London is one of my favorite cities in the world, and you could easily spend an entire vacation without leaving it. But one of the best things about visiting London is how many completely different places you can reach in just a few hours.

You can tour a royal palace, wander through a university that looks like it belongs in a Harry Potter movie, see ancient Roman baths, walk along white cliffs or spend the day beside the sea. You can even travel to Paris or Disneyland Paris if you are willing to start early and have a very long day.

I have personally visited Bath, Cambridge, Hampton Court Palace and the Cotswolds. The remaining destinations were recommended by travel writers who have visited them themselves, so every place in this roundup comes from firsthand experience.

Some of these day trips are incredibly easy by train, while others work better with a car or an organized tour. I have included approximate travel times, the easiest way to get there and what makes each destination worth leaving London for. I have also separated the easiest day trips from the more ambitious choices so you can choose one that actually fits your family and your travel style.

How to Choose the Best Day Trip from London

The best day trip from London depends on how much time you want to spend traveling and whether you are comfortable navigating trains, buses or a rental car.

Easiest Day Trips by Train

Hampton Court Palace, Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge and Brighton are some of the easiest choices. They can all be reached from London in about an hour or less, and you won’t need a car once you arrive.

Best Day Trips by Car or Tour

The Cotswolds, Stonehenge, Seven Sisters and Leeds Castle are possible using public transportation, but getting around can involve buses, taxis or multiple connections. A rental car or organized tour usually makes these trips much easier.

Best Day Trips from London With Kids

Hampton Court Palace is one of my favorite family-friendly choices because the palace, gardens and maze give children plenty to explore. Windsor, Brighton and Disneyland Paris also offer more for kids than simply walking around and admiring historic buildings.

Longer but Possible Day Trips

York, Liverpool, Cardiff, Paris and Disneyland Paris can all be visited from London in one day. However, they require an early departure and a late return. I would only choose one of these if it is high on your family’s wish list and you don’t mind spending several hours traveling.

Planning a Day Trip From London

Photo Credit: Depositphotos

Day trips from London are fairly easy to plan, but don’t look only at the time shown on the train schedule. London is enormous, and it can take quite a while to reach the correct departure station from your hotel.

Book Longer Train Journeys Early

You can purchase many British train tickets on the day you travel, but booking early is often cheaper. Advance ticketsare generally released up to 12 weeks before departure. The cheapest tickets are usually tied to a specific train, so make sure you are comfortable committing to that departure time.

If you are taking several train trips with children, look into a Family & Friends Railcard. It currently provides one-third off eligible adult fares and 60% off eligible fares for children ages 5–15. Compare the cost of the railcard with your expected savings before purchasing it.

Check Your Departure Station

Trains leave London from several different stations, including Paddington, Waterloo, Victoria, King’s Cross, Liverpool Street and St Pancras International. Check your route the night before and give yourself extra time to reach the station, especially during the morning rush.

Before leaving London, also check the departure time of the final train home. This is particularly important for longer trips where trains may run less frequently in the evening.

Know When a Tour Is Easier

Destinations such as Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Brighton and Windsor are easy to visit independently by train. Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, Seven Sisters and Leeds Castle require more planning once you leave the train station. For those destinations, an organized tour or rental car may save enough time to make the day more enjoyable.

Allow Extra Time for International Day Trips

Paris and Disneyland Paris require a passport as well as security and border checks. Eurostar recommends arriving at the time printed on your ticket rather than shortly before the gates close. Download or check your ticket close to departure for the most current instructions.

Remember that France is one hour ahead of London. Pay attention to the local departure time when planning your return journey so you don’t miss the last train.

Hampton Court Palace

Distance from London: Approximately 15 miles
Train Friendly: Yes — direct from London Waterloo
Travel Time: Approximately 35–40 minutes
Best For: Families, royal history, gardens and an easy train trip

Hampton Court Palace is one of the easiest and most family-friendly day trips from London. Trains leave London Waterloo approximately every 30 minutes, and Hampton Court Station is only about a five-minute walk from the palace. The station is in Zone 6, so Oyster cards can be used for this journey.

I visited Hampton Court with my parents and siblings, and the maze is still the part I remember best. It was by far the most amazing maze I had ever seen, and I still haven’t found another one that compares. Its layout dates back to the late 1600s, and it is considered the world’s oldest surviving hedge maze.

