CAMBRIDGE

Just a short train ride from London, Cambridge is a charming university city that is perfect for a day trip. Nestled on the River Cam, it is the place to go to explore magnificent university college buildings, cobbled streets and a bustling market town atmosphere.

The highlight of any trip to Cambridge is a visit to stunning Kings College Chapel – a gothic masterpiece known for sky-high stained glass windows and renowned as one of the most beautiful churches in England. The 16th-century chapel built under the patronage of King Henry VIII dominates the Cam riverbank. It’s well worth going inside to admire the windows and serene atmosphere. The best way to admire the exterior is to join a punt boat tour along the river in the area of the city known as “The Backs”. This iconic Cambridge activity is a must-do when you visit the city. Apart from the chapel, you glide past the university colleges and under the beautiful Bridge of Sighs.

Make sure to visit the historic university colleges after your punt tour. Cambridge University was founded in the Middle Ages and its many colleges feature beautiful Tudor and Medieval architecture that no doubt inspired their famous alumni such as Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Popular colleges to visit include King’s College, St John’s and Trinity for their fascinating history and architecture.

Take a break between college visits and stop for lunch at a picturesque pub on the river such as The Anchor. Here you can dine on classic British pub fare like roast beef or sausage and mash washed down with a pint of beer. Then continue exploring Cambridge by visiting another college or the town boutiques where you’re sure to find a unique souvenir before catching the train back to London.

Recommended by Katy of Untold Morsels

BROCKENHURST

Brockenhurst is a nature lover’s paradise, which makes a great day trip from London, especially if you want to go hiking near London.  Being in the heart of the New Forest National Park, there are many trails to explore. You have a good chance of spotting wild horses, deers and jays while you are out and about.

Some people choose to explore the area by bike and the bike infrastructure is great in the New Forest. You can find Cyclexperience Bicycle Hire next to the train station and they have a mobile app and a map with different route suggestions. Several of the local pubs and cafes are bike-friendly such as the Buttery Cafe which serves very delicious cakes and you can even have a traditional afternoon tea there.

The New Forest is a popular place for horse riding as well and several stables offer horse riding lessons or tours. Most of the time young children are also welcome.

As you leave the town centre of Brockenhurst you will come across the Lymington River. This is a popular wild swimming spot, especially for children who love to have a dip in the water. It is relatively safe, thanks to the river being quite shallow here. On a hot summer day, the river bank is a wonderful place to have a picnic and then you can cool yourself down in the water. There are also rope swings to make things even more fun! If you decide to make your trip into an overnight adventure, you can stay at Hollands Wood Campsite, which is also walking distance from the train station. 

Recommended by Eniko of Travel Hacker Girl

SHREWSBURY

The town offers a variety of activities for day-trippers. The Quarry, a 29-acre park situated right next to the town centre, offers an expanse of green, walks along the banks of the River Severn and a sunken landscape garden masterminded by Blue Peter gardener Percy Thrower. In August it hosts the Shrewsbury Flower Show, the longest-running show of its kind to be hosted in a single location anywhere in the world. Other events bring a buzz to the town too but none are as quintessentially Salopian as the coracle racing.

For those interested in history, Shrewsbury Castle, which now houses the Shropshire Regimental Museum, dates back to the 11th Century and the town has over 660 listed buildings. As the birthplace of Charles Darwin, Shrewsbury hosts festivals and tours dedicated to the man behind one of science’s greatest discoveries. You can learn about childhood and education that shaped Darwin’s future.

You’ll also be able to visit Britain’s Favourite Market Hall of 2018, which offers local produce, antiques and arts and crafts. When you get hungry there is a dumpling restaurant, a tapas bar and more here, which perfectly compliment the chain restaurants and gastropubs elsewhere in the town. All tastes will be catered to in Shrewsbury, whether it’s food, drink or sightseeing. It’s one of the best towns in the UK.

