Right now I wish to convey you my information to the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive. There’s no scarcity of enjoyable locations to go to close to the UK capital. Whether or not you’re into cities, coastal escapes, or the countryside, there are locations within the UK and Europe that may suit your journey model. When you’re searching for your subsequent day journey from London by practice, bus, or tour, my record will make it easier to select the proper vacation spot. I’ve included an interactive map as properly.
Finest Day Journeys from London And not using a Automotive
My record of the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive covers a spread of locations you may go to in a short while. Whether or not you dream of escaping to the English countryside or the seaside, a well-known European metropolis or a quintessential village, there’s a brief break for you.
I’ve been to each place on my record (a lot of them a number of instances), so I can guarantee you the way worthwhile they’re from private expertise. There’s extra about day journeys within the guide Escape London: Days Out inside Simple Attain of London, too. You may get it on Amazon right here.
You are able to do these journeys independently by practice or bus, or on a guided tour. When you favor the previous, my information to UK practice journey may also help. If you wish to do the latter, you may take a look at excursions and guide one right here.
1. Bathtub
Bathtub is without doubt one of the most stunning cities in England, and it deserves a spot on my record of the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive. Identified for its stone buildings and heritage structure, it’s a straightforward practice journey from London.
The traditional Roman Baths are value a particular journey, and the town’s Jane Austen connections draw literature lovers from throughout the globe. Add to that the Royal Crescent and The Circus, and there’s magnificence throughout.
There are many unbiased outlets and eating places that make for an pleasing day journey to Bathtub, too. From bookstores to cafes, there’s sufficient to even fill a whole weekend in Bathtub.
When you’re curious about a guided day tour, you may see among the space round Bathtub, too. From fairly villages to well-known landmarks like Stonehenge, there are many choices.
It’s notably enjoyable to discover Bathtub and the Cotswolds in a single journey. You’ll get to see among the prettiest villages in Wiltshire and different counties.
If that sounds good, you may see a spread of excursions and guide one right here. There are many choices, so that you’re certain to seek out one that matches your pursuits and journey model.
2. Oxford
If you wish to go to one of the vital well-known college cities within the UK, Oxford is without doubt one of the finest day journeys from London with out a automotive. It’s solely an hour from London by practice and it’s served by a number of rail providers each hour. It’s one of many finest locations to go to within the UK.
Oxford will not be solely identified for teachers, but in addition structure. From Christ Church to Magdalen and St John’s, there are well-known school buildings in every single place you look throughout the college. You are able to do my self-guided strolling tour of Oxford to see the most effective of them.
Past the universities, the town is filled with historic pubs, markets, and museums. Oxford can also be fashionable for its Alice in Wonderland connections and Harry Potter filming areas.
When you’re curious about a guided day tour, you may see locations round Oxford as properly. From fairly villages to well-known filming areas, there’s lots to find.
It’s all the time a deal with to discover Oxford and the Cotswolds in a single journey. You’ll get to see among the prettiest Cotswolds villages and locations the place Downtown Abbey was filmed.
If that sounds good, you may see a spread of excursions and guide one right here. There are many choices, so that you’re certain to seek out one that matches your pursuits and journey preferences.
3. Cambridge
Oxford’s rival Cambridge is one other of the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive. Not solely is it simple to get to by practice from a number of London stations, but it surely’s additionally lower than an hour’s journey from the capital in case you take a quick service.
Cambridge will not be solely stunning, but in addition an essential heart of British teachers and heritage. Add to that gorgeous structure, wealthy historical past, and fairly streets, and Cambridge is tough to beat for a time out from London.
When you’re occurring a Cambridge day journey, you may see the highlights and expertise the most effective issues to do. From touring the universities to attending evensong at King’s Faculty Chapel, there’s lots to maintain guests entertained.
When you’re right here, you are able to do my self-guided strolling tour of Cambridge. It should present you the large points of interest and hidden facet streets along with the universities.
One among my favourite issues to do in Cambridge is go punting on the river behind the universities. It’s an idyllic—to not point out quintessentially English—method to spend a sunny afternoon.
When you favor a guided tour, you may see choices and guide one right here. There are many excursions to select from, so that you’re certain to seek out one that matches your journey model and preferences.
