In the present day I need to deliver you my information to one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile. There’s no scarcity of enjoyable locations to go to close to the UK capital. Whether or not you’re into cities, coastal escapes, or the countryside, there are locations within the UK and Europe that can suit your journey type. When you’re on the lookout for your subsequent day journey from London by prepare, bus, or tour, my checklist will assist you select the right vacation spot. I’ve included an interactive map as properly.
Greatest Day Journeys from London And not using a Automotive
My checklist of one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile covers a spread of locations you may go to in a short while. Whether or not you dream of escaping to the English countryside or the seaside, a well-known European metropolis or a quintessential village, there’s a brief break for you.
I’ve been to each place on my checklist (a lot of them a number of occasions), so I can guarantee you ways worthwhile they’re from private expertise. There’s extra about day journeys within the e book Escape London: Days Out inside Straightforward Attain of London, too. You may get it on Amazon right here.
You are able to do these journeys independently by prepare or bus, or on a guided tour. When you choose the previous, my information to UK prepare journey might help. If you wish to do the latter, you may have a look at excursions and e book one right here.
1. Tub
Tub is likely one of the most stunning cities in England, and it deserves a spot on my checklist of one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile. Recognized for its stone buildings and heritage structure, it’s a simple prepare journey from London.
The traditional Roman Baths are value a particular journey, and the town’s Jane Austen connections draw literature lovers from throughout the globe. Add to that the Royal Crescent and The Circus, and there’s magnificence throughout.
There are many unbiased retailers and eating places that make for an pleasing day journey to Tub, too. From bookstores to cafes, there’s sufficient to even fill a complete weekend in Tub.
When you’re taken with a guided day tour, you may see among the space round Tub, too. From fairly villages to well-known landmarks like Stonehenge, there are many choices.
It’s significantly enjoyable to discover Tub and the Cotswolds in a single journey. You’ll get to see among the prettiest villages in Wiltshire and different counties.
If that sounds good, you may see a spread of excursions and e book one right here. There are many choices, so that you’re positive to search out one that matches your pursuits and journey type.
2. Oxford
If you wish to go to one of the well-known college cities within the UK, Oxford is likely one of the greatest day journeys from London with out a automobile. It’s solely an hour from London by prepare and it’s served by a number of rail companies each hour. It’s top-of-the-line locations to go to within the UK.
Oxford shouldn’t be solely identified for teachers, but in addition structure. From Christ Church to Magdalen and St John’s, there are well-known faculty buildings in all places you look throughout the college. You are able to do my self-guided strolling tour of Oxford to see one of the best of them.
Past the universities, the town is stuffed with historic pubs, markets, and museums. Oxford can also be widespread for its Alice in Wonderland connections and Harry Potter filming places.
When you’re taken with a guided day tour, you may see locations round Oxford as properly. From fairly villages to well-known filming places, there’s a lot to find.
It’s all the time a deal with to discover Oxford and the Cotswolds in a single journey. You’ll get to see among the prettiest Cotswolds villages and locations the place Downtown Abbey was filmed.
If that sounds good, you may see a spread of excursions and e book one right here. There are many choices, so that you’re positive to search out one that matches your pursuits and journey preferences.
3. Cambridge
Oxford’s rival Cambridge is one other of one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile. Not solely is it straightforward to get to by prepare from a number of London stations, nevertheless it’s additionally lower than an hour’s journey from the capital should you take a quick service.
Cambridge shouldn’t be solely stunning, but in addition an necessary middle of British teachers and heritage. Add to that gorgeous structure, wealthy historical past, and fairly streets, and Cambridge is tough to beat for a time out from London.
When you’re happening a Cambridge day journey, you may see the highlights and expertise one of the best issues to do. From touring the universities to attending evensong at King’s School Chapel, there’s rather a lot to maintain guests entertained.
When you’re right here, you are able to do my self-guided strolling tour of Cambridge. It is going to present you the massive points of interest and hidden facet streets along with the universities.
One among my favourite issues to do in Cambridge is go punting on the river behind the universities. It’s an idyllic—to not point out quintessentially English—method to spend a sunny afternoon.
When you choose a guided tour, you may see choices and e book one right here. There are many excursions to select from, so that you’re certain to search out one that matches your journey type and preferences.
4. Brighton
On the south coast, Brighton is one other of my favourite day journeys from London with out a automobile. It’s a simple journey from the UK capital by rail. Trains depart from a number of stations within the metropolis, and the journey takes an hour or much less normally.