Recommended by Dan of Hōrō Travel Memories

MARGATE

The urban capital isn’t one for beach vibes but luckily, the gorgeous coastal town of Margate is an easy day trip from London. Just 1.5 hours away, you can set off early and ready Margate mid-morning. You can also stop off in Ramsgate or Broadstairs, two pretty coastal towns en route. Broadstairs is particularly picturesque with colourful beach huts set against striking white cliff faces.

Once you reach Margate (just 6 minutes from Broadstairs), there are plenty of places to explore, sightsee and eat. The attraction that’s recently put Margate on the map is Dreamland, a candy-coloured theme park with giant helter skelters, slides, a big wheel with carriages in every colour of the rainbow, and candyfloss clearly made for Instagram! Kids will love Dreamland but so will 20-somethings and parents. Entrance is £2 and you can top up a cash card and pay per ride; the big wheel is £3.50.

During your Margate day trip, you should also wander the beachfront and admire colourful boats bobbing in the harbour. Take a walk around Margate Harbour Arm and browse the independent shops and restaurants, including Cheesy Tiger, a whole cafe dedicated to indulgent cheese dishes! Another fun place to visit is the Old Kent Market in a bright red building. Here you can shop for local souvenirs, produce, sample regional beers and catch some live music before you head back to London.

Recommended by Rose of Where Goes Rose

WINCHESTER

If you’re looking for a beautiful day trip from London, look no further than Winchester. This beautiful city is one of the oldest cities in the UK and is FULL of picturesque old streets, beautiful historic buildings and one of the prettiest cathedrals in the country.

You can get to Winchester easily by either car or train. Driving from London takes about 2 hours- although the roads are often congested. I highly recommend taking the train instead- it takes about an hour and the station is close to the town centre.

Some of our favourite things to do in Winchester include:

• Visiting the Cathedral: This is where Jane Austen is buried, and you can see one of the oldest bibles in the world.
• Shop: Winchester has some amazing shops, all close together on the high street, and you can happily pass several hours browsing around.
• Winchester Planetarium: A wonderful place to lie back and enjoy learning about the stars and planets. (Perfect for kids!).
• Mizmaze: On the outskirts of Winchester is a very old turf maze- well worth a visit to see if you can crack it!
• Visit the Christmas market: If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in November or December, you NEED to head to the Winchester Christmas Market– one of the best in the country. 

You will be spoiled for places to eat and drink. One of our favourite restaurants is ‘The Porterhouse’- mouthwateringly good steak. For a quintessential British pub, the Willow Tree is lovely, although there are plenty to choose from at both ends of the high street. 

It’s a wonderful city, showcasing some of the history and character of England. If you only have a day, this is the place to go. 

Recommended by Kathryn of Wandering Bird

WHITSTABLE

The small but charming seaside town of Whitstable is located on the north coast of Kent and is an easy day trip from London. The town itself is small so can be easily explored by foot, and the train station is just a short walk to all the main sights.

Whitstable is very famous for its seafood scene and is a great spot for food lovers. Head down to the picturesque harbour and you’ll find several small shacks serving trays of freshly shucked oysters and other delights. If you are looking for a good restaurant then head to the Lobster Shack for an amazing shellfish platter feast (booking in advance is recommended).

After indulging in all the seafood delights make your way over to the Old Neptune pub which is located right on the beach. It is the most popular drinking spot in town and you can enjoy a delicious pint of locally brewed beer with a beautiful sea view.

Other things to do in Whitstable include visiting the harbour market to shop for unique souvenirs from local artists or visit the main high street which is filled with cute boutique shops, galleries and cafes. If you fancy taking in some more sea views then take a walk along the coast which is lined with colourful beach huts.

The town also holds a popular two-day oyster festival every July featuring hundreds of food stalls, live music and a parade.

Recommended by Caroline of CK Travels

PARIS

Paris as a day trip from London? Well, the French capital might not be the usual destination for a quick city getaway, but Paris and London in one day is totally doable without running through the city like a maniac. Thanks to the Eurotunnel and its quick train connection it only takes about two hours to get from London to Paris. There are more than 15 train connections per day, so it should be easy for you to choose the best times possible.

