Top 5 Best Day Trips from London (2026)
Five unmissable day trips from London, from ancient Stonehenge to the university spires of Oxford.
Our Top 5 Day Trips
London is a brilliant base for day trips, with some of England's most iconic destinations within easy reach. Whether you prefer an organised coach tour (more convenient, with commentary) or independent travel by train (more flexible, often cheaper), these five destinations deliver unforgettable experiences.
1. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath
1. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath
The most popular day trip from London, and for good reason. This full-day tour packs three of England's most iconic destinations into a single day: Windsor Castle (the world's oldest occupied castle, home of the Royal Family), Stonehenge (the 5,000-year-old stone circle that still baffles archaeologists), and Bath (a UNESCO World Heritage city with stunning Georgian architecture and Roman baths). An expert guide provides commentary throughout, and transport in a comfortable coach is included.
Duration: 11 hours | From: ~£69 per person
2. Stonehenge and Bath Tour
2. Stonehenge and Bath Tour
If you want more time at each destination, this two-stop tour gives you a full morning at Stonehenge and a generous afternoon in Bath. Walk around the stone circle with the included audio guide, explore the excellent visitor centre, then head to Bath to visit the Roman Baths, walk the Royal Crescent, and enjoy free time for shopping and lunch. More relaxed than the three-stop tour, and ideal if you have already seen Windsor.
Duration: 10 hours | From: ~£59 per person
3. Oxford and Cambridge Day Tour
3. Oxford and Cambridge Day Tour
Visit two of the world's most famous university cities in a single day. In Oxford, explore the Bodleian Library, Christ Church college (which inspired the Harry Potter dining hall), and the covered market. In Cambridge, punt along the River Cam past the stunning college Backs and visit King's College Chapel. A guide shares the centuries of academic history, rivalry, and tradition that make both cities so special. This is one of the most intellectually rewarding day trips from London.
Duration: 10 hours | From: ~£56 per person
4. Leeds Castle, Canterbury and Dover
4. Leeds Castle, Canterbury and Dover
Three gems of Kent in one day. Leeds Castle, described as the "loveliest castle in the world", sits on two islands in a lake surrounded by 500 acres of parkland. Canterbury Cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage since Thomas Becket was murdered here in 1170. The White Cliffs of Dover offer dramatic views across the English Channel to France on clear days. This tour suits visitors who want to see the English countryside and medieval heritage beyond the London bubble.
Duration: 10 hours | From: ~£59 per person
5. Brighton: London's Seaside Escape
5. Brighton: London's Seaside Escape
Just one hour by train from London Victoria, Brighton is London's favourite seaside escape. The pebbly beach, the eccentric Royal Pavilion (a Regency palace with Indian-inspired architecture), The Lanes (narrow shopping streets full of independent boutiques), and a vibrant food scene make it a perfect day out. Walk along the seafront to the Palace Pier with its fairground rides, then head into the North Laine for vintage shops and street art. An advance return ticket costs around £15-20. Best visited May to September.
Duration: Full day (1 hour train each way) | From: ~£15 train fare
Choosing Between Tour and Train
For Stonehenge and the Cotswolds, an organised tour is significantly more practical than public transport. For Brighton, Oxford, Cambridge, and Canterbury, the train is easy, cheap, and gives you full flexibility. Windsor can go either way: the train is fast and cheap (25 minutes from Paddington), but combining it with Stonehenge and Bath in one day requires a coach tour.
For more destinations, read our full day trips guide or browse all London tours.
Recommended Tours
Windsor, Stonehenge & Bath
Visit Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath in one unforgettable day trip from London.
Stonehenge & Bath
Visit Stonehenge and the Georgian city of Bath on a relaxed full-day tour from London.
Oxford & Cambridge
Visit both Oxford and Cambridge universities in one day with expert guide and coach.
Leeds Castle & Canterbury
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