Planning a day tour from London with your group of friends or family? The overall experience highly depends on your preferences for destinations, ease of travel, accommodation and budget requirements. Some of the most famous day trip destinations from London include Cambridge, Bath, Canterbury, Oxford, the Cotswolds and many more unique attractions and regions.
London acts as a base and treasure trove for exploring England’s most unique destinations. However, with so many options available, travellers are often unsure about making the right choice. Fortunately, you no longer have to worry; this guide will share details about the best day trips you can take from London.
Best Regions For Day Trips From London
The Cotswolds
Distance: 78.1 miles - 1 hour 52 minutes drive
Best For:
- Relaxing Trip.
- Picnic Party.
- Village side exploration.
- One of the best Instagram-worthy walking spots.
Most tourists, upon visiting London, believe that they have seen the better side of England. But in reality, there is much more to see and explore, like the village of Cotswolds. The yellow limestone houses surrounded by greenery, and passing by an unspoiled river, make the region a true English heritage experience.
The overall area has a very strong connection to nature, with habitat surroundings and calm neighbourhoods, away from the 24/7 rush of London. On top of that, the 800 square miles of green rolling hills are well known to reward you with the comfortable trip that you really deserve. Simply book a private transport like a minibus with a driver, gather your group around, pack the luggage for a multi-day tour of the region, and you will surely see why it is worth the time.
Bath
Distance: 115 miles - 2 hours 25 minutes
Best For:
- Historical Architecture.
- UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Roman hot springs and baths.
- Family-friendly trip destination.
If you want to extend your trip away from London, then you should definitely visit Bath. This Georgian destination is a sanctuary for architecture and Roman baths that are unlike any other in all of England. You get to see the Royal Hot Springs, museums, galleries, and unique festivals happening in the blink of an eye.
Canterbury
Distance: 62.5 miles - 1 hour 46 minutes
Best For:
- Roman architecture.
- Charming walking streets for family and friends.
- Unique marketplace.
- A countryside comfortable environment.
If you are planning to surround yourself with a peaceful landscape, Roman architecture with cobblestone streets, Canterbury just might be what you are looking for. Not just architecturally, but the city is also famous for being the religious centre in England with the Victorian-designed Canterbury Cathedral.
Along with the religious significance, the city invites tourists to spend time in the medieval themed region, traditional punting on the River Stour and enjoy the local cuisine. If you are travelling with a large group of friends, family or colleagues, you can conveniently hire a private coach to access all the local attractions for an easy day tour from London.
Oxford
Distance: 59.0 miles - 1 hour 50 minutes
Best For:
- Beautiful architecture & libraries.
- Historic Colleges.
- Medieval museum.
- River punting activities.
- Academic Culture.
- Harry Potter filming destination, like Christ Church’s Great Hall.
Most travellers have at some point visited Oxford to get insights into the true academic excellence of the city. Being home to the oldest college in the history of England, Oxford pays homage to the Nobel prize winners, literature experts, British prime ministers and various other world leaders. Apart from that, the city is the best destination for planning a picnic in a famous park on a sunny day, going punting or exploring the local markets for British delicacies.
Cambridge
Distance: 59.6 miles - 1 hour 58 minutes
Best For:
- Unique riverside city.
- Rich cultural attractions.
- Academic excellence at the University of Cambridge.
- Gardens and green spaces.
Cambridge is the only city in England that is going above and beyond not just academic dominance, but also with natural beauty and cultural diversity. Numerous attractions like Tudor landmarks, King’s College Chapel, Museum of Zoology and the famous Kettle’s Yard are readily accessible if you have the transportation sorted.
There is even a science and technology hub known as Silicon Fen, just like the American Silicon Valley. Whether you are planning to just trip across Cambridge or go for a walking tour, the city is highly appealing for all types of tourism activities.
What Are The Best Day Trip Attractions From London?
Windsor Castle
Distance: 25.5 miles - 1 hour 2 minutes
Best For:
- The oldest castle in England.
- Architectural Marvel.
- Has also been the residence of King Charles III.
- Daily changing of guards.
Windsor Castle is another famous royal experience after Buckingham Palace that has been a magnet for tourists exploring outside the capital, London. Being the residence of British monarchs, Windsor Castle tells a lot of stories spanning 1000 years. St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle is also a burial place of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, King George VI, Princess Margaret and many notable personalities.
Hampton Court Palace
Distance: 19.2 miles - 1 hour 9 minutes
Best For:
- Royal residence of King Henry VIII.
- Historical architecture and centuries old influence.
- Filming destination for Bridgerton & The Great.
The Hampton Court Palace is most famous for the cultural as well as architectural value it brings to tourists. As a Tudor-style palace, Hampton Court allows visitors to experience the beautiful gardens and learn all about the Tudor adventures of King Henry VIII. The State Rooms are not something to skip on your visit to the palace.