People say that Paris is always a good idea and we do think the same. For us, the best thing to do in Paris is simply walking through the streets of Montmarte where you’ll find chic boutiques as well as cute cafés and restaurants. For sunset there are two amazing options that we always choose when travelling to Paris: You could either hang out on the steps right in front of Sacré-Coeur, where basically whole Paris is sitting to enjoy the view over the city.

Or, and that’s a little more unknown, you could grab a wine and some cheese and make your way to our favourite island in the Seine. It doesn’t have a proper name, but it’s the island on which the Square Bare is located. Come here right before sunset and watch the boats pass by. If you are lucky, you can even watch people dancing tango on the opposite side of the Seine as sometimes dancers meet in front of the Institut du Monde Arabe to dance into their evenings. And right after the last sip of wine, you can make your way back to the train station and enjoy your chilled ride back to London.

Recommended by Clemens of Travellers Archive

CHEDDAR GORGE

There are many stunning places you can visit outside of London. Some of them are just a stone throw away from the capital city, but some are a bit further away. One of our favourite trips outside of London is Cheddar Gorge in Somerset.

The Cheddar Gorge is the largest gorge in the UK and includes several show caves. According to archaeologists, the gorge has been the centre of settlement since the Neolithic times. It was here that the oldest human skeleton in Great Britain was found, estimated at 9,000 years!

You must visit the mysterious chambers of the Gough Cave – the largest cave available to tourists. Its creation began over half a million years ago when water began to dissolve limestone rocks. The temperature in the caves is 11° C throughout the year!

If walking is not your thing, you can easily spend a day in the Cheddar village. The name of this village gave the name to the species of cheese produced here – cheddar cheeses, which to this day are the most popular type of cheese in Great Britain. If you are curious about how cheddar cheese looks like, you should definitely visit the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company. In the cheese dairy, you can see the traditional way of making cheese and try its different varieties.

There are also many pubs and local shops you can visit after walking. Some of the most popular amongst tourists and locals are The White Hart and Franks Restaurant.

Recommended by Darek of Darek and Gosia

BRIGHTON

Brighton is the perfect day trip from London.  It is a charming seaside town with a far more laid-back atmosphere than London.  It is a great place to get to see a different side of British culture outside the bustling capital city.

There are a lot of things to do in Brighton, but you can see the city’s highlights in a single day.  Must-visit sights include the lanes, Royal Pavilion, and the seafront.  The lanes are a series of winding roads in the heart of Brighton.  They are home to a number of local clothing boutiques and restaurants.  It is the perfect place to sit in a café and people watch if you want a break from walking around the city.

The Royal Pavilion was King George IV’s favourite palace, and it has been restored with hundreds of items that originally furnished the palace before it was sold by Queen Victoria.  It is my favourite part of Brighton and well worth the small admission fee!

The Brighton seafront is the most famous attraction in the city.  There are countless things to do along the seafront, and you could easily spend the entire day wandering around it.  You can visit the aquarium, fishing museum, play mini-golf, relax on the beach, or walk around the pier.  It even has an amusement park and arcade!

The seafront is the perfect place to grab dinner before heading back to London.  It has lots of pubs and restaurants that serve fresh seafood.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat after dinner, I highly recommend grabbing a scoop of ice cream at Boho Gelato.  It is located in the lanes and is the most incredible gelato I’ve ever tasted.  They even have vegan options!

Recommended by Erica of Travels with Erica

SHEFFIELD

Whenever you find yourself in London and looking for new things to do outside the city, did you ever consider going to Sheffield? It is true what they say about the north and south divide in the United Kingdom, but don’t let that put you off. In Sheffield, you can connect yourself with a totally different pace of life which will hopefully be a calming experience and inspire you to dig deeper into the city’s tourist attractions.

