London is a city that never sleeps, teeming with life, landmarks, and history. Nevertheless, even the most ardent lovers of the concrete jungle occasionally wish to escape the rush. Luckily, just outside of London are beautiful views and lovely towns that make for exciting day trips. If it is about ancient forts that unravel history, or charming little towns, or picturesque nature walks, all that one can possibly wish for is present here. Here are a few of the best day trips from London that are worth the time and sweat to enjoy the English countryside.
Windsor
Distance from London: 30 minutes by train
Windsor is among the most favored tourist destination from London probably because of its royal history. Windsor is easily accessible by a quick train ride, as it houses the great Windsor Castle, the largest and eldest of the continually inhabited castles. For over 1000 years the British royal family has made their residence in the castle and is still used as an official house by the Monarch Queen Elizabeth II.
The trip to Windsor Castle also gives a bit of an insight of how the Royals lived, especially within State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Away from the castle however, the town of Windsor is worth visiting with its stone-clad streets, shops and relaxing walks along the River Thames.
For those in company of their children, Legoland Windsor close by in the vicinity is a great place for the little ones and can take up an entire day.
Oxford
Distance from London: 1 hour by train
Often referred to as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’, Oxford is famous for the universities that exist there as well as the stunning buildings and rich tradition. A one day trip to Oxford offers very many opportunities in the areas of culture, education, and beauty. The University of Oxford, which began in 1100, contains impressive buildings and is richly endowed with churches, colleges, libraries, and courtyards that are worth the visit. Featuring one of its most largest and more iconic Christ Church College has been featured in many series’ movies including the Harry Potter series.
You may visit the Bodleian Library that is regarded as one of the oldest libraries in the whole of Europe and even take a quiet boat ride on the River Cherwell. For history lovers, the Ashmolean Museum will take your breath away; it is packed with lots of art and relics from the Egyptian Museums to modern relics.
As Oxford is rather small walking over it does not take long. Many relaxing streets lined with bookshops, cafes and even park benches line the city away from the hustle and bustle of London.
The Cotswolds
Distance from London: 1 to 1.5 hours by train or car
The Cotswolds is one of the most quintessentially English experiences comprising of hills, stone cottages and beautiful rural landscapes. Placed in Outstanding Natural Landscapes, the Cotswolds is a charming place for those who love beauty and quiet. Stunning towns such as Bourton-on-the-water also called the Venice of the Cotswolds and Bibury famous for its picturesque Arlington Row cottages are great places to take a stroll or to take pictures.
One of the most common occupations in the Cotswolds is walking. There are also a number of walking routes available which include parts of the long distance Cotswold Way. This takes in most of the beautiful countryside. Furthermore, for history lovers, a day out to Sudeley Castle or Roman baths in Cirencester is delightful.
Tea rooms, old-style pubs and shops can be easily found in the Cotswolds which I think remains a good location for a day tour.
Stonehenge and Salisbury
Distance to go from London: A travel time per train 1.5 hours (to Salisbury) and bus (to Stonehenge)
Stonehenge, as everyone knows, is perhaps the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. It is a remarkable place that is a short distance from London. The stone circular monument constructed some 5000 years ago still stimulates an array of questions regarding the people that inhabited the regions where the stone structures were built. Far from a static tourist experience, a visit to Stonehenge enables you to explore the fascinating narrative of the place.
Following the Stonehenge tour, prepare to go to Salisbury which is a city notable for its cathedral which is one of the most beautiful in England. Williams says that, while possessing the highest church spire in the country, Salisbury Cathedral is home to one of four surviving original Magna Cartas, a charter that is considered as an important milestone in the emergence of democracy.
Salisbury is a very beautiful town with medieval streets, markets and parks by the river which can be explored after visiting Stonehenge.
Brighton
Unique Features: Day Trip (Distance from London: 1 hour more than by bus)
For a very different type of countryside getaway, Brighton is the place to go and this is a coastal city. It is a unique city surrounded by the sea, artistic societies, and a lot of pebble beaches and has little to none hustle-bustle. The best part about Brighton would be the Brighton Palace Pier where all the seaside games take place including fish and chips and views to the English channel.
The Lanes – the funkiest neighborhood in Brighton with narrow streets lined with independent shops, vintage stores and cafes, is the best place to enjoy the offbeat side of Brighton’s. Next door is the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, which includes everything from modern art, fashion to local historical displays.
The Royal Pavilion is another one worth visiting, a former palace which is in a pompous Indo-Saracenic architectural style. It’s got stunning architecture and beautiful gardens like no other in England, making it one of a kind.
History, sites and amusement on the seaside can all be enjoyed on a day trip to Brighton. Whether soaking in the warmth of the sun, heading out for an artsy adventure, or just having some time at the beach, Brighton promises to be a fun and energizing day trip.
Cambridge
Distance from London: 1 hour by train
Much like Oxford, Cambridge is famous for its great university and stunning buildings. A one day visit to Cambridge consists of both intelligent culture and lovely nature. Among the most visited are the magnificent Colleges of the university, such as King’s College with the famous King’s College Chapel. They give the opportunity to slightly penetrate the worlds of true geniuses.
Cambridge is best known for its punting activity on the River Cam. As you glide along the river, you’ll pass by the beautiful ‘Backs’ – the gardens and courtyards of the school’s surrounding colleges, providing a lovely view of the city’s skyline.
For those who find attraction in science and history, the Fitzwilliam Museum and Cambridge University Botanic Garden recommends appreciation. Due to Cambridge being relatively small, along with its walkable areas, getting around by foot is possible. For most parts of the city, quiet and well-mannered escape is also provided.
Richmond Park and Kew Gardens
Distance from London: Also 30 minutes by train or Underground
If you don’t want to go too far from South London but want to experience the country, go over to Richmond Park and Kew Gardens. Richmond’s Royal Park is the chief of the parks covering over 1,000 hectares of nature consisting of woods and grasses and other animal life. The park has wild deer that grace upon which makes your visit fantastic. There is a lovely sight of the Thames and offices of London while walking, cycling, or having a picnic in this park.
In the vicinity, Kew Gardens is a World Heritage site and one of the most remarkable botanical gardens globally. It is over 300 acres in area with a large number of species of plants, historical conservatories, and decorated terrains. While the Palm and Temperate Houses present pictures of synthetic construction populated by tropical plants. Treetop Walkways give an entirely different view of all the built gardens from the top.
Conclusion
There are many things to do in the countryside surrounding London, including visiting old castles, university towns,”“ green hills, and even the ocean. Each of these places, takes you to different cultural and natural places in England’s riches and they are all within a day. Whether your purpose is to learn more about the history and culture of the nation, appreciate the beautiful views or simply take a walk across a pretty village, these best day trips from London will refresh and inspire you. That said, next time you feel the need to escape the concrete jungle, you should step outside the metropolis and head to the English countryside instead.