Whether you’re visiting as a tourist or a born and bred Londoner, there’s so much
more to England than its capital city. Luckily, it’s really easy to escape the
city. England has great transport links, so a day trip from London is the perfect way
to see more of this beautiful country. A short train ride will take you to a charming
seaside town or into the countryside to a quieter, historic city.
Here’s our guide to some of the best day trips you can make from the capital, along
with all the essentials you need to know form how to get there to what to do when you’re
there.
Whitstable
As seaside days from London go, Whitstable is tough to beat with its picturesque, cobbled
streets and famous oyster bars. Get there by train or car in around 90 minutes.
There’s not a tonne to do in Whitstable – its appeal is wandering around the town
visiting the small independent shops, and enjoying the seafront and harbour.
It’s the perfect place for seafood lovers as you’ll find the best fresh prawns and
oysters here in any of the towns highly acclaimed seafood restaurants and bars.
Other things to do: - Visit the castle
- Enjoy Tankerton beach - Take a boat trip
- Explore the fish market
For food, here’s our suggestions: - Whitstable oyster company - mains £20 - GFG
- - Blueprint coffee
- Jojo’s - Meze - cheap! - summer! - GFG -
- Harbour st tapas - cheap, small plate, Spanish, local produce - summer! - GFG -
- The Sportsman (if driving)- voted best uk restaurant - Gary Lineker a fan, gastropub,
tasting menu - GFG -
Canterbury
A 20 minute drive from Whitstable will take you to the historic city of Canterbury, long
one of England’s most religious centres. It’s also an hour by train from London.
For centuries, Canterbury welcomed crowds of pilgrims to its grand cathedral as an important
Roman Catholic Church and later home to the church of England.
Visit it yourself and wander at the magnificence and history of the monument.
Afterwards, wander around the town centre, full of medieval buildings and enclosed by
an ancient city wall, or take it easy on a punt boat down the river Stour
Other things to do: - Take a stroll around Westgate Gardens
- Visit St Augustine’s Abbey - Go to the Canterbury Roman Museum
- Explore The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
For food, here’s our suggestions: - The Goods Shed
- Tiny Tim’s - Old Weaver’s House
- The Korean Cowgirl - Cafe Des Amis
Brighton
One of the most popular places to visit from London is Brighton, an hour away by train
or closer to two hours by car.
Vibrant, Colourful & Creative, It is one of the most characterful places in England, known
for its large LGBT+ population, ethically conscious people, its originality as well
as the many independent businesses.
Take a stroll down Brighton Pier to have a go on some arcade games or head up the British
Airways i360 tower for some amazing views across Brighton and out to sea.
One of the things people love most about Brighton is the Lanes in the city’s historic quarter
- an area known for its independent shops and boutiques, restaurants and cafes. The
lanes are best explored aimlessly so spend a couple of hours here at least to soak up
the atmosphere and do some shopping.
Other things to do when you’re here: - Visit the grand Royal Pavillion
- See the remnants of the burnt down West pier
- Hang out on Brighton Beach - Visit Hove to see it’s iconic beach huts
For food, here’s our suggestions: - Food for Friends (well-loved vegetarian
restaurant) - Isaac At
- The Coal Shed - The Chilli Pickle
- Terre à Terre
Windsor Windsor is a beautiful, unique and historic
destination and so a perfect day trip from London with lots to do. It’s close to Heathrow
and about 40 minutes from London by train, or an hour by car.
Crowned by stunning Windsor Castle – the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the
world and the Queen's favourite weekend home, look out for the Royal Standard flying from
the Castle’s Round Tower too, as it’s a sign the Queen is in residence.
When restrictions are lifted, witness the colourful and very ‘British’ spectacle
of the guards marching through the streets for the Changing the Guard ceremony within
Windsor Castle's walls; it's a unique sight not to be missed!
Being further out into the countryside, Windsor has some beautiful parks and gardens to take
a stroll around such as the Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park and the National Trust's gardens
at Cliveden, near Maidenhead.
Other things to do: - Visit Legoland
- Tour Eton college - Take a boat tour along the River Thames
- See where Harry & Meghan got married at St George’s chapel
For food, here’s our suggestions: - Waterside inn
- Two Brewers - Giblet’s Eton
- The Boatman
Cambridge
This quaint, historic city is around 50 minutes north east of London by train or closer to
two hours by car.
At the heart of the city is Cambridge University, which is split into 31 architecturally stunning
and historic colleges. The most famous is Kings College, with its distinctive gothic
chapel and illustrious list of former students. You can walk through most of the University
grounds and even join a walking tour of them.
You can also see many of the city’s famous landmarks on a punting tour down the River
Cam. It’s a truly idyllic way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Other than sightseeing, Cambridge is a great shopping destination, whether you’re looking
for high street brands, local markets or bohemian boutiques, this compact city has you covered.
Other things to do when you’re here: - (Visit one of the city’s many diverse
museums) like the Fitzwilliam Museum - See 12th Century St Peter’s chapel
- Cambridge University Botanic Garden - The Cambridge Gin Laboratory
- Rent a bike and cylce around the city
For food, here’s our suggestions: - Fitzbillies (for tea)
- The Seante (for a quick bite near King’s college Chapel)
- Misdummer House (for a real fancy - and pricy - treat)
- Trinity (for oysters and champers) - The Old bicycle Shop (great options for
veggies)
Bath
The recommendation furthest away from London, Bath is usually visited as a city break in
its own right, however it is possible to see it in a day due to compact nature of the city.
It takes around an hour and 20 by train or 3 hours by car.
Bath is so called because of its natural hot springs which when discovered by the Romans,
transformed the little town into an extravagant spa town, centred by the magnificent, ancient
Roman baths, now a UNESCO heritage site. You can experience the mineral-rich waters for
yourself at Thermae Bath Spa - don’t miss the spectacular views of the city from the
rooftop pool.
Wander the city and appreciate the elegant Georgian architecture, making sure to visit
the beautiful Royal Crescent, the spectacular Bath Abbey and the historic Theatre Royal.
Other things to do when you’re here: - No 1 Royal Crescent, Holburne Museum or
the Fashion Museum - Visit the Jane Austen Centre
- Pulteney Bridge - Take a walk through the surrounding countryside
For food, here’s our suggestions: - Cream tea at The Pump Rooms
- Eight - Chez Dominique
- Sally Lunn’s - Corkage
Rye
Taking only one hour by train from Kings Cross St. Pancras station, or an hour and forty
by car, Rye feels like a completely different world from London.
This quaint town in East Sussex is one of the most picturesque in England with its cobbled
lanes and medieval buildings. Rye is a town with a long, proud maritime history Sitting
on a hill right next to the coast.
Rye has an extremely beautiful town centre, which is a good place to start your day exploring,
as there's plenty of cafes and places to fuel up. Then, get on your bike and explore the
historic harbour, the old riverside docks, or the local bird sanctuary, or simply spend
the afternoon on the nearby sandy Camber Beach.
Other things to do: - Walk along one of England’s prettiest
streets: Mermaid Street - Visit Rye Castle
- Climb the tower at St Mary’s Church - Explore Rye Nature Reserve
For food, here’s our suggestions: - Knoops (for the best hot chocolate)
- The Gallivant - Tatner’s Kitchen
- Landgate Bistro - Ypres Castle Inn
We hope you’ve enjoyed these suggestions.
Let us know in the comments if you plan to visit any, or have already taken one of these
day trips.
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