On any day trip here you can get acquainted with some of the best sites in the space of a morning or afternoon. Actually, there are many free things to do in Sheffield, like for example, the Winter Gardens; which is said to be one of the largest temperate glasshouses in the UK. These indoor gardens are home to over 2,000 plants collected from various countries around the world. From here, you can head down to Kelham Island and learn all about Sheffield’s contribution to the Steel Industry. Which is the reason why Sheffield has the nick-name ‘Steel City’.

If visiting on a cold sunny day, why not have a stroll over to Ecclesall Road and sip from the infamous cup of hot chocolate from the Cocoa Wonderland? From there you can access the Botanical Gardens which is home to an actual Bearpit where you’ll encounter a (2.4m tall) steel sculptured bear. This is a grade II listed dwelling erected in 1836 which was once home to a real-life black bear.

No matter what you choose for your day trip outside of London, you can arrive in Sheffield in just two hours by train from St Pancras international. You’ll find the city of Sheffield welcoming and easy to connect with locals who seem to be in much less of a rush than in London.

Recommended by Daniel of Urban Abroad

BOURNEMOUTH

Bournemouth is a bustling English seaside destination, situated in the south coast of England in Dorset. You can take a direct train from London Waterloo Station that will take you to this charming coastal city in just over 2 hours.

Bournemouth is well known for its gorgeous, wide stretch of beach with perfect white, fine sand and epic clifftop views. During the British summer, it’s an ideal place to spend a beach day here, and when the weather is not so good, you can take a long walk along the Bournemouth Promenade. Hire a bicycle and cycle along the Promenade to Hengistbury Head, which is a picturesque beach scattered with colourful beach hats. Not a fan of cycling? No problem, take the land train.

Don’t forget about Bournemouth Pier from where you can get a great view of the coast and Isle of Weight. There are traditional English seaside games if you’re looking for entertainment and a zip line from a tower back to the beach.

Bournemouth Oceanarium located on the seafront features some interesting species including piranhas, green sea turtles and zebra sharks. They also have a beach environment with cute penguins. Visit the aquarium at feeding time for the best experience.

Just 5 mins walk from the beach; there is a lovely little park where you can chill out in the shade or try your skills at the mini-golf centre. In the summer, you can take a short air balloon ride from the park to get a bird’s eye view of the entire cost.

Finish off your day in style with a glass of wine and a meal in one of the seafront restaurants.

Recommended by Mal of Raw Mal Roams

RYE & CAMBER SANDS

Camber Sands and Rye, a rich source of inspiration for writers and artists, is an easy day trip from London and one that offers the chance to sample two fabulous destinations for the price of one.

The medieval town of Rye, on the East Sussex coast, is a perfect day trip for history buffs. Georgian townhouses and timber-framed Tudor houses line steep cobbled streets, punctuated with haunted inns that will set your imagination on fire. There’s even a castle. 

The best thing to do in Rye is to wander its streets to seek out its historic buildings. On arrival, swing by the town’s Tourist Information and pick up their Rye walking tour. To burn off any calories consumes in one of the town’s excellent cafes, climb the tower of the 12th Century St Mary’s Church.

Don’t leave Rye before checking out its shops and galleries. The town has an impressive selection of small independent shops and a handful of galleries displaying work by local artists.

When you have finished exploring Rye, it’s time to head to Camber Sands. Taking the clearly signposted National Cycle Network Route 2, it’s a three-mile walk from Rye.  Alternatively, hop on bus #102 which operates between Rye from Camber Sands every 30 minutes.

Camber Sands has a beach to rival any in the Caribbean. Stroll along its seven miles of golden sand, past its rolling dunes, hopefully soaking up some sun. Collect seashells, paddle in the water or embrace your inner child by building sandcastles. And for the more adventurous, why not try your hand at kitesurfing?

