List of 5 Ideas for the Best Day Trips from London - including destinations in the countryside and along the coast

London is the capital of England and one of the greatest cities in the world. It's a fast-paced city, with lots to see and do from its many museums to its famous landmarks like Big Ben. But there's more to London than just touristy attractions—it's also home to some truly beautiful places outside of city limits that make for great day trips. Whether you're looking for a coastal getaway or something inland, these are our picks for best day trips from London:

1. Oxford

Distance from London: ~60 miles
Train ticket price from London: £23-30 with return
Personal Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Oxford is one of the oldest universities in the world and is steeped in history. The city itself has its own unique feel, with plenty of parks and green spaces. Oxford also has some beautiful architecture that's worth checking out if you have time to explore.

The university itself has a rich culture and history, so it's well worth visiting even if you're not interested in studying there (although it'd be hard not to be inspired by all those books). You can take guided tours around campus or just wander around yourself--either way, you'll see some amazing buildings along your way!

There’s no doubt that Oxford is an amazing place to visit, and it’s one of those cities that will leave you wanting more. If you want to explore more of England, check out our guide on how to plan your trip here!

Here are some places to visit in Oxford:

1. The University of Oxford: The oldest university in the English-speaking world, founded in 1096.
2. Christ Church Cathedral: A magnificent medieval cathedral, with its impressive architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
3. Bodleian Library: One of the oldest libraries in Europe, which houses a collection of over 12 million books and manuscripts.
4. Ashmolean Museum: The oldest public museum in the world, with collections of art and artifacts from around the globe.
5. Oxford Castle and Prison: A former castle and prison that has been transformed into a tourist attraction, featuring guided tours and interactive exhibits.

Other notable places to visit in Oxford include the Radcliffe Camera, the Bridge of Sighs, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Botanic Garden.

2. Cambridge

Distance from London: ~61 miles
Train ticket price from London: £22-30 with return
Personal Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cambridge is a town in Cambridge, England. It's known for its famous academics, including Stephen Hawking and Isaac Newton, who both studied at Cambridge University.

The city has a rich history and is famous for its architecture--many of the buildings date back to medieval times. If you're visiting Cambridge during summertime (June through August),

Don't miss out on any of these top attractions:

• The Fitzwilliam Museum: This museum houses over 5 million objects from around the world
• University of Cambridge: One of the world's oldest universities, founded in 1209, with beautiful college buildings and gardens to explore.
• The River Cam: A picturesque river that winds its way through the city, offering opportunities for punting, kayaking, and other water-based activities.
• Trinity College Library: A must-see if you love books! It contains over 200,000 volumes dating back to 1416
• King's College Chapel: This chapel was built between 1446-1515 by Henry VI as part of King's College; it features an amazing organ that was installed in 1695

Other notable places to visit in Cambridge include the Mathematical Bridge, the Round Church, the Corpus Clock, the Museum of Zoology, and the Scott Polar Research Institute.

3. Canterbury, Kent

Distance from London: ~39 miles
Train ticket price from London: £14-20 with return
Personal Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Canterbury is a city in the county of Kent, England. It is home to the Archbishop of Canterbury and many historic churches. Its medieval architecture has made it known for its cathedral, which is arguably one of the most important buildings in Britain.

The city is a popular tourist destination and has a number of attractions, including the Canterbury Tales, which were written by Geoffrey Chaucer. The Canterbury Tales are considered some of the most important works in English literature.

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century. It tells the story of a group of pilgrims who set off on their journey to Canterbury Cathedral and each tell tales along the way. The tales are told in Middle English, which was the language spoken at that time.

Here are five places to visit in Kent:

1. Canterbury Cathedral: A stunning cathedral, dating back to the 6th century, with beautiful architecture and historic significance.
2. Leeds Castle: A castle set on an island in a lake, with beautiful gardens, a maze, and a bird of prey centre.
3. White Cliffs of Dover: Iconic chalk cliffs that overlook the English Channel and offer spectacular views.
4. Hever Castle: A castle with beautiful gardens that was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII.
5. Chatham Historic Dockyard: A maritime museum that showcases Britain's naval history, with historic warships, exhibitions, and interactive displays.

