5 Best Day Trips from London
Here we are going to present to you the best day trips from London that are worth your time.
NEGs&POSs
London is an amazing city with so much to offer, that you could easily spend a lifetime exploring it.
[1] Hastings
54 miles from London
Landmarks
- Battle of Hastings
- Smugglers Adventure
- Norman Castle
- Funicular Railway
From its position as the site of William the Conqueror's triumph in 1066 to its status as a smuggling hotspot in the eighteenth century, Hastings has a long and colorful history. As a result, it makes perfect sense that sunseekers from London have been flocking to this town like seagulls for decades.
Visit Smugglers Adventure (a museum located in ancient smugglers' caverns) to learn more about the town's fascinating past or explore the stunning remains of its Norman castle to learn more about the town's rich history.
Browse the individual stores in the historic Old Town, take a stroll down the pier, and, most importantly, spend some time to savor the views from the clifftop at the peak of Britain's steepest funicular, the Hill Cliff Railway, which takes you up to the top of the world's steepest funicular.
Arrive at your destination. From London Bridge, it takes one hour and thirty minutes by rail; it takes around two hours by automobile.
Why Hastings is a good day trip?
One of my favorite spots on this coast. The town has plenty going on and there is a great deal to see. Hastings is a terrific spot to go to the coast for a day of waterfront fun.
That means it's not only home to hilltop castle remains, but also gorgeous ancient neighborhoods. Add to that beach, a pleasure pier, and loads of traditional fish and chips, and this makes a Hastings day trip a must on a beautiful day.
[2] The New Forest
90 miles from London
A visit to New Forest is a real safari in the UK. Walking along dappled alleys and through heather, you'll be accompanied by the famed ponies that have grazed on the heath for what seems forever and loose Highland cattle, together with pigs clearing up acorns laying on the floor. Don't want to be confined to your car for the entire day?
Alternatively, you may rent a two-seater electric powered buggy to explore the area or schedule a beginners' hack at a nearby stable. Don't forget to set aside some time to get a nice ploughman's lunch in the Royal Oak, located in Fritham before you leave.
It takes one hour and thirty minutes to go from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst by rail and around two hours by automobile. Remember that animals, not drivers, have the right of way on the road. Whether you're looking for a relaxing horse ride through ancient woods or a taste of the region's superb cuisine and drink, the New Forest has everything you need.
The New Forest's tracts of ancient forest and wildlife-rich heathland have long been a lure for city dwellers looking for a respite from their hectic lives. In addition to being a National Park, the forest is stretched throughout sections of Hampshire, east Dorset, and Wiltshire.
The forest's gorgeous landscape, accessible hiking and cycling routes, and easy access make it extremely popular with outdoor enthusiasts and those needing a breath of fresh air. There are several paths, rivers, and beaches to choose from and the opportunity to go paddleboarding or horseback riding around the countryside.
One hour 30 minutes by train from London Waterloo to local station Brockenhurst; by car it is a couple of hours.
Why The New Forest is a good day trip?
We came upon a large herd of deer and a herd of wild ponies, who looked like they had been pulled straight out of a scene from Fantasia.
New Forest ponies, who are famous for their toughness, are well-known around the world. There are plenty of fascinating locations to explore in the surrounding communities.
[3] Deal
80 miles from London
Although it may not be as well-known as neighboring Margate or Whitstable, however, it's perfect for a day trip with its charming Georgian townhouses, distinctive boutiques, and the popular Saturday market.
Start your day with a visit to Deal Castle (which was constructed by Henry VIII), followed by lunch at 81 Beach St. or Victuals & Co. Stop by the Paris-style bottle store Le Pinardier to stock up on liquid treats, and don't forget to visit the gallery-turned-homewares business Taylor-Jones and Son, to meet Delilah the sheepdog will be delighted to greet you.
It takes 80 minutes by train from London St Pancras International; and a couple of hours by car.
Why Deal is a good day trip?
Deal, like many other Kent seaside towns, is quite walkable and can be explored on foot in a short amount of time. The town's main street, the coastline, and even Deal Castle are all within walking distance of where you are staying.
Despite the fact that we were only in Deal for a day, it is a place that could easily be turned into a weekend getaway.
[4] Box Hill
30 miles from London
Spending an enjoyable Sunday afternoon bicycling through the verdant and beautiful Surrey countryside is a great way to fill the day. You should allow roughly two hours to cycle from Richmond Park to Hampton Court Palace and back.
After a long climb and a few hairpin curves (which are really less difficult than they seem!), you'll be granted spectacular vistas of the North Downs viewed from the summit of Box Hill. Grab some cake from the National Trust Cafe, but save room for lunch at the recommended Tree, which serves freshly baked crumbles prepared from scratch.
Your final stop is Box Hill and Westhumble station, it is here you can put your bicycles onto a train that will take you to Waterloo station.
By bicycle, you can get there (obviously). Before you head out, make a detailed plan of your route and include a map, a puncture repair kit, water, and food to keep you hydrated and satisfied.
Why Box Hill is a good day trip?
A summer picnic on the hill, a strenuous trek, or a chance to see orchids and butterflies are all possibilities. There's something for everyone at Box Hill, with a variety of interesting treks, stunning rural vistas, and an abundance of animals to enjoy.
Located in the North Downs of Surrey, in the South East of England, Box Hill is part of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which includes the Surrey Hills, National Park.
[5] Bath
115 miles from London
Bath is the perfect setting for a day filled with water-themed activities. Start out on the right foot with a tour of the baths that the Romans constructed (no paddling is permitted, as you have been advised), followed by a dip in the Thermae Bath Spa, which boasts a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city.
After you've dried yourself, follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen and take a stroll along the Royal Crescent. Try on some replica Georgian garbs at the Fashion Museum to get a true sense of the period's atmosphere.
Peckish? In addition to the Sally Lunn Bun, a type of sweet brioche bap, Sally Lunn's teahouse is the home of the Bath Cream Tea, which is served toasted and filled with strawberry jam and clotted cream for a Bath twist on the classic treat.
You can get there in one hour and thirty minutes by rail from London Paddington or in two hours and thirty minutes by automobile.
Why Bath is a good day trip?
In addition to being one of England's most gorgeous towns, Bath is also home to the world-famous Roman baths (for which the town is called), which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Bath is certainly worth seeing.
Summary
It's all too easy to go for the favorites of Windsor, Stonehenge, Oxford and so on. Choosing more out of the way locations, like most of the ones in this list, can yield some extraordinary results.
