London is an incredible destination in England with iconic attractions inside the city. But did you know that some of the most exciting adventures lie just beyond the city?
Once you cross this bustling cosmopolitan city, you will find more fascinating places that are even better than the locations inside London. We have gathered the scoop on several tourist places to explore near London, where you can go for a day trip or more.
These fabulous tourist attractions are majestic and offer a blend of everything from royal charm to rich history and a serene atmosphere. If you want to explore London as a whole, a visit to these 12 tourist attractions is a must. Let’s find out about each option in detail.
Top 12 Tourist Spots to Visit Nearby London
As you get ready to explore London and its surrounding destinations, you can never miss out on a few places. A visit to the best places nearby can help enhance your experience to the maximum and offer you a great way to experience vacationing in London. Let's take a dive into the details of these 12 destinations and how to experience the best day trips from London nearby:
- Windsor
- Oxford
- Bath
- Brighton
- Cambridge
- Stonehenge
- The Cotswolds
- Hampton Court Palace
- Canterbury
- Leeds Castle
- Seven Sisters Cliffs
- Warwick Castle
1. Windsor Castle
Location: 24 miles west of London
Distance: 45 minutes by train
Windsor Castle’s history goes long back to the 11th century. It is one of the oldest castles in the world. It displays a regal vibe and has a royal history in the British region. Windsor was once the official residence of the Queen. The magnificent fortress is open to the public all year round. You can get a glimpse into the British monarchy and its history with just one visit an explore this iconic castle on your trip to London.
Best Way to Get There: Take a direct train from Waterloo or London Paddington station
Main attractions: Windsor Castle, St. George's Chapel, Windsor Great Park
Best time to visit: Spring and summer to see the castle gardens are in full bloom
2. Oxford City
Location: 56 miles northwest of London
Distance: 1 hour by train
Oxford is a city 56 miles away from the Big Smoke—London—on the confluence of the River Thames and Cherwell. The city is majorly famous for its prestigious university of the same name. Students from all over the world want to get admission there and study for their higher education. Oxford is also a good place for exciting outdoor activities near London. So, take a trip to the royal capital of England and plan a visit to Oxford.
Best way to get there: Direct trains run from London Paddington or Marylebone
Main attractions: University of Oxford, Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera
Best time to visit: All year round. However Spring offers the most pleasant weather that helps you explore Oxford on foot.
3. Bath
Location: 115 miles west of London
Distance: 1.5 hours by train
If you are looking for popular tourist places near London, Bath is your next destination. Also, honored to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this place is a haven for those looking to relax better. It was first founded by Romans around the first century A.D. Today it has developed to be a fashionable city with so much to enjoy and see. A renowned author, Jane Austen, called it home for a few years, and now it has so many attractions with actual baths as the name of this amazing location.
The best way to get there: a Train ride from London Paddington
Main attractions: Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Royal Crescent
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the town is less crowded
4. Brighton
Location: 54 miles south of London
Distance: 1 hour by train
Do you wish to explore the London Countryside? Book day trips from London and visit Brighton. It is a seaside town with plenty of beaches, fun and cultural experiences, and unique, quirky shops to enjoy some retail therapy on your visit. Each year, many visitors swarm right into Brighton for plenty of fun, fresh sea air, and much more. Book your flights to London today at low fares and enjoy a train ride from there onwards to enjoy Brighton’s major attractions.
Best way to get there: Direct trains from London Victoria and London Bridge
Main attractions: Brighton Pier, Royal Pavilion, The Lanes
Best time to visit: Summer for beaches and festivals outdoors
Read More - Best Places To Visit In London
5. Cambridge
Location: 60 miles north of London
Distance: 1 hour by train
Cambridge is similar to Oxford- a city famous for its prestigious universities. You can also find some river scenes in the city that add icing to the cake. Cambridge University is a major hub for education and another famous University near London where students just want to be admitted for their better studies. Plan a tour to explore the University in the city or explore River Cam on a day trip. These are in close proximity to London, and here’s some more interesting information if you are planning to visit Cambridge.
Best way to get there: Direct trains from London King’s Cross or Liverpool Street
Main attractions: King’s College Chapel, The Backs, Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Best time to visit: Spring and summer
6. Stonehenge
Location: 88 miles southwest of London
Distance: 2 hours by car or bus
A day trip from London seems incomplete without visiting the Bath and Stonehenge. You already know the significance of Bath, but Stonehenge is a better place to see nearby London. You can explore this mysterious stone circle that has been around for centuries and still fascinates visitors in the same way. Plan a visit to this amazing location and have an out-of-the-world experience. Make sure to add this to your list of must-see places near London and enjoy an authentic vibe.