Stonehenge
Distance: 88.3 miles - 1 hour 44 minutes
Best For:
- A famous UNESCO World Heritage site in England.
- A mysterious landmark from ancient Britain.
- Immersive experience with rolling landscapes.
- Calm location, making it a perfect day trip destination for families.
You may have already seen the famous Stonehenge on TV or in a magazine. But if you are in London, you surely do not want to miss out on the opportunity to visit the prehistoric landmark. Although it is a bit of a stretch from London city centre, the appeal for historical influence and mysterious age of the landmark makes it a must visit destination for a group of friends and family.
Roman Bath & Bath Abbey
Distance: 114.9 miles - 2 hours 23 minutes
Best For:
- Roman landmarks and culture.
- Ancient thermal spa.
- Roman ruins with guided tours.
- Gothic architecture of Bath Abbey.
- Stained Glass windows and the last great medieval church in England.
Tourists are mostly flocking from London to Bath to experience one thing, and that is the Roman Baths. The thermal baths, the aged architecture and the fascinating Roman life, this attraction is a completely distinct experience compared to anywhere else in the entire United Kingdom. Plus, the Bath Abbey is a perfect backdrop for your Instagram pictures with interiors as the ideal Victorian art.
Best Coastal Destinations To Visit From London
Brighton
Distance: 53.6 miles - 2 hours
Best For:
- Seaside day out for a picnic and sunny day exploration plans.
- Creative spot for hanging out with water activities.
- There are historical landmarks nearby such as the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Palace and The Lanes & North Laine.
The vibrant destination of Brighton is known for its sunny day vibes, sandy beach, all while surrounded by history, culinary excellence and adventurous activities. This resort features everything that you expect from the outdoor space. It also hosts numerous music artists and festivals to engage all the incoming tourists with the best seafront attraction in the region.
Greenwich
Distance: 8.3 miles - 47 minutes
Best For:
- Ease of access from Central London.
- Natural green parks within the city.
- Excellent borough destination on the River Thames.
- Maritime history and strong cultural heritage.
If the royal experience of London was not enough, you can plan a scenic riverside destination of Greenwich, which surprisingly is a borough of London. Missing out on good street food? You do not have to worry, as Greenwich’s rich environment and hospitality will welcome you and your taste buds to try out the maritime cuisine. Also, there are numerous museums, local markets, and even an observatory that you can visit if you are planning to explore further in the region.
Cromer
Distance: 146 miles - 3 hours 32 minutes
Best For:
- Best seaside destination with stunning sandy beaches.
- Delicious local cuisine with famous Cromer crabs.
- Unique maritime heritage with the famous Henry Blogg Museum.
Cromer is not just famous for its scenic beauty and calm weather. But its speciality lies in the rich cuisine of Cromer crab, fish and chips and all the unique delicacies that you can try for the first time. The region hosts a variety of festivals and events to give all the visitors an opportunity to deeply connect with the local culture, since that is the closest you can get to the strong traditions in Britain.
Sheringham
Distance: 140 miles - 3 hours 35 minutes.
Best For:
- Renowned Blue Flag beach.
- Fishing village and unique maritime heritage.
- Picture-worthy destination with a lot of local cuisine and shopping options.
- Peaceful destination for walking around or weekend trips.
Sheringham is not the usual coastal town in England. It is famous for its rich cultural spots, walking paths, green spaces and coastal attractions that make up for the lengthy trip from London. Seriously, as soon as you step into the town, you will immediately be able to enjoy the charming marketplaces, cuisine and Viking-themed festivals.
Lowestoft
Distance: 129 miles - 3 hours 23 minutes
Best For:
- Stunning sandy beaches.
- Broads National Park for picnic plan and nature seekers.
- Beautiful sunrise and sunset views on the seaside.
- Holistic coastal walks with a variety of shows and festivals.
This destination is a hidden gem for fishing, and a unique sandy beach to experience a sunny day together with loved ones. The town is also known for its conservation efforts, like renewable energy. Many tourists are attracted towards its fishing appeal, sunbathing and swimming activities all year round.
Where Should You Really Travel From London?
There are dozens of travel opportunities if you are planning to explore England beyond London. You can go for the smart villages like the Cotswolds, coastal areas, unique attractions of museums, Roman Baths or any holistic tourism activity that matches the preferences of the whole group. You just have to confirm the transportation for your group trip, book an accommodation (if you are travelling for multiple days) and schedule your travel day out for the best experiences that England has to offer.
This is all made possible with your smart minibus booking that is completely online, invoices up front, and tailored according to your unique travel requirements. Fill out the booking form with all of your travel requirements today, and our booking system will calculate a reasonable price and send it to your inbox.
