London conjures up images of royalty and power. It is the capital of England and the United Kingdom and is one of the most popular destinations in the world, attracting approximately 30 million tourists a year. This historic city, which sits on the River Thames, has been the site of many major events including the 2012 Summer Olympics. While there is certainly much to do in the capital, there are also many interesting sites nearby that can be visited during a few short day trips from London:
10. Leeds Castle
Located in Kent in the southeast corner of England, Leeds Castle was constructed during the reign of Henry I and served as residence for royalty for much of its more than 900-year-long history. Six queens called Leeds home, earning the castle the nickname “The Ladies Castle.”
The moat that surrounds the castle is actually a lake fed by the River Len, and punting on the water is a favorite activity. The castle grounds boast an elaborate yew maze as well as a turf maze designed for young children.
Getting to Leeds Castle
- By public transport, it is quite easy to visit Leeds Castle; all you need to do is take an hour-long train from Victoria Station to Hollingbourne, which is just past Maidstone. From here, you can either take a short taxi ride, catch the number 13 bus, or walk for half-an-hour to the castle.
- Many people opt to take a guided tour to Leeds Castle. As well as seeing its fairytale moat and lavish rooms, you’ll also get to visit the gleaming white cliffs of Dover and the impressive Canterbury Cathedral. (More info and bookings)
9. The Cotswolds
Located in south central England, the Cotswold area is known for its pretty golden-colored limestone villages and beautiful gardens. The Cotswolds area is so picturesque that it has been officially designated as an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”
Not surprisingly the scenic Cotswolds area is popular with nature lovers and is an excellent place to go horse riding and cycling. The area is also home to wonderful farmers markets and many charming old buildings.
Getting to the Cotswold
- One of the easiest option for visiting the Cotswolds is to join a guided tour that not only takes you around this beautiful part of the UK, but also to nearby Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, and Warwick Castle. (More info and bookings)
8. Brighton
This city, on the Sussex coast, has been a popular beach resort since the mid-19th century. Much of its popularity is due to the proximity to London, making it popular with day trippers. The beachfront is lined with graceful old Victorian homes that today provide tourist accommodations.
Visitors will want to walk out on the famous Palace Pier or admire the traditional English gardens. The city has a vibrant nightlife, and is home to many entertainers and athletes.
Getting to Brighton
- Lying almost directly to the south of London, Brighton is very easy to get to by train, and these run very frequently. The journey takes about an hour, whether you depart from London Bridge Station or Victoria Station.
7. Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral, which was built in the early English Gothic style, is an impressive and handsome building that attracts more than 500,000 visitors a year. It took approximately 38 years to build the main body of this attractive church, which was completed in 1258.
Salisbury Cathedral boasts the tallest spire in Britain and also features the largest cathedral close. A copy of the Magna Carta can be viewed in the Salisbury Cathedral’s Chapter House. There are only four copies of this important document left today, and the one in the Salisbury Cathedral is the best preserved.
Getting to Salisbury Cathedral
- From Waterloo Station in London, it only takes an hour and a half to get to Salisbury, and trains depart very frequently. Once you alight at the station, it is around a 15-minute walk through the town to the impressive Salisbury Cathedral.
- Many people sign up for a guided tour that takes them around Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge, and Bath, as that is the easiest way to see all three in one day. (More info and bookings)
6. Warwick Castle
At Warwick Castle, which was originally built in 1068, travelers can get a glimpse of what life was like in medieval times. The castle features beautiful gardens and entertaining shows, including a birds of prey show and a popular dungeon attraction.
Warwick Castle also boasts an impressive suit of armor collection. Travelers who want to overnight on the castle grounds can actually rent a medieval tent, which includes admission to Warwick Castle and breakfast.
Getting to Warwick Castle
- Lying to the northwest of London on the way to Birmingham, Warwick Castle takes just an hour and a half to get to by public transport. Trains depart regularly to Warwick from Marylebone Station, and from here, it is just a ten-minute walk to the amazing castle.
- If you don’t have too much time on your hands, you may want to take a guided tour that combines Warwick Castle, Oxford, the Cotswolds, and Stratford-upon-Avon into one memorable day trip. (More info and bookings)
5. Oxford
Oxford, which is located about 100 km (60 miles) from London, is best known as being home to the famous university of the same name. In addition to the university, Oxford is also home to numerous museums, including the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology as well as the Pitts Rivers Museum.