There’s rather a lot you are able to do on a day journey to Brighton. From the opulent 18th-century pleasure palace to the amusement park on the pier, broad seashores, and little lanes with retailers, Brighton has one thing for each traveler.
Brighton shouldn’t be solely one among my go-to seaside day journeys from London, but in addition one among my favourite locations to go to in East Sussex. If in case you have time, it’s value spending 2 days in Brighton.
Whereas visiting this well-known seaside city you may see every part from the English Channel to the sightseeing points of interest and avenue artwork. When you keep late, you may expertise the town’s well-known nightlife scene as properly.
If you wish to see extra of the coast, you may take a guided tour. There are many stunning areas round Brighton, from the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters to seashores and extra.
If that appeals, you may see a spread of selections and e book one right here. There’s all kinds to select from, so that you’re certain to search out one that features the locations you’re taken with seeing most.
5. Canterbury & Dover
In Kent, Canterbury and Dover make for an excellent day journey from London with out a automobile. The previous is likely one of the most well-known cathedral cities in England, and the latter is thought for its hilltop fortress and white cliffs.
The cathedral is the principle occasion in Canterbury, and it’s value a particular journey whether or not you’re non secular or not. It’s huge, stunning, and provoking, and when you’ve seen the within there are gardens and cloisters to tour exterior.
Nevertheless it’s not simply the cathedral that attracts guests to Canterbury. The encompassing streets are full of retailers, cafes, and hidden surprises to find. It’s top-of-the-line locations to go to in Kent.
Dover is famend for its fortress, which is stuffed with historical past. It’s residence to an historical Roman lighthouse, an Anglo-Saxon church, and Napoleonic Warfare-era tunnels that had been used as an Allied command middle in World Warfare II. Which is to say nothing of the views throughout the channel to France.
It’s straightforward to see each Canterbury and Dover on at some point journey from London. Guided excursions will decide you up from the guts of the town and whisk you off to Kent. It’s a good way to see two locations in at some point.
If that sounds good, you may see quite a lot of choices and e book one right here. There’s a variety of them to select from, so that you’re positive to search out one that matches your journey type.
6. Hampton Courtroom Palace
Hampton Courtroom Palace is subsequent on my checklist of one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile. It’s a brief prepare trip from the town middle (or a scenic boat journey), leaving you loads of time to discover the interiors, gardens, and grounds.
There’s rather a lot to see on a day journey to Hampton Courtroom Palace. From the State Residences and personal rooms of William III and Mary II to the gardens, kitchens, and courtyards, there’s a lot to maintain you entertained.
And that’s to say nothing of the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze and the centuries-old Nice Vine. The latter is the biggest grapevine on the earth, and it’s value seeing.
When you can time your go to to coincide with the annual Hampton Courtroom Backyard Pageant, you’ll be in for much more of a deal with. It’s a enjoyable annual occasion each summer season, and it makes this top-of-the-line backyard day journeys from London.
If all that sounds good, you may e book your entry ticket right here. If you wish to go by boat, you may e book a ticket right here. Whether or not you go from Westminster, Richmond, or elsewhere, it’s a enjoyable method to get to the palace.
You can too take a tour whilst you’re right here. There are every kind of guided excursions on provide, together with ones that function afternoon tea at Hampton Courtroom Palace. And if you wish to see two royal residences in at some point, you may take a tour of Hampton Courtroom and Windsor Fortress. You’ll be able to e book tickets right here.
7. The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one other day journey you may take from London with out a automobile. This Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence is unfold over a number of counties, and it has loads of villages, gardens, countryside, and landmarks dotted all through.
Whereas it’s attainable go to the Cotswolds by prepare, it’s troublesome to get round by public transport when you arrive. Taking a day tour makes it rather a lot simpler. Not solely will it let you see extra of the highlights, however it is going to prevent time attempting to navigate by yourself.
It’s slightly below a 2-hour drive from London to the Cotswolds, and as soon as there your tour will present you locations like Burford, Bibury, Higher Slaughter, Decrease Slaughter, Painswick, and/or different locations.
If that appeals, you may see choices and e book a Cotswolds day tour right here. Along with those I’ve already talked about that embrace Tub and Oxford, there are many Cotswolds day excursions that spend the entire time within the Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence.
