12 Best Day Trips from London

If you’re feeling weary of the urban lifestyle, it might be tempting to daydream about a relaxing two-week vacation in a warm and exotic location. However, you don’t have to go to such great lengths or expenses to take a break. You can experience a taste of that holiday feeling by taking day trips from London to one of the many uplifting destinations just a few hours away from London, including historic cities, charming villages, and sandy beaches.

If you’re planning a quick getaway, here are 12 of our favorite day-tripping spots, complete with delightful pubs and excellent restaurants – all within easy reach of London, allowing you to return home in the same day. Alternatively, you could keep things even simpler with a trip to one of the best beer gardens, green spaces, or rooftop bars in the city.

1. The New Forest

A trip to the New Forest is as close to a safari experience as you can get without buying a plane ticket. As you travel down shaded lanes and across the heath covered in heather, you’ll come across the famous ponies that have roamed there for thousands of years, as well as free-roaming Highland cattle and pigs snacking on fallen acorns. Not keen on being confined to the car all day? Hire a two-seater electric Twizzy buggy or book a beginners’ horse ride at one of the stables. Make sure you set aside time for a traditional ploughman’s lunch at the Royal Oak in Fritham.

Distance: 90 miles

Travel time: One hour and 30 minutes by train from Waterloo to Brockenhurst, or approximately two hours by car. Keep in mind that the animals, not the drivers, have the right of way here.

2. Deal

Although it may not be as well-known as Margate and Whitstable, Deal is an ideal day-trip destination with its charming Georgian houses, unique boutiques, and beloved Saturday market. Begin your day at Deal Castle (constructed by Henry VIII as part of an ambitious chain of coastal forts), then indulge in a meal at 81 Beach Street or Victuals & Co. Stock up on drinkable goodies at the Parisian-style bottle shop Le Pinardier, and don’t forget to visit Taylor-Jones & Son, a gallery-cum-homewares boutique where Delilah the sheepdog will greet you with open paws.

Distance: Just over 80 miles

Travel time: One hour and 20 minutes by train from St Pancras International, or roughly two hours by car.

3. Box Hill

Cycling to the lush and verdant Surrey countryside is a delightful way to spend a Sunday, and Box Hill was part of the 2012 Olympic road-cycling route. Start in Richmond Park and cycle down past Hampton Court – it should take about two hours. After a 1.6-mile ascent and a few hairpin turns (easier than they sound!), you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the North Downs from the summit of Box Hill. Enjoy a slice of cake from the National Trust café and save room for lunch at The Tree, which offers homemade pies and crumbles. Your final stop is Box Hill and Westhumble station, where you can load your bikes onto a train back to Waterloo. Phew!

Distance: 30 miles

Travel time: Two hours by bike. Plan your route carefully before setting out, and bring a map and a puncture repair kit, as well as water and snacks.

4. Margate

Margate, a coastal town in Kent, offers a plethora of cold-brew coffee and craft beer options along with enough salty charm to make your seaside experience enjoyable even on gusty days. Begin your day by visiting the Turner Contemporary gallery, followed by a trip to the retro theme park and roller-disco, Dreamland. Once you’ve had your fill of the waltzer, head over to Hantverk & Found for a delightful lunch of fresh seafood and natural wines. The rest of your day can be spent shopping for exquisite vintage pieces at Breuer & Dawson and seaweed-based skincare at Haeckels.

Distance: 76 miles

Travel time: Approximately one hour 25 minutes by train from St Pancras International or around two hours by car.

5. Bath

Bath, a city with a water-themed day plan, promises a delightful experience. Begin your day by touring the Romans baths (be careful, no paddling allowed!) before taking a dip in the Thermae Bath Spa – the rooftop pool offers stunning views of the city. After drying off, take a stroll along the Royal Crescent like Jane Austen. If you’re feeling peckish, head to Sally Lunn’s teahouse, where the Sally Lunn Bun, a sweet brioche bun, is a must-try. For a Bath version of the cream tea, order the bun toasted and served with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

Distance: 115 miles

Travel time: Approximately one hour 30 minutes by train from Paddington or around two hours 30 minutes by car.

