As amazing as the capital of the U.K. is, everyone visiting should take at LEAST one day trip from London.
London is undoubtedly the first destination most people travel to in the United Kingdom, and it’s no mystery why. There are so many incredible things to do in London that you could spend a lifetime there and not get bored.
Incredible parks to relax in, fish n chips to munch on, world class museums to expand your mind in, and amazing theaters to entertain yourself with. The possibilities are limitless.
But for anyone visiting the UK capital who wants to get a taste of England beyond the big city, there are loads of awesome day trips from London within a few hours.
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The Best Day Trips from London
We’ve consulted a bunch of fellow travel experts and asked them what their favorite day trips from London are, and boy did we get some great responses. Lovers of history, nature, shopping, and even Harry Potter will be thrilled with this list because there is something for everyone on it!
So get out and explore with one of these awesome day trips from London!
Please note – Some of our selections contain affiliate links. These allow us to earn a small percentage every time you make a booking. Using our links enables us to provide all the information found on this site free of charge.
Windsor Castle
Day Trips from London Tip by: Claire from Claire’s Footsteps
Windsor Castle is hailed as the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world.
Attractions in Windsor Castle include visiting the State Rooms; which are various rooms such as portrait galleries, disused bedrooms and ballrooms, all with their own story to tell. Here you can learn about the 1992 fire at Windsor and how they have refurbished the palace, and enjoy presentations of various regal wedding dresses.
Queen Mary’s Dolls House (which is currently closed) is known as the most beautiful doll house in the world. It’s certainly the largest and it is incredibly intricate – with a fully stocked kitchen and cellar, running water and electricity, it’s basically where childhood dreams come true.
Another great spot to visit in Windsor Castle is St George’s Chapel. Famed as the location where Prince Harry and Megan Markle tied the knot, it is also the resting place of ten British monarchs including the infamous Henry VIII. The building is full of history, and has some gorgeous Gothic architecture to boot.
At just over an hour from London Waterloo Station, Windsor Castle is a very easy day trip from London, and a great addition to anyone’s London itinerary. Be sure to check it out to get a feel for British legacy while in the capital.
How To Get to Windsor Castle from London
Train: Approximately 1 hour. Take the train from London’s Waterloo Station to Windsor & Eton Riverside and walk about 10 minutes to Windsor Castle.
Half Day Tour: For a super easy option, you can visit Windsor on a half day tour that includes roundtrip luxury coach transportation, a visit to Windsor and Windsor Castle.
St Albans
Day Trips from London Tip by: Curious Claire
Located just 20 miles (32km) north of the city center, St Albans makes a great day trip from London. This charming town in Hertfordshire is full of history. Once known as Verulamium, the third largest Roman City in Britain, evidence of Roman history can be found all over St Albans.
The main attractions of St Albans are all close together so the town can easily be explored in one day. Some of the main sights to see in St Albans are The Cathedral, the Medieval Clock Tower, St Michael’s Church and the Old Gorhambury House. Of course, a stroll around Verulamium Park shouldn’t be missed. Named after the city that once stood here, you can still see the city walls and outline of the gate. On the outskirts of the park is the Verulamium Museum which showcases the archaeological objects of everyday Roman life.
How To Get to St Albans from London
Train: 20 – 35 minutes. The easiest way to get to St Albans from London is by train. Departing from St Pancras and Blackfriars station, trains to St Albans usually depart every 5-10 minutes.
Private Tour: Take a six hour private tour from London to St. Albans. Pick-up from your hotel is even possible with this tour.
Berkhamsted
Day Trips from London Tip by: Megan Starr, Absolute Armenia
Berkhamsted is one of the best day trips from London and one that everyone should have on their radar if looking for a place that is less touristed than the big city.
Once in Berkhamsted, head straight from the train station to Berkhamsted Castle. The historic market town in Hertfordshire has a Norman castle that is in ruins that dates back to around 1066 and was a very important landmark in the area.
