We love a good roadtrip, as much as we love the City, but – contrary to a popular belief – it’s not the center of the world. There are so many, interesting and cool things to do just outside of London, it would be a shame not to!
So here’s our top ten list of day-trips from London!
1)St. Albans
Why? Because it’s so, so pretty, that’s why!
Anciently known as the Roman city of Verulamium, this gorgeous town in Hertfordshire takes less than an hour to reach by car. It has great markets and plenty of pubs to either warm up or cool down. With lots of history behind it, the stunning cathedral, and its picturesque appearance, it’s really worth a visit. And… oh right, you can take a walk around the Warner Bros Studio Tour of The Making of Harry Potter!
2) Abingdon
We could say that Abingdon is… interesting! Known for its 400-year-old bun throwing ceremony, it can be visited by taking a ride on the River Thames from Wallingford, and we strongly suggest you do, because it’s a fascinating way to discover two towns, both of which have records dating back to the 7th century! You don’t usually associate London with ancient ancient times, but eh, we’ve been here for a while, one name or another.
3) Hitchin Lavender Farm
The town is small and cute, and they hold festive markets worth a visit, but the real attraction here is the laveder farm, known as one of the best lavender fields in England. Visitors love the atmosphere here, haveing some afternoon tea at their café is a favourite activity of many. It really is one of the best places to visit in Hertfordshire.
4) Henley-on-Thames
Other than being pretty and looking so characteristic, Henley-on-Thames is a popular location amongst kayaking lovers or if you just like spending time on the water. Another big, valid reason to visit this town on a day trip out of London is the Henley Royal Regatta. Apparently, it is the best-known regatta in the whole world!
5) Oxford
This famous city is full of beautiful architecture and scenery, making it a spectacular place to visit. Reknown among the best university cities in the world, the attraction of Oxford isn’t simply academic: it is really, really beautiful and very, very rich in history, it truly deserves to be explored. Worth mentioning is also the old prison, once housed in the Castle.
6) Margate
While taking a little longer (about 2 hours), Margate has many reasons to be visited! There’s an amusement park, many little shops, and some really cute cafes right in front of the sea. There’s also an incredible art gallery, and obviously delicious fish and chips. Very worth the ride for a day at the seaside filled with fun and relax.
6) Isle of Wight
If what you like are spectacular beaches, breathtaking vistas, history and castles, this is the scenic drive from London for you! It does involve a short ferry ride from mainland UK, but it’s more than welcome to geth here. You can take tours and learn more about this calm, tightly knitted community and the stories about it, and even just driving around taking in the sights that this place offers is just beautiful.
8) Cheddar Gorge
In spite of its very funny sounding name, this town means serious business! Not only was this the place where the very oldest complete human skeleton was found, dating back to 9000 years ago, it is in general a fascinating insight into prehistoric life that can be toured by families and brave explorers alike, for a unique experience and unexpected sights to behold!
9) Seven Sisters Cliff
This series of bright chalk cliffs, a beloved UK landmark visible from the Channel, is located between the towns of Seaford and Eastbourne in Sussex, within the South Downs National Park; the perfect spot for long walks overlooking the sea on this trail surrounded by nature.
This is definitely one of the very favorite day trips to can EVER take from London.
10) Brighton
They call it London by the sea, this quirky, colourful city is a perfect place to visit on a weekend or your day off. Probably the best fish and chips in the country, beautiful beach, lovely atmosphere, enjoyable day and night, definitely a pretty ideal place to take a trip to. It’s just so charming, you have to come to Brighton.