4. Brighton
On the south coast, Brighton is one other of my favourite day journeys from London with out a automotive. It’s a straightforward journey from the UK capital by rail. Trains go away from a number of stations within the metropolis, and the journey takes an hour or much less typically.
There’s lots you are able to do on a day journey to Brighton. From the opulent 18th-century pleasure palace to the amusement park on the pier, vast seashores, and little lanes with outlets, Brighton has one thing for each traveler.
Brighton will not be solely certainly one of my go-to seaside day journeys from London, but in addition certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in East Sussex. You probably have time, it’s value spending 2 days in Brighton.
Whereas visiting this well-known seaside city you may see all the pieces from the English Channel to the sightseeing points of interest and road artwork. When you keep late, you may expertise the town’s well-known nightlife scene as properly.
If you wish to see extra of the coast, you may take a guided tour. There are many stunning areas round Brighton, from the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters to seashores and extra.
If that appeals, you may see a spread of decisions and guide one right here. There’s all kinds to select from, so that you’re certain to seek out one that features the locations you’re curious about seeing most.
5. Canterbury & Dover
In Kent, Canterbury and Dover make for an ideal day journey from London with out a automotive. The previous is without doubt one of the most well-known cathedral cities in England, and the latter is thought for its hilltop fort and white cliffs.
The cathedral is the primary occasion in Canterbury, and it’s value a particular journey whether or not you’re spiritual or not. It’s large, stunning, and galvanizing, and when you’ve seen the within there are gardens and cloisters to tour exterior.
However it’s not simply the cathedral that attracts guests to Canterbury. The encircling streets are full of outlets, cafes, and hidden surprises to find. It’s one of many finest locations to go to in Kent.
Dover is famend for its fort, which is filled with historical past. It’s house to an historic Roman lighthouse, an Anglo-Saxon church, and Napoleonic Conflict-era tunnels that had been used as an Allied command heart in World Conflict II. Which is to say nothing of the views throughout the channel to France.
It’s simple to see each Canterbury and Dover on at some point journey from London. Guided excursions will choose you up from the guts of the town and whisk you off to Kent. It’s an effective way to see two locations in at some point.
If that sounds good, you may see quite a lot of choices and guide one right here. There’s quite a lot of them to select from, so that you’re certain to seek out one that matches your journey model.
6. Hampton Court docket Palace
Hampton Court docket Palace is subsequent on my record of the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive. It’s a brief practice experience from the town heart (or a scenic boat journey), leaving you loads of time to discover the interiors, gardens, and grounds.
There’s lots to see on a day journey to Hampton Court docket Palace. From the State Flats and personal rooms of William III and Mary II to the gardens, kitchens, and courtyards, there’s lots to maintain you entertained.
And that’s to say nothing of the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze and the centuries-old Nice Vine. The latter is the biggest grapevine on this planet, and it’s value seeing.
When you can time your go to to coincide with the annual Hampton Court docket Backyard Competition, you’ll be in for much more of a deal with. It’s a enjoyable annual occasion each summer season, and it makes this one of many finest backyard day journeys from London.
If all that sounds good, you may guide your entry ticket right here. If you wish to go by boat, you may guide a ticket right here. Whether or not you go from Westminster, Richmond, or elsewhere, it’s a enjoyable method to get to the palace.
You too can take a tour when you’re right here. There are all types of guided excursions on provide, together with ones that characteristic afternoon tea at Hampton Court docket Palace. And if you wish to see two royal residences in at some point, you may take a tour of Hampton Court docket and Windsor Fortress. You may guide tickets right here.
7. The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one other day journey you may take from London with out a automotive. This Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence is unfold over a number of counties, and it has a number of villages, gardens, countryside, and landmarks dotted all through.
Whereas it’s potential go to the Cotswolds by practice, it’s troublesome to get round by public transport when you arrive. Taking a day tour makes it lots simpler. Not solely will it assist you to see extra of the highlights, however it’s going to prevent time attempting to navigate by yourself.
It’s slightly below a 2-hour drive from London to the Cotswolds, and as soon as there your tour will present you locations like Burford, Bibury, Higher Slaughter, Decrease Slaughter, Painswick, and/or different locations.
If that appeals, you may see choices and guide a Cotswolds day tour right here. Along with those I’ve already talked about that embody Bathtub and Oxford, there are many Cotswolds day excursions that spend the entire time within the Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence.
