12 Best Day Trips from London (By Travel Bloggers + Map)
Last Updated on 03/06/2026 by Mayi
London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but sometimes it’s nice to escape the crowds and explore beyond the capital. Fortunately, there are plenty of incredible destinations just a short journey away. If you’re spending a few days in the city, you might also enjoy this guide to things to do in London Bridge.
From historic university cities like Oxford and Cambridge to seaside towns such as Brighton and Hastings, there are many amazing day trips from London you can easily visit by train. Even Paris is possible thanks to the Eurostar.
In this guide, travel bloggers share their favourite day trips from London, along with tips on how to get there and what to see once you arrive.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick Planning Guide (Save this!)
Before diving into the destinations:
- 🚆 Book trains early for cheaper fares (Trainline / National Rail)
- 🎟️ Consider guided tours if you want a stress-free day
- ⏰ Start early to make the most of your day
- 🗺️ Many destinations are within 1–2 hours of London
- 🏨 Some places are worth staying overnight. I’ve added suggestions below.
| Destination | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 2h 30min | Music, culture & waterfront |
| Cambridge | 1 hour | Historic university & punting |
| Oxford | 1 hour | Academic history & architecture |
| Windsor | 1 hour | Royal castle & charming town |
| Avebury | 1h 30min | Ancient stone circle |
| Bath | 1h 30min | Roman Baths & Georgian architecture |
| Bristol | 1h 40min | Street art & creative culture |
| Brighton | 1 hour | Seaside escape |
| Seven Sisters | 1h 30min | Coastal hikes & cliffs |
| Beachy Head | 1h 30min | Dramatic coastal views |
| Hastings | 1h 30min | Seaside town & history |
| Paris | 2h 15min | International day trip |
Map Your Day Trips
To help you plan your trip, here’s a map showing all the destinations featured in this guide. As you can see, many of the best day trips from London are easily reachable by train within one to two hours.
12 Best Day Trips from London (By Travel Bloggers)
Cambridge (1 hour)
Katy from Untold Morsels
Cambridge is a beautiful university city full of history, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Just a short train ride from King’s Cross station, it’s one of the easiest — and most rewarding — day trips from London.
The River Cam is at the heart of the city, and one of the best ways to experience Cambridge is on a guided punting tour. As you glide along the river, you’ll hear stories about the historic colleges and the fascinating characters connected to the University of Cambridge.
Along the way, you’ll pass iconic landmarks such as the Bridge of Sighs and the magnificent King’s College Chapel. Stepping inside the chapel to admire its stunning stained glass windows is well worth it.
Back on land, take time to wander through the city centre, with its pretty cobbled streets and constant flow of students cycling past. There’s plenty of time to stop for lunch in a cosy pub and browse the independent boutiques before heading back to London.
- 🚆 How to get there: Direct trains run from London King’s Cross to Cambridge in around 1 hour.
- 🎟️ Enjoy a traditional punting tour along the River Cam
- 🏨 Browse hotels in Cambridge
To keep up with Katy’s travels, check out her Instagram!
Oxford (1 hour)
Kathrine from Everywhere Forward
If you’re looking for an academic-inspired, perhaps even slightly nerdy, day trip from London, Oxford is the perfect choice. Home to the oldest English-speaking university in the world, the University of Oxford is made up of 38 individual colleges, each with its own history and character. With its rich academic heritage, notable alumni, and influence on literature and film, it’s a city that truly lives up to the hype.
As you explore Oxford, you can walk the same streets once roamed by authors J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, and spot locations featured in the Harry Potter films. If your inner nerd is already excited, you’re in the right place. One of the best ways to experience the city — beyond wandering at your own pace — is to join a walking tour. Options range from informative historical tours to themed experiences focused on Harry Potter or Tolkien.
Other highlights include the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest public libraries in the world, the impressive Christ Church college, the iconic Radcliffe Camera, and the Museum of the History of Science. Here, you can even see the blackboard used by Albert Einstein during a lecture at Oxford.
Oxford is also a convenient and affordable day trip from London, with regular direct trains and buses making it easy to visit.
- 🚆 How to get there: Direct trains run from London Paddington to Oxford in around 1 hour.
