According to rumors, a beach in Britain is never more than 60 miles away. Although the island is very small, this does not imply that it is uniform. On the contrary! You will undoubtedly learn a little bit about the intricate history and identity of England on any of the 17 day tours from London listed below. England is right at your doorstep, whether you choose to explore the city, go on a Harry Potter-themed adventure, or take a coastal vacation.
HELPFUL TIP: A Brit Rail England pass can be worthwhile if you intend to take multiple separate day trips. If not, I always use trainline.com to purchase return tickets.
Brighton
Brighton is light-years away from the charming fishing villages of coastal England, which can be explained by its counterculture and forward-thinking nature.
In addition to the numerous hipster cafés and vintage stores in Brighton Lanes, this area is home to the largest gay culture in the UK, the most outrageous venues, and the greatest partying on the Channel. With its quirky Brighton Pier and chippy vendors, the beach is really for everyone.
Oxford
What is the best way to describe a city with a thousand years of academic history? Oxford is really fortunate to have the most renowned institution in the world, but it is also quite sophisticated and endearing. Explore the quiet cobbled streets, go up the Radcliffe Camera, hire a punt, venture farther out to Blenheim Palace, have a pint where C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien used to hang out, geek out at the Harry Potter movie locations, walk in the footsteps of prime ministers and poets, and more.
In beautiful Oxford, the options are truly limitless. But I can’t stress enough how great a walking tour is. The specifics and untold tales of this village are only known to experienced guides.
Liverpool
The good news is that Liverpool’s efforts to change its image as a violent, boisterous city are having an impact. The equally significant and iconic Beatles past only serves to accentuate the great cultural heritage of the Albert Docks, which are extremely stunning.
York
A medieval spider’s web of charming pedestrian lanes is surrounded by a spotless circuit of 13th-century walls, and in its center is the massive, breathtaking York Minster, one of the most exquisite Gothic cathedrals in the world.
As it should be, the city’s many taverns and cafés clearly display its enormous historical wealth. To put it another way, York is incredible and you shouldn’t miss it.
Bath
Day trip to Bath
Three things make Bath famous. First, the Royal Crescent showcases its exquisite Georgian architecture from the 18th century. Second, because the city is constructed over natural hot springs, the Roman bathhouses are the best preserved in the world. Last but not least, for being among the most charming and lovely cities in the middle of southwest England’s undulating countryside.
Stratford-upon-Avon
In addition to being the home of Shakespeare, this market town is teeming with buildings that date back more than 800 years, making them familiar to the Bard. Even the hall where he was initially exposed to theater is open for tours!
Paris
Eiffel Tower views for a day!
It’s actually a simple alternative, despite not being the most obvious pick for day trips from London. Why not combine two things into one trip if this is your first time in Europe and include Paris?
Central London and central Paris may now be reached by train directly in 2.5 hours thanks to Eurostar. It’s also unnecessary to enumerate all the benefits of taking a day trip to Paris!
A lavish day trip to Paris that includes champagne A fully escorted day trip to Paris that includes a river cruise and lunch on the Eiffel Tower
Stonehenge
Stonehenge isn’t awful at all; it’s quite astounding to say the least that these stone were likely transported from Wales in the year 2000 B.C. Even now, experts continue to express disagreement with its profession. Was Stonehenge a sun worship center, a healing temple, a graveyard, or a life-size calendar? Nobody is certain.
To be clear, I strongly advise obtaining a private or early admission to Stonehenge. That will allow you to get closer to the rocks. Because the stones are so far away, I regret taking the standard tour.
Private Stonehenge Viewing with Bath and Lacock Included
Early Entry to Stonehenge with a Professional Guide, Including a Tour of Bath and Windsor
Dover
Dover is a fantastic find. Take a stroll along the picturesque North Downs Way, which traces the well-known white cliffs. Take the Dover-Calais ferry to see the cliffs from a different perspective; the cost varies.
The castle is another gem of Dover, situated next to the cliffs. Constructed two millennia ago, it is among the oldest Roman structures in Britain. Because of its military background, it is known as the “Key to England.” It was last utilized during World War II (see the Castle’s Secret Wartime Tunnels). Get outside and enjoy the fresh air instead of spending all of your time indoors!
Dover, Greenwich, Canterbury Cathedral, Leeds Castle, and a Thames River Cruise
Guided Cathedral Tour of Leeds Castle, Dover Cliffs, and Canterbury
Windsor
Day trip to Windsor, the Queen’s residence
See the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, the Queen’s favorite weekend retreat! London is about an hour away, and it’s simple to combine with other local monuments.
London-based half-day excursion that includes admission to Windsor Castle
Transportation from London to Windsor Castle
Lunch included on the 5.5-hour journey from London to Windsor Castle
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are a charming tangle of magnificent villages, thatch-roofed cottages, dilapidated almshouses, and ancient mansions of honey-colored stone that roll gently across six counties. The 102-mile Cotswold Way winds through these hills, which are actually ideal for walking, cycling, and even horseback riding. Bibury, Castle Combe, Chipping Campden, and Bourton-on-the-Water are my favorite villages. However, there are many daily departures from London if you would prefer a guided tour.
Two-Day Small-Group Tour of the Cotswolds, Bath, and Oxford from London
Tour of the Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace from London
Day Trip to the Cotswolds from London
Downton Abbey
at addition to stopping at Oxford and Bampton, which served as Downton Village, I wrote about my day trip experience to Highclere Castle, as the castle is actually known. Essentially, this excursion is a must-do if you’re a fan of the series!
Tour of Highclere Castle and Downton Abbey from London
Leeds Castle
Is England’s most beautiful castle Leeds Castle? Very likely. Perhaps a noble home with opulent gardens and magnificent stone towers, encircled by a moat and only reachable by drawbridge? Because the Leeds Castle looks just like that. An excellent portrait!
Additionally, the wonderful garden is a lovely feature of the castle grounds. As you approach it, you can actually know because of the powerful and alluring floral scent. A traditional English garden design will use peonies, poppies, lad’s love, roses, lupins, and roughly a dozen more flowers.
Dover, Greenwich, Canterbury Cathedral, Leeds Castle, and a Thames River Cruise
Guided Cathedral Tour of Leeds Castle, Dover Cliffs, and Canterbury
The top day trips from London: locations that look fantastic but I haven’t gone yet
Whitstable
Lacock
Rye
Dealing with Dungeness Hastings
The island of Mersea in Canterbury
Cambridge