I also loved the palace gardens. Everything was beautifully maintained, and the flowers looked as though they had been lined up perfectly. The gardens are enormous, so leave enough time to explore them instead of spending the entire visit inside the palace.

Inside, visitors can explore the world of Henry VIII, including the Tudor kitchens, Great Hall and royal apartments. Families should also look for the Magic Garden, an imaginative outdoor play area included with palace admission.

Good to Know: Admission to the maze and gardens is included with a palace ticket. Check the current opening schedule before visiting because individual attractions and garden areas sometimes have different hours.

Cambridge

Distance from London: Approximately 60 miles
Train Friendly: Yes — direct from London King’s Cross or Liverpool Street
Travel Time: Approximately 50–65 minutes
Best For: University architecture, punting and a fun day with friends

Cambridge is one of the easiest day trips from London by train, and the historic center is compact enough to explore in a day. The university colleges are absolutely worth visiting, but my favorite part of Cambridge was punting on the River Cam.

I visited with a friend, and we decided to try punting ourselves. It looked much easier than it actually was. We got turned around and stuck more times than I can tell you, but we laughed through the entire thing and had such a fun afternoon. We were truly terrible at punting, which somehow made it even more memorable.

Punting also gives you a beautiful view of the backs of Cambridge’s famous colleges from the river. If you would rather relax and enjoy the scenery than spend the afternoon attempting to steer, book a chauffeured punting tour instead.

Leave time to walk through the city and visit at least one or two colleges. King’s College is the most famous, but opening times and visitor access vary because these are still working university buildings.

Good to Know: Cambridge Station is not directly beside the historic colleges, so allow time to walk or take a bus into the center. College entry and punting tours can sell out during busy periods, making advance reservations worthwhile.

Oxford

Distance from London: 60 miles (97 km)
Train Friendly: Yes – Direct from London Paddington
Travel Time: ~1 hour
Best For: University history, architecture, Harry Potter filming locations and punting

The city of Oxford is a stunning place and has a fascinating history, making it a great place for a day trip. Oxford is home to the world famous University of Oxford. The University of Oxford is made up of dozens of individual colleges, many of which welcome visitors.”. The city has a fantastic skyline with many spires and unique buildings, you can enjoy these from a variety of viewpoints.

Getting to Oxford is pretty easy from London, there are direct trains from Paddington Station, these take roughly an hour. You could alternatively opt for the national express coach for a cheaper journey, however these take 1 hour 40 minutes.

There are many ways to enjoy Oxford, from ambling around at your pace to guided tours of the key attractions.

Good to Know: Oxford’s colleges set their own visitor hours, admission prices and closure dates. Decide which colleges you most want to see and check their individual schedules before your trip, especially if Christ Church is a priority.

Contributed by Richard of RJontour.com

Liverpool

Distance from London: 210 miles (340 km)
Train Friendly: Yes – Direct from London Euston
Travel Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
Best For: Beatles fans, maritime history, museums and music

Liverpool is a great day trip or weekend getaway from London, just 2.5 hours away by direct train from Euston Station. This vibrant port city is a great destination for lovers of maritime history, musical heritage, and modern culture.

The city’s  waterfront is stunning, anchored by the iconic Three Graces – the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port of Liverpool Building. The Royal Albert Dock is home to The Beatles Story. Tate Liverpool is temporarily operating from RIBA North at Mann Island while its Albert Dock gallery is being redeveloped.

Good to Know: Liverpool is a long day trip, with more than two hours of train travel in each direction. Take an early direct train from London Euston, return late and book your tickets in advance. Liverpool Lime Street Station is within walking distance of the city center.

Brighton

Distance from London: 54 miles (87 km)
Train Friendly: Yes – Direct from London Victoria or London Bridge
Travel Time: ~1 hour
Best For: A seaside escape, families, quirky shops and classic pier attractions

Brighton makes for one of the best city breaks in the UK, and since it’s only one hour by train from the capital, a perfect day trip from London. With the beach, the relaxing atmosphere, and so many great things to do, Brighton is the perfect place to get away from the big metropolitan city for a day.

Inside the city, you should make sure to stop by the Royal Pavillion. This 200 year old stunning piece of architecture looks very out of place in the British city.

