Day Trips From London

London is a city in constant motion, brimming with famous landmarks, world-class museums and endless entertainment. But if you’re craving a change of scenery or a break from the bustling streets, you don’t have to travel far. Just beyond London’s borders lies a treasure trove of charming towns, historic sites and breathtaking landscapes waiting to be explored. Whether you’re after a dose of history, a stroll through scenic towns or a breath of clean seaside air, here are some of the best day trips from London.

Oxford

Oxford, a jewel in England's crown, calls to day-trippers with its mix of timeless beauty and academic history. An hour's journey from Paddington Station transports you to this venerable city, where centuries of scholarly pursuit have left an indelible mark on every cobblestone. Kickstart your day trip at the famous Christ Church College, which shares its grounds with the city's impressive cathedral. This special place blends the buzz of student life with the quiet allure of an ancient church, all under one historic roof. As you revel in the place’s beauty, start walking towards the Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library – twin treasures of Oxford's heritage, offering a glimpse into centuries of intellectual excellence. To fully appreciate the buildings, be sure to book a guided tour in advance, as it's the only way to peek inside these hallowed halls.

For lunch, treat yourself at Pompette, a Michelin-recommended gem. Here, French classics mix with Mediterranean flavours on a menu that changes with the seasons. After lunch, try your hand at punting on the river – an age-old tradition that’s harder than it looks, but great fun! As the day winds down, enjoy a tapas feast at Arbequina, the perfect conclusion to your Oxford excursion.

Bath

Bath's appeal lies in its harmonious medley of Roman ingenuity and Georgian refinement, all just an 80-minute train ride from Paddington Station. The city's steaming thermal waters have drawn visitors for millennia, and today The Roman Baths stand as a testament to ancient engineering prowess. After exploring these remarkably preserved ruins, step into the world of Bath’s most famous resident at The Jane Austen Centre, and wander the honey-coloured streets to soak up the atmosphere of the city which inspired her most famous novels. To refuel, book a table at Robun, where traditional Japanese Yakiniku meets contemporary technique. Come slightly later in the day for their innovative take on afternoon tea, where sushi replaces sandwiches and bao buns stand in for scones.

After lunch, head to Bath Abbey, its fan-vaulted ceiling a masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship. If you keep walking, you’ll encounter the extraordinary Pulteney Bridge, one of only four bridges in the world lined with shops on both sides. This architectural marvel spans the River Avon, offering picturesque views and unique finds. As the day progresses, take in the graceful curve of the Royal Crescent or browse the numerous boutiques in the city centre. Before your return journey, round off your visit with dinner at Oak. This Michelin Green Star recipient showcases a largely plant-based cuisine in a refreshingly unpretentious setting. The kitchen's commitment to fresh, garden-sourced ingredients results in satisfying dishes that are straightforward yet full of flavour.

Cambridge

Like Oxford, Cambridge is a city renowned the world over for its revered, centuries-old university. Nestled along the banks of the River Cam, the city itself offers historic charm, glorious greenery and marvellous architecture. A quick 45-minute train ride from London's King's Cross brings you to this intellectual hub, where historic colleges and modern gastronomy coexist in perfect harmony. Start by wandering through King's College, whose ‘Chapel’ is closer to the size of a cathedral and is a wonderful example of perpendicular Gothic architecture. Then walk towards Trinity College, home to The Wren Library and Newton's celebrated apple tree. For lunch, duck into Mercado Central, where vibrant Spanish flavours come alive. The chefs craft dishes that incorporate authentic Iberian cuisine, with a specific focus on northern Spain.

As afternoon fades, glide along the Cam on a punt, taking in the lovely 'Backs' of the colleges. Cap your Cambridge adventure at Fancett's, where Chef-Owner Dan Fancett’s classical French inspiration is clear to see. The friendly service and neighbourhood bistro vibe ensure diners will leave with a smile on their faces, providing a fitting finale to your day out in Cambridge.