- 🎟️ Discover the city’s historic colleges on a guided walking tour
- 🏨 Browse hotels in Oxford
To see more of Kathrine’s travel, check out her Instagram.
Windsor (1 hour)
Anisa from Two Traveling Texans
It’s hard to think of anywhere that rivals the architecture, history, and extraordinary collection of art and artefacts found at Windsor Castle. As one of the official residences of the British monarch and the setting for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, Windsor offers a truly iconic day trip from London. Add that it only takes an hour by train from London Waterloo station, and Windsor makes a great day trip from London.
As you can imagine, Windsor Castle is very popular, so it’s best to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Try to arrive early to catch the Changing of the Guard at 11am. The included audio guide is excellent and takes you through highlights such as Queen Mary’s Dollhouse, the State Apartments, and St George’s Chapel.
Just opposite the castle, you’ll find Windsor Royal Shopping, a former Victorian railway station that has been beautifully transformed into a collection of shops and restaurants. Many original features remain, including the Jubilee Arch, cobbled streets, and Queen Victoria’s Royal Waiting Room.
If you have time before heading back to London, take a short walk across the bridge to the charming town of Eton, known for its historic college and picturesque streets.
- 🚆 How to get there: Direct trains run from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside in around 1 hour.
- 🎟️ Visit the iconic Windsor Castle with a guided experience
- 🏨 Browse hotels in Windsor
To keep up with Anisa’s travels, check out her Instagram.
Avebury (1 hour)
Faith from XYUandBEYOND
Most people have heard of Stonehenge, the towering megalith in the south of England, but few have heard of Avebury Henge, which is a much more accessible site. The village of Avebury actually sits right within the henge itself. Due to tourists and vandals, Stonehenge has become a location that you can only access from a distance. The Avebury stone circle is free to visit, but you can pay for a ticket to see the museum and Manor House.
Driving into the village, you can see that the stones encircle the whole village. The National Trust Avebury manages the henge, and their car park has clear directions and is the only place to park. The cost is £7 per day, although the henge is free to wander. There is a shortcut path from the car park to the village and the loop around the stones.
There is a walking path all around the henge, and you can wander the fields (watch out for sheep poop) to get up close and personal with the stones. If you plan a visit to Avebury, wear good boots or hiking shoes, as much of the pathway is rough and can be muddy, with a lot of obstacles to avoid.
Once you have finished visiting Avebury Henge, take some time to grab a bite at Avebury’s most famous pub, the Red Lion, or visit the Henge Shop, which has some really interesting books, crystals, and pagan icons.
- 🚆 How to get there: Take a train from London Paddington to Swindon (around 1 hour) and continue by taxi or local bus to Avebury.
To keep up with Faith’s travels, check out her Facebook page!
Bath (1h30min)
David from Delve Into Europe
Bath is one of the longer day trips you can reasonably do from London, but it’s one of the very best and a very popular choice. It’s an hour and a half away by train from London Paddington, so you’ll probably be looking at around four hours of travel time in total. Bath is a gorgeous city nestled in gentle rolling hills, 115 miles or 180 km from London.
It has three absolute must-sees: the Roman Baths, 15th-century Bath Abbey, and the 18th-century Georgian cityscape, the most complete and intact in the world. The first two are next door to each other in the city centre, and as for the cityscape, it is all around you but be sure not to miss
The Circus, a circle of fine Georgian houses, and, a few minutes away, the Royal Crescent, one of the grandest streets in the UK. The whole of the city is built from local golden stone, giving it a coherent and harmonious feel. It’s worth going out of your way to visit Prior Park, owned by the National Trust, to see the stunning Palladian Bridge there.
The Roman Baths are fascinating, a complex with a sacred spring and Roman temple, as well as the Great Bath and you can even taste the spa water, which has been used for curative purposes for two millennia. Next door is the Pump Room, once the focus of high society in late 18th-century Bath. Now it’s a magnificent restaurant where you can enjoy a range of delicious afternoon teas.
- 🚆 How to get there: Direct trains run from London Paddington to Bath Spa in around 1h 30min.
- 🎟️ Visit the famous Roman Baths and explore the historic city centre
- 🏨 Browse hotels in Bath
To keep up with David’s travels, check out his Instagram.