From the castle, you can head down to the High Street where you will find heaps of charming buildings, a lot of independent businesses, and even a farmer’s market or two. There is an old cinema called Rex Cinema located on the street, as well, and it is one of the most popular things to do in Berkhamsted.
If you’re looking for delicious, local craft beer, head no further than Mad Squirrel Brewery and if you’re in the mood for tasty, specialty coffee, be sure to check out Epicure or Fred and Ginger’s. Both places have stellar flat whites and small eats for lunch. Don’t forget to walk along the canal and enjoy the fresh air before leaving ‘Berko’, as many of the locals call it.
How To Get to Berkhamsted from London
Train: 30 – 45 minutes. To get to Berkhamsted, you can simply take a train from Eustis Station. They run regularly and even into the late evening. Be sure to purchase a roundtrip ticket for the trains as it will save you money on your fare.
Greenwich
Day Trips from London Tip by: Teresa, Brogan Abroad
Greenwich is a fantastic place for a day trip from London and you only have to travel about half an hour to get there.
But let’s talk about all the things you can do in Greenwich. There is so much history and so many interesting places to visit that you might even need more than one day. The most important attraction here is the Old Royal Naval College, with more than 500 years of history.
Within the College you will find the UK’s answer to the Sistine Chapel, The Painted Hall. Recently restored, it has one of the most important baroque interiors in Europe. This masterpiece was built as a ceremonial dining room and the ceiling, with Queen Mary II and King William III in the center, is truly impressive. Cross the underground tunnel from The Painted Hall to the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul, a neo-classical masterpiece that houses a beautiful 18th-century organ and a magnificent altarpiece.
Just outside The College you will find the Queen’s House by famous 17th-century architect Inigo Jones. It houses the famous Tulip Staircase, which is truly stunning (and said to be haunted!).
Greenwich has a strong naval history, so here you will also be able to visit the Maritime History Museum, the largest of its kind in the world, and the Cutty Sark, the only surviving tea clipper in the world from the 19th century.
Greenwich is also famous for being home to the historic Prime Meridian of the World, where east meets west at Longitude 0°. You will find it marked within the Royal Observatory, where you can learn about Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). It is located on top of the hill in Greenwich Park, and from here you can enjoy one of the best views over London.
How To Get to Greenwich from London
Public Transit: 30 minutes. In fact, you can reach it easily by public transport, which takes about half an hour from Waterloo Station.
Boat: 1 hour. The most scenic way to get to Greenwich is by boat along the Thames which takes about an hour. If you take the boat from Westminster Pier, you will get to take in all the sights along the river.
Oxford
Day Trips from London Tip by: Rose Munday, Where Goes Rose
Beautiful Oxford is just a stone’s throw from London.
Many of the buildings in Oxford date back 600 years, making it one of my oldest cities in the UK. Interestingly, Hitler wanted to make Oxford his headquarters meaning the city was never bombed during WWII and remains far better preserved than London. Most of the ancient buildings are owned by the famous University including the quirky Radcliffe Camera which is a structure like no other.
As well as the higgledy-piggledy buildings, the Covered Market is a great way to shop for souvenirs and sample foods from long-standing local businesses. Harry Potter fans will be in their element thanks to Christ Church College which was the inspiration for the Great Hall in the movies, and the nearby staircase which was used in the filming. Don’t miss a traditional afternoon tea at England’s Oldest coffee house, the Grand Cafe. For beautiful nature in the heart of the city, pop into Balliol College and admire the wisteria.
How To Get to Oxford from London
Train: Approximately 1 hour. The easiest and quickest way to get there from London is by train which departs every 15 minutes or so and takes under an hour.
Oxford Tube Bus Service: The cheapest way, however, is the Oxford Tube bus service that leaves a few times an hour and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Costing £15 for an open return, it’s more affordable than the train and very flexible.
Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio
Day Trips from London Tip by: Priyanko Sarkar, Constant Traveller
For true fans of Harry Potter, getting to the Warner Bros studio outside London is almost a pilgrimage. The Great Hall of the movie series where many of the iconic scenes were shot, Professor Dumbledore’s office, the Potions class as well as Diagon Alley are on display here. Visitors can also get inside the triple-decker Knight Bus as well as see Privet House where Harry Potter initially lives with his aunt.
You are encouraged to pick up a handcrafted wand that is made in front of your eyes. Lastly, you can try crashing through Platform 9 ¾ next to the original Hogwarts Express coach for the perfect photo-op.
All in all, this is a London experience that cannot be missed by any Harry Potter fan.
How To Get to Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio from London
Tour Buses: 75 minutes. There are dedicated tour buses that depart from central London to bring you here as well as bring you back to the city.
Train/Coach: 2 hours. Head to Watford Junction on the train network where you’ll find shuttle buses to the entrance of the studio tour departing every 20 minutes.
Tour: The easiest way to enjoy the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London is to take a tour that includes transportation in a luxury coach.
York
Day Trips from London Tip by: Leona Bowman, Wander Must Family
York is the perfect day trip from London. Only a two hour direct train ride away from the capital, York is very accessible via public transport and easy to navigate by foot on arrival!
York is steeped in history and the highlights can easily be seen in a day making it perfect for the day tripper! It has beautiful city walls that give a great vantage point of the city and the Minster, one of the best gothic cathedrals in Europe!
Other great activities for the day trip include visiting fascinating museums, including the castle museum and railway museum, or taking a cruise down the river!
Other must do’s for the city are the famous ghost walk, going shopping down the historic Shambles including a visit to the Harry Potter shop, learning about its chocolate and Viking history at the respective museums and visiting the famous Clifford’s tower!
The easy access and variety of things to do make York the perfect day trip from London.
How To Get to York from London
Train: 2 hours. Train from King’s Cross to York Station.
Cambridge
Day Trips from London Tip by: Michael Rozenblit, The World Was Here First
One of the most popular day trips from London is undoubtedly a visit to the historic university town of Cambridge. Boasting world-famous alumni including the likes of Stephen Hawking and Isaac Newton, a Cambridge day trip gives visitors the perfect amount of time to explore the city and learn about the history and what daily life is like for students at the renowned university.
Travelers to Cambridge should spend a couple of hours exploring the centre of the city and the university grounds including visiting some of the most famous colleges such as Trinity Hall and King’s College. Visitors to Cambridge should take the time to stroll along the River Cam and either have a go at punting along the river, take a punting tour or simply sit on the banks of the river and watch as tourists struggle to navigate their boats and lose their punting poles in the river!
How To Get to Cambridge from London
Train: 50 minutes. The best way to get to Cambridge from London is to take the train from Kings Cross Station.
Bus: 2.5 hours. Visitors can also take the bus which leaves from Victoria Coach Station and takes longer to get to Cambridge but is typically cheaper.
Guided Tour with Transport: The easiest way to visit Cambridge from London is by guided tour with transfer.
Ashford
Day Trips from London Tip by: Donovan, Money Saving Daddy
Ashford is a town in the county of Kent, England around 100km south of London. Hidden in this town there is a designer outlet (Ashford Designer Outlet) of more than 80 boutiques of numerous brand. As Ashford Designer Outlet is an outlet store, their discount can go as high as 60%, all year round!
The stores range from Abercrombie & Fitch, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker, Fred Perry and Lacoste to sports brands such as Nike and Adidas. Best for shopaholics who want mega discounts for all these brands.
And when your legs are tired from shopping, this designer outlet has 12 cafes and restaurants catering to the needs of the shoppers.
How To Get to Ashford from London
High Speed Train: Via Ashford International. The station is just less than a five-minute walk from Ashford Designer Outlet, takes only 40 minutes from London St. Pancras.
Driving: 1.5 hours. Ashford Designer Outlet is located from the M20 motorway, off Junction 10.
