3 and the M25.

11. The Historic Dockyard Chatham

The Historic Dockyard at Chatham in Kent has built the ships that shaped the British Empire for over 400 years. Renowned ships like HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson’s flagship, were constructed here. Today, this 80-acre site boasts 100 listed buildings and 47 scheduled ancient monuments.

Visitors can explore:

• A functioning Victorian Ropery, featuring a quarter-mile long rope walk
• Covered slips for ship construction
• A multimedia exhibition in the Mast and Mould Loft
• Three 19th-century drydocks, one of which houses a retired diesel submarine

How to Get There

• By train: Chatham is within the London commuter belt, and service runs from various London stations throughout the day. The fastest trains depart from St Pancras International, taking around 38 minutes to reach Chatham. The Chatham Maritime bus connects the station to the Dockyard.
• By car: Travel through Central London (about 38 miles on the A2) or around London (68 miles via the M25 to the A2); both options take a similar amount of time.

12. Beaulieu and the National Motor Museum

Beaulieu, situated in the New Forest, is an excellent day trip from London packed with activities. Visitors can explore magnificent gardens, a ruined abbey, and various attractions, including a monorail and Go Karts.

However, the star of the show is the National Motor Museum: car enthusiasts from worldwide are drawn to admire over a century of automobiles, including star cars and vintage vehicles.

How to Get There

• By train: Trains to Brockenhurst Station leave every 15 minutes from Waterloo, taking 1.5 hours. A taxi will take you from the station to Beaulieu. Present your travel ticket for a 20% discount on admission.
• By car: Beaulieu (pronounced “Bewley”) is located 87 miles from Central London. Follow the M3 to the M27 exit 2, marked with brown and white directional signs. Parking is available.

13. William Morris’s Red House – English Home of the Arts and Crafts Movement

Red House, the only building commissioned by 19th-century artist William Morris, is now owned by the National Trust and open to the public. Located in Bexley Heath, just south of London, the house was designed by Morris’s friend Philip Webb as a marital home.

Numerous artists and writers visited during that time, adding their personal touches that can still be appreciated today. Morris believed gardens should “clothe” a house, and the landscaped gardens reflect his designs.

How to Get There

Bexley Heath is the nearest train station. Trains from London Victoria or Charing Cross Stations take around half an hour. The walk from the station is about 3/4 of a mile, so plan accordingly for favorable weather.

14. Battlesbridge Antiques Center

If you enjoy exploring massive antique centers filled with treasures, then the Battlesbridge Antiques Center is the place for you. 80 antique dealers display various items, from jewelry and furniture to unique collectibles.

While it may not feature high-end items for decorators, a real treasure hunt awaits, providing opportunities for each visit to be a delightful surprise.

How to Get There

• By train: Regular trains leave London Liverpool Street Station throughout the day. Change at Wickford to Southminster. Battlesbridge is the first stop on that line, about a third of a mile from the center.
• By car: Located about 40 miles from London, Battlesbridge is situated midway between Chelmsford and Southend alongside the A130.

15. RHS Wisley Garden

The Royal Horticultural Society’s Wisley Garden is a paradise for avid gardeners. Spanning over 240 acres, the garden features a world-famous collection of plants, evolving over more than a century. Each season offers something new to admire.

The brand-new glasshouse, constructed in June 2007, spans an impressive area, showcasing a variety of climates including tropical and dry temperate habitats. A winding path leads visitors through the various collections, including rare and endangered species, as well as hundreds of orchid varieties.

How to Get There

• By train: Trains from London Waterloo Station run regularly to West Byfleet or Woking, where you can take a short taxi ride to the garden. Additionally, a special bus service operates from Woking Station during the summer months.
• By car: Wisley is about 22 miles west-southwest of Central London via the A3.