When you don’t wish to go on a guided tour, I’ve written about 5 simple methods to go to the Cotswolds with out a automotive. Whether or not you wish to take a rustic stroll or see one of the vital stunning villages close to London by practice, my information will make it easier to do it.
When you go, take into account that there’s much more to see right here than you may match into at some point. It’s a good suggestion to plan forward and map out the place you wish to go so you will get to in every single place you wish to see. Be sure to pre-book taxis properly prematurely and search for native bus schedules, as not all providers run day-after-day.
8. Warner Bros Studio Tour
The Warner Bros Studio Tour is one other of the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive. That is the place the Harry Potter films had been filmed, and you’ll see all of the units from his magical world of wizardry when you’re right here.
From the Gryffindor widespread room at Hogwarts to Diagon Alley, Gringotts Wizarding Financial institution, and Dumbledore’s workplace, guests can rise up near the highlights and discover all of the interactive reveals.
Positioned simply exterior of London, you will get to the Warner Bros Studio Tour by a mixture of practice and shuttle from the town heart.
It’s a 15-20 minute experience from Euston station to Watford Junction, from the place common shuttles make the 15-minute journey to the studio.
You too can go to by taking a tour from London by coach or bus. It should make it a better journey because you’ll be on the identical automobile complete manner. If that appeals, you may see choices and guide one right here.
I’ve performed this earlier than and I beloved how simple it was. The bus takes you proper to the doorway, and you’ll discover by yourself all day earlier than taking it again to London on the finish.`
9. Windsor Fortress
Windsor Fortress is one other of my favourite day journeys from London with out a automotive. One of the crucial well-known castles in England, it’s an ideal place to get into all issues royal.
There’s lots to see on a day journey to Windsor Fortress. Most guests tour the State Flats and St George’s Chapel to absorb the historic and ceremonial highlights. You may guide tickets right here.
There’s extra past the fortified partitions, too. Windsor and Eton are full of outlets, historic buildings, and inexperienced areas. It’s simple to spend an hour or two exploring them after you tour the fort.
Then there’s Windsor Nice Park. This enormous inexperienced house is value discovering, not least as a result of it’s a fantastic place to stroll. The traditional Royal panorama options forests, grasslands, lakes, and gardens.
If that sounds good, Windsor is shut sufficient to the UK capital that it’s solely a 40-minute practice experience from Paddington station. It’s so shut you may even do it as a half-day journey from London.
You too can come right here on a guided tour. You may guide one right here. You may even mix it with different locations like Stonehenge, Bathtub, and/or Hampton Court docket. You may see choices and guide a tour right here.
10. Rye
In East Sussex, Rye is a kind of day journeys from London with out a automotive that I maintain taking repeatedly. Significantly, it’s so stunning right here.
Stuffed with cobbled streets, haunted inns, half-timbered facades, and quaint cottages, Rye is without doubt one of the prettiest cities in Britain.
When you’re visiting, there are a number of enjoyable issues to do in Rye. From climbing the bell tower of the church to touring the house of author Henry James, the city has lots to see regardless of your pursuits.
Rye can also be a straightforward stroll from Camber Fortress, a historic fortress with connections to Henry VIII. It’s the most effective castles close to London, and it’s value a particular journey in case you have time.
And that’s to say nothing of the city’s location close to Camber Sands, one of many finest seashores in East Sussex. When you pre-book a taxi you may head out to the coast for a part of the day.
No matter you resolve to do, Rye is a straightforward practice journey from London. It’s well worth the rail journey to get right here and uncover the most effective cities close to the UK capital.
11. Margate
Margate is one other of the highest day journeys from London with out a automotive. Sometimes called Shoreditch-on-Sea, Margate brings cool East Finish London model to the waterfront in Kent.
A Margate day journey is an effective way to play hipster on the seaside close to London. If that’s not your factor, Margate has a world-class artwork gallery, loads of fairly historic homes, and nice cafes.
There’s a giant seashore in Margate with a lighthouse within the distance, too. The seafront is backed by colourful buildings and the well-known Turner Up to date.
The Dreamland Margate amusement park is close to the waterfront, too. It’s a well-known place to have enjoyable within the solar on the seaside.
Margate’s classic clothes outlets, cafes, and eating places spherical out the scene, which is to remain nothing of the Sixteenth-century Tudor Home and streets like Love Lane.
