As we are finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel for this national UK lockdown 3.0, I thought why not give you guys some ideas on day trips from London?
I have been living in the UK for almost 4 years now and I can tell you that lot of Londoners visited very little of this amazing (but rainy) country, especially foreigners! Probably the main cause is the fact that if you live in London there are few chances you have a car and trains in the UK are so expensive. Literally, sometimes is cheaper to just buy a plane ticket rather than a train one.
However – since it’s 2021 and we are in the middle of a *pandemic*, maybe this is the year we can explore more what’s around us! So – enjoy these ideas of day trips from London.
The best 9 day trips from London
Most of these destinations can be reached by train. However, if you can, I would suggest you hire a car for the day and drive around the beautiful Southern England countryside.
Bath
All Jane Austen’s fans report! Have you ever wondered how the favourite holiday destination of Jane Austen’s characters looks like? Well, you can find out easily enough.
This beautiful Roman city is known for being a World Heritage Site and for its Roman Baths (duh!). It is probably one of my favourite places in the area.
There are many things to see, and just walking around the city centre is a starting point. Here is what I suggest checking out:
- The Roman Baths – you can have a guided tour inside these beautiful and well-preserved baths
- The Bath Abbey
- Jane Austen centre – where you can also have a lovely Afternoon Tea!
- Pulteney Bridge – don’t forget to check out the shops built across its full span on both sides.
- The Royal Crescent
Oxford
Home to one of the most famous universities, Oxford is also a gorgeous city. On one side, the city has a younger vibe typical of university cities. On the other hand, it’s a rather historical place and plenty to explore and see down every street.
The city centre is pretty small, dominated by the pedestrian shopping centre where you can find shops, cafes and restaurants. Outside the mall, you can get lost in the numerous tiny and more historical street.
One thing I recommend seeing: the cathedral and the gardens surrounding it – perfect for a nice afternoon stroll!
Stonehenge
Is there anyone who doesn’t know Stonehenge? Didn’t think so.
The iconic stones that have been a mystery for so long are one of the most popular day trips from London.
If you don’t have a car, I recommend you book a tour as the place is – obviously – in the middle of the countryside. Anyways, once there, you can start your tour the way you prefer: you can have a guide, an audio guide or just walk by yourself. If the weather allows it, you can walk from the visitor centre to the actual site. Otherwise, there’s a shuttle service that’ll take you there.
Fun fact: you can have a pretty good look at the stones already from the road! The first time I visited I was on a strict budget and the entrance ticket looked so expensive to me – the look from the road did the job for me at the time!
If you still have time after your visit, I suggest you head for a quick visit to the near village of Salisbury.
Save it for later!
Dover
You probably have heard of Dover because it’s the main port where all the ferries from France arrive. It’s also the nearest point to continental Europe.
However – it is home to the astonishing White Cliffs of Dover.
I once arrived in the UK by car and the cliffs have been the first thing I’ve seen of this beautiful country. I will never forget it!
There’s a nice hike from the town centre along the edge of the cliffs that’ll take you to a lighthouse where you can enjoy a nice afternoon tea or have a picnic on the outside tables. If you’d like you can also walk beneath the cliffs but be careful! The tide can be a mischievous enemy so always remember to check when the next high tide is due.
After your walk, I suggest you head to Dover Castle, which is among the oldest castles in the country.
Canterbury
You surely have heard about the ‘Canterbury Tales’ by Chaucer. Or you could know this town because of its cathedral. Or maybe because you know that inside the cathedral you will find one of four exemplifications of the Magna Carta. Whatever the reason, Canterbury is a lovely town with plenty to see.
It is also a nice detour from your Dover tour, as the two are really close to each other.
Bristol
Bristol is a lovely city situated on the west coast. There are many things to see here, like the Clifton suspension bridge or the cathedral.
You will find lots of restaurants, cafes and shops in the city centre. You might also consider taking a cruise tour on the Avon river to enjoy a different view of this beautiful city.
Windsor Castle
For those of you who want to feel royal for a day, Windsor Castle is the perfect day trip from London. Did you know that it’s the oldest occupied castle in the world?
As you may know, the castle serves as the private residence of HM Queen Elisabeth II – put it simply, it’s her humble weekend residence. Who doesn’t have a castle to go to on weekends?
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a lovely sea town, situated east of Southampton and right in front of the Isle of Wight. There is plenty to do and see here. You can have a look at this page for a complete list of attractions and sightseeing.
What I do recommend you check out is definitely the Historic Dockyard. You can climb on board warships and submarines. Or you can visit the Mary Rose, the remains of the Tudor ship. You can see the only surviving ship from the First World War’s Gallipoli campaign. And don’t forget to check out the National Museum of the Royal Navy!
Southampton
Last but not least, another important harbour in English heritage. You may remember this town as the harbour from where the Titanic started its infamous journey. Other than that, Southampton has been an important port city for centuries and there is plenty to see and do. You can have a look at the medieval city walls, and loads of churches and other historical buildings.
Which of the day trips from London would you like to take the most?
As usual, let me know if you’d like this post or what was your experience if you tried one of these day trips from London!
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