Your top 10 Day Trip List
Looking for the best day trips from London in 2026? From historic landmarks to charming towns and beautiful countryside, these top 10 destinations offer something for everyone looking for a day trip. Join our day trips from London with our guides to discover these must-see spots outside the capital!
1. Stonehenge
Stonehenge is one of England’s most iconic prehistoric monuments in Wiltshire. Reaching 13 feet in height, this ancient site marks a significant shift in human history. Full of mystery, its true purpose remains unknown. Popular theories suggest it was used for ceremonial gatherings, burials, or astronomical observations.
A visit to Stonehenge will leave you pondering these possibilities. The attraction draws over a million visitors annually and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the UK. The tourist staple when it comes to taking day tours from London!
Things to do:
Audio Tour: Be sure to use the official Stonehenge audio guide by the British Heritage. Access this by getting the app from your app store, which comes in 13 different translations.
Summer Solstice: Experience the magic of the longest day of the year when the sun aligns perfectly with the stones.
Inner Circle Access: Get up close to Stonehenge without restriction!
What to know in 2026:
- The Big Brick Build 3-12 April 2026: An event worth attending with the little ones as a family day out with the opportunity to play a part in building Stonehenge with lego!
Summer Solstice Celebration 20-21 June 2026: The Annual celebration is the biggest Stonehenge gathering as people witness the sunrise on the ancient stones.
SolsticeFest 18-22 June 2026: Celebrate the Solstice local to Stonehenge in true spiritual fashion with four days of camping at Berwick Saint James.
- Stonehenge Polo Festival 26th 27th June 2026: One of England’s biggest polo events, in star view of Stonehenge.
Stonehenge and Bath Guided Day Trip from London 2026
From London, go to the Stonehenge trip to see the standing stones. Then go from Stonehenge to Bath to explore the city of Bath and the Roman Baths (optional).
2. Windsor Castle
Did you know that one of the world’s largest inhabited castles is just a stone’s throw away from London? Windsor Castle has been a royal residence for nearly a millennium. It offers a glimpse into centuries of British history, showcasing the riches and honour of the royal family.
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A half-day tour of Windsor Castle will suffice, with an ideal time of 2h 30m being needed to tour the attraction. See where the royals worship, pay your respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, and see where ceremonials and presidential visits happen! Remember, it’s a royal residence, so keep your eyes peeled for royal family members
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Things to do:
State Apartments: Tour the lavishly decorated rooms used by royalty.
St. George’s Chapel: Visit this gothic-designed Chapel and burial place of past monarchs.
Queen Mary’s Doll’s House: See the intricate masterpiece created for Queen Mary in the 1920s.
Changing of the Guard: The historic and proud ceremony change of the King’s Guard.
Multimedia Guide: Windsor Castle provides free multimedia guides to everyone!
- Read your Windsor Castle Guide here!
What to know in 2026:
- £1 Windsor Castle admission: £1 tickets for individuals receiving Universal Credit or other benefits. This makes for a great opportunity if you’re looking to get on a day out but are restricted due to finances.
- Royal Windsor Horse Show (14-17) May 2026 : A family friendly equestrian festival, see jumping competitions, military shows, Polo and more!
Windsor Castle Half Day Trip from London Including Entry 2026
Explore St George’s Chapel, State Apartments and other royal attractions your guide will tell you about.
3. Cotswolds
You’ve probably heard of the Cotswolds in a conversation with friends or on social media in the past year. The Cotswolds grew in popularity as a pleasant region to visit, with its beautiful and lush countryside.
The limestone and gold buildings, markets, footpaths, wildflower meadows and woodlands are utopia features of the Cotswolds. The beauty of the Cotswolds is maintained and protected as it’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Therefore, visiting the destination will feel like a privilege worth having! Day trips to the Cotswolds are best enjoyed by a coach. This is due to the length of travel in between villages.
What to see (Cotswold Villages):
- Stow on the Wold, Burford, Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-water and Bibury
What to know in 2026:
- The Big Festival – 28th – 30th August this year: This popular Cotswolds Festival includes live performances, food, rides, experiences, and more.
- Ciffords Circus 2nd April 2026.
The Cotswolds Guided Day Trip from London 2026
Visit the Cotswolds from London, and stroll through Bibury, stow on the wold and many more beautiful Cotswolds villages.
4. Dover and Canterbury
Kent offers a delightful blend of historic castles, stunning natural beauty, and distinctive regional architecture. It also played a significant role in both World Wars. We recommend visiting three locations on a day trip to Kent which is detailed below.
What to see:
Dover Castle: Known as the “Key to England,” this imposing fortress overlooks the English Channel and offers breath taking views. See the network of war tunnels from the Napoleonic era, and the museums that show the live of medieval times to world war 2.
The White Cliffs of Dover: These iconic chalk cliffs are a must-see for all people and is taken care of by National Trust.
Canterbury Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent Gothic cathedral is the site to enjoy and learn the years of history under one roof.