Best way to get there: Trains from London Waterloo to Salisbury, then a local bus
Main attractions: Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral
Best time to visit: Early morning in summer for fewer crowds and a stunning sunrise
7. The Cotswolds
Location: 90 miles northwest of London
Distance: 2 hours by car
If you wish to cover a huge area and want the best day trips from London, a visit to the Cotswolds will definitely pay off the efforts. This amazing place is a bang for your buck to visit on your next holiday in London. The area runs through 5 counties: Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire)
Best way to get there: Trains from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh
Main attractions: Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bourton-on-the-Water, Blenheim Palace
Best time to visit: Late spring and early autumn for the best weather and scenery
8. Hampton Court Palace
Location: 12 miles southwest of London
Distance: 40 minutes by car or train
Hampton Court Palace is a magnificent royal residence known for its impressive Tudor and Baroque architecture. Once the home of King Henry VIII, this splendid palace invites visitors to discover its opulent state apartments, expansive kitchens, lovely gardens, and a renowned hedge maze. The palace's deep historical significance, paired with its royal splendor, makes it an essential destination for those who appreciate history and architecture.
Best way to get there: Direct trains from London Waterloo to Hampton Court Station
Main attractions: Tudor Kitchens, The Great Hall, Hampton Court Gardens, The Maze
Spring and summer to enjoy the gardens in full bloom and for outdoor events like the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
Read More - Things to Do In London
9. Arundel Castle
Location: 65 miles southwest of London
Distance: 1.5 hours by car or train
Arundel Castle is a well-preserved medieval castle with a history of almost a thousand years old located in the heartland of West Sussex. It belonged to the Dukes of Norfolk and allows tourists to explore its perfectly maintained interior, stately chambers, and opulent gardens. Standing tall, the castle offers magnificent views of South Downs and River Arun making it the perfect single-day sightseeing for those interested in history as well as nature.
Best way to get there: Direct trains from London Victoria to Arundel Station
Main attractions: The Keep, Castle Rooms, Fitzalan Chapel, and Arundel Gardens
Best time to visit: Spring and summer for garden tours and seasonal events at the castle
10. Richmond Park
Location: 10 miles southwest of London
Distance: 45 minutes by car or 30 minutes by train from central London
London has many Parks, but Richmond Park near the city is one of the most significant royal parks. This lush green landscape is famous for its sleekness, large woods, and wandering deer. There are several ways to mingle with nature like several trails for hiking and biking and areas for picnicking. The park’s Pembroke Lodge is also a beautiful and serene location with a view of the Thames Valley. Richmond Park is also one of the largest parks in or around London.
Best way to get there: Trains from London Waterloo to Richmond Station, then a short bus or walk to the park
Main attractions: Isabella Plantation, King Henry's Mound, Richmond Hill, and the free-roaming deer
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for beautiful foliage and to see the park’s wildlife in action
11. Seven Sisters Cliffs
Location: About 87 miles south of London
Distance: Around 2 hours by car or train
If you're craving fresh sea air and jaw-dropping coastal views, the Seven Sisters Cliffs are the perfect escape. These are towering white chalk cliffs stretched through the coastline of sussex. You can enjoy the stunning scenery of England through these amazing figures that stand tall from god knows when?
Take a refreshing break from London City and visit this special area for an ideal vacation filled with nature and relaxation.
Best way to get there: Take a train from London Victoria to Seaford or Eastbourne, then a short bus ride or scenic walk to the cliffs
Main attractions: Walking trails along the cliffs, Beachy Head, Cuckmere Haven, and Seven Sisters Country Park
Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for mild weather and beautiful views from the cliffs.
12. Warwick Castle
Location: 100 miles northwest of London
Distance: 1.5 hours by train
Plan to visit Warwick Castle and enjoy the spectacular medieval architecture of the fortress. This amazing castle offers a fun-filled outing near London and has to much history and activities for friends, family, and history enthusiasts. Go there for an amazing journey through beautiful gardens and experience the live reenactments of medieval life. You will also see some jousting tournaments and the spooky dungeon of the castle with a spine-chilling tale of history.
Best way to get there: Direct train from London Marylebone to Warwick
Main attractions: Warwick Castle, The Castle Dungeon, Falconry displays, Jousting tournaments
Best time to visit: Summer for outdoor fun and better weather
Conclusion
Going to London for more than a week and still do not have an itinerary planned out? You can include these 12 amazing attractions in your London travel package and explore the outskirts of London just like the city. Now, you can explore the city and go to one of the best tourist places to visit near London.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the best day trips from London?
A: The best day trips from London are the following:
- Windsor
- Brighton
- Bath
- Oxford
- Cambridge
Q: What are the top tourist places to visit near London by train?
A: The top tourist places to visit near London by train are:
- Windsor
- Oxford
- Bath
- Canterbury
- Brighton
Q: Which historical sites are located near London?
A: Some historical sites located near London are:
- Stonehenge
- Hampton Court Palace
- Warwick Castle
- Canterbury Cathedral
- Leeds Castle
Q: What are the best countryside spots to visit near London?
A: The best countryside towns and scenic spots near London are the following:
- The Cotswolds
- Seven Sisters Cliffs
- Cambridge
- The Chilterns
- Ashdown Forest