When you don’t need to go on a guided tour, I’ve written about 5 straightforward methods to go to the Cotswolds with out a automobile. Whether or not you need to take a rustic stroll or see one of the stunning villages close to London by prepare, my information will assist you do it.
When you go, needless to say there’s much more to see right here than you may match into at some point. It’s a good suggestion to plan forward and map out the place you need to go so you will get to in all places you need to see. Make sure that to pre-book taxis properly upfront and lookup native bus schedules, as not all companies run every single day.
8. Warner Bros Studio Tour
The Warner Bros Studio Tour is one other of one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile. That is the place the Harry Potter films had been filmed, and you’ll see all of the units from his magical world of wizardry whilst you’re right here.
From the Gryffindor widespread room at Hogwarts to Diagon Alley, Gringotts Wizarding Financial institution, and Dumbledore’s workplace, guests can stand up near the highlights and discover all of the interactive displays.
Positioned simply exterior of London, you will get to the Warner Bros Studio Tour by a mixture of prepare and shuttle from the town middle.
It’s a 15-20 minute trip from Euston station to Watford Junction, from the place common shuttles make the 15-minute journey to the studio.
You can too go to by taking a tour from London by coach or bus. It is going to make it a neater journey because you’ll be on the identical automobile complete manner. If that appeals, you may see choices and e book one right here.
I’ve completed this earlier than and I beloved how straightforward it was. The bus takes you proper to the doorway, and you’ll discover by yourself all day earlier than taking it again to London on the finish.`
9. Windsor Fortress
Windsor Fortress is one other of my favourite day journeys from London with out a automobile. Probably the most well-known castles in England, it’s an excellent place to get into all issues royal.
There’s rather a lot to see on a day journey to Windsor Fortress. Most guests tour the State Residences and St George’s Chapel to soak up the historic and ceremonial highlights. You’ll be able to e book tickets right here.
There’s extra past the fortified partitions, too. Windsor and Eton are full of retailers, historic buildings, and inexperienced areas. It’s straightforward to spend an hour or two exploring them after you tour the fortress.
Then there’s Windsor Nice Park. This big inexperienced house is value discovering, not least as a result of it’s a lovely place to stroll. The traditional Royal panorama options forests, grasslands, lakes, and gardens.
If that sounds good, Windsor is shut sufficient to the UK capital that it’s solely a 40-minute prepare trip from Paddington station. It’s so shut you may even do it as a half-day journey from London.
You can too come right here on a guided tour. You’ll be able to e book one right here. You’ll be able to even mix it with different locations like Stonehenge, Tub, and/or Hampton Courtroom. You’ll be able to see choices and e book a tour right here.
10. Rye
In East Sussex, Rye is a type of day journeys from London with out a automobile that I hold taking repeatedly. Significantly, it’s so stunning right here.
Filled with cobbled streets, haunted inns, half-timbered facades, and quaint cottages, Rye is likely one of the prettiest cities in Britain.
When you’re visiting, there are loads of enjoyable issues to do in Rye. From climbing the bell tower of the church to touring the house of author Henry James, the city has rather a lot to see regardless of your pursuits.
Rye can also be a simple stroll from Camber Fortress, a historic fortress with connections to Henry VIII. It’s top-of-the-line castles close to London, and it’s value a particular journey when you’ve got time.
And that’s to say nothing of the city’s location close to Camber Sands, top-of-the-line seashores in East Sussex. When you pre-book a taxi you may head out to the coast for a part of the day.
No matter you resolve to do, Rye is a simple prepare journey from London. It’s well worth the rail journey to get right here and uncover top-of-the-line cities close to the UK capital.
11. Margate
Margate is one other of the highest day journeys from London with out a automobile. Sometimes called Shoreditch-on-Sea, Margate brings cool East Finish London type to the waterfront in Kent.
A Margate day journey is a good way to play hipster on the seaside close to London. If that’s not your factor, Margate has a world-class artwork gallery, loads of fairly historic homes, and nice cafes.
There’s an enormous seashore in Margate with a lighthouse within the distance, too. The seafront is backed by colourful buildings and the well-known Turner Modern.
The Dreamland Margate amusement park is close to the waterfront, too. It’s a well-known place to have enjoyable within the solar on the seaside.
Margate’s classic clothes retailers, cafes, and eating places spherical out the scene, which is to remain nothing of the Sixteenth-century Tudor Home and streets like Love Lane.
