Day Trips
The 5 Best Day Trips from London
Historic cities, pretty villages and the coast, all within easy reach: the best day trips from London.
In short: our top picks are University of Oxford, The Cotswolds and City of Bath. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
One of the quiet luxuries of London is how easily you can leave it. Within an hour or two by train lie ancient university cities, honey-stone villages and the sea. These are the best day trips from London, the ones worth the early start, chosen for the day out rather than the box ticked.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | ||
| The Cotswolds | ||
| City of Bath | ||
| Brighton | ||
| Windsor Castle | Windsor | ££ |
-
Editor’s choice
University of Oxford
Why we pick itAn hour from Paddington: ancient colleges, hidden quads and a great pub lunch; the easiest grand day out.
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The Cotswolds
Why we pick itHoney-stone villages and rolling hills; England at its most picture-perfect, and closer than you think.
-
City of Bath
Why we pick itRoman baths and Georgian crescents in England's most elegant small city; ninety minutes from Paddington.
-
Brighton
Why we pick itThe seaside an hour from the city: the pier, the Lanes and the best people-watching on the south coast.
-
Windsor Castle
Why we pick itA magnificent royal castle and a vast park, barely an hour from London; the most regal day trip of all.
Before you book
Book train tickets in advance for the best fares, and aim for the first fast train out to make a full day of it. Check what is open before you go, especially out of season. And resist cramming in two places; one done well, with a long lunch, beats a rushed pair.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
University of Oxford is our editor's choice: An hour from Paddington: ancient colleges, hidden quads and a great pub lunch; the easiest grand day out. University of Oxford, The Cotswolds and City of Bath lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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