8 day trips outside of London
There is no denying that London is the greatest city, but every now and then we need to get away and enjoy something a little different. The best way to do this? Day trips!
In these uncertain times where travel restrictions are changing all the time, many of us are sceptical about leaving the country – driving out of London and exploring a new English town or city truly does wonders in calming itchy feet. Here are eight great day trips from London with most within two hours away either by car or public transport.
Cambridge
Image: Bogdan Todoran
#FLODown: Known for its world-class university and love of punting, Cambridge is a city filled with gorgeous architecture and pretty streets around every corner.
Discover the breath-taking university grounds and museums, take a punting trip on the River Cam, stroll the market for delicious treats and antiques and do not leave without tasting a Chelsea bun from Fitzbillies!
How to get there?
You can take a train to Cambridge from Liverpool Street (1 hour 15 minutes) or King’s Cross (50 minutes). By car, it is roughly about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Bath
Image: MTotoe
#FLODown: Arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, Bath is well known for its Georgian buildings and of course, the Roman Baths which is a World Heritage Site (as is the Abbey). If you have time to spare, have a splash in the Thermae Bath Spa.
How to get there?
Trains to Bath run direct from Paddington (90 minutes). By car, the journey takes roughly 2 hours 30 minutes.
Rye
Image: @visitrye
#FLODown: Rye is a quintessential town in Sussex with cobbled streets, antique shops and crooked half-timbered houses. Spending a day there feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Head to Camber Sands which is 10 minutes away for a short stroll on the beach. A day spent in Rye is a perfect way to relax outside of the city.
How to get there?
Trains to Rye leave from St Pancras and are about 1 hour 10 minutes. By car, the journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
Canterbury
Image: Zoltan Tasi
#FLODown: Canterbury is a very attractive city and the cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) alone is worth the trip! You can also expect charming medieval buildings and narrow alleyways. Other highlights include, St Augustine’s Abbey, the Roman Museum and Beaney House of Art and Knowledge.
How to get there?
Direct trains run from Victoria station, Charing Cross and St Pancras. The journey is just under an hour. By car, the journey is around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Brighton
Image: Ben Guerin
#FLODown: A popular seaside destination, Brighton is filled with independent shops, a buzzing foodie scene and a creative personality. Go shopping on The Laines, stroll along the pier with fish and chips in hand and visit the Royal Pavilion. You can also get on board the British Airways i360 for stunning views across the south coast and perch on the pebble beach with ice cream.
How to get there?
Trains run directly from London Bridge, Victoria and Blackfriars with the journey taking an hour. By car, the journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
Deal
Image: @visitdover
#FLODown: A little seaside town on the Kentish coastline, Deal has a lot to offer. Some must visits include independent art galleries, Deal Castle, Walmer Castle and gardens and of course, the pebble beach. You obviously can’t leave without also having some fish and chips!
How to get there?
Direct train from St Pancras takes 1 hour 30 minutes and by car the journey also takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hever Castle and Gardens
Image: @hever_castle
#FLODown: The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle has over 700 years of history and a beautiful garden with a lake. The castle grounds have multiple gardens, a maze and feels very much like being on the set of Alice in Wonderland. You can also tour the many rooms of the castle, hire a boat on the lake and if you’re lucky, you can watch a medieval joust. A day spent at Hever Castle is nothing short of magical!
How to get there?
Direct trains run from Victoria and London Bridge (40 minutes) and by car the journey is just over an hour.
Hastings
Image: @hastingsguide
#FLODown: A lesser known hidden gem, Hastings is a seaside town with a pier, pastel coloured beach huts, fishing boats and independent unique shops. Board a cliff railway on West Hill for stunning views of the coastal town or perfect your swing at Hastings Adventure Golf where the world crazy golf championships are held each year!
How to get there?
Trains run from Charing Cross and London Bridge and take 1 hour 30 minutes. Driving also takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
Words by Mariam Olajide