This seaside city in Kent is well accessible from London by prepare. Over on the Kentish coast, it’s round an hour and a half from the town, and it’s conveniently served by a few London stations.
12. Winchester
Winchester is one other of my favourite day journeys from London with out a automobile. It’s an hour or much less by rail from the capital, and the city’s prepare station is a fast and simple stroll from the guts of the town.
As soon as on a day journey to Winchester, there’s a wealth of heritage websites and different enjoyable locations to discover. The cathedral is gorgeous, and it’s value a particular journey. Jane Austen and different notables are buried right here.
You’ll additionally discover King Arthur’s spherical desk and the ruins of a medieval bishop’s palace on the town. They’re each value seeing for his or her distinctive historic significance.
Add to that the bucolic river stroll and gardens of the Hospital of St Cross, and it’s laborious to need to take the prepare residence from Winchester.
When you’re feeling bold, you may take a day journey to Winchester and Chawton to see the home the place Jane Austen as soon as lived. It’s value a visit should you’re a fan of her work.
If you’d like some steering whilst you’re right here, you may take a tour. There are a lot to select from, together with historic excursions and ghost walks. You’ll be able to see choices and e book one right here. With so many good selections, you’re positive to search out one you like.
13. Hastings
Hastings is one other of one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile. This seaside city in East Sussex is thought for its Norman historical past, however its seashores are what draw nearly all of guests.
There’s no scarcity of them, both. Rock-A-Nore Seashore is known for having steep cliffs behind it. Hastings Seashore encompasses a broad apron of pebble shoreline. It’s additionally residence to Hastings Pier, which has iconic striped seashore huts on it.
The Stade, a shingle seashore, is lined by colourful fishing boats, nets, and stalls promoting contemporary fish and seafood.
The waterfront in Hastings is filled with historic internet huts, carnival rides, and vigorous eating places. Behind them you’ll discover a pleasant maze of streets with heritage homes and two funiculars.
Then comes the clifftop fortress. Hastings Fortress was established by William the Conqueror in 1066 whereas he was making his manner from Normandy to Battle initially of the Norman Conquest. It developed over time to be a stone fortress of strategic significance.
Taking a Hastings day journey is easy and easy by rail, as there are direct companies from London to the guts of city. It’s one of many best seaside day journeys from London by prepare.
14. Bristol
Out west, Bristol is one other of one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile. Lower than 1.5 hours from the capital by rail, this metropolis on and across the River Avon is straightforward to get to, and it makes for an excellent time out.
Bristol has rather a lot for guests to see and do, from museums to enjoyable retailers and cafes. There are well-known bridges, colourful homes, and slender lanes to discover, to not point out a world-class zoo (the pink pandas are cute!).
The town is thought for its unbiased spirit, scholar inhabitants, and riverside points of interest. Transformed Nineteenth-century riverfront warehouses shelter cool eating places, retailers, and galleries.
Harbourside is residence to the up to date M Shed museum, which explores Bristol’s industrial and social heritage. Clifton is stuffed with elegant crescents, Georgian townhouses, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It’s a enjoyable place to take photographs and movies.
Bristol can also be well-known for its Banksy connections. Many guests get pleasure from taking excursions to see his iconic avenue artwork across the metropolis. When you’re , you may e book one right here.
Different enjoyable excursions embrace the St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Tour. If you wish to see extra, you’ll find a spread of excursions and e book one right here. There are many choices, so that you’re positive to search out one that matches your pursuits and journey type.
15. Whitstable
One other coastal spotlight, Whitstable is likely one of the greatest day journeys from London with out a automobile. It’s served by multiple London station and the quickest companies attain the city in lower than an hour and 1 / 4.
Whitstable is known for its seafood, and for the annual oyster competition that it hosts annually. Nevertheless it’s an excellent place to go to at different occasions for its scrumptious contemporary catches, fairly seashores, and candy excessive avenue full of retailers.
When you’d choose to go to on a guided tour, you may e book one right here. It’s a good way to see this a part of the Kentish coast with an professional.
16. Deal
Additionally on the seaside in Kent, Deal is one other of my favourite day journeys from London with out a automobile. Positioned the place the North Sea meets the English Channel, this historic city has broad pebble seashores and a protracted pier.
Deal is most well-known for what lies behind the seashore, although. The seafront Deal Fortress is famous. Established by Henry VIII, it’s one among seven forts constructed to defend ships in Kent and guard towards enemy invaders from France and different elements of Europe.
