London is a fantastic city with so much to see and do. As a seasoned Londoner, I can attest that the city can be overwhelming at times. But fear not, fellow city dwellers! I've got the lowdown on the best day trips and weekend getaways just a short distance from the capital.

I get it, sometimes you just need to get out of the hustle and bustle and explore the countryside or visit another quaint location. Luckily, there are plenty of options for day trips from London, believe it or not England has a lot to offer. Whether you want to take an easy train ride or a short car trip. In this post, I'll be sharing some of my favourite places that I have personally visited and can recommend.

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Which UK City Break is Best for a Longer Stay?

Places to Stay Just Outside London

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from London

Best Day Trips from London

If you're looking for a day trip from London, here are some great options from my personal experience:

Brighton

If you're looking for a quick escape from London for a day trip, then Brighton is a great option. Just under an hour away by train, this seaside town is perfect for a day out by the beach. Stroll down the iconic Brighton Pier, explore the Lanes for some unique shopping, or visit the Royal Pavilion for a taste of history.

Cotswolds AONB

For a peaceful day out in the countryside, the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty aka AONB is a must-visit. With its rolling hills, charming villages, and scenic walks, it's a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You'll notice the infamous look of the straw-top buildings synonymous with the Cotswolds, if you like that you will surely love staying here too. Cotswolds has great and cosy places to stay, with some great walks to explore in their respective areas. Check them out here.

Bath

If you're in the mood for some history, then Bath is a great destination for a day trip from London. Take the train from Paddington and be in the heart of this beautiful city in under 2 hours. Walk the streets that Jane Austen once did, marvel at the Roman Baths (Tripadvisor tours available), or simply take a stroll along the River Avon. Personally, Bath is one of my favourite cities in the UK, it's the first city that comes to mind when someone asks me this question.

Windsor

Windsor is another great option for a day trip from London. Take the train from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside and explore the famous Windsor Castle and the beautiful Windsor Great Park.

Oxford

The city of dreaming spires, with its stunning architecture and rich history, is a must-visit for anyone in the UK. And if you're looking for some high-end retail therapy, you're not too far from Bicester Village, the luxury shopping outlet.

Cambridge

Another university town, Cambridge is famous for its beautiful buildings, including the stunning King's College Chapel. Take a punt down the River Cam, explore the quaint streets, or visit the Fitzwilliam Museum for an afternoon of art and culture. The shopping isn't too shabby either.

Stonehenge

While Stonehenge is a bit further from London than some of the other destinations mentioned, it's definitely worth a visit. Stonehenge is an ancient monument located in Wiltshire, England, and is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world. The history and purpose of Stonehenge are still shrouded in mystery, and it's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient history and archaeology. Just keep in mind that the traffic can be heavy, so plan accordingly. A separate blog on Stonehenge is coming soon, so keep an eye out for that!

Looking to rent a car for your upcoming day trips from London? Look no further than Rentalcars.com, where you can compare prices from top rental car providers and find the perfect car for your adventure.

Or if you wish to do all three of Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London in one day check out this adventure packed tour!

stonehenge - image of stonehenge stones lined up and curved on grass stack on top of one another - day trips outside of london

Stonehenge, England

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Which UK City Break is Best for a Longer Stay?

If you want to take a longer break and explore beyond the day trip options, here are a few great UK city break options to consider:

Liverpool

Liverpool is a vibrant city with a rich cultural history, world-class museums, and a bustling nightlife scene. Whether you're a fan of The Beatles or just looking to explore a new city, Liverpool has something to offer for everyone.

Snowdonia

If you're looking for an adventure further afield, Snowdonia National Park is a must-visit destination. Home to the highest mountain in Wales - mount Snowdon and some of the most stunning natural scenery in the UK, it's the perfect place for hiking, climbing, and exploring. And if you're up for a challenge, check out my post on my hard climb up Snowdon here.

Lake District

The Lake District is a stunning destination for a UK city break. With its stunning views, great hikes, and cosy villages, it's no wonder so many people flock to this part of the country. And if you're up for a challenging hike, don't miss out on climbing Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England!

Related: Scafell Pike hike

Places to Stay Just Outside London

If you want to stay outside of London but still be close enough to visit, here are some great options:

St. Albans‍

A picturesque city with a rich history, offering a wide range of accommodation options. Check out available hotels here.

Hertford

A charming market town with a variety of independent shops and restaurants. Book your stay here.

Beaconsfield

A quaint town with a variety of boutique shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Book your stay here.

Brentwood

‍A lively town with a bustling nightlife, perfect for those looking to enjoy a night out. Find available hotels here.

An image in black and white that depicts a small village road somewhere in England. The houses stuck together leading to a church at the end of the road. — A quintessential town in England

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from London

There are so many great day trips, city breaks, and places to stay just outside London. These are just a few of my personal recommendations, and I hope they inspire you to get out and explore more of what the UK has to offer. Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or just some time away from the city, there's something for everyone within a few hour's journey from London, so pack your bags, hop on a train, or jump in the car, and discover all the amazing places to visit outside of London.

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The Gymsy Traveller

The Best Day Trips from London: From Easy Train Rides to Short Car Trips

Best Day Trips from London

Brighton

Cotswolds AONB

Bath

Windsor

Oxford

Cambridge

Stonehenge

Which UK City Break is Best for a Longer Stay?

Liverpool

Snowdonia

Lake District

Places to Stay Just Outside London

St. Albans‍

Hertford

Beaconsfield

Brentwood

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from London

Comments

Girne Kyrenia Cyprus: A Guide to a Mediterranean Hidden Gem

Best Gyms in Enfield: A Comprehensive Guide from a Local

The Gymsy Traveller

The Best Day Trips from London: From Easy Train Rides to Short Car Trips

Best Day Trips from London

Brighton

Cotswolds AONB

Bath

Windsor

Oxford

Cambridge

Stonehenge

Which UK City Break is Best for a Longer Stay?

Liverpool

Snowdonia

Lake District

Places to Stay Just Outside London

St. Albans‍

Hertford

Beaconsfield

Brentwood

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from London

Comments

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Girne Kyrenia Cyprus: A Guide to a Mediterranean Hidden Gem

Best Gyms in Enfield: A Comprehensive Guide from a Local

The Gymsy Traveller