Brighton

Brighton pulses with energy, a seaside city that's equal parts quirky and cool. About an hour from London’s Victoria by train, this coastal hotspot offers a quintessential escape from the capital's hustle and bustle. The Royal Pavilion is Brighton’s iconic centrepiece – an Indian-influenced palace that seems to have emerged from a dream. Commissioned over two centuries ago by King George IV, this architectural wonder captivates visitors with its opulent interiors and meticulously restored gardens. After marvelling in its splendour, take in the salty sea air from Brighton Pier while the kids enjoy arcade games and rides.

For lunch, head to Burnt Orange, where the jasmine-scented patio sets the stage for sharing plates featuring local, seasonal ingredients – many are cooked over a wood fire, imparting plenty of smoky aromas. Post-lunch, lose yourself in The Lanes, Brighton's maze-like shopping quarter. Move towards Trafalgar Lane to admire its colourful murals – a fitting representation of Brighton's artistic spirit. End your day at The Set, an intimate seven-table restaurant that incorporates creative international influences into its multi-course tasting menu. A relaxed, unstuffy atmosphere accompanies the cooking, which perfectly suits Brighton’s bohemian vibe.

Bristol

Bristol, often overlooked in favour of its prettier neighbour Bath, is a magnificent city of contrasts just 90 minutes from Paddington Station. Start your day at the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Isambard Kingdom Brunel's masterpiece of engineering that spans the Avon Gorge. Nearby, The Giant's Cave offers a unique vantage point to view this prominent structure. From here, walk to Clifton Village, a beautiful Georgian shopping quarter filled with stylish outlets that sell everything from antiques to furniture. As lunchtime approaches, go on over to Little Hollows Pasta, an enchanting spot where you can watch skilled chefs craft fresh pasta before your eyes. Their simple yet well-executed dishes let quality ingredients speak for themselves.

Fully sated from lunch, discover Bristol's famous street art scene – this is the birthplace of Banksy after all – with colourful murals dotted around the city. Afterwards, pay a visit to the SS Great Britain, once the world's largest passenger ship, for a taste of 1840s maritime life. As your day comes to a close, climb Cabot Tower for stunning sunset views before ending your Bristol experience at Michelin-Starred Bulrush. The complex, surprising dishes show off the kitchen’s deft balancing of contrasting flavours, while Japanese influences are cleverly incorporated across the menu. As you head back to London, you’ll be reflecting on a day spent in a city that’s as vibrant and vital as you will find – a place with both a rich history and a thoroughly modern outlook.

Margate

The journey to Margate from London is a breeze, with direct trains departing from St. Pancras International and whisking you to this delightful coastal town in as little as 90 minutes. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by an energetic seaside atmosphere with colourful beach huts, lively harbours and eye-catching street art. As you stroll along the shoreline, the salty sea air mingles with the sweet scent of candy floss. Those with a head for heights should go straight to Dreamland amusement park, while visitors after more cultural pursuits can make their way to Turner Contemporary, a striking modernist structure perched on the edge of the marina. This free-to-visit gallery, inspired by the works of J.M.W. Turner, offers a rotating selection of world-class exhibitions against a backdrop of sweeping sea vistas.

For lunch, venture to Angela's, a neighbourhood eatery that has earned a coveted Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainability. Here, the day's catch is transformed into delectable dishes, showcasing the bounty of the local waters alongside seasonal vegetables. In the afternoon, uncover the mysterious Shell Grotto, an underground wonder adorned with millions of seashells. Don't miss The Old Kent Market either, housed in a striking scarlet former cinema, offering local crafts, food stalls and impromptu piano performances. As evening approaches, head to Sargasso, a Bib Gourmand wine bar and restaurant on the seafront, for generously priced small plates and panoramic bay views before your train journey back.

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Bath

Brighton

Bristol

Cambridge

Margate

Oxford

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