17 Best Day Tours from London

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Looking for the best day tours from London? This comprehensive list of the best one-day trips from London as suggested by travel experts has got you covered!

London is one of the most fascinating European cities and my personal favorite. But there’s also a lot to see outside the British capital.

From charming old villages and beachside towns to historic universities, ancient monuments, royal castles, and scenic landscapes, there are many reasons to spare a day or two exploring out of the city.

In fact, with so many options right at London’s doorstep, the hard part is going to be picking only one destination!

To help you choose, I asked fellow travel bloggers about their favorite London day tours.

So without further ado, here are the best day trips from London, why you should visit, and how to get there.

Read more:

• The Definitive 4 Day London Itinerary for 1st Timers

 

Best day tours from London:

Cambridge

Recommended by Michael from The World Was Here First

One of the best and most popular day trips to take from London is undoubtedly visiting the university town of Cambridge. It’s a great place to visit if you want to see a different side of England as the bustling student town has plenty of history, incredible architecture and great places to eat and drink!

Cambridge is incredibly easy to get to from London, with regular trains leaving from Kings Cross Station and buses leaving from Victoria Station. You can also easily travel to Cambridge by car and it makes for a popular first stop if driving up to Northern England or Scotland from London.

There are plenty of things to keep you occupied during your visit to Cambridge. If you want to get an insight into university life and see some of the famous colleges, then there is a large choice of walking tours available that will show you around the town and explain some of its history. You’ll also get to see some of the famous colleges such as King’s College & Trinity College which is steeped in history and tradition.

Another popular activity is to go punting along the River Cam, however, if you prefer to stay dry it can be just as fun sitting on the banks of the river and watch as tourists struggle to learn the art of punting!

All in all, visiting Cambridge is a fantastic day trip from London!

You can book a day trip to Cambridge, including a walking tour with a local guide, here.

 

Dover, Kent

Recommended by Ann, from The Road Is Life

The coastal town of Dover is home to some of the UK’s oldest and most fascinating history. Through the centuries, Dover has been a port town and the gateway to England extending as far back as the Roman times when Julius Caesar first landed on its shores.

Visiting Dover makes an excellent day trip to Kent from London because it’s only an hour away by train and there are so much beauty and history to explore.

Upon arrival in Dover, make your way to the White Cliffs for a scenic walk along the cliffs. On a clear day, you can even see France across the English Channel. Continue walking until you reach the 19^th century South Foreland Lighthouse where you can stop for refreshments at Mrs Knotts Tearoom. The walk from the visitor’s center to the lighthouse takes about 40 minutes.

Spend your afternoon exploring the incredible history of Dover Castle. Dating back to the 11^th century, Dover Castle has protected the shores of England for over 800 years. Admire the beautiful medieval furnishings on display inside the castle’s chambers and wander through the eerie underground war tunnels for a unique glimpse into the past.

The easiest and quickest way to get to Dover from London is to take the high-speed train that runs from London’s St. Pancras Station to Dover Priory. The journey takes 1 hour and you can expect to pay a bit extra for the high-speed train. It is well worth the extra cost as you will save yourself time and hassle by not having to switch trains along the way.

Alternatively, you can book a full-day tour of the county of Kent, including Dover and the White Cliffs, here.

 

Brighton and Hove

Recommended by Michelle from Minimize & Travel

An hour south of London is the infamous seaside town of Brighton and Hove. The city is often referred to as ‘London by the sea’ because of its diverse range of places to eat, things to do and forward-thinking attitude.

You can either drive south of London on the M23 or get the train directly from Victoria Station.

One of the first places you should head to is the Laines, which are situated in the heart of Brighton. Here you will find everything from vegan shoes to kerbside cafes.

The Laines is home to a Jewellery quarter with historic tiny winding walkways that have not changed in years. You will also find some fantastic places to eat; I suggest you try Donatello’s a tasty Italian, Food For Friends for vegetarian options, and Riddle and Finns for award-winning seafood.

In the North Laines, you’ll find theatres, independent designers, and health food stores.

If you have time to venture out of the city center, you should obviously head towards the beach. Brighton Beach can be bustling during the summer months, but it is still worth taking a walk along the pier.

Whenever you visit you are bound to come across an event; the Brighton Festival, Gay Pride, the Superhero run, The Vintage Car Run, The Brighton Marathon, Paddle By The Pier, The Food Festival, and The Mermaid Walk are just a few.