This seaside city in Kent is well accessible from London by practice. Over on the Kentish coast, it’s round an hour and a half from the town, and it’s conveniently served by a few London stations.
12. Winchester
Winchester is one other of my favourite day journeys from London with out a automotive. It’s an hour or much less by rail from the capital, and the city’s practice station is a fast and simple stroll from the guts of the town.
As soon as on a day journey to Winchester, there’s a wealth of heritage websites and different enjoyable locations to discover. The cathedral is gorgeous, and it’s value a particular journey. Jane Austen and different notables are buried right here.
You’ll additionally discover King Arthur’s spherical desk and the ruins of a medieval bishop’s palace on the town. They’re each value seeing for his or her distinctive historic significance.
Add to that the bucolic river stroll and gardens of the Hospital of St Cross, and it’s arduous to wish to take the practice house from Winchester.
When you’re feeling bold, you may take a day journey to Winchester and Chawton to see the home the place Jane Austen as soon as lived. It’s value a visit in case you’re a fan of her work.
If you would like some steerage when you’re right here, you may take a tour. There are lots to select from, together with historic excursions and ghost walks. You may see choices and guide one right here. With so many good decisions, you’re certain to seek out one you’re keen on.
13. Hastings
Hastings is one other of the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive. This seaside city in East Sussex is thought for its Norman historical past, however its seashores are what draw nearly all of guests.
There’s no scarcity of them, both. Rock-A-Nore Seaside is known for having steep cliffs behind it. Hastings Seaside incorporates a vast apron of pebble shoreline. It’s additionally house to Hastings Pier, which has iconic striped seashore huts on it.
The Stade, a shingle seashore, is lined by colourful fishing boats, nets, and stalls promoting recent fish and seafood.
The waterfront in Hastings is filled with historic internet huts, carnival rides, and full of life eating places. Behind them you’ll discover a pleasant maze of streets with heritage homes and two funiculars.
Then comes the clifftop fortress. Hastings Fortress was established by William the Conqueror in 1066 whereas he was making his manner from Normandy to Battle in the beginning of the Norman Conquest. It advanced over time to be a stone fortress of strategic significance.
Taking a Hastings day journey is straightforward and easy by rail, as there are direct providers from London to the guts of city. It’s one of many best seaside day journeys from London by practice.
14. Bristol
Out west, Bristol is one other of the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive. Lower than 1.5 hours from the capital by rail, this metropolis on and across the River Avon is simple to get to, and it makes for an ideal time out.
Bristol has lots for guests to see and do, from museums to enjoyable outlets and cafes. There are well-known bridges, colourful homes, and slender lanes to discover, to not point out a world-class zoo (the pink pandas are lovely!).
The town is thought for its unbiased spirit, scholar inhabitants, and riverside points of interest. Transformed Nineteenth-century riverfront warehouses shelter cool eating places, outlets, and galleries.
Harbourside is house to the modern M Shed museum, which explores Bristol’s industrial and social heritage. Clifton is filled with elegant crescents, Georgian townhouses, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It’s a enjoyable place to take images and movies.
Bristol can also be well-known for its Banksy connections. Many guests take pleasure in taking excursions to see his iconic road artwork across the metropolis. When you’re , you may guide one right here.
Different enjoyable excursions embody the St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Tour. If you wish to see extra, you may discover a vary of excursions and guide one right here. There are many choices, so that you’re certain to seek out one that matches your pursuits and journey model.
15. Whitstable
One other coastal spotlight, Whitstable is without doubt one of the finest day journeys from London with out a automotive. It’s served by a couple of London station and the quickest providers attain the city in lower than an hour and 1 / 4.
Whitstable is known for its seafood, and for the annual oyster pageant that it hosts every year. However it’s an ideal place to go to at different instances for its scrumptious recent catches, fairly seashores, and candy excessive road full of outlets.
When you’d favor to go to on a guided tour, you may guide one right here. It’s an effective way to see this a part of the Kentish coast with an knowledgeable.
16. Deal
Additionally on the seaside in Kent, Deal is one other of my favourite day journeys from London with out a automotive. Positioned the place the North Sea meets the English Channel, this historic city has vast pebble seashores and an extended pier.
