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50 of the best day trips across GB

Published on May 25, 2021 25 min read

Whether it’s a single day trip, or a series of long weekends, there’s some epic things to see and do outside across Great Britain. The OS GetOutside Champions bring you 50 of the best day trip ideas!

You might fancy a long distance walk or cycle over a few consecutive day trips, or a visit to a new wild swimming spot. Perhaps there’s a few great crags you’ve been meaning to take on? Or is it a family adventure day where you don’t need to spend a penny, perhaps river wildlife spotting with a picnic to enjoy along the bank.

Click on a button below to find day trip ideas near you.

1. Alpaca walking

Alpaca trekking is a brilliant activity to do as a group or team building event. When you arrive, you will be welcomed by members of our team. After a short health and safety talk and introductory into all things alpacas we will hand over the alpacas, and the fun will begin. The trek will explore different areas of the farm, saying hello to some of our other animals along the way while getting a first-hand insight into life on a working farm. Each tour will take you to a scenic spot where you will have an opportunity to take photographs with your alpacas. We will then return the alpacas to their field, and you will have a chance to feed them their reward and then say your goodbyes.

Tracy selfie with alpaca

Alpaca walking

2. Donkey/pig walking experience

The ultimate animal experience days for donkey lovers! Walk Maverick and Goose & Bertie, sweet Miniature Mediterranean donkeys across scenic farmland, sometimes accompanied also by Betty, our lovely small standard donkey. You’ll follow quiet pathways with great views towards Pen Y Fan and The Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales.

Have a mini adventure and take some little Kune Kune pigs for a walk along a beautiful valley in the Brecon Beacons, followed by a “Pig-Nic” of tea/coffee/squash and cakes! Great fun for families and also people wanting a fun and engaging few hours in the countryside with these friendly little animals. Have the opportunity to learn all about their welfare and their life in this scenic area.

Both day trip ideas brought to you by Tracy Purnell.

3. Llandegfedd Reservoir

Llandegfedd and its reservoir is a great day out for the family. Fishing, watersports, bird watching and a great walk of almost 9km on permissive paths around the reservoir. There’s a coffee shop and toilets at the visitor centre where there is free parking. Easy to reach from Newport/Cwmbran/Pontypool.

4. The Black Mountain and Llwyn y Fan Fawr

A cracking ridge walk with two mountain lakes. Keep this for a clear day to enjoy the incredible views. Car park at the start, no facilities. More about the area .

Carmarthen Fans

Merthyr Mawr

Usk Reservoir, photo credit Sophie Hillier

5. The sand dunes of Merthyr Mawr

Sand dunes and sea. This is a great day out for young and old! Just a few miles from the M4 between Cardiff and Swansea, Merthr Mawr is a national nature reserve with the highest sand dune in Wales! You can walk through the dunes, picnic in a hidden spot, or have a dip in the sea. Pay and display parking.

6. A tour of Usk Reservoir

Usk Reservoir , between Trecastle and Llanddeusant is a hidden gem. It’s great for all abilities and ages, with a clearly marked six mile track which you can walk or cycle. The views are wonderful as you go through woodland and gaze across to open moorland and the striking Carmarthen Fans.

All of these day trips ideas brought to you by OS Champion Phillipa Cherryson . Follow Phillipa on Instagram .

7. A visit to Llanberis

If you’re visiting the Snowdonia National Park this summer then a trip to the lovely town of Llanberis is a must. The High Street has a great selection of cafes, craft shops and outdoor clothing shops. There are lakeside accessible walks along the side of Llyn Padarn where you can visit the old quarry hospital, a children’s park and it’s also where you’ll have the opportunity to have your photograph taken next to a replica sword named Llafn y Cewri by local schoolchildren.

Dolbadarn Castle, which is a short walk away takes you back a thousand years to the time of the native Welsh princes. It is free to visit, open to explore and the perfect place to sit and have a picnic. Llanberis also has its own lakeside railway, where you can take a 5-mile return journey on a little steam engine which runs along the side of Llyn Padarn, right into the heart of Snowdonia.

Lisa on SUP

National Slate Museum

Snowdon Mountain Railway will take you to the summit of Snowdon (COVID-19 restrictions currently in place). The National Slate Museum, which is another free attraction tells the story of Snowdonia’s rich industrial heritage.

Snowdonia Watersports hire out Stand Up Paddleboards and kayaks so that you can view the mountains from the water. It is also the perfect place to see the Lonely Tree which is reputedly the most photographed tree in Wales.

If you have enough energy left you could walk to the summit of Wales’s most famous mountain, Snowdon. Llanberis has something for everyone, you just need to decide how many days you need to set aside for your visit.

Llyn Padarn

Dolbadarn Castle

Lisa with dog

This awesome day trip idea brought to you by OS Champion Lisa Wells . Follow Lisa on Instagram .

8. Roman Caerleon

Then known as Isca, one of just three permanent legionary fortresses in Britain, Roman Caerleon was quite the bustling town. When the Roman legionary weren’t fighting the ancient Britons, they were allowed to enjoy the modern facilities here, including keeping fit at the fortress baths and watching the gladiators at the local amphitheatre. The remains of the Roman buildings are surprisingly intact, albeit with all the gaps filled in with housing and other buildings charting Roman times through to the present day, but there is still a surprising amount to see. You can see the remains of the large open-air swimming pool (now inside a building…), that would have once held more than 80,000 gallons of water, and parts of the bath house (owned and managed by CADW).

Fortress baths

Walk along the river

You can also see the amphitheatre, which would have held 6,000 spectators when it was open, and the remains of the barracks where the soldiers lived. The National Roman Legion Museum houses an impressive collection of Roman artifacts, including a coffin that was discovered when builders were working on the University, and some beautifully preserved precious stones that were excavated from the water pipes that fed the bathhouse – the Roman’s hadn’t learnt to take their rings off when they went for a swim and a sauna. Find out more about this area.

9. Newport Wetlands

The Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve lies between the Severn Estuary and the River Usk on the South Wales coast. Owned and managed by Natural Resources Wales, in partnership with RSPB Cymru, Newport City Council and others, it is exactly the kind of place I’d go with my family to explore – and not just because there is a lovely little café serving soup and stew when you’re done. Built on mudflats and marshland, the nature reserve here was opened in 2000 as a mitigation project to restore wildlife habitat following the Cardiff Bay Barrage scheme. The reserve covers just over 1,000 acres of the Caldicot Level, a low-lying area of land bordering the northern shore of the Severn Estuary. The reserve was designated a National Nature Reserve in 2008, and is now a haven for birds and other wildlife, and a lovely place for a walk.

Find out more at Visit Monmouthshire .

Both day trip ideas brought to you by OS Champion Zoe Homes .

10. Gordon Way via Bennachie

11 mile linear hike along the Gordon Way . Beautiful Forest tracks to open hill tops. Waymarked route with views further afield over the Cairngorms. Some overgrown parts due to quiet trails. Slight detour off the trail to climb Bennachie. Started in Suie Hill and finished Bennachie centre.

Brought to you by OS Champion Jess Mather . Follow Jess on Instagram .

11. Beach Clean at Lunderston

A lovely wee beach to spend a day rockpooling but when you are there you could spend a bit of time litter picking.

Brought to you by GetOutside Champion Ross Toole . Follow Ross on Instagram .

12. Canoe and Kayak adventures in Wester Ross

Tailored Canoe or Kayak adventures to suit all experience levels and ambitions.

Kayak adventures on Loch Ewe

13. Climb, ride, explore in Wester Ross

Hill guiding, MTB, SUP and coasteering. Find out more here .

14. Red Point Beaches, Wester Ross

Easy 6km walking with 2 stunning beaches. Views of Torridon mountains, Raasay and Skye

These great day trip ideas brought to you by OS Champion Sal Thornton . Follow Sal on Instagram .

England: North, Yorks & Humber

15. craster to beadnell via embleton bay.

Sand, sea, coastal paths, quaint villages and an amazing castle. You can start from Craster, meaning you”ll go past Dunstanburgh Castle or if you prefer, start at Embleton Bay, either way, its a beautiful day out. A long and rewarding coastal hike.

Brought to you by OS Champion David Finlayson . Follow David on Instagram .

Craster to Beadnell via Embleton Bay

16. Coombs Wood Near Armaithwaite

An awesome woodland which runs parallel with the River Eden. You can park in Armaithwaite village on the main bridge (for free) then head up the river on a bridleway, taking in the incredible/lush woodland. You can drop down near the river and see the powerful rapids/weir that many canoeists spend time thinking about ! If you are into bouldering you can even climb some lovely sandstone rocks and then cool off with a dip in the river ! Also some really cool face carvings in the sandstone rock.

Brought to you by OS Champion Craig Henderson . Follow Craig on Instagram .

17. Whernside Wander, Yorkshire Dales

Ribblehead Viaduct

View from Whernside

Starting from the beautiful Ribblehead Viaduct this route takes you to the highest point in Yorkshire – Whernside. This 7.5-mile walk starts with a long steady climb followed by a scenic wander along an impressive high-level ridge. On a clear day there are spectacular views out to the Howgills, the Lake District and Morecambe Bay. Whernside is one of the three peaks in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (three peaks in 12 hours!) and in my eyes, is the most impressive of the three.

18. Cycling on the Cinder Track

The Cinder Track, a former railway line, is one of the foremost cycle routes in the UK. The route from Scarborough to Ravenscar is a pleasant 10 miles with fantastic sea views. The track is very easy to follow as signposting is plentiful.

Among the highlights is Ravenscar itself and the beach at Hayburn Wyke, where woodland meets the sea. There is also a selection of places to eat and drink right on the track which makes it particularly well suited to family cycling.

Route in OS Maps

19. Easy paddling on Ullswater Lake

Kayak from Glenridding to Blowick Bay at the southern end of of Ullswater Lake. It’s only a short paddle across to this secluded beach making it suitable for all abilities. Get up close to Wall Holm, a small secluded island in the middle of the lake which makes a fantastic photo! Back at Glenridding, reward yourself with coffee and cake in the beautiful garden of the The Inn On The Lake Hotel .

Kayaking on Ullswater

All three day trip ideas are brought to you by Helen Newman from the OS team. Follow Helen’s adventures on Instagram .

England: Midlands

20. local explorer challenges.

Events cancelled or lacking inspiration? No problem – Our answer was to further explore what’s on our doorstep and design our own adventures from home.

Andy & Gee

8 miles to Derby path

Map with bridges plotted

21. Micro End to End

An ‘End to End’ adventure is often associated with the larger scale adventure from Land’s End to John O’Groats, or the Coast to Coast. But applying a ‘micro’ perspective to this challenge can create some really fun half day, full day or even weekend microadventures in either your local surroundings or further afield.

Brought to you by GetOutside Champion Two Travlrs . Follow Two Travlrs on Instagram .

22. Grishill Crag

Some great sandstone climbing to be experienced in rolling countryside of Shropshire. This small outcrop boasts a large array of climbing experiences and some breathtaking views.

Brought to you by GetOutside Champion Ben Turner . Follow Ben Turner on Instagram .

23. Discover Lud’s Church

Whether you are climbing, walking or trail running, The Roaches take in some of the best scenery in the Peak District. A visit to nearby Lud’s Church is a must. The impressive deep, moss-covered chasm is full of history, and is wet and cool even on the hottest of days. This popular 6-mile circular walk takes in the spectacular ridgeline of The Roaches plus the unmissable Lud’s Church. There’s plenty of less trodden trails in the area for those wanting to venture off the beaten track. Discover more routes in OS Maps .

Lud’s Church

Helen at The Roaches

The Roaches

24. Explore Kinder Scout’s air crash sites

There are more than 11 remaining air crash sites on Kinder Scout, the most visited being the B-29 Superfortress on Bleaklow which came down on the 3rd November 1948. Despite taking place over 70 years ago it almost feels (and looks!) like it happened yesterday thanks to the remoteness of this vast moorland. Parking is located in the lay-by on the A57, north of the Snake Pass Inn. It’s a pleasant 4 mile walk to the crash site through Lady Clough Forest. Why not plan a longer route and make the most of the wild and rugged moorland of Kinder Scout? It’s so large, you have enough space to really get away from it all!

Both walks are brought to you by Helen Newman from the OS team. Follow Helen’s adventures on Instagram .

East England

25. deserted beach.

A short beach ramble North of crumbling Covehithe brings you to a wild and desolate coastal broad at Benacre. The beach sandbar seperates the sea from the broad lagoon and is generally deserted, it’s easy to imagine being cast away here, even for a few hours. Fire up the stove and slow the pace down. You could easily spend a morning collecting sea glass and drift wood, spotting bitterns and marsh harriers or simply capturing the landscape on canvas or film. Continue North towards the Denes before joing the Suffolk Coast Path inland to complete the loop back to Covehithe inland.

Brought to you by GetOutside Champion Chris Webster . Follow Chris Webster on Instagram .

26. Dunwich and Dunwich Heath

This circular 7 mile walk takes in the best scenery around around the lost town of Dunwich , which disappeared due to erosion from the Sea. You will take in sections of the Sandlings Walk, an off road path connecting Ipswich and Southwold, Dunwich Heath with its vivid purple flowering heather, the ruins of Greyfriars Priory, see the last grave remaining next to the cliff tops and encounter spectacular views towards Walberswick and Southwold.

27. Rendlesham Forest

Rendlesham Forest is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, covering 1500 hectares, just outside of the well-known market town of Woodbridge. Located close by is a RAF Woodbridge, where US Air Force personnel were based. In 1980 there was a series of reported sightings of unexplained lights near Rendlesham Forest, which were linked with UFO sightings. Today, there is a UFO trail for children to follow in the forest, there are also marked routes for mountain bikes, walkers, runners and those wishing to explore. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of a herd of Deer.

Brought to you by GetOutside Champion Tom Wake . Follow Tom Wake on Instagram .

England: South East

Views from Butser Hill (#30)

28. Frensham Pond – escape from London!

A beautiful beach and varied walks through sandy heathland within easy reach of London. Perfect for a family day out there is a National Trust cafe as well as ice cream van – you wouldn’t know you were under an hour on the train from London!

Brought to you by GetOutside Champion Sophie Power . Follow Sophie Power on Instagram .

29. Blackdown & The Temple of the Winds

A gentle and easily accessible walk along the Blackdown Ridge to the highest point of the Southdowns NP. Enjoy the fantastic views from the Temple of the Winds

Blackdown route in Os Maps

30. Butser Hill & Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Visit the QECP and enjoy accessible walks, picnics, cafe and shop. This is a great location for all the family with plenty to do and plenty of space. Take a walk up Butser HIll, the highest point on the Southdowns Way and look across to the Isle of Wight

Butser Hill

Both walks brought to you by GetOutside Champion Glyn Dodwell . Follow Glyn Dodwell on Instagram .

31. A peaceful day walk around Thorney Island

Pack a picnic for this leisurely 9-mile circular route, along the shoreline of MOD-owned Thorney Island in Chichester Harbour AONB . The peaceful shores of this island are a sanctuary for wildlife, including seals! The coastal route takes in the deserted sand dunes of Thorney Island Beach, the historic St Nicholas Church with its war graves and you can even walk over to Pilsey Island, which is a rspb Bird Sanctuary (access on to the sanctuary is restricted). The coastal route is easy to follow but you must make sure you stick to the coast. Walking across the island is prohibited as it is MOD land. Parking can be found in Emsworth or in Prinsted.

Thorney Island at sunset

32. Halnaker Windmill

The recently restored Halnaker Windmill is an iconic sight close to Chichester. Starting from Boxgrove Village Hall Car Park the Windmill Trail is a leisurely 5-mile circular route to the windmill. Passing Tinwood Estate Vinyard, the trail then takes you through ‘the tunnel of trees’ on Mill Lane before climbing up to Halnaker Hill itself, boasting spectacular views across the countryside. On a clear day you can even see the sea.

View from the Halnaker Windmill

Halnaker Windmill

England: South West

33. the blue pool of dorset.

The Blue Pool of Dorset … which isn’t always blue! Formerly a clay pit, supplying tons of clay for making of smoking pipes and porcelain, it has later filled with rainwater becoming what is is today – a beautiful lake that changes colour in different light conditions, from blue to green and turquoise, thanks to a high concentration of minerals in the water as well as a good deal of clay in suspension. A fascinating natural oasis tucked away in Dorset’s rolling green countryside, The Blue Pool is a spot of beauty and tranquillity even on a busiest day. It is a centre-piece of the Furzebrook Estate surrounded by 25 acres of heath and woodland and offering it’s visitors a retreat from the hustle and bustle of civilisation.

The Blue Pool

Both walks brought to you by GetOutside Champion Richie Rakauskas . Follow Richie on Instagram .

34. A day out at Worth Matravers

Starting at the village car park this 12km circular walk takes in the awe inspiring views of Winspit Quarry, St Aldhelm’s Head, Chapmans Pool and miles and miles of views of the Jurassic Coastline. You can spend time watching the climbers ascend routes in the quarry (or if you’re a climber, join in!), enjoy the sea views on the walk round to St Aldhelm’s head, then you’re greeted with arguably one of the best views in Dorset into Chapmans Pool. Before heading back to the village take a path down to the beach, stop for a picnic, have a swim and watch the sun set. Be sure to venture into the Square and Compass which contains a rather quirky museum!

Walks brought to you by GetOutside Champion Charlotte Fowler . Follow Charlotte on Instagram .

35. Wiltshire White Horses

Visiting the Nine White Horses of Wiltshire (inc one on the Oxfordshire border). All are great one day walks but also why not walk the 150km White Horse Way and see them all over a week.

36. Uffington White Horse

An 11km, 2.5hr walk taking in the White Horse, Wayland Smithy long barrow, Uffington Castle, part of the Wessex Ridgeway and White Horse Way

Uffington White Horse

37. Broad Town White Horse

An 8km, 2.1hr walk taking in the paths and bridleways of the North Wiltshire downland and White Horse Way

38. Cherhill White Horse

A 14km, 3.5hr walk taking in the beautiful Marlborough Downs, Cherhill White Horse, the ancient Wandsdyke path, hill forts and the source of the River Marden at Calshott springs

39. Devizes White Horse

A 7km, 1.5hr walk from Devizes, along the Kennet And Avon Canal and up towards Roundway Down and the youngest of the Wiltshire White Horses

Kennet and Avon Canal near Devizes

40. Westbury White Horse

A 12km, 3hr walk from Bratton to see the oldest of the horses at Bratton Down with far reaching views and steep coombes, feel the ground tremble if the big guns are in action on the Plain!

41. Pewsey Downs White Horse

A 6km, 1.5hr circular route across unfarmed downland with magnificent sping/early summer flowers. Crossing the Wandsdyke and White Horse Way, the route passes over one of the two high points of Wiltshire at Milk Hill (the other one at Tan Hill being a few km’s away further on the Wandsdyke and the hills still argue today as to which is the highest)

42. Marlborough White Horse

A 5km, 1.25hr walk taking in quiet lanes, paths and tracks which links up to the White Horse Way. This route has lots of alternatives including links to Marlborough via footpaths through its well known public school(which give the best views of the White Horse!)

43. Hackpen White Horse

A 2hr 8km walk (or great trail run) taking in the ancient Wessex Ridgeway and hidden valleys and wooded coombes littered with Sarcen stones of Marlborough Downs

Hackpen White Horse

44. New Pewsey White Horse

Lots of short circular walks heading south out of Pewsey along ancient drovers tracks.

All Nine White Horses brought to you by GetOutside Champion Lisa Drewe . Follow Lisa on Instagram .

45. Martin Down Nature Reserve

A newtork of footpaths across chalk downland full of flora and fauna plus archeological interest with ancient ditches and tumuli. Great visit on a summer’s day when a host of species of butterfly are fluttering amongst the wildflowers and there is chance to hear turtle doves. Perfect peaceful spot for a picnic far from the madding crowd or star gazing at night. Find out more .

Brought to you by GetOutside Champion Sue Barrett . Follow Sue on Instagram .

46. Tisbury and Old Wardour Castle

A great day out visiting Tisbury , which is steeped in 2,000 years of history, with a walk that takes you to Old Wardour Castle, which dates from the 14th century and was the scene of two sieges, it also featured in the film `Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

All of these day trips ideas brought to you by GetOutside Champion Phillipa Cherryson . Follow Phillipa on Instagram .

47. Cotswold Water Park

Located within Cotswold Water Park and close to Cirencester, Cotswold Country Park and Beach is a facility with two lakes, a beach, and a whole host of activities – a place to spend a whole day as a family or group or friends. Describing themselves as “the ultimate for watersports in the Cotswolds”, there is the inflatable assault course Aquaventure, paddleboards, kayaks and Canadian canoes, swan pedalos, rowing boats, mini electric boats for the kids, mini golf, and other things.

48. Sea Swims in Dorset

Being an island nation, there are a plethora of great spots for taking a dip in the ocean here in Great Britain. If you’re on holiday down in Dorset (and who wouldn’t want to be?!), these are four lovely places for a swim. They’re already popular, so I’m not giving away any secrets!

Worbarrow Bay, a beautiful bay perfect for a sunrise swim and breakfast on the beach. Winspit, more of a dip off the rocky shoreline than an endurance sea swim, but a lot of fun. Durdle Door and Man of War Bay, the iconic south England swim through the natural arch. Dancing Ledge, a natural pool good for a plunge.

All of these swims require a bit of a walk from the local parking, and should be taken seriously – the Dorset coast is beautiful but it’s also very rugged and can be rough.

49. Four Hills to Climb Near Cheltenham

One day with lots of views, or four days with one view each – four great views near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

Being right on the edge of the Cotswolds, there are a whole host of amazing walks of all kinds of lengths to keep you busy from Cheltenham. Having recently moved to the area from the flatlands of Lincolnshire, I was particularly interested to explore the line of hills surrounding the old Spa town, as they promise excellent views back down into the valley and across the wide landscape to the Malvern Hills and into Wales.

You can easily visit Crickley Hill, Leckhampton Hill, Nottingham Hill and Cleeve Hill in one day or over one weekend – all offering short hikes, great scenery, and views of other hills you can come back and visit another time.

Both day trip ideas brought to you by GetOutside Champion Zoe Homes . Follow Zoe on Instagram .

50. Coastal strolls and ice cream at West Bay

The section from Burton Bradstock westwards towards Golden Cap is a beautiful family-friendly stretch of the South West Coastal Path . There’s certainly no shortage of scenic stops and the seaside towns of West Bay and Seatown allow plenty of opportunity to stock up on food, drink and of course, ice cream (the best being from Baboo in West Bay!). The SWCP route is well sign posted and you can make the walk as long or as short as you like. Challenge yourself to reach the top of Golden Cap – the highest point on the south coast of Great Britain.

South West Coast Path

This day trip idea is brought to you by Helen Newman from the OS team. Follow Helen’s adventures on Instagram .

So for day trips this summer, spread out a paper map , or download the OS Maps app, spot what you want to see and do, visit views with the wow-factor and explore new places.

Make sure you check that any sites, events, activity centres or adventure destinations are open and accessible before travelling, plus what the weather plans to do. The Met Office have these beach and mountain forecasts to help you enjoy the outside safely.

Share your day trip adventures with us by using #GetOutside and tagging us on Twitter (@OSLeisure), Facebook or Instagram (Ordnance Survey).

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The 21 Best Day Trips From London

By Condé Nast Traveller and Anna Prendergast

London ’s hustle and bustle can become overwhelming, even for the most dedicated locals—but its handy location means that day trips from London are easy for anyone who needs a quick escape, whether it be for a country walk, a seaside jaunt, or a cultural getaway. Most of our selection of the best day trips from London can be reached by train , within less than two hours—and many couldn’t be further from the busy streets and crammed schedules of the capital. Whether you’re looking for fresh air, delicious eateries or a new selection of shops, these easy-to-plan day trips should slot nicely into your schedule.

Below are 21 of our favorite day trips from London, in no particular order.

Read our complete London travel guide here .

All listings featured on  Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

Canterbury, Kent

The best day trip from London for: a colorful, food-fuelled history lesson in the garden of England How to get there from London: The direct train from London St Pancras to Canterbury West can take as little as 53 minutes

Prehistoric settlements have been uncovered in this corner of Kent, and it was a popular haunt of the Romans, who surrounded the early city by constructing an earth bank and fortified walls around 130 acres of land. The story of Canterbury that schoolchildren learn, however, comes from the medieval period, courtesy of Chaucer.

The city is home to one of the UK’s most spectacular cathedrals. Pilgrims have navigated the route to this ethereal site for many centuries, and it’s here that Thomas Becket was infamously slaughtered at the order of Henry II–although this series of events has been contested by countless historians. From the cathedral, scan the selection of novels through the crooked door of the Catching Lives Charity Bookshop, before soaking up the sun in one of the city’s hidden pub gardens–The Dolphin and The Parrot are some of our favorites.

Stroll along the remnant of the ancient wall that is still accessible, or settle in for a lazy afternoon on the colorful banks of the River Stour after collecting treats from The Goods Shed. Historic river tours of the river are touristy but not overly expensive, so well worth booking ahead of a visit to uncover the secrets of these romantic, cobblestone streets.– Connor Sturges

If you decide to stay over: Parts of The Falstaff Hotel date to the 13th century, and original features such as fireplaces and oak beams are a nod to the city’s medieval history. The city’s main attractions are within walking distance, and comfortable beds, craft cocktails, and a signature afternoon tea await once you are back in the cosy setting.

