5 Best Day Trips Outside of The Bustling City of London
There are so many hidden gems that are perfect day trips beyond the iconic city of London.
I’m telling you. Take a deep breath and take a stroll in a beautiful location away from the city. You will not regret it.
When I was living in London, I was trying to plan out the best day trips in the countryside. I wanted to see the moors of England like the Bronte fan that I am. I realized it’s tough getting anywhere too rural without a car, so I made do with even better destinations within easy access to the city.
So here is a helpful guide to anyone hoping to find more unique experiences away from the bustling urban life of London.
The draw towards this city is undeniable. London has captured my heart, and nothing really can replace it. A flaw of mine for sure, as I’ll probably never get the chance to live there again. But maybe such a feeling resonates with you as well.
London is really just perfect on its own. But if you’re planning on visiting London and hoping to get outside of the city, I assure you there’s plenty of options for some amazing day trips. You shouldn’t miss the opportunity.
This information is all based on my own experience, I’m not an expert or a local, but while I was studying in London, I found myself enjoying my day trips outside of the city almost more than I enjoyed living in London itself. There are more day trips that I wish I could have done, so here I will provide you a perfect list of them for anyone to enjoy.
1) Brighton
Train – 1 hour and 50 minutes
Brighton is the best spot for a quick beach day outside of the city. This place is full of liveliness and vibrant energy throughout the year. It is definitely more popular with the younger crowds.
Just a short trip by train, this cute little beach town is the best spot for some beach time. It’s perfect for anyone looking to ride the coasters on the pier, take a swim, or shop along the beachfront.
Brighton is quite a big area to navigate on foot so I highly recommend trying out some bike riding.I think the perfect way to spend your beach day is to rent a bike, which is fairly easy to do in Brighton.
There are plenty of spots where you can rent the bike along the pedestrian path, which is along the water. The bike rentals are found at different stations along the water, and you can rent them without spending more than just a few pounds.
Brighton’s iconic pier, which dates back more than a hundred years, is a must visit on your trip to this picturesque beach town. The pier offers an aesthetic oceanside amusement park, an arcade, and beautiful views. And don’t forget the fun food options such as fish and chips, crepes, candy, ice cream, and the list goes on.
There’s also an observation tower which is 162m high, right along the water, looking over the stunning ocean and the surrounding area.
The best advice I think is if you wanna wander this beautiful old seaside city yourself. What interests you will find you for sure. Before you leave, don’t forget to explore all of the lovely shops in town.
2) Windsor
Train – 30 minutes
Windsor is the best day trip for a short trip outside of the city. Windsor is pretty well known for the Windsor Palace, but the town itself is also quite the appeal.
Side story: I’m not a fan of the royals but I thought it would be fun to attend such a big british event as the royal wedding. So I went to Harry and Meghan’s wedding. It was a very last minute decision, I just woke up that morning and decided to take a quick train over to Windsor before I could regret it. I stood out in the sun all day and got burnt pretty good, but it was really unforgettable. Everyone singing god save the queen in such a crowd on the long walk in a very off tune unison, was quite an experience.
While I had been to Windsor on the crazy day of the royal wedding, this is one day trip location I had wished to visit on any ordinary day. I wish I could have experienced this adorable old town properly.
But on the rare occasion you do get the chance to visit Windsor on a day of a royal wedding, I say, do it. It is an absolutely amazing experience!
Even on a normal day, what you’ll find is more than a palace. Take the train into Windsor, and then check out all of the little shops in town before you head over to the castle. Windsor is full of charming shops and restaurants along cobblestone streets with a perfect view of the old castle.
Windsor Castle is really something you can’t and shouldn’t miss. Built almost a thousand years ago, Windsor Castle is well known for its rich history as a royal residence of many monarchs. Make sure you visit the castle early enough to get the most out of your trip.
The journey should take around half an hour by train, making this the easiest trip for something short and sweet.
3) Cambridge
Train – A little over an hour
Have you ever wanted to wander a beautiful old British university town like you see in the movies?
Cambridge is famous for this kind of set up. It’s a famous historic city in England that does not disappoint for anyone looking for that kind of picturesque old university aesthetic. But there’s so much more than just a college town.
You will find cows. Yes, cows, wandering the fields and walkways of Cambridge University. It’s quite an interesting sight, but be smart and try not to approach them.
You will also find cute old bridges crossing the river. One being the Mathematical bridge, which is designed with an arch made out of straight timbers. The river also provides punt boat rides if that suits your interest.
There is an absolute abundance of wonderful routes for a stroll in Cambridge. In fact, take a stroll around King’s College for a truly aesthetic experience. Stop by the King’s College Chapel and Great St Mary’s, or any other stunning church you happen to pass by. Take a look into all the cute book stores and shops along these old streets as well.