Deal is most well-known for what lies behind the seashore, although. The seafront Deal Fortress is famous. Established by Henry VIII, it’s certainly one of seven forts constructed to defend ships in Kent and guard towards enemy invaders from France and different components of Europe.
Moreover, the pastel homes and historic pubs on Center Road are each eye-catching and steeped in smuggling lore. There’s nice purchasing right here, too.
When you’re up for a stroll, you may see Walmer Fortress when you’re visiting Deal. Like Deal Fortress, it’s one of many seven forts constructed by Henry VIII between 1539 and 1540. It’s absolutely furnished inside and options lush gardens exterior.
There’s a practice station in Cope with direct providers to London, so it’s simple to take a day journey to Deal if you wish to journey by rail.
When you favor a guided tour, there are excursions of Kent with stops in Deal. They’re nice methods to see issues just like the White Cliffs of Dover, Canterbury, and different highlights in at some point. You may guide a tour right here.
17. St Albans
St Albans is without doubt one of the finest day journeys from London with out a automotive as a result of it’s so near the town. Lower than 20 minutes by practice from some London stations, it’s an ideal selection in case you don’t wish to spend an excessive amount of time in transit.
St Albans has a number of Roman historical past, and it’s a really perfect place to go to in case you like Roman ruins. However it has a recent facet, too, with outlets, road markets, and eating places on the town.
It additionally has one thing in between with St Albans Cathedral, which dates again to Norman instances, and the Ye Olde Combating Cocks, a pub that claims to be the oldest in England. It doesn’t matter what you’re into there are many issues to do in St Albans you’ll love.
18. Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is one other enjoyable day journey from London with out a automotive. Positioned in Warwickshire, this historic city is thought for its Shakespeare connections.
Stratford is filled with homes The Bard and his household lived in, theaters exhibiting his performs, and historic streets and riverside pubs excellent for consuming and eating.
A day journey to Stratford-upon-Avon will provide you with ample time to go to the Shakespeare homes, go to a play, and discover the historic streets, outlets, and riverfront.
If this brief break sounds good to your inside journey lover, there are many excursions you may take. From open-top buses to walks, there’s one thing for each traveler. You may see choices and guide one right here.
You too can take a guided tour from London to see Stratford and different highlights close by. There are many nice ones to select from, together with excursions that cowl the Cotswolds. You may see a spread and guide right here.
I’ve even taken a tour that took me to Stratford, Warwick Fortress, the Cotswolds, and Oxford in at some point. It was a busy journey, however I loved seeing so many highlights in a brief period of time. You may guide it right here.
19. Bletchley Park
Simply north of the town, Bletchley Park is one other simple day journey from London. This World Conflict II codebreaking heart is so near the UK capital you may attain it on a 35-minute practice journey from Euston station.
Positioned in Buckinghamshire, Bletchley Park is known for being the top-secret office of codebreakers like Alan Turing. It’s additionally thought-about the birthplace of recent computing.
A day journey to Bletchley Park is a enjoyable method to be taught in regards to the essential work that was performed right here throughout the conflict. If you would like a totally guided tour, you may guide one right here.
20. Ely
In Cambridgeshire, Ely is one other of the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive. This well-known cathedral metropolis within the UK is usually neglected, but it surely’s value a particular practice journey to get right here.
That’s not least as a result of Ely Cathedral traces its origins to 672, and its historic interiors are gorgeous. One among England’s largest cathedrals, it’s identified regionally because the ‘Ship of the Fens’.
Away from the church, there are much more issues to do in Ely. The town has a reasonably riverfront space and wealthy historical past. It’s brimming with historic streets, nice outlets, and bustling markets. It even has a home that was as soon as lived in by Oliver Cromwell.
If you wish to, you may go on a guided tour to see Cambridge and Ely in a single journey. It’s an ideal time out, and a enjoyable method to see two well-known cities in at some point. You may guide tickets right here.
21. Rochester
Subsequent on my record of the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive is Rochester. This gorgeous metropolis in Kent is known for its fort, cathedral, and Charles Dickens connections.
I fell in love with Rochester the primary time I noticed its fortress from the practice. It took a couple of extra years to go to, however after I did I discovered a city filled with fairly streets and basic English ambiance.
The fort and cathedral are highlights of a day journey, however there are lots extra issues to do in Rochester. The city has nice bookshops, cafes, and parks to discover.