Recommended by Bridget of The Flashpacker

DOVER

There are many reasons why visiting the seaside town of Dover makes an excellent day trip from London. It’s easy to reach by train and it’s home to the stunning White Cliffs of Dover as well as the iconic Dover Castle that dominates the hilltop above the town below. Dover’s fascinating history can be traced all the way back to the Roman times and has long been a port town that has connected mainland Europe to England; it’s often referred to as “the gateway to Britain”.

Your day trip to Dover is best started off with a stroll along the beautiful White Cliffs. Breathtaking views can be seen on the trail that runs along the edge of the cliffs, on a clear day you can see all the way across the English Channel to France! Make sure to continue along the path until you reach the lovely 19th-century lighthouse, it’s about a 40-minute walk from the visitor’s center at the start of the walk. If you get hungry, stop for refreshments at Mrs. Knott’s Tearoom which is part of the lighthouse.

After your walk along the White Cliffs, continue your day trip to the impressive Dover Castle which is just next to the cliffs. Soak up over 800 years of fascinating English history as you explore the medieval chambers of the castle and climb to the top of its tower for a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. Dover Castle is one of the oldest and most important castles in Britain, it has stood on the cliffs defending the shores against attacks and invasions for centuries.

Before returning to London, make sure to pop into the White Horse for a classic British meal at Dover’s oldest pub. The building dates back to the 14th century and has been very well preserved. It’s the perfect place to refuel after a long day of sightseeing and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal and a pint.

Recommended by Ann of The Road is Life

CASTLE COMBE

Often called the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds, Castle Combe situated in the idyllic countryside of Wiltshire has even featured in several films, including Dr Dolittle and The War Horse. The popularity of this chocolate box village is apparent as soon as you step foot in the village. Castle Combe is like taking a trip back in time, as no new houses have been built there since the 1600s!

The quaint streets are lined within honey stoned coloured buildings made from Cotswolds stone that was quarried nearby. There was once a castle in Castle Combe but this no longer exists, there are however some other regal looking buildings in the village. The most beautiful of these is the ivy-covered Manor House Hotel, one of the best luxury hotels in all of the Cotswolds. The building is stunning from every direction and includes an 18 hole golf course and perfectly manicured gardens that you can easily spend an hour roaming around. Onsite there is also a Michelin star restaurant and the opportunity to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in this stunning estate.

Castle Combe village itself is also home to St Andrew’s Church, famous for housing one of the oldest working clocks in the country, and contrastingly the village is home to one of the fastest motor car racing circuits in England. So if you fancy a super car day, Castle Combe is the place to go!

Recommended by Roshni of The Wanderlust Within

SEVEN SISTERS CLIFFS WALK

When you’re craving stunning sea views and fresh air, head to the Seven Sisters Cliffs in the South Downs. These iconic chalk cliffs stretch between Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap along the south coast of England. 

The best way to experience this natural wonder is by walking the coastal path from Seaford to Eastbourne in East Sussex. The 21.9 km trail takes about 7 hours to complete, with breaks. Along the way, you can grab a bite to eat at the Cuckmere Inn, Birling Gap Café, or Beachy Head Pub. 

The trail is easy to follow, as it hugs the coast almost the whole time. The only time you’ll depart the cliffs is when you head inland to Cuckmere Inn to cross the Cuckmere River. During low tide, it may be possible to cross the river at Cuckmere Haven, though please exercise caution.

The Seven Sisters are resplendently white because they are actively eroding. For that reason, it’s also very important to maintain a 5-meter distance from the cliff edge for your safety. 

To get excited for your day trip to the Seven Sisters, watch the movies Atonement, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, or Mr. Holmes. 

Recommended by Sabrina of Moon & Honey Travel

YORK

The city of York is a great location to visit for a day trip from London. The scenic east coast rail line brings you right into the heart of the historic city; the principal sights are a short walk from the rail station.

Start your day trip to York at the Gothic cathedral York Minster. Take a guided tour to learn about the Minster’s incredible stained glass windows and explore the crypt, Undercroft and Chapter House. Climb the 257 steps of the Minster’s central tower for an incredible view of the city.