Truly the best thing you can do in Cambridge is not having a set itinerary. Just wander the University and all of the colleges, shops, and little streets on your own. You will make the most of your day this way and leave feeling how magical the old city really is.
4) Eastbourne
Train – 1 hour and 50 minutes
Ever see in movies the classic chalk white cliffs of England? They say those cliffs belong to Dover, but Eastbourne’s Beachy Head is by far more beautiful.
In this quiet resort town, you find your calm outside of the hectic city atmosphere of London.
Eastbourne is just a drive away from Brighton, so this is an excellent alternative if you want a quiet beach day instead. That does not mean it is lacking in fun however.
Eastbourne is an underrated gem compared to Brighton.
It’s the perfect spot for your classic English breakfast. So stop by a local breakfast place and start your morning off right. A place I highly recommend is The Beach Kitchen.
Here you will find a beautiful pier with adorable shops and beautiful views. I recommend having tea at The Victorian Tea Rooms on the pier. You will get the most stunning view of the ocean. That’s how you drink your tea in style.
Most importantly, you must take a bus up to Beachy Head and The Seven Sisters, to the most charming cliffs you’ll ever see.
Take advantage of the bus hours early on in the day so that you don’t miss your chance to get up there in the afternoon. The bus takes you to a few stops in the area, all of which are stunningly beautiful with the most amazing views from on top of the cliffs. Without a doubt this will be the highlight of your day.
If you want to get a view of the cliffs from a beach perspective, there’s a stairwell at the National Trust Information Centre that leads you down to the shoreline. Don’t miss the bus back to town, though you might feel you don’t have the heart to leave such a treasure.
The Seven Sisters cliffs are a timeless beauty that you cannot miss.
5) Edinburgh
Train – 4 to 5 hours
Okay this is not exactly a day trip, as the time of travel is too much for just a single day spent. However, it cannot go unmentioned. It’s perfect for a short two day trip. If you have the chance to spare a weekend to go up north, go for it.
Just a few hours train ride up north, and you’ll reach Scotland with all its beautiful sheep fields and ocean views. The train station is right in the center of everything in Edinburgh, so you can start with any location on your itinerary upon arrival.
One important destination to mention is Edinburgh Castle. This castle dates back to the 12th century, having been built on Castle Rock, which is actually an extinct volcano. This old fortress was the home of many monarchs, including Mary Queen of Scots. It also houses the oldest crown jewels in Britain. This impressive castle on a hill also has a stunning view of the rest of Edinburgh and the sea beyond the city.
Let’s also not forget to mention that J.K. Rowling wrote some of the Harry Potter book series in Edinburgh. I’ll admit I’ve never read the books, but still I recommend taking a harry potter tour. There are some free tours that you can join. So even if you’re not into Harry Potter, this is a good budget friendly option for getting a beautiful guided walk around the city.
Right next to the castle is the Royal Mile. This is a gorgeous old street lined with shops and restaurants. Just a bit over the length of a mile, the Royal Mile offers plenty of entertainment and sights to see, and really you don’t have to stay on the main road, taking a walk in the area itself is a must see. There’s a beautiful curved street which is the location for most of the photography done in Edinburgh called Victoria Street. You can even go up on the terrace to get a perfect view of the winding path and its colorful shops.
Another important place to mention is Calton Hill. This is actually quite a hill to walk up, but provides some of the best views in the city. You can see the castle, the ocean, the rest of the city and Leith as well.
There are many spots and activities which I haven’t mentioned. But the list can go on forever. That’s why sometimes a short trip isn’t enough, but I highly recommend you take the chance to go up there. Truly a quick trip to Edinburgh is an unforgettable experience.
Maeve
Welcome to our little corner of the internet!
Just an American girl living in India and exploring the rest of the world on the side. Most of my joys come from traveling beautiful places, good old fashioned handwritten letters, fresh flowers, and a warm cup of chai.
So allow me offer you a cup of tea (with a spoonful of chini, of course!) as you join me in sharing about travel tips for discovering the most beautiful locations, insights into life as an expat in India with my wonderful Indian husband, and discussions about navigating long-distance relationships.
Join me for stories filled with wanderlust, cross-cultural love, and the little joys of life. Whether you’re an aspiring traveler, in a multicultural relationship, or just curious about life abroad, there’s something here for you.
Our Long Distance Story
We are Maeve and Kart – a long distance married couple from America and India.
To all kindred spirits out there trying to navigate a multicultural or a long distance relationship, you’re not alone. Learn from our own experiences of how we finally found each other from across the world and remain together living with a blend of both cultures and languages.
Get a cup of tea and a spoonful of chini and take in the advice from those who have successfully created a strong cross-cultural relationship from a distance.