Rochester is known for its Charles Dickens connections as a result of he lived right here. Lots of the buildings on the excessive road are named after characters from his books and life. In truth, extra locations in Rochester characteristic in his writing than every other a part of Britain in addition to London.
If that appeals, there are many excursions you may take when you’re right here. From walks to arts excursions and costumed excursions, there’s a spread to select from. You may see choices and guide one right here.
If you wish to see extra of the world round Rochester in your day journey, there are guided excursions that may take you throughout Kent. From Dover Fortress to the white cliffs, you’ll see the highlights. You may guide a tour right here.
22. Lewes
Lewes is one other of my favourite day journeys from London with out a automotive. This city is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in East Sussex as a result of it’s full of lovely streets, a historic fort, and unbiased outlets.
Lewes is an hour from London by practice, which suggests you’ll have loads of time to discover. There are many issues to do in Lewes, together with visiting the priory ruins, seeing the historic houses, and taking within the views from the city’s hills.
There’s even a legendary fortress right here. Lewis Fortress is a Norman quantity that was constructed by supporters of William the Conqueror after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. You may tour it if you wish to see it up shut.
23. Stonehenge
Stonehenge is without doubt one of the hottest day journeys from London with out a automotive. Its historical past and thriller draw guests from all throughout the globe to see the stones and picture how and why they made their manner right here. It’s one of the vital magical locations within the UK.
When you take a day journey to Stonehenge, you may guide tickets prematurely to avoid wasting time if you arrive. As soon as right here, there’s an audio tour that may information you across the web site. There are additionally Neolithic homes, a digital tour, and exhibitions that convey the place to life.
Touring by a mixture of practice and bus to Stonehenge takes some time, so I like to recommend visiting on a guided tour. There are tons that mix the stones with visits to different locations. You may see choices and guide one right here. With so many to select from, you’re certain to seek out one which appeals.
24. Ramsgate
Ramsgate is subsequent on my record of the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive. Out in Kent, it’s a seaside city identified for its large sandy seashore, heritage structure, and royal harbor.
Ramsgate is without doubt one of the finest seashore day journeys from London as a result of there’s an enormous stretch of sand right here. It’s an ideal place to go to on a sunny summer season day.
Past the sand, there are many issues to do in Ramsgate. The city is thought for all the pieces from outlets to seafood eating places.
The facet streets are enjoyable to discover, too. There are many fairly homes and particulars to absorb right here. And that’s to say nothing of the views of the boats from the hill.
Then there’s the Pugin structure. Augustus Pugin designed the Homes of Parliament in London, and he lived in Ramsgate. His work could be seen at St Augustine’s Church on the town.
There’s a railway station in Ramsgate with direct providers to London, making it a straightforward day journey from the UK capital by practice.
25. Norwich
In Norfolk, Norwich is certainly one of my high picks for day journeys from London by practice. With a fantastic historic metropolis heart and charming cobbled streets, this place is value a particular journey.
There are many enjoyable issues to do in Norwich, together with exploring the cathedral, strolling across the market sq., seeing the hilltop fort, and discovering the hidden courtyards.
Elm Hill is suffering from Tudor buildings, and Norwich Market is without doubt one of the oldest and largest outside markets in Britain. Add to {that a} smattering of colourful homes, and there’s lots to like about this place.
There are many enjoyable issues to do in case you like being lively, too. From stand-up paddle boarding to kayaking and canoeing, there are many actions on provide on the Norfolk Broads. You may see a spread and guide one right here.
26. Henley-on-Thames
In Oxfordshire, Henley-on-Thames is one other nice day journey from London with out a automotive. With its historic church, picturesque City Corridor, market sq., and unbiased outlets, there’s lots to like about it.
It’s enjoyable to time a visit to coincide with the annual Henley Royal Regatta, however even on quieter days this riverside city is the proper place for afternoon tea and a wander alongside the water.
Rail providers function from London to Henley-on-Thames (with one change en route), making it a straightforward day journey from the capital by practice.
27. Battle
Battle is one other of my high picks for day journeys from London by rail. This city within the Excessive Weald in East Sussex is known for its historic abbey, however there are many different issues to do in Battle that make it value spending a day exploring.
Battle is thought for being the positioning of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeated the English military of King Harold right here.
His victory kicked off the Norman conquest of England, making the battle one of the vital essential navy occasions in British historical past.