Brighton
Day Trips from London Tip by: Fiona Maclean, London-Unattached
Classic British seaside town Brighton came to its own in the Georgian era and was popularized by the patronage of the Prince Regent, who later became King George IV. He was responsible for the construction of what must be the town’s greatest folly, the Royal Pavilion, which looks for all the world as if it belongs in India.
Besides the Pavilion there are a wealth of pretty Georgian and Regency Squares and Palace Pier, a wonderful traditional pier for enjoying traditional fish and chips (there were two, but the West Pier is now largely derelict).
The narrow streets of the Laines are lined with quirky if expensive boutiques and restaurants while the nearby Parallels cater for Brighton’s large student population and offer a range of artisan and vintage wares.
It’s a vibrant town with a lot going on, from amusement arcades on the pier, fairground attractions and street entertainment to classical concerts. The pebbly beach is popular and there’s a stunning promenade which will take you all the way along the seafront to neighboring Hove.
How To Get to Brighton from London
Train: 1 hour. Reaching Brighton from London is very simple, there are regular trains from London Bridge and Victoria which take around an hour. The main station in Brighton is just 5 minutes from the sea.
Dover Cliffs
Day Trips from London Tip by: Anisa, Two Traveling Texans
Dover is much more than a place to catch a ferry to France. It’s a destination in its own right because of its role in English history and its natural beauty. You can visit the famous White Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle. If you want to have more of a relaxed day, choose one of the attractions to visit.
The Dover Cliffs are stunning. Not only do you have views of the white cliffs and Dover Castle, but you can see France on a clear day. Walk along the edge (not too close though!) to the Lighthouse, and stop for a tour of the Deep Fan Bay Shelter, where soldiers took cover from bombing attacks during World War II.
Nearby Dover Castle also has a lot to see. Don’t miss the Secret Wartime Tunnels (the headquarters for Operation Dynamo during World War II), the Roman Lighthouse, St. Mary in Castro Church, and the Great Tower. The Castle was an important part of English history for more than a thousand years.
How To Get to Dover Cliffs from London
Train: Approximately 1 hour. You can take the train from London St. Pancras to Dover Priory in a little more than an hour. Both the Dover Cliffs and Dover Castle are walking distance from the station (1 – 2 miles) or you can save your feet and take a taxi.
Tour: For an awesome day trip from London you can take a tour to visit the Cliffs of Dover and other impressive sites in Kent. Since the tour includes transportation it’s the easiest option for visiting this amazing site.
Bath
Day Trips from London Tip by: Chrysoula, Travel Passionate
While London has absolutely tons to keep you entertained, you might want to venture out of the capital during your trip to England to explore some other distinct destinations. Whether you wish to visit the coast with the likes of Brighton or Margate or lap up some British history in Bath, Oxford or Cambridge, there are plenty of day trip options that will give you a taste of culture, class, cuisine, and countryside!
In Bath you’ll want to roam through the cobbled streets, soaking up the quintessentially British shops and tea rooms before discovering the Roman Baths for which the city is so famous. The Roman Baths Museum is a wonderful place to learn about the city’s history; admire the stunning architecture and get a taste of what Roman Life would have been like. If you want to take it one step further and relax in the warm waters, head to the nearby Thermae Bath Spa where you can unwind in the thermal baths or enjoy a spa treatment.
Other great things to see and do in Bath include a visit to Bath Abbey, taking a walk over Pulteney Bridge and witnessing the spectacular buildings along the Royal Crescent.
How To Get to Bath from London
Train: 1.5 hours. London is extremely well connected with trains and long-distance coaches offering routes throughout the country. Trains to Bath run at least hourly from London Paddington station.
Tour: For a super easy option, you can choose to take a tour to Bath with transportation included. And as a bonus, Stonehenge is included!
Rye
Day Trips from London Tip by: Gemma from highlands2hammocks
Visiting London and want to take a short break away from all the madness? Rye is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of central London.
