7 Best Day Trips From London

When city life gets to you, and you need a breather, you start thinking of a trip. Assuming you have a job to get back to, the trip can’t be long either. You might be thinking of a day trip as close to London as possible. It could include fun beaches, historic cities, villages, or a deserted town. Anywhere, far from the confinements of your apartment and your office. 

We are here to present to you some dreamy spots that include relaxation, good food, fresh air, and new surroundings. These are some of the best things to do in london when you are frustrated with your daily life, routines, and your boss.

What Is A Day Trip? 

A day trip involves visiting a place and then returning home on the same day. You must travel light to stay agile and moving. Your snacks and drinks will be your beloved companions on the trip. Choose clothes that are comfortable and help you trip easily. Try to time your trip in a way so that you can get back home in time while not missing the key highlights of the place you visit. 

1. Hastings

This was the battleground of William the Conqueror’s victory in 1066. It was also the core region of smuggling back in the 18th century. Hastings is rich with an impressive history. It has, therefore, become a popular choice among London city goers to flocked to this town for centuries. 

You could visit the ruins of the Norman castle or get a whiff of the smuggling world at the Smugglers Adventure Museum, built over former smugglers’ caves. The old towns will take you down with their heritage nostalgia. You could also admire the views from the clifftop of the summit of Hill Cliff Railway (Britain’s steepest funicular.)

At 54 miles from the city, it takes 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London Bridge and 2 hours by car.  

2. Rye

This little slice of Cotswolds along the coast, Rye, is filled with antique shops and cobbled lanes.  Once you are done browsing the rightly-named Tiny Book Store, get some seafood lunch from Globe Inn Marsh. It is surrounded by lobster pots for more feel.

You could follow it with Sussex real ale or a glass of local wine at The George. If you want to learn about wine-making, visit the Chapel Down vineyard. They also offer their signature wine tasting. 

If you go on for two more minutes, you will come across the dunes of Camber Sands. Its stretches of sand and the sea not far away, we will let your imagination do the rest. 

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3. Margate

This coastal town in Kent offers cold-brew coffee and craft beer with the salty charm of a beach. You can start by going to the Turner Contemporary Gallery. 

Moving on to the retro theme park, you could then visit the roller-disco Dreamland. Once you are done dancing your exhaustion off, head to Hantverk & Found for some fresh seafood lunch and natural wine. 

You could spend the rest of the day shopping- you can choose from vintage pieces in Breuer & Dawson and seaweed-based skincare from Haeckles.  

It is 76 miles from the city and takes 1 hour 25 minutes from St. Pancras International. It could take 2 hours by car. 

4. Bath

Here you have a water-themed day to expect. You could start with the Romans baths, where paddling is not allowed. You could then head for the Thermae Bath Spa, where the rooftop pool has some unparalleled views. When you dry off, you can stroll along the Royal Crescent like a Jane Austen heroine. 

Get to Sally Lunn’s teahouse for their bun, which is a sort of sweet brioche bap. Giving your cream tea a Bath twist, order one toasted and spread with strawberry jam and clotted cream. 

It takes an hour and 30 minutes by train from Paddington and 2 hours 30 minutes by car. It is about 115 miles from the city. 

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5. Brighton

Its pebble beach and wall-to-wall live music venues can totally up your vitamin sea levels. You could start your day with the seagulls all over the place on the Palace Pier. Shop till you drop in the Lanes where boutiques, record stores, and vegan eateries dot the place. Have a drink at the Brighton Beer Dispensary, which champions smaller breweries like the Hand Brew Co. 

You can get here within one hour by train from Victoria, Blackfriars, or London Bridge. It could take around 2 hours by car. It is a bit over 50 miles from the city. 

6. The New Forest

New Forst is as close to a safari as you could be that does not include a plane ticket. As you go down the dappled lanes and go across the heather-covered heath, you will spot the ponies that have inhabited the place for centuries. 

There will also be free-ranging Highland cattle and pigs feeding on the acorns. If you don’t want to be stuck in a car for hours, hire a 2-seater electric Twizzy buggy to check the place out. Dont miss out on the ploughman’s lunch at the Royal Oak in Fritham. 

Located 90 miles from London, it takes 1 hour 30 minutes from Waterloo to Brockenhurst and 2 hours by car. 

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7. Box Hill

The closest option for your day trip is Box Hill. It was part of the 2012 Olympic road-cycling route. You could start in Richmond Park and pedal down to Hampton Court, taking about 2 hours. Once you take the 1.6-mile climb that includes some hairpin bends, you will reach a point that will offer gorgeous views of the North Downs from the top of the hill. You can get yourself a slice of cake from the National Trust Café and lunch from The Tree which offers homemade pies and crumbles. 

Lastly, you will get to Box Hill and Westhumble station, where you can upload your bike to take the train back to Waterloo. 

About 30 miles from London, you can reach Box Hill in 2 hours on a bike. Taking a bike means you must plan it out carefully, with maps, puncture repair kits, water, and snacks.

To Conclude

Taking a break from your regular work and monotonous city life has been on the cards for you for some time now. But you have not been able to do anything about it because, well, you are busy. If you are looking for a sign, this is it. It’s time for your day trip to happen!

Tell us where you went and how it went. Let us know if you have tips on day trips. We would love to hear from you. 

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