The combating occurred in a discipline within the present-day city of Battle. After his victory, William the Conqueror based an abbey on the positioning.
Remnants of each the battle and the abbey nonetheless stay, they usually’re what draw most guests to the city right this moment.
Whereas right here you may stroll the battlefield and take within the abbey ruins, to not point out uncover the excessive road and facet streets and tour the Battle Museum of Native Historical past.
28. Broadstairs
Broadstairs is one other of the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive. This seaside city on the Isle of Thanet in Kent is filled with sandy seashores, chalk cliffs, and scenic shoreline. From Botany Bay to Joss Bay and Viking Bay, there’s tons to like in regards to the waterfront right here.
There are many nice issues to do in Broadstairs past the seashore, too. From purchasing to consuming fish and chips, the city has no scarcity of issues to supply guests.
Add to that Charles Dickens connections, full of life pubs, ice cream outlets, and scenic paths just like the Viking Coastal Path, and there’s lots to take pleasure in on this place.
29. Amersham
Amersham is subsequent on my record of the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive. Positioned simply exterior the town, it’s so shut you may attain it on the tube. It’s one of the vital stunning villages close to London, too.
Amersham is thought for the heritage homes and historic buildings on and across the excessive road in Previous Amersham. From houses that date again to 1450 to the Market Corridor and the Thirteenth-century St Mary’s Church, there’s lots to see on the town.
Previous Amersham is round a 20-minute stroll from the tube station. The route goes by means of stunning woodland, and it’s a picturesque method to arrive on the town.
Talking of which, this place can also be identified for walks close to London by practice, because it’s positioned within the Chiltern Hills Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence. If you wish to do a mixture of a village go to and a rustic ramble, it’s simply the spot.
An Amersham day journey is good in case you’re curious about occurring a straightforward journey from London with as little time in transit as potential.
It’s additionally an ideal choice in case you’re on a price range, because it’s the most effective low cost days out from the town.
30. Greenwich
A few of the finest day journeys from London are locations in London itself. Greenwich is a first-rate instance of this, not least as a result of it’s so fast and simple to get right here by public transport from the town heart.
As soon as on a Greenwich day journey, there’s a wealth of issues to do. That is notably true in the case of the world’s historic gems. All the pieces from the Nationwide Maritime Museum to the Queen’s Home is right here.
Strolling by means of the grounds of the Previous Royal Naval Faculty to absorb the gorgeous historic buildings is enjoyable, and climbing the hill in Greenwich Park to absorb the gorgeous views from the highest is well worth the journey.
Greenwich Market can also be a deal with to browse. There are nice meals stalls, to not point out distributors promoting all types of artwork, handicrafts, and different items.
I’ve created a free self-guided Greenwich strolling tour that may allow you to discover extra of the world and its facet streets, too.
If you would like a guided tour or an extended time out, there are many choices. I’ve performed one which goes to Leeds Fortress, Dover, Canterbury, and Greenwich. It’s a giant journey, but it surely’s nice to see so many locations in a single go in case you’re pressed for time. You may guide it right here.
31. York
Subsequent on my record of day journeys is York. It may appear a good distance from London, however I found how simple it was to take a day journey from the UK capital by practice quite a lot of years in the past. It’s 2 hours every manner, so it’s doable in case you get an early begin.
On my first day journey to York I used to be received over by all the pieces from York Minster cathedral to the tiny Snickelway lanes and the half-timbered facades that line them.
The eating places and cafes are glorious, and York is house to among the prettiest historic buildings within the UK.
On my second go to I traveled to York on what I think about one of many finest Christmas day journeys from London.
Every year, the annual Christmas markets take over the streets and squares and switch the town right into a winter wonderland. It was superb to see all of them and take within the seasonal spirit in York.
No matter time of 12 months you go to, there are many enjoyable issues to do right here. If you would like some steerage, you may take a river cruise, go on a Harry Potter strolling tour, or experience the ghost tour bus. You may see a spread of choices and guide one right here.
32. Paris
Paris is certainly one of my favourite day journeys from London to Europe with out a automotive. There are direct trains from London, and the Metropolis of Mild is simply over 2 hours and quarter-hour away. That leaves you a number of time to see the sights in case you get an early begin.