Bristol (1h40min)
Stephanie from The World as I See It
Bristol is a hip, energetic city that has something for everyone, making it one of the best day trips from London. Bristol is an easy 2.5 hours by train from London, or a tad longer if you’re travelling by coach or bus. Both the train and bus stations are located right in the city centre, with access to local buses, making getting to and around Bristol a breeze.
Bristol has so much to offer, from history to art, and even stunning natural scenery. Some of the best things to do in Bristol include a visit to the historic St Nicholas Market for some great food, a stroll around the city in search of some of the best street art in the UK, and a wander through the Bristol Museum to learn more about this fun and vibrant city.
For great views, head to the top of Cabot Tower, walk across the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and enjoy views of the bridge and Avon Gorge from the park on the hill — Clifton Downs.
- 🚆 How to get there: Direct trains run from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads in around 1h 40min.
- 🎟️ Explore Bristol’s street art and creative districts on a guided tour
- 🏨 Browse hotels in Bristol
To see more of Stephanie’s travels, check out her Facebook.
Liverpool (2h30min)
Liverpool is a joy to visit during the summer and makes for a fantastic day trip from London, especially if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual southern destinations.
Start your visit at the stunning Royal Albert Dock, where you can enjoy a scenic stroll along the waterfront, take in the views, or stop for a bite at one of the many cafés and restaurants. From here, you’ll also have easy access to some of the city’s best museums, including the Beatles Story, Tate Liverpool, the Merseyside Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Liverpool.
Other places not to miss are the iconic Three Graces — the Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port of Liverpool Building — whose historic architecture contrasts beautifully with the modern waterfront.
If you’re a music lover, a visit to the Cavern Club is a must, along with a stop on nearby Matthew Street, where you can fully immerse yourself in Liverpool’s legendary Beatles heritage.
- 🚆 How to get there: Direct trains run from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street in around 2h 15min.
- 🎟️ Explore Liverpool’s music scene with a Beatles-themed experience
- 🏨 Browse hotels in Liverpool
Seaside towns
Brighton (1 hour)
James from Worldwide Shopping Guide
One of the most popular day trips you can make from London is to the nearby seaside town of Brighton. Just an hour south of central London by train, Brighton is the perfect place to escape big city life and spend the day walking along the promenade, enjoying the amusements at Brighton Pier, eating fish and chips by the sea, and soaking up the great British weather on Brighton Beach.
The last one isn’t always guaranteed, and even if it is warm, the beach is rocky rather than sandy. Don’t worry, though there are plenty of places where you can rent deck chairs.
If the sun isn’t out, there are still plenty of things to do in Brighton, including shopping in The Lanes, visiting the world’s oldest aquarium, and exploring the unique Grade I-listed Royal Pavilion. Finally, round off the day at one of Brighton’s many quintessential British pubs before heading back to central London by train.
- 🚆 How to get there: Direct trains run from London Victoria or London Bridge to Brighton in around 1 hour.
- 🎟️ Discover Brighton’s highlights on a guided walking or food tour
- 🏨 Browse hotels in Brighton
To follow James’ travels, check out his Facebook page!
Seven Sisters Cliffs (1h30min)
Eniko from Travel Hacker Girl
Seven Sisters Cliff Walk is the perfect day trip from London on a sunny day. It is easily reachable by public transport. You can take the train to Brighton in 1.5 hours, and then a bus will take you to the visitor centre in about an hour, where you can begin your hike.
There are several hiking trails to choose from. We hiked to Birling Gap, which is about 4 miles on easy terrain, and enjoyed beautiful views all around us. At Birling Gap, we took an ice cream break at the café.
You can choose to hike further to Beachy Head, where you’ll see a lovely lighthouse out at sea. If you continue even further, you’ll reach Eastbourne, where you can take the train back to London. We decided to head back to Brighton from Birling Gap, which gave us some time to explore the pier there as well. What a fun day out!
- 🚆 How to get there: Take a train from London Victoria to Eastbourne or Seaford (around 1h 30min), then a short bus ride to the cliffs.
To keep up with Eniko’s travels, check out her Facebook page.