Moreover, the pastel homes and historic pubs on Center Avenue are each eye-catching and steeped in smuggling lore. There’s nice procuring right here, too.
When you’re up for a stroll, you may see Walmer Fortress whilst you’re visiting Deal. Like Deal Fortress, it’s one of many seven forts constructed by Henry VIII between 1539 and 1540. It’s absolutely furnished inside and options lush gardens exterior.
There’s a prepare station in Take care of direct companies to London, so it’s straightforward to take a day journey to Deal if you wish to journey by rail.
When you choose a guided tour, there are excursions of Kent with stops in Deal. They’re nice methods to see issues just like the White Cliffs of Dover, Canterbury, and different highlights in at some point. You’ll be able to e book a tour right here.
17. St Albans
St Albans is likely one of the greatest day journeys from London with out a automobile as a result of it’s so near the town. Lower than 20 minutes by prepare from some London stations, it’s an excellent alternative should you don’t need to spend an excessive amount of time in transit.
St Albans has loads of Roman historical past, and it’s a super place to go to should you like Roman ruins. Nevertheless it has a up to date facet, too, with retailers, avenue markets, and eating places on the town.
It additionally has one thing in between with St Albans Cathedral, which dates again to Norman occasions, and the Ye Olde Combating Cocks, a pub that claims to be the oldest in England. It doesn’t matter what you’re into there are many issues to do in St Albans you’ll love.
18. Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is one other enjoyable day journey from London with out a automobile. Positioned in Warwickshire, this historic city is thought for its Shakespeare connections.
Stratford is stuffed with homes The Bard and his household lived in, theaters displaying his performs, and historic streets and riverside pubs good for ingesting and eating.
A day journey to Stratford-upon-Avon will provide you with ample time to go to the Shakespeare homes, go to a play, and discover the historic streets, retailers, and riverfront.
If this brief break sounds good to your interior journey lover, there are many excursions you may take. From open-top buses to walks, there’s one thing for each traveler. You’ll be able to see choices and e book one right here.
You can too take a guided tour from London to see Stratford and different highlights close by. There are many nice ones to select from, together with excursions that cowl the Cotswolds. You’ll be able to see a spread and e book right here.
I’ve even taken a tour that took me to Stratford, Warwick Fortress, the Cotswolds, and Oxford in at some point. It was a busy journey, however I loved seeing so many highlights in a brief period of time. You’ll be able to e book it right here.
19. Bletchley Park
Simply north of the town, Bletchley Park is one other straightforward day journey from London. This World Warfare II codebreaking middle is so near the UK capital you may attain it on a 35-minute prepare journey from Euston station.
Positioned in Buckinghamshire, Bletchley Park is known for being the top-secret office of codebreakers like Alan Turing. It’s additionally thought-about the birthplace of contemporary computing.
A day journey to Bletchley Park is a enjoyable method to study in regards to the necessary work that was completed right here throughout the warfare. If you’d like a totally guided tour, you may e book one right here.
20. Ely
In Cambridgeshire, Ely is one other of one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile. This well-known cathedral metropolis within the UK is commonly missed, nevertheless it’s value a particular prepare journey to get right here.
That’s not least as a result of Ely Cathedral traces its origins to 672, and its historic interiors are gorgeous. One among England’s largest cathedrals, it’s identified domestically because the ‘Ship of the Fens’.
Away from the church, there are much more issues to do in Ely. The town has a fairly riverfront space and wealthy historical past. It’s brimming with historic streets, nice retailers, and bustling markets. It even has a home that was as soon as lived in by Oliver Cromwell.
If you wish to, you may go on a guided tour to see Cambridge and Ely in a single journey. It’s an excellent time out, and a enjoyable method to see two well-known cities in at some point. You’ll be able to e book tickets right here.
21. Rochester
Subsequent on my checklist of one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile is Rochester. This gorgeous metropolis in Kent is known for its fortress, cathedral, and Charles Dickens connections.
I fell in love with Rochester the primary time I noticed its fortress from the prepare. It took just a few extra years to go to, however once I did I discovered a city filled with fairly streets and traditional English environment.
The fortress and cathedral are highlights of a day journey, however there are a lot extra issues to do in Rochester. The city has nice bookshops, cafes, and parks to discover.