Finally, it is worth a trip on the Brighton Zipwire, and the i360 Viewing Tower, the tallest viewing platform on the South Coast. And do not miss a tour of the Phileas Fog Experience.

 

Cotswolds

Recommended by Viktoria from Chronic Wanderlust

There are many great day tours from London that you can take, but my favorite one has to be the Cotswolds with the many lovely villages that make you feel transported back to a different era. Don’t forget to charge your camera fully, you will need it!

There are several bus tours that you can join, but I highly recommend renting a car and explore this region at your own pace. The easiest – and cheapest in terms of rental and avoiding the hefty charges for driving in London itself – is to get to Heathrow Airport and pick up a car there.

It will take you a little over an hour to reach the first village in the Cotswolds: Minster Lovell. Park your car and enjoy the morning walk to Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote and the picturesque Old Swan Hotel.

Continue to Burford to walk around the main street and visit the church of the village.

Make Stow-on-the-Wold your next stop where you can marvel at the incredible gateway of St. Edward’s Church with two trees seeming to hug the portal. Take your time there to enjoy the fresh air and enjoy this day outside of London.

I highly recommend stopping at the two Slaughters – Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter. Their names do not do them justice, and if you have more than a day, I’d recommend staying in one of the two.

Another great stop is Bibury and Chipping Campden. Depending on the time of your visit, pick one or both before heading back to London at night.

This might seem like a full itinerary, but all the villages are tiny and can be either covered in very little time or really enjoyed with a book and some English tea.

It’s up to you how you’ll enjoy a day in the Cotswolds!

Book a small group tour of the Cotswolds from London here.

 

Whitstable

Recommended by Caroline from CK Travels

Whitstable is a charming fishing and harbor town on the north coast of Kent, just southeast of London.

Getting to Whitstable from London as a day trip is super easy – the high-speed train from Kings Cross or Stratford takes you there in just over an hour, or you can take a slightly slower train from Victoria.

Whitstable is quite small and the train station is just a short walk to all the main sights. Take a coastal walk along the huge stretches of beaches, all lined with colorful beach huts, or visit the main street which is lined with cute boutique shops, galleries, and cafes.

Whitstable is very famous for its incredible seafood scene and you’ll find many small oyster shacks along the beachfront and in the harbor, or alternatively head to the Lobster Shack restaurant for an amazing sit-down feast!

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

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

 

Canterbury

Recommended by Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan

Traveling from London to Canterbury is definitely not a new idea, although it used to take much longer than just one day.

The famous Cathedral of Canturbury, built in 1077 AD, has been a place of pilgrimage for nearly 1,000 years. The journey here from London was even immortalized in the Canterbury Tales, a magnum opus of Middle English verse written by Geoffrey Chaucer.

A small city with a population of only 55,000 people, Canterbury is quite compact and can be easily seen on foot. Thanks to strict regulations limiting the construction of any modern-style buildings, the historical center of Canterbury still looks much as it did hundreds of years ago, and just wandering the streets is a real joy.

You will, of course, want to make your way to the Cathedral, which is sure to be the highlight of your visit. Once your neck is sore from you staring up at the soaring vaulted arches inside, take a breather in the quiet cloister and visit the underground crypt with its beautiful frescoed chapel.

While not as famous as the Cathedral, St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s Church are two more places of worship worth seeking out. The latter is actually much older than the Cathedral and even incorporates remains of an ancient Roman shrine.

A great place for lunch is the Lady Luck, which describes itself as a rock ‘n roll pub. The menu includes lots of veggie as well as non-veggie options, so it’s great for vegetarians and vegans visiting Canterbury.

The quickest way to get from London to Canterbury is by train. Departures are from St. Pancras station, arriving at Canterbury West station in just under an hour. Buses are also an option and are generally cheaper but take longer.

You can book a day trip from London to the highlights of Kent, including Canterbury and its Cathedral, here.

 

Bath

Recommended by Alison from Dance Dispatches

Leave the bustle of London behind to enjoy a day in historic Bath, formally known as Bath Spa.

To learn more about the ancient rituals, head to the Roman Baths museum and simply follow the audio guide around the sites of various statues, pools and relaxation areas. While you can taste the ‘healing’ waters at the designated station, you’ll find nicer tasting beverages and food at the on-site Pump Room Restaurant.

