More about: 9 Best Day Trips from London
If you have enough time during your visit to London or have already visited the British capital on previous occasions, set off to discover the wonders that await you just a few hours from the city.
1. Excursions to Stonehenge
I'll never forget when my parents took me to see Stonehenge during a stay in England. I was quite small, but seeing this immense stone monument over 5,000 years old is something that really impresses and is unforgettable because of the mysterious stories surrounding its construction.
For this tour to Stonehenge you will need to schedule a full day as the total duration is -6 hours (almost 2 hours drive), with 3 hours to visit the monument, its museum and visitor centre, where a replica of a stone age settlement is on display. The tour includes an audio guide in 9 languages, including English, and a return bus ride from London.
What does this tour include?
- Entrance to Stonehenge Visitor Centre and Stonehenge Circle
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Toilet available on board
- Audio guide
Approximate itinerary
- Departure point - London Bridge Street and Harrington Gardens, Kensington
- Departure time - 7:00 am
- Stonehenge
- Return - Back to original starting point.
2. Excursions to Harry Potter Park & Oxford
If you're a fan of the Harry Potter saga and want to make the most of your trip to London to discover the locations where many of the scenes were filmed, this day trip is perfect for you. As well as visiting the famous Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter, you'll also see the historic university city of Oxford, whose imposing colleges have inspired J.K. Rowling's magical universe.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter
Immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter with a visit to the Warner Bros. studios, where you can tour iconic film sets, including the Hogwarts Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest. Discover original costumes, special effects and behind-the-scenes secrets that brought the famous saga to life.
Oxford
Before delving into the world of film, you'll stop off in Oxford, home to one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities. Here you'll explore its magnificent colleges, such as Christ Church, which inspired Hogwarts' Great Dining Hall, and wander through the historic streets that have been the backdrop for numerous film productions.
What's included in this tour?
- Admission to Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter
- Guided walking tour of Oxford
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach
- Professional guide throughout the tour
Approximate itinerary
- Departure time - 8:00
- Departure point - Victoria Coach Station, London
- Guided tour of Oxford (1.5 hours)
- Free time in Oxford (30 minutes)
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter (4 hours including admission)
- Return - Return to original departure point
3. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford tours
If you prefer to see more sites rather than spend more time at each of them and have a free day to spend outside London, the Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford tour is a good idea for its convenience and the variety and spectacle of the sights it includes.
Windsor
This tour of Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford begins in Windsor, a magnificent medieval town just 45 minutes from London and featuring its famous castle, home to the British royal family for over 900 years and one of the best preserved in the world.
Stonehenge
Afterwards you can view from the outside and take photos or access, with the option of entry included, the interesting 5,000 year old megalithic site of Stonehenge.
Oxford
You will continue your journey to Oxford, almost two hours from London and famous for being home to Britain's oldest and most prestigious university. There you'll take a walking tour of its picturesque cobbled streets with a professional guide who will take you to sites such as the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest in Europe, and the Sheldonian Theatre.
What does this tour include?
- Air-conditioned bus transfer
- Professional guide
- Guided tour of Oxford with headphones
- Possibility to enter inside Windsor Castle. You can also purchase tickets to the Castle separately from the self-guided and group tour.
- Possibility to enter Stonehenge
Approximate itinerary
- Departure point - Victoria Coach Station, at gates 1 to 5, 164 Buckingham Palace Road
- Departure time - 8:00 am (boarding at 7.30)
- Windsor Castle - 1:30 duration with the possibility of admission included
- Stonehenge - 1 hour including entrance fee
- Oxford University - 1 hour not including entrance
- Return - Return to original departure point
4. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath tours
Another option to make the most of a day out of London and see amazing places less than 2 hours from the capital is the Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath tour, very similar in operation and duration, but visiting Bath instead of Oxford and choosing between the tour that includes tickets to two of these monuments or the one that gives you the possibility to access all of them.
Windsor
You'll start your tour in the medieval town of Windsor, where you'll see the majesty of its castle, one of the oldest in the world. You might even get lucky and see the royal standard flying from the mast of the castle's Round Tower, which means Queen Elizabeth II herself is inside. Don't miss an inside visit to the medieval gothic St George's Chapel.
Stonehenge
On your tour of southern England, you'll stop at one of the world's most enigmatic monuments: Stonehenge. This impressive ancient stone circle is still shrouded in mystery, and its majesty will leave you speechless as you explore its fascinating history and theories about its origin.
Bath
Your adventure will end with a visit to one of Britain's most beautiful cities. Bath is famous for its elegant Georgian architecture, as exemplified by its Royal Crescent, a row of 30 terraced houses dating from 1774 and arranged in a crescent pattern, and the famous Pulteney Bridge, one of only four in the world with shops on both sides and lengthwise, just like the world-famous Ponte Vecchio in Florence.
What does this tour include?