The French capital is thought for all the pieces from tradition to delicacies. It has museums for artwork aficionados, vogue for purchasing lovers, and exquisite streets for many who wish to wander.
Whereas Paris is finest visited over the higher a part of per week (or extra), you may see the highlights in a single lengthy day if that’s all you might have.
When you use the metro, you’ll be capable of go to Paris landmarks just like the Eiffel Tower, stroll round neighborhoods like Montmartre, and take within the scene on the Seine.
You may be taught extra in my information to taking a day journey to Paris from London. It should present you all of the issues you are able to do within the French capital in a day.
If you would like steerage, there are excursions you may take as properly. You may see a spread of choices and guide one right here. Whether or not you’d prefer to go comparatively independently or have lunch on the Eiffel Tower, there’s one that may suit your preferences.
33. Brussels
Brussels is one other of the best day journeys from London to Europe with out a automotive. Just like the French capital, the Belgian capital advantages from direct rail providers from the UK capital. You will get right here in slightly below 2 hours, leaving you with loads of time to see the sights.
Brussels is underrated so far as European capital cities go. I spent a summer season dwelling and dealing right here after school, and I discovered no scarcity of locations to like.
From the gorgeous buildings within the Grand Place (it’s the most effective metropolis squares in Europe) to the slender streets lined with eating places and exquisite purchasing arcades, there’s lots to see.
And that’s to say nothing of the museums, road artwork, Artwork Nouveau structure, and scrumptious meals (assume waffles, fries, chocolate, and mussels).
It’s simple to spend 1 day in Brussels, as many of the sightseeing highlights are in a compact space close to the Grand Place and central practice station.
If you would like some steerage, there are excursions you may take if you arrive. You may see choices and guide one right here. Whether or not you’d prefer to go on a hop on, hop off bus tour or a guided stroll by means of the town streets, there’s one that may suit your model.
34. Lille
Lille is subsequent on my record of the most effective day journeys from London with out a automotive. One among my favourite under-the-radar cities in France, this northern gem advantages from direct rail providers from London.
Lille is reachable in simply over 1 hour and 20 minutes from the UK capital, that means you may see lots in a day.
And there’s lots to see. Like Brussels, the primary Lille sightseeing highlights are pretty concentrated in a single space. They’re all conveniently positioned in strolling distance of the practice station you’ll arrive into as properly.
From the Place du Normal de Gaulle with its stunning historic buildings to the scrumptious pastries within the patisseries, there’s lots to like about Lille.
The purchasing is sweet as properly. If you wish to discover the most effective French clothes boutiques with out going all the best way to Paris, there are many outlets you’ll take pleasure in searching right here.
When you’d like some steerage, there are excursions you may go on if you get right here. You may see choices and guide one right here. Whether or not you’d prefer to go on a guided stroll by means of the previous city, a meals tour, or a experience in a classic Citroen, there’s one that may suit your pursuits.
35. Bruges
Bruges is one other of the most effective day journeys from London to Europe with out a automotive. Whereas there are not any direct trains from London to Bruges, you may take a practice to Brussels and alter there for persevering with rail providers to Flanders.
Bruges is filled with waterways and wanderlust-worthy lanes. This medieval metropolis in Belgium charms guests with its engaging squares, bell towers, and well-preserved previous city.
Being in Bruges seems like stepping again in time. All the pieces from the bridges to the waterfront homes is postcard-pretty.
When you want steerage, there are excursions you may go on if you arrive on the town. You may see choices and guide one right here. Whether or not you’d prefer to go on a ship tour, a guided stroll, or do a waffle-making workshop, there’s one that may suit your tastes.
Map of Day Journeys from London
As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all of the locations I coated on this weblog submit. You may see it right here. When you click on on the pins, you’ll find extra data and my weblog posts about every one. I hope it helps you propose a fast getaway!
Finest Day Journeys from London And not using a Automotive
I hope you might have an ideal time out and that this submit has helped you uncover some thrilling new day journeys from London. Whether or not you wish to journey by rail or on a guided tour, they’ll present you among the finest locations close to the town.
When you’re searching for seasonal journeys, you may check out my guides to spring, summer season, autumn, and winter day journeys from London for concepts.
And in case you have extra time, you may try my weblog posts about 2-day journeys from London, 3-day journeys from London, and 4-day journeys from London. My information to the most effective weekend journeys from London by practice may also help, too.
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