Elmley Nature Reserve

The best day trip from London for:  getting fully immersed in nature How to get there from London:  The train from London St Pancras International to Swale takes 1 hour 50 minutes and then it’s a short taxi ride to Elmley Nature Reserve

Think of day trips to Kent and you’ll probably skip straight over the Isle of Sheppey. Just off the northern coast of Kent next to the Thames Estuary, Sheppey is an unglamorous largely industrial island that initially lacks the tourist appeal of some of its Kentish neighbours. But there’s a secret gem here right off the mainland–the bucolic Elmley Nature Reserve, 3,300 acres of wetlands and wilderness. This family-run estate is a true wildlife conservation haven and is the perfect trip for birdwatchers and nature lovers. With over forty varieties of birds raising their young at Elmley each year, there are some beautiful walking trails to spot them all, plus the other resident hares, frogs, dragonflies, cows, voles, bees and more. As soon as your taxi turns onto the long entry drive, it’s easy to see elegant birds such as egrets, lapwings and redshank happily frolicking on the flat marshlands and that’s before you’ve even started exploring. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the entry fee is £6 and that gets you access to the beautiful open landscape for a self-guided wander (although you have to stay on the paths!); they also arrange organised tours at dusk and dawn for £29.50 if you want an expert to help you spot marsh harriers, long-eared owls, sparrowhawk and peregrine falcons. It might be only 40 miles from London but it feels like another world. As well as an incredible place for a day out in nature, there’s also a lovely barn restaurant to get cosy in for toasties at lunch and more hearty evening meals, plus an impressive range of smart places to stay dotted across the reserve if you want to extend your visit.– Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over:  From decked-out shepherd’s huts with outside baths to four poster beds in the grand 18th-century main house, there’s a wide range of places to stay – all with stunning views over the nature reserve.

Great Garden Escape, The Newt in Somerset

The best day trip from London for: a VIP experience How to get there: The train from London Paddington takes about 1 hour 25 minutes

If you’re not the planning type, The Newt in Somerset’s Great Garden Escape is a fun-filled organized day trip that shows off the best of the British countryside and its charming traditions. With a jam-packed schedule starting at Paddington station, day trippers travel First Class with breakfast served on-board. On arrival, they’ll be given a tour of the gardens at The Newt, which have been landscaped over hundreds of years and are now home to wildlife including deer and newts–of course. There's even an opportunity to explore the grounds with experts, along with a dive into the history and traditions of Somerset. Plus, a stopover at the incredible Roman Villa Experience.

Lunch leads into a cider tasting, made on-site using apples grown in local orchards, where you’ll undoubtedly be swayed into picking up a bottle or two to take home. When you’ve breathed in just enough country air, the train journey home serves up afternoon tea, depositing you back in the city just in time for sundowners. The whirlwind tour is the ideal tonic for shaking off burnout and reminding yourself of the beauty on your doorstep.– Abigail Malbon

If you decide to stay over : Should you choose to forego the train ride home in favor of waking up somewhere new, The Newt is a Jane Austen dream, whether you choose a room in the Georgian house or the converted outbuildings, barns and stables. Bedrooms are simple and beautiful, with a focus on relaxation, but those with a view are truly exceptional. In the morning, wake up early and treat yourself to a swim in the spa pool as the sun comes up – you’ll return to London feeling like a new person.

Clifton, Bristol

The best day trip from London for : packing a lot in How to get there from London: The train from London Paddington takes about 1 hour 35 minutes.

After hopping off the train at Bristol Temple Meads, take a stroll to Clifton–the city’s most beautiful leafy suburb. Quiet residential streets are lined with pretty Georgian townhouses, spots of greenery to wander through off the cobbled streets and an eclectic mix of independent cafés, restaurants and shops.

Start with a gander around Clifton Arcade in the heart of Clifton Village, where the 17 boutiques are filled with knick-knacks and intriguing antiques. It’s not a true shopping experience without a pit stop for coffee and cake – try one of Bristol’s top coffee spots, Spicer + Cole, or–for a 100-per-cent plant-based menu–refuel with a slice of rose and vanilla loaf and a superfood latte at East Village Café.

Pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables from the local greengrocers and head to Clifton bridge for fabulous views across the River Avon. It's one of the oldest surviving iron suspension bridges in the world. Learn about its history at the Visitor Centre, stopping off for a pint of traditional Somerset cider at the White Lion by its side. Continue the historical tour by walking up to Clifton Observatory, which has a museum featuring a Victorian-era Camera Obscura and a mythical Giant’s Cave, alongside its own rooftop café serving up breathtaking views. And don’t miss out on a walk down Royal York Crescent–one of the most expensive streets in Bristol, which was also once reputed to be the longest terrace in Europe.

Next, spend time at Bristol Lido, a restored Victorian swimming bath from the 1800s surrounded by a spa and poolside bar for the ultimate in pampering. Round off the day with a cozy pub meal at The Albion, an Indian fine-dining experience at Nutmeg or a hearty pizza at Bosco around the corner on Whiteladies Road.– Cordelia Aspinall

If you decide to stay over: Book a room at the recently refurbished Number 38 boutique hotel for a peaceful stay overlooking the Clifton Downs, perfect for your morning stroll.

Matt Ortile

Kaitlin Menza

Kelsey Glennon

Lauren Burvill

Bath, Somerset

The best day trip from London for: soaking up history How to get there from London: The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 20 minutes.

Bath is known for its history, but among the buttery-hued Georgian architecture and ancient thermal springs there’s a fresh independent spirit. When the weather is good, there are a couple of brilliant walking routes to try: the six-mile Bath Skyline, for example, is a short stroll from the city centre and tramps through woodland, meadows and orchards with views of the buildings below.

The Somerset city’s literary heritage is well documented–Jane Austen is probably the most famous one-time resident–and there’s still a thriving network of bookshops and literature festivals here, including at bookworm magnet Topping and Company, which stocks more than 55,000 titles. Restaurants are driven by excellent local produce and seasonal ingredients. Grab a traditional lunch at The Circus (we recommend the Wiltshire lamb two ways) or order bun cha at Vietnamese spot Noya’s Kitchen. After a bite, shop at clever concept stores such as Nām, which sells antique furniture and homeware curated by owner Sharan Kaur, and Found, where you can buy clothes from niche global brands, or spend an afternoon at wine bar Corkage, where about 70 bottles are available to sample by the glass.– Sarah James

If you decide to stay over: Small hotel Eight lives up to its name; there are just eight rooms, and the ground-floor restaurant always has eight dishes on the menu.

Read more about the best things to do in Bath, Somerset

The New Forest, Hampshire

The best day trip from London for : woodland walks and long pub lunches How to get there from London: The train from London Waterloo usually takes about 1 hour 45 minutes

With its purple carpets of heather, ancient woodland and England-of-yore villages, the New Forest has long been a release valve for Londoners eager to clear the cobwebs and the cortisol. The apex of its beauty has to be autumn, when its rich hues cut through morning mists and dazzle in the afternoon sun. It's best enjoyed during a long ramble, where you’re likely to meet free-roaming New Forest ponies, cattle and even pigs, followed by a hearty pub lunch with local ale and a warming log fire.

Take the train from Waterloo to Beaulieu Road station and fuel your hike with a pint of real ale at the Drift Inn. If independent shops, cafés and beaches are on the agenda, it’s best to head to Lymington instead, as this one-and-a-half-hour loop around the pub on the edge of the New Forest is blissfully rugged and remote. Having traipsed through a mixed mosaic of woodland and absorbed the silence and sweeping views across the heathland, hunker down at the Drift Inn for a Hampshire beef burger, ale-battered haddock or the pie of the day (invariably something along the lines of mud pie with mash and gravy).– Rosalyn Wikeley

If you decide to stay over : Those seeking the quintessential heather-and-wild-ponies New Forest should bed down at The Pig hotel in Brockenhurst or Limewood near Lyndhurst (about five minutes from the Drift Inn). However, the trusted favorite among New Forest devotees, Chewton Glen continues to lure weary urbanites with its coveted position – wedged between woodland and the coast – and commitment to the good, old-fashioned service and comforts of a country club. You’ll find few zeitgeisty design details or next-gen touches here. Instead, antiques, thick carpets and mahogany furniture keep this 18th-century manor house sure of its identity – save a few fun treehouse bedrooms, should privacy or the 21st century fall into your criteria. Don’t miss the fresh salads and fish lunches once you’ve been pummeled in the spa or worked up an appetite in the Grecian-style pool. The gardens are also glorious for afternoon tea after visiting Highcliffe beach.

Hertford, Hertfordshire

The best day trip from London for : pub-crawling and country walks How to get there from London: The train from Finsbury Park takes 35 minutes

With its higgledy-piggledy, pastel-colored buildings and cobbled streets, this county town serves up a slice of English antiquity that’s postcard-pretty enough to satisfy both shiny-eyed visitors from further afield and weary Londoners searching for fresher air, shorter queues and somewhere different to look at for the day. With trains running every half hour, it’s possible to find yourself marching around its 15th-century castle grounds (check ahead for cinema screenings, talks and events), net fishing from a sandy cove in Hartham Common or wandering about its dinky museum within the hour. Alternatively, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can cycle from London along the River Lea towpath.

On arrival, dip into its handful of local shops – The Women's Society Boutique has an imposing exterior but is a real treasure trove–before stopping at one of the many independent cafés and restaurants. Popular deli-bar Giambrone’s serves authentic Italian plates, while Hertford Coffee Lab makes for a cool pit-stop, and Georgian townhouse and B&B Number One Port Hill hosts occasional pop-up suppers. Plus, the artsy Dog and Whistle, once a pop-up café, has blossomed into a hipster foodie pub and music venue with rooms. Indeed, Hertford – quiet market town by day and more bustling nightspot come evening – specializes in pubs, particularly old-world ones. There's The Salisbury Arms Hotel, said to have been the place where Oliver Cromwell stayed during the Civil War and home to a number of ghosts; the 16th-century White Horse; the 17th-century Blackbirds; and the riverside Old Barge (exact age unknown, but 'old' is part of the name…). If you have time, go on the three-mile walk to Ware alongside the River Lea towpath–the neighboring town also has a plethora of pubs – and catch the train back to London from there.– Becky Lucas

If you decide to stay over: Hertford House Hotel took over the former local newspaper’s offices in pretty Parliament Square in 2006 and hasn’t stopped evolving since, with its latest restaurant and bar renovation completed in autumn 2020. Don’t miss out on brunch in the secret garden, a locally sourced roast in the restaurant and a pint in smart sister pub The Quiet Man.

The best day trip from London for: an under-the-radar getaway How to get there from London: The fast train from St Pancras International takes 1 hour 22 minutes

This hillside scribble of Georgian streets tucked behind the Kent coast really hit our radar in 2018. Nicknamed ‘Margate’s little sister’, it’s a much cosier, countryside version of its arty neighbour. And that’s exactly its appeal. Deal is less shouty than Margate, but there’s still an exciting slew of shops, cafés and galleries that have arrived over the past few years. The Saturday Market stalls are worth a rummage, but it’s the food that brings the locals back each weekend. For more of a sit-down lunch we love Frog and Scot where the chef, previously of The Sportsman in Seasalter, cooks up a daily changing menu based on hyper-local produce. Founder of Smugglers Records Will Greenham (ex singer and guitarist of the band Cocos Lovers, who’ve supported Mumford & Sons on tour) is at the heart of the town’s music scene, and in terms of art, Linden Hall Studio is a contemporary gallery in a converted chapel that wouldn’t look out of place in Mayfair.– Tabitha Joyce

If you decide to stay over: The Rose was revamped in 2018 and now there are eight cute bedrooms splashed in bold colors and filled with vintage finds. The restaurant is looked after by Rachel O’Sullivan (previously of East London’s Towpath Café) who dishes up Scandi-inspired breakfast plates of smoked salmon, avocado, soft-boiled egg, dill and whipped cream cheese.

Read more about Deal, Kent

Whitstable, Kent

The best day trip from London for: oysters on the beach How to get there from London : The train from from St Pancras takes 1hr 13 minutes

This little town on the north Kent coast isn’t quite the sort-of-secret it was back in the 1990s, when DFLs (local jargon for Londoners) rediscovered it, arriving at weekends for seafood at Wheelers on the high street and pints of Kentish ale at the beach-side Old Neptune pub. But it’s still an atmospheric place to head for a hit of vitamin B12 – via a dozen or so oysters – then a scrunch along the shingle shore, spotting Second World War sea forts across the waves and seals in the harbour. There are plenty of places to eat: avoid the overpriced Royal Native Oyster Stores and head instead to JoJo’s, just down the road in Tankerton, for mackerel fillets and Med-inspired small plates. Or Samphire, a Whitstable bistro with cuttlefish risotto and Romney Marsh lamb on the menu. There’s also a thriving micropub scene here, with The Handsome Sam, The Black Dog, and the larger Twelve Taps for hoppy experimentation. But our favorite pastime is picking up a pot of cockles and whelks from the quayside, or fish and chips and oysters from The Forge shack, and devouring them in the shade of a wooden groyne on the beach, preferably with a bottle of English fizz to hand.– Rick Jordan

If you decide to stay over: The Victorian fisherman’s huts on the beach are the best place in which to hole up, the sound of waves and boat masts jangling in the wind outside, and can be booked via Hotel Continental. Along the coast in Seasalter is the Driftwood Beach House B&B .

Rye, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : a bracingly fresh seaside getaway How to get there from London: The train from St Pancras International takes about 1 hour 10 minutes with a change at Ashford International.

Rye is home to what might just be Britain’s prettiest (and most prettily named) street, and a wave of newcomers have moved in alongside the quaint old-timers in Mermaid Street and beyond, opening smart interiors stores and artisan bakeries next to unironically vintage tea rooms and souvenir shops. After breakfast at Whitehouse Rye–order the halloumi hash–pick up a new read at The Tiny Book Store (the clue’s in the name) and window shop for that fantasy mansion at striking antiques shop Strand House Interiors. The blustery dunes and invigorating waters of Camber Sands, one of the best beach near London , are a 15 minute ride away on the local bus, but head back in time for a rustic supper at Tuscan Rye, where fresh pasta (ricotta ravioli with brown-butter sauce, potato and thyme tortellini in a rich ragu) draws loyal locals.– Sarah James

If you decide to stay over: Book a room at the lively George in Rye , which welcomes A-list guests (George Clooney and Helena Bonham Carter have both checked in for sleepovers) and smart locals in the same breath.

These are our favourite things to do in Rye

Margate, Kent

The best day trip from London for : a cultural day out How to get there from London: the fast train from London St Pancras takes 1 hour 25 minutes.

It’s no secret that this Victorian seaside town has had quite the hipster renaissance in recent years, sparked mostly by the arrival of the Turner Contemporary gallery in 2011 and spurred on by a slew of new openings and a wave of Londoners upping sticks and moving down to the Kent coast. For a cultural outing, the waterside Turner Contemporary is still a must. Entry is free so it’s worth popping in even if you’ve never heard of the artists on show, and the shop has some nice local products. For more contemporary art head to Crate, an artist-led project space in an old printworks. If you’d prefer something older–much older–wander over to the most ancient building in town, the Tudor House, a Grade II-listed 16th-century timber-framed house on King Street. It’s on your route from the seafront to the mysterious Shell Grotto, a spooky set of underground tunnels covered in more than four million shells.

A trip to Margate isn’t complete without a few hours in Dreamland, whether it’s for some spins on the rides or to see one of the amusement park’s impressive line-up of gigs in the evenings. Do take a stroll around town to hit up the vintage shops selling retro clothes, furniture and homewares, where you can still find some decent bargains. And don’t forget to head over to Cliff Terrace to visit the flagship store of cult natural skincare brand Haeckels, which makes divine-smelling beauty products using seaweed gathered on the beach nearby. Speaking of the beach, if you want to go swimming walk along the coast to Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, a man-made sea lagoon where you can find calm waters and steps for easier access. If you arrive early (or stay the night), tuck into cracking breakfast at Storeroom coffee shop or at Cliffs, where there’s also a record shop, a hair salon and a yoga studio. In fact, the whole up-and-coming area of Cliftonville is worth exploring. After all that roaming, great seafood can be found for dinner at either Angela’s or Hantverk & Found–reserve a table in advance though, as both get booked up. – Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over: The best beds in town are at The Reading Rooms , a boutique b&b in a restored Georgian townhouse a few minutes’ walk from the seafront. Be sure you don’t have to rush off in the morning as they’ll bring breakfast to your room so you can eat it overlooking the leafy square.

Read more about Margate's best things to do

Eastbourne, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : fair-weather walkers How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

Eastbourne is an old-timey British seaside town with a Victorian pier, a pebble beach, and a much-loved bandstand where tribute acts reign: ‘Queen’, ‘ABBA’, ‘Frank Sinatra’ and ‘Lady Gaga’ have all played. You could spend the day taking in the town’s thriving art galleries, with plenty of opportunities for refueling stops along the way (our favorite is the stripped-back-trendy Nelson Coffee Co opposite the station) but the real draw here is enjoying the great outdoors at Beachy Head, where you’ll find the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. A hike with seriously impressive views out to sea runs across the top. Wander all the way along to neighboring Seaford or make one of the secret beaches tucked away at the foot of the cliffs your way point. It’s a steep climb down, but Falling Sands Beach is quiet and sandy and well worth the adventure. Eastbourne often makes the list of the sunniest places in the UK, so don’t forget your sunglasses.– Olivia Holborow

If you decide to stay over: Book into the Beachy Head holiday cottages –there’s a choice of 8, all set around a rambling walled garden with fruit and vegetables you can help yourself to.

An insider guide to the South Downs

Brighton, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for : blasting the cobwebs away by the sea How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 34 minutes.

Brighton is a brilliant mish-mash of retro, seaside fun and progressive culture. Book in advance and you can get return tickets from London for as little as £10. A maze of bunting-lined streets, The Lanes bursts at the seams with vintage shops–don’t miss Beyond Retro and Dirty Harry, and our two favorite independent boutiques, Our Daily Edit and Peggs & Son, as well as retro memorabilia (navigate the turnstile at Snoopers Paradise for collectors’ items, vinyl, and furniture). Time your day trip to include breakfast at Kensingtons – grab a table on the balcony for giant plates piled high with eggs, toast and beans. It’s not the easiest spot to find, so look out for a shop called Artemis on Kensington Gardens, which overflows with sheepskin rugs and pelts – the café is on the left; follow the smell of bacon up the stairs. Later, reserve a table at Food for Friends, a superb veggie restaurant with award-winning flavours and presentation. A short walk away is the huge 8km pebbly beach–the section near the Palace Pier is dotted with stripy deckchairs and usually buzzing from spring to autumn (and often absolutely crammed in summer). There’s something terribly British about layering up and enjoying a windswept walk in the winter months, too. Reward yourself with a bag of hot, sugary donuts from the pier.

If you decide to stay over : Walk along the seafront to The Ginger Pig, a restaurant-with-rooms with pre-mixed cocktails in the minibars and Cowshed bottles by the standalone bathtubs.

The best restaurants in Brighton

Lewes, Sussex

The best day trip from London for : history buffs and vintage hunters How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes just over 1 hour.

Lewes: the market town in the South Downs that sits against a backdrop of chalk hills and green peaks. Cobblestoned 'twittens' (narrow streets), hand-painted shop signs and crumbling tiles from the 1960s make it feel like a town time forgot, and its slower rhythm makes for a reinvigorating gear-change. The Needlemakers on West Street is home to a range of small, independent shops that sell local craftsmanship, from jewelry to books–Alexis Dove is a favorite for delicate silverware and Susie Petrou has an eye for vintage blouses and Romanian embroidery. There’s an incongruous well at the bottom by the vintage shops – throw in a penny for good luck before you start hunting through piles of clothes and bags. Lewes Flea Market is an alluring source for antique furniture and quirky homeware, and is open daily (not to be confused with the outdoor Sunday market, which is also worth a visit). At the other end of town, at the bottom of Cliffe High Street, you can find Bill Collison’s very first Bill’s restaurant, a European deli-turned-eatery, where you can get hearty dishes such as pumpkin, fig and chestnut roast, or a beef, bacon and camembert burger. After lunch, ponder the paperbacks at the Fifteenth Century Bookshop, which has been carefully restored in recent years but remains as much of a landmark as Lewes Castle. Finish the day with a pint; Harvey’s Brewery is the only independent brewery in Sussex and provides the John Harvey Tavern over the road with local cask ales (download the self-titled app to find out where you can get it in London).

If you decide to stay over : Head to Firle for a night at The Ram Inn , and enjoy crisp linen and generous breakfasts served by an open fire.

Folkestone, Kent

The best day trip from London for: a coastal up-and-comer How to get there from London : The fast train from London St Pancras to Ashford takes 40 minutes, where you can change for Folkestone Central.

The seaside town of Folkestone is mid-makeover, which is the ideal time to visit – before everything gets priced up and the place’s quirks glossed over. The appeal of Sunny Sands beach is self-explanatory – this tiny, windswept slip of sand is one of the best beaches in Kent and the ideal spot to kick off your day (unsurprisingly, it fills up with families wielding buckets and spades, sticky with sunscreen, too). A trio of swashbuckling pubs and restaurants–The Ship Inn, The Mariner, and The Captain’s Table–lines the seafront, but the real treasure can be found in the Creative Quarter. At the bottom of The Old High Street is Bounce Vintage, an open space with rails full of retro sportswear, French chore jackets and Aloha shirts. If you exchange smiles and pleasantries with the rosy-cheeked owners, they might just offer you an espresso on the house. Failing that, further up the road, Steep Street sells specialty coffee, homemade cake and books . Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall shelves of hardbacks tower over fat leather armchairs and blackboard tables that you can doodle on in chalk. There are endless places to eat and drink around town: Rocksalt for a smart menu and sea views; Papas for old-fashioned fish’n’chips ; Beano’s for veggies; La Casa Del Bello Gelato for ice cream Follies for pizza and The Pullman for pints. The Harbour Arm, though, is where Folkestone’s own folk go – the Champagne bar hidden in the lighthouse at the end is rustic, romantic, and completely charming.

If you decide to stay over : Book a room at the Linen Shed , a dove-grey, weatherboarded house on the old Roman road to Canterbury.

The best restaurants in Kent

Oxford, Oxfordshire

The best day trip from London for : a traditional slice of British culture How to get there from London : The Oxford Tube coach service takes 1 hour 30 minutes and runs until 3am; trains also run from Paddington and Marylebone stations and take 1 hour.

In one of the most quintessentially English cities in the UK (and the most expensive to live in outside London), cream tea is not just a rite of passage – it’s a requirement. And there’s only one place to take it – The Vaults & Garden Café, signposted by the presence of an antique bicycle with a flowerbed in its basket, is a gorgeous 14th-century building surrounded by colleges (Oriel, Brasenose, Murton, All Souls), where scones come loaded with clotted cream and seasonal homemade jam (the café has serious sustainability credentials, too). Architecture is a major draw in Oxford ; the libraries, bridges and even cinemas feature Palladian domes, Norman design, ziggurat influences and listed buildings which make this a city to see on foot (Radcliffe Square is a must, and it’s worth paying £4 to climb the tower at the Church of St Mary The Virgin for the best view of Oxford). If you’re taking kids, the Pitt Rivers Museum is packed with bizarre artefacts and stories they’ll tell their friends about, and The Story Museum welcomes you through a wardrobe into Narnia and other fictional worlds of wonder. If you booked a babysitter, however, grab a drink at the brilliant Freud bar in Jericho–a stained-glass church-turned-cool-cocktail-bar that is grown-up enough to feel sophisticated but student-y enough to have plenty of atmosphere and frivolity in the air (or perhaps it’s something in the drinks).

If you decide to stay over : There are plenty of lovely hotels in the Cotswolds , such as The Wild Rabbit –the latest outpost from eco-queen Carole Bamford of Daylesford Organic fame.

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The best day trip from London for : people-watching and scenery How to get there from London : The train from London King’s Cross takes 45 minutes.

Like cycling in Amsterdam or taking trams in San Francisco , punting really is the most sophisticated way to see the city of Cambridge and the university grounds. Scudamore’s is the oldest ‘chauffeur’ company and offers a more traditional tour, but board a boat from the Garret Hostel Bridge for a younger, more humorous experience (ask your punter why the GHB is also known as Orgasm Bridge). For lunch, foodPark is a top hawker convoy of Sri Lankan curries, wood-fired pizza and open-wide burgers that sets up from 12pm until 2pm in varying locations around Cambridge from Wednesday to Friday. For something more upscale, book one of Galleria’s terrace tables on the south side of the Magdalene Bridge, with British fusion food and views of the River Cam (your gluten- and dairy-free friends will thank you, as there are two separate menus specifically catering to their diets). In the autumn, the leaf-covered colleges are particularly picturesque as they turn red and rust, and in spring, Parker’s Piece is a scenic stretch of greenery from which to navigate (spot the lamppost that supposedly inspired the post in CS Lewis’ Narnia). From here, find eccentric English shop Bowes & Co, Fitzbillies for iced buns, Aromi for Italian nibbles, Kettle’s Yard art gallery and G David for antique books. Finish your day with the choral evensong at King’s College Chapel around 5.30pm: goosebumps guaranteed. For more ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in Cambridge .

If you decide to stay over : It doesn’t get much better than the iconic University Arms hotel , reopened in 2018 after a serious reboot.

Ashdown Forest, East Sussex

The best day trip from London for: welly-wielding outdoorsy types How to get there from London : The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour to East Grinstead (a 15-minute drive from Forest Row).

AA Milne famously wrote the stories of Winnie the Pooh while living just north of Ashdown Forest. Known as 100 Acre Wood in Pooh’s world, the forest is home to the spellbinding stories and is an enchanting place to stretch your legs for a day, easily accessible via East Grinstead station. Stretches of open heathland give way to leafy walkways and carpets of bluebells in spring, where the woods teem with wildlife (spot fallow deer, badgers and the odd friendly pheasant–no honey-eating bears, though), and the only noise is birdsong. You can even visit Pooh Bridge (for a game of Poohsticks, naturally), but be warned, it’s a prominent tourist spot. Pooh was a big fan of having ‘a little smackerel of something’, and nearby village Forest Row has plenty of places for elevenses. Taffels deli is a family-run café and much-loved lunch spot (there is nothing skinny about the skinny chips; they are double-fried and divine) and caters to all dietary requirements, while Java & Jazz serves huge hot chocolates cakes and crispy-crusted pizza. For proper pub food, the cosy Hatch Inn (one of our favorite country pubs near London) is known for roasts with all the trimmings and offers plenty of dog-patting opportunities. If you’re not in a hurry to get home, head to Linton’s car park–locally known as ‘the viewpoint’–for sunset.

If you decide to stay over : Gravetye Manor is a very English Elizabethan country-house classic and one of our favorite weekend breaks in the UK .