6. Dungeness

The desolate, stony beach of Dungeness, which is dotted with shipwrecks, has been referred to as Britain’s sole desert due to its eerie emptiness. Despite the Met Office’s refusal to acknowledge it as a legitimate desert, there is plenty to do if you take a closer look. RSPB Dungeness, which has a two-mile trail, is a nature reserve where you can see marsh harriers and glossy ibises. At lunchtime, visit the famous Dungeness Snack Shack to try the catch of the day in a warm bun, lobster and crab rolls, or smoked cod chowder. Lastly, discover the huge concrete sound mirrors dating back to World War I that were designed to listen for planes.

Distance: 86 miles

How to get there: A one-hour train ride from St Pancras International to Folkstone, followed by a one-hour and 30-minute bus ride to Dungeness, or a two-hour drive.

7. Hastings

Hastings has a lot of fascinating history, from being the site of William the Conqueror’s victory in 1066 to serving as an 18th-century smuggling hub. It’s no wonder that London’s sun-seekers have been flocking to this town for centuries. Explore the Norman castle’s beautiful ruins or the Smugglers Adventure, a museum housed in former smugglers’ caves, to learn more about the town’s rich past. In the picturesque Old Town, browse independent shops, take a stroll along the pier, and don’t forget to appreciate the stunning views from the summit of Britain’s steepest funicular, the Hill Cliff Railway.

Distance: 54 miles

How to get there: A one-hour and 30-minute train ride from London Bridge or a two-hour drive.

8. Mersea Island

At high tide, Mersea Island, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway that floods, feels appropriately remote. The Company Shed, which serves seafood platters that attract crowds from all over the country every weekend, is the main attraction. Bring your own bread and enjoy prawns, smoked fish, oysters, and dressed crab. Specially designated areas near the water and shops selling equipment encourage catch-and-release crabbing. Alternatively, book a boat trip around the bay.

Distance: 69 miles

How to get there: A one-hour train ride from Liverpool Street to Colchester, followed by a 45-minute bus ride to Mersea Island or a two-hour drive.

9. Whitstable

It’s challenging to think of a more picturesque seaside town than Whitstable. Begin your day at Blueprint Coffee and Books with a pot of strong, ethically-sourced coffee and a mini orange-and-rosemary bundt cake. Next, rent a bike from Whitstable Cycle Hire and take a five-mile seafront ride on the Oyster Bay Trail. For lunch, indulge in oysters, and watch them being shucked in front of you at The Forge. Stay on the beach to enjoy the sunset with a drink; the Old Neptune pub is one of the few in the UK located directly on the shingle.

Distance: 61 miles

How to get there: A one-hour and 20-minute train ride from Victoria or a one-hour and 10-minute train ride from St Pancras International to Whitstable, or a one-hour and 40-minute drive.

10. Rye

The antique shops and winding, cobbled lanes of Rye make it feel like a little slice of the Cotswolds on the coast. After browsing around the Tiny Book Store, treat yourself to a seafood lunch surrounded by lobster pots at the Globe Inn Marsh, followed by Sussex real ale or a glass of local wine at The George. Head to the trendy cafe Wild Cafe for a light lunch and some people-watching. Afterward, stroll around the Georgian streets, taking in the elegant architecture and browsing the independent boutiques. For a touch of culture, visit the Holburne Museum, which houses a collection of fine and decorative arts. And if you still have some energy left, take a walk through the nearby countryside to the idyllic village of Bradford on Avon.

Distance: 115 miles.

Get there One hour 30 minutes by train from Paddington; around two hours 30 minutes by car.

11. Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital city is steeped in history and culture, from the imposing Edinburgh Castle to the picturesque cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Start your day with a climb up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city, then head to the National Museum of Scotland to learn about the country’s past. Take a stroll down the Royal Mile, stopping to explore St Giles’ Cathedral and the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse. End your day with a dram of Scotch whisky at one of the city’s many whisky bars, like the cozy Bow Bar or the elegant Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Distance: 401 miles

Get there One hour by plane from London airports; four hours 30 minutes by train from Kings Cross; around seven hours by car.

12. Liverpool

The birthplace of The Beatles, Liverpool is a city rich in music and history. Start at the Beatles Story museum at the Albert Dock, then head to the Cavern Club to catch some live music. Visit the stunning Liverpool Cathedral, and take a stroll around the trendy Baltic Triangle neighborhood, home to cool bars, independent shops, and street art. For lunch, grab a classic scouse – a hearty meat and vegetable stew – at Maggie May’s, a traditional Liverpool cafe.

Distance: 221 miles

Get there Two hours 15 minutes by train from Euston; around four hours by car.