If you love seaside escapes, you might also enjoy these beautiful beaches in France. France has an extensive coastline with destinations along the Channel, Atlantic, and Mediterranean.
Beachy Head (1h30min)
Pari from Traveling Pari
Come summer, many people in London look to get away to the beach to enjoy some sun. Brighton, which is only an hour away by train from Victoria Station, is the obvious choice. However, as lovely as it is, Brighton can get quite crowded. Instead, a better option is to visit Eastbourne from Victoria Station, which takes only an hour and a half. In contrast to Brighton, Eastbourne has a more relaxed and quieter atmosphere. The pebble beach features a pier with a small coffee shop and arcades.
From the beach, you can also see the white cliffs of Beachy Head in the distance. If you want to visit the cliffs, there are many tours and taxis that will take you to the top. Up close, the cliffs are even more impressive and offer panoramic views of the sea. The red and white striped Beachy Head lighthouse at the base of the cliffs adds an extra touch to your photographs. You will also notice a lighthouse at the top of the cliff — this is the Belle Tout lighthouse, which now operates as a bed and breakfast. If you can afford it, this place is definitely worth a stay!
- 🚆 How to get there: Take a train from London Victoria to Eastbourne (around 1h 30min), then a short taxi or bus ride to Beachy Head.
To see more of Pari’s travels, check out her Instagram!
Hastings (1h30min)
Arzo from Arzo Travels
England has so much more to offer than dazzling London. While London should be on every Europe itinerary, there are a few beautiful spots close by — easily reachable within one or two hours — and one of them is Hastings.
Hastings is a town in southern England, located between Dover and London, and it is known for several things. So if you are in London, make sure to add Hastings to your list.
Hastings is on the southeast coast, and with its lovely and lively beach (home to one of the best piers in England), it’s a great place to start your day. You can spend hours at the beach relaxing (at least on a sunny day), and the brave can even jump into the water. There are also beautiful, colourful beach houses that are incredibly photogenic.
Afterwards, head to the Old Town, which is just next to the promenade and has some lovely shops and restaurants where you can stop for lunch. For the best views of the town, make your way up to Hastings Castle, where you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over Hastings and the sea. It’s something completely different from a day in London and well worth the trip!
- 🚆 How to get there: Direct trains run from London Bridge or London Victoria to Hastings in around 1h 30min.
- 🎟️ Discover Hastings’ history and Old Town on a guided walking tour
- 🏨 Browse hotels in Hastings
Check out Arzo’s Instagram for more travel inspirations.
If you enjoy coastal towns, you may also enjoy discovering charming seaside destinations like Dinard in Brittany.
Further Afield
Paris (2h15min)
Lena from Salut from Paris
Thanks to the Eurostar train, Paris is just a little over a 2-hour ride away from London. To make the most of your short visit, head straight from Gare du Nord to the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur. Situated on the hills of Montmartre, it’s the perfect place to start your trip with a beautiful view over the city. Paris is a compact and surprisingly walkable city, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
From Montmartre, take a long stroll towards the River Seine. Pass by Galeries Lafayette, Rue de Rivoli, and the Hôtel de Ville until you reach the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try some macarons, the classic French pastry made with almond flour and egg whites.
To end your day trip to Paris, take a river cruise on the Seine to see the city from a different perspective and capture those essential views of the Eiffel Tower.
- 🚆 How to get there: Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord in just over 2 hours.
- 🎟️ Experience Paris with a Seine river cruise or city highlights tour
- 🏨 Browse hotels in Paris
See more of Lena’s travels on her Facebook page!
If your Paris visit inspires you to explore more of France, you may also enjoy discovering other beautiful destinations across the country.
London is an incredible city, but exploring beyond the capital can make your trip even more memorable. Whether you choose the historic streets of Oxford, the seaside charm of Brighton, or even a quick visit to Paris, these destinations offer fantastic experiences just a short journey away.
With so many easy day trips from London, it’s well worth adding at least one of these destinations to your itinerary.
FAQ – 12 Best Day Trips from London
What is the best day trip from London?
Some of the best day trips from London include Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Bath, Windsor, and Liverpool. These destinations are all reachable within two hours by train and offer a mix of history, culture, and scenic landscapes.