Unfortunately, you’ll get told off for touching the waters at the Bath museum – but you can indulge in a modern version of the ancient bathing ritual at the Thermae Bath Spa. Spend a few hours soaking in the pools and warming up in the steam rooms, though make sure to save most of your time for the outdoor rooftop pool, overlooking Bath Abbey.

If you prefer a more active trip, wander to The Royal Crescent – or the Alexandra Park for marvelous views of the entire city. You can also walk alongside the river to take photos of the Pulteney Weir. The Parade Gardens by the river are particularly pretty during the summertime.

The train journey from London takes an average of two hours and five minutes, while the average bus journey from London takes about two hours and fifty minutes.

If you prefer a guided tour, this one combines admission to Stonehenge with a visit to the city of Bath.

 

Sheffield

Recommended by Daniel from Layer Culture

With so many things to do in London and after spending a few days in the big city you may be wondering which other cities can offer a unique experience. If you have the full day to spare, why not head up to Sheffield, a northern city with a reputation of being one of the greenest in Europe.

Sheffield has a very proud historical background which not only attracts people from all over the globe but has also put its stamp on many knives and forks.

Famous for its once-booming steel industry, Sheffield has is very popular with international students and praised for its many independent shops and local places to eat and drink.

The train station is right on the doorstep of the city center so no need to walk far.  Within a few minute’s walk you can be browsing the Millenium Gardens and its adjacent art museum.

Some other renowned spots to visit are Ecclesall road, which can’t be left without a visit to Cocoa Wonderland and the infamous Kelham Island Museum.

If staying until the early evening a trip to Cubana to feast on some Tapas and try out some of your favorite Latin dance moves will go down a treat.

The train takes just two hours from St Pancras international station, so the earlier you leave London the more you can get out of your day of events in Sheffield.

 

Rye, East Sussex

Recommended by Annabel from Smudged Postcard

In just over an hour by train, you can whisk yourself away from the big smoke of London to the medieval seaport of Rye.

The town of Rye in East Sussex is the perfect day trip from London: its narrow cobblestone lanes and timber-framed houses transport visitors back to the time of smugglers and pirates.

The town is particularly atmospheric at night so ensure you stay until the last train back to London.

To learn more about the history of Rye, visitors should head to the museum at Ypres Tower. There’s a model of how Rye looked hundreds of years ago before the sea receded several miles and there are some interesting artifacts relating to the tower’s former use as a jail along with its incorporation into the defensive city walls.

Rye is packed with enticing shops and restaurants. There’s even a cafe dedicated to hot chocolate: Knoops. There are restaurants for fine dining such as George In Rye and there are some wonderful pubs such as the famous Mermaid Inn.

If you’re keen to make the most of the fresh air away from London, there’s an enjoyable walk along the marshland towards the coast and if you’re visiting in the height of summer hop on a bus to the glorious stretch of sandy beach at Camber Sands.

 

Norwich

Recommended by Dagney from Cultura Obscura

Norwich is a great day tour from London and even works for a weekend if you want to stay longer. It’s 90-120 minutes from London by train, direct end-to-end from Liverpool Street Station. There is also a bus that runs from Victoria Coach Station, though it takes roughly twice as long.

There are plenty of things to do in Norwich  The city is easy to walk around, with many of its most popular attractions very close together.

Right in the middle of the city is Norwich Castle, with Norwich Cathedral and its beautiful grounds just around the corner. Across the street are the Norwich Lanes and the large covered market, full of shops and stalls selling all manner of local goods.

Norwich also has a proud literary heritage. In 2012, it became England’s first UNESCO City of Literature. This feat is reflected through various colorful murals painted onto the sides of buildings. Those looking for a pleasant stroll can find them sprinkled throughout the city.

There are many extensive museums here, such as Strangers Hall and the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell.

For those wanting to get back to nature, there are plenty of parks and green spaces, with the Norfolk Broads right on its doorstep for those wishing to leave the city limits.

And if you’re looking for refreshment, Norwich has literally hundreds of English pubs, both new and historic, where you can take a break and try different variations of the East Anglian-based Adnams beer.

 

Stonehenge

Recommended by Nicky from Above Us Only Skies

Situated a few miles outside of Salisbury in Wiltshire, Stonehenge is an easy day trip from London. It’s just a couple of hours’ drive by car. But if you don’t have your own transport there are plenty of tour companies to choose from. And there are good connections by train and bus, too.

The stone circle is one of the best-known sites in Europe and one of the Ancient Wonders of the World.