Dungeness, Kent

The best day trip from London for : nature enthusiasts How to get there from London : The drive to Romney Marsh via the A20 and M20 takes 2 hours.

Arriving in Dungeness from London feels a little like stepping out of a Tardis into a different time zone, where a recent apocalypse has left the landscape barren, the wildlife overrun, the buildings flattened, and the population dramatically compromised (in fact, the Dungeness Power Station appeared in Doctor Who in 1971). Unofficially known as ‘Britain’s only desert’, Dungeness has a unique environment–single-story buildings appear to have been swallowed by the shingle and plants let loose with little regard for human-imposed order. The beach resembles a mass shipwreck; abandoned fishing boats, crumbling shacks, winches and forgotten tractors coated in decades of rust sit, untouched, unmoved and as mysterious as a Russell T Davies plot. There’s not a whole lot to do here – but there’s so much to see, and so much to pique your curiosity that you’ll spend the journey back Googling the area. Kids will love the sheer strangeness of it all, and it’s impossible to resist the childlike urge to climb and run and play. Few places so close to London feel like such an adventure; the journey can take less than two hours and, if you time it right, you can order the catch of the day for lunch from roadside hut the Snack Shack, which does the freshest fish, lobster rolls and ice-cold cans of San Pellegrino.

If you decide to stay over : You’ll have to venture out of Dungeness–try The Rose in Deal , a grown-up bolthole splashed with bold colors and covetable vintage finds.

The best day trip from London for : switching off How to get there from London: The train from London Waterloo to Dorking takes 50 minutes.

Surrey’s proximity to London makes the journey a breeze–and it’s an especially astute pick if you’re likely to be coming with a car full of little ones. At Henry VIII’s home Hampton Court Palace, there are family-friendly events such as beast quests and ghost tours, as well as the famous giant hedge maze, where adventurous kids can lead the troops. In winter, an ice rink is set against the historic backdrop of the palace, a building whose grandiose architecture is shaped by both the Tudor and Baroque periods. If you’re escaping the city (and the kids), however, check in at Grayshott Health Spa, a traditional country home with cutting-edge treatments. Surrounded by 47 acres of flowering gardens, it’s a peaceful place to step back and take stock. Connect with nature at Kew, too, where the Royal Botanic Gardens are open to the public all year round. The winter light show is particularly mesmerizing, when the sun starts to sink earlier and earlier. Be sure to take cash for mince pies and mulled wine as you wander through the grounds. Having been awarded a Michelin star, Steve Drake’s restaurant Sorrel in Dorking (a market town with chocolate-box charm) is currently the county’s hottest restaurant with the most exciting ‘discovery menu’.

If you decide to stay over : Surrey is home to some of the best spas near London, such as Grayshott, where the Manor House rooms offer faded charm.

Hastings and St Leonards

The best day trip from London for:  old-school seaside charm How to get there from London:  The fast train from London St Pancras International takes 1 hour 32 minutes with a change at Ashford International

There’s almost too much to fit into a one-day visit to Hastings, especially if you want to pop over to the neighbouring town of St Leonards. Over the last few years, these two East Sussex enclaves have become a popular bolthole for burnt-out Londoners looking for a bohemian seaside escape. To see what all the fuss is about, head straight to explore Hasting’s quaint Old Town, a picturesque maze of streets sandwiched between two dramatic cliffs. Pedestrianised scenic George Street is where most of the action happens, with a thrum of cafés, shops and pubs, but it’s worth wandering the surrounding streets too. Seek out AG Hendy & Co on the High Street for well-curated vintage homewares and stop into The Crown for cozy pub grub made with excellent local produce. If you’re up for a wander, get the funicular up and walk along to the cliff to Fairlight Glen, a beautiful secluded beach where clothing is optional. Or if that sounds a bit much, stay in the Old Town and explore the dramatic black fisherman’s huts on Rock-A-Nore beach where there’s Hastings Contemporary art gallery, a tiny shipwreck museum, fresh seafood stalls and a very cute miniature railway. Next up, take the 40-minute amble along the beach past the pier to St Leonards and stop off for food at the fabulous seafront café, Goat Ledge. It’s worth the trip for their crispy panko fish baps and katsu curry sauce chips alone. Nearby, there are great independent shops selling everything from candles to kimonos on Norman Road and King’s Road where you can easily spend a few hours happily browsing and café hopping before settling into dinner at Michelin-recommended pub The Royal.  Sonya Barber

If you decide to stay over:  Book into  The Old Rectory , a bijou  b&b  in Hasting’s Old Town with treatment rooms and a walled garden.

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Days out and trips in England

Find the best days out near you and plan your next day trip with our handy guide. Whether you're planning a family day out or a day trip in your local area, you'll find a range of zoos, theme parks, outdoor activities and much more to help shape your big day out in England.

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16 of the best days out

Discover fun days out that are all an hour or less away from a major city.

Explore Cheshire's slice of the Peak District

Push yourself to the limit hiking the Gritstone Trail. With outstanding countryside and amazing views, the 35-mile trail is a challenge and a pleasure.

Location: Lyme Park, Cheshire

Walk Cheshire’s beautiful Sandstone Trail

Take a walk on the wild side discovering the ancient market town of Frodsham, Georgian Whitchurch and everything in between.

Location: Frodsham, Cheshire

Savour your scoops at The Ice Cream Farm

Keep the kids happy with more than 40 delicious flavours of ice cream, an outdoor play area, farm, quad bikes, mini golf and more...

Location: Tattenhall, Cheshire

Explore the tranquil gardens at Tatton Park

Spread across the grounds of a historic estate in Cheshire, Tatton Park have been carefully expanded and cultivated since Edwardian times.

Location: Knutsford, Cheshire

Bronze Age living at Flag Fen Archaeology Park

Travel back 3,500 years to discover a prehistoric causeway at one of the finest Bronze Age archaeological site in Northern Europe, discovered 1982.

Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

Explore Nene Park in the River Nene Valley

Imagine somewhere beautiful, safe and unspoilt where you can explore endless meadows, lakes and woodland, and the River Nene.

Go punting on the River Cam

Find your inner rhythm in Cambridge as you mess about on the River Cam.

Location: Cambridge, Cambridgshire

Take the whole family to Chester Zoo

Venture to tantalising tropical islands in the heart of Cheshire with innovative exhibits at the UK’s most popular zoo.

Location: Upton near Chester, Cheshire

Get your thrills and spills at Gulliver’s World

With more than 50 rides and attractions suitable for the whole family, a short break to Gulliver's World is sure to leave you giddy with glee.

Location: Warrington, Cheshire

See London in miniature at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

See the London Eye, Big Ben and Tower Bridge made entirely of LEGO in the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort's Miniland attraction.

Location: Windsor, Berkshire

Discover dinosaur footprints on the beach

Everyone who has been to the beach has seen footprints left in the sand, but have you ever seen ones that have been left by a dinosaur?

Location: Brook, Isle of Wight

A grand day out in Dalby, Yorkshire’s greatest forest

The soft green light and dappled shadows of Dalby Forest hide a secret world of offbeat experiences and artisan adventures.

Location: Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire

Build sandcastles at Bamburgh Beach

Do you know your cockles from your winkles? St. Aidan and Grace Darling certainly did. And what better place to learn than on Bamburgh Beach.

Location: Bamburgh, Northumberland

Go on an exotic adventure at Woburn Safari Park

Explore the habitats of lions, zebras, giraffes and much more at this family-friendly, conservation-focused safari park.

Location: Woburn, Bedfordshire

Step into the cockpit of Blackpool’s Red Arrow Skyforce ride

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has joined forces with the world famous Red Arrows for a new 72ft-high white knuckle ride that’s great for family holidays.

Location: Blackpool, Lancashire

Discover summer romance in a secret city garden

Plantation Garden is a tranquil three acre lush heritage green space in the centre of Norwich, but the challenge is to find it!

Location: Norwich, Norfolk

Step into Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park

Meet their favourite characters and enjoy a variety of toddler-friendly rides at the first official Peppa Pig theme park in the world.

Location: New Forest, Hampshire

Spy on endangered wildfowl at Rutland Water Nature Reserve

Visit Rutland Water's famous wildfowl sanctuary, covering a 1,000 acres of bird hides, mucky nature trails and interactive visitor centres.

Location: Rutland Water, Rutland

Take the kids to Fantasy Island

Round up your little devils and set off to Fantasy Land - a fun-packed amusement park, in the seaside resort of Skegness, with attractions for all the family, even the smallest members!

Location: Skegness, Lincolnshire

Go bananas for Trentham Monkey Forest

Pay a visit to the only place in Britain where you can walk among 140 Barbary macaques roaming free in 60 acres of forest.

Location: Trentham , Staffordshire

Family fun at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

The appeal of Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens goes way beyond its remarkable wildlife collection to breeding programmes and exuberant gardens.

Location: Burford, Oxfordshire

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17 Absolute Best Day Trips from London (+ How to Visit, Top Tours & Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2024

London is an amazing city with so much to offer that you could spend weeks and still not see it all. But in addition to all the top sights and attractions in the city itself , there are also so many beautiful places near London, many of which can easily be visited as a day trip from London.

However, with such an array of possibilities, how do you choose the very best day trips from London that are worth your time the most?

In this article, we feature the absolute best places that you can visit as a one-day trip from London, England . This guide includes all the ‘musts’, the very best day trip destinations near London for first-time visitors, but also for local travelers who want to (re)discover some of the most popular sights near London.

In addition, for each place, we include recommendations on how to visit on your own and also the best day tours from London . Because even though you can visit many of these places by train, often, you will be able to see so much more if you go on an organized tour.

Many tours combine several major landmarks in one day, allowing you to make the most of your time and see a lot in a short time. Furthermore, going with a local guide is a great opportunity to explore deeper, scratch beneath the surface, and discover things you didn’t even know existed…

Good to know: At the bottom of this article, you can find a map indicating all the places that you can easily visit as a day trip from London mentioned in this guide. It will give you a better idea of where everything is.

TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the entire article and are looking for the best day trips from London, here are the 4 most popular day tours among our readers:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath (also in combination with Roman Baths that you can add when booking).
• Cotswolds .
• Harry Potter Studio (also in combination with Oxford).
• Seven Sisters & South Downs .

Interesting to know: Overall, the most-visited day trip destinations from London are Windsor Castle and Harry Potter Studios.

These are the best & most popular day trips from London:

1. Windsor Castle

If you visit just one place outside of London city, make it Windsor Castle ! Located just 20 miles (32 km) from the city center, a day trip to Windsor is a must on any London bucket list!

The spectacular Windsor Castle is one of the queen’s official residences and has been home to the royal family for 900 years! Kings and queens have been buried here, including the infamous Henry VIII and Jayne Seymour, his third wife. Most recently, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is also buried at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

An excellent example of church architecture in medieval times, Windsor Castle is still used for royal receptions and state occasions. In recent years it has been the venue of the weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

Open all year round, Windsor Castle is a great way to explore royal history, from touring the Castle Precincts to viewing the lavish staterooms and apartments. The Castle Grounds are both beautiful and peaceful and from there you can observe the iconic Changing of the Guard, which normally happens at 11 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from April until the end of July.

Good to know. At the moment, Windsor Castle is open daily except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Because it’s a working royal palace, sometimes parts of the castle or even the entire castle can get closed on short notice. Below, you can find all the practical information for your visit. Read on!

How to visit. You can easily get to Windsor by train from London. There’s a direct train from London Waterloo Station and it takes about 1 hour. From Windsor & Eton Riverside station, it’s just a short walk to the castle. Be sure to book your Windsor Castle tickets online in advance ! This is the best option for those who prefer to take their time and explore the castle at their own pace.

If you come here for a day, be sure to check out Windsor and Eton towns as well! The best way to do this is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus in Windsor . Another nice thing to do is take a boat tour and enjoy different views of the castle from the river.

Good to know: Entry to Windsor Palace is also included with the London Pass , which offers good value if you spend more time in London and plan on visiting many popular tourist attractions and museums.

Best tours from London. Windsor Castle is the most popular day trip destination near London, so there are many tours that can bring you here as well. Most tours that visit the castle also include one or several other nice places nearby – perfect for those who are short on time and want to make the most of their day.

Here are the most popular day tours from London that visit Windsor Castle:

• Windsor Castle only – this is a convenient bus transfer from/ to London that also includes the tickets to the castle. This tour takes about 4 hours in total – the fastest way to visit Windsor Castle from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – the most popular full-day tour from London.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – with an option to visit Roman Baths.

2. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and another extremely popular destination for London day trips. Built almost 5000 years ago by farmers in the Neolithic period, this is a spiritual and architectural wonder that many people consider an absolute must-see in the UK!

Historians still debate its original purpose, although most agree that it was probably built for spiritual reasons. Meanwhile, engineers marvel at the extraordinary skill and size of the construction project, which must have involved hundreds of workers given the very simple tools they had available at the time.

Whilst the main attraction at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the mystical Stone Circle itself, you can also view the 5 on-site Neolithic houses. Their design was based on the remains of houses from this period that were discovered during a nearby excavation in 2006.

You can step through the doors of these houses to see just how the builders of Stonehenge might have lived thousands of years ago, with each house equipped with replica axes, pottery, and artifacts.

How to visit . Stonehenge is located about 90 miles (145 km) from London. There are no direct trains to Stonehenge, but you can take a train to Salisbury train station and then take The Stonehenge Tour Bus service from there. The easiest way to get here from London is either by car or by tour. If you drive, prepare for very busy traffic and count at least 2 hours one way. If you go without a tour, be sure to book your admission tickets online in advance !

Best tours from London. Since Stonehenge is quite a drive from the city, but it doesn’t require that much time to visit, it’s usually included as one of the sights of some of the most popular day tours from London.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Stonehenge from London:

• Stonehenge only – a very popular half-day tour (morning or afternoon) that includes transportation and entrance tickets. It takes about 6 hours and is the fastest way to visit Stonehenge from London.
• Stonehenge & Bath – the most relaxing full-day tour.
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – a very complete tour that also includes an entry to the Roman Baths.

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and the most popular town that you can easily visit as a day trip from London. This picturesque historic city is filled with stunning examples of honey-colored Georgian architecture and some of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Perhaps the most famous feature of this UNESCO World Heritage City is the ancient Roman Baths built around thermal springs and supplying water for over 2,000 years. Whilst the Baths are open for you to view, no bathing has been allowed there since 1978. Instead, the much more modern Thermae Bath Spa was opened in 2006, containing the only natural hot spring in England in which you are allowed to bathe.

In the city stands the magnificent Bath Abbey , with its unique ‘ladder of angels’ on the west front. This feature was inspired by Bath’s Bishop at that time, who saw angels ascending and descending in a dream. You will also see the iconic ‘Royal Crescent’ – 30 Grade I listed terraced houses built in the late 18th century, arranged in a crescent around a verdant lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park.

Another architectural gem is the Circus , also built in the latter half of the 18th century. This historic street of large townhouses forms a circle, which is how it got its name (Circus is Latin for a ring, circle, or oval).

And perhaps most beautiful of all is the romantic Pulteney Bridge , with its small, leaded domes, pilasters, and pediments. The bridge was named after the wife of William Johnstone Pulteney, an important figure in Bath at that time and owner of much of the surrounding land. A popular thing to do in Bath is to take a short boat trip on River Avon – it allows you to easily see some of the main sights of Bath in a short time.

How to visit. Bath is about 120 miles (195 km), about 2.5 hours drive from London. If you drive, be sure to stop at Stonehenge along the way! The fastest way to get to Bath from London is by train – it takes less than 1.5 hours. And there are also many tours that visit Bath from London, usually in combination with other beautiful places nearby.

TIP. If you visit Bath on your own, you may want to take a walking tour of the city. It’s the best way to see a lot in a short time – you’ll be sure not to miss any important places, but it also gives you a better insight into the history and architecture of this unique town.

Best tours from London. Since Bath is so close to Stonehenge, most tours from London visit both of these places together. In addition, some tours also include one or several other places nearby.

Here are the most popular day tours from London to Bath:

• Stonehenge & Bath .
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath .
• Stonehenge and Bath Tour with Secret Site – a very highly rated small group tour.

One of the UK’s most famous university towns, Oxford is also a place that you can easily visit as a day trip from London.

Oxford University was established in the 12th century and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university is composed of 38 separate college buildings, whose architecture inspired the poet Matthew Arnold to name it the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ (see the picture of the All Souls College below, and you’ll understand where the name comes from).

Some scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Oxford, so it can be fun to try and spot them as you tour the city. Harry Potter fans can also opt for this popular walking tour of the filming locations .

In the heart of the city center is Christ Church College , home to the magnificent Hall and Christ Church Cathedral with its landmark spire and Tom Tower. The gardens of the 12th-century Cathedral inspired Lewis Carroll to write ‘Alice in Wonderland’. You can hunt for features of the story, such as the Alice in Wonderland motives in one of the large windows in the Great Dining Hall.

The Cathedral also contains the shrine and tomb of Saint Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford. Christ Church College – one of Oxford University’s largest colleges – has lots more for visitors to see, from the famous Bodley Tower to the stunning Meadow Building.

There are two main museums that are well worth seeing during a visit to Oxford. Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is Oxford University’s museum of art and archaeology. Free to enter, it’s a great place to learn all about human culture and societies across the world and throughout time, with its collections including everything from Egyptian mummies to contemporary works of art.

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History , meanwhile, houses a captivating collection of natural specimens, covering everything from Earth’s beginnings to a look inside an active beehive!

Connecting two parts of Hertford College is the Hertford Bridge , popularly known as the ‘Bridge of Sighs’. Named after its resemblance to Venice’s Bridge of Sighs , this particular bridge is a skyway that allows students to travel from one building to another. Designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and completed in 1914, this photo-worthy bridge is best viewed from the steps of the University’s Bodleian Library (another must-see in Oxford).

How to visit. Oxford is just 60 miles (95 km), 1.5 hours drive from London. There are also direct trains from London and the journey takes about 1 hour – this is the best way to visit Oxford on your own. There are also organized tours that visit Oxford from London – usually in combination with one or two other places nearby.

TIP: If you visit Oxford for a day, consider this walking tour . It takes just 1.5 hours and is a great way to learn more about the city and the university. River cruises are also very popular and are a fun way to explore Oxford!

Best tours from London. While you could easily fill an entire day in Oxford, most one-day tours from London only spend a few hours here and combine a visit here with several other places.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Oxford from London:

• Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford – a bucket list day trip for all Harry Potter fans!
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – see three of the most popular locations in one day.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – this is a great tour for those who want to see the English countryside. It’s also a nice addition to the popular Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath tours mentioned above. If you do two of these tours, you get to see most of the nicest day trip destinations near London in just two days.

5. Cotswolds

The scenic traditional towns and stone villages of the Cotswolds is one of the most popular London day trips for those who want to experience the true English countryside. This area is so picturesque! Below, you can find an overview of the most beautiful places not to miss.

Minster Lovell village is the home of Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote, which sits on the banks of the River Windrush. This 15th-century Oxfordshire manor house was built by William, Baron of Lovell and Holand – one of England’s richest men at the time. The house was eventually abandoned and now only the substantial ruins remain, giving lots of wonderful photographic opportunities against their beautiful rural backdrop.

A Cotswold village of outstanding beauty is Bibury , with its gorgeous stone buildings that run along the banks of the River Coln. Here you can see the iconic Arlington Row – a series of buildings that were originally built as a monastic wool store but were later converted into cottages. Now owned by the National Trust, Arlington Row is considered to be so quintessentially English that its image appears on the inside cover of UK passports.

Another village well worth visiting is Buford , with its 3 arched medieval bridges across the River Windrush. Famous for its High Street which runs down toward the river, Buford is popular for antique shopping and boasts lots of good restaurants, pubs, and tea rooms. It’s also home to a hotel in which King Charles dined with his mistress, Nell Gwynne.

Whilst there are many contenders for the title, most people will agree that Bourton-on-the-Water is the prettiest village in England. Also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, this ‘must-see’ village is named for the many beautiful bridges that cross its river at the center. Located in a small valley, Bourton-on-the-Water has many charming tea rooms and restaurants, plus a range of eclectic shops including pottery and the Cotswold Perfumery. Don’t miss the popular model village, which is a 1/9th scale replica of the entire center of the village.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting on the afternoon of the August Bank Holiday Monday, you’ll witness one of the village’s more curious traditions, in which a local team plays a full game of football right in the River Windrush. This bizarre game of soccer has been filmed and reported all over the world!

If you have more time in this area, here are some more really nice villages to see in the Cotswolds: Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester, Chipping Campden, Blockley, and Stanton .

How to visit. The Cotswolds are about 30 minutes drive west of Oxford and about 2 hours drive from London. Since the main attractions of the Cotswolds are its various villages, the best way to visit here is either by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. The beautiful Cotswolds region is just a short drive from Oxford, so many tours combine the two places. There are also popular Downton Abbey filming location tours that combine a visit here to that of the Highclere Castle, but because of time restraints, you usually only see one village on these tours.

Here is an overview of the most popular Cotswolds tours from London:

• Cotswolds only – this is the best tour for those who want to explore the Cotswolds deeper as it visits several of the nicest villages and allows you more time to experience this beautiful area.
• Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – the most popular day tour.
• Oxford and Cotswolds Villages – the best small-group tour.
• Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, and Cotswolds – this tour is packed, but well organized and you get to see some of the best places in a very short time.

6. Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small medieval market town and also a very popular place to see near London. The birthplace of William Shakespeare is probably at the top of most people’s must-see lists and the main reason to visit here.

The timber-framed house on Henley Street is where Shakespeare not only spent part of his childhood but also the first 5 years of his marriage after his father’s death in 1601. Live presentations from guides dressed in period costumes and the carefully restored Tudor rooms bring history to life.

In the many Tudor-style buildings of Stratford, you’ll also find 3 theatres owned by The Royal Shakespeare Company. They perform plays by Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and other, later writers. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is situated on the banks of the River Avon, panoramic views of which can be enjoyed from the theatre’s tower.

Also on the River Avon is the Swan Theatre , built on the side of the Royal Theatre and offering a more intimate atmosphere. The third theatre – the Other Place – is smaller and used as a center for performing arts.

For a taste of old-fashioned romance, pay a visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage a bit outside of town. This beautiful 500-year-old building was originally a farmhouse and was where William Shakespeare courted Anne, his future wife. Incredibly picturesque, the cottage still contains original features and furnishings and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Another must-see is the Hall’s Croft , the house of Shakespeare’s daughter, with stunning gardens. Inside, you can find original 16-17th-century furniture, paintings, and other items.

How to visit. Stratford-upon-Avon is about 100 miles (160 km), 2 hours drive from London. If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to visit here on a day trip from London is by joining a tour.

Best tours from London. Most tours visiting Stratford-upon-Avon from London combine it with other places nearby and only spend a few hours here. They usually include a guided walk in the town center and sometimes a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace.

Here is a small selection of the best day tours from London:

• Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds – this is one of the few tours that spend more time in Stratford and also visits Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. It also brings you to three villages in the Cotswolds.
• Oxford, Stratford, & Cotswolds – this popular tour spends about 2 hours in Stratford and covers more ground in a day.

7. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Fans of Harry Potter – and even those who have yet to experience the wizardly wonder of the movies – will enjoy a visit to the fascinating Warner Bros. studio near London . It’s one of the most popular day tours from London (after Windsor Castle), and a must if visiting London with kids .

Here, you can see firsthand some of the amazing sets used in the film’s production, including the Great Hall of Hogwarts (which went on to be used in 6 more films) and the Forbidden Forest filled with 19 trees, each with a diameter of over 12 feet. You can even see The Hogwarts Express locomotive at the elusive Platform 9¾.

There are prop rooms where you can take a close-up look at look at the elaborate props used in the Harry Potter movies. There are almost 2,000 potion jars and memory vials, all with labels hand-designed by the Graphics Department. You can also see Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which took 3 months to build and was intended to look as much as possible as a real 18th-century storefront.

If you have an interest in the making of movies, you will enjoy other parts of the studio as well. The Special and Visual Effects section reveals how some of the more incredible scenes were created, including how Harry and his friends were made invisible by the Invisibility Cloak and how they appeared to fly! Even more captivating is the Creature Effects section, where you can learn how the magical creatures in the Harry Potter films were created and brought to life.

A visit to the Making of Harry Potter Studio provides a magical and educational experience for adults and children alike. If you are looking for a fun relaxing day trip near London, this is a great option for the whole family!

How to visit. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio is located in Leavesden, Watford, about 20 miles from London city center. But because of the busy traffic, it’s quite a long drive. There’s a train from London to Watford, from where you’ll have to take a bus to the studios – the journey will take you over 1 hour not counting the time to get to the station. There are also several companies offering bus transfers from London – see below.

Best tours from London. The easiest way to get to Harry Potter Studios is by booking a transfer or a tour from London. That way you don’t have to worry about the tickets either.

This highly-rated  Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour  departs from Victoria Station, close to Westminster Catedral in the city center. There is also a popular  tour that departs from King’s Cross . The prices are usually the same and include a bus transfer and tickets. You’ll need about 7-8 hours in total for this day trip.

PRO TIP: One of the most popular tours from London is this popular tour that includes a visit to the studios and also visits Oxford . It’s a truly magical day trip as Oxford is one of the places where Harry Potter movies were filmed.

8. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace , one of the Tudor Palaces, was the former royal residence of King Henry VIII. In addition to Windsor, this is another really nice place to visit near London, especially if you are a fan of royal history.

Hampton Court is a huge, impressive baroque-style palace located at the River Thames and surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland . If you visit in spring, you can see the magnificent tulip festival. But the gardens have something nice to offer in every season, and there are various events at the Palace throughout the year.

The interior of the castle gives you a chance to take a glimpse into the daily life of royals in the 16-17th centuries. You can visit the impressive State Rooms and private apartments of William III . Also, don’t miss the kitchens of Henry VIII , where over 200 people worked in the past, cooking and serving more than 800 meals per day.

Another highlight is the magnificent Great Hall that was originally a dining room, but afterwards became a sort of theatre that was used for entertainment, plays, and dances. Back in the day, William Shakespeare performed his plays here. The highlights here include a series of tapestries showing scenes from the Book of Genesis and the impressive timber roof with Anne Bollaine’s coat-of-arms.

