London is a bustling city and a top tourist destination. You could easily spend an entire week exploring the city alone. However, if you’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city on your travels, here are some amazing London day trips for explorers looking to see another part of England.
We’ve included prices for each of the London day trips in our descriptions based on 2024 pricing for individual tickets. Prices may vary depending on the route you choose and times of day/year, but we hope this helps you decide what to fit in to your London itinerary. Purchasing combo passes or different types of transit passes may save money. Also, many of these London day trips are offered by tours companies directly out of London if you would like a more ready-made experience.
Kew Gardens
This is one of the shortest London day trip and also one that we love. Take a short half hour train ride out of London and to the charming town of Kew. Spend the day wandering about Kew Gardens after grabbing a takeout picnic from one of the local shops.
Price in pounds: £30.60 = Admission (£24) + Transit (£6.60)
Brighton and the Beach
Brighton is a popular London day trip for Londoners themselves. This upbeat beach town is a relaxing getaway from the city. You can take a train to Brighton and wander along the beach for a day and take in the touristy shops. In warmer weather, enjoy a lovely dip in the ocean.
Price in pounds: £25.70 (Transit only)
Windsor Castle
Enjoy a lovely London day trip to this famous home of the royal family. Take a tour of the castle and grounds and be impressed by either the monarchy or the beauty of the castle. This historic attraction is just an hour outside of London by train.
Price in pounds: £45.40 = Admission (£30) + Transit (£15.50)
Stratford-upon-Avon
For fans of Shakespeare, a trip to the bards birthplace is a requirement. This trip does take about 2.5 hours from the edge of London but this fun tourist destination is charming and full of fun. You can visit so many Shakespeare themed destination or just enjoy strolling the cobblestone streets.
Price in pounds: £51.50 (Transit only)
Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio
Explore the wizarding world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros Studio. You can take public transportation and Warner Bros. bus from London to the studio, making this an easy London day trip. Once you’ve arrived, immerse yourself in the history and magic of the Harry Potter films. You’ll learn everything there is to learn about the making of the films. For any fan of Harry Potter, you need to do this day trip!
Price in pounds: £74 = Admission (£53) + Transit (£21)
Stonehenge
Visit this mysterious destination on a day trip from London. Take in the beautiful English countryside on your way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site with unknown origins. This trip will take you 3 hours round trip by public transit but it will bring you right to the Stonehenge Visitor’s center. Once there, wander around (wandering inside is an upgraded ticket) the stone circle and learn about the ancient stones.
Price in pounds: £70 = Admission (£23) + Transit (£46.90)
Oxford
Enjoy a stroll through the university town of Oxford. This town is full of beautiful buildings to see and some fun things to do. This London day trip takes about 1 hour by train. Enjoy the architecture, museums and art on this relaxing London day trip.
Price in pounds: £50-70 (Transit only – prices vary)
The Cliffs of Dover
These beautiful white cliffs are easily accessible as a London day trip. Take the train from London and in just over 1 hour, you’ll reach Dover. Once there, visit the Dover Castle, take a walk along the cliffs and enjoy learning about World War II history.
Price in pounds: £94.80 (Transit only)
Bath
Jane Austen fans will enjoy a trip to this old resort town. Only a 1.5 hour train ride from London and you can enjoy the waters of Bath. In Bath, relax in a spa or take in the Jane Austen Center. Enjoy looking at the beautiful Roman baths and the beautiful building. Don’t forget to walk to the Abbey and the Bridge to take in the beautiful architecture.
Price in pounds: £100-200 = (Transit only – prices vary)
Bristol
Enjoy a lovely day in this bustling city just 2 hours outside of London. This town has plenty of fun things to do and see. This town does tend to be a bit more spread out but it has a fully functional transit system making it easy to navigate without a car of your own.
Price in pounds: £100-225 (Transit only – prices vary)
If you have any questions about getting to these destinations, there is a great journey planning tool here. And if you want to read more about planning a trip to England, check out all of our posts here.