When you arrive in Rye, explore the quaint cobbled lanes and Medieval style houses. This picturesque town has it all for the perfect chill day. Have a pub lunch in one of the ancient bars or pack a picnic and head down to Camber Sands where you can take in the salty air and enjoy the beautiful sea views. It is possible to get here from Rye by a public bus service, which takes around an hour and gives you the perfect opportunity to soak up the beautiful scenery. Head to Cobbles Tea Room in the afternoon for an afternoon tea or try out their homemade cakes. You will not be disappointed!
Rye will steal a piece of your heart after your visit and you’ll be counting down the days until your next visit.
How To Get to Rye from London
Train: 1.5 hours by train from Kings Cross Station
Bristol
Day Trips from London Tip by: Laurence Norah, Finding the Universe
Bristol is a beautiful historic city in the southwest of the UK, just a little further from London than Bath. The city is famous for its historical docks, where you’ll find the SS Great Britain – the world’s first iron built vessel with a screw propeller.
Bristol is worth visiting for many more reasons of course. To start with, it’s very pretty, with the colorful houses along the waterfront area, in particular, a draw for photographers. It’s also where the world famous street artist Banksy is believed to be from, and as a result it’s one of the best places in the UK to see street art.
There are also some excellent museums, markets and restaurants to fill your time with, and your day will certainly fly by. As priorities, we can recommend a visit the SS Great Britain, Bristol Cathedral, a tour of some of the street art and a walk around the old city centre. For more inspiration, see our guide to things to do in Bristol.
How To Get to Bristol from London
Train: Approximately 2 hours. There are multiple trains a day to Bristol from London’s Paddington station.
Arundel in West Sussex
Day Trips from London Tip by: Rosie Fluskey, Flying Fluskey
Not to be confused with the fairytale kingdom in Disney’s Frozen, Arundel (pronounced a-rn-dl) is just one of many quaint towns in West Sussex. However, Arundel really has something special about it. It could be the millennium of history that is still amazingly visible, the high street that looks quite unlike most others in the UK, or the proximity to both the seaside and rolling countryside.
The main attraction in Arundel is the castle that sits atop a hill, just above the town. This is a quintessential British castle and has stood here, in some form or another, since 1067. Some of this medieval work remains alongside the Gothic Victorian reconstructions completed in the 1870s – 1900s.
Even the rolling green gardens are a treat. They are exceedingly well maintained and burst with color from spring until the end of summer. Probably the best time to visit the gardens is during the annual tulip festival. Every April 60,000 tulips burst into flower.
If you just fancy a wander around town, then keep your eyes peeled for some wonderfully restored old buildings. Some of these date from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Arundel is justifiably proud of its main parade of shops. Here, you won’t find the normal giants to the UK high street. Instead, there is an upmarket collection of independent boutiques displaying trendy homewares and interesting fashion. If you are after something a little older, you could happily scour the large cluster of antique dealers. If you are on a budget then think of this as a museum visit.
How To Get to Arundel from London
Train: 1.5 hours. To reach Arundel from London by train is easy. A direct train from London Victoria goes every half an hour through out the day. The journey takes just under an hour and a half.
Drive: 2 hours. To drive to Arundel takes around two hours from Central London and you will pass through the Surrey Hills and the South Downs, both beautiful places to stop to enjoy the view.
Seven Sisters Cliff Walk
Day Trips from London Tip by: Eniko, Travel Hacker Girl
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of London and surround yourself with beautiful nature The Seven Sisters Cliff Walk is for you. It makes a great day trip from London.
There is a lot do to at the Seven Sisters Country Park. The visitor center can advise you about the weather, events and hiking and cycling routes. You can also try kayaking on the Cuckemre River, just book ahead! If you are with small children head to the beach and enjoy collecting pebbles and playing in the water. If you decide to go for a walk on the cliffs, watch them closely near the edge. One of the best activities in the area is hiking. You can hike all the way to Eastbourne and enjoy fantastic views along the way. Don’t miss Beachy Head with the lighthouse. It makes a great photo! The trail is mostly easy. If you get tired there are some lovely pubs along the way, where you can rest and enjoy the views while you have a beer.
