Day-trips from London: Expand your itinerary beyond the city

London is a beautiful city where there is much to explore. However, you can spend a day or two exploring the outskirts of London, where there is equally much to explore, and even more so. Many travellers extend their trip and go beyond London to admire the beauty of this European country. Day trips from London: Expand your itinerary beyond the city.

Day-trips from London: Expand your itinerary beyond the city

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is one of England’s most popular architectural attractions. The town of Windsor has a historical connection, especially with the British Royal Family. Windsor Castle is the ancestral residence of the British monarchy, and the largest inhabited castle in the world. For almost 1000 years, it has been the official residence of His Majesty The King. The castle consists of the best works from the Royal Collection.

St. George’s Chapel

St. George’s Chapel is a high-medieval Gothic-style chapel that is located at Windsor Castle. The church is a Royal Peculiar and is under the direct jurisdiction of the Crown and the Chapel of the Order of the Garter. The chapel can seat approximately 800 people. It is located in Windsor Castle’s Lower Ward.

Eton College

Eton College is a popular 15th-century boarding school that is located just over the bridge from Windsor. It is a school with a beautiful chapel and grand quads. Visitors to Eton can go on a guided tour and pop into its small museums.

Stonehenge

Visiting Stonehenge is like stepping back 5000 years in time to prehistoric Britain. It is a truly remarkable place where you can get lost in history and mystery. Seeing it, you ask yourself questions like “What is Stonehenge?”, “Who built it?”, and “Why was it built?” This is the place to find answers to these questions. Moreover, you can discover Stonehenge’s amazing connection to the Summer and Winter solstice.

Salisbury

Visit the beautiful 13th-century cathedral, which is the most popular in Salisbury. Salisbury is a fascinating place where you can visit a historic museum and an exciting mix of medieval-meets-the-modern-world shops and food outlets. A train trip from London to Salisbury will take 1 hour and 40 minutes, while a car ride would take about 2 hours. Don’t miss the chance to visit the English Heritage site, Old Sarum, which is the earliest settlement in Salisbury.

Sheldonian Theatre

The Sheldonian Theatre is located in Oxford, England. Built between 1664 and 1669, it is the Ceremonial Hall of the University of Oxford. It plays a significant role in keeping the traditions alive at Oxford. It is named after Gilbert Sheldon, who was the Chancellor of the University of Oxford at the time. Moreover, he was also the project’s primary financial contributor. Christopher Wren designed the building for the University.

The Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford. Furthermore, it is among the oldest libraries in Europe. It is the second-largest library in all of Britain, just falling behind the British Library, which is the largest. The library has over 12 million resources, including books and other items that make up its large collection.

University of Oxford

The University is one of the world’s best universities and one that many long to enter, from all over the world. Apart from its academic significance, it is also an architectural marvel. It has a unique name for holding examples of every architectural period, going as far back as the Saxon era. The university is located in an ancient city of historic charm with its cobblestone streets.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace should be part of any quintessential English day trip. It is located close to Oxford, so you can couple this tour with a tour of the University of Oxford. Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Winston Churchill. This architecturally-magnificent building was built in the 18th Century. Recently, it was used as the location for The Favourite.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is where you can experience rural England at its best. You can reach it by taking a train from London Paddington Station. The Cotswolds countryside and Cotswolds village are must-have experiences when you travel to England. It is one of the best day trips from London. It takes you to a different world of thatched roofs and honey-coloured stones, and lanes.

Bath

Bath is another one of the best and most popular day trips from London. It is the world’s most perfect Georgian city. Bath is the world-famed city with its Roman Baths. Moreover, it is the hometown of the famous British Writer, Jane Austen. A trip to Bath is one that takes you back in time.

Avebury

With its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Avebury is a must-visit place in England. It consists of the world’s largest prehistoric stone circle, which stands surrounding a charming Wiltshire village. You can walk among the large Neolithic stones, visit the Alexander Keiller Museum, and explore the National Trust manor and garden. Moreover, you can combine this tour with a trip to nearby sites like Stonehenge or Silbury Hill.

Lacock

Lacock is a medieval village in Wiltshire, England. Famous for its 13th-century streets, a trip to this beautiful village takes you back in time. It has historic stone cottages that highlight its medieval nature. Also, it is the filming location of Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, and Downton Abbey.

Leeds Castle, Kent

Kent is another one of the best day-trips from London. Leeds Castle, located in 500 acres of parkland, is situated in Kent. The castle has a 1000-year-old rich history that makes it a place worth visiting. It bears significance, as it was once the home of Henry VIII. Visit Leeds Castle and enjoy its beauty during your trip to England.

Canterbury

Canterbury is a village with a rich history and culture that is worth exploring. Its quaint streets and beautiful architecture are some of the reasons you should explore it. It’s a charming village with timber-framed houses and cobbled streets. The Gothic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral is also located here. You can also visit the Canterbury Roman Museum, Westgate Gardens, Chartham Vineyard, St. Augustine’s Abbey, and Canterbury Punting.

Warwick Castle

The stunning Warwick Castle is a place where medieval England is brought to life. It is done through tours, artifacts, and immersive experiences. Wander through the magnificent Grand Hall to discover ancient treasures of medieval England. Moreover, you can check out the eerie dungeons, cheer on the impressive stunts of knights, or watch the birds of prey displays at the castle.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Indulge in a day of Shakespearean culture with a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, where it all began. Dig deep into the history and life of the world’s greatest and most famous author, right from the place where he was born and raised. It is just a two-hour drive from London. You can explore the town on an open-top bus tour. Furthermore, you can watch one of his plays at the Swan Theatre or the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

University of Cambridge

A trip to the University of Cambridge offers you a glimpse into centuries of history at one of the best universities in the world. It features historic colleges, a scenic walk along the banks of the river, and magnificent architecture in buildings like the King’s Chapel. In this tour, you can visit colleges like Emmanuel and Trinity while savoring panoramic views of St. Mary’s Church.

Conclusion

There are so many day-trips from London that you can go on to explore the countryside. The outskirts of London are beautiful, with many medieval villages and historic castles reachable by road. Don’t forget to pay a visit to a few of these locations on your next trip to London.