London is a familiar city to many travelers, but fewer know other destinations in Great Britain. Take a day trip next time and try one of these ten destinations!
It’s easy to make day trips from London
London is one of the most popular city destinations due to its short flight distance and versatile activities. Flights to London are often available at low prices: if there is a flexibility limit in the dates, tickets can be sold for less than 100 euros.
There is so much to do in London that many have never even considered a vacation or day trip to the rest of Great Britain. However, just a short distance from London you can find beaches, beautiful nature, historic cities and luxurious mansions.
Read below ten tips for destinations you can easily go to from London, either for a day trip or even for a longer vacation!
1. Bath: a historic spa town
Even the name says the essential: Bath is the most famous spa town in Great Britain. A visit to the ruins of the city’s Roman baths is a must in Bath.
If you want to bathe yourself, try, for example, Thermae Bath Spa in the city center. Bath is also known Jane Austen’s from novels.
If you are planning a self-guided day trip to Bath, the best way to travel is by train, which takes about 1.5 hours from Paddington station. The city is also served by buses such as National Express and Megabus.
2. Oxford: academic atmosphere
Oxford is best known for its top universities, considered the oldest in the English-speaking world. The University of Oxford is an absolute must-visit destination for day-trippers arriving in the city.
Oxford also has, among other things, a charming historic center and Britain’s oldest botanical garden.
The fastest way to get to Oxford by train is one hour. There are also buses to the city.
3. Brighton: British beach holiday
Perhaps the most classic London day trip is a visit to Brighton on the south coast. Young Brighton is a student city, nicknamed London by the Sea.
Mandatory sights are at least the pleasure pier and the handsome Royal Pavilion, whose oriental architecture is a surprising sight. If you’re heading to London in the summer, don’t miss a trip to Brighton’s beaches.
Brighton is easily accessible from London by train or bus. At its fastest, the journey takes an hour.
4. Cambridge: historic campus and riverboats
Another of the most prestigious universities in Great Britain is located in Cambridge. Like Oxford, here too you can get to know the historic campus area and the cozy city.
Many people think that Cambridge is even slightly more beautiful than Oxford. Don’t miss a boat ride on the River Cam: it’s the most classic way to admire the city.
Cambridge has good train and bus connections from London. The train takes about an hour from Kings Cross station to Cambridge.
5. Windsor: The Royal Castle
The town of Windsor, located a little west of London, is especially known for its royal castle. The castle is one of the oldest and largest inhabited castles and is still used by British royalty. The castle also hosted the wedding of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan in spring 2018.
The most convenient way to get to Windsor from London is by train. At its fastest, the train journey takes just over half an hour. The castle is open to visitors every day.
6. Seven Sisters: dramatic cliffs
The white cliffs of the south coast of Great Britain are among the most picturesque places in the country. An easy excursion from London heads to the Seven Sisters cliffs in Eastbourne.
Don’t miss the stunning scenery of Beachy Head with its lighthouses – here you can even stay at the Belle Tout Inn, one of two lighthouses in the area.
Eastbourne can be reached from London by train in 1.5 hours. You can continue the trip from the city by taxi or local bus. Alternatively, you can make a day trip with a rental car. The white cliffs can also be seen in the coastal town of Dover, which can be reached by train in just under two hours.
7. Highclere Castle: Downton Abbey -faneille
The British series that became an international megahit Downton Abbey has also been seen on Finnish television and on the big screen as a film version. Set in the 1910s and 1920s, the drama followed the life of an aristocratic family in a manor house in Yorkshire.
In reality, the mansion used for filming is Highclere Castle, which can be found near Newbury, about 70 kilometers from London.
Highclere Castle is open to visitors on a limited basis and tickets must always be booked in advance. You can travel to the place either on a guided tour or on your own by rental car, train or bus. You can take the train as far as Newbury, from where it is easiest to take a taxi for the rest of the journey.
8. Stonehenge: for history buffs
Stonehenge, located near Salisbury, is one of Britain’s most famous prehistoric sites. There are still mysteries associated with the stone circle, which researchers have not managed to solve.
The interestingness of Stonehenge divides opinion, but if you want to see a historical place, it’s easy to make a trip there from London. There are many guided tours available, but the visit is also possible by traveling by train to Salisbury. The trip takes about 1.5 hours.
9. Canterbury: Cathedral City
Canterbury in the county of Kent is above all a cathedral city. Canterbury Cathedral, one of the most famous cathedrals in Great Britain, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the historic city, you should also take part in a river boat ride.
At its fastest, the train journey from London to Canterbury takes just one hour.
10. Cotswolds: country romance at its most beautiful
The Cotswolds region rightfully represents British country romance at its best. Many of the small villages considered to be the most beautiful in Great Britain can be found right here in the area that runs through the five counties.
If you want storybook-like villages, atmospheric pubs and cozy inns, head to the Cotswolds. To get around the area, renting a car is almost essential, as moving from one village to another is easiest with your own vehicle.
When you’re short on time, it’s best to book a guided bus tour that departs from London. Here’s how to get an idea of the Cotswolds in one day. This is also suitable for travelers who do not want to drive a car because of left-hand traffic or plan a trip using public transport.
It can be challenging to see the area on your own in one day, so you should reserve time to stay at least one night.
>> Read tips for London from Rantapallo’s travel guide
Source: www.rantapallo.fi