This is also a very nice place to visit for families, with a maze in the garden, fantastic play areas for children, and plenty of places for a picnic. When the weather is nice, you could easily spend an entire day just exploring the gardens.

How to visit. Hampton Court Palace is located on the outskirts of London, about 15 miles southwest of the city center. You can easily visit Hampton Court Palace from London by train. There is a train from London Waterloo Station to Surbiton Station, and from there to Hampton Court. It takes about 40 minutes.

In addition, there are also several tours – see below.

Good to know: Hampton Court Palace entry is included with the London Pass .

Tours from London. Because Hampton Court is quite easy to get to and explore on your own, there aren’t many organized tours. The best ones are private tours like this one ; it combines a visit to Hampton Court Palace with that of Windsor Castle. That way, you get to see two of the most impressive royal palaces near London in one day.

There are also some nice bike tours or boat tours that explore the surroundings of Hampton, starting from different locations nearby.

9. Brighton & Seven Sisters

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London and see some of the stunning nature of England, then definitely consider a day trip to the white cliffs of Seven Sisters and South Downs . At the same time, you can also visit one of the UK’s nicest coastal cities – Brighton .

Brighton is worth a trip in its own right, with all the little pleasures that a lively seaside resort has to offer. If you have some time to spare, check out the Royal Pavilion , an Asian-style palace that looks like it belongs in an Indian fairytale…

But for a sightseeing day trip from London, you can also opt for something slightly different and explore some of the beautiful nature outside of town as well.

The rolling hills of the South Downs offer so much to explore and enjoy, with spectacular views and popular spots with their own unique legends. One of the most famous is that of the Devil’s Dyke , a v-shaped dry valley whose creation was attributed to the work of the devil himself (although, as you will see, it’s far too beautiful for that!). The South Downs is also home to the Long Man of Wilmington – a 235 ft tall chalk figure on the side of a grassy hill and one of only two human hill figures in England.

Be sure to check out Beachy Head , which – at 535 feet – is the highest chalk cliff on the southern coast of England. From the top, you can see miles of coastline in either direction, plus the candy-striped lighthouse that sits just out to sea. Nearby is the Birling Gap – one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. Here you can see coastal erosion firsthand, with the cliffs eroding up to a meter a year at certain points.

Another highlight of any visit to the South Downs is the Seven Sisters – an undulating line of white chalk cliffs, each hill with its own name. They are best viewed from Seaford Head , where you can see evidence of an 8th hill beginning to form from the erosion of the sea.

TIP: Any visit to the Downs must include a visit to the popular Middle Farm , which offers such delicacies as local cheese, sparkling wines, and traditional Sussex cider.

How to visit. South Downs and the Seven Sisters are located near Brighton in south England. While you can easily get to Brighton by train from London, you’ll need a car for the other places. The best way to visit is with a tour – see below.

Best tours from London. There are just a few tours from London that visit this area. The best option is this highly-rated tour that includes a train ticket from London to Brighton and a small-group minibus tour of the sights along the coast. If you prefer to make your own way to Brighton, you can also book the same tour starting in Brighton .

TIP: If you rather book a private tour, there is one tour that offers a pick-up in your hotel in London and covers all these sights in and around Brighton.

10. Cambridge

Less than an hour by train from London, Cambridge is another beautiful town to visit for a day. Just as Oxford, it’s probably best known for its centuries-old University, and this beautiful town has lots of well-preserved historic buildings. But this medieval city is also a student town and has a very nice, relaxed atmosphere.

Don’t miss the King’s College Chapel , Queen’s College , Trinity College, and Wren Library . You can also climb to the top of the tower of Great St Mary’s Church for nice views over the city.

In addition to exploring the many colleges in the city (there are 31! of them), be sure to walk along the River Cam ! Also Cambridge has its own Bridge of Sighs . This covered bridge at St John’s College spans over the river and is a favorite photo spot for weddings as well as tourists visiting the town.

Other nice bridges worth seeing in Cambridge are the Mathematical Bridge , Clare College Bridge , King’s College Bridge , and there are many others.

A great way to explore the beautiful river, see the bridges, the town, and the surroundings is a punt tour . This traditional boat ride is a very typical thing to do in Cambridge – don’t miss it!

How to visit. Cambridge is just over 60 miles (95 km) north of London, and the easiest way to visit is by taking a direct train from King’s Cross Station in London. It takes less than 50 minutes, so you can easily visit Cambridge on your own, without a tour.

Once in Cambridge, you can take a walking tour with a local or explore on your own. The earlier mentioned punt tours on the river are also not to be missed.

Best tours from London. If you rather visit Cambridge with a tour from London, there are several options as well. We recommend this 2-in-1 tour that visits Cambridge and Oxford . That way, you get to see two university towns in one day.

11. Canterbury Cathedral & Leeds Castle

While Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral are over 20 miles apart, these two landmarks don’t require that much time and so are usually visited on the same day. In fact, they are usually combined with a short visit to Dover too, but more about it further below.

After a visit to Leeds Castle , you will not be able to help but agree with Lord Conway, who described it as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. With a romantic, fairy-tale appearance, this 12th-century gem was built in the center of a natural lake, surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland.

Leeds Castle was once used as a palace by Henry VIII and the private property of six medieval queens. Its rooms have been beautifully restored and give you the opportunity to learn all about its long and fascinating history.

In addition to the Lady Baillie Garden, which gives stunning views across the lake, the grounds also hold one of Kent’s most popular mazes, with 2,400 yew trees. Once you reach the maze’s center, a fascinating underground grotto takes you back to the real world!

One of the most famous and picturesque Christian buildings in England, Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597, then extensively rebuilt from 1070 to 1077. It is the Cathedral of the leader of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and is still used for active worship.

The Cathedral contains the shrine of Archbishop Thomas Becket and you can stand on the spot upon which he was murdered, as told in Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous ‘Canterbury Tales’.

Also the medieval town center of Canterbury, with its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses, is a nice place to see if you have more time. It’s a popular day trip from London for locals. Also here, you can take traditional boat tours on the river.

How to visit. Unless you have a car, the easiest way to visit Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral is by taking a tour. If you just visit one of these places, you could also get there by public transport. For Leeds Castle, you have to take a train to Ashford, followed by a bus trip to the castle. For Canterbury, there’s a direct train from London, and you can make a nice relaxing day trip by visiting this picturesque town.

Best tours from London. There are several tours from London that visit these places. You can find them here and they are all quite similar in terms of itinerary.

12. White Cliffs of Dover & Dover Castle

“There’ll be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover” went the words to the popular wartime song – and if you’re familiar with the song then it’s quite incredible to see the inspiring white cliffs for yourself. If you are looking for something different to see near London than historic towns and villages, Dover is a wonderful place to visit!

Composed of chalk, Dover’s cliffs are 350 ft high and stretch for 8 miles. They were on the front line of both world wars and were a critical part of England’s defenses at that time. Now, they provide wonderful views across the surrounding countryside and the English Channel. On clear days you can even look across and see France!

The unique chalky grassland habitat of the cliffs means that they are abundant in wildlife and you can see all sorts of flowers, butterflies, and birds as you walk, including the rarely spotted peregrine falcon.

You can either spend your visit simply enjoying the cliff-top views, or take a short trip to see Dover Castle too. Dover Castle is one of England’s biggest castles and was built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Ironically, he built it to stop anyone from invading the country using the way in which he’d invaded it himself!

A visit to the Castle includes exploration of the tunnels that go deep into the cliffs, where you can learn all about the dramatic evacuation from Dunkirk and see the Underground Hospital that was used to treat injured soldiers in WWII.

How to visit. Dover is about 80 miles southeast of London. You can take a direct train to Dover from London and visit the town and the castle, and take a walk along the shore from where you can admire the beautiful white cliffs. Alternatively, you can also visit here with some day tours from London – see below.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that visit Dover from London, usually in combination with a few other places and Dover is often not more than a short photo stop. Here are the most popular day tours:

• Dover, Leeds Castle & Canterbury Cathedral – the most popular and best price/quality tour from London.
• Dover, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Greenwich – quite a full day, but you get to see a lot in a short time.

13. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a very impressive country house in Woodstock, about 65 miles northwest of London. This is England’s only non-royal country house that actually holds the title of a palace.

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill currently the home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is a stunning example of 18th-century Baroque architecture. During your visit, you will see the magnificent staterooms, which are filled with priceless works of art and beautiful tapestries. A grade I listed building and World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace also contains the finest collection of antiques to be found anywhere in Europe.

The gardens – set within over 754 hectares of land – are particularly wonderful to explore. Designed by the English landscape architect Capability Brown, there are several formal gardens to enjoy. Don’t miss the Rose Garden, the exquisite Water Terraces, the Secret Gardens, and the family-friendly Pleasure Gardens.

Historical monuments can be seen throughout, including the Column of Victory (built to commemorate the Duke of Marlborough’s military successes), the Grand Bridge which spans the two lakes and The Temple of Diana, where Sir Winston Churchill proposed to his future wife.

There are also a few recommended walks to take. Possibly the most beautiful is The Lake and Grand Cascade walk, which gives you breathtaking views of the countryside.

Good to know: The Palace and the grounds are so big and have so much to offer that you can easily spend an entire day here. In fact, many people find that one day isn’t even enough and many locals get a yearly pass for the Palace. However, many tours only spend a few hours here and just cover the main highlights. So how to visit depends on what you want to see and do here.

How to visit. The easiest way to visit Blenheim Palace is by car or with a tour, but you can also get here by public transport. From London Paddington Station, take a train to Hanborough (a bit over 1 hour), and from there, take a bus to the palace (it takes 7-10 minutes). If you want to spend an entire day at the palace, this is the best way to visit on a day trip from London.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that shortly visit Blenheim Palace from London. The best tour that spends more time at Palace is this Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds tour. This tour also includes a few short photo stops at other popular locations nearby.

14. Downton Abbey Filming Locations

Downton Abbey filming locations close to Oxford and the Cotswolds make another popular day trip destination from London. There are two main places that you’ll want to see here – Bampton village and Highclere Castle .

Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and another fine example of luxurious life in the English countryside. It has been used for various film sets but became hugely popular since the filming of the TV series Downton Abbey . It’s now a very popular place to visit from Oxford or from London. The castle belongs to the Carnarvon family and is kept as it is, without turning it into a ‘theme park’ like some other castles in the area.

Another must-see for Downton Abbey fans is the beautiful village of Bampton . You’ll recognize many of the buildings here from the series, and it’s great fun to try to spot them during your visit!

Be sure to locate the home of Isobel Crawley, the church (actually named St. Mary’s), two fictional pubs – the Grantham Arms and the Dog and Duck – plus the Downton Cottage Hospital. The building used for the hospital is, in reality, the Bampton Community Archive, which houses a collection of old photos of the village and its people.

Bampton is a lovely village to visit in its own right. It is mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 and was already a large settlement during the era of the Norman Conquest. On the other hand, it’s so small that you don’t need much time here.

How to visit. Highclere Castle is located about 65 miles (105 km) west of London, whereas Bampton village is about 30-40 miles from here, very close to Oxford. The best way to visit these places is either by car or by taking a tour.

Best tours from London. There are several tours visiting Downton Abbey filming locations from London. Some of the tours also visit Oxford, some others pass several villages of Cotswolds as well. This tour has the most complete itinerary covering most of the Downton Abbey filming locations.

The picturesque village of Lacock in rural Wiltshire near Bath is another place often visited on day tours from London. It’s a small village and you don’t need much time here, but it’s well worth a stop if touring the area.

The historic village of Lacock looks much as it did two centuries ago. Founded in the Saxon era, Lacock’s buildings originally made up part of a monastery complex (be sure to visit Lacock Abbey !). In the 19th century, it lost its main source of income from the wool industry, so very little development has taken place since then.

This means that this unspoiled little village gives an authentic look into days gone by. In fact, you can still see an old workhouse and medieval tithe barn in addition to the traditional stone cottages, with classic English pubs dotted throughout.

The village’s beauty makes it a popular choice as a TV and film location. Scenes from Pride and Prejudice were filmed here and Lacock Abbey was also used to film parts of Harry Potter.

Lacock was also used in Downtown Abbey, but because of its location, it’s usually a place you’d visit in combination with Bath and Stonehenge and not together with Highclere castle or Bampton. Unless you drive – in that case, you could make your own tour covering all three.

How to visit. Because of its rural location, Lacock is best visited by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. There are many tours that stop in Lacock, usually in combination with a visit to Bath, Stonehenge, sometimes also with Windsor Castle. This is the most popular tour that also brings you to Lacock (in addition to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath).

16. Warwick Castle

If you want to visit a real medieval castle near London, consider a day trip to Warwick Castle . With a history that goes back over 1000 years, a visit here takes you on a journey back in time, to a world of historic myths and battles for the English throne, but also lavish banquets, and royal splendor.

The castle was originally built as a wooden fort in 1068 and was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. As you arrive, you enter over the footbridge and find an impressive medieval castle with ramparts and towers. You can climb the stairs of the castle walls and explore this impressive castle inside out.

A visit to Warwick Castle is very different than the others mentioned in this guide – it has something of a theme park feel if you like. There are various events, shows, attractions, archery and sword lessons, and lots of other fun experiences all year round.

This is one of those places where locals visit with their children during weekends and school holidays, but it’s also fun and entertaining for tourists. Even more so if you are traveling with a family.

How to visit. Warwick Castle is located about 100 miles (160km), 2 hours drive from London. If you want to spend more time at the castle, by far the easiest way to visit Warwick from London for a day is by train.

There are direct trains from London Marylebone Station to Warwick Railway Station, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. From the station, it’s about 20-30 minutes walk to the castle. Be sure to check the official website of the castle for more info and book your tickets in advance!

Best tours from London. Most tours from London that visit Warwick Castle do this in combination with Oxford and Stratford. Some also stop at one or two villages in the Cotswolds. Here you can find a selection of tours that include a visit to Warwick Castle .

17. Liverpool & The Beatles

While not exactly next door, we feel that Liverpool also deserves a mention as a place that you can visit on a day trip from London. If you are a fan of The Beatles , a visit here is a bucket-list experience and well worth the journey.

A visit to Liverpool gives a fascinating look into the lives and times of 4 local lads who formed what would become one of the most famous bands in the world. A good starting point from which to enjoy this vibrant Victorian city is the Royal Albert Dock, which is made up of refurbished dock warehouses and is now packed with restaurants, cafes, and many attractions.

The Beatles Story is an award-winning, permanent exhibition totally devoted to the Fab Four! Located on the Dock, it contains lots of authentic memorabilia and provides an immersive experience for visitors. Even children are catered for in the Exhibitions Discovery Zone. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance !

Another interesting part of the visit for die-hard Beatles fans is the Magical Mystery Tour , which you take via a colorful tour bus that sets off from the Royal Albert Dock. In addition to the birthplaces, homes, schools, and original workplaces of the Beatles, you will also see the places that inspired some of their greatest hits, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Liverpool

How to visit. The best way to visit Liverpool as a day trip from London is by taking a train (going by car would be about 4 hours one way). The journey by train takes 2 – 2.5 hours and there are many trains throughout the day, but be sure to book in advance and start your day as early as possible!

Once in Liverpool, you can take the earlier-mentioned Magical Mystery bus tour. Definitely visit the Beatles Story exhibition as well!

TIP: If you find it overwhelming to arrange everything yourself, you can also book a day tour to Liverpool from London. Most of these ‘tours’ are actually individual trips where everything from train tickets to all activities is pre-arranged for you. See below.

Best tours from London. This Liverpool and The Beatles day tour is the most popular and probably the best option. It includes reserved train seats, an entry to the Beatles Story exhibition, and also a ticket to the 2-hour Magical Mystery Tour!

Good to know: The above-mentioned tour from London to Liverpool starts at Euston Station in London and is normally available every day except Sundays. You’ll have to meet their representative at the station at 6.30 AM, so prepare for this to be a long day!

LEARN MORE: How to Plan a Day Trip to Liverpool from London

Map of the best places to visit as a day trip from London & practical info

To give you a better idea of where all these places are located, we created a map indicating all the best day trip destinations from London mentioned in this guide. You can click on the map below in order to see it on Google Maps.

Good to know: As already mentioned, many of the most popular day trip destinations from London can be visited with organized tours or by train .

We don’t recommend renting a car if you are staying in London – the traffic is so busy in and around the city that it would be a nightmare for someone who’s not used to it. Renting a car would only make sense if you are planning a longer road trip, outside of the cities.

For organized tours , we recommend booking via the GetYourGuide website . They have a great selection of tours at the most competitive rates and the best cancelation policy and customer service out there. We personally book all tickets and tours via this website when we travel anywhere in the world.

So, this is our guide to some of the most popular day trips and tours from London. I hope that this helps you choose a few nice places to visit near London and make your trip even more memorable.

For more travel inspiration for London and the UK, please see our featured articles below. Check it out!

More travel tips and inspiration for London:

• Must-see in London: Top London Attractions
• Hidden Gems of London
• Camden Market
• What to See in Camden Town
• Best Views in London
• London Travel Tips
• Where to Stay in London
• 1 Day in London
• 2-day London Itinerary
• London with Kids
• Family Afternoon Tea in London
• Best Things to Do in Greenwich
• Painted Hall
• Queen’s House and Tulip Stairs

READ ALSO: Traditional British Food & Where to Try It in the UK

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel tips and inspiration for all over the UK:

• Cities: Best Cities to Visit in the UK
• Cornwall: Best Places to Visit in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Yorkshire: Yorkshire Day Trips
• Liverpool: Best Things to Do in Liverpool & The Beatles in Liverpool
• Manchester: Best Things to Do in Manchester & 1-day Manchester Itinerary
• Scotland: Isle of Skye Itinerary & Scotland Whisky Tour
• Edinburgh: Top Places to See in Edinburgh & One Day in Edinburgh & Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
• Glasgow: One Day in Glasgow
• Seaside: Best Things to Do in Blackpool & Blackpool Travel Tips & Places to See Near Blackpool
• …for more destinations, check our UK travel guide .
• Read also: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Lacinda Mena

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

I am traveling with a group of six. We would like to depart London on September 4 and view Stonehedge, Windsor, and Bath on our way to Southampton. Do you know of any tours that would offer this service?

Hi Lacinda, no, I don't personally know any tours that offer this kind of service. I found this private tour that visits all the places that you mentioned from London. It's one of the cheapest and best-rated tours in its kind. However, I'm not sure if they wouldn't mind dropping you off somewhere else. You could probably book it and then contact them and ask what is possible. If it's not what you are looking for, you can cancel it. I see that the tour has free cancelation, so that's how I would do it. Otherwise, try to search the internet for private drivers and ask for a quote. Good luck!

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

Amazing blog! Was looking for something like this for my trip to London in a few days, and this has been really useful information; the detail with which you describe are amazing. Plus the alternatives to get there and the map, loved it all! Thanks for taking the time.

Thursday 27th of April 2023

Glad to help and thanks a lot for taking the time to leave this kind feedback, Alex! Have a great trip!

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Awesome! Thanks for the info!

Saturday 4th of February 2023

This was great information. Thanks

Monday 6th of February 2023

Glad to help. Have a great time in the UK!

Thursday 15th of December 2022

Love this blog!!! I am planning a trip to London with my son in February! This is exactly the information we are looking for! Super helpful!!

Friday 16th of December 2022

Glad to help, Holley. Have a great time in London!

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20 of the best day trips around England

By: Author Monica

Categories Blog , UK

The best day trips around England are outside of the big cities and here are 20 of the best places to visit around England (that aren’t London!)

Top thing to do in Windsor: Visit Windsor Castle

Windsor is an easy 40-minute train journey west of London so it makes a great day trip from London. The historic city dates back to the 11th century when it was founded by William the Conqueror!

You can walk along the River Thames, explore the pretty parks and check out the shops, but the top thing to do in Windsor is undoubtedly visiting the royal residence, Windsor Castle.

If you watched one of the Royal weddings from the last few years on TV then you’ve seen Windsor Castle! It’s incredible to witness such an impressive castle IRL and one of the British Royal family’s residences in person. Remember, if you see the Union flag flying on top of the castle then the King is not home!

This has been a royal home for over 900 years and is the largest occupied castle in the world.

Here’s a half day trip to Windsor Castle with tickets for an easy day trip from London.

2. The Peak District 

Best thing to do in the peak district: hiking followed by a country pub lunch.

Visiting the Peak District National Park has to be one of the best day trips around England because it’s gorgeous – but it’s also close to so many other cities so it’s great for a day trip from Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Liverpool, and Birmingham. .

The Peak District is picture-perfect countryside but it’s less than 90-minutes from these major cities, plus it has charming spa towns like Buxton, stately homes like Chatsworth House, and delicious villages like Bakewell.

If you prefer more active days out, book a rock climbing excursion on Hathersage Edge. You could also hike along Cave Dale or explore the limestone caves at Blue John Cavern. Winnats Pass is a very scenic mountain drive in the Peaks, as long as you’re okay with narrow roads and hairpin bends.

Read more: Chee Dale Hike – A secret alternative to the Monsal Trail

Best thing to do when you visit Oxford: Visit the beautiful university buildings

Oxford day trips are popular day trips for a reason! Oxford is a go-to day trip from London and it’s only a one-hour train journey south of Birmingham too. Most of the top things to do in Oxford revolve around the prestigious university and some of the best buildings to visit are Christchurch College and the Bodelian Library.

On a warm summer’s day, go punting on the River Cherwell (it’s worth paying for a professional to punt for you, trust me!) and climb up Carfax Tower for lovely views. And if the heavens open, dive inside the Covered Market or the quirky Pitt Rivers Museum.

Read more: Things to do in Oxford during your first visit

I highly recommend taking a walking tour of the uni with an Oxford student!

4. Northumberland Coast

Best thing to do in northumberland: visit bamburgh castle.

Staying in or around Newcastle? There are plenty of places to explore on the Northumberland Coast that make excellent day trips. Bamburgh Castle is a phenomenal structure that looks even more impressive perched on a rugged cliff edge. And it’s near to Lindisfarne, an inhabited holy island that is only accessible when the tide is out.

Alnwick is an old market town where you can find Barter Books, one of the largest second-hand bookshops in Europe. This town’s namesake castle is one of the top Harry Potter locations where you can even take broomstick-flying lessons!

Read more: Visiting Bamburgh Castle

5. Brighton

Top thing to do in brighton: walk along brighton pier.

There’s always so much going on in the seaside resort city of Brighton. Whether they’re celebrating England’s largest arts festival with Brighton Fringe in June or one of the biggest Pride events in August, you’re never far away from a good time.

No matter when you visit, the stunning Brighton Palace Pier, beach, and brightly coloured houses will be there to greet you. It’s an ideal day trip from London or smaller cities along the coast like Portsmouth.

Read more: An insider’s guide to Brighton and Hove

For great views across Brighton, it’s well worth going up the Brighton i360

6. The Jurassic Coast

Best thing to do along the jurassic coast: visit durdle door in dorset.

Further west along the south of England is the Jurassic Coast stretching 96 miles from Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in Devon. This slice of coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its unique geological characteristics. Parts of the Jurassic Coast are easily accessible from Exeter or Bournemouth and even Southampton or Portsmouth.

You can walk part of the coastal trail or marvel at the limestone Durdle Door in Dorset. Book a fossil walk to see if you make any impressive discoveries and check out Corfe Castle, Old Harry Rocks, and the nature reserve at Abbotsbury.

Read more: A weekend guide to Dorset

You can do day trips to Durdle Door from Bournemouth which is easiest if you don’t have a car.

Best thing to do in York: Go shopping along the Shambles

York is a great alternative day out to Oxford if you’re based in Leeds or Sheffield (or Manchester, at a push). It’s a historic city built by the Romans on the River Ouse with medieval streets like the Shambles prompting comparisons to Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.

You can visit the 13th-century York Minster cathedral, York’s city walls, and so many other historic landmarks. There are a surprising number of great craft beer and cocktails bars in York too!

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, check out the Harry Potter themed walking tour in York .

8. The Cotswolds

Best thing to do in the cotswolds: have lunch in a charming town such as castle combe.

The Cotswolds has been a firm favourite amongst day trippers and staycationers for decades. The area is filled with adorable villages nestled into lush green hills is an official area of outstanding natural beauty and there’s no better descriptor for The Cotswolds than that. 

This is a great day trip from Bristol or Bath. But if you can handle a 12+ hour day then it’s doable from London too. Driving is best so you can visit as many charming towns as possible like Bibury for Arlington Row, Castle Combe, and Stow-on-the-Wold for Yew Tree Door.

Read more: A family weekend in the Cotswolds

If you’re taking a day trip from London to the Cotswolds then day tours are available.

Top thing to do in St Ives: Visit the Tate St Ives

Not forgetting about the southwest coast, St Ives in Cornwall is an ideal day trip from Plymouth or Exeter. It’s a postcard-perfect seaside town with lots of pleasure boats in its marina and surf beaches nearby.

But St Ives is mostly famous for its art scene. The Tate St Ives is a brilliant modern art museum with exhibitions that are constantly rotating. You can also buy local art from galleries like Blue Bramble Gallery and the Harbour Galleries.

10. Hadrian’s Wall

Only 10% of the wall that the Roman Emperor Hadrian built almost 2,000 years ago in Northern England is still standing. But there are plenty of forts and other interesting sites left to see which makes for a great day out if you have kids. 

Chesters Roman Fort, Housesteads Fort, and Vindolanda Fortress are super close to Newcastle. Sycamore Gap, a huge tree that grows out of dip in the wall, is an incredibly beautiful site too. And if you’re in the city of Carlisle in Cumbria, you can visit Birdoswald Fort which is closer to the west.

Read more: Why visit Hadrian’s Wall?

Best thing to do in Whitby: Visit Whitby Abbey

Who doesn’t love spending a day at a classic British seaside town that almost never promises beach weather? Whitby is exactly that for cities in Yorkshire like Leeds and York. Luckily, there are lots of other things to do here besides stubbornly eating ice cream on the beach as the strong wind throws sand in your face.

