Top London Day Trips
While in London, there are plenty of places to visit on a day trip from the city. These attractions range from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, to Hampton Court Palace, to Stonehenge, and Stratford-upon-Avon. These locations are all worth the trip, and are easy to get to from central London.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London – The Making of Harry Potter is an exhibition walk through the studios that were used for the filming of the famous Harry Potter series of books and films. Located in Leavesden, South East England, the studio is owned by the Warner Bros. studio tours division.
The tour includes behind-the-scenes commentary, real props, costumes, and sets from the Harry Potter films. It also includes free transportation from Central London and a ride on an authentic Muggle train. This is the only fully guided tour of the Warner Bros. Studios and is limited to a small number of people.
For the true Harry Potter fan, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter takes visitors through the entire film-making process. From the unique materials used to create the movies to the cast and crew, this tour has something for every Harry Potter fan. The tour also features an introductory video, real props, and actual costumes worn by the characters in the movie.
The Studio is located 40 minutes north of central London. You will want to allow plenty of time to get to the studio. If you are traveling from another city, you may find that the traffic can make getting to the studio a real hassle. Alternatively, you can take a train from Euston Station to the studio for PS10.
Hampton Court Palace
If you’re looking for an English day trip, then a stop at Hampton Court Palace is a must. This beautiful palace dates back to the 17th century and was once home to the royal family. The palace is now a living museum and hosts an annual flower show. It’s a fascinating experience for history buffs, and it’s a great place to learn more about the lives of the Tudors.
There are several cafes and shops at Hampton Court Palace, and the site is wheelchair-accessible. Children under five can also get in free. The palace is also easily accessible by rail, with trains to Waterloo every half hour. Parking is limited, so arriving early is advised. This way, you can avoid long walks to the main entrance.
Another highlight of a visit to Hampton Court Palace is its beautiful gardens. You can wander the maze in the grounds, admire the baroque architecture of Christopher Wren, and admire the world’s largest grape vine. The palace has many rooms and cloisters that date back to different eras of history. For example, the Base Court dates back to the Tudor era and is the first courtyard you encounter after entering through the West Gate. The courtyard is virtually unchanged since Cardinal Wolsey’s time, and is home to a wine fountain. Clock Court, another Tudor-era courtyard, is home to the palace’s famous 500-year-old astronomical clock.
Stonehenge
A Stonehenge day trip from London offers a variety of activities. The historic site is best visited during the summer and winter solstice, when the sun plays around the stones and the first rays of light illuminate the monument. You can take the tour from 1am until 3am to witness the sunrise and enjoy a guided walk among the stones.
There are many ways to get to Stonehenge from London, including hiring a car. One way is to take the M3, which is a direct route from London. A second option is to take the M4 to Salisbury. Either way, the journey should take about two and a half hours. You can also take a public coach to Stonehenge, which is located approximately 140km from London.
Driving to Stonehenge from London is the quickest and easiest way to visit the ancient site. Using the M3 and A303, you can arrive in Stonehenge after two hours, depending on traffic. During peak tourist season, however, the A303 can get crowded. You may want to consider taking another route to avoid the crowds and long bus journeys.
Stratford-upon-Avon
A day trip to Stratford-upon-Avon is a great way to explore the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Visitors will enjoy a tour that emphasizes the Shakespeare connection while still covering interesting facts about this historic town. They can also visit the restored 16th-century timbered house that was once home to the famous playwright. Other highlights of a day trip to Stratford-upon -Avon include the town’s Church of Holy Trinity and nearby Cotswolds villages.
Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular destination for day trips from London. This medieval town is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and is home to some beautiful Tudor architecture. A day trip to Stratford-upon-Avon is a great way to see the town without having to spend a ton of money.
If you are looking for an unforgettable day trip from London, consider taking an organized bus tour to Stratford-upon-Avon. Typically, these tours include admission to the Shakespeare’s Schoolroom, a free lunch, and several photo stops throughout the Cotswolds. Generally, these tours are more expensive than day trips from London, but you can get a discount by purchasing a London tourist pass.
Lacock
For those who are interested in exploring a medieval community outside of London, Lacock, England may be the perfect place to visit. This picturesque village is home to the Lacock Abbey and boasts beautiful architecture. The village is also home to an extensive green space that is ideal for relaxing and strolling. The village is only two hours from the City of London.
If you’re interested in history, Lacock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the 13th century Lacock Abbey. Originally, the abbey was a Catholic nunnery, but when England broke ties with Catholicism, it was converted into a private residence. Today, the abbey is a National Trust property and is open to visitors. Tours last one hour, so make sure to plan accordingly.
If you have time, you should also visit the famous Avebury Stone Circle. This ancient structure is the largest stone circle in the world. It is a popular filming location for the television series Game of Thrones. The village also has a medieval inn that is perfect for lunch.
Deal Castle
If you’re looking for a day trip from London, you may want to consider a visit to Deal Castle. This castle was built in the 16th century to protect the coast. It was under siege during the English Civil War and later guarded the coast during World War II. Today, it is open to the public for a visit.
While you’re in the area, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to explore the quaint seaside town. The charming, quirky town of Deal is often dubbed the “new Shoreditch” and boasts a vibrant art scene. It also has a gorgeous beach with wooden fishing boats. Getting there from London is easy: just 1.5 hours of driving or a one-and-a-half hour ride on the high-speed train.
For history buffs, there are many museums and historic sites to visit. You’ll also want to check out the Timeball Tower, which dates back to Victorian times and boasts a unique Greenwich Mean Time signal on its roof. A visit to the Maritime and Local History Museum is another highlight.
Baths
To make the most of your day trip to Baths in London, you need to spend a full day in the city. Plan to spend at least six hours in the city, including enough time for a quick lunch and a quick coffee break. The best way to maximize your time is to arrive early in the morning.
One of the most picturesque sights in Bath is the Pulteney Bridge. The iconic bridge was built by Robert Adam and is a prime example of Georgian architecture. There are cafes and shops on both sides of the bridge. It’s one of only four in the world with shops on both sides.
There are plenty of places to shop in Bath, including high street stores and boutique independent stores. A day out shopping at independent boutiques is a great way to pass the time. Bath is a very British town, and you’ll love browsing around the quaint little boutiques. If you’re in the mood for a little indulgence, the city also has plenty of Fudge shops. The town’s famed Fudge is also locally produced, so you can find some delicious treats.
You can get to Bath by train from London Paddington Station. The journey takes about an hour and a half. The train departs from Paddington, so you’ll have to find a good time to buy your train tickets.