- Panoramic tour of the Georgian Baths
- Professional guide / Audio guide in several languages
- Transport by air-conditioned luxury coach with Wi-Fi
- Possibility of entry to the interior of Windsor Castle
- Possible entrance to Stonehenge
- Possible entrance to the Roman Baths
Approximate itinerary
- Departure point - Victoria Coach Station, at gates 1-5, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London
- Departure time - 8:00 AM (boarding at 7.30)
- Windsor Castle (1 hour)
- Stonehenge(1 hour)
- Bath (1 hour)
- Return - Vauxhall Bridge Road, London
5. Excursions to the English countryside from London: Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle
The day trip to Oxford, Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the most comprehensive day trips I recommend if you are looking for some peace and quiet and nature after a few intense days in central London, as it includes some of the most beautiful places in the English countryside.
Warwick Castle
During your day you'll enjoy a visit to a medieval castle, Warwick Castle, set on 26 hectares of rolling hills and manicured gardens on the banks of the River Avon. Here you can learn about its history through a multi-sensory attraction and live performances of medieval sports, such as jousting and archery tournaments, and explore the castle's opulent décor, such as its 17th century Great Hall.
Stratford-upon-Avon
You'll visit the birthplace of one of the world's literary greats in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, whose house you can visit, and then wander the cobbled streets of another cradle of learning as the world's second oldest university, Oxford.
What does this tour include?
- Professional guide
- Entrance to Warwick Castle
- Headphones
- Guided walking tour of Oxford
- Wi-Fi on the bus
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
Approximate itinerary
- Departure point - Victoria Station Bus Station
- Departure time - 8:30am
- Oxford University
- Warwick Castle (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Return - Vauxhall Bridge Road, London
6. Excursions to Oxford and Cambridge
Wandering through the cobbled streets, parks and canals of these cities is like a journey back in time. This day trip to Oxford and Cambridge allows you to see in person the magnificent buildings that house two of the world's longest-running and most notable universities.
Oxford
Oxford is also known for its distinctive architecture, comprising notable examples of every architectural period since Saxon times. Here you can enjoy a visit to one of Europe's oldest libraries, the Bodleian Library, and its most famous college, Christ Church, where some of the scenes from the famous Harry Potter saga were filmed and where famous historical figures such as Lewis Carroll, Bill Clinton and David Cameron studied.
Cambridge
Newton, Stephen Hawking and Sylvia Plath are the names of other distinguished students from the University of Cambridge, a beautiful city that you will visit during the tour, as well as its impressive library, the Cavendish Laboratory and the King's College Chapel.
What does this tour include?
- Walking tour of Oxford and Cambridge
- Visit to Christ Church College
- Lunch
- Visit to King's College
- Professional guide
- Luxury air-conditioned coach
Approximate itinerary
- Starting Point - Fountain Square, Colonnade Walk, Buckingham Palace Rd, Victoria, London
- Departure time - 8:30am
- University of Oxford
- Christ Church
- King's College Chapel
- Bodleian Library
- Cambridge University and its bookshop
- Return - Back to original starting point
7. Tours to Downton Abbey and the Cotswolds
If you're a fan of the iconic Downton Abbey series, this tour from London will take you to explore the real-life locations where the series was filmed and discover the enchanting scenery of the Cotswolds, one of England's most picturesque regions. Immerse yourself in the history and luxury of the British aristocracy as you visit the impressive Highclere Castle, the mansion that gave life to the Crawley family residence.
Highclere Castle
The tour includes a visit to Highclere Castle, the majestic estate that served as the iconic mansion of Downton Abbey. Here you can tour its luxurious halls, libraries and gardens as you discover the royal history behind this impressive noble residence.
Cotswolds villages
As well as visiting the castle, the tour takes you through the Cotswolds, a fairytale region of villages filled with stone houses, cobbled streets and green landscapes. Highlights include Bampton, the village that played the role of Downton in the series and home to landmarks such as St Mary's Church.
What does this tour include?
- Entrance to Highclere Castle
- Visit to Downton Abbey's main locations
- Tour of the Cotswolds
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach
- Expert guide on the history of Downton Abbey
Approximate itinerary
- Departure time - 8:30am
- Departure point - Victoria Coach Station, London
- Visit to the village of Bampton (location of Downton in the series)
- Tour of the Cotswolds
- Visit to Highclere Castle (entrance fee included)
- Return - Return to original departure point
8. 5 Day Devon and Cornwall Tours
Discover the beauty of the medieval villages of Devon and Cornwall on this 5-day tour that will take you through some of the most stunning scenery in the south of England. If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London and explore the history, nature and mysteries of this region, this tour is perfect for you.
Devon and Cornwall
On this tour, you will visit charming villages such as Exeter, Tintagel, Glastonbury and Dartmoor, where you can admire castles, ruins and historic monuments. The tour will allow you to learn about the history of these places while enjoying the spectacular natural scenery.
Stonehenge
One day will be devoted to a visit to Stonehenge, the famous circle of monoliths that remains an enigma to archaeologists and travellers from all over the world. You will have plenty of time to tour this iconic site and learn about its theories and stories.
What does this tour include?
