Day Trips from London: Explore England's Iconic Sites and Hidden Gems

While England's capital may have the bright lights and every convenience imaginable, day trips from London to iconic destinations in the country like Stonehenge, Bath, Windsor, Oxford or Brighton allow you to experience even more history, culture and outstanding natural beauty. For visitors eager to explore beyond the capital, these destinations provide fascinating glimpses into England’s rich past and vibrant present. And they’re easily accessible by train.

From the ancient mystery of Stonehenge to the elegant Georgian architecture of Bath, and from the royal heritage of Windsor Castle to Oxford’s academic prestige and the timeless coastal charm of Brighton, day trips from London by train blend the convenience of rail travel with picturesque countryside views, the intrigue of ancient monuments and the splendour of royal palaces. You can even discover a hidden gem nestling in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Your journey from the capital to the extraordinary Neolithic monument at Stonehenge begins at London Waterloo Station. A direct train to the historic city of Salisbury – its incredible cathedral home to an original copy of the Magna Carta – only takes around 90 minutes. A shuttle bus then transports you the final 14 km to the mysterious ancient landmark at Stonehenge, which offers a unique glimpse into Britain’s prehistoric past. The towering stones, some transported from as far away as Wales and Scotland, are believed to be over 4,000 years old. You can ponder their original purpose but it’s likely that this was a mix of spiritual site, giant astronomical calendar and burial ground. Beyond the monument itself, the Stonehenge Visitor Centre has an exhibition, artefacts and even a reconstructed Neolithic village. Immerse yourself in the history of the area on one of the best day trips from London.

• Stonehenge, Near Amesbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 7DE
• Advance tickets from £25 (adult), £15 (child aged 5-17) or £65 (family of five). Tickets bought on the day are £30, £18 and £78 respectively
• The site is open from 9:30am until 7pm but the best times to visit are before 11am and after 2pm. Try to arrive within half an hour of your booking slot, although you can stay for as long as you like once you're at the site

Offering visitors a mix of history, culture and stunning architecture, a day trip to Bath from London begins at London Paddington Station, the journey also taking around 90 minutes. Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its Georgian buildings and Roman history. Its most iconic attraction is the Roman Baths, an ancient thermal spa complex that dates back to AD43. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved remains and learn about Roman life in ancient Britain through interactive exhibits. Bath Abbey, a magnificent Gothic church with panoramic views of the city from its tower, is only a short walk away.

• Roman Baths, Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LZ
• Tickets from £24.50 (adult), £17 (child aged 6-18) or £65 (family of six). Weekend prices are £27, £19.50 and £73 respectively
• Opening times: 9am to 6pm in the winter, and 9am until 10pm in the summer
  

Bath is renowned for the Georgian architecture of its Royal Crescent and The Circus. The city also has deep connections to literary history, which you can discover at the Jane Austen Centre. The author had strong ties to Bath and set two of her six novels in the city, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. And if you’re craving even more culture, the Fashion Museum and the Holburne Museum provide a delightful blend of fine art and history. After a hard day exploring, why not enjoy browsing Bath’s boutiques before relaxing with a coffee in Sydney Gardens or Royal Victoria Park?

The journey from London to Windsor only takes around 30 minutes from Paddington or 45 minutes from Waterloo. The town itself effortlessly blends historic charm and the royal heritage you come to expect from the monarch’s official residence. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and you can experience all the pomp and ceremony on a tour of the State Apartments, the magnificent St. George’s Chapel (where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were married) and the castle’s beautifully landscaped grounds. Make sure you catch the regal Changing of the Guard ceremony and see Queen Mary’s impressive Doll’s House.

Beyond the castle, visitors can stroll along the Long Walk, a picturesque avenue with breathtaking views of the castle and countryside, bask in the beauty of Windsor Great Park, or explore the town’s charming shops and cafés. Across the River Thames, Eton College, seat of learning for many a British Prime Minister and members of the Royal Family, adds another layer of history.

• Windsor Castle, Windsor SL4 1NJ
• Advance tickets from £30 (adult) and £15 (child aged 5-17). Tickets bought on the day are £33 and £16.50 respectively
• Opening times: November 1 to February 29, 10am to 4:15pm, and from March 1 to October 31, 10am to 5:15pm

Oxford, known as the City of Dreaming Spires, is an enchanting mix of ancient history, academic prestige and timeless architecture. The train from London Paddington or Marylebone takes around an hour, or you can simply take the M40 by car. Home to the world-famous University of Oxford, which dates from the 12th century, the university’s colleges include architectural marvels like Christ Church and Magdalen College. Christ Church is renowned for its beautiful quadrangle and cathedral, as well as for being one of the locations for the Harry Potter films. A stroll through the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and the Radcliffe Camera offers a glimpse into the city’s scholarly heritage.

Oxford’s cultural significance extends beyond academia, however. The Ashmolean Museum houses a vast collection of art and archaeology, while the Pitt Rivers Museum is known for its ethnographic exhibits. Visitors can also enjoy peaceful walks along the Thames or explore charming streets lined with bookshops, cafés and historic pubs.

Day trips from London to Brighton are very popular in the summer when the city on the south coast welcomes visitors in search of the sea air. The journey takes a little over an hour from Victoria or London Bridge, and you’ll immediately be able to immerse yourself in Brighton’s eclectic mix of old-world charm and modern culture. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Royal Pavilion, a striking palace with Indo-Saracenic architecture and opulent interiors that was built for King George IV. The nearby Brighton Museum & Art Gallery offers you a glimpse into the city’s artistic and historical heritage.

For a quintessential seaside experience, head to Brighton Pier to enjoy traditional British arcades, rides and, of course, fish and chips wrapped in paper. Soak up views of the English Channel from the striped deckchairs on the pebbled beach or, if you’re brave enough, take a swim in the swirling surf.

Brighton’s North Laine is home to dozens of independent shops, cafés, iconic street art and live performances so it’s a hub for creativity and local flair. Lovers of art and antiquity can then explore The Lanes, a maze of narrow streets filled with cosy boutiques and jewellery shops.

This historic market town in the beautiful Surrey Hills is only an hour by train from Victoria or Waterloo. And, with its famous vineyard, Denbies, offering tastings and tours, the train is the perfect way to visit the town on one of the most interesting day trips from London. Thankfully, there are alcohol-free options if you’re driving.

If you have a car, or even if you came by bicycle, exploring the surrounding hills on one of the best day trips from London is an absolute must. There’s a Neolithic settlement and the remains of a Norman motte and bailey castle in the nearby village of Abinger Common, while the view from Leith Hill Tower, the highest point in the entire southeast of England, takes in the skyscrapers of London to the northeast, Kent’s garden of England, and even the south coast nearly 50 km away. A short walk from the tower takes you to the breathtaking Coldharbour cricket pitch and The Plough, the highest pub in the area. For a moment of true peace, why not take a stroll around the otherworldly Silent Pool at the base of Newlands Corner?

With its weekly farmers’ market and high street packed with independent boutiques and world-renowned antique shops, the centre of Dorking is like a snapshot in time. But there are flashes of modern life too: the town and Box Hill were the focal points for the 2012 Olympic cycling road race, while the Michelin-starred Sorrel Restaurant serves delightful contemporary cuisine.

Planning your day trips from London by train or car will allow you to discover England's historic landmarks and delightful hidden gems. At the end of the day, you'll want to return to a perfect city-centre base in the heart of London. From the iconic Raffles London at The OWO to the fabled Savoy, England's timeless capital has accommodation for everyone.