How To Get to Seven Sisters Cliff Walk from London
Train/Bus: 2 hours. Take the train to Brighton from London Bridge or Victoria, which take around an hour, then bus 12A or 12 x from Churchill Square.
Tour: For a super easy option, a day tour from London to the Seven Sisters Cliff Walk is possible. It includes transport and a guide.
Stonehenge
Day Trips from London Tip by: Ania James, The Travelling Twins
Stonehenge was built over a period of more than a thousand years starting 5,000 years ago. It is older than the pyramids and one of the best known prehistoric sites worldwide.
It has always been the subject of speculation and wonder. What technology did primitive people use to erect those enormous stones? How did they even bring them from distant quarries? What skills did the ancient architects possess to allow the construction to be set out in alignment with the sun and stars?
Stonehenge is also a focus for speculations mysterious and magical. What are the ley lines which appear to connect ancient sites in some arcane reticulation? Is Stonehenge evidence for intervention on earth by aliens?
What we know for sure is that cavemen did not build Stonehenge. This was the early bronze age in Britain. People at that time wore clothes crafted from fabric and were wearing metal jewelry. The wheel had already been invented in eastern Europe although it probably had not reached Britain by the time the massive components of Stonehenge were erected.
Irrespective of all of this, the best way to enjoy Stonehenge is just to go there and soak up the magic. If you are traveling by car, it is a great idea to make a pre-historic day of it and visit Avebury on the same trip. Here you will find an even larger stone circle and in a more informal setting. At Avebury, you can explore and touch these ancient megaliths in the company of grazing sheep to gain even deeper insights into these ancient mysteries.
Be sure to book admissions in advance to ensure availability to Stonehenge owing to limited capacity. Admission to Stonehenge £19-00 per adult, Avebury is £6.75. Both are free for members of English Heritage. There are lots of offers and discounts for families and groups and inclusive coach tours from London on the Stonehenge website.
How To Get to Stonehenge from London
By car: 1 hour 45 minutes outside of rush hour. Stonehenge is 90 mile from central London, Avebury is 25 miles from Stonehenge.
By Train: Approximately 2.5 hours. By train from Waterloo to Salisbury (1 hr 20 mins, then take the special Stonehenge tour coach (30 minutes)
Half Day Tour: Visiting Stonehenge with a tour is the easiest option. This half-day tour includes guided audio tour and transportation.
Avebury Henge in Wiltshire
Day Trips from London Tip by: Faith Coates of XYUandBEYOND
Everybody tourist with a bucket list wants to see Stonehenge but these days you are kept at a distance and can’t get close to the stones due to over tourism. Avebury Henge is a true henge that surrounds the village of Avebury in Wiltshire.
One of the best known prehistoric sites in Britain, Avebury contains the largest megalithic stone circle in the world. It is a place of great spiritual importance to Wiccan and pagan believers and the only place with a village built in the middle of a henge.
Access to the Henge itself is free, but there is a £7 parking charge. There are two walking paths that circle around the henge with four entrances to it that match the compass cardinal points. Beckhampton Avenue which runs from the west entrance has two longstones that stand by it, and from the west and south entrances, you can see the remains of two stone avenues.
Within the charming village of Avebury, you will find the Henge Shop full of crystals, books and archaeological information. St. James’s Church dates back to Saxon times and contains ancient Norman carvings. You can tour Avebury Manor a Tudor mansion as well as take in the National Trust’s Alexander Keiller Museum and Manor House. Or simply wander the streets of Avebury with its thatched cottages and quintessentially British charm.