Some sources claim that Whitby’s Gothic Abbey was the inspiration for Dracula’s castle in the original Bram Stoker novel. Captain Cook lived in Whitby for a while and you can visit a museum dedicated to him or climb the 199 steps up St Mary’s Church Tower for lovely coastal vistas. And when the sun is shining, Whitby Beach with its multicoloured beach huts is actually a stunning place to spend the day.

Read more: A perfect Whitby Travel Guide

12. Chester

Best thing to do in chester: admire the unique ‘rows’.

Chester is a small historic city near the Welsh border and it’s a great, easy day trip from Manchester, Liverpool or North Wales. It really deserves to get just as much recognition as York because they’re very similar. Also built by the Romans, Chester’s city walls are so well-preserved, you can still walk along them!

It must have one of the prettiest high streets in England with lots of Tudor-style half timber buildings and a beautiful Victorian clock as the centrepiece. If you visit in the right season, you can enjoy a day at Chester Races or enjoy a walk along the canals and through Chester Meadows.

Read more: 100 things to do in Chester

13. Suffolk Coast

Best thing to do along the suffolk coast: go walking along the wild beaches.

The Suffolk and Essex coastal towns are so underrated! Places on the seaside like Gorleston-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, and Frinton-on-Sea might not sound as sexy as Brighton or Eastbourne but they’re so pretty and great places to enjoy a day at the beach.

Plus, the Suffolk Coast is much more convenient for a day trip if you are based in Norwich or Cambridge. You’ll find Victorian bandstands and piers, funfairs, and long stretches of clean and safe white sands.

14. Cambridge

Best thing to do in cambridge: go punting along the river.

Speaking of Cambridge, it’s one of the best day trips around England if you’re staying in London or Birmingham. This university city resides on the River Cam with a notable and historic building around every corner. King’s College and King’s College Chapel along with Trinity College are a couple of the most impressive University of Cambridge buildings you should visit.

Like Oxford, you can try punting along the river where you’ll see Cambridge’s own Bridge of Sighs. But if you’re visiting in winter, check out The Fitzwilliam Museum for quirky antiquities and classical art.

When visiting Cambridge, I highly recommend taking a tour of the university with students who can give you an insight into uni life!

15. Seven Sisters Cliffs

The White Cliffs of Dover might be the most famous chalk cliffs in England, but the Seven Sisters Cliffs are just as impressive plus easier to visit. It’s an easy day trip from Brighton and not far from Portsmouth or cities in Kent.

You can walk along the beach to the Coastguard Cottages for the most stunning views. And don’t forget to drive a few minutes down the road to check out Beachy Head Cliffs and the Beachy Head Lighthouse too.

You can take a day trip from London to the Seven Sisters Cliffs which is easiest if you don’t have a car.

16. The Yorkshire Dales

Best thing to do in the yorkshire dales: visit ingleton waterfalls.

The Yorkshire Dales is the second biggest national park in England after the Lake District. While the Lake District maybe slightly more popular, the Yorkshire Dales are much easier to visit as a day trip around England. The Dales is less than a 90-minute drive from Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.

Explore the charming market towns like Settle. Hike vast geological formations like Malham Cove and stroll along the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. Witness the stunning 19th-century 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct and be amazed at how much there is to see in this often overlooked part of England.

17. Isle of Wight

Best thing to do on the isle of wight: visit the picture perfect town of shanklin.

Not many of England’s islands are close enough for a day trip, but the Isle of Wight is only a 45-minute ferry ride (or should I say hovercraft ride!) from Southampton or Portsmouth.

It’s like a miniature England with lots of beaches, hikes, pubs, and historic monuments. If you have kids, hop on board the Isle of Wight Steam Railway or the Monkey Haven animal rescue centre.

18. Stratford-Upon-Avon

Best thing to do in stratford-upon-avon: visit shakespeare’s childhood home.

Stratford-Upon-Avon is a market town that dates back to medieval times and is known for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare. It’s one of the best day trips around England for cities in the Midlands region like Birmingham.

You can actually visit Shakespeare’s childhood home and approximately 5,000 other buildings and monuments dedicated to the Bard. If you haven’t had much to do with the famous playwright since high school, visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon is a fun way to swot up!

19. North Wessex Downs

Best thing to do in north wessex downs: visit the filming location of downton abbey.

This area of outstanding natural beauty is right in the middle of Bristol and Bath to the west and London to the east, so it’s an ideal day trip from London. Nature lovers should visit White Horse Hill, which features a white horse that was etched into the landscape during prehistoric times.

Fans of lavish stately homes and gripping TV dramas have no choice but to pay Highclere Castle in Newbury a visit. This Victorian country house transformed into Downton Abbey for all six seasons of the show and it’s even more spectacular in real life.

20. Stonehenge

Overseas travellers are probably more keen to visit Stonehenge on a day trip than Brits. But these UNESCO standing stones are such an iconic landmark, it had to make the list! 

Bath and Southampton are the closest cities to Stonehenge but many make the trip from Bristol and London too.

Stonehenge is actually quite fascinating for good reason. We know the stones were transported from Wales during the Neolithic period around 2500 BC. But to this day, no one knows why! Stonehenge is somewhere everyone in England has to visit at least once and if you’re going to do it, do it right and head down during the summer solstice for that gorgeous midsummer light.

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17 day trips from London to escape the city

Whether you’re after a seaside jaunt or a country retreat, here are the best trips from London we’re planning right now

As much as we love London here at Time Out, we’re also partial to the odd daydream about a leisurely getaway to somewhere that’s not quite so big and busy. Microdose on that holiday vibe by taking a day trip to one of the many laidback, joy-inducing destinations just a few hours away from London, which pack in plenty; from historic cities and cute villages to sandy beaches and rolling countryside.

If you’re wanting a quick getaway, here are 17 of the Time Out team’s favourite day trips from London, complete with our recommendations of cute pubs and ace restaurants – all close enough to the city to get there and back in one sweet day. 

RECOMMENDED: ✨The best day trips from London 👪 The best  family day trips from London ☀️ The best  weekend trips from London 🏘️ The best  Airbnbs near London 🌳 The best  quirky Airbnbs in the UK

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Dreamy day trips from London

1.  St Leonards-on-Sea

Famed for how many Londoners moved here during lockdown (it’s even been referred to as Dalston-on-Sea, which is cringe, we’ll admit), St Leonards-On-Sea is a cracking day out from the Big Smoke for beachside drinks and a tonne of great food spots. Head to food market Heist  (basically a much nicer version of Boxpark) for orange wine and street food, then sink pints at Goat Ledge , a vibesy, colourful shack right on the beach. If you fancy splashing out a little, book dinner at the fabulously old-school  St Clement’s for white tablecloths and delicious seafood. Plus you've got easy access to the rest of Hastings for its Old Town, pier and the Norman castle ruins.

How far? 58 miles

How to get there: A one hour 18 minute train from London Charing Cross

2.  Dungeness

Dungeness’s shingly, shipwreck-dotted beach is so spookily empty that it’s been described as Britain’s only desert (though the Met Office refuses to technically recognise it as such, the party poopers). It’s a beautifully eerie landscape, with the (disused) nuclear power station and two lighthouses looming over a motley mixture of weathered shacks, beached fishing boats and sleek, modernist bungalows – all clustered along a single in-and-out road.

But despite all that emptiness, there’s a surprising amount to do here. You could catch the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch steam train down the coast, and hop off in Dungeness for a walk and a pint at the lonely Britannia Inn. Grab a freshly-caught lunch at the famous Snack Shack: specialities include lobster or crab rolls and smoked cod chowder. And check out the galleries and open houses showcasing the work of the (surprisingly) many artists who have moved down here, including the shingle garden of the experimental filmmaker Derek Jarman, whose yellow-windowed Prospect Cottage is a major landmark here. Book in advance for a 40-minute tour inside.

If you’ve got time, head over to RSPB Dungeness nature reserve for a chance to glimpse glossy ibises and marsh harriers – plus the huge concrete ‘sound mirrors’, pre-radar experiments from WW1 that were designed to listen out for planes. (Look out on the RSPB site for news of the rare open days when you can get up close.) Finish off your day with dinner at the Pilot Inn; I’m willing to back the quality of their famous fish and chips, which were the thing that brought Derek Jarman here in the first place.

How far? 86 miles

Get there O ne hour  by train from St Pancras International to Folkestone, with a one-hour 30-minute bus ride to Dungeness. Or take a bus or taxi from Folkestone to Hythe station to board the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. Alternatively, Dungeness is  around two hours from London by car.

3.  Stratford-upon-Avon

As a born-and-bred Midlander, I’ve spent many Saturdays traipsing around Stratford-upon-Avon’s lovely streets. With its half-timbered houses and canalside pubs, Stratford’s got just enough of the  small-town charm you’re craving on an escape from the Big Smoke, but unlike a small town, there’s actually loads to see and do.  

The Bard, of course, is the big draw here, and Shakespeare’s house, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage and the RSC’s famous theatre are all must-sees. But Stratford is more than just a Tudor Disneyland, we promise. Take a boat tour of the canal basin to find out more about the West Midlands waterways, refresh yourselves in the Grade II-listed Old Thatch Tavern and stop for a scoop of Eton mess ice cream at Hooray’s British Gelato Kitchen. 

How far? 104 miles

Get there T wo hours 15 minutes  by train from Marylebone; around two hours by car. 

4.  Whitstable

Don’t even think about thinking about it: Whitstable is far from overhyped. Sure, the secret is most definitely out about this fabulous little seaside town, but the vibes here are as great as they were 20 years ago. Grab brunch at Farm & Harper , fish and chips at Ossie’s and a glorious pint of craft at the Twelve Taps , and treat yourself to a dozen oysters to go at Wheelers Oyster Bar on the high street. Once you’ve walked the length of the beach and admired the beach huts, settle in at the famous pub-on-the-beach Old Neptune for a pint and wait for sunset to fall. Plus, Whitstable is so near, you’ll be back home before you can say ‘ another   bank holiday?’. But that’s if you don’t miss the last train.

How far? 50 miles

Get there One hour 15 minutes from St Pancras International, around two hours by car.

5.  Brighton

With its pebble beach, wall-to-wall live music venues and buzzing LGBTQ+ scene, there’s nowhere better for topping up your Vitamin Sea levels than Brighton . Start your day by dodging seagulls on the Palace Pier, then shop up a storm in the Lanes, which are packed with independent boutiques, record stores and vegan eateries. Sit down with a couple of pints in the Brighton Beer Dispensary, which champions small Sussex breweries like the Hand Brew Co.

How far?  A little over 50 miles

Get there One hour by train from Victoria, Blackfriars or London Bridge; around two hours by car. 

6.  The New Forest

A trip to the New Forest is about as close as you can get to going on safari without buying a plane ticket. As you make your way down dappled lanes and across the heather-covered heath you’ll be watched the famous ponies, which have grazed there for thousands of years, plus free-ranging Highland cattle and pigs hoovering up fallen acorns. Don’t fancy being stuck in the car all day? Hire a two-seater electric Twizzy buggy to explore in, or book a beginners’ hack at one of the stables. Don’t forget to make time for a proper ploughman’s lunch at the Royal Oak in Fritham.

How far? 90 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Waterloo to Brockenhurst; around two hours by car. Just remember that animals, not drivers, have right of way here.

7.  Rye

The antique shops and higgledy-piggledy cobbled lanes of Rye make it feel like a little slice of the Cotswolds on the coast. After you’ve satisfactorily browsed around the accurately named Tiny Book Store, treat yourself to a seafood lunch surrounded by lobster pots at Globe Inn Marsh, followed by Sussex real ale or a glass of local wine at The George. The Chapel Down vineyard is just up the road and well worth a visit if you want to know the ins and outs of wine-making – or simply enjoy a tipple with their signature wine tasting. Ten minutes away are the pillowy dunes of Camber Sands: roll your trousers up and splash through the shallows, take a kite for a spin or just park your towel and stretch out.

How far? 79 miles.

Get there  One hour 10 minutes by train from St Pancras International (with a change at Ashford); around two hours by car. 

8.  Box Hill

Biking to green and pleasant Surrey is a wheely nice way to spend a Sunday (sorry) – plus, Box Hill was part of the 2012 Olympic road-cycling route. Start in Richmond Park and pedal down past Hampton Court – it should take you about two hours. After a 1.6 mile climb and some hairpin bends (easier than it sounds!), you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the North Downs from the top of Box Hill. Grab a slice of cake from the National Trust café, and save space for lunch at The Tree, which serves homemade pies and crumbles. Your last stop is Box Hill and Westhumble station, where you can load your bikes on to a train back to Waterloo. Whew!

How far? 30 miles

Get there  Two hours by bike (obviously). Plan the route carefully before you set out, and take a map and a puncture repair kit, plus water and snacks.

9.  Bath

A glorious water-themed day awaits you in the city of Bath . Start as you mean to go on with a tour of the Romans baths (no paddling allowed, you’ve been warned), before making a splash in the Thermae Bath Spa – the rooftop pool has stunning views of the city. Once you’ve dried off, make like Jane Austen and stroll along the Royal Crescent. Peckish? Sally Lunn’s teahouse is home to the Sally Lunn Bun, a kind of sweet brioche bap – for a Bath take on the cream tea, order one toasted and spread with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

How far? 115 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Paddington; two hours 30 minutes by car. 

10.  Mersea Island

Attached to the mainland by a causeway that floods (and pub quizzers, take note: this is the UK’s most easterly inhabited island), Mersea feels properly remote at high tide. The big draw is The Company Shed, which serves seafood platters that pull in crowds from all over the country every weekend. It’s BYOB – bring your own bread – and they don’t take bookings, so get there before noon to make sure you can feast on prawns, smoked fish, oysters and dressed crab. Speaking of which, catch-and-release crabbing is encouraged – there are specially marked areas near the water, and shops selling the kit. Or you can book a boat trip around the bay.

How far? 69 miles

Get there  One hour by train from Liverpool Street to Colchester, then a 45-minute bus to Mersea Island; around two hours by car. D on’t forget to check the tide timetable before you set off...

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12 Best Day Trips In England

Honestly, there’s a huge amount of places in England to explore, especially on a sunny day. We’re so fortunate to have a whole heap of the best day trips in England that are dotted all across the country. With everything from tropical-like islands to magnificent castles .

That being said, it can be pretty tough to nail down a few of the best day trips in England to head out on. This is especially true when you’ve got such a huge amount to see.

This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the best day trips in England that everyone can enjoy.

Now, rather than just focusing on one area of England (after all, we’re not all based in London , Manchester etc), I thought I’d pop a few suggestions that are dotted all across the country.

This’ll hopefully give you a load of relatively local spots to visit for one of the best day trips in England.

With that in mind, take a look at some of the best day trips in England that I’m sure you’ll love. Have the best trip!

1.) The Cotswolds

For me, visiting the Cotswolds is easily one of the best day trips in England. This is especially true if you’re based around Bristol , Bath or further north, too.

Nestled within a protected area of outstanding natural beauty, the Cotswolds is filled with rolling hills and quaint little villages and towns to boot! It’s the kind of place where you can spend a day driving around the country lanes and randomly just come across the prettiest little places.

Once here, make sure to explore Bibury and see the iconic Arlington Row . The houses are so quaint. Afterwards, take a little drive to Stow-on-the-Wold or visit Castlecombe that is equally idyllic.

To make things really easy, book this incredible Cotswolds tour from London. Along the way, you’ll stop at Bibury, Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold and more.

Just be sure to book your tour before arriving in London as the tour can fill up fast at peak times. Alternatively, check out the tours that have slightly different routes, too.

Read more: Best places to visit in the Cotswolds

Not too far from the Cotswolds, Bath is a Roman city that’s totally steeped in history.

It’s a totally stunning city and one of the best day trips in England as it’s only a few hours by train from central London.

Once here, you’ve got to go visit the Roman baths that you can still tour to this day. Also, pop into Sally Lunn’s for some of her iconic buns that are famous in Bath.

They’re so tasty and a must-have when hunger strikes.

Afterwards, take a stroll around the town and see Bath Abbey and the circus, too. It’s a present of houses that are so beautiful and totally unique.

Finally, after strolling the cobbled streets, pop over to the Thermae Spa pool that’s heated by geothermal activity. Their outdoor pool is just so nice.

Though be warned, you can easily get sunburned, especially on a sunny day. Lather yourself in sun protection, like the ones Bioderma produce that’s not using nano mineral filters and are better for the environment.

Plus, you won’t look like a lobster when you leave the spa! 

After a little dip, head inside for one of their massage treatments, too. They’re amazing.

Also, be sure to book this Bath walking tour with optional Roman Bath tickets . It’s a great way to explore the whole city and see all the main spots.

Just be sure to book before arriving in Bath; places fill up on weekends and you don’t want to miss out.

Read more: Best things to do in Bath

3.) Peak District

Being the oldest national park in the country, the Peak District is a totally gorgeous area to explore.

Plus, it’s one of the best day trips in England if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Once here, make sure to ramble around Winnats Pass , visit the underground river and take a tour in a historic car across the hills and valleys. It’s so picturesque.

Read more: Exploring the Peak District

4.) Cambridge

Now, after living in Cambridge for a year, I’ve come to realise how special this place is. You see, it’s not only steeped in history but it also has a shed load of gorgeous foodie spots and stunning university grounds to see, too.

Only 45-minutes from central London by train, it’s totally easy to visit if you’re wanting to see one of England’s prettiest little cities.

Yeah, it’s much smaller than the likes of London or Birmingham but it has a charm that is well-worth experiencing.

After arriving in Cambridge, make sure to head over to King’s College Chapel and see the ornate works that have stood for centuries.

Afterwards, book these tickets and hop on board a guided punting tour of Cambridge at your own pace. It’s so much fun, even in the colder months when you wrap up warm.

Alternatively, check out the (below) tours of Cambridge which are great options, too.

Read more: Best things to do in Cambridge

5.) The Jurassic Coast

Nestled on the south coast of England, the Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO-protected area of England that’s pretty unique.

You see, what makes the Jurassic Coast so special is its geological formations and the fact you can go fossil hunting , too.

Once here, take a stroll on the beach and keep your eyes peeled! If you’re patient, you’ll end up finding quite a few fossils that you’re actually allowed to keep. Though, no digging into the cliffs isn’t allowed.

Some people have even found dinosaur skeletons, too. It’s such a special place and a perfect spot for one of the best day trips in England.

After scouring the beach, head over to Corfe Castle for a wander around this ancient village.

Finally, pop over to see Durdle Door and ramble to Old Harry Rocks that’s totally beautiful on a sunny day.

Read more: How to go fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast

Situated within Yorkshire, York is a Viking city that’s got a history dating back over 1,000 years.

Plus, it’s also a relatively small city which makes it one of the best day trips in England if you’re already in the area.

After arriving in the city, take a wander over to York Cathedral and climb the stairs to the views from the roof. You’ll get a gorgeous view of the walled city from up here.

Afterwards, head on over to the Shambles that’s a street that’s so quaint and pretty. It almost looks like it has fallen out of Harry Potter!

Afterwards, take a wander around the city walls, visit the castle and even head to Roots for a delicious seasonal meal.

It’s one of my favourite spots; plus, they have the tastiest cocktails.

Finally, if you want to take to the water, book these self-drive boats around York . It’s so much fun for a morning; we loved it. 

Read more: Best things to do in York

7.) Newcastle

Being England’s most northerly city, Newcastle is one of the best day trips in England if you’re heading up (or down) the east coast.

You see, over the last few decades, Newcastle has really made a name for itself as a great little city break, especially with all the things to do there.

If you love art, then check out the Laing Art Gallery or the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. These are great spots to visit, especially if the weather gets a little wet!

Afterwards, pop down to Sage, and wander the Riverside to see the Tyne Bridge. It’s an iconic part of Newcastle. You honestly can’t miss it.

Read more: Best places in Newcastle to visit

8.) Northumberland Coast

Northumberland has a nickname as ‘castle country’ and it’s easy to see why once you arrive. It’s the county that has the most castles out of any in England and they’re totally stunning.

Once here, make sure to check out Bamburgh Castle which is huge and so imposing. Also, don’t forget to see Dunstanburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle, too. Now, you probably won’t have enough time to visit them all when searching for the best day trips in England, but you can certainly give it a shot.

Alternatively, stay for a few days and head out to see Holy Island that’s totally unique! It’s a tidal island that gets cut off from the mainland every day, so be sure to plan your trip in advance.

Once here, you can visit Lindisfarne Castle and even try some of the monks’ mead that they produce on the island (and is made from honey).

Read more: Best places in the north of England to visit

9.) Lake District

One of England’s newest UNESCO world-heritage-sites, the Lake District is just beautiful.

With around sixteen lakes in all, the Lake District is a great place to visit if you love the outdoors and you’re already in the northwest of England.

Now, the most famous lake to visit has to be Windermere, but if you want to avoid the crowds, pop over to the quieter (but still big) Ullswater.

From here, you can stay in places like Another Place and ramble around the hills and countryside before heading out onto the lake itself.

We decided on paddle boarding and also taking the traditional steamer across the lake itself.

It really is a stunning area of England and, if I’m honest, a great place to spend longer than just one day.

Read more: Best things to do in the Lake District

10.) St. Ives

Cornwall is a totally beautiful area within England to explore. Better still, it’s a really easy place to visit for one of the best day trips in England when you’re already in the southwest of the country.

Whilst here, make sure to check out the sandy beaches of St. Ives, take a wander around the town and find some of the best places to eat.

Pop into the Cellar Bistro for their freshly-caught sea bream and haddock that is always so tasty.

Alternatively, pop into the Mermaid Seafood Restaurant which serves some tasty seafood, too. Their hake is so yummy and the restaurant is so cute.

Read more: Best things to do in Cornwall

11.) Arundel

Situated around a 100-minute drive from central London, Arundel is dominated by its incredible castle that’s something to behold!

Occupied by the Howard family, it has a history that dates back almost 1,000 years. Nowadays, you can head inside the grounds and the grand rooms that still overlook the town of Arundel itself.

Once here, make sure to scale the Norman Motte and see the views of the quadrangle and courtyard of the castle itself.

Afterwards, head into the staterooms and libraries to get a glimpse of what castle life is really like. It’s totally incredible.

Read more: Visiting Arundel Castle in West Sussex

12.) Windsor

If you’re already in London, Windsor is probably one of the easiest (and arguably) one of the best day trips in England. You see, it’s only about 30-minutes on the train, right from the heart of central London.

Before arriving, be sure to book these tickets and head inside Windsor Castle and explore some of the staterooms and iconic grounds which the royal family call home.

You’ll likely spend about 3-4 hours here, so plan your day trip in advance.

Afterwards, pop over to Eton and take a boat trip down the River, too. It’s a great way to relax and see more of the area on a sunny day.

Read more: Best things to do in Windsor

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The best one-day hikes in Great Britain

Mar 16, 2021 • 6 min read

Hadrian's Wall is one of the top day hikes in Great Britain © Nigel Eve / 500px

Call it a hike, a stroll, a toddle or a ramble – there really is nothing that the British like better than a jolly good walk in the countryside. Since ancient times, people have been exploring every last inch of this old island on foot, leaving behind a great web of byways, bridleways, lanes, tracks and footpaths covering practically every corner of the British landscape.

Lonely Planet's  Best Day Walks in Great Britain  has lots of of inspiration, from family-friendly strolls through city parks, to scenic walks across wild moors, and challenging hikes through snow-blown glens. In the meantime, you can check out 10 great walks below. Just remember to pack the brolly (umbrella).

Editor's note: During COVID-19 , please check the latest travel restrictions in Britain  before planning any trip and always follow government health advice. 

Helvellyn and Striding Edge - Cumbria and The Lakes

Duration: 6-7hr | difficulty: hard | distance: 8 miles/12.5km .

Cumbria ’s third-highest mountain (950m) is a fairly formidable proposition even for experienced walkers, with dizzying drops and some all-fours scrambling. But don’t let the challenges put you off: Helvellyn is well within the reach of most ordinary walkers.

The key is not to rush, to watch your step on the trickier sections, and to try and take the easiest route wherever you can. You’ll be on the top in no time. The there-and-back trail starts at the car park in Glenridding, next to Lake District National Park .

Hadrian's Wall - Northern England

Duration: 4hr | difficulty: moderate | distance: 7.2 miles / 12km   .

Hadrian’s Wall is the most dramatic and extensive legacy of the Roman occupation of Britain , stretching for more than 70 miles across northern England . This walk follows part of the famous Pennine Way along the most scenic stretch of the wall, as well as visiting the two best-preserved Roman forts in the country (the time given is for walking; allow at least two hours extra for exploring at Housesteads and Vindolanda ). Start and end at Still Visitor Centre. 

The ultimate guide to hiking Hadrian's Wall

Porthcurno to Land's End - Devon and Cornwall

Duration: 3.5-4hr | difficulty: moderate | distance: 7.2 miles / 11.2km .

Is Porthcurno to Land's End the finest coast walk in all of Britain? Many a seasoned rambler might say so – and there are few who would sensibly argue. This walk really has it all: booming surf, massive cliffs, historic lighthouses and wild Atlantic vistas that will sear themselves onto your retinas.

Don't forget to pack swimming gear; there are some great spots for bathing along the way, including the popular Porthcurno beach and the relatively quiet Porth Chapel beach. The trail starts in Treen village and ends at Land's End. 

The Ridgeway - Southwest England

Duration: 5hr | difficulty: hard | distance: 11 miles / 18km.

The Ridgeway is one of the most ancient walkways in the country. It runs for 87 miles, from Overton Hill in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. Take the longish stretch from Foxhill to Wantage – it’s a little difficult to access, meaning you need an early start, and you’ll probably want to stay at the Court Hill Centre hostel at the end. But it’s well worth the effort to follow in the footsteps of some of England’s first hikers, and the prehistoric sites you’ll encounter – the tomb of Wayland’s Smithy , the earthworks of Uffington Castle and the graceful White Horse – are some of the most mesmerising anywhere. Start at Foxhill and end at Wantage. 

Walk through England's pagan past on the country's oldest road

The Seven Sisters - Southeast and East England

Duration: 5hr | difficulty: hard | distance: 12.5 miles / 20km.

