Best Day Trips From London

By Rachael Funk


London beckoned, and you answered the call! You’ve shopped your way through Harrods, thoroughly enjoyed the nightlife, adventured through centuries of rich history, and made one-of-a-kind memories through the entire city. While you’re still there, why not capitalize on your prime location with a day trip to some other bucket-list stops? Here are some excellent excursions that you’ll be glad you made.

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(trips include flight, hotel & excursions)


Stonehenge

Driving time: 2h 23m

Train: 2hrs

An extraordinary site is waiting just outside London! You may have heard tales of the mysteries of Stonehenge, but nothing beats seeing the incredible structures in person. The ancient stone formations and their unexplainable existence provide an ethereal experience for visitors. Stay a while and explore artifacts and special exhibitions at the Visitor’s Center.


Windsor Castle

Driving time: 1h 6m

Train: 30m

With lots to do and see, a day spent in the royal luxury of Windsor Castle is a day well spent! Tour the State Apartments that are furnished with the finest art from the Royal Collection. Walk through the Grand Reception Room or see the Dolls’ House that was built for Queen Mary on a 1:12 scale. Free 30-minute tours are led regularly, so you’ll be sure not to miss a thing!


Highclere Castle

Driving time: 1h 49m

Train: 1h 25m

Downton Abbey fans can visit Highclere Castle to see the gardens and property where the popular show was filmed. Hear real stories of people who lived and worked there, journey through the galleries in the castle cellars, and see the antiques collection the 5th Earl of Carnarvon acquired in his Egyptian travels.


Bath

Driving time: 2h 40m

Train: 1h 30m

Take in the spendor of Bath, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site! Relax in the natural hot spas or unwind in 2,000 year old Roman baths. An ideal place for a spa escape, this city also boasts excellent food, shopping, and unforgettable festivals. If you don’t want to spend all day at the spa, check out Longleat Safari Park or get your theater fix at Theatre Royal Bath.


Cotswolds

Driving time: 2h 27m

Train: 2hrs

For a spectacular getaway during your getaway, enjoy a leisurely day (or two!) in the Cotswolds. Wander the breathtaking trees at Westonbirt Arboretum and visit the historic Sudeley Castle. There’s plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, and plenty to do if you’re exploring on your own. Head to Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, where you can meet farm animals and learn about farming, or the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, where giraffes, rhinos, and more can be visited!


Royal Tunbridge Wells

Driving time: 1h 49m

Train: 1 hr

Spend a day in the great outdoors in Tunbridge Wells. Sample wines from the local vineyards, enjoy locally sourced gastronomy at any of the quality restaurants in the area, or indulge in top-notch shopping while you are there. With no shortage of galleries, museums, theaters, and family-friendly activities, this beautiful borough even has dog friendly parks and restaurants so you can bring your four-legged friends along, too. Be sure not to miss the Pantiles or the Chalybeate Spring while you’re there!


Oxford

Driving time: about an hour

Train: 1 hr

Feel the history saturating every part of this revered college city. Take a river cruise down the Thames or go ghost hunting through the city. See all of Oxford laid out before you after a climb to the top of the Carfax Tower, or kick back at the Lamb & Flag on St. Files’ Street for a pint. Whether you catch an old film at the cinema or opt for a show at the open-air theater at the Oxford Shakespeare Company, there is something here for everyone.

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