Brighton beach is one of the main highlights of this seaside city. It’s the perfect place to relax near the sea and enjoy some fresh fish and chips. Near the beach, you can also find the Brighton Palace Pier. This 100+ year old pier makes for a great photo opportunity, and on it, you can find some arcades and funfair rides.

Good to Know: Brighton Beach is covered in pebbles rather than sand, so bring shoes that are comfortable to wear along the water. The train is generally easier than driving because central parking can be limited and expensive.

Winchester

Distance from London: 68 miles (109 km)
Train Friendly: Yes – Direct from London Waterloo
Travel Time: ~53 minutes
Best For: Medieval history, cathedrals, King Arthur legends and a quieter city break

If you are after a day trip from London to a place which is vibrant, ancient and packed with history and culture, then look no further than Winchester. Winchester was the capital of King Alfred’s Wessex and became one of the most important cities in Anglo-Saxon England.

Aside from the medieval Winchester Cathedral (the main and most popular attraction in the city), other places of interest include the Great Hall and King Arthur’s Round Table, Winchester City Mill, Wolvesey Castle, Winchester College (one of England’s old independent schools), Winchester City Museum, the Gurkha Museum and Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium (fun place for the kids).

Canterbury

Distance from London: 60 miles (97 km)
Train Friendly: Yes — high-speed trains from London St Pancras to Canterbury West
Travel Time: Approximately 50–60 minutes on the fastest services
Best For: Cathedral history, medieval streets, architecture and literary history

There are so many amazing day trips from London that you can do but none would be as brilliant as a day trip to Canterbury.
This amazing UNESCO World Heritage site is home to one of the most spectacular Cathedrals in England.

Wandering the streets of Canterbury you will find many gorgeous old Tudor style houses as well as so many places to sit and enjoy some scones, jam and cream as you watch the world go by. You can also get some of the best pictures of the Cathedral towering over the streets too.

If you are traveling by car or taking an organized tour, you can combine Canterbury with Dover Castle or the White Cliffs of Dover. I would not attempt to see all three using public transportation unless you are prepared for a very long and tightly scheduled day.

But you can catch the ferry from Dover to France.

Windsor

York

Distance from London: ~105 miles (169 km)
Train Friendly: Yes – Direct trains from London Waterloo
Travel Time: ~2 hours (each way)
Best For: Beaches, families, seaside activities and a relaxing break from London

Bournemouth is a great destination to visit from London.  You can soak up the sea air and visit one of the award winning beaches in the largest town in Dorset.

Whilst spending some time in Bournemouth, why not discover the fantastic activities on offer. You could try the 65 meter indoor cave experience, or a high ropes obstacle course at Rock Reef, situated right at the end of Bournemouth Pier. If you’re feeling brave, then why not speed down the 250 metres to the shore from 25 metres above the sea on Pier Zip.

Good to Know: Bournemouth is about two hours from London each way, and the beach is roughly a 25-minute walk from the train station. Summer weekends can be extremely busy, so arrive early if you want plenty of time at the beach and pier.

Stonehenge

Distance from London: 88 miles (142 km)
Train Friendly: Indirect – Train to Salisbury + bus or taxi
Travel Time: ~2 hours
Best For: Ancient history, archaeology, iconic landmarks and first-time visitors to England

Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. Construction began around 3000 BC and continued in several stages over many centuries. Although the monument is aligned with the movements of the sun during the solstices, its exact purpose remains a mystery.

Stonehenge has long been shrouded in mystery – its function unknown even to those who built it some 5000 years ago – but archaeologists have gradually discovered more about what went on there. It’s possible that people gathered at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise over the Heelstone or sunset behind Durrington Walls—a nearby settlement with earthworks that are believed to have served as Britain’s most significant prehistoric village.

Good to Know: Stonehenge is not directly beside a train station. Take the train from London Waterloo to Salisbury and continue by tour bus or taxi. Book a timed admission ticket in advance, especially during the summer.

Paris

Distance from London: 214 miles (344 km)
Train Friendly: Yes – Direct Eurostar from St Pancras
Travel Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Best For: Iconic landmarks, food, museums and an ambitious international day trip

With one day in Paris you will be able to check off all of the highlights, such as breakfast at the Eiffel Tower, walking around the island of Île de la Cité and seeing the Notre Dame Cathedral. For lunch there is nothing better than stopping by a local supermarket and stocking up on cheese, meat, bread and wine for your picnic in Luxembourg Gardens.

