(Editor’s note: This post on day trips from London is part of our series of quick trips we believe better reflect the expat lifestyle in Europe.)
Why does it feel like summer was years ago by now? As the colder months encroach, it’s not unusual for Londoners to feel like, well, they need a vacation. But between work commitments and all the money you may well have spent on a summer vacation, a long trip might not be in the cards. What to do?
Well, it sounds like it’s time for a day trip!
As the most connected transport hub in the United Kingdom, it’s relatively easy to get from London, to, well, anywhere in Great Britain by train, bus, or car. That means, if you’ve been feeling a bit cooped up, a day trip, or one-night overnight, can be just the ticket to get out of your head and refresh yourself.
Fair warning, though, that your British-born friends and family may take some time to come around on the idea of a one-day break, as they’re less common among British families. That said, once they try it, they may find themselves addicted, especially if you go to one of the many great spots that can be easily reached from London in a relatively short time.
What spots are those?
Well, without further delay, here are some of the best British day trips to take from London:
Oxford
Home to Britain’s oldest university, and the filming site of countless movies and television shows, Oxford, the “City of Dreaming Spires” is one of the most popular day trips from London for good reason. A visit to Oxford can mean tours of the ancient colleges, renting one of the boats known as “punts” to row along the rivers that flow through the town, or a visit to the (free to enter!) Ashmolean and Pitt-Rivers museums.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, stop for lunch in one of Oxford’s many pubs and restaurants, like the Grand Cafe, an elegant spot which claims to be Britain’s oldest coffee house, or the Turf Tavern, a historic, tucked-away pub with seating in a greenhouse. Finally, do a little shopping at the historic Covered Market, which is packed with independent shops, or check out the subterranean expanse of Blackwell’s bookshop.
Travel Tip: Oxford is accessible from Central London by train, car, or bus, with the Oxford Tube bus service running 24/7 throughout the year. Travel time will depend on traffic, but is rarely over two hours.
Cambridge
While the cities of Cambridge and Oxford (and their respective universities) have a long-standing rivalry, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying trips to both! Located in the East of England, Cambridge is more rural than Oxford, and famous for its countryside views as well as the prestigious university.
A visit to Cambridge should include a college tour or two, and a stroll through the countryside. But be sure to also check out the town’s historic market square, home to street performers and independent traders’ stalls. While you’re in town, you may also find yourself nose-to-nose with some of the local, free-roaming cows, but don’t worry. They’re quite gentle, and some visitors even pet them.
Travel tip: The train from London to Cambridge takes slightly over an hour, and is typically the fastest way to get there, as the semi-rural location can take a while to reach by car.
Bath
Have you ever heard of “taking the waters”? The natural hot springs at Bath were, since the time of the Romans through to the nineteenth century, considered to have healing or health-promoting properties, and people would travel to the city to “take the waters,” the same way modern people might go to a spa resort.
Today, “taking the waters” is not recommended (you still can, at the Roman Baths museum or the Pump Room restaurant, but they won’t cure what ails you, and the mineral content gives off an odd smell), but a trip to Bath absolutely is. In addition to the famous Roman Baths, visitors can explore a historic fashion museum, or take a walking tour to see sites mentioned by Jane Austen in her novels. The city is also bustling with independent shops, restaurants, and, perhaps fittingly, a variety of modern spas.
Travel tip: The train from Central London to Bath takes slightly over an hour. The city is also accessible by car, although traffic can make your trip take longer.
Brighton
Do you like to be beside the seaside? If so, consider heading to Brighton, one of Britain’s liveliest and most colorful seaside towns. Famous for its historic pier, thriving LGBTQ scene, and delicious fish and chips, Brighton is especially fun to visit in the summer months, when you can enjoy the pier’s rides and carnival games, including a wooden slide that visitors have been enjoying for decades.
After the pier, check out The Lanes, Brighton’s historic stone-building shopping district near the old Pleasure Palace. Here you’ll find antiques ranging from jewelry to military memorabilia, as well as art galleries, coffee shops, and even a lavish chocolatier.
Travel tip: Brighton is most easily reached from London via a train from King’s Cross station, which takes just under an hour.
Windsor
Possibly the most famous name in Britain, Windsor isn’t “just” a castle, or the surname of the royal family – it’s also a town. A town that’s home to a castle, and, when they’re staying in that castle, the royal family. Definitely worth a visit, wouldn’t you say?
Windsor Castle itself is far and away the main attraction of a trip to Windsor. Visitors can tour the public rooms of the castle, plus its beautiful grounds, and you might even catch a glimpse, albeit from a distance, of one of the royals! After your tour, explore the town of Windsor itself, and enjoy the cozy pubs, lovely river views, and scenic parks.
Travel tip: Located less than twenty-five miles from Central London, the train to Windsor takes under an hour. The town is also accessible by car, although parking may be scarce.
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Looking to brush up your Shakespeare? What better place to do so than the hometown of the Bard himself? In Stratford-Upon-Avon, all things Shakespearean is the name of the game, with Shakespeare’s own birthplace one of the top attractions. You can also take in one of the Bard’s plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Even if you’re not much of a Shakespeare buff, the literary attractions don’t stop there, as Stratford-Upon-Avon is also home to the Beatrix Potter Society, plus adorable shops to pick up some Peter Rabbit memorabilia. You can also get a taste of the 16th century at the interactive Tudor World museum.
Travel tip: The train from Central London to Stratford-Upon-Avon takes under an hour to Coventry, where you’ll catch a local bus that deposits you in the center of town.
Cliffs of Dover
While many of the places on this list are ideal for what the Brits call a “city break,” sometimes you need some time in the great outdoors. Enter the White Cliffs of Dover. You may have heard of them in the famous World War Two-era song, but now’s your chance to see (and hike) them in person! And, of course, catch a few great pictures for social media.
Travel tip: To get to the cliffs, you can catch a train from King’s Cross to Dover Priory that takes just over an hour. Then, it’s a 45 minute walk to get you fully cliffside! Be sure to check out the historical attractions (and grab a well-earned bite to eat after your hike) near Dover Priory station before heading back to London.
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Read more about London here in Dispatches’ archives.
Ellery Weil
Dr. Ellery Weil is a writer and historian based in London. She was born in Washington, DC, raised in Maryland, and attended undergrad in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before moving to the UK to attend grad school at University College London, where she earned her PhD in History. She lives in London with her husband, where you can find her writing, reading, petting dogs in Regent's Park, and exploring the city's antique markets.