Rochester is known for its Charles Dickens connections as a result of he lived right here. Lots of the buildings on the excessive avenue are named after characters from his books and life. The truth is, extra locations in Rochester function in his writing than some other a part of Britain in addition to London.
If that appeals, there are many excursions you may take whilst you’re right here. From walks to arts excursions and costumed excursions, there’s a spread to select from. You’ll be able to see choices and e book one right here.
If you wish to see extra of the world round Rochester in your day journey, there are guided excursions that can take you throughout Kent. From Dover Fortress to the white cliffs, you’ll see the highlights. You’ll be able to e book a tour right here.
22. Lewes
Lewes is one other of my favourite day journeys from London with out a automobile. This city is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in East Sussex as a result of it’s full of gorgeous streets, a historic fortress, and unbiased retailers.
Lewes is an hour from London by prepare, which suggests you’ll have loads of time to discover. There are many issues to do in Lewes, together with visiting the priory ruins, seeing the historic houses, and taking within the views from the city’s hills.
There’s even a legendary fortress right here. Lewis Fortress is a Norman quantity that was constructed by supporters of William the Conqueror after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. You’ll be able to tour it if you wish to see it up shut.
23. Stonehenge
Stonehenge is likely one of the hottest day journeys from London with out a automobile. Its historical past and thriller draw guests from all throughout the globe to see the stones and picture how and why they made their manner right here. It’s one of the magical locations within the UK.
When you take a day journey to Stonehenge, you may e book tickets upfront to avoid wasting time if you arrive. As soon as right here, there’s an audio tour that can information you across the website. There are additionally Neolithic homes, a digital tour, and exhibitions that deliver the place to life.
Touring by a mixture of prepare and bus to Stonehenge takes some time, so I like to recommend visiting on a guided tour. There are tons that mix the stones with visits to different locations. You’ll be able to see choices and e book one right here. With so many to select from, you’re certain to search out one which appeals.
24. Ramsgate
Ramsgate is subsequent on my checklist of one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile. Out in Kent, it’s a seaside city identified for its huge sandy seashore, heritage structure, and royal harbor.
Ramsgate is likely one of the greatest seashore day journeys from London as a result of there’s an enormous stretch of sand right here. It’s an excellent place to go to on a sunny summer season day.
Past the sand, there are many issues to do in Ramsgate. The city is thought for every part from retailers to seafood eating places.
The facet streets are enjoyable to discover, too. There are many fairly homes and particulars to soak up right here. And that’s to say nothing of the views of the boats from the hill.
Then there’s the Pugin structure. Augustus Pugin designed the Homes of Parliament in London, and he lived in Ramsgate. His work will be seen at St Augustine’s Church on the town.
There’s a railway station in Ramsgate with direct companies to London, making it a simple day journey from the UK capital by prepare.
25. Norwich
In Norfolk, Norwich is one among my high picks for day journeys from London by prepare. With a lovely historic metropolis middle and charming cobbled streets, this place is value a particular journey.
There are many enjoyable issues to do in Norwich, together with exploring the cathedral, strolling across the market sq., seeing the hilltop fortress, and discovering the hidden courtyards.
Elm Hill is plagued by Tudor buildings, and Norwich Market is likely one of the oldest and largest outside markets in Britain. Add to {that a} smattering of colourful homes, and there’s rather a lot to like about this place.
There are many enjoyable issues to do should you like being lively, too. From stand-up paddle boarding to kayaking and canoeing, there are many actions on provide on the Norfolk Broads. You’ll be able to see a spread and e book one right here.
26. Henley-on-Thames
In Oxfordshire, Henley-on-Thames is one other nice day journey from London with out a automobile. With its historic church, picturesque City Corridor, market sq., and unbiased retailers, there’s rather a lot to like about it.
It’s enjoyable to time a visit to coincide with the annual Henley Royal Regatta, however even on quieter days this riverside city is the right place for afternoon tea and a wander alongside the water.
Rail companies function from London to Henley-on-Thames (with one change en route), making it a simple day journey from the capital by prepare.
27. Battle
Battle is one other of my high picks for day journeys from London by rail. This city within the Excessive Weald in East Sussex is known for its historic abbey, however there are many different issues to do in Battle that make it value spending a day exploring.
Battle is thought for being the positioning of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeated the English military of King Harold right here.
His victory kicked off the Norman conquest of England, making the battle one of the necessary army occasions in British historical past.