Good to Know: You will need your passport, and Eurostar recommends arriving well before departure for security and border checks. Paris is also one hour ahead of London. Choose two or three priorities rather than trying to see the entire city, and reserve Eiffel Tower tickets in advance if you want to go to the top.

Disneyland Paris

Distance from London: 240 miles (386 km)
Train Friendly: Yes – Eurostar with a change in Lille or Paris
Travel Time: ~3 hours
Best For: Disney fans, families with older children and an ambitious international adventure

Disneyland Paris is one of the best day trips from London.  Disney is a magical place offering two parks: Parc Disneyland and Disney Adventure World.  You can get a park hopper and enjoy both parks in one day.

There are a few ways to get to Disneyland Paris from London.  You can take a short flight or jump on a high speed train.

Once you arrive at the park be sure to grab Disney Premier Access and hop on  your favorite rides. Disneyland Paris has some unique rides that you will not find at any other Disneyland Park. Crush’s Coaster, Phantom Manor, and it’s own unique World of Frozen Land are just a few  location specific Disney rides.

Good to Know: This is one of the most demanding day trips from London. The fastest rail journeys take about three hours each way and require a change, usually in Lille. Focus on one park unless you are comfortable moving quickly.

Contributed by Lisa of Planningaway.com

FAQ: Best Day Trips from London

What is the best day trip from London?

The best day trip from London depends on your interests. For royal history, Windsor is the easiest option. For seaside charm, Brighton is perfect. If you want Roman history and beautiful architecture, Bath is one of the most popular choices. For a dramatic international experience, Paris is surprisingly doable in a day via the Eurostar.

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What are the best day trips from London with kids?

Hampton Court Palace, Windsor, Brighton and Leeds Castle are some of the best day trips from London with kids. Hampton Court has its famous maze and gardens, Brighton has the beach and pier, and Leeds Castle offers plenty of space to explore outdoors. Cambridge can also be fun with older children, especially if you include punting on the river.

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What cities are 1 hour from London by train?

Several excellent cities are about one hour from London by train, including Oxford, Brighton, Windsor, Winchester, and Canterbury. These destinations are direct and easy to navigate, making them ideal for a simple and stress-free day trip.

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What are the best day trips from London by train?

The best day trips from London by train include Bath (1 hr 20 min), York (1 hr 50 min), Oxford (1 hour), and Cardiff (2 hours). The UK rail system makes it easy to travel without renting a car, and many of the city destinations are walkable from the station, while places such as Stonehenge, Leeds Castle and the Cotswolds require additional transportation.

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Do I need to book train tickets for day trips from London in advance?

You do not always need to book in advance, but purchasing tickets early can save money on longer journeys to places like Bath, York, Liverpool and Cardiff. It is also a good idea to reserve admission for popular attractions such as Windsor Castle, the Roman Baths, Stonehenge and the Oxford colleges.

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Can you take a day trip from London to Paris?

Yes. The Eurostar from London St Pancras reaches Paris in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. With early departure and evening return, you can spend a full day exploring the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Montmartre, and the Seine before heading back.

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Is Stonehenge doable as a day trip from London?

Yes, but it requires a transfer. You can take a train to Salisbury (about 90 minutes), then a bus or taxi to Stonehenge. Many visitors combine Stonehenge with Salisbury Cathedral for a fuller day.

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What is the easiest day trip from London?

Windsor is often considered the easiest day trip. It is less than an hour away by train, compact, and centered around Windsor Castle and the Great Park — making it simple to see the highlights in a few hours.

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Are day trips from London worth it?

Absolutely. While London has endless attractions, day trips allow you to experience England’s countryside, medieval cities, coastal scenery, and even other countries. Many destinations feel completely different from London and can be comfortably explored in one day.

I hope this list has given you some great ideas about how to see more of the UK while you are on your visit to London! London is a fabulous city, but I always find that I get a much better taste for a country when I am in the smaller towns and cities. The whole country is full of historic and beautiful things to see, now the problem will be deciding which place to visit!