It’s an atmospheric, Neolithic space that allows your imagination to run wild because no-one actually knows for sure why it was built. In fact, the enduring myths that surround it are probably one of the reasons why it draws so many people.

The site dates back over 4500 years, well before written records began. But there’s no doubting the intelligence and architectural ability of the people who built it.

The stones are cordoned off to protect them from the erosion that would be caused by thousands of visiting feet. However, if you want to get up close and personal with them, you can organize an out-of-hours special access ticket. Although numbers are restricted, so book early.

There’s a well-organized visitor center, which provides a wealth of background information on the stones and the people who lived in the area during that period. The facilities are wheelchair friendly and are designed to be accessible for all.

There’s also a welcoming coffee shop to help warm you up after you’ve braved the chill winds that blow across the Salisbury Plain.

Indeed, if you’re planning to visit outside of the summer months, make sure you wrap up warm!

Book a Stonehenge half-day morning or afternoon tour from London here.

 

Kew Gardens

Recommended by Tom from Travel Past 50

On the superficial level, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, or Kew Gardens as they are familiarly known, are a huge garden in the English landscape garden tradition.

Traditional landscape garden elements illustrate significant characteristics of the art of English gardens from the 18th to the 20th centuries. What that means, practically, is there are miles of enjoyable walkways among thick plantings of flowers, trees, and green bushes.

But Kew Gardens is much more. It’s also a huge scientifically managed botanical reserve. The gardens house collections of conserved and living plants and documentary records of plants that have been enriched through the centuries.

Since Kew Gardens’ creation in 1759, they have made a significant contribution to the study of world plant diversity and economic botany.

The focus of the botanic activity is centered on two large iron framed glasshouses – the Palm House and the Temperate House, that became models for conservatories around the world. These buildings and their collections are exemplary developments in garden art and botanical science that were subsequently copied around the world.

Other significant features of Kew Gardens include the Orangery, Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, several ornamental lakes and ponds, and a boundary “ha-ha.” There is also a lovely long vista to a multistory pagoda situated near the west end of the gardens.

From central London, Kew Gardens are easily reached on the Underground. Take a District Line train (be sure you’re on the right one that has a terminus of Richmond) and get off at the Kew Gardens station.  From the Kew Gardens station, it’s about a 10-minute (half a kilometer) walk to the Victoria Entrance of the Gardens.

Save time by booking your Kew Gardens admission ticket here.

 

Windsor

Recommended by Darek from darekandgosia.com

The capital of Great Britain is stunning, and it is one of the greatest cities in the world. However, there is much more to see outside of London.

One of the must-visit locations on your day tour from London is the town of Windsor. Known for its lovely cobblestone streets, a lively High Street and the residence of the Queen – Windsor Castle. Just walking through this town is a stunning experience in itself.

Take the Great Western Railway line from London Paddington Station to Windsor & Eton Central (via Slough). The journey will take about half an hour, a return ticket can be bought for around 21 pounds. This is probably the quickest way to get to Windsor from West London.

Another option is to join a half-day tour from London. This one includes entrance to Windsor Castle and round-trip transportation.

While visiting Windsor, you should try to see the inside of the Windsor Castle – the world’s oldest running castle! It was originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and now is a place where Queen Elizabeth II comes on weekends to relax from the hustle and bustle of London.

If you don’t like castles, then Legoland is located just outside of Windsor (closed in winter). This amusement park has carousels, slides and many London miniatures and British landmarks.

Ready for your day adventure in Windsor?

 

Oxford

Recommended by Laura from What’s Hot?

Oxford is just over an hour away from London and one of the best places to visit as a day trip. With a small and compact city center, it’s easy to see the best of Oxford in just one day. Whether you’re interested in culture, history, or food, there’s plenty to explore.

Start your Oxford day trip in Radcliffe Square and admire the iconic round library called the Radcliffe Camera. It’s the very symbol of oxford and not something to miss! If you want to look inside the library (and trust me you do), book yourself on to a tour of the Bodleian Libraries and Divinity School.

For an even better view of the Radcliffe Camera and views over the entire city, climb the tower at University Church of St Mary the Virgin in the square and you’ll see those “dreaming spires” that Oxford is known for.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’re in luck, as there are lots of real Harry Potter film locations in Oxford. The most famous is Christ Church, which is home to the infamous dining hall that inspired the set of the Great Hall of Hogwarts.

