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If you’re planning a trip to London and wondering whether it’s possible to see more of the UK in just a day, the answer is a definite yes. As exciting as London is, many of England’s most iconic sights and historic landmarks are just a short journey away.
Luckily, there are plenty of day trips from London that are easy to reach by train, car, or guided tour, allowing you to see everything from countryside villages to dramatic seaside cliffs.
In this guide, I’ll share the best London day trip ideas and the easiest ways to get there, so you can choose which locations deserve a spot on your itinerary.
1. Harry Potter Studios
One of the most popular day trips from London (and one you've probably heard of), is a visit to the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios. It's located just an hour outside of the city and is a must-see if you're a fan of the films and books.
Inside the studios, you'll be transported straight into the wizarding world, with an inside look at the sets, costumes and behind-the-scenes secrets bringing the movies to life.
It's simple to get there, you can take a train from London Euston to Watford Junction and then hop on the official shuttle bus, or save time by booking a guided tour with transfers from central London. If it’s your first visit, the second option is usually the easiest!
We highly recommend this day trip if you're a fan of the movies, it's so interesting to see the special effects and movie sets, we had a great time.
2. Windsor Castle
If you’re interested in royal history, then Windsor Castle is one of the very best day trips from London. Known as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it has been a royal residence for over 1,000 years and even remains one of King Charles III’s official homes today!
You can go inside the castle, visit St George’s Chapel (where many royal weddings have taken place) and and see the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony. The town of Windsor itself is also worth exploring riverside walks and traditional pubs.
Reaching Windsor Castle is straightforward, regular trains run from both London Waterloo and London Paddington, taking under an hour. If you prefer a hassle-free option, there are also guided tours from London that include transfers and tickets.
You can even get tours that combine Windsor Castle with other famous sites such as Stonehenge and Oxford, which is great if you only have one day to spare.
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3. The Cotswolds
If you want to experience the quintessential English countryside, the Cotswolds are a the perfect choice for a day trip from London. The Cotswolds are famous for their picturesque villages filled with stone cottages and english pubs, surrounded by rolling countryside.
Some of the best villages to visit are Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, where you'll find cosy pubs, scenic walking trails and boutique shops.
The villages are spread out and there isn't much public transport, so the easiest way to reach the Cotswolds is by hiring a car or through an organized Cotswolds tour from London.
The Cotswold's are around a 2 hour drive from London, so it's an easily accessible day trip option.
Chloe Butcher
4. Stonehenge (with Bath Option)
Just over an hour from London is Stonehenge, one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments. This mysterious stone circle has stood for over 4,500 years and facinates the world with it's history and myths of it's origins.
You can get to Stonehenge by train to Salisbury and then by bus, but the simplest option is booking a Stonehenge day tour from London.
You can also get tours that combine Stonehendge and the city of Bath, famous for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture. Together, they make for one of the most popular London day trip itineraries!
5. Brighton / Seven Sisters
If you're looking for a day trip to the coast, head south to Brighton or the nearby Seven Sisters Cliffs.
Brighton is known for its lively pier, pebble beach, quirky shops in The Lanes and vibrant town centre. Just a short drive away, the Seven Sisters Cliffs offer dramatic white chalk cliffs and breathtaking coastal walks, perfect for an afternoon spent in nature.
Trains to Brighton from London Victoria or London Bridge take about an hour, making this one of the easiest seaside day trips from London.
If you want to visit both Brighton and the Seven Sisters Cliffs, it's best to join a full-day tour like this one.
6. Oxford / Cambridge
For history and classic English architecture, Oxford or Cambridge are popular day trip options. These world-famous university cities are two of the oldest in the world, and are filled with ancient buildings, libraries and cobbled streets.
Oxford is a beautiful city with ancient buildings that are pretty incredible to see, and many iconic Harry Potter scenes we're filmed here. Cambridge is equally as stunning, with the iconic King’s College Chapel and the River Cam.
Both cities are about an hour by train from London, making them perfect for a one-day visit. You can also join guided tours that take you to Oxford and Cambridge in the same day.
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Tips for Planning Your Day
- Book in advance: Popular attractions like Harry Potter Studios and Windsor Castle sell out quickly.
- Use tours when convenient: Especially for Stonehenge and the Cotswolds, tours save time and hassle.
- Check train times: Trains are frequent but can be crowded during peak hours and are often unreliable (they are often cancelled/delayed)!
- Pack for the weather: England is unpredictable so bring layers and maybe an umbrella!
What is the easiest day trip from London?
The easiest day trips from London by train include Windsor Castle (less than 1 hour), Oxford (about 1 hour), and Brighton (around 1 hour). All of these can be reached without a car.
How many days do you need in London to take day trips?
If you want to enjoy day trips from London without rushing, plan at least 4-5 days in the city. This allows time to see London’s highlights plus 1 or 2 day trips.
👋 We hope that you found this guide helpful! Before you go - don't forget to explore our other UK travel guides here & grab our London Travel Map for the best spots you won't want to miss 👀