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide
- Tour of Exeter, Tintagel, Glastonbury and Dartmoor
- Visit to Stonehenge
- Four nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Small groups for a more personalised experience
Itinerary
- Departure point - Victoria Coach Station, London
- Departure time - 9:00
- Day 1 - Depart London and visit Stonehenge and Exeter
- Day 2 - Tour of Dartmoor and Tintagel
- Day 3 - Explore the Cornish coastline
- Day 4 - Glastonbury and return to Devon area
- Day 5 - Return to London
9. Excursions to Paris by high speed train from London
Make the most of your trip to London to discover Paris, the iconic City of Light, on this day trip to the French capital Thanks to the high-speed train, you'll be able to travel in comfort between the two capitals and enjoy a full day exploring Paris' most iconic sights.
Tour of Paris
After a 4.5-hour train journey, you will arrive in the majestic city of Paris. There, you will take a panoramic bus tour of its most representative sites, such as the Sacré-Coeur district , the Champs Elysées and the Place de la Concorde. Throughout the day, you will be accompanied by an expert tour guide who will help you discover the secrets and history of the city.
Seine River Cruise
To complete the experience, the tour includes a cruise on the Seine River, from where you can admire such impressive monuments as the Eiffel Tower. You'll also enjoy a delicious three-course lunch with champagne as you cruise along the waters of the iconic Parisian river.
What's included in this tour?
- Return ticket by high-speed train
- Bus tour of the main sights of Paris
- Seine River cruise with 3-course lunch and champagne
- Tour guide throughout the tour
- Free time to explore the city
Itinerary
- Departure point - St Pancras Railway Station, London
- Departure time - 6:00
- High-speed train journey to Paris
- Sightseeing bus tour of the city
- Seine River cruise with lunch
- Free time to explore Paris
- Return to London by train
10. Day trips to Leeds, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich
Explore some of the most fascinating places in the South East of England on this day trip from London. From the majesty of Leeds Castle, to the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral, to the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, this tour will immerse you in the country's history, culture and breathtaking scenery. You'll end the day in Greenwich, the birthplace of British navigation.
Leeds Castle
Known as 'the most enchanting castle in the world', Leeds Castle is an architectural gem surrounded by spectacular gardens and lakes. During your visit, you can explore its luxurious rooms and learn about its fascinating history, which spans from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Canterbury Cathedral
In the medieval city of Canterbury, you'll visit its famous cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive church is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and has witnessed important historical events, such as the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170.
White Cliffs of Dover
One of England's most iconic landscapes is the White Cliffs of Dover, an imposing chalk formation overlooking the sea. From here, you can enjoy spectacular coastal scenery and learn about the strategic importance of this area throughout history.
Greenwich
The tour ends in Greenwich, famous for its naval history and zero meridian. Stroll around this charming London neighbourhood, visit its markets and discover Britain's maritime heritage at places like the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory.
What does this tour include?
- Entrance to Leeds Castle
- Guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral
- Tour of the White Cliffs of Dover
- Stopover at Greenwich
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach
- Expert guide throughout the tour
Itinerary
- Departure time - 8:30am
- Departure point - Victoria Coach Station, London
- Visit to Leeds Castle (admission included)
- Tour of Canterbury and visit to the cathedral
- Stop at the White Cliffs of Dover
- Exploration of Greenwich
- Return - Return to original departure point
11. Tours to Edinburgh from London
Make the most of your time in London to explore Edinburgh, one of the UK's most fascinating cities. On this day trip to Edinburgh, you'll travel by high-speed train to the Scottish capital, where you can explore its impressive historic city centre and enjoy a sightseeing bus tour to discover the city's most iconic sights.
Tour of Edinburgh
On arrival in Edinburgh, you'll have access to a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. You'll be able to admire iconic sights such as the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and St Giles' Cathedral, among other points of interest.
Edinburgh Castle
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland's most impressive fortresses. From its ramparts, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the city, as well as discovering its history and the Scottish crown jewels.
What does this tour include?
- Return ticket on high-speed rail
- Sightseeing bus with free stops in Edinburgh
- Admission to Edinburgh Castle
- Map and informative city guide
- Free time to explore Edinburgh at your own pace
Itinerary
- Departure time - 6:30am
- Departure point - King's Cross Rail Station, London
- High speed train journey to Edinburgh
- Sightseeing bus tour of the city
- Visit to Edinburgh Castle (admission included)
- Free time to explore
- Return - Afternoon train back to London
Other activities in London that may interest you
If you haven't yet decided on a specific tour or simply prefer to organise your time in the capital, here are some articles and guides I've been writing that can help you decide which attractions, tours or places you most want to visit. I hope you find them useful! You can start with 10 Best Tours in London and also read about London Eye Tickets and Tours o Madame Tussauds in London: Tickets and Tours.
If you prefer to visit as many attractions as possible, I recommend you to make your trip more efficient by buying a tourist card (in this article about the best ones). London Tourist Cards I advise you which ones are the best) or book a ticket for the tourist bus, a fast and comfortable way to move around the city. Read more information in this article: London Hop-On Hop-Off Buses.