From the Minster, a one-minute walk along High Petergate brings you to Bootham Bar, one of the city’s four medieval gateways to the city and York’s medieval city walls. These imposing stone walls are the longest city walls in England and take two hours to complete. Reward your walk with a cup of Yorkshire Tea and a delicious Fat Rascal from the iconic Betty’s Tea Rooms.

Continue your day by exploring the attractive pedestrian streets of the city centre, many of which are lined with ornate, Tudor-era buildings. One street not to miss is the short cobbled lane, The Shambles. This narrow, gloomy lane is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series and has been voted ‘The Best Street in Britain’.

If you have any time left in your day visit one of the city’s many museums such as York Castle Museum or the Jorvik Viking Centre. Finish your day trip with a traditional roast dinner (complete with Yorkshire puddings) or a pint of real ale from one of York’s 365 pubs such as the historic The King’s Arms with its pretty riverside seating.

Recommended by Sinead of Best in York Guide

STONEHENGE

There’s no wonder why Stonehenge is one of the most popular day trips from London. Located in Wiltshire, England, the prehistoric monument is one of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mystery surrounding its existence has captivated travelers for ages.

When visiting Stonehenge, there are two main spots that should be visited. The first is obvious: you can’t visit Stonehenge without visiting the actual Stone Circle! Archaeologists believe that Stonehenge was constructed during the Bronze Age, but there are many unanswered questions regarding the site’s construction and purpose. On a typical visit to Stonehenge, you can only view the stones from afar; however, it is possible to book a once-in-a-lifetime experience allowing you to get up close and personal with the monument. This experience must be requested in advance; you can apply for the Stone Circle experience directly with the English Heritage organization that oversees Stonehenge.

The second must-see spot is the Stonehenge Visitor Center. While this might sound a bit boring, the center is home to a very interesting museum with exhibits on the history of Stonehenge and life during the time of construction.

Stonehenge can be visited from London via public transportation or guided tour. A popular option for travelers who are short on time is to take a combined Stonehenge and Bath guided tour, allowing for stops at both places in one day.

Recommended by Sydney of A World in Reach

OXFORD

One of the easiest day trips you can take from London is to Oxford. The city is most known for the world-famous university with the same name but there’s definitely more to see and do during an Oxford day trip than just the colleges. Luckily the city is compact enough that you can hit up all the major sites with no problems in one day.

While there is a local bus system that takes you around the city majority of the big sights and colleges are within walking distances of each other and so it isn’t necessary to spend extra money on transit.

You can’t come to Oxford without visiting parts of the university. If you’re only in Oxford for a day you’ll want to focus on the major landmarks like Radcliffe Camera, Bridge of Sighs, Bodleian Library and Christ Church College. If you’re interested in visiting specific colleges then I’d look into the hours ahead of time to be able to make the most of your visit. Many of the colleges are only open to visitors during specific hours and some of the more well-known sights (like the Bodleian Library) require tours that run at specific times.

Besides the university, Oxford has a great main street with lots of great independent stores like Alice’s Shop where you can get some fantastic and unique Alice in Wonderland souvenirs. There’s also a number of museums like the Museum of History of Science, Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford Natural History Museum and many more. If you’re looking to connect with nature a visit to the Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum is a must.

Given the city’s status as a university town, there are plenty of places to eat and you can find cuisines of pretty much all cultures. If you’re looking for a quick bite, then G&D’s Ice Cream Shop (with multiple locations) has some fantastic bagels. You can also check out a number of bakeries and stalls in the Oxford Covered Market for some quick eats.

Recommended by Liliane of My Toronto, My World

CANTERBURY

Canterbury is an iconic town in Southeast England, approximately 1 hour away from London by train. Both train stations of the town (East and West) are located 10 minutes on foot away from the historical centre, which makes Canterbury the ideal day trip from London via public transport. No tours required!

