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Distances and travel times are approximate. Always check with transport providers for current schedules and fares.

  1. Home
  2. Europe
  3. Day Trips From London

Day Trips From London: 10 Best Destinations

From the English capital you can reach ancient monuments, seaside towns, and rolling countryside in under two hours by train.

Country

United Kingdom

Currency

GBP

Language

English

Avg Cost

~$40/trip

Stonehenge
Bath
Oxford
Brighton
Canterbury
Cambridge
Windsor Castle
Cotswolds
LondonDay tripsRoutes
8 destinations

Top 10 Day Trips From London

30 min
1 hr5
2 hr5
3 hr
30 min: 0 trips
1 hr: 5 trips
2 hr: 5 trips
3 hr: 0 trips

Most Popular Day Trips

1

Bath

Popular
185 km / 115 mi1h 25m
~$45$$
Easy
2

Oxford

Popular
92 km / 57 mi1h
~$35$$
Easy
3

Cambridge

Popular
100 km / 62 mi50 min
~$35$$
Easy

Quick Weekend Plan

Combine 3 top-rated destinations for the perfect weekend from London:

Sat

Bath

1h 25m travel, 185 km, ~$45/person

trainbus
Sun

Cotswolds

1h 50m travel, 145 km, ~$50/person

carbus
+

Brighton

55 min travel, 85 km, ~$30/person

traincar

Estimated weekend total: ~$125/person for 3 destinations

Travel time
Transport mode
Difficulty level
Best season
Category

Showing 10 destinations

Sort:
Windsor Castle
35 min
38 km / 24 mi
Easy

Windsor Castle

From London · 38 km (24 mi)

4.5

The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world is also the weekend residence of the British monarch. SWR trains from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside take about 55 minutes.

TrainCar
HistoricFamilyCastles
Year-round
~$40
Brighton
55 min
85 km / 53 mi
Easy

Brighton

From London · 85 km (53 mi)

4.4

London's favourite seaside escape has a pebble beach, the iconic Royal Pavilion, and the famous Lanes shopping quarter. Thameslink and Southern trains run from Victoria and London Bridge.

TrainCar
BeachCulturalFamily
Summer
~$30
Oxford
1h
92 km / 57 mi
Easy

Oxford

From London · 92 km (57 mi)

4.6

The city of dreaming spires is home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Direct trains from Paddington take roughly an hour.

TrainBusCar
HistoricCultural
Spring
~$35
Canterbury
55 min
100 km / 62 mi
Easy

Canterbury

From London · 100 km (62 mi)

4.3

Canterbury Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, anchors this medieval walled city. High-speed Southeastern trains from St Pancras take under an hour.

TrainCar
HistoricCulturalUNESCO Site
Spring and early autumn
~$35
Cambridge
50 min
100 km / 62 mi
Easy

Cambridge

From London · 100 km (62 mi)

4.6

A university city of medieval colleges, riverside punting, and world-class museums. Greater Anglia trains from Liverpool Street or King's Cross take about 50 minutes.

TrainCar
HistoricCultural
Late spring through early autumn
~$35
Dover
1h 10m
125 km / 78 mi
Moderate

Dover

From London · 125 km (78 mi)

4.2

The dramatic White Cliffs and a formidable medieval castle guard the English Channel. High-speed Southeastern trains from St Pancras reach Dover Priory in just over an hour.

TrainCar
MountainHistoricScenic
Spring through early autumn
~$30
Stonehenge
1h 40m
137 km / 85 mi
Easy

Stonehenge

From London · 137 km (85 mi)

4.5

The world's most famous prehistoric stone circle sits on Salisbury Plain. Board a Great Western Railway service from Waterloo to Salisbury, then catch the Stonehenge Tour Bus for the final leg.

TrainBusCar
HistoricUNESCO Site
Spring and autumn
~$55
Cotswolds
1h 50m
145 km / 90 mi
Moderate

Cotswolds

From London · 145 km (90 mi)

4.6

Honey-coloured stone villages, rolling hills, and winding country lanes define this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Best explored by car, though National Express runs coaches to Bourton-on-the-Water.

