What are the top day trips you can do from London?
When you’re planning a trip to London, it’s only natural to want to stay long enough to see as much of the city as possible. After all, there’s a lot to do and see there, but it can also be quite expensive if you’re not careful. If you want your trip to be both affordable and memorable, the best thing to do is plan at least one day trip from London. That way, you get the opportunity to explore another part of England while saving money by staying closer than farther away from home base. And while there are plenty of amazing places just outside of London (like Brighton), some may be more accessible than others depending on what kind of transportation options exist in that area. So here are my top picks for day trips from London—these are places where public transportation is plentiful and easy-to-use so you don’t have to worry about getting back after dark!
Brighton
Brighton is a seaside resort on the south coast of England. The town is popular with tourists and young people, as it has numerous music venues, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Brighton’s main attraction is its large beach and pier. The Royal Pavilion was built in the 18th century by George IV as a palace for his mistress Lady Conyngham (Cynthia). It has been open to the public since 1876.
Dover
Dover is a town in the county of Kent, South East England. It is located around 20 miles from London and is a popular tourist destination. The town has many things to see, including the famous White Cliffs of Dover (also known as “Cliffs of Dover”).
- The White Cliffs are made up of chalk that was formed during the Cretaceous period some 100 million years ago.
- They have been used as a defensive position since Roman times, first by Julius Caesar and later by William the Conqueror in 1066 AD when King Harold was defeated here after just one day.
- This battle marked the beginning of Norman rule in England for centuries to come!
Stonehenge and Avebury
- Stonehenge is the most famous prehistoric monument in Europe, and Avebury is one of its most impressive sites. Built around 2500 BC as a stone circle, it was thought that the stones were arranged to mark the sun’s position at midwinter. The site has been used for cremations and burials, though it’s unclear whether they were performed by humans or animals—possibly because we don’t know what kind of materials were used at this time period!
- If you want to see more about Avebury than just its stone circle, there are many houses and museums surrounding it that can give you insight into life in Britain over 5,000 years ago. Entrance fees range from £7-12 per adult (£5-7 for children), depending on where you go; if you have time on your hands during your trip to London then definitely consider visiting these sites as well!
Liverpool and Manchester
Liverpool and Manchester are two of the largest cities in the UK, and both have something to offer visitors. Liverpool is a great city to visit if you love football (soccer), music and history. It’s also home to many museums like Tate Liverpool and International Slavery Museum. Manchester is a great place for shopping or dining out at Michelin-starred restaurants such as The French or The Dining Room at No 1 Deansgate Hotel.
Both cities are close to London as well: Liverpool is just over an hour away by train from Euston Station, while Manchester can be reached in under two hours via Virgin Trains’s Pendolino service that runs between Euston Station and Manchester Piccadilly Station
Stratford-upon-Avon
If you’re a fan of William Shakespeare, the town of Stratford-upon-Avon is definitely worth a visit. His birthplace is here and it’s easy to get to by train or car. You can also see his house in town, as well as his grave in the local churchyard. If you want to go all out, there’s even a theater that puts on plays based on his works! The museum dedicated to him has costumes from some of his plays and houses some other memorabilia (like quills).
Cambridge
Cambridge is a beautiful city and there are many attractions to visit. Here are just some of the places you can explore:
The University of Cambridge is the oldest university in the country, having been founded by students at Eton College in 1209. Ideas like democracy and modern mathematics were first developed here, making it an excellent place to visit if you want to learn more about British history. The university also has some great museums that showcase some amazing artifacts from its history.
- Boat trips on the river Cam
If walking around ancient buildings isn’t quite your thing, then hop aboard one of numerous boat tours available along this stretch of water (they usually last around 90 minutes). There are several different options—some include food or drinks while others simply give you access to enjoy beautiful views from their decked-out vessels!
- Colleges at Cambridge University For those who want something more active than sitting on boats for hours at a time (but don’t mind getting wet), why not visit some colleges? Each college has its own unique character based on its architecture and traditions; they’re also very photogenic so bring your camera!
York and Harrogate
You’re in York, one of Britain’s oldest cities, with a fantastic history and beautiful architecture. There are plenty of museums to explore, from the Jorvik Viking Centre to The Royal Armouries and Yorkshire Museum.
Harrogate is a spa town that’s home to some great shopping, restaurants and nightlife. It’s also close enough for day trips into the Yorkshire Dales National Park for hiking or mountain biking!
From castles to abbeys, from the north to the south, England has so much to offer in terms of day trips from London.
As you can see, there are many options for day trips from London. From castles to abbeys, from the north to the south, England has so much to offer in terms of day trips from London. Some of our top recommendations include Brighton, Dover, Stonehenge and Avebury, Liverpool and Manchester (home to The Beatles), Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare’s birthplace), Cambridge (one of England’s most beautiful cities) or York (a medieval city with a wealth of cultural attractions).
Conclusion
We hope that this list has given you some ideas for your next trip. Whether it’s a day or two, or a week-long holiday, these destinations are sure to give you the best experience of England. We wish you safe travels and happy travels!