Last Updated on July 9, 2025 by Kristin
Within a few hours drive of London lie some of the United Kingdom’s most charming small towns, countryside attractions and beach enclaves. Some of Britain’s prime destinations are a day trip from London, allowing the flexibility to go at your own pace.
Fabulous Day Trips from London
Brighton
54 miles / 1 hr. 55 mins.
The UK is an island nation, so it makes sense to take a day trip to the coast. Drive due south to Brighton, a bohemian seaside enclave known for its narrow streets filled with cafés, art galleries and restaurants with live music. Brighton’s main draw in the warmer months is its pebble-filled beach, which offers activities including paddle boarding and beach volleyball. The city has several year-round attractions as well. Enjoy fish and chips and play arcade games at the nostalgia-filled Palace Pier. Then wander through the historic alleys known as The Lanes to admire murals as you search for the perfect souvenir. Should you tire of walking, hop on the world’s longest-operating electric railway to soak in Brighton’s waterfront.
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Oxford
60 miles / 1 hr. 41 min.
Head northwest of London to Oxford, a city home to the prestigious university and many more attractions including museums, gardens, markets and river cruises. Oxford’s hallowed halls have inspired books and movies including the Harry Potter films. Many of its historic buildings and grounds are open to the public. Take a step back into the past by browsing the University of Oxford’s impressive Merton College, which was founded in 1264. Dive further into history with the university’s free Ashmolean Museum, whose collection includes works and objects ranging from Egyptian sculptures to Chinese paintings. Visit Oxford Castle and Prison to learn more about Oxford’s rich history, and climb the 101 steps up St. George’s Tower for one of the best views in town. When you’re finally ready to wind down, grab lunch at the Covered Market, a prime spot for food, culinary ingredients and shops dating back to the 1770s.
Canterbury
63 miles / 1 hr. 37 mins.
History buffs can’t miss a trip to the medieval walled city of Canterbury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its sprawling cathedral, churches and castle. Take a tour of the unmissable Canterbury Cathedral in the city center, which was founded back in 597 AD and displays Romanesque and Gothic architecture and gardens. Visit St. Martin’s Church — the oldest functioning church in the English-speaking world — and check out the ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey. To see more of the city, wind through Canterbury’s historic city center with a guided boat tour on the River Stour or take a walking tour along Canterbury’s cobblestone streets.
Stonehenge
89 miles / 2 hr. 2 min.
If you get an early start, the famous prehistoric site of Stonehenge in Wiltshire is a doable day trip by car from London. The circular stone monument built about 4,500 years ago draws in more than a million visitors per year. What’s more, Stonehenge is a key stop on the touring route known as the Great West Way, which runs from London to Bristol. If time allows, head about an hour northwest to Bath, where you can visit a Roman bathhouse and a museum dedicated to the storied British novelist Jane Austen.
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Stratford-Upon-Avon
104 miles / 2 hr. 19 min.
Literature and theater fans won’t want to miss a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace. Along with seeing the house where Shakespeare was born, visitors can check out other sites including his mother’s childhood home. Stratford-Upon-Avon is also home to the Royal Shakespeare Company theater company, which performs Shakespeare’s works as well as contemporary plays year round.
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