The Ultimate Guide to a Day Out From London

London is one of the most vibrant, exciting and interesting cities in the world. With its rich history, diverse culture and thriving creative scene, it’s no wonder that London attracts millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for a longer stay, there’s always something new to discover.

London is a city steeped in history, with many iconic landmarks and attractions that are world-famous, such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. It is also home to some of the finest museums and galleries in the world, from the British Museum to the National Gallery. With an abundance of theatres, parks, markets, and more, there’s something for everyone in the capital.

But sometimes it can be hard to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Fortunately, there are plenty of great day trips from London that offer a change of pace and allow you to explore the countryside or visit some of Britain’s other great cities. From the beautiful South Downs National Park to Oxford and Cambridge in the east, there are endless possibilities for day trips from London.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best day trips from London and provide you with all the information you need to plan a great day out. We’ll cover the highlights of each destination and provide information on how to get there, the best things to do and see, and where to eat. So let’s get started!

Stonehenge

Located in Wiltshire, Stonehenge is one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is believed to be around 5,000 years old and is one of the most studied prehistoric monuments in the world. The unique stone circle is a testament to ancient engineering and it is believed that it was used as a temple or burial site by prehistoric people.

Getting to Stonehenge from London is easy. The best way to get there is by train from London Paddington Station which takes around two hours. You can also take a coach from London Victoria Coach Station which takes around two and a half hours. Once you arrive in Salisbury, you can take a bus or taxi to Stonehenge which takes about 30 minutes.

When you arrive at Stonehenge, you can explore the site on foot or take a guided tour. There are also audio tours available which provide interesting information about the site. The stone circle is surrounded by a large stone circle and a number of standing stones. You can also explore various other sections of the site including the Avenue and the ancient barrows (burial mounds).

The best time to visit Stonehenge is in the morning when it is less crowded. If you arrive early enough you can also catch a glimpse of the sunrise over the stones which is a truly magical experience.

Brighton

Brighton is a popular seaside resort located on England’s south coast. It is famous for its Victorian architecture, its vibrant nightlife and its cultural attractions such as the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Pier. It is also home to some of Britain’s best beaches and makes a great day trip from London.

Getting to Brighton from London is easy. You can take a train from London Victoria Station which takes about an hour and 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a coach from London Victoria Coach Station which takes around two hours.

Once you arrive in Brighton, there are plenty of things to do and see. You can take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy some of the many attractions such as Brighton Pier, Brighton Wheel and Sea Life Brighton. You can also explore some of Brighton’s quirky independent shops and cafes or visit one of its many art galleries or museums such as the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.

If you’d like to spend some time at the beach, then head to Brighton Beach which offers plenty of activities such as sunbathing, swimming, paddle-boarding and even beach volleyball! You can also explore some of Brighton’s many parks such as Hove Park or Preston Park.

Oxford

Oxford is one of Britain’s oldest cities and is home to one of the world’s most prestigious universities, Oxford University. It is also known for its beautiful architecture and its many cultural attractions such as museums, galleries and theatres. It makes a great day trip from London as it is only an hour away by train or car.

Getting to Oxford from London is easy. You can take a train from London Paddington Station which takes around an hour. Alternatively, you can take a coach from London Victoria Coach Station which takes around two hours.

Once you arrive in Oxford, there are plenty of things to do and see. You can explore some of Oxford’s historic buildings such as Christ Church Cathedral or Bodleian Library, or enjoy some retail therapy in Oxford’s many independent stores, boutiques and markets. You can also visit one of Oxford’s many museums such as the Ashmolean Museum or Pitt Rivers Museum or take a boat ride on the River Thames.

One of the best ways to explore Oxford is by taking one of its many guided walking tours which will take you through some of Oxford’s most iconic streets and buildings including The Radcliffe Camera, The Bridge of Sighs and The Sheldonian Theatre.

Popular Activities

For those looking for something more adventurous, there are plenty of popular activities available within day trips from London. Here are some ideas:

Canal Boat Tour

Discover the natural beauty of Britain’s waterways on one of Britain’s many canal boat tours. Most tours depart from central London and will take you through some beautiful rural landscapes with opportunities to spot wildlife such as birds and otters. You can book a Canal Boat Tour in London here.

Horse Riding

Explore Britain’s countryside on horseback with one of Britain’s many horse riding tours. Most tours depart from central London and will take you through some beautiful rural landscapes with opportunities to spot wildlife such as birds and deer. You can book a Horse Riding Tour in London here.

Food Tours

Taste your way through some of London’s best restaurants on one of Britain’s many food tours. Most tours depart from central London and will take you through some of London’s most famous restaurants with opportunities to sample delicious dishes from around the world. You can book a Food Tour in London here.

Conclusion

The UK is filled with great day trip destinations that offer something for everyone – whether it’s exploring ancient monuments such as Stonehenge or enjoying some retail therapy in one of Britain’s many cities or towns. There are plenty of activities available within day trips from London that offer something for everyone – from canal boat tours to horse riding tours or food tours – so why not plan your own day trip today?