CarBus
MountainVillagesScenic
Late spring to early autumn
~$50
Stratford-upon-Avon
2h
160 km / 99 mi
Easy

Stratford-upon-Avon

From London · 160 km (99 mi)

4.3

The birthplace of William Shakespeare sits on the River Avon in Warwickshire. Chiltern Railways runs direct trains from Marylebone in about two hours.

TrainCar
HistoricCultural
April to October
~$40
Bath
1h 25m
185 km / 115 mi
Easy
Popular

Bath

From London · 185 km (115 mi)

4.7

A UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and the Royal Crescent. Direct GWR trains run from Paddington in around 90 minutes.

TrainBusCar
HistoricCulturalUNESCO Site
Year-round
~$45

Day Trips From London by Category

Historical Day Trips

Ancient ruins, monuments, heritage

Stonehenge

137 km / 85 mi1h 40m
~$55$$$
Easy

Bath

185 km / 115 mi1h 25m
~$45$$
Easy

Oxford

92 km / 57 mi1h
~$35$$
Easy

Canterbury

100 km / 62 mi55 min
~$35$$
Easy

Cambridge

100 km / 62 mi50 min
~$35$$
Easy

Windsor Castle

38 km / 24 mi35 min
~$40$$
Easy

Stratford-upon-Avon

160 km / 99 mi2h
~$40$$
Easy

Beach Day Trips

Coastal destinations, seaside towns

Brighton

85 km / 53 mi55 min
~$30$$
Easy

Nature Day Trips

Parks, mountains, lakes, countryside

Cotswolds

145 km / 90 mi1h 50m
~$50$$
Moderate

Dover

125 km / 78 mi1h 10m
~$30$$
Moderate

Transport Guide for Day Trips From London

DestinationDistanceTravel TimeTransportEst. Cost
Stonehenge137 km1h 40m
$55
Bath185 km1h 25m
$45
Oxford92 km1h
$35
Brighton85 km55 min
$30
Canterbury100 km55 min
$35
Cambridge100 km50 min
$35
Windsor Castle38 km35 min
$40
Cotswolds145 km1h 50m
$50
Dover125 km1h 10m
$30
Stratford-upon-Avon160 km2h
$40

When to Take Day Trips From London

The best time for day trips from London depends on your interests and which destinations you plan to visit. Here are seasonal highlights:

Spring

  • Stonehenge
  • Oxford
  • Canterbury

Summer

  • Brighton

Autumn

  • Stonehenge
  • Oxford
  • Canterbury

Winter

Most destinations from London are suitable year-round.

How to Plan Your Day Trip From London

Planning a day trip from London starts with choosing the right destination and transport mode. With 10 destinations in our guide, ranging from Stonehenge to Stratford-upon-Avon, there is something for every interest and budget.

Transport Overview

London has excellent rail connections. 9 of our 10 recommended destinations are accessible by train, making car-free day tripping straightforward.

Budget Tips

The most affordable day trip from London is Brighton at approximately $30 per person. The average cost across all destinations is about $40. Book transport tickets in advance for the best fares, travel during off-peak hours when possible, and consider combined tickets or travel passes if you plan multiple day trips during your stay in London.

Packing Essentials

For day trips from London, pack light: a small daypack, comfortable walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a portable phone charger. If visiting outdoor destinations, bring layers and a rain jacket. For historical sites and churches, keep in mind that modest clothing may be required for entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best day trips from London?

The top day trips from London include Stonehenge, Bath, Oxford. Each offers unique experiences within 2h travel time.

How far can you go on a day trip from London?

Most day trips from London are between 38 km and 185 km away. The closest option is Windsor Castle at 38 km (35 min).

What is the cheapest day trip from London?

Brighton is one of the most affordable day trips from London at approximately $30 per person, including transport and entrance fees.

Do you need a car for day trips from London?

No, many day trips from London are accessible by train or bus. 9 out of 10 destinations are reachable by train.

Are day trips from London worth it?

Day trips from London offer a great way to explore United Kingdom beyond the city. Destinations like Stonehenge provide unique experiences that complement a London visit, with round-trip costs starting from $30.

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