Brace yourselves for a big bold walk, which leads from Eastbourne, with its long stone beaches and grand Edwardian seafront, up onto the high chalk cliffs whose most famous landmark is the red-and-white-striped Beachy Head lighthouse . You’re then on the ups and downs of the famous Seven Sisters , which will give your legs a great workout and your eyes some gorgeous English Channel vistas.

The route drops down to the Friston Forest, winds past lovely Westdean village, then follows the bends of the Cuckmere River to the beautiful downland settlement of Alfriston. The trail starts at Eastbourne station and ends in Alfriston. 

Hampstead Heath - London

Duration: 1.5hr | difficulty: moderate | duration: 3.4 miles / 5.5km .

Even hardened Londoners are amazed by the size and wildness of Hampstead Heath . Set on a sandy ridge, it provides sweeping urban views as well as dense ancient and more recent woodland. On a sunny day bring a swimming costume, as the natural ponds provide a gorgeous spot for a dip. Kenwood House is a good stop for art lovers, and Keats House , the poet’s home from 1818 to 1820, is a stroll away. Start and end at Hampstead Heath Overground, near  Parliament Hill . 

Loch Affric Circuit - Scotland

Duration: 5-7 hrs | difficulty: hard | distance: 11.5 miles / 18.5km .

Glen Affric – Gaelic for ‘valley of the dappled woods’ – is a scenic wonderland of shimmering lochs, rugged mountains and mist-shrouded forests of native Scots pine, home to a treasure trove of iconic Scottish wildlife including ospreys and golden eagles, wildcats and otters, red squirrels and pine martens.

The upper reaches of the glen are designated as the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve . This is a great trail for wildlife-watching, start and end at the River Affric car park. 

Haystacks - Cumbria and The Lakes

Duration: 4-5hr | difficulty: moderate | distance: 5.5 miles / 8.8km .

Haystacks is far from the highest Lakeland fell, but the views over Buttermere are hard to better. This route follows cartographer and author Alfred Wainwright’s preferred ascent from Gatesgarth, and descends via the arête of Fleetwith Pike. The climb to the summit is steep but not too testing, although there are a few bits of clambering. The panorama from the top is grand, stretching northwest across Buttermere, west into Ennerdale and south towards Pillar and Great Gable. Start and end at the car park near Gatesgarth Farm.

Pen Y Fan, Corn Du and Cribyn - Wales

Duration: 4hr | difficulty: moderate | distance: 8.2 miles / 13.2km.

At 886m above sea level, Pen y Fan is southern Wales ’ highest mountain – which means everyone wants to climb it. Tackle it from the less-trodden southern side to avoid most of the crowds, and take  in two other summits (Corn Du at 873m and Cribyn at 795m)  – a boon for peak-baggers.

The route begins and ends at the car park near the Upper Neuadd Reservoir. 

10 great day hikes in Wales 

The Malvern Hills - Central England

Duration: 1.5hr | difficulty: moderate | distance: 2.5 miles / 4km .

The green spine of the Malvern Hills rises to unexpected heights out of the gentle contours of three counties: Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. The rocks from which the hills are formed are the most ancient in the country, something which perhaps adds to the mystical feel of the area, with its mineral springs, prehistoric earthworks and caverns. All this beauty has provided plenty of inspiration, from the 14th-century Visions of Piers Plowman by William Langland, to the works of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis and the music of Elgar. Start and end in the spa town of Great Malvern. 

You might also like:

A new hiking network links thousands of towns around Britain The UK's 10 best hiking trails 8 of the world's most epic hikes

This article was first published Mar 30, 2013 and updated Mar 16, 2021.

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13 BEST Day Trips from London by Train

From the roman city of bath to the wilds of the new forest, there are so many amazing day trips from london by train to discover.

Honestly, when I’m in London, I am 100% not using a car. Whether it’s riding on the Tube, hailing a taxi, or just wandering around the city centre, driving is not something I’m likely to do.

So, when I want to get outside of the city for the day, I rely on the train. Over the years, I’ve compiled a list of the best day trips from London by train. Maybe you want to hit the beach? Perhaps you want to dive into history? Or maybe you want to check out a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Within a couple of hours’ ride from London, you can do all of that!

Some of my favourite train trips from London include heading into the picturesque Cotswolds regions, hiking the Seven Sisters near Dover, and even casting a spell or two at the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

The best part? You can hop on a train, enjoy the scenic journey through the English countryside, and be back in London in time for a West End show or a late-night stroll along the Thames. The accessibility of these day trips is what makes them truly special—it’s like having a variety of mini adventures right at your doorstep.

So, with that in mind, let’s check out the best train trips from London. Hopefully this blog post will help you with planning your next day trip.

Day trips from London by train

Hampton court palace.

Looking to check out the palace where King Henry VIII used to reign supreme? This London day trip favourite is always popular with history buffs visiting the capital thanks to the beautiful architecture, art, and knowledgeable guides. It’s also a super easy train ride from the centre of London. 

In fact, it’s just a 45-minute ride from London Waterloo Station directly to Hampton Court Palace train station and from there, it’s only around a five-minute walk to the palace gates. Day trips from London by train don’t come much easier than this!

If you’re heading to Hampton Court, you can pick up your tickets here beforehand.

Harry Potter Studio Tours

Want to experience the magic in front of and behind the camera? Well then, a visit to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford is a must. Filled with memorabilia, props, sets, and costumes from the films, it’s every fan’s dream. 

To get to the studios, you’ll journey for about 20 minutes from London Euston Station to Watford Junction, and then jump on the 15-minute shuttle to the studio. The bonus is that the shuttle is actually designed like the famous Knight Bus, so the experience starts before you even arrive. All aboard!

This legendary Roman city is a beautiful train trip from London as it’s only 90 minutes from London Paddington Station. Home to the Roman Baths UNESCO World Heritage Site, stunning architecture, and the home of the iconic author, Jane Austen, there’s certainly a little something for everyone on a day trip to Bath.

You can easily spend a full weekend here, but with the regular train routes back to the capital that run relatively late, you can definitely enjoy a full day running around this historic city.

The Seven Sisters

As one of the UK’s most iconic sights, the Seven Sisters white chalky cliffs near Dover are an easy train trip from London. You can travel from London Victoria Station and get off at Eastbourne, allowing you to wander along the coastline and see the Seven Sisters in all their glory. 

Trains to Eastbourne take around an hour and 25 minutes from London, and then you can enjoy a stunning coastal hike to your final destination!

Windsor Castle

Love royal history or are you just a fan of insanely old castles? Well, Windsor Castle is one of the King’s royal residences and is over 900 years old. This impressive palace has played host to royal weddings, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s.

Windsor Castle is super popular at pretty much any time of the year, so I definitely recommend getting your tickets in advance . This will also let you know when the royal family are in residence, as you might not be able to access the full castle and grounds. Travel-wise, Windsor Castle is around an hour from London Waterloo station. 

If you’re looking to check out another bustling city, journey between one and a half to two hours from London Paddington Station to Bristol. Home to the impressive Clifton Suspension Bridge, a bustling independent food and drink scene, and a fun and thriving waterfront, Bristol is an ideal day trip from London by train. 

Make sure you take time to check out all the street art around the city, after all, the city is the hometown of famous artist, Banksy!

Leeds Castle

This next train trip from London is a little more complicated to get to, but if you’re visiting Kent, you can’t leave without checking out Leeds Castle . Get the 50-minute train from London Bridge to Maidstone and then jump on a short 20-minute bus ride to the gates of Leeds Castle.

With a super cool hedge maze, museum, lake, and more, this Norman Castle is a popular day trip for a good reason. Again, I’d recommend booking your ticket in advance , especially during the school holidays.   

Looking for a fun day at the seaside? Well, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a better day trip than Brighton . Located on the south coast around an hour from either London Victoria Station or London Bridge Station, Brighton is always bustling with things to do.

From the opulent and historic Brighton Palace Pier to the popular waterfront and beach to the dozens of independent boutiques and restaurants, you’re really spoiled for choice here!

Warwick Castle

If you’re looking for a train trip from London that’s a little further north, jump on the train to Warwick Castle. You can get a one hour and 45-minute train from London Marylebone to Warwick and then walk to the castle gates.

With the original parts of the castle stemming back to 1068, Warwick Castle has seen a lot of bloody battles, royalty, and history along the way. Nowadays, you can experience archery, falconry shows, renactments of medieval battles, and many more. It’s the perfect family-friendly day trip, but again, book way in advance !

As one of the academic heartlands of England, Oxford is a beautiful and architecturally stunning city to visit. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan who wants to visit the real Great Hall or you’re in love with the His Dark Materials series, Oxford has inspired a lot of writers and academics over the years.

Oxford is actually really easy to get to on a day trip from London by train. Depending on which is closer or more convenient, you can get a train from either from Marylebone Station or Paddington Station, and both routes are around an hour. 

The New Forest

Need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get back to the nature? Well, a day trip to the New Forest is going to be right up your street. You can get a 90-minute train from London Waterloo station to Brockenhurst, in the heart of the New Forest.

With tons of wildlife, walking routes, and museums in the area, you can easily have a fun-filled day surrounded by tranquil greenery.  Keep in mind that the National Park is huge and spreads all the way down to the coastline, so make a plan of the areas you want to visit first!

When you think of quintessential English towns and villages, the image that comes up is probably of the Cotswolds . Located just an hour and 40 minutes from London Paddington Station, the Cotswolds is the perfect quaint escape from the city. With chocolate box cottages, hiking and walking routes and plenty of cosy pubs to warm up in, it’s an amazing day out for the whole family.

In fact, the Cotswolds is actually an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you might want to bring your camera with you! It’s also rumoured that parts of the Cotswolds inspired J.R.R Tolkien when he was writing The Lord of the Rings!

Stratford-Upon-Avon

If you’re a literature lover then you have to carve out time in your itinerary to visit Stratford-Upon-Avon. This small town in the Midlands is known for basically one thing and that’s being the home of the iconic playwright, William Shakespeare.

Located around two and a half hours from London Marylebone Station, Stratford-Upon-Avon is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company who perform works of the Bard all year round. It’s a prestigious theatre and has featured actors like Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, and David Tennant to name just a few! Check out the RSC website ahead of time to find out what’s on while you’re in the area!

So, there you have it, the 13 best day trips from London by train. Where are your favourite day trips from London without a car? Let me know in the comments below!

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UK Road Trip Itinerary Planner | The 7 Best Routes

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: January 29, 2024

If you love to take to the wheel and you’ll be visiting the UK at some point in the future, then you need to find the perfect UK road trip itinerary! This UK road trip planner aims to help you pin down the ideal 1 week, 10 day or 2 week UK road trip itinerary to follow during your visit. 

Featured in this guide are 7 of the best road trip routes in the UK. Whether you want a 10 days in England itinerary, would rather spend a week in Wales or have 10 days to discover Scotland, this post showcases the very best that the UK has to offer. 

Don’t plan a road trip in the UK without reading this first! From the Scottish Highlands to the sunny south coast of England and wild, unspoiled Wales, here are seven of the best UK road trip itineraries. But first, a few pointers on how to use this guide.

Cherry-picking

Pace yourself, the great british weather, driving in the uk, 1. the cotswolds and the south of england, 2. wonderful wales, 3. the english countryside, 4. the south to north circular, 5. capital to capital (london to edinburgh), 6. devon and cornwall, 7. bonnie scotland, which uk road trip itinerary will you follow, how to use this uk road trip itinerary planner.

You could follow these itineraries over whatever period of time you have at your disposal, but we’d say you need at least a week.

A fortnight means you can spend more time in each place, while ten days means having to rush around a little less than when you have only 7 nights to spare. 

The key thing to remember here is that it’s your UK road trip, not ours! So you can of course cherry pick where you want to go and leave out anywhere that doesn’t really interest you. 

If you think about it, doing that means you could fit in two of these itineraries, back-to-back, over a fortnight. Rather than just one. Having said that…

A holiday is all about having fun. Or at least it should be. For that reason, we urge you not to try to pack too much in. Pace yourself and you might just enjoy yourself a whole lot more. 

When you’re not sure about where you really want to go, ask yourself this. Would you be really disappointed if you missed out on visiting this place? Or are you not really all that bothered? If you’re not feeling the love and aren’t too fussed about it, then is it really worth spending the time and money on going there? 

Wherever you go, be prepared for the weather to take over. British people often seem to talk about little else. Whether you’re in northern Scotland, west Wales or central England, the maritime climate of the British Isles means that the weather can be very changeable. 

Dress in layers, take along a packable rain jacket and an umbrella, pick the right footwear and you’ll be prepared for anything. 

Before you draw up that UK road trip map, you’ll need to think about driving around the country. Booking car hire before you go is always advisable, especially if you want a particular kind of vehicle. Such as an automatic – cars with manual transmission are still the norm in the UK. 

In the UK they drive on the left. Cars are thus right hand drive. Meaning that the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car. If you’re from North America, Europe or any other area that drives on the left, then this may feel very different from what you’re used to!

Roads in the UK are generally well-maintained. Signs measure distances in miles rather than kilometres. In the interests of safety, it’s a good idea to look at the Highway Code before you set off, as this will familiarise you with the rules of the road in the UK.

We recommend preparing to drive in the UK with Tripiamo which is the most comprehensive guide for Americans driving abroad.

Their guides include instructional videos and interactive 360-degree driving tours and will teach you everything you need to know about driving abroad, from reading road signs to avoiding fines. Drive safely and confidently in the UK with the help of Tripiamo.

7 best UK road trip itineraries

This suggested road trip itinerary for the UK commences in Oxford. If you make all the stops, you’ll visit the Cotswolds, Bath, Salisbury, Stonehenge , Portsmouth, Winchester, Brighton, Dover and Canterbury. 

• Heathrow/Oxford -> The Cotswolds -> Bath -> Salisbury & Stonehenge -> optional Portsmouth and/or Winchester -> Brighton -> Dover -> Canterbury 

Depending on whether you want to embark on your road trip right away or spend some time in London first, you can collect a hire car for this Cotswolds and southern England road trip either at Heathrow Airport or in Oxford.

Don’t bother trying to drive in central London – it’s congested, expensive and almost completely devoid of any parking whatsoever!

Here’s where to stop when you want to explore the Cotswolds and the south of England. As well as five of the best things to do in each of these locations.

If you choose to begin in Oxford , this historic and academic city has lots to offer. It’s packed with very old buildings, including the many colleges making up the prestigious University of Oxford. Some of these were featured in the Harry Potter movies . 

Oxford also offers the Ashmolean Museum, which focuses on art and archaeology. You can also take a river cruise on the Thames, which is a lovely way to see the city. The Oxford Botanic Gardens and Arboretum are also well worth a look. 

• Oxford University and city walking tour
• Ashmolean Museum of art and archaeology
• Sightseeing river cruise on a small electric boat
• Harry Potter tour of Oxford filming locations
• Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

If you’re spending time in southern England, then you must visit the Cotswolds . This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is all greenery and honey-toned local stone, and dotted with appealing towns and villages. 

Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water are the two most popular spots, but there are so many villages you can visit. Check out the 10 best Cotswolds villages in this post, or use the suggestions below.

Find things to do and places to stay in the Cotswolds in our complete guides.

• Stow-on-the-Wold Market town with traditional pubs and antique shops
• Bourton-on-the-Water On the River Windrush with honey-toned stone buildings
• Lacock Home to Harry Potter filming locations and beautiful, ancient buildings 
• Bibury Timeless village where you can find photogenic and historic Arlington Row
• Painswick The Queen of the Cotswolds with Rococo gardens and a grand churchyard

Bath is a spa city in the west of England. It’s world famous for its original Roman Baths, handsome Georgian architecture and the Bath bun. Other top places to visit in Bath include Pulteney Bridge and the luxurious Thermae Bath Spa. 

Discover a Bath itinerary , where to stay and what to do in our Bath guides.

• City walking tour with Roman Baths entry
• Pulteney Bridge
• Thermae Bath Spa
• The Royal Crescent 
• Bath Bun at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House and Museum

Salisbury & Stonehenge

So many visitors to the UK want to see Stonehenge. The mysterious stone circle can be found close to Salisbury , making it easy to visit both. 

Salisbury is a small city with a magnificent cathedral, a good museum and a bi-weekly market. You can also enjoy views of the city from Old Sarum, two miles away. 

• Stonehenge World Heritage Site
• Salisbury Cathedral and the Magna Carta
• Salisbury Charter Market | Tuesdays and Saturdays
• The Salisbury Museum | Stonehenge and local archaeology
• Old Sarum | Deserted hilltop ruins with panoramic city views

Portsmouth – optional

An optional trip to Portsmouth will particularly appeal to anyone interested in maritime history. The city is home to the historic dockyard, the Mary Rose and HMS Victory. Other sights to see include the Spinnaker Tower, and you can shop at the Gunwharf Quays outlet centre too. 

• Spinnaker Tower
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
• The Mary Rose
• HMS Victory
• Gunwharf Quays | Outlet shopping

Winchester – optional

Like Salisbury, Winchester is a small cathedral city. There’s an interesting military museum here. Other places to visit include the Winchester Science Centre, the Great Hall and Winchester College.

• Winchester Cathedral
• The Royal Green Jackets Museum
• Winchester College
• The Great Hall
• Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

Brighton makes a great day trip from London – or you can stay over as part of a road trip around the UK. With a grand pier and a pebble beach, Brighton is Britain’s most popular city by the sea. 

Things to do here include shopping at The Lanes, seeing the Royal Pavilion and going on the i360. The Seal Life Centre is also popular with families. 

• British Airways i360
• The Lanes | Cafes, shops, pubs, boutiques and restaurants
• Brighton Palace Pier
• The Royal Pavilion
• Sea Life Brighton

Dover 

Dover is best known for the iconic white cliffs, but there are other attractions here too. These include St Margarets Bay beach, Dover Castle, the Fan Bay Deep Shelter and the Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery.

• White Cliffs of Dover
• Dover Castle
• St Margarets Bay beach
• Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery
• Fan Bay Deep Shelter

Canterbury is the capital of Kent, the county known as the Garden of England. The cathedral here is a draw, and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England. 

You can also explore Westgate Gardens here, and visit Howletts Wild Animal Park or The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge with the kids.

• Canterbury Cathedral
• Westgate Gardens
• Official guided walking tour
• Howletts Wild Animal Park
• The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge 

Our wonderful Welsh itinerary begins in Oxford, in England, before heading via the Cotswolds to Bath. You can find out what to do in those locations under the Cotswolds and South of England itinerary above. Or read on to discover all that Wales has to offer. 

• Heathrow or Oxford -> The Cotswolds -> Bath -> Cardiff (optional) -> Brecon Beacons -> Barmouth -> Porthmadog -> Snowdonia -> Caernarfon -> Anglesey -> Llandudno -> Chester -> Liverpool (optional) -> Peak District -> Stratford -> Oxford/Heathrow

Cardiff is the cool capital of Wales. Top things to see here include Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, the Principality Stadium and home of Welsh rugby, and the National Museum. You can also take a Doctor Who walking tour of the city!

• Cardiff Castle
• Principality Stadium
• National Museum
• Doctor Who walking tour

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Bannau Brycheiniog, formally known as the Brecon Beacons, is the ideal place for outdoor sorts to stretch their legs. As well as hiking, you can cycle, try watersports, stargaze or do some rock climbing here.

• Mountain biking
• Watersports
• Rock climbing

The seaside town of Barmouth in northwest Wales is a pretty place to explore. Here you can spend time at Barmouth Beach, walk over Barmouth Bridge, see the harbour, discover Old Barmouth or hike the Taith Ardudwy Way. 

• Barmouth Beach
• Barmouth Harbour
• Taith Ardudwy Way hiking trail
• Old Barmouth
• Barmouth Bridge

Porthmadog is also a coastal town in Gwynedd. Things to do in this Welsh destination include visiting Black Rock Sands, two miles from town. You can also see the harbour village of Borth-y-Gest, Criccieth Castle, take a ride on the famous Blaenau Ffestiniog railway and spend time in the I talianate village of Portmeirion.  

• Blaenau Ffestiniog railway
• Black Rock Sands beach
• Borth-y-Gest village
• Criccieth Castle
• Portmeirion village

Snowdonia ( Eryri )

This mountainous part of northwest Wales is home to Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), Wales’s highest mountain.

The area is popular among hikers, and also known for the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway. Apart from exploring Eryri (Snowdonia National Park), taking a train ride and conquering the peak, you can also visit the National Slate Museum or go to Harlech beach and castle.   

• Scale Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon)
• National Slate Museum
• Snowdon Mountain Railway
• Harlech Castle and beach
• Eryri (Snowdonia National Park)

Caernarfon is known for its majestic castle, but there are other absorbing places to visit in this royal Gwynedd town. These include Gypsy Wood Park, the Beacon Climbing Centre and the picturesque village of Beddgelert. You can also find the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum at the castle. 

• Caernarfon Castle
• Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum
• Gypsy Wood Park
• Beacon Climbing Centre
• Beddgelert village

Anglesey is an island off the northwest coast of Wales. It offers the mediaeval capital of Beaumaris, historic sites and beautiful beaches.

You can also see the Menai Suspension Bridge built by Thomas Telford, trek the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, head to Llanddwyn Island and beach, or explore Plas Newydd House and Gardens.

• Mediaeval Beaumaris
• Menai Suspension Bridge
• Llanddwyn Island
• Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path
• Plas Newydd House and Gardens

Llandudno is a popular Welsh resort town . It has everything you’d expect from a British seaside spot, including a pier, gaming arcades, beaches and more. Here you can also add the Great Orme Tramway, North Shore Beach, Great Orme Mines and Rhiwledyn nature reserve to your to-do list. 

• North Shore Beach
• Great Orme Tramway
• Llandudno Pier
• Great Orme Mines
• Rhiwledyn nature reserve

Chester is a historic city with many Roman remains. It’s actually in England, but just a short hop over the border. Things to do here include shopping at The Rows, seeing the Roman walls and amphitheatre, visiting Chester Racecourse – which is the oldest in the UK – and ancient Chester Cathedral. 

• Roman walls
• Chester Cathedral
• The Rows shopping
• Chester Racecourse
• Roman amphitheatre

Liverpool – optional

There is so much to see and do in Liverpool . The most famous band in the world bar none came from the English city in northwestern England, and you can trace the tale of their success by visiting The Beatles Story or taking a Magical Mystery tour by bus. 

Two cathedrals, a major football stadium with a museum and the River Mersey are also musts. You can also find more things to do and places to stay in our Liverpool articles. 

• River Mersey sightseeing cruise
• Beatles Magical Mystery bus tour
• Liverpool Football Club stadium and museum
• Anglican and Catholic cathedrals
• The Beatles Story

Peak District

The Peak District National Park is another of those outdoor spaces that offer so much scope for active people. Here you can hike or bike, or follow the Pennine Bridleway on horseback. 

Visit the lovely spa town of Buxton, too, and don’t miss out on trying a Bakewell pudding in the town of the same name. This sweet treat is more widely known as a Bakewell tart, but locally is always called Bakewell pudding!

Discover where to stay in the Peak District here

• Horse riding
• Hiking the trails
• Try Bakewell pudding in Bakewell

Stratford-upon-Avon

The birthplace of William Shakespeare – the most famous playwright who ever lived – is a pretty town on the banks of the Avon river. Packed with historic and literary attractions, things to do here include seeing a play performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). 

You can also visit Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford , plus Anne Hathaway’s thatched, half-timbered cottage, or go to Stratford Butterfly Farm and the MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum.

• Shakespeare’s birthplace
• Stratford Butterfly Farm
• Anne Hathaway’s cottage
• Royal Shakespeare Theatre 

England is known as “this green and pleasant land”, so seeing the countryside can be a real highlight of touring the UK. While our itinerary includes a few cities, they are small and picturesque picks that complement the countryside. 

Places to include are the Peak District, Yorkshire, the Lake District and the Cotswolds. See the above itineraries, too, for a more in-depth look at locations already featured in this guide.

• Heathrow -> Cambridge -> Peak District -> York and Yorkshire -> Lake District -> Liverpool -> Chester -> Cotswolds (and Bath) -> Salisbury/Stonehenge -> Heathrow 

Academia and punting along the River Cam are what spring to mind when anyone thinks of Cambridge . You can tour the colleges here, including King’s, and also absorb all the history on a guided walking tour. The Fitzwilliam Museum of Art and Gin Laboratory are also popular.  

• University of Cambridge tour
• The Fitzwilliam Museum
• Punting on the Cam
• Cambridge Gin Laboratory
• Historic walking tour

York and Yorkshire

The city of York and the large northern county of Yorkshire have so much to offer visitors from the UK and overseas. Head to the city for history and urban beauty, or go to the Yorkshire dales and moors to see swathes of unspoiled countryside. 

If you do visit York, don’t miss the Minster, or wandering among the shops and cafes of The Shambles. The Chocolate Story is also great for fans of the sweet stuff (and who isn’t?)

You can also find out what to do in Yorkshire and where to stay in York in our guides.

• York Minster
• Yorkshire Moors
• The Shambles | Cafes, restaurants and shops
• Yorkshire Dales
• York’s Chocolate Story

Lake District

The Lake District in Cumbria is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The area is known for its dramatic bodies of water, and it is dotted with historic market towns. The Lakes also has literary associations, a thriving foodie scene and lots of camping shops. 

Things to do include sampling sticky toffee pudding (it was invented here), discovering the history of Peter Rabbit author Beatrix Potter, walking to Aira Force waterfall and visiting Lake Windermere. 

Discover where to stay in the Lakes and the best towns and villages in our Cumbria articles

• Lake Windermere
• The World of Beatrix Potter
• Aira Force waterfall.
• Try sticky toffee pudding
• Beatrix Potter tour with lake cruise

There is so much to see and do in Liverpool . The most famous band in the world bar none came from the city in northwestern England, and you can trace the tale of their success by visiting The Beatles Story or taking a Magical Mystery tour by bus. 