If you want to forget that you’re in a city center, head to the back of the college where’s there’s a large meadow leading all the way down to the river. If you’re lucky you’ll see some Oxford rowers out on the river too.

For food and drink, Oxford has a buzzing coffee shop culture and top spots to check out include The Missing Bean, Turl Street Kitchen, The Rickety Press, and The Handle Bar Kitchen.

 

Salisbury

Recommended by Sophie from Solo Sophie

A Cathedral city with all the charm of a small town, Salisbury is situated in the English county of Wiltshire, just a couple of hours from the bustling capital city of London and thus making it the perfect day excursion!

Though a drive from the UK capital to Salisbury takes just under two hours, I personally recommend taking the direct train from Waterloo Station which only takes 90 minutes.

Characterized by its position close to the world-famous Neolithic site of Stonehenge (just over 9 miles), Salisbury itself boasts a maze of central streets home to independent eateries and shops.

And that’s not all! Over the years, the English city has been used as the backdrop for many a film. For example, Mompesson House is an 18th-century house situated in Cathedral Square and was used as one of the sets for the1995 Sense and Sensibility Film.

Elsewhere in Salisbury, the Cathedral boasts many ‘firsts,’ and ‘onlys’ including having the tallest Cathedral spire in England and being only one of three English cathedrals to have no peal of bells.

All in all, though Salisbury may not be as popular as its other cathedral day trip competitors such as Oxford or Cambridge, the city more than merits your time on your next trip to the UK!

 

Margate

Recommended by Rose from Where Goes Rose?

A Margate day trip from London makes for a convenient and enjoyable day out from the capital. You can get the train from St Pancras International London to Margate, which takes just 1,5 hours.

With bobbing boats in the harbor and a collection of independent shops and cafes, there’s something charming about this British seaside town. Combined with a spot of good weather, the town comes to life and the beach is busy with holidaymakers, soaking up the sun, eating ice cream and dodging seagulls who also want a taste!

One of the best things to do in Margate includes visiting the quirky theme park, Dreamland. This collection of rides and arcades is candy-colored and no doubt built with Instagram in mind, but that’s hardly a complaint. With slides, big wheels and ‘instagrammable candy floss desserts, it’s one of the most colorful and lively places in Margate.

Other things to do in Margate include wandering Margate Harbour Arm and browsing the independent shops and cafes overlooking the ocean. Cheesy Tiger is an excellent find that serves a wide array of cheese-themed dishes. Old Kent Margate is a colorful indoor center filled with market stalls and trinket shops.

With so many quirky corners and a focus on independent local businesses, Margate is well-worth a day trip from London.

 

Seven Sisters Cliffs

Recommended by Arzo from Arzo Travels

The Seven Sisters are a series of chalk cliffs north of London by the English Channel, situated in the South Downs National Park. They’re the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of London – here you can spend a day outdoors and do some (easy) hikes.

From London, take a train to Lewes and then change and get to Seaford. Once you arrive in Seaford, start your hike and slowly walk towards Birling Gap – you’ll have a wonderful view along the way and they leap getting better.

From there, walk towards Eastbourne – on the way, you will arrive at the Belle Tout Lighthouse which is a perfect photo motif. The lighthouse served as a navigational aid but is now actually a bed and breakfast and popular film location.

If the weather is nice, bring a blanket and enough food and drinks for picnics. If it is rainy (which is quite likely) bring at least enough food and drinks.

If you keep walking you will reach the Beachy Head Lighthouse, another beautiful sight that is a red and white striped tower out at sea.

To end your day, hike further until you reach Eastbourne – a small and very cute coastal town. End your day here with a drink/dinner at one of the cafes/pubs before heading back to London. From Eastbourne, you can take a direct train to London.

Visiting the Seven Sisters is, no doubt, a fun and active day trip from London.

You can book a small group tour of the Seven Sisters from London here.

 

This list of the best day tours from London according to travel bloggers covers all the top places for an easy day trip outside the British capital. Now, all you need to do is go enjoy it!

 

Have you taken a day tour from London? Share in the comments section below!

 

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More travel tips

Travel Insurance

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Cheap flights

Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.

 

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the vast majority of my stays through them.

 

Yoga Retreats

Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.

 

Tours

GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.

Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.

 

Car Rentals

Booking.com has a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.

 

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Read more:

• The Definitive 4 Day London Itinerary for 1st Timers

 

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