During our time in London, we embarked on five incredible day trips to some of the most fascinating destinations in the surrounding areas. With a little bit of planning, we were able to explore everything from ancient standing stones to cosmopolitan European cities, all within a short distance from London. These trips are not only doable but also offer a chance to escape the city and immerse yourself in a variety of different experiences.
5 unforgettable day trips from London and how to plan those trips.
Windsor Castle
Located in the town of Windsor, just 20 miles west of London, Windsor Castle is one of the official residences of the British monarchy. It’s the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and visitors can explore the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
To get to Windsor Castle from London, you can take a train from London Paddington station to Windsor & Eton Central station, which takes around 30 minutes.
Here is detailed info on how to plan your day trip from London to Windsor Castel:
How to Plan Day Trip to Windsor Castel from London
Stonehenge
Located in Wiltshire, around 85 miles southwest of London, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, believed to have been constructed around 2500 BC. Visitors can learn about the history and significance of Stonehenge at the visitor center and take a shuttle to the site itself. To get there from London, you can take a train from London Waterloo station to Salisbury station, then take a bus or taxi to Stonehenge.
Journey to the Stones: A Day Trip to Stonehenge from London.
Bath
Located in Somerset, around 115 miles west of London, Bath is a beautiful Georgian city known for its hot springs and well-preserved Roman baths. You can explore the Roman Baths complex, the Georgian architecture, and the picturesque streets lined with boutiques and cafes. To get there from London, you can take a train from London Paddington station to Bath Spa station, which takes around 90 minutes.
The Ultimate Bath Itinerary: See it All in a Day
Brussels
Located in Belgium, around 200 miles northeast of London, Brussels is the capital of the European Union and a hub for culture, politics, and cuisine. You can explore the historic city center, the Atomium, the Grand Place, and the many museums and galleries. To get there from London, you can take a Eurostar train from London St. Pancras station to Brussels Midi station, which takes around 2 hours.
One day in Brussels – My Brussels Discoveries
Paris
Located in France, around 215 miles southeast of London, Paris is the City of Light and one of the most iconic destinations in the world. You can explore the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the many parks, cafes, and boutiques. To get there from London, you can take a Eurostar train from London St Pancras station to Paris Gare du Nord station, which takes around 2.5 hours.
A day trip to Paris from London is not for the faint of heart, but it is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. It requires a lot of planning, early morning wake-up calls and a willingness to rush around Paris to see as much as possible. However, as someone who has done this trip before, I understand the allure and the excitement of experiencing two of the world’s most iconic cities in one day. Don’t let the naysayers on the internet talk you out of this adventure. Go for it and enjoy the magic of Paris, even if it’s just for a few hours. Just be prepared for a long day and make sure you plan ahead to make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
5 days in Paris- What to see in Paris for first time visitors
