After exploring Central London, it is time to get out of the city! There are several day trips you can take from Central London. Depending on how long or far you wish to travel outside the city, you can either book a tour bus or take the local trains. We did a little bit of both. Taking the local trains is nice because you can take your time. On the other hand, booking a tour bus is nice because you don’t have to worry about any of the transportation. No matter which way you prefer, these are the top day trips you must check out!
Greenwich
Probably the easiest and closest day trip from Central London is Greenwich. After a 30-40-minute tube ride (get off at Greenwich Station) it is a quick walk to Greenwich Park.
It is a steep walk up to the Greenwich Observatory from the park, so wear comfortable shoes. With a $17 entrance fee, why should you visit? Stand on the Prime Meridian, where east meets west! One tip I would give is, to get there early (opens at 10
After you have explored the Observatory, head down to the National Maritime Museum (free entry!). Check out the Ship in a Bottle and see the coat Admiral Nelson wore in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 against Napoleon!
Climb aboard Cutty Sark and explore the fastest ship in the world, during its time. Just $16 to enter, meet the crew and learn how the ship got her name! Feeling hungry? Enjoy afternoon tea under the copper-plated hull.
Right next door to the museum is the Queen’s House (free entry). As you explore the birthplace of King Henry VIII, climb the first spiral staircase in Britain; also known as the Tulip Staircase. Catch a glimpse of the Great Hall and The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I.
Are any Marvel fans out there? Walk over to the Old Royal Naval College where you may recognize the ending battle scene from Thor: The Dark World.
Windsor
Catch a train out of Paddington Station and head west to visit Windsor Castle! Windsor is one of the largest and oldest castles in the UK and thanks to the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex it is currently a ‘must’ when visiting England. It has been home to 39 monarchs and was Queen Elizabeth’s private residence.
A short distance from the Windsor & Eton Riverside Train Station, join the free 30-minute tour to learn more about the castle and what it is used for today. For your $30 ticket, some of the Castle’s highlights include; State Apartments, the Moat Room, and the beautiful gardens. Of course, you cannot miss St George’s Chapel and the Changing of the Guard!
If you have time in your day, I highly recommend walking down to Frogmore House. However, it is only open to the public for $15 just 3 individual days each year, or open, for private tours in the month of August.
Hampton Court
Another easy day trip from Paddington Station to the south of London is Hampton Court Palace. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor, started transforming the simple country house into a grand palace in the 1500s. The palace was home to King Henry VIII and all 6 of his wives. In 1603 William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth was first performed for King James I. William III and Mary II transformed the grounds into beautiful gardens and the maze was thought to be added in the 1700s. In 1838, Queen Victoria officially opened Hampton Court Palace to the public.
A quick walk from the Hampton Court Train Station, you will enter the beautiful walkway to the palace. For $26 you will have access to the
Stonehenge & Bath
Stonehenge was one of my favorite places to visit outside of London! There is such mystery surrounding these accident stones, which have been standing for almost 4,500 years! I recommend taking a bus tour for this one, as public transportation is scarce around the stones. Our tour took us to Stonehenge, and then to Bath. In Bath, we stopped and explored the ancient Roman baths as well as the Jane Austin Museum. Here are a few tours you could take.
Leeds Castle, White Cliffs of Dover, & Canterbury Cathedral
If you aren’t tired of castles by this point. Hop on a bus and head to Leeds Castle (nicknamed the Loveliest Castle)! Leeds has been the private property of several medieval queens, a palace used by King Henry VIII and his first wife, a county home, and a mansion. Soak in the beauty as you explore the rooms and gardens!
Our next stop was the White Cliffs of Dover! Walking along the edges made me nervous, but it was stunning to see! If you look out on
Our final stop on this tour was Canterbury. This cute town was hustling and bustling when we got there. Check out the local square and do some shopping. Or head straight to the Canterbury Cathedral. There has been a cathedral in Canterbury since 597, although the original was destroyed and rebuilt in the 1300s. Take the tour to learn all about the fantastic history! Here is the tour we took.
Blenheim Palace & Bournemouth Coast
Blenheim is known as the birthplace of Winston Churchill. I fell in love with this beautiful property and was stunned by the gardens! Take your time at this historical palace before heading to the coast to relax!
When you reach Bournemouth Coast, enjoy a walk on the cliffs or down the pier before heading to the local restaurant to enjoy some afternoon tea! Check out the awesome tour here!
England is such a beautiful country, we enjoyed getting out of the city and seeing more than just the iconic sights. There is still so much more to see in this amazing country, we hope to be back soon to keep exploring!
Thank you for reading! Until the next destination!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
Planning a trip to England *Here is the Ultimate London Guide* And *Best Packing List*
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