How To Get to Avebury from London
Drive: Approximately 2 Hours – Driving to Avebury from London takes about two hours. Follow A4 to M4, then follow M4 to A338 in West Berkshire and take exit 14 from M4. Follow A338 and A4 to Beckhampton Rd/A4361 in Wiltshire
Tour: You can see two incredible sites in one day with this tour from London to Stonehenge and Avebury. The tour includes a guide and transportation!
Southend
Day Trips from London Tip by: Bradley Williams, Dream Big, Travel Far
Easily one of the most underrated day trips from London has to be Southend! There is plenty to do there for people of all ages and it represents what is great about so many British seaside towns. Here, you’ll find fish & chips stands, arcades and even a theme park with rides! Of course, there is a wonderful long beach for you to relax on as well.
But what helps make Southend stand out as unique and exciting to visit is that it has the longest pier anywhere in the UK. It’s more than 2km in length and is a wonderful walk there and back! In total, the journey would take you about an hour and, on a clear sunny day, it’s a wonderful walk! Alternatively, you can catch a tram that will do the hard work for you.
What makes Southend so great for a day trip is that it’s well outside of the busy capital, but still very straightforward to get to.
How To Get to Southend from London
Train: 1 hour. The best way to get there would be by train from London Fenchurch Street Train Station on the c2c Train to Southend.
Eastbourne
Day Trips from London Tip by: Eric and Lisa, Penguin and Pia
If you want to get out of the city for a day, heading to where the sun shines the most is never a bad idea. Eastbourne, a small seaside town, is located no more than 2 hours by train from London.
It’s said that Eastbourne has the most sunny days a year for any town in the UK – so a trip down is a great option if the London weather has got you down.
The town itself is quite small but is full of shops and cafes along the main pedestrian streets. That said, you don’t come to Eastbourne to explore the town – you come to Eastbourne for the coast. The town is home to a quintessentially English waterfront that makes for great photographs or just a relaxing walk by the sea.
The waterfront has a pebble beach that stretches for miles and is a popular spot for festivals, shopping, art and antique vendors, and musical acts. The most famous feature of the shoreline – the Eastbourne pier – is a mandatory stop for any Eastbourne visitor. Dating back to 1870s, this fun and historic pier is full of restaurants, cafes, candy/souvenir shops, and even a nightclub!
Just to the west of the main town, you can get out your hiking shoes and hike the famous white chalk cliffs called the “Seven Sisters”. The green, grassy paths along the cliff edge allow for stunning views of England’s coast along the English Channel. You can head for the Birling Gap along Beachy Head where a pint or bite to eat at a traditional English pub make for a great rest!
How To Get to Eastbourne from London
Train: 2 hours. Take a train to Eastbourne from London Victoria station.
Durham
Day Trips from London Tip by: Sinead Camplin, Map Made Memories
The historic city of Durham in northern England is a three-hour journey by fast train from central London. The train journey passes very quickly due to the scenic nature of the ‘East Coast’ rail line. Sit on the right-hand side of the train to get a fantastic view of Durham and its hilltop UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral when arriving into Durham station.
Durham is a compact city and the principal sights can easily be visited by foot. No taxis, tubes or buses needed here! Stroll through the winding, cobbled streets and attractive Victorian buildings of the small city center. Browse the fifty plus independent stalls in the covered market next to the Town Hall. Walk up the sloping lanes to reach the lovely Palace Green. Here is where you will find the impressive 11th-century Durham Cathedral. Explore inside the beautiful cathedral to view its famous rounded arches, the 18th Century stained glass ‘rose’ window and decorated pillars. Don’t miss the atmospheric exterior cloisters which were used in the Harry Potter movies.
Opposite the Cathedral is the 11th Century picture-perfect Durham Castle for which tickets are available online in advance.
Before returning to the train, enjoy a peaceful stroll along the pretty riverbank by the River Wear.
How To Get to Durham from London
Train: 3 hours. Trains depart from London’s King’s Cross Station to Durham.
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Everything You Need to Know to Visit Prague!
Love this! So much to do outside of one of the busiest cities in the world. Plenty of bucket list potential now haha