What to know in 2026:
Canterbury Festival – 16 – 31 October 2026: A city-wide celebration of music, theatre, talks and live performances hosted across Canterbury’s historic venues.
Canterbury Medieval Pageant – 4th July 2026: A colourful parade through the city centre celebrating Canterbury’s medieval history with costumes and live entertainment.
Dover Castle Medieval Joust – May Bank Holiday 2026: Experience live jousting, medieval encampments and family friendly entertainment within the castle grounds.
Dover Regatta – 1247 and 13th July 2026: A lively coastal event featuring boat races, live music and seaside activities along Dover’s waterfront.
Dover Castle, White Cliffs and Canterbury Guided Day Trip from London 2026
Take a day trip from London to Canterbury and tour inside the Cathedral. Go to Dover and see the White Cliffs of Dover. Visit Dover Castle including the secret war tunnels.
5. Bath
Bath is a famous city known for its golden stone buildings, Georgian architecture, and Roman Baths. Founded in 43 AD by the Romans, the city was built around natural hot springs. The 18th century brought a new style of architecture to Bath. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath is a great place to visit as a historic city while enjoying cultural elegance.
What to see:
- Roman Baths – See the well-preserved hot springs used centuries ago.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – A fantastic way to see all the popular sights in a timely manner. Pay a single fee, get off at a particular location, snap photos and get on the next bus! Great to see the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Milsom Street, and more.
- Jane Austen Centre – A special treat into the life of the famous Jane Austen but also of the Regency era!
- The Pump Room – TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards 2024, experience something of the Georgian era for delicious meals.
- Thermae Bath Spa
What to know in 2026:
Bath & West Food Drink Festival – 21nd – 22 March, 2026.
Jane Austen Festival: Celebrate the Jane Austen Festival from – September 11th–20th, 2026.
Bath Festivals (Below): features music, literature, and art.
- Bath Literature Festival: 16 – 24 May 2026
- Bath Music Festival: 30 May – 7 Jun 2026
- Bath Children’s Literature Festival: 26 Sep – 4 Oct 2026
- Party in the City: 15 May 2026
Visit the Roman Baths Museum in Bath and Wiltshire 2026
Explore the Roman Baths museum in Bath – See the ancient thermal pools and sacred Spring, and artefacts from Roman Britain and the prehistoric Stonehenge in Wilshire.
Day Trips from London with
Anderson Tours
We’ve been running tours for nearly 30 years, offering a wide range of day trips from London! Each tour includes transport, guides, and entry to attractions to make your trip easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re going solo or with a group, we balance informative commentary with free time for you to explore.
6. Leeds and Hever Castle
Leeds Castle and Hever Castle are two of Kent’s most iconic historic attractions. Leeds Castle, often described as “the loveliest castle in the world,” is set on an island within a beautiful lake and has over 900 years of history. Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and played a key role in Tudor history. Both castles offer a glimpse into England’s royal past.
A visit to Leeds Castle and Hever Castle will leave you immersed in centuries of British history. From medieval royalty to Tudor drama, this day tour combines two impressive estates in one journey. Surrounded by stunning gardens and historic interiors, it remains a popular choice when it comes to taking day tours from London!
What to see:
Leeds Castle:
Interiors: Explore the historic rooms and discover how royalty and noble families once lived within the castle walls.
Maze & Grotto: Take on the famous yew maze before reaching the underground grotto at its centre.
Grounds & Lake: Walk around the landscaped gardens and admire the castle surrounded by its scenic moat.
Hever Castle
Rooms: Step inside the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and view original Tudor artefacts and historic interiors.
Gardens: Wander through the Italian Garden, Tudor Garden and Water Maze all located within the castle grounds.
Lake: Enjoy the peaceful setting of the 38-acre lake just a short walk from the castle.
What to know in 2026:
- Medieval Jousting Tournament 3rd – 4th May 2026: Experience live combat displays and traditional entertainment across the Leeds Castle grounds.
- Leeds Castle Concert 11th July 2026: A summer evening of live music set against the castle backdrop, finishing with a fireworks display.
- Festival Theatre Season May – August 2026: Open-air performances at Hever Castle featuring theatre, music and tribute acts within the castle grounds.
- Hever in History 22nd – 24th August 2026: Step back in time with living history camps and re-enactments across the Hever Castle estate.
- Fireworks Spectacular 7th – 8th November 2026: One of Kent’s most popular autumn events, lighting up the skies above Leeds Castle.
From London: Tour Leeds Castle & Hever Castle in Kent
From £120
Explore Leeds Castle and Hever Castle in Kent with tickets included on a day tour. Discover over 900 years of history at Leeds Castle, once a royal residence for six medieval queens, and uncover the Tudor charm of Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn.
7. Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is a well preserved royal residence which used to be home to Henry VIII. Most noticeably, it’s state apartments, baroque architecture and 60 acre garden with sections of differing characters make it a historic attraction that goes back 500 years. worth visiting.
What to see:
Henry VIII’s Tudor Kitchens: Imagine the heat and pressure as 200 cooks prepped 800 meals a day for the King’s household in these massive kitchens.