Besides being easily accessible, Canterbury is one of the most beautiful English towns featuring cobbled streets, medieval feeling, contemporary artworks, hidden cafes and traditional pubs- the Three Tuns and the Seven Stars claim to be the oldest within the town walls. Since I mentioned the walls, a circular walk along the well-preserved Roman walls can be a very interesting way to get to know the town and its history better.

Back to the centre, Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey, and St Martin’s Church (the oldest church in England) are part of the Unesco World Heritage list due to their spectacular mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture and their historical significance. There is a small entrance fee but if you are up for religious places these landmarks are undoubtedly worth it!

Canterbury Roman Museum and the Beaney House of Arts & Knowledge are two of the most important museums to visit, located on the historical centre. Of course, the high street is (as everywhere else in the UK!) the heartbeat of the city where one can find retail chains, restaurants, charity shops, little bookstores etc.

For me, after living in London for 6 years and having visited many English towns, one of the most interesting things to do in Canterbury was the Sculpture Trail: a 3.2 miles easy-level walk passing through public art pieces, open spaces and parks lasting for approximately 90 minutes. Throughout this walk, one can meet very appealing sculptures like the Alluvia (situated on the bed of the river Great Stour!) and the Bulkhead (my favourite one!) placed on the periphery of the infamous Marlowe Theatre.

Weather permitted, a river tour can also be a charming and relaxing way to spend some of your time here! Overall, I highly recommend Canterbury as one of the best, hassle-free, day trips from London!

Recommended by Valentini of My Shoes Abroad

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Just over an hour from London, Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as the home of Shakespeare.  A charming traditional English market town, there’s a lot to see and do if you are interested in the Great Bard, and plenty more to explore. Shakespeare’s home, where he was brought up as a child and lived with his wife Anne Hathaway is in Henley Street and you can visit to see more.  Or, how about taking a lesson at Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, which was completed in 1420 and is where Shakespeare himself studied as a boy. Just outside the town and both worth visiting to learn more about Tudor life is Anne Hathaway’s cottage where he courted his wife and Mary Arden’s Farm, where his own mother grew up.

Of course, the town is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, with two theatres and a series of exhibitions.  If you can’t stay for an evening show there are regular matinees during the week and on Saturdays.

If you tire of Shakespeare why not join the swans and take a river cruise along the River Avon. For something a little different the local gin distillery, Shakespeare Gin, runs regular gin tasting trips!  Or visit the Butterfly Farm, five minutes’ walk from the Town Centre, where you can discover hundreds of the world’s most beautiful butterflies in their own world of tropical blossoms, waterfalls and fish pools.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Stratford upon Avon.  For an authentic English afternoon tea try Hathaway’s Tea Rooms, in a timbered Grade II listed building on the High Street.  And for excellent seasonal British food, try the Woodsman restaurant at the Indigo Hotel, run by the same team who operate the Michelin starred Ledbury and Harwood restaurants in London.

Recommended by Fiona of London-Unattached

WINDSOR

Windsor is one of the best-known cities in the UK due to it being the favorite weekend home of Her Majesty, the Queen of England. The city of Windsor was officially established by William the Conquerer in the 11th century and currently boasts less than 1,000 residents along with numerous fascinating historic sites. Situated just 25 minutes from London, this historic town provides plenty for day-trippers to experience.

With such a small population, one would think Windsor would have little to offer for visitors seeking a full day of experiences, but you will be surprised at what Windsor has to offer. Along with tours of Windsor Castle and St. George’s Chapel, visitors can tour Windsor Great Park; the former private hunting ground of the royal family; the Theatre Royal; Great Britain’s only unsubsidised year-round theater; Guildhall, the town hall where Charles and Camilla wed; St. John the Baptist Church, originally built in the 12th century and reconstructed in 1810 due to severe damage; Runnymede, where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215; Cliveden House, a three-story Italianate mansion just 15 minutes north of Windsor where the works of Charles Barry reside; and experience the Royal Windsor Horse Show each May, which is a favored event of the Queen’s. 