The preventing occurred in a subject within the present-day city of Battle. After his victory, William the Conqueror based an abbey on the positioning.
Remnants of each the battle and the abbey nonetheless stay, and so they’re what draw most guests to the city as we speak.
Whereas right here you may stroll the battlefield and take within the abbey ruins, to not point out uncover the excessive avenue and facet streets and tour the Battle Museum of Native Historical past.
28. Broadstairs
Broadstairs is one other of one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile. This seaside city on the Isle of Thanet in Kent is filled with sandy seashores, chalk cliffs, and scenic shoreline. From Botany Bay to Joss Bay and Viking Bay, there’s tons to like in regards to the waterfront right here.
There are many nice issues to do in Broadstairs past the seashore, too. From procuring to consuming fish and chips, the city has no scarcity of issues to supply guests.
Add to that Charles Dickens connections, vigorous pubs, ice cream retailers, and scenic paths just like the Viking Coastal Path, and there’s rather a lot to get pleasure from on this place.
29. Amersham
Amersham is subsequent on my checklist of one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile. Positioned simply exterior the town, it’s so shut you may attain it on the tube. It’s one of the stunning villages close to London, too.
Amersham is thought for the heritage homes and historic buildings on and across the excessive avenue in Outdated Amersham. From houses that date again to 1450 to the Market Corridor and the Thirteenth-century St Mary’s Church, there’s rather a lot to see on the town.
Outdated Amersham is round a 20-minute stroll from the tube station. The route goes by way of stunning woodland, and it’s a picturesque method to arrive on the town.
Talking of which, this place can also be identified for walks close to London by prepare, because it’s positioned within the Chiltern Hills Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence. If you wish to do a mixture of a village go to and a rustic ramble, it’s simply the spot.
An Amersham day journey is right should you’re taken with happening a simple journey from London with as little time in transit as attainable.
It’s additionally an excellent choice should you’re on a funds, because it’s top-of-the-line low-cost days out from the town.
30. Greenwich
Among the greatest day journeys from London are locations in London itself. Greenwich is a chief instance of this, not least as a result of it’s so fast and simple to get right here by public transport from the town middle.
As soon as on a Greenwich day journey, there’s a wealth of issues to do. That is significantly true in relation to the world’s historic gems. All the pieces from the Nationwide Maritime Museum to the Queen’s Home is right here.
Strolling by way of the grounds of the Outdated Royal Naval School to soak up the gorgeous historic buildings is enjoyable, and climbing the hill in Greenwich Park to soak up the gorgeous views from the highest is well worth the journey.
Greenwich Market can also be a deal with to browse. There are nice meals stalls, to not point out distributors promoting every kind of artwork, handicrafts, and different items.
I’ve created a free self-guided Greenwich strolling tour that can allow you to discover extra of the world and its facet streets, too.
If you’d like a guided tour or an extended time out, there are many choices. I’ve completed one which goes to Leeds Fortress, Dover, Canterbury, and Greenwich. It’s an enormous journey, nevertheless it’s nice to see so many locations in a single go should you’re pressed for time. You’ll be able to e book it right here.
31. York
Subsequent on my checklist of day journeys is York. It may appear a great distance from London, however I found how straightforward it was to take a day journey from the UK capital by prepare a variety of years in the past. It’s 2 hours every manner, so it’s doable should you get an early begin.
On my first day journey to York I used to be gained over by every part from York Minster cathedral to the tiny Snickelway lanes and the half-timbered facades that line them.
The eating places and cafes are wonderful, and York is residence to among the prettiest historic buildings within the UK.
On my second go to I traveled to York on what I take into account top-of-the-line Christmas day journeys from London.
Every year, the annual Christmas markets take over the streets and squares and switch the town right into a winter wonderland. It was wonderful to see all of them and take within the seasonal spirit in York.
No matter time of yr you go to, there are many enjoyable issues to do right here. If you’d like some steering, you may take a river cruise, go on a Harry Potter strolling tour, or trip the ghost tour bus. You’ll be able to see a spread of choices and e book one right here.
32. Paris
Paris is one among my favourite day journeys from London to Europe with out a automobile. There are direct trains from London, and the Metropolis of Gentle is simply over 2 hours and quarter-hour away. That leaves you loads of time to see the sights should you get an early begin.
The French capital is thought for every part from tradition to delicacies. It has museums for artwork aficionados, vogue for procuring lovers, and exquisite streets for individuals who need to wander.