The State Apartments: These are the real highlight, ranging from William III’s Baroque rooms and Grand Staircase to Henry VIII’s moody, tapestry-lined Gothic apartments.
The Chocolate Kitchens: Take a look at the spot where Georgian Kings had their luxury hot chocolate specially prepared with roasted cocoa beans and spices.
Chapel Royal: This stunning space is still used for worship today and features an incredible blue and gold ceiling installed for Henry VIII.
The Gardens & Maze: From the symmetrical Privy Gardens to the famous Maze, there are over 60 acres of grounds to explore for a breath of fresh air.
What to know in 2026:
- Tulip Festival 11th – 26th April 2026: Enjoying the full bloomsome of the the Tulips!
- RHS Hampton Court palace Garden Festival 8th – 12th July 2026: A beautiful day of gardening inspiration for your own gardening dreams.
- Hampton Court Palace Festival 10th – 19th June 2026: Enjoy the various artist’s with friends and family, to indoor palace dinning experiences to exclusive entrance to the King’s state apartments.
Hampton Court Palace Half-Day Trip from London Including Entry Tickets
From £72
Your Hampton Court Palace tour includes entry tickets and transportation, giving you the freedom to explore its historic halls, opulent state apartments and gardens at your own pace. Walk in the footsteps of King Henry VIII.
8. Oxford
Oxford is a historic university city famous for its beautiful architecture, world-class education, and rich culture. Well-known colleges like Christ Church and Magdalen College are architectural masterpieces.
Beyond academics, Oxford offers a wealth of cultural experiences. Explore the Botanic Garden, wander the historic market square, or punt on the River Cherwell. Oxford’s lovely atmosphere and spirit make it a tempting destination to visit.
What to see:
Ashmolean Museum Museum of Natural History for a cultural deep-dive.
Bodleian Library -Walking tour of Oxford’s world-famous colleges, including Christ Church.
Blenheim Palace – The seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, one of Britain’s greatest palaces. Now a country house, open to the public.
What to know in 2026:
- Alice Day 5th July 2026: Celebrate Lewis Carroll’s famed character in Oxford, great for family with loads of exciting activities to enjoy.
- One World Family Festival 14th – 15th February: Celebrated in Ashmolean Museum, enjoy activities, performances, talks, etc. This years theme is Nature.
- Oxford Folk Festival 10th – 12th April 2026: A free event for visitors to come and experience a grass-roots festival performed by oxford locals. Enjoy the Ceilidh dance!
Oxford and Cambridge Guided Day Trip from London 2026
See the grand and famous cities of Oxford & Cambridge. Explore the history and architecture. Visit Bodleian Library, Oxford University, Kings College Chapel and more with this tour!
9. Glastonbury
Perhaps one of the most spiritualistic day trips from London. Glastonbury is a small town in Somerset, famous for its annual music festival. Often called the “hippiest town in the UK,” it attracts people interested in music, spirituality, and history.
With many unique independent shops selling everything from crafts to magic cards, Glastonbury is a special place. It’s a free-spirited town with a lot to offer.
What to see:
Glastonbury Abbey – History and myth, see one of the earliest Christian foundations and the burial place of King Arthur.
Chalice Well Gardens – Come up close to sacred waters that many have made pilgrimages to to receive healing according to myth.
Glastonbury Tor – Walk up the hill to the pagan site of Glastonbury Tor and enjoy the Somerset plains!
What to know in 2026:
Glastonbury Festival – Planned for 2027.
Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza – Cancelled – Will make a return in 2027.
Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Faye – Travel back to medieval times with re-enacted battles, war demonstrations and more – April 25th – April 26th 2026
Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge Guided Day Trip from London
Explore Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge and go down the Cheddar caves. Adventure out of London into Somerset to areas full of history, legend & beautiful landscapes.
10. Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a beautiful island off the south coast of England. Making for a great option if you’re interested in seaside day trips. It’s a great place to escape the busy city and enjoy nature and beaches.
You can explore the coastline, visit charming towns, and see historic sites like Osborne House and Sandown Beach. To get to the Isle of Wight, you’ll need to take a ferry from Southampton.
What to see:
Shanklin Chine – Trees, lush vegetation and waterfalls at this popular attraction.
Osborne House – The once beloved home retreat for Queen Victoria.
Carisbrooke Castle – From an artillery fortress to a romantic castle, see the historic castle and meet Carisbrooke donkeys!
The Needles – Seaside Town
What to Know in 2026
- Cowes Week – International regatta racing, spectator friendly – August 1st – 7th, 2026
- Isle of Wight Festival – The annual British music festival in Newport, Isle of Wight – June 18th – 21st, 2026
Isle of Wight Day Trip from London
Journey with us across land and sea! Tour the Isle of Wight. Explore the horizons with the Needles Chairlift. Visit Osborne House, home to past royalty and Stroll through Godshill Village.
Day trips from London & Private Group Tours
Join us on popular day trips from London and ditch the travel planning to focus on attractions you want to see. Learn about our Private Group Tours also!
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