What are the closest day trips from London?
Windsor and Cambridge are among the easiest day trips from London thanks to frequent direct trains that take about one hour.
Are day trips from London worth it?
Absolutely! You can experience historic cities, countryside, and seaside towns without needing to stay overnight.
What is the cheapest day trip from London?
Destinations like Cambridge or Brighton can be very affordable if you book train tickets in advance.
Can you do a day trip to Paris from London?
Yes. The Eurostar train connects London St Pancras with Paris Gare du Nord in just over two hours, making it possible to visit Paris in a single day.
What seaside towns can you visit from London?
Brighton, Hastings, and Eastbourne are some of the most popular seaside day trips from London.
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So many great day trips from London! And a few I’d never thought of. Can’t wait to visit again and take a few of these!
The awkward moment when you realise you’ve been living in London for 6 years and haven’t done any of these 😅 Need to add these to my UK bucket list and start planning some weekend day trips!
Wow! We never knew London has so much to offer!! We really want to go there now. Your tips are so useful, thank you so much for sharing! We love your blog by the way!!
Thank you 😉
Great post! Most of these I’ve down (which is not surprising, given that I’ve lived in London for over 6 years) but there are a couple I am yet to visit. Maybe this summer! 🙂
So many great ideas. It’s just a shame we don’t live in London anymore to enjoy them. There’s nothing quite like jumping on that Eurostar to Paris to really feel like you’re in Europe too
Fantastic day trip suggestions. When I lived in London I visited a few of these such as Bath, Brighton and Cambridge but when I’m next living in the city I will have to check out a few of these other recommendations.
Thanks for your comment Mike! Please do and I will be on the look out to see how your trip went!
! I can totally relate to this post! I find it easier these days than ever before to get great value travel.
So many day trips on here that I want to do! I just visited London for the first time a few weeks ago and it made me want to go back and spend more time in the area. Saving this for later so I can take your advice one day 🙂
Ah I love that Brighton is on this list!! It’s one of my favorites. My friend and I went to play at the arcade on a rainy day, and I had the arcade tickets hung up in my room for the next year :).
Going to London and Cambridge next month! Great ideas here.
These are some great places to visit! I’ve lived in the UK all my life and still haven’t been to some of these!
What a very detailed travel guide. Everything I need is already here, definitely bookmarking for my UK trip!
I wish I had had these for my last trip to London! Can’t wait to see Bath. And the Seven Sisters Cliff looks AMAZING – didn’t know about it! Saving this post for my next time in London!
Fantastic list! I can’t wait to try some of these next time we’re in London. When we were there two years ago we went to Avebury Henge and we were amazed at how accessible it was and how uncrowded. My daughter loved walking amongst the sheep 🙂
Wonderful set of ideas to see a ibt more of England during your visit. Hard to choose 😊 . Loved it!
It’s very hard to choose indeed… 🙂
I really have to go to Bath and Bristol, how have I still never been there?? And the Seven Sisters Cliffs!
I am thinking the same too. Need to go to Bristol!
Wow now I want to go back to London to try all these day trips!
Looks like there are a lot of incredible day trips from London. We would love to get out there and explore it all!
Thanks. There are a lot of lovely places indeed!
These are great suggestions. I can’t decide which one to d do when I visit. Locals should have fun planning these day trips.
Thanks for your comment. Days trips are the way forward for the time being!
Love these recommendations. I have been to Cambridge and Oxford. Both very beautiful. Would love to visit Bath and take in all the history. Would also love to visit Bristol and see the many Banksy murals.
Thanks. They are all great choices and amazing cities. I have not been to Cambridge yet but hopefully soon.
Incredible. For folks who live in much larger countries, it’s an eye opener to realize that so many interesting towns and cities can be visited on a day trip from London. And thanks to the Eurostar to visit Paris on a day trip? Amazing!!
I know right! As a Parisian myself, I’m grateful that I can visit my family more easily and cheaply than Manchester for example.
Heading to London in September, this is great information… thank you!
Thanks, Kristin. Hope you enjoy your trip to London, and hopefully, you will have enough time to include one or two easy day trips!