Whereas Paris is greatest visited over the higher a part of per week (or extra), you may see the highlights in a single lengthy day if that’s all you will have.
When you use the metro, you’ll be capable to go to Paris landmarks just like the Eiffel Tower, stroll round neighborhoods like Montmartre, and take within the scene on the Seine.
You’ll be able to study extra in my information to taking a day journey to Paris from London. It is going to present you all of the issues you are able to do within the French capital in a day.
If you’d like steering, there are excursions you may take as properly. You’ll be able to see a spread of choices and e book one right here. Whether or not you’d wish to go comparatively independently or have lunch on the Eiffel Tower, there’s one that can suit your preferences.
33. Brussels
Brussels is one other of the simplest day journeys from London to Europe with out a automobile. Just like the French capital, the Belgian capital advantages from direct rail companies from the UK capital. You may get right here in slightly below 2 hours, leaving you with loads of time to see the sights.
Brussels is underrated so far as European capital cities go. I spent a summer season residing and dealing right here after faculty, and I discovered no scarcity of locations to like.
From the gorgeous buildings within the Grand Place (it’s top-of-the-line metropolis squares in Europe) to the slender streets lined with eating places and exquisite procuring arcades, there’s rather a lot to see.
And that’s to say nothing of the museums, avenue artwork, Artwork Nouveau structure, and scrumptious meals (suppose waffles, fries, chocolate, and mussels).
It’s straightforward to spend 1 day in Brussels, as a lot of the sightseeing highlights are in a compact space close to the Grand Place and central prepare station.
If you’d like some steering, there are excursions you may take if you arrive. You’ll be able to see choices and e book one right here. Whether or not you’d wish to go on a hop on, hop off bus tour or a guided stroll by way of the town streets, there’s one that can suit your type.
34. Lille
Lille is subsequent on my checklist of one of the best day journeys from London with out a automobile. One among my favourite under-the-radar cities in France, this northern gem advantages from direct rail companies from London.
Lille is reachable in simply over 1 hour and 20 minutes from the UK capital, that means you may see rather a lot in a day.
And there’s rather a lot to see. Like Brussels, the principle Lille sightseeing highlights are pretty concentrated in a single space. They’re all conveniently positioned in strolling distance of the prepare station you’ll arrive into as properly.
From the Place du Basic de Gaulle with its stunning historic buildings to the scrumptious pastries within the patisseries, there’s rather a lot to like about Lille.
The procuring is sweet as properly. If you wish to discover one of the best French clothes boutiques with out going all the best way to Paris, there are many retailers you’ll get pleasure from looking right here.
When you’d like some steering, there are excursions you may go on if you get right here. You’ll be able to see choices and e book one right here. Whether or not you’d wish to go on a guided stroll by way of the previous city, a meals tour, or a trip in a classic Citroen, there’s one that can suit your pursuits.
35. Bruges
Bruges is one other of one of the best day journeys from London to Europe with out a automobile. Whereas there are not any direct trains from London to Bruges, you may take a prepare to Brussels and alter there for persevering with rail companies to Flanders.
Bruges is filled with waterways and wanderlust-worthy lanes. This medieval metropolis in Belgium charms guests with its enticing squares, bell towers, and well-preserved previous city.
Being in Bruges looks like stepping again in time. All the pieces from the bridges to the waterfront homes is postcard-pretty.
When you want steering, there are excursions you may go on if you arrive on the town. You’ll be able to see choices and e book one right here. Whether or not you’d wish to go on a ship tour, a guided stroll, or do a waffle-making workshop, there’s one that can suit your tastes.
Map of Day Journeys from London
As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all of the locations I coated on this weblog publish. You’ll be able to see it right here. When you click on on the pins, you’ll find extra info and my weblog posts about each. I hope it helps you propose a fast getaway!
Greatest Day Journeys from London And not using a Automotive
I hope you will have an excellent time out and that this publish has helped you uncover some thrilling new day journeys from London. Whether or not you need to journey by rail or on a guided tour, they’ll present you among the greatest locations close to the town.
When you’re on the lookout for seasonal journeys, you may check out my guides to spring, summer season, autumn, and winter day journeys from London for concepts.
And when you’ve got extra time, you may take a look at my weblog posts about 2-day journeys from London, 3-day journeys from London, and 4-day journeys from London. My information to one of the best weekend journeys from London by prepare might help, too.
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