The best day trips from London: explore beyond the capital

London is one of the world’s most exciting cities to visit, but it’s worth extending your travels beyond the UK’s charming capital. Whether you're into historical sites, craving views of the ocean or just want to experience the English countryside, you'll find plenty of suitable options among this list of the best day trips from London. These places are accessible by public transport or by driving, great if you’re considering hiring a car.

Oxford

Oxford is best known for its historic university and eye-catching architecture. You can take student-led tours of the university's colleges, including Christ Church, which has connections to popular films such as the Harry Potter franchise and Alice in Wonderland. 

The Bodleian Library is also open to the public, featuring a collection of over 13 million printed items, including rare manuscripts, early printed books and even a Gutenberg Bible. For a classic Oxford experience, consider a leisurely punt along the River Cherwell, offering views of the city's dreaming spires as you glide past.

Getting there:

• Approximately one hour by train from London Paddington or Marylebone. 
• Around 60 miles (1 hour 30 minutes by car) from Central London.

Cambridge

Cambridge offers a similar intellectual history to Oxford, famously known for their long-standing university rivalry which culminates in the annual Boat Race. You can glide along the River Cam on a punt to see the college grounds, often called the 'Backs'. It’s also worth visiting King's College Chapel, a great example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture built between 1446 and 1515. 

The city features a lively market square and various colleges to tour, like Trinity College and St John's, with many of their historic buildings often open for visitors to wander through. The city is also home to the Fitzwilliam Museum, which features an impressive collection of art and antiquities.

Getting there:

• Approximately 50 minutes by train from London King's Cross. 
• Around 60 miles (1 hour 30 minutes by car) from Central London.

Winchester

Winchester is a former capital of England and can be found at the edge of the South Downs National Park. At its heart stands Winchester Cathedral, a sprawling Gothic structure that has witnessed centuries of pivotal moments in British history. Step inside and you can discover its impressive nave and beautiful stained glass, along with medieval wall paintings and the serene Chantry Chapels. 

Just a short walk from the Cathedral, you'll find the Great Hall, the last surviving part of Winchester Castle. This impressive medieval hall houses the legendary Round Table, famously associated with King Arthur himself. From here, you can easily explore the city's charming streets, filled with independent shops and historical buildings.

Getting there:

• Approximately one hour by train from London Waterloo. 
• Around 65 miles (1 hour 30 minutes by car) from Central London.

Canterbury

Canterbury is a city packed with religious and literary history, famous worldwide thanks to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Its standout attraction is Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as one of England’s most important religious landmarks and a wonderful piece of Gothic architecture. 

Inside, you can explore the spot where Archbishop Thomas Becket was martyred and appreciate the stained-glass windows that depict stories from hundreds of years ago. For a chance of scenery, a relaxing boat trip along the River Stour gives you lovely views or you can take a peaceful walk through the Westgate Gardens. 

Getting there:

• Approximately 1 hour by train from London St Pancras International. 
• Around 62 miles (1 hour 35 minutes by car) from Central London.

Highclere Castle

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it's like inside Downton Abbey, you should definitely visit Highclere Castle, the grand Victorian estate that features in the popular TV series. You can explore its grand interiors and extensive grounds, including the very state rooms used during filming. 

It's best to book tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as they often sell out quickly. You can also gain entry by joining a private guided tour from London. Because of its more rural setting, getting to Highclere Castle by car is usually the best way to go.

Getting there:

• Around 60 miles (1 hour 30 minutes by car) from Central London.

Bath

Bath is one of the best day trips from London due to its Roman and Georgian history, and the centrepiece of the city is undoubtedly the Roman Baths. This well-preserved ancient bathing complex gives you a real feel for what life was like way back in Roman times. 

You can also wander around the streets of Bath and appreciate the elegant Georgian architecture, with standouts including the Royal Crescent, The Circus and Pulteney Bridge. Another popular activity is taking a relaxed stroll along the River Avon where you can take in the Georgian buildings reflected in the water, along with the imposing Bath Abbey dominating the skyline.