Travelers to Oxford who want to enjoy a view of the city should visit the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. For a small fee, visitors can climb to the top of the church’s tower, which offers what many consider to be one of the best views of Oxford.
Getting to Oxford
- The quickest way to get to Oxford by public transport is to hop on a train at Paddington Station; you will find yourself in the charming university town just under an hour later..
- Another option is to embark on a guided tour that takes you around the charming town to see the magnificent university buildings and learn all about the famous scholars who have studied here over the centuries. In addition to this, the tour also includes a scenic drive through the lovely Cotswolds, a visit to Shakespeare’s former home in Stratford-upon-Avon, and a walk around Warwick Castle. (More info and bookings)
4. Stratford-upon-Avon
This charming town, which is located in rural Warwickshire is the birthplace of one of the most famous authors in history, William Shakespeare. Stratford-upon-Avon is rightfully proud of its connection to the Bard and, today, visitors can watch plays put on by the Royal Shakespeare Company in the town’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Shakespeare’s Birthplace, a half-timbered house that is now a museum, is another popular attraction in this town.
Getting to Stratford-upon-Avon
- From the center of London, it should take you just over two hours to get to the home of Shakespeare by public transport. From Marylebone Station, three direct trains run to Stratford-upon-Avon each day.
- Many people who wish to visit Stratford-upon-Avon do so as part of a guided tour that also takes them to Oxford, the Cotswolds, and Warwick Castle. (More info and bookings)
3. Roman Baths
The city of Bath is located a short one-and-a-half-hour train ride from London, making it a very popular day trip. This is a very beautiful, historic city, built of attractive cream-colored limestone, and famous for its natural hot springs.
The city’s Roman Baths is considered to be one of the best preserved Roman spas in Europe. First built around 70 AD, the Roman Baths are the city’s most popular tourist attraction.
Getting to the Roman Baths
- To get to the glorious Roman Baths from the center of London takes no time at all, and the directions couldn’t be more straightforward. Just hop on a train from Paddington Station, and you’ll find yourself in Bath just an hour and a half later. From the train station, it is just a short walk to the Roman Baths and the rest of the fantastic sights that Bath has on offer.
- If you’re pressed for time, you may want to try out a guided tour that takes you to the Roman Baths, the amazing Neolithic site at Stonehenge, and the spectacular Windsor Castle. (More info and bookings)
2. Windsor Castle
This castle, which is located in Berkshire just outside London, is the official residence of the Queen of England and is still used by the royal family as a weekend home. In addition, many state banquets and other official events are still held at Windsor Castle. Travelers to Windsor, which is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, will find plenty to see.
If the weather permits, they can enjoy watching the famous Changing of the Guards, or they can take part in one of St. George’s Chapel’s daily worship services. Because this castle is still a working palace, travelers should check to make sure that it is open before visiting, as its operating hours can change.
Getting to Windsor Castle
- By public transport, it only takes about 45 minutes to get to Windsor Castle from London. From Paddington Station, board a train to Slough, where you then need to take another train to Windsor and Eton Central.
- For visitors interested in seeing as much of this wonderful part of the UK as possible in just one day, a guided tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath is a must. (More info and bookings)
1. Stonehenge & Avebury
One of the most popular day trips from London, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument found in Wiltshire, about a 2 hours drive from the capital. From 2500 BC, Neolithic and Bronze Age man started to bring gigantic stones from Wales and the Marlborough Downs.
It was not until 1600 BC that Stonehenge came to be completed. A trip to Stonehenge is best combined with a trip to prehistoric Avebury to the north, which has an even bigger stone circle, with fewer restrictions, and far fewer tourists.
Getting to Stonehenge & Avebury
- While it is just about possible to visit both Stonehenge and Avebury in one day by public transport, it is quite time consuming and involves quite a few changes, so driving there yourself is certainly the easier option.
- If you don’t fancy taking public transport or driving yourself, you are better off taking a guided tour. With an expert guide accompanying you, you’ll learn a lot about the Neolithic monuments in both Stonehenge and Avebury. (More info and bookings)
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