12 Day Trips From London

Here’s my mini guide featuring 12 of the best day trips from London. From colourful seaside towns to charming cities and villages that look like they are straight out of a fairytale. For each destination I’ve included the average journey time from London via public transport/train or by car.

A woman in a beige trench coat walks down a picturesque street in Castle Combe, a charming village in the Cotswolds. The stone houses are adorned with climbing plants and flowers, and the surrounding hills are lush with autumn foliage.

1. The Cotswolds

Scenic countryside with quaint villages, rolling hills, and beautiful stone cottages.

1.5 hour train

2 hour drive

COTSWOLDS GUIDE

A woman in a white off-the-shoulder dress stands on a sandy beach between towering white chalk cliffs. The beach extends towards the calm sea in the background, with the sun casting a warm glow on the cliffs and sand. The scene is serene and picturesque, with the natural beauty of the coastal landscape on display.

2. Margate

Seaside town with sandy beaches, a retro amusement park, and the iconic modern art gallery.

1.5 hour train

1.5-2 hours drive

MARGATE GUIDE

A woman in a long brown coat stands in front of the majestic Bath Abbey, an iconic Gothic cathedral with intricate architecture and large stained glass windows. The scene captures the grandeur of the abbey and the surrounding historic buildings, with a clear sky providing a perfect backdrop. The quiet, empty square emphasizes the abbey's impressive facade and serene atmosphere.

3. Bath

Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and the iconic Royal Crescent (as seen in Bridgerton)

1.5 hour train

2 hour drive

A woman in a white blouse and wide-brimmed straw hat sits in a wooden boat on a serene river, surrounded by lush greenery. A swan glides nearby, and a bouquet of flowers rests beside her. The scene captures a peaceful moment with a quaint bridge visible in the background, reflecting the tranquil beauty of nature.

4. Oxford

University town famous for its prestigious colleges and picturesque riverside.

1 hour train

1.5 hour drive

A woman in a white off-the-shoulder top and green skirt stands in a lush, colorful garden filled with blooming flowers. Behind her is a charming red-brick house by a tranquil canal, surrounded by greenery. The scene exudes a picturesque and idyllic atmosphere, showcasing the beauty of the garden and the quaint architecture.

5. Canterbury

Beautiful city with the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, river punting & medieval streets.

1 hour train

1.5 hour drive

A scenic view of the rugged coastline at Seven Sisters, featuring dramatic white chalk cliffs and the turbulent sea below. The shoreline includes a pebble beach and coastal vegetation with yellow gorse in the foreground. The rolling green hills and a few scattered houses add to the natural beauty and tranquility of the landscape.

6. Seven Sisters

Explore these breathtaking chalk cliffs with a scenic coastal walks & English Channel views.

2 hour train + bus

2 hour drive

A woman in a yellow dress and straw hat walks along the wooden boardwalk towards the entrance of Brighton Palace Pier. The iconic sign above the entrance reads "Brighton Palace Pier" in large, ornate letters. The scene captures the lively and nostalgic atmosphere of the pier, with various attractions and food stalls visible along the sides.

7. Brighton

Vibrant seaside city known for its pier with acrades & rides, pebble beach & eclectic shops.

1 hour train

1.5 hour drive

A woman in a white dress sits on a picnic blanket on the lawn, enjoying a picnic in front of the historic Hever Castle. The spread includes grapes, croissants, and a glass of wine. The castle, covered in ivy and surrounded by manicured gardens and a moat, provides a picturesque backdrop under a clear blue sky.

8. Hever Castle

Childhood home of Anne Boleyn with stunning Italian & rose gardens and a fairytale castle with a moat.

1.5 hour train

1.5 hour drive

People enjoying a sunny day punting on the River Cam in Cambridge. Several boats are navigating the river, passing under the historic Mathematical Bridge. The scene is lively, with lush greenery and the picturesque architecture of the university buildings lining the riverbank.

9. Cambridge

Historic university city with impressive architecture and iconic punting on the River Cam.

1 hour train

1.5 hour drive

A woman wearing a white blouse, a yellow skirt, and a straw hat walks through a lush vineyard at Wiston Estate. The scene is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and dense green forests, with a charming red-brick house visible in the distance. The clear blue sky and verdant rows of grapevines create a picturesque and serene countryside atmosphere.

10. Wiston Estate

Winery & vineyards in Sussex with a stunning on site restaurant, Chalk. Book a wine tasting tour at wistonestate.com

1.5 hour train + taxi

1.5 hour drive

A luxurious outdoor pool area at Beaverbrook Hotel & Spa, featuring a large checkerboard-patterned pool surrounded by sun loungers with purple cushions and white umbrellas. The pool is set in a beautifully landscaped garden with lush greenery and a historic building in the background. The scene exudes relaxation and elegance, perfect for a tranquil getaway.

11. Beaverbrook Hotel & Spa

Spend the day at this luxury country house hotel with beautiful grounds, a spa + pool, and fine dining restaurants. Book a spa day visit at beaverbrook.co.uk

1.5 hour train + taxi

1.5 hour drive

A woman in a white dress holding a straw hat stands on sandy dunes with her dog, overlooking the beach and ocean at Camber Sands. The clear blue sky and sparkling water create a serene and idyllic atmosphere, with a few people visible in the distance enjoying the beach. The scene captures a peaceful moment of coastal beauty and companionship.

12. Camber Sands

Expansive sandy beach perfect for sunbathing and water sports.

2-3 hour train + bus

2 hour drive

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