Other notable places to visit in Kent include the Canterbury Roman Museum, the Turner Contemporary art gallery, the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum, the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Biddenden Vineyards.

4. Brighton, Sussex

Distance from London: ~64 miles
Train ticket price from London: ~£20 with return
Personal Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Brighton is a seaside resort on the south coast of England, popular with tourists and locals alike. It has a vibrant nightlife that makes it one of the best places to visit in the UK for those who like partying. The beach is also very popular with visitors, as it's an ideal place to relax while you watch the waves crash onto shore. There are many attractions in Brighton--including its famous pier--and they're all within walking distance or a quick train ride away from each other if you want to explore more than just one area during your trip!

Brighton is also a great place to visit if you want to relax on the beach or enjoy some culture. The city has many museums, art galleries and theatres that are worth exploring during your stay.

Some places you cannot:

• The Royal Pavilion: A former royal residence with exotic architecture and lavish interiors, built for King George IV in the early 19th century.
• Brighton Palace Pier: A classic British pier with amusement arcades, fairground rides, and great views of the seafront.
• Brighton Beach: A pebble beach with colourful beach huts and plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and other seaside activities.
• The Lanes: A historic shopping district with independent boutiques, antique shops, and cosy cafes, nestled in a maze of narrow alleyways.
• Brighton Museum and Art Gallery: A museum that showcases the history of Brighton and Hove, with collections of fine art, fashion, and local artefacts.

Other notable places to visit in Brighton include the i360 observation tower, the British Airways i360 beachfront attraction, the Hove Museum and Art Gallery, the Brighton Open Air Theatre, and the Sea Life Brighton aquarium.

5. Southend-on-Sea

Distance from London: ~44 miles
Train ticket price from London: ~£20 with return
Personal Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Southend-on-Sea is a seaside resort located on the Thames Estuary, south of central London. The town has a long history as a holiday destination and has been popular with visitors for centuries. It is popular with families and cyclists as it offers plenty of green spaces, including parks and gardens.

The sandy beach at Southend is perfect for those looking for fun in the sun! This town also boasts several amusement arcades, bars, restaurants and nightlife venues that make it worth visiting again and again!

Canterbury Cathedral is a Grade I listed building and is the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Canterbury. It is one of the most famous examples of English Romanesque architecture, with an iconic central tower and spire that dominates the skyline for miles around Brighton is a small city with a population of just over 200,000 people. However, it's one of the most popular destinations in the UK, with more than 15 million visitors coming to Brighton and Hove every year.

Here are five places to visit in Southend-on-Sea:

1. Southend Pier: The longest pleasure pier in the world, with a train that takes you to the end of the pier where you can enjoy stunning sea views.
2. Adventure Island: A popular amusement park with a range of thrilling rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions.
3. Southend Seafront: A bustling seaside promenade with arcades, restaurants, and attractions like the Sea Life Adventure aquarium and the Royal Pavilion.
4. Old Leigh: A historic fishing village with cobbled streets, traditional pubs, and seafood restaurants.
5. Belfairs Woodland Centre and Nature Reserve: A nature reserve that offers scenic walking trails through woodlands, meadows, and wetlands, with a visitor centre and cafe.

Other notable places to visit in Southend-on-Sea include the Beecroft Art Gallery, the Southend Cliff Railway, the Southend Planetarium, and the Palace Theatre.

Conclusion

There are so many great places to visit from London.

There are so many great places to visit from London. Whether you're looking for culture, history or adventure, there's something for everyone. Here are a few examples: Greenwich, Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Dover Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Bath (1 hour 20 minutes from London (via train)) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, among many others!

If you want to know more places to visit IN London I recommend a lot to visit my other blogs for routes, experiences and hidden gems.

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