Getting there:

• Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by train from London Paddington. 
• Around 115 miles (2 hours 30 minutes by car) from Central London.

Brighton

A favourite day-trip destination for Londoners, Brighton is known for its free-spirited and bohemian atmosphere. It's famous for its pebble beach and the Brighton Palace Pier, where you'll find classic amusement arcade fun. 

Just behind the seafront, The Lanes offer a maze of narrow alleyways filled with independent shops, quirky boutiques and cool cafés. For a look back at history, a visit to the Royal Pavilion offers a look at a dazzling example of Regency architecture uniquely blended with Indian and Chinese elements. 

Getting there:

• Approximately 1 hour by train from London Victoria or London Bridge. 
• Around 55 miles (1 hour 45 minutes by car) from Central London.

Southend-on-Sea

If you’re looking for a day out with some classic English seaside vibes, then Southend-on-Sea ticks all the boxes. On the coast of south-east Essex, it’s home to the world's longest pleasure pier, offering panoramic views over the Thames Estuary. 

Other popular attractions include Adventure Island, a lively amusement park and Sea Life Adventure, a marine life centre. You can top off your traditional coastal experience with fish and chips on the seafront, followed by a classic soft-serve ice cream with a chocolate flake on top.

Getting there:

• Approximately 1 hour by train from London Fenchurch Street. 
• Around 40 miles (1 hour 15 minutes by car) from Central London.

Rye

If you want the seaside vibes but fancy something a bit less energetic than Brighton or Margate, Rye could be the perfect place. This medieval town is perched on a hilltop and known for its cobbled streets and charming old buildings. 

You can kill plenty of time exploring its narrow lanes and hidden courtyards or head up St Mary's Church tower for some soaring views over the rooftops and out to the surrounding marshes. The Rye Castle Museum, housed in the historic Ypres Tower, gives you a real feel for the town's past as an old Cinque Port.

Getting there:

• Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by train from London St Pancras International. 
• Around 70 miles (1 hour 50 minutes by car) from Central London.

Margate

Margate is a big coastal town that's seen a revival in recent times, now home to a rich mix of art, culture and sandy beaches. You can spend a relaxing afternoon on Margate Beach, get a dose of nostalgic fun at Dreamland amusement park or soak up some modern art at the Turner Contemporary gallery right by the sea. 

Another highlight is the mysterious Shell Grotto, an underground space covered in mosaics created by millions of seashells. You can take a stroll through the Old Town afterwards, where you'll find independent shops and cafés that add to the town’s distinctive vibe.

Getting there:

• Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London St Pancras International. 
• Around 75 miles (1 hour 50 minutes by car) from Central London.

The Cotswolds

If you're after some classic English countryside charm, the Cotswolds more than delivers. This whole area is famous for its gentle, rolling hills and picture-perfect villages built with honey-hued stone. 

You can wander through spots like Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the 'Venice of the Cotswolds' due to its network of bridges or explore Bibury, with its collection of weavers’ cottages known as Arlington Row. 

Other popular places to visit include the quaint villages of Chipping Campden and Castle Combe where you can enjoy a drink in various snug pubs and inviting tea rooms.

Getting there:

• Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by train to towns like Moreton-in-Marsh. 
• Around two hours by car from Central London.

Bicester Village

For a different kind of retail therapy away from London's busy streets, Bicester Village provides a unique outdoor shopping experience, offering high-end brands at outlet prices.  You’ll find over 160 top fashion and lifestyle brands. 

There are also plenty of dining options available, along with a multilingual concierge, personal shoppers and hands-free shopping. To take all the hassle out of your journey there and back, you can book a round trip transfer from London.

Getting there:

• Approximately 45 minutes by train from London Marylebone. 
• Around 59 miles (1 hour 20 minutes by car) from Central London.

So, there you have it – some of the best day trips from London. Each one of these spots provides a mixed bag of experiences beyond the capital, perfect if you're keen on history, coastal areas, the countryside or shopping. Easily reached by train or car, these spots allow you to explore more of what England has to offer.