Days Out Of London
There's never been a better time to explore the great destinations and attractions that lie within an hour or two of London. Whether you are looking for a satisfying day trip or a more leisurely weekend, there's plenty to see and do beyond London's boundaries...
Alton Towers
If theme parks are your thing, Alton Towers is one of Britain's premier attractions. With a number of new rides and a myriad of other activities, Alton Towers is a popular drawcard for the Midlands.
For more information, visit the Alton Towers website.
Time from London: Two hours by train.
Bath
Boasting one of the best-preserved Roman bathing complexes in Europe, Bath is one of those destinations that few people come away disappointed with. An impressive medieval abbey, elegant Georgian streets and bridges, old pubs, riverside parks, and plenty of shops ensure that there's enough here to interest everyone. For more information, visit our guide to Bath.
Time from London: 90 minutes by train.
Brighton
Pack your Speedos, bring some money for your deckchair - we're off to the seaside. Yes, it's the south's answer to the tacky northern seaside resort of Blackpool - Brighton.
With an interesting mix of club/university nightlife, family seaside activities, and the faded grandeur of times past, Brighton is a great little journey out of London. Dominated by the mighty pier - with it's roller-coaster, amusement arcades, candy floss et al - Brighton can be overwhelmed by visitors on sunny weekends. The stone beach is not exactly Bondi - buckets and spades are redundant - but the long esplanade is impressive enough. Brighton Palace is a must see as well - one of the most bizarre architectural oddities in the UK.
For more information, check out the Brighton website.
Cambridge
One of Britain's famous university towns, a day in Cambridge should involve punting on the river Cam, exploring the ancient college grounds, and just soaking up the atmosphere of this small but interesting town.
For more information, check out our Cambridge guide.
Time from London: 50 minutes by train.
Canterbury
A town of many faces, Canterbury has been an important centre for the Romans, Normans, and later rulers of Britain. Dominated by the mighty Cathedral, Canterbury has an interesting medieval and Tudor quarter, and also makes a good base from which to explore the South-East.
For more information, check out the official Canterbury website.
Time from London: 45 minutes by train.
Oxford
The long-term 'rival' of Cambridge as England's premier university town, Oxford's "dreaming spires", riverside setting, and bustling activity make it an attractive destination. Surrounding by beautiful countryside, picturesque villages, and huge manorial estates, Oxford makes a great base for further exploration. The huge Blenheim Palace is a short hop from town.
For more information, visit our Oxford Guide.
Time from London: 1 hour.
Palaces & Castles
There are a number of palaces, castles, and impressive residences scattered within reach of London. Most boast great artwork, amazing interiors, huge estates or gardens, and a chance to explore the countryside.
Check out our Palaces & Castles guide for details of Windsor Castle (45 minutes from London), Blenheim Palace (90 minutes by train and bus), and Hampton Court (30 minutes by train). Ham House on the fringes of Richmond also makes a good destination - in conjunction with Richmond - for a day trip.
Stonehenge & Avebury Circles
The Neolithic stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury are the impressive evidence of ancient civilisation in England. Stonehenge is of course world-famous, and you will be hard pressed to get this busy archaeological site to yourself. Perhaps even more interesting is the huge Avebury circle, which surrounds the village of the same name, and is perhaps even older than Stonehenge.
For more information check out the Stonehenge website or get comprehensive visit details from the Visit Britain portal.
Time from London: 1 hour by car. Bus tours operate from London and Bath.
Other Options
Shakespeare country is about three hours from London, and any visit to the great playwright's home town of Stratford-upon-Avon can also incorporate a visit to nearby Warwick Castle.
An hour south of London is Winchester, an old Roman town and former rival of London for royal patronage. Now a sleepy market town, Winchester nevertheless is interesting enough for a day's stroll.
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