• Heathrow/Oxford -> Cambridge -> Lincoln -> York and Yorkshire -> Whitby -> Durham -> Northumberland Coast then via Hadrian’s Wall to Lake District -> Yorkshire Dales -> Peak District -> Cotswolds -> optional Bath/Salisbury/Stonehenge -> Heathrow 

Lincoln is a little off the beaten track when it comes to British cities, but it’s a place with so much to offer. The cathedral and castle here are incredible, as are the galleries and museums.

We recommend The Museum of Lincolnshire Life and The Usher Gallery art museum, and a stroll up Steep Hill, which will lead you to the castle via shops, cafes and pubs. 

• Lincoln Cathedral
• Lincoln Castle
• The Usher Gallery
• The Museum of Lincolnshire Life

Fish and chips, colourful beach huts, Whitby Abbey, a fascinating insight into science during Victorian times and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum all await in Whitby. 

Much of the scampi consumed in the UK is caught in the waters here, so sampling fish or seafood and chips is de rigueur. Look out for goths, too, Whitby being a favoured hangout among lovers of black attire and white makeup. 

You can also find more places to go in Whitby here .

• Whitby Abbey
• Fish and chips
• Beach huts at West Cliff beach
• The Museum of Victorian Science
• The Captain Cook Memorial Museum

Durham can be somewhat overlooked, but it’s a delightful and compact university city in the north of England. The castle and cathedral are both outstanding.

Other attractions to visit include Hall Hill Farm, the Oriental Museum at Durham University, and a wander along the banks of the River Wear. 

• Hall Hill Farm
• Durham Cathedral
• Oriental Museum
• Durham Castle
• Walk along the banks of the River Wear

Northumberland

Northumberland is England’s hidden coastal gem. It also has more castles than any other county. Think windswept, near-deserted beaches, cliff-top castles and rolling countryside, and you get the idea.

There are some breathtaking buildings to visit, such as Cragside in Rothbury and the castles. The Alnwick Garden is also well worth your time. 

Also discover the best places to stay and top coastal cottages in Northumberland

• Bamburgh Castle
• Alnwick Castle
• Alnwick Garden
• Northumberland coast

Hadrian’s Wall

The Hadrian’s Wall site of Vindolanda features Roman remains, and is one of the key spots to visit when travelling between Northumberland and Cumbria. The Roman fort at Birdoswald is also worth stopping for. You can also follow various trails in the area, or drop into the Roman Army Museum. 

• The Chesters Trail
• Roman Army Museum
• The Corbridge Trail
• Birdoswald Roman fort

• London -> pick up car at Heathrow -> Cotswolds and Stratford -> Peak District  -> York and Yorkshire -> Durham -> Northumberland -> Edinburgh 

Also, discover the best places to stay and top coastal cottages in Northumberland

Scotland’s capital city is steeped in history, has swathes of glorious Georgian architecture, and scenic parks and squares. There’s also world-class dining and shopping, and the mediaeval Royal Mile. Also not to be missed are Edinburgh Castle and the New Town. You could also take a Harry Potter walking tour or a city tour by hop-on, hop-off bus.

Also find the best ghost tours of Edinburgh , top Edinburgh tips , and great Edinburgh accommodation options

• Edinburgh Castle
• Hop-on, hop-off bus tour
• Royal Mile | The Old Town
• Magical Harry Potter walking tour
• New Town | Elegant Georgian architecture

If you want to explore the sun-drenched (well sometimes) southwest of England, check out our southwest corner road trip itinerary here . 

For 10, 14 and 18-day Scotland road trip itineraries, click here . 

Whether you want to drive around the UK for a week, ten days, a fortnight or longer, we hope this guide has inspired you to visit this glorious land.

With so much to see and do yet relatively short distances between places, you really can pack a lot into a short time when visiting the UK.

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7 Day UK and Great Britain Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 7 day UK and Great Britain tour with TourRadar. Choose from 246 trips with 7,427 customer reviews, that range from 4 up to 7 days.

246 UK And Great Britain 7 day tour packages with 7,427 reviews

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• Coach / Bus

Best of Scotland (Summer, 7 Days)

Good itinerary and well organised. We were the only British couple on the tour which was otherwise an all north american affair.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Exploring the United Kingdom and Dublin

Bonnie Scotland

We thoroughly enjoyed our Bonnie Scotland tour. The location was beautiful and the trip well organized. Our tour guide, Gavin, was simply the best. Loved the experience!!

7-Day Great Atlantic Adventure Small Group Tour

Exceeded my expectations. Culture, landscapes, language, history, activities…so much in just a week. Accommodations were very comfortable, food was delicious and plentiful, people were welcoming and generous. Our guide (Pat O’Mara) made the entir3 experience an absolute joy. He was knowledgeable, told stories and histories in a folksy and humorous tone. He was competent, flexible, and inspired with a clear love of his own country that made us love it too.

• Sightseeing

7-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour

Loved every minute of this tour. Pat our guide was first class.

Wild South - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

The Wild South Tour was an excellent tour overall, very good value! The guides (Diarmuid and Michael) were great. The add-ons were reasonable and well worth the extra cost. We (my husband and I) especially liked the boat trip to the Skellig Islands. There was a lot of time in the van, but we realized that the best sites were far apart, so the travel was necessary. It was okay. We were so glad to see so many beautiful and memorable sites in very congenial company. I have recommended this tour to friends, with one caveat (see below). However, there was one glaring anomaly: the night and hotel in Cork. Our room at the REZz Hotel is the worst I’ve ever encountered. It was tiny, even too tiny for a single, and unbearably hot with no AC or fan. There was no place to sit (seriously, no chairs at all and only one person at a time could sit on the bed because most of it was blocked by a wall!!). No place to open luggage except on the floor in front of the door. Fire hazard. It all looked and felt dirty and kind of creepy. Totally UNACCEPTABLE! Breakfast featured packaged cookies/bars and half-rotten fruit. I was quite alarmed and worried about the rest of the Wild South tour! Thank goodness this was an anomaly. The rest of our accommodations were excellent — as good or better than the Ashling Hotel for which I paid $300/night for the night before and the night after the tour. I was really impressed with all tour accommodations EXCEPT for the Hotel REZz on that first night. I hope Wild & Happy finds another accommodation in Cork for the sake of future travelers.

Introduction to Ireland

Great trip to Ireland!

Highlights of Scotland

This was my second G Adventures tour and it proved to be as enjoyable as the first one, which was the main reason my wife and I booked it. The small size of the tour group and the variety of people made it all the better. The tour offered a good balance between structured visits of major attractions and free time to explore on our own. I would not hesitate to recommend a G Adventures tour to anyone seeking a guided travel experience in the company of other like-minded travelers.

Great Tour of Ireland ( 7 days )

7 Day Atlantic Way Experience - Small Group Tour

The itenary was paced very well. It gave us the opportunity to see many sites without feeling overwhelming or rushed. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I appreciated that Anthony listened to the groups' interests, expectations, and limitations. He created a very comfortable group setting.

• €99 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Focus on Ireland (Classic, 7 Days)

I have been on many tours and Greg is one of the best tour guides that I have ever had. He has a love and passion for his job and he made everyone on the tour share his feelings for the places we went in Ireland. I was amazed at how much he knew from memory about Ireland and its history. He made this vacation very special.

7 Day Ultimate Atlantic Adventure – Small Group Tour

Overall the tour was a great experience. The scenery on the west coast was amazing and we got to see some great attractions. My husband and I upgraded to have our own room. The beds at the first location (near Westport)were awful but the staff was very friendly. The second location was much better - they even took everyone's individual breakfast order the night before. The ferry ride to and from the Aran islands was horrible - very rough. I have never seen so many people throwing up. The bus we rode in was very comfortable but leaked in a few places when it rained. But it wasn't a big deal. Shaun was great. Very informed about all of the places we visited and about the history of Ireland. If we had more time I would have loved to do a longer tour. I would definitely recommend this tour.

Irish Explorer

Loved this tour of Ireland! Fun activities, nice accommodation and attentive host! We covered a lot of ground in a short space of time. Plus it was affordable. Would definitely recommend!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

Great Britain Christmas

The tour was fun. There were some missed opportunities, some things we didn’t get to do that were on the itinerary. Overall I felt like this tour attempts to cover too much ground, preventing travelers from seeing much in each given area. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable however and nice!

City Lights to Highland Heights

What people love about 7 day uk and great britain tours.

My husband and I had the most amazing time on this trip through Scotland! Couldn’t have asked for a better tour director than Mike and bus driver Mark.

The tour started fine; more time in Glasgow would have been better. All we had was a ten-minute bus tour through Glasgow without any information about what was there. At the end of the day, all we got from the tour guide was restaurant suggestions. The travel packet states that we stopped at Loch Ness, but we did not. The tour guide stopped off the road at a parking lot, and we had to walk up a road to look through some bushes and trees and see a partial castle, apparently on Loch Ness. If you were short, you wouldn’t get to see anything. That does not stop at Loch Ness, and the stop at Loch Ness is also listed as a tour highlight for the day, which didn’t happen. There were so many stops we could have made but didn’t. When we stopped at Glenfinnan, the tour guide only talked about the Harry Potter reference, no mention of the Jacobite monument. The tour was constantly filled with Harry Potter references, the guide’s political opinions, and insufficient historical references. No one cares what the tour guide’s political views are; just do your job. Also, at the same stop, it was the only stop with food available, and there was only a little café where several people did not get their orders after they paid, and the tour guide did not care. Some of the people on the tour also missed the monument because the tour guide did not mention it. The Aberdeen Altens Hotel was a complete disaster. The hotel was out in the middle of nowhere. If you didn’t go on the optional excursion, then you were stranded at the hotel with minimal options, such as a pool, where you had to make an appointment to use. It was not available, the hotel had an escape room in the basement which sounds like to beginning of a horror movie, but thankfully it was not open that day, or you could take a taxi where the closet place was a ten minute drive. Still, everything was closed that day, and the taxis don’t drive around the city, so you must remember to take down the number to get back to the hotel. Also, the dinner at this hotel was a disaster; it took over three hours to get through a substandard dinner. The chicken was dry, the potatoes were terrible, the fishcakes were overcooked, and even the dessert was awful. The tour guide didn’t even stay for dinner, and then the following day, she explained that Globus knew about the problem with the amount of time it takes to get dinner and that there was nothing they could do about it. Yes, there is; use a different hotel, location, etc. The fact that this is a known problem and Globus does nothing is despicable. This hotel and location are terrible choices by Globus. The tour of The Royal Yacht Britannia was a waste of time. It seems like it was just a time waster until dinner. Overall, this tour was below satisfactory and not worth the money.

I had an incredible week on the Overland Great Atlantic Adventure tour! I went as a solo traveller in my 20s and, despite being nervous at first as the rest of the group were all travelling in pairs, had the best experience I could’ve asked for. We all had a great time together - I found the tour perfect for couples, family, friends and solo travellers alike. Our tour guide David was amazing, very kind, friendly and knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure the tour worked for everyone. If you join an Overland tour, you’ll be lucky to have David as your guide, he’s the best! All of the B&Bs/hotels were of great quality with breakfast included every day. The van is very comfortable and has plenty of space for a small group, much better than a huge coach full of 60 people (in my opinion). There was a fair bit of driving but it is inevitable with how much ground is covered. The places we visited and activities were all incredible. The only slight negative I have is that sometimes there were activities on the itinerary that we simply didn’t have time for - e.g. a 2.5 hour hike at the cliffs of moher, and with so much packed in you really don’t get much time to see some places. For example, we arrived in Westport around 7:30pm and left before 9am the next morning, but again that is inevitable with so much packed into such a short space of time. My highlights of the trip were kayaking in Dingle (I absolutely loved Dingle in general and am very glad we had 2 nights there) as well as climbing Croagh Patrick on our last day! The climb was tough but I would definitely recommend it if you’re able - an amazing experience. All in all I’m so glad I booked this trip and truly had the time of my life, I would definitely recommend Overland!

• One week in England and Scotland (for Seniors) 2024/2025

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14 Day UK Tour of England and Scotland

14 days, 3 countries and 23 cities

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13 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners

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Explore the Best of Britain on this incredible trip across England, Scotland and Wales, and travel over the sea to the Isle of Skye. Imagine life as a Benedictine monk at Buckfast Abbey, feel the hope of brave pilgrims in Plymouth and be inspired by the beauty of Lake Windermere.

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Sightseeing highlights.

Explore London, Liverpool, the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist

Discover Bath, Plymouth, Cardiff, Chester, Glasgow and York

Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Polperro, Buckfast Abbey, Glastonbury Abbey, the town of Ludlow, the Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

View Eilean Donan Castle, Alnwick Castle used as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, York Minster and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage

See Dartmoor, the Lake District, Ben Nevis and Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands and the 18th green at St. Andrews

Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

See Glencoe

Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.

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11 Unmissable Day Trips from Manchester (By Train & Car!)

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The following list of day trips from Manchester is brought to you by Tilly from  TillyText , a Manchester local! Read on for her roundup of the greatest Manchester day trips, and how to access them by car or train.

There’s a reason it’s hard to drag yourself away from Manchester.

Well, there’s about nine. Music, shopping, culture and one-hell-of-a-night-out. It’s true when they say Manchester truly has everything you could wish for from a great Northern city in the UK. 

But so do the areas surrounding Manchester, too. You’ve got the swoon-worthy Lake District so beautiful that Taylor dedicated a whole entire song to it on her album – in fact, pretty much all of the cute quaint little towns outside Manchester look like they belong in the Folklore universe. 

Not to mention the bustling cities of York and Liverpool that are on hand to help you experience a distinctly different flavour of a good British knees-up!

So, if you’re lucky enough to have set aside a whole weekend to explore Manchester and its surrounding areas, why not jump on the train (or snag a lift) to do one of these fab day trips – after smashing through this 24 hours in Manchester itinerary, of course.

Save this list of Manchester Day Trips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Liverpool

The argument over which is a better city has made Mancunians and Liverpudlians even feistier over the years (an achievement in itself!). An easy way for you to settle this debate is to visit them both yourself. 

If you’re a big Beatles fan, there’s plenty of fun Beatles-themed Liverpool activities, like the Magical Mystery Tour , a fascinating 2-hour tour over every spot in the city the band ever laid eyes on. Or head to the British Music Experience Museum to fully cement the idea that no one has contributed more to British music than Northerners. 

Finish the day by testing out some of Liverpool’s incredible beer gardens and terraces, before moving onto Matthew Street or one of the city’s very many Irish bars for a night out you definitely won’t forget in a hurry. 

And yes, that photo of you and the John Lennon statue will definitely look good in the morning.

How to get to Liverpool from Manchester: The drive to Liverpool takes just over an hour if you’re willing to deal with city centre parking. Equally, you can get a direct train from either Manchester Victoria or Manchester Picadilly to Liverpool Lime Street for less than £10.

2. Crosby Beach  

Look, no one is going to the North of England for beaches. That’s what the South is for! 

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great coastal spots up there too. One of these is Crosby Beach. 

Crosby Beach is just outside Liverpool city centre, which makes it a very doable day trip from Manchester. Come summer, the beach is full of groups of friends enjoying those endless summer evenings with a picnic blanket, music speaker, and can of supermarket gin and tonic. 

And the pièce de résistance to Crosby Beach? The 100 cast-iron figures stretching the coastline, many of which are in the water when the tide comes back in. So, no. You don’t need to call the coastguard to rescue that random person who is stuck still in the far distance.

How to get to Crosby Beach from Manchester: Unless you’re driving to Crosby Beach, the quickest way to get there from Manchester is taking a train from Manchester Victoria or Manchester Picadilly to Liverpool Lime Street, and then changing onto a train to Blundellsands & Crosby station. The beach is a 10-minute walk from there.

3. Hebden Bridge

There’s no doubt that Manchester has its fair share of vegetarian eateries, independent coffee houses, and shops full of everything and anything. 

But so does the small market town of Hebden Bridge. And some might even say it does it better!

After it was taken over by former hippies in the 1970s, Hebden Bridge quickly became home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, locally sourced and independent businesses, and a melting pot of free-thinking and liberation. 

The reason I love Hebden Bridge is because it’s one of the more unique day trips from Manchester. Where else are you able to spend hours trawling through one-of-a-kind stores stocking eco-friendly clothing, and also go wild swimming, too?

How to get to Hebden Bridge from Manchester: Direct trains from Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge take less than 30 minutes and cost less than £5.

4. Hope Valley (The Peak District)

Much like how Evermore is Folklore’s chaotic younger sister , the Peak District is the dramatic and all-encompassing counterpart to the more serene and cool-as-a-cucumber Lake District. 

If you’re looking to find yourself in the Peaks’ many gritstone ridges and stark moorlands (or just fancy getting away from the hustle and bustle of Manchester city centre for the day) head to Hope Valley. 

Here, you can strap on your walking boots and complete one of the many renowned nearby walks like Mam Tor and Kinder Scout. 

And the best reward after a couple of hours hiking in the Hope Valley? A cold pint of cider or a hot mulled wine in one of the local villages – depending on the season you visit. 

However, I’d argue a Sunday roast goes well whatever the weather. 

How to get to Hope Valley from Manchester: Hope Valley is a great option for those who want to explore The Peak District without a car. You can get the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Hope (Derbyshire) for about £7.50 and takes less than 50 minutes.

It’s okay that Manchester isn’t the prettiest city. Why? Because Buxton’s just over an hour away. 

Step into the set of Bridgerton (not literally – that’s Bath , but Buxton looks close!) in this quaint town full to the brim with Georgian and Victorian architecture that’s guaranteed to make you swoon. 

You could take a romantic stroll in Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens while keeping an eye out for the Duke of Hastings looking for his next wife, or rent a boat and go rowing in the lake desperately hoping that Anthony will appear soaking and shirtless on the promenade!

After trying (and sadly probably failing) to be married off into perhaps the greatest literary family out there, you can dry your tears on Buxton’s outdoor adventure Go Ape course where you’ll have so much fun swinging through the trees, you won’t even notice the humungous camel toe from your harness…

How to get to Buxton from Manchester: You can get a train from Manchester to Buxton that takes just over an hour, and starts from just £5 if you book in advance.

Small and mighty – that’s the best way to describe York. And fitting everything into only one day might be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible. 

You just have to keep an eye on the time you spend getting lost in this medieval city’s higgledy-piggledy back lanes, the number of cups of tea you drink at Betty’s Tea Rooms, and the photos you take in the 2,000-year-old Gothic halls of York’s cathedral!

If you still need convincing that York is worth the visit, why not trust the thousands of people who have voted it as one of the UK’s top tourist destinations? They probably went to the city’s Viking Centre, too… yep, you read that right.

How to get to York from Manchester: There are tons of trains that go between York and Manchester every day. The journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and can cost as little as £6.90 if you book ahead of time.

7. The Lake District 

Find out if those Windermere peaks really do look like a perfect place to cry by visiting the Lake District for a day. 

Compared to the Peaks, the Lakes are a little further out of Manchester – but they’re definitely more than worth the extra journey…

You could honestly just go to The Lake District for the jaw-dropping scenery itself, but if you’re up for it, there are also a few short-ish hikes that’ll really help you understand why Taylor kept begging to go back here. 

The Old Man of Coniston route takes you up and through some of The Lakes’ steepest and most spectacular peaks, passing the many remnants of discounted copper mines. No doubt the incredible view from the top from leave you speechless and unable to shout all the many Wordsworth puns in your repertoire. 

Finish your day trip to The Lake District by visiting some of the other imaginatively named towns like Ambleside or Lakeside. The best way to get there? Across Lake Windermere on a boat, of course. Oh, Taylor would be so proud!

How to get to the Lake District from Manchester: The easiest way to get to the Lake District is to drive, however, it is possible to get the train. There are over 30 direct trains from Manchester to Oxenholme Lake District every day. Just be wary of the walk on the other side to get to the different hotspots.

8. Stockport

If you’d asked a Mancunian about the best Manchester day trips ten years ago, they would never have said Stockport. However, this historic market town is now well and truly on the map. 

Just seven minutes on the train from Manchester Picadilly, Stockport is the definition of a great day trip destination: accessible, affordable, and different enough from the starting point 

Take Stockport’s unique hat museum, for example. That’s not in Manchester! And the gorgeous 1930s art deco theatre that does afternoon tea. You can’t find that in the city! 

Aside from some brilliant cultural landmarks and museums (don’t miss Stockport’s Staircase House, a Medieval townhouse that’s been converted into a museum), there are also tons of great places to eat and drink in Stockport. 

See here: Where the Light Gets In, an open kitchen/restaurant where the chefs aren’t separated from the diners, and the soon-to-be-opened curry banquet hall with room for 1500+ people looking for some delicious Indian cuisine across four staggering floors.

Need I say more?

How to get to Stockport from Manchester: There’s no need to drive to Stockport. You can take a direct train from Manchester Picadilly which takes as little as 7 minutes, or the 203 bus which (unsurprisingly) takes slightly longer.

Fans of the Brontë sisters, this one’s for you. Step into the world of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights with a visit to Haworth, a quintessential village just off the Yorkshire moors. 

With cobbled streets lined with shops and cafes, and majestic steam trains bringing visitors to their very own moorland adventure, Haworth belongs in every Gothic romance. 

There’s also the must-visit Brontë Parsonage Museum where keen Brontë buffs will delight in showing you around the house of these female literary legends. 

Just remember to bring your Cathy or your Heathcliffe with you…

How to get to Haworth from Manchester: The far easiest way to get to Haworth is by car. However, you can also get there by train – it’s just a little long-winded. You could either get the train from Manchester Victoria to Hebden Bridge, before taking the hourly 500 bus to Haworth over the moors. Equally (and a much more fun way) to get to Haworth from Manchester is by taking a train to Leeds, then a train to Keighley. At Keighley, hop onto the restored Keighley and Worth Valley steam train.

10. Dovestones

If you’re keen to escape the hullabaloo of Manchester city centre but have vowed never to be that person who pretends to like hiking , Dovestones is a great middleman. 

Part of the Peak District National Park, a day trip to Dovestone Reservoir will give you the chance to experience the unique beauty of the Peaks, but on a much more toned-down scale; a popular walk in the Dovestone Reservoir is a pretty flat circular route around the Reservoir edge and briefly up into the Twilight -esque forest. 

Hold on tight, Spider Monkey!

Those in desperate need of some cool countryside air often head to Dovestones with a picnic in tow, ready to be eaten near the end of the trail on the allocated picnic benches. 

If it’s chilly, you’ll also likely see many walkers warming themselves up on their flasks of tea and hot chocolate!

How to get to Dovestones from Manchester: Annoyingly, Dovestones isn’t very accessible by public transport, so your best bet is to go by car (or head to Hope Valley in the Peak District instead.)

11. Chester 

Chester is my Roman Empire. No, really. This historic city is home to the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain – not to mention some great places to grab some grub and a pint.

I often find cities that feel like you’re reading a history textbook aren’t usually as good for eating, drinking, and shopping – but that doesn’t fly with Chester. 

You could spend hours nosing about independent and high-street brands in Chester’s Tudor-style half-timber buildings or following the Roman walls along traditional boozers and local pubs!

Slightly left-field suggestions for a Chester day trip include a visit to Chester Zoo (one of the UK’s largest zoos that’s so famous it appears on British TV) and kayaking or paddleboarding along the River Dee. 

Equally, having a drink and a mooch around the Roman ruins is great, too.

How to get to Chester from Manchester: You can get a direct train to Chester from Manchester in 50 minutes for as cheap as £5.80 if you book ahead of time.

Did we miss any of your favourite Day Trips from Manchester? 

Let us know in the comments!

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The best weekend breaks in the UK and Ireland

By Sarah James

We often cast our gaze to hazy tropics and far-flung cities when planning our getaways. But it’s easy to forget that weekend breaks in the UK and Ireland can mean white-sand beaches , stirring metropoles, dramatic landscapes and pretty villages . With unspoilt stretches of coast just a few hours from London, towns of honey-stone scattered among rolling hills and interesting cities in every corner of the country, a full-on escape can be undertaken with a simple few days away from home. So we’ve rounded up the best weekend breaks in the UK – with ideas on what to do and a handful of smart places to stay – to make the most of what’s on our doorstep.

For more inspiration, see our UK guides:

• The best hotels in the UK
• The best holiday homes to rent in the UK
• The best Airbnbs in the UK
• The best holiday cottages in the UK
• The best log cabins in the UK

Where can I go for a weekend break in the UK?

1. Peak District, England

Stretching across the Pennines, this national park edges into five counties: Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. This was England's first national park, when the UK government started to carve out protected landscapes in the aftermath of World War II. These days, its home to chocolate box villages and craggy hills in the same breath as industrial towns, quarries and stately piles. A weekend break here is best spent outdoors and with a plan so check our guide to the best walks in the Peak District for inspiration.

Where to stay for the weekend in the Peak District:

We love this charming 200-year-old cottage in Castleton, one of the loveliest villages in all of the Peaks. For a countryside stay, this modern brick barn retreat is surrounded by rolling hills. For more, see our guide to the best Airbnbs in the Peak District . 

2. Isle of Skye, Scotland

Of all of Scotland’s islands, Skye is the best-known and loved. And for good reason – with a craggy landscape dominated by the Cuillin mountains, the scenery here is as otherworldly as anything you’ll find further afield. Much of the isle remains almost deserted, but there’s a distinct culture to be found here, too – The Three Chimneys restaurant opened in the 1980s and still draws travellers from across the world.

Where to stay for the weekend in Isle of Skye:

Kinloch Lodge has had a serious makeover, but the historic portraits on the walls belie its 16th-century past. For something more low-key, The Black Shed is one of the best log cabins in the UK , with oversized windows overlooking Loch Dunvegan.

3. Cornwall, England

This corner of England’s south-west looks the least British of any part of the UK. The best beaches in Cornwall are made up of sugar-sand bays buffeted by the brightest blue sea along the wild coastline. These stretches, with their deserted coves and buzzing surf scenes, are made all the more appealing as Cornwall has the warmest climate in the country. Plus, the county has some of the tastiest food in the world, with some of the region’s best restaurants – such as Rick Stein’s Padstow seafood spot – being joined by outposts from London’s top chefs. Plus, there’s a buzzing art crowd – such as in Penzance, where indie shops and art galleries are drawing visitors.

