Best London Day Trips & Things to Do

Windsor

NOT JUST FOR THE MERRY WIVES

The Windsor Castle tour is one of the most popular day tours from London. With its proximity to the city, it takes but a short trip to get there. Once in Windsor you can delight in the rich history the grounds have to offer.

In Windsor, the State Apartments is one of the most popular draws. It has been the residence of monarchs since William the Conqueror; in its current state, it boasts of grand architecture and interiors that feature beautiful murals and sculpture, and the finest artwork from the Royal Collection—Rubens and Rembrandt for starters.

While in Windsor, visit St. George’s Chapel and admire the Gothic wonder. And, unless you suffer from a fear of dolls, another definite must-see is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Think of seeing everything that can be found in a lavish period home executed in beautiful detail but in 1:12 scale.

Stonehenge-Bath-Cotswolds

Take a tour of three of the best destinations outside of London. Tackle them individually or string them all together with a Stonehenge, Bath, and Cotswald day trip!

ON THE PLAIN

It might seem like nothing much but a pile of stones but this particular pile is famous around the world. Nearly one million visitors make the trip from London to Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plain every year to see this Neolithic marvel. This mysterious prehistoric monument is one of Europe’s oldest and most popular ancient sites and is near to other Neolithic and Bronze Age grounds.

ROMANCE IN THE STONE

While originally famous for the ancient Roman baths—hence the name—it’s also famous for romance, regency romance, that is. Beautiful Bath has been the popular setting of many a regency era book, a couple of Jane Austen’s come to mind.

What’s not to love? Bath boasts of famous historical spots and grand architecture. Typical day trips to Bath will include a visit to the Roman Baths for a glimpse at the rich history behind and beneath (the hot springs) the city’s name. The Royal Crescent is also part of the standard fare; constructed between 1767 and 1775, this Georgian sensation is another one of Bath’s iconic landmarks. A visit to the Bath Assembly Rooms will also give you a glimpse into party venues of the Georgian-Regency periods.

A BUCOLIC IDYLL

Join a Cotswolds tour from London and see the postcard-perfect epitome of the English countryside. Enjoy the charm of its villages with their cozy cottages, narrow lanes, and welcoming pubs. Villages such as the picturesque Birbury, the Slaughters, Bourton-on-the-Water, Kingham, and Stow-on-the-Wold just to name a few.

Oxford-Stratford

THE MAGIC OF BOOKS, BOATS, & LEARNING

Of course we’re familiar with Oxford. Even before the magic of Harry Potter books and movies came about, Oxford day trips have already been much in demand. Blame it on the famous university with its equally famous dictionary, and its legendary boat races. Visit the famed colleges: Magdalen and Christchurch, go a-punting on the Cherwell River, and pay homage to the celebrated Bodleian Library.

AND OF THE BARD

Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, Hamlet, Macbeth, The Merry Wives of Windsor—his works are so endearingly popular that several hundred years later, most of us have bumped into some of them. Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare and take in the sights that first inspired the greatest English playwright. Catch a production of one of old Will’s work at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre or at The Swan, or at the least visit where they’re staged.

Take advantage of the best day trips from London. Select your destinations and plan ahead to get the most out of your escapades.