Along with all these, visitors can tour various gardens and museums, eat at several elegant restaurants, sample candy in numerous candy shop, and get their inner child on in Legoland Windsor; If you’re uncertain of what to see or where to go, there are various day tours of both the city and river to give an overall view of the beautiful sites to be found in Windsor. 

To get around, you can either go on foot or utilize one of the town’s bus services.

Recommended by Erin of Traveling Thru History

BATH

There is much more to the UNESCO city of Bath than the Roman Baths from which the city gets its name which makes it an ideal option for a day trip from London.

A great way to get a feel for the city is to take a free walking tour with The Mayor of Bath’s Corps of Honorary Guides. Leaving daily at 10:30 and at 14:00 except on Saturdays, these tours will take you around Bath for about two hours, covering roughly 2 miles. The tours are excellent to get some background and your bearings of the city and are completely free; the guides will not even accept a tip. 

The tours leave from outside the Roman Baths for which the city is most famous. Over a million litres of water at a temperature of 46 °C rise from the ground each day. You cannot enter the waters, which, as they are an interesting green colour, you probably wouldn’t want to anyway,  but a tour of the well-preserved baths is a must for any visitor to Bath. The nearby Bath Abbey has a depiction of Jacob’s ladder on its west front showing angels ascending and descending from heaven. Built from local Bath stone, the abbey looks particularly stunning in when the sun is lower in the sky.

Another interesting place to visit is the Royal Crescent which is a 500-foot-long terrace of houses that was built between 1767 and 1774. One of the most prized addresses in Bath, visitors can get a taste of what life would have been like in the 18th-century Bath as they explore ten rooms, decorated as they were believed to be during the period.

To finish off your day in Bath, take in one of the most iconic views of Bath which is the Pulteney Bridge. To see it is a bridge you’ll need to view it from slightly downriver otherwise crossing the bridge feels like walking down a normal street with shops to both sides!

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BRISTOL

No visit to Bristol would be complete without seeing some of the achievements of the engineer most associated with the city, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. By taking a day trip there by train, you get to experience part of the iconic engineers Great Western Railway as you hurtle across the English countryside. Originally built to broad gauge, the whole route from London to Bristol was surveyed by Brunel himself. Once in the city, you can get from the railway station using the Bristol Ferry Boats which can take you to the city centre and close to many attractions.

The symbol of the city is Clifton Suspension Bridge which opened in 1864 and was built to a revised design of Brunel’s. The bridge opened after his death and was completed by William Henry Barlow and Sir John Hawkshaw. The chains used on the bridge came from an earlier Brunel bridge, Hungerford bridge in London.

The other major Brunel attraction in Bristol is the SS Great Britain, a ship that revolutionised ocean travel. The longest ship in the world when it was launched, constructed with screw propellers and made of iron it was another example of Brunel’s engineering prowess. Today visitors can see the ship in the dry dock it was constructed in and explore the history of this magnificent ship.

Bristol’s other famous citizen is the graffiti artist Banksy and you can view several pieces of his art around the city. From the “Paint Pot Angel” in the Bristol museum to “Girl with the Pierced Eardrum” and “Well Hung Lover”. Walking tours of several of his pieces can be booked or you can discover them as you explore the city.

For a bird’s eye across Bristol, climb the Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill. The tower was built to commemorate John Cabot 400 years after he set sail to what would become Canada in the ship Matthew. A replica of the Matthew can be visited outside the M shed which houses the Bristol Industrial Museum.

Two churches which are worth visiting are St Mary Redcliffe and Bristol Cathedral. St Mary Redcliffe is one of the largest parish churches in the country and contains monuments to many famous Bristolians. Bristol Cathedral with its impressive twin towers dates from the 12th-century and contains impressive vaulted ceilings and stained glass.

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RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ENGLAND

These are a few tours we would recommend for day trips from London.