Where to stay for the weekend in Cornwall:

A stone’s throw from Padstow, one of Cornwall’s most charming towns , lies the sleepy village of Trevone. While many travellers unknowingly amble past this turning, in-the-know staycationers have been booking up this area’s holiday homes for many years, aware of its prime location on the Atlantic coast (when you have a car, that is) and the charm of its sheltered beach. A relatively new addition to the area is Atlanta Trevone , a collection of charming self-catering properties claiming the village’s most sought-after spot. Curtains open to sweeping views of the ocean, board games are piled high for rainy days, and the beach and cafe are so close you can make out faces from bedroom windows.

4. The Cotswolds, England

The quintessential British weekender. The Cotswolds’ butter-hued villages have long been drawing city dwellers in need of brisk country air. Areas are packed out with clever homeware and antique shops, with old pubs and historic houses the pinnacle of rural life here. A string of towns spans five counties, with quiet corners to be found among the bustling riverbanks and cobbled streets – see our guide to the prettiest Cotswolds villages . For things to do in the Cotswolds , head to beautiful gardens attached to extraordinary manor houses and seek out smart-as-can-be independent stores.

Where to stay for the weekend in the Cotswolds:

Our guide to the best hotels in the Cotswolds includes our favourite stylish pubs with rooms and country piles. Thyme in Southrop is a grand house turned hotel, cookery school, restaurant and spa. For large groups, you can take over this historic Gloucestershire major house that sleeps 36. Set within 14.5 acres of countryside, it's one of our favourite Airbnbs in the UK . For more, see our pick of the best Airbnbs in the Cotswolds .

5. Donegal, Ireland

If you have longer than a weekend, a trip along Ireland’s coast, flitting from town to town, is a brilliant getaway. But for those with limited time looking for one spot to hunker down, wide-skyed Donegal in the remote north-west corner of the country has brilliant beaches and is known for its music and soft landscapes. The county is also part of the Wild Atlantic Way, a road that clings to the ragged coast of western Ireland.

Where to stay for the weekend in Donegal:

Danny Minnie’s is easily the best table to book in the area and has a handful of rooms to tumble into after supper. Or take over one of the Donegal Thatched Cottages as your own – they sit right on the Atlantic Ocean.

6. New Forest, England

Ponies and wild horses roam the New Forest, the largest unenclosed forest in southern England. It's now a national park, roaming over 220 square miles of pastureland and heathland. Travellers come here to hike, cycle and spot wildlife – but it's also one of the foodiest national parks in England. Hartnett Holder & Co at Lime Wood is overseen by Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, while The Terrace in Beaulieu leans into a hyper-local, hyper-seasonal menu. 

Where to stay for the weekend in the New Forest:

The rooms at The Montagu Arms Hotel have been recently refreshed while its Beaulieu location – sandwiched between the high street and the river – is regarded as one of the best in the New Forest. For something grander, book a stay at Chewton Glen , one of the ultimate English grand dames. See our guide to the best New Forest hotels for more. 

7. Somerset, England

Home to the quietly charming city of Bath and bordering boundary-pushing, indie Bristol, Somerset has a diverse landscape that includes countryside, international art spaces, some of the most talked about places to stay in Britain and the site of one of the world’s largest festivals. In the wake of the Hauser & Wirth gallery arriving in once-sleepy Bruton , the town quickly became the creative epicentre of the West Country. And the resulting ripples have drawn smart hotels and some of the UK’s top tables to the area – the best restaurants in Somerset rival Cornwall and London.

Where to stay for the weekend in Somerset:

For a stay in the city, The Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath is set in a pair of Grade I-listed Georgian townhouses. For a village stay, Bruton is the most talked about corner in Somerset, home to half hotel, half wonderful restaurant Number One Bruton, as well as the much buzzed about The Newt in Somerset . See our guide to the best hotels in Somerset for more.

8. Wye Valley, England and Wales

On the border of England and Wales, the Wye Valley ’s exceedingly pretty towns are scattered throughout the countryside carved by the River Wye. The most famous of the villages, Hay-on-Wye, is known for its annual literary festival, but there’s a string of market towns to visit, too. Walking is a big draw here: hike up the Black Mountains or along some of the Wales Coast Path’s 870-mile route.

Where to stay for the weekend in Wye Valley:

The Bear Hotel in Crickhowell is a charming little coaching inn in the middle of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Nearby in the village of Mitchel Troy, we love the look of this converted stone barn , particularly for families – there are climbing ropes and tree swings in the garden. 

Sarah James

Anna Prendergast

Condé Nast Traveller

Connor Sturges

9. Dorset, England

Less shouted about than neighbouring Devon, Dorset’s coast is made up of some of Britain’s loveliest beaches. The Jurassic Coast, a 95-mile stretch of shoreline that rolls across most of the county, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, named for its 185 million years of geological history. Durdle Door, the famous limestone arch that extends into the inky water, sits near two quiet coves, St Oswald's Bay and Man O' War. Meanwhile, the inland countryside inspired Thomas Hardy’s best-loved novels.

Where to stay for the weekend in Dorset:

Foodies should make a note of Yalbury Cottage , a laidback and topsy-turvy farmhouse with a knockout fine-dining restaurant by ex-Four Seasons chef Jamie Jones. The Eastbury is another standout stay, a Georgian townhouse with a warren of traditional rooms and renovated potting sheds tucked along a secret garden.

10. Kent, England

It’s close enough to the capital to make it one of our favourite day trips from London , but this diverse corner of the country deserves an overnight stay to explore it properly. Along the coast, a string of Kentish beach towns range from hipster – Margate ’s Shoreditch-on-Sea reputation is backed up by its natural wine bars and cool record stores – to quaint (Whitstable has a pretty main street and a penchant for oysters on the beach). For foodies, there’s a clutch of interesting vineyards – Hush Heath Estate, where Balfour wines are made, is set in 400 acres of orchards which are open to the public – while the best restaurants in Kent include Michelin-starred pubs and a pizza shack right on the beach.

Where to stay for the weekend in Kent:

The Rose in dinky Deal is the beach town’s first boutique hotel, with bold wallpaper to make you smile and a restaurant overseen by Rachel O’Sullivan, formerly of London’s Polpo and Towpath Café. 

11. Pembrokeshire, Wales

Spend 48 hours driving and diving around Wales ’s most stunning stretch of coastline: 186 miles of volcanic-rock stacks, limestone cliffs and gorsy headland that gives way to white sandy beaches and coves carved into horseshoes by the tide. Surfers in the 1980s invented coasteering here, so thrillseekers should head west to St David’s peninsula, where TYF Adventure organises adrenalin-pumping escapades (it also operates beach cleans, bodyboarding and kayaking). Whitesands is a popular surf destination, and Gianni’s Ice Cream parlour sources its dairy from Caerfai Farm down the road. Local ingredients are a big part of any menu here – forage for seaweed, sea purslane, mussels, winkles, razor clams and rock samphire, or join chef Matt Powell for an afternoon of expertly guided fishing, foraging and fine dining. There are plenty of pretty villages to potter around – touristy Tenby gets busy in the summer months but has a buzzing harbour; Solva’s multicoloured houses are home to art galleries and independent shops – and even more wildlife to witness. Take a boat to Skomer island, where you can see porpoises, dolphins and seals on the journey and a thriving puffin colony on arrival.

Where to stay for the weekend in Pembrokeshire:

The Grove is a five-minute drive from Narberth and comes with countryside staples such as squishy sofas and giant rolltop bathtubs, while Llys Meddyg is a brilliant base for exploring Newport. For a contemporary stay, we like the look of Carren Bach Cottage , with its minimalism and new-wave rustic interiors and serene location tucked in a wooded valley a pebble’s throw from Nolton Haven.

12. York, England

With nearly 2,000 years of history weaving together the rich tapestry of the city, you are never far from traces of bygone eras as you explore York's cobbled alleyways, and medieval architecture, not forgetting the revamped tearooms.

However, if you thought that this historic walled city,perched at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire was all about Roman and Viking heritage, you'd be wrong. This spirited hub also has cutting-edge art galleries (as well as a vibrant annual Open Studios showcase), chocolate factories and a whole host of interactive activities for children and adults alike to bring its past to life.

Where to stay for the weekend in York:

The Grand , set within the walled city, is York's only five-star hotel and is perfectly placed in the middle of town but just out of reach of the busy Shambles and Minster crowds.

13. Hebrides, Scotland

Sometimes there’s nothing better than going completely off grid. Scotland’s wild, Western isles may take some time to get to – driving from London would take around 13 hours – but it’s worth the journey. More than 136 islands are scattered around this coastline, underpopulated landmasses with carpets of forest streaked with rivers and dotted with bothies, colourful fishing villages and vast lochs. But what draws most eagle-eyed travellers is the wildlife. On the ground, red deer, otters and hares lay claim to the land, while skies are home to golden eagles, white-tailed sea eagles, hen harriers, gannets and even adorable, bright-beaked puffins. Head for the coast where pristine beaches melt into translucent waters, reminiscent of Caribbean shores. Turquoise waves roll over to reveal shoals of fish; friendly seals bob along the horizon; inquisitive bottlenose dolphins breach the waters to say hello – and if you’re lucky, the occasional killer whale has been known to surface.

Where to stay for the weekend in the Hebrides:

Whether you’re up for some Hebridean island-hopping or searching for somewhere to settle down and hibernate for a while, this Scottish archipelago has plenty of options. On Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides , opt for 19th-century elegance at Lews Castle . Or for something less traditional, hole up in this futuristic pod with glass ceilings to stargaze when the sun goes down. 

14. Lake District, England

With its dramatic, undulating landscape, the Lake District is one of the most famous national parks in Cumbria (and the UK). Distinguished by its glacial ribbon lakes, rugged fell mountains and historic literary associations from Beatrix Potter to Wordsworth and Coleridge, the area has world-famous walking routes, while the picturesque market towns (Kendal, Ambleside and Keswick, to name a few) provide cosy, traditional inns for warming up after a day scaling the mountain ranges.

The brave might want to climb Scafell Pike, the region’s highest point, while those after a less bracing pace can head to Derwentwater, popping into the independent art galleries that dot the landscape just inland from the shore.

Where to stay for the weekend in the Lake District:

Another Place is a smart country-house crash pad – and one of our best hotels in the UK for 2021 , and it isn't hard to see why. From the sleek indoor pool that seamlessly merges with the surrounding landscape to the modernist interiors, Georgian grandeur has been given a contemporary spin on the edge of Ullswater.

15. Devon, England

Sail, surf, hike, climb, fish, farm, forage… The outdoors is where it’s at in Devon . A major chunk of its Jurassic coast is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to sheltered bays, shingle beaches , sandy stretches and clear, clean waters that lap against prehistoric rock formations. Hike along the loop of the South West Coast Path and find hidden swimming spots and sea views. The Salt Path , the moving memoir by Raynor Winn, traces the length of the trail, revealing its history and healing nature with every chapter.

Inland, Dartmoor National Park’s wild-heather moorland and rolling landscape draw walkers up, over and in between gorges, tors and steep hilltops, while Liberty Trails invites riders to explore the area on horseback. Some of the UK’s best climbing and bouldering takes place on Lundy island , or you can find adventurous sea cliffs to conquer on the Culm coast. Cobbled Clovelly is the West Country’s answer to medieval Rye in East Sussex and looks out over Bideford Bay with views of secluded Burgh Island (only accessed by foot at low tide). Kayak across the estuary from Appledore to Instow and feast on lobster at The Glorious Oyster, or work up an appetite on your longboard at Bantham beach before a cream tea at the Gastrobus.

Where to stay for the weekend in Devon:

Gara Rock’s sensational sea views give way to an uncluttered hotel with a restaurant that the locals love. For a steps-from-the-sand stay, it's hard to beach Harbour Beach Club . For more, see our edit of the best hotels in Devon . 

16. Scottish Borders, England and Scotland

As much as we love exploring bonnie Scotland, you don’t have to go far beyond the border to stumble upon wonderful landscapes, chocolate-box villages and ancient ruins. The region stretches between some of the country’s most popular destinations yet remains surprisingly quiet and crowd-free. It’s just south of Edinburgh , between the fringed edges of the Pentland Hills and Northumberland National Park, with plenty of medieval villages, crumbling castles and quiet hamlets.

Start with Melrose, a quaint spot with a rich history, from its 12th-century abbey to the panoramic Harmony Garden. Rumour has it King Arthur is buried in the hills overlooking the town, and the sprawling countryside inspired Sir Walter Scott, who bought a house nearby. On the north bank of the River Tweed, Peebles is a handsome town with an old Parish church, party-style bunting on the high street and lots of pretty cafés and restaurants. Wander around its galleries – Tweeddale is housed in a building dating back to the 16th century – or head out for long hikes and to visit historic castles.

Where to stay for the weekend in the Scottish Borders:

Head to Barns Bothy near Kirkton Manor for a cute country retreat for two, or take over the cottage and tower next door for larger groups. Or for something cosier, try this barn conversion where sheep roam freely outside, with a roaring log fire and plenty of hiking trails nearby.

17. East Sussex, England

An hour on the train from London, East Sussex has coast, countryside and creative communities to connect with. It’s a great call for those dashing out of the city: leave on Friday night, commute in on Monday morning and enjoy three nights away without taking any time off work. In the south, Brighton is best known for its late nights and live music, plus its pebbly beach and lanes of vintage shops. Further along the coast, you can find the vertical drops of Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap, where bone-white cliffs look over the English Channel. Go during high tide if you want to swim, and then head inland to the South Downs for a walk through meandering waterways, poppy fields and ancient woodland.

Rye and Lewes are lovely old market towns with antiques shops and quirky bookstores, Firle Beacon has the most breathtaking hilltop views around and historic village Alfriston has been put back on the map with the 2021 renovation of The Star by hotelier Olga Polizzi. Wear out little ones on Ashdown Forest, with family-friendly walks and Pooh sticks at Pooh Sticks Bridge. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to some of our favourite country pubs – The Hatch Inn and The Coach and Horses both have lovely beer gardens and chunky, triple-cooked chips, plus local ales.

Where to stay for the weekend in East Sussex:

Hove has The Ginger Pig (make sure you book a room with a bathtub). The Star in Alfriston is the place to book for the coast, and The Gallivant on Camber Sands has a breezy Hamptons feel. There are also some beautiful Airbnbs for ultimate privacy such as this romantic woodland log shed and this gorgeous beach house .

18. Manchester, England

Is Manchester the best UK city break ? There is a vibrant restaurant scene – spanning next-level bakeries, seasonal pasta places, and humming food halls – and excellent bars, as well as a crop of new hotels that have opened over the past few years. Art lovers make tracks for The Lowry Gallery, and there's a flurry of vintage shops across Ancoats and the Northern Quarter for indulgent shopping sprees.

Where to stay for the weekend in Manchester:

Pastel-hued Whitworth Locke is one of the best hotels in Manchester – more your own apartment than a traditional place to stay, with kitchens in each of the suites, an adjoining coffee shop and restaurant, and a co-working space.

19. Connemara, Ireland

“The west of Ireland ’s most beautiful region, Connemara is a country unto itself, centred on blue mountains, open to colossal skies, buffeted on three sides by the Atlantic, and crisscrossed by narrow, meandering roads,” says Stanley Stewart in his 2023 love letter to this corner. This is a place of shimmering waters and craggy mountain backdrops, of wild boglands and grand houses. Days are spent following trails that take in epic landscapes such as across the tidal island Omey, visiting centuries-old estates such as Ballynahinch or braving the blustery weather on one of the handsome beaches.

Connemara National Park covers 2,000 hectares of rugged countryside, with yet more hiking trails over the mountains. Or root down in one of the area's fine, cosy hotels and be thoroughly looked after for the weekend.

Where to stay for the weekend in Connemara:

On the shores of Lough Inagh, former fishing lodge Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel dates from the 1880s and is a gloriously Victorian spot to bed down. Elsewhere, Delphi Lodge in Leenaun is a grand Georgian house with crackling fires.

20. Wester Ross, Scotland

So much more than a jumping-off point to reach the Isle of Skye, Wester Ross – made up of the western parts of Ross and Cromarty in Scotland ’s Northwest Highlands – is like a fantasy landscape. “Mountains of sandstone (many of them Munros: Scottish peaks above 3,000 feet) topple into screes of quartzite, ranges broadening until the sea disappears from view,” Antonia Quirke writes of Wester Ross .

The area has one of the lowest population densities in Europe, giving the feeling that you have the place all to yourself. Don't miss a trip to Applecross Pass, nearly 2,000 feet high, which peeks over the Minch to Skye and Rassay.

Where to stay for the weekend in Wester Ross:

The Glenelg Inn is high-spirited sort of place, with brilliant pub food. The Torridon , meanwhile, was built in the late 19th century; a grand but cosy hotel with a covetable whisky bar.

The 10 best UK city breaks for a weekend trip in 2024

D ays spent lounging in parks, pub gardens with pitchers of Pimms, and strolling along the beach. This will soon be part of the summer routine in the UK , as the coming months bring warmer weather and longer, brighter days.

June, July and August provide opportunities to explore the country when you can be (slightly more) sure that rain and overcast weather won’t ruin your weekend.

It appears that  staycations  are still a strong contender for Brits booking holidays and although there are excellent countryside and coastal destinations, some of the best UK locations are its cities.

Need some inspiration for your next break? Here are some of the best UK cities to help you choose your 2024 staycation.

The capital  remains the best city in the country for things to do, with world-famous museums, parks, galleries and monuments. Walk through Westminster to see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben or Trafalgar Square (among many other sights), catch a West End show or simply explore  Covent Garden , Piccadilly and Leicester Square.

Those who are more artistically minded will enjoy browsing through works by Picasso (at the National Gallery) or Warhol (Tate Modern), but if it all gets a bit too much then you can escape to the city’s various green areas, such as Hyde Park or Regent’s Park. Camden, Soho and  Shoreditch  are among the best areas for eating and drinking, with markets serving street food, such as Borough and Broadway Markets, also popular.

There is no shortage of  hotels in London . The Z Hotel Holborn is less than five minutes away from Holborn underground station and under 10 minutes’ walk from Covent Garden, providing the perfect base for exploring the city’s many attractions.

The  Industrial Revolution-era powerhouse  lays claim to being the city that “ invented the weekend ”, so what better place to enjoy one? The city has transformed in the last 20 years, with a skyline that has added numerous skyscrapers, and neighbourhoods that have been transformed from “ industrial wastelands ” into bustling, trendy districts. Many of the buildings in the city centre have retained their old red brick, factory-style facades (despite their interiors making way for apartments, restaurants and even cinemas), adding to the city’s sense of architectural identity.

The focus in  Manchester  is not on sightseeing, but rather on general exploration. Spend time in Deansgate – the city’s high street, where you’ll find independent shops and cafes alongside all the expected names – but the canals of Castlefield and the still-industrial streets of Ancoats are worth wandering through for some of the best scenery (and most popular restaurants) in the city. If you’re looking to stay more central, locals will tell you not to miss the  Northern Quarter : this is the city’s main nightlife hub, but in the day is a maze of restaurants, shops and cafes ranging, from the high-end to the bizarre.

The Novotel Manchester Centre’s location is among the best in the city, perfectly located for exploring almost every area of the city. It’s also close to Piccadilly station.

Read more on UK travel :

• The best UK holiday destinations for families
• Lake District guide: Where to eat, drink, walk and stay in the National Park
• The best wild swimming stays in the UK

Ranked as TimeOut’s best city in the world in 2022, the  Scottish capital  is well-known for the architecture of its medieval  Old Town  and the grand nature of events such as the Festival Fringe and Hogmanay celebrations. One of the most beautiful cities in the UK, its castle and the Royal Mile are among its most well-known attractions, while Victoria Street – a winding street with colourful shopfronts - may be its most photographed.

If you want to escape the crowds, the idyllic Dean Village is just 20 minutes away from the centre, where the Water of Leith River flows through rows of cobblestoned streets and old mills. Anyone wanting a panoramic view is advised to climb Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano just under two miles from the city centre. The total journey up and down takes around 90 minutes, but the views are more than worth it.

Sitting within a 1750s sandstone building in the Old Town, Fraser Suites offers bespoke, fashionable rooms just 0.3 miles from the castle.

This  West Country city  has gained a reputation as a great place to visit, with Conde Nast Traveller naming it the UK’s best city break in 2021. The city has a “hipster” feel to it; this reputation has been added to through the thriving university population, a wide array of street art (including several by Banksy), dozens of weekly musical and cultural events, and an ever-growing range of excellent bars and restaurants, such as Italian mini-chain Bosco or Poco Tapas.

Architecture and sights such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge or SS Great Britain might be the symbols of the city, (and are definitely worth a visit), but anyone wanting to “define” the city should look no further than Gloucester Road, which, for a time, contained the longest unbroken chain of independent retailers in all of Europe. For a more leafy feel, head to Clifton Village, a picturesque area of cafes and pubs that comes alive during weekends and evenings.

The Avon Gorge Hotel has one of the finest views of  Bristol  – looking out over the Suspension Bridge – which alone makes it one of the best recommendations, but its location within Clifton Village also gives it the feel of a stay in a tranquil village rather than a bustling city.

Home to arguably the world’s most famous band (and two famous football clubs),  Liverpool  is a centre of British history and culture that remains a Unesco City of Music, despite having lost its status as a World Heritage Site.  Liverpudlians  won’t care though, safe in the knowledge that  their city doesn’t need a title to prove its attraction .

The city’s architectural highlights (such as the Three Graces), the waterfront and canal areas (including Royal Albert Dock) and a  plethora of galleries and museums  (including the International Slavery Museum and works from Rembrandt and Monet in the Walker Gallery) provide more than enough to do on a weekend trip, while the evenings can be spent walking around the buzzing city centre or the  more local Baltic Triangle .

When the sun is up, the waterside terrace at Malmaison is a gem for whiling away the hours (the food from the newly revamped restaurant is a delight, too). Whatever the weather, this 130-room hotel has big, comfy beds and an on-trend look to ensure you’ll have a good stay.

Cardiff is the youngest capital city in Europe, having only been proclaimed as such in 1955. It is now  Wales ’ main city and one of the largest in the UK, with a settlement history stretching back to long before Roman times. The castle (some of which were built in the third century) is the best example of this, while the National Museum (including St Fagans National Museum of History) does most of the present-day showcasing of the city’s long and varied history.

Nowadays, Cardiff is the home of Welsh rugby, the country’s largest football team and several universities, making it a popular place to live, learn and visit (and giving it a buzzing vibe on the weekends). Cardiff Bay is an excellent hangout spot for drinks by the waterside, while the  Brewery Quarter  and  Roath  are two districts that are worth exploring (if you can bring yourself to venture out of St David’s shopping centre).

Slap-bang in the middle of town, on Cardiff’s pedestrianised Queen Street, this  hotel  features vivid street art influenced by the city. Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill occupies the top floor.

Another UK city with a thriving university population, Newcastle is  well-known as being a great party destination,  but at the same time, it is cultivating a reputation as an excellent choice for a more well-rounded city break. Grainger Town is the historic heart of the city, where Georgian and Victorian architecture blend to create an impressive centre, including the ever-popular 1830s Grey Street (including the Theatre Royal) and the Grade I-listed Grainger Market.

Neighbourhoods such as Jesmond and Ouseburn contain a vibrant mix of locals and students and are where affordable bars and pubs meet quaint cafes and upmarket restaurants. For a more central hub of nighttime activity, head to the picturesque Quayside for somewhere to spend time along the River Tyne. The city is also an excellent base for exploring nearby sites, such as Hadrian’s Wall, the Northumberland countryside or the beaches (such as  Bamburgh ).

The Vermont is an independent hotel with views over the cathedral and both the Millennium and Tyne bridges and just five minutes away from the city centre and main shopping districts.

The  Northern Irish capital  is a popular destination for  city breaks  and a great base for exploring more of what the  nation  has to offer, such as parts of the Causeway Coast. The city is steeped in both recent and ancient British history, with opportunities to learn including the Conflicting Stories walking tour (regarding the Troubles period) or the Titanic Belfast exhibition, contained within the aptly named Titanic Quarter.

Other great neighbourhoods include the Cathedral Quarter – the city’s cultural epicentre, with dozens of bars and pubs centred around a cobblestoned pedestrian street – and the Gaeltacht Quarter, which aims to preserve Irish history and language (and is where you’re likely to hear traditional folk music and see local arts). Of course, there’s always the city centre too, where shopping areas such as Victoria Square meet more bohemian vendors, like those within St George’s Market. The famous City Hall is also located here.

The Hilton Belfast overlooks the River Lagan and is less than a mile from the city centre, with simple yet stylish rooms.

Ranked by  Which?  as the best city break in the country in 2024,  York  ranked highly for its mix of great places to stay, eat, drink and shop. Its cultural sights received a five-star rating, and it’s a place brimming with an extensive Roman and Viking history. The York Minster Cathedral is the city’s must-see sight, though the  Roman walls and Jorvik Viking Centre  are the main links to the city’s ancient past.

The Shambles – a narrow medieval street, with 14th-century buildings that house shops and cafes – is another impressive area, but anyone walking around the city will be struck by a charming atmosphere. Walk alongside the Ouse to end up at sights such as Clifford Tower or the Millennium Bridge, or to find the Micklegate Bar, one of the city’s most important medieval gates.

Located in a Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse, Judge’s Lodging has views over York Minster and offers elegantly decorated British-style rooms.

One of the most picturesque cities in the UK, Bath has an impressive mix of history and architecture. The Roman Baths attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and are one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the country, while the Gothic abbey stands right next to the entrance to the baths – a reminder of more recent history. Much of the remaining architecture of the city consists of elegant Georgian buildings , from the Circus to the Royal Crescent.

If a visit to the baths makes you suddenly yearn for a swim, the Thermae Bath Spa offers two-hour sessions in its thermal outdoor pool, mineral baths and ice chambers. If that’s a little too much, walk across Pulteney Bridge to Royal Victoria Park, where from both you get superb views of the river.

Eight has a great city-centre location, right next to the Roman Baths and the Abbey and less than a mile from Royal Crescent. Less is more here, with spacious, simple (but stylish) rooms.

Read more: Best UK hotels: Where to stay for a luxury or affordable break

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