Within a stones throw of the British capital there are stunning places worth discovering. Here are some lovely ideas for day trips near London.
London is a world unto itself. A captivating city with so much to offer every visitor. After visiting some of its great museums and wandering through the vast parks and bustling avenues, you might be in the mood for a day trip to explore towns and historic sites within easy reach of the British capital. Here are some of the best nearby excursions you can take from London.
Brighton
Just an hour by train from London, the seaside Brighton - also known as «London by the sea» - is a city with a personality all its own. It has great restaurants and bars and plenty to do. Start in the North Laine neighborhood, packed with pubs, cafés and theaters, before continuing for shopping in The Lanes, a little further south. Seek out the eccentric Royal Pavilion – built by King George IV in 1787 as a seaside retreat – and relax with a stroll along the pier.
- How to get there: There are frequent trains from London Victoria and London Bridge. The journey takes about an hour. If youre driving, allow around 2 hours.
Bath
Bath is undoubtedly one of Englands most beautiful cities. It has a rich history and exceptional architecture, and its famedfor its Roman baths. Its the only city in the United Kingdom that offers visitors the chance to enjoy a soak in natural thermal springs. Begin your stroll at the Roman Baths complex and then visit Bath Abbey. If you have time, its worth staying for the weekend, wandering the streets and savoring the architecture and striking sights such as Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent, and unwinding at Thermae Bath Spa.
- How to get there: By train, in about an hour and a half, from London Paddington. Driving from London takes around two and a half hours.
Oxford
Known for its world-famous university, Oxford is a city steeped in history yet buzzing with youthful energy thanks to its students. Highlights of a visit include many museums and, of course, the colleges that make up the university - the most famous are Christ Church and Magdalen. In fact, Harry Potter fans will recognize various locations from the films. Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, is a short distance from Oxford.
- How to get there: Trains from London Marylebone and London Paddington to Oxford run several times an hour and the journey takes about an hour. You can also take the Oxford Tube bus from various locations in London. By car youll need about two hours from London.
Cambridge
With more green spaces and less traffic than Oxford, Cambridge is a calmer alternative for a day trip from London. A tour of the famous university is essential, but dont overlook the city itself. A punt along the River Cam is a wonderful way to see the city. On warm days, a picnic on the Backs is a must.
- How to get there: Trains from London Kings Cross run several times an hour, with a journey time of about 45 minutes. Alternatively, the drive takes about 90 minutes from central London.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a Neolithic megalithic monument built between 2500 BC and 2000 BC. It is located about 13 km northwest of Salisbury and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Although you cannot touch the stones, you can walk around them on pathways. The largest stones weigh 25 tons and are 9 meters high. The visitor center has an interactive presentation that allows you to sit among the stones as the seasons change
- How to get there: Trains from London Waterloo to Salisbury depart twice an hour and the journey takes an hour and a half. From Salisbury, the tourist bus will take you to the monument in just over 30 minutes. Alternatively, the drive takes about two hours from central London.
Windsor
Most people visit this town to see the impressive Windsor Castle, the site of many royal weddings and the place where Queen Elizabeth II (and many other monarchs before her) spent much of her life. Along with the towers and beautiful chapels, you can also see the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The best way to see Windsor Castle is to approach it via the aptly named «Long Walk» that cuts through Windsor Great Park. Dont miss a stroll in the pretty little town of Eton, which lies on the other side of the river.
- How to get there: By train, in about an hour, from London Waterloo. Windsor is about a 45-minute drive from London.
