What Would Be a Great Day Trip Outside the City for a Tourist Visiting London?

What Would Be a Great Day Trip Outside the City for a Tourist Visiting London?: A Complete Guide

London is a city which offers so much to do but the very positioning of the city means that it serves as a great place to visit other interesting towns and places in the countryside of southern England. For people who have come to visit the big city and would like to enjoy a change of scenery, there are many interesting places to visit for a day trip from London. The variety of these places includes historical sites, charming towns and villages, as well as popular landmarks.

The matter of transport will be significant for the people who have come to visit Britain and want to combine their tour of London with trips to other parts of the country. Such companies as Taxi Glasgow can be helpful for those who have plans to see Scotland but London itself has great train service which goes to many places around the city.

1. Explore the Historic Beauty of Oxford

One of the most pleasant and easy-to-reach day excursions from London is Oxford, known as the home of one of the oldest universities in the world. In addition to its rich history, the city is also famous for its lively university life. The trip from London to Oxford takes only about an hour by train, which makes it quite possible to come back on the same day.

There are a lot of interesting places to see in Oxford including impressive university buildings, picturesque courtyards, historical libraries, and beautiful streets. Among the most recognizable landmarks there are Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and Bridge of Sighs. It is always nice to join a walking tour to hear many interesting facts related to the scholars of Oxford and its architectural heritage. Punting on the River Cherwell is also a good choice for visiting the city during summer months.

Oxford is especially attractive for first-time visitors as there are many historical sites that can be visited on foot.

2. Discover Royal History at Windsor Castle

Windsor should be a great destination for anyone who would like to get acquainted with British kingship. The historic town of Windsor, located to the west of London, houses Windsor Castle, one of the world's most ancient and extensive inhabited castles. The towers, chambers, and grounds of this castle give visitors a sense of British monarchy.

The day at Windsor does not have to be dedicated only to the castle, and tourists can explore other attractions that the town has to offer. For example, there are many charming streets and unique shops, as well as restaurants and cafes.

The fact that Windsor is not far from London makes it an ideal destination for travelers looking for an easy and quick trip. In addition, arriving earlier in the morning will allow more time to see the castle and have lunch in town.

3. Experience the Charm of Bath

Bath is yet another great place to visit on a day-trip from London. For those interested in architecture, history, and culture, this place is perfect even though it lies further away from London as compared to Windsor and Oxford but there are high-speed trains which can transport you there.

Bath is renowned for its Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, and the color of its buildings – honey colored. The Roman Baths are an excellent insight into the lives of people more than two thousand years back, while the area around provides ample opportunities for taking photographs as well as shopping.

Royal Crescent and The Circus are two important places for those interested in architecture. There are also other places you may visit including Bath Abbey and taking afternoon tea. If you have some more time, then you can visit the new Thermae Bath Spa.

4. Enjoy the Seaside Atmosphere of Brighton

For those who would prefer to experience a totally different environment, Brighton is a great choice. Situated along the south coast of England, Brighton has a fun seaside atmosphere, combined with culture, individual shops, eating places, and entertainment venues.

The iconic Brighton Palace Pier is perfect for a walk near the water, whereas the small alleys called The Lanes contain a variety of places such as cafes, boutiques, jewelers, and antique shops. The Royal Pavilion is also one of the popular destinations with an extraordinary architecture inspired by India and China.

Brighton is particularly beautiful in spring and summer when people are able to relax at the beach and afterwards enjoy the city center. It is worth visiting even out of the warm season because of its many restaurants and cultural places.

5. Consider Travel Convenience When Planning Your Trip

Transport is one of the top priorities when planning a day away from London. The Glasgow Airport Transfers might be helpful for those who will be traveling further north after visiting England, but for a London day-trip, a train service can be the best choice. It can be useful to check the schedule in advance in order to plan your sightseeing and avoid long waits.

It can be also helpful to purchase tickets in advance and save some money for a long-distance travel. Those who visit any places which require prior booking of a ticket should keep in mind that weekend is not always the best time for a trip.

6. Step Back in Time in Cambridge

Another great destination for tourists who love history and amazing architecture is Cambridge. Similar to Oxford, it is well-known around the world for the university that it houses along with amazing historic colleges. It is possible to get to Cambridge from London in a short period of time and it makes it perfect for a day trip.

One of the things which makes Cambridge special is punting on the River Cam, where you will be able to see historic college buildings and bridges and learn about the history of the place. Another place worth seeing in Cambridge is King's College Chapel, which is famous for the amazing Gothic architecture and interior.

It is possible to take a stroll in the city center and see amazing cafes, markets, bookshops and pubs.

7. Escape to the Countryside in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds provide tourists with a unique way to explore rural England by taking advantage of the totally different atmosphere compared to that of metropolitan London.

Villages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Castle Combe are the most popular tourist destinations in this part of the world due to their picturesque beauty and the traditional buildings characteristic of the Cotswolds.

A countryside tour of this area will be of great interest not only to travelers but also to photographers looking for a quiet location.

Since the Cotswolds are spread out over a vast territory, tourists need to be better prepared than in the case of traveling to Oxford or Windsor.

Also read: Is London Worth Visiting in the Future? Discover the Best UK Cities to Explore

How to Choose the Best London Day Trip

The best place, in the end, is dependent on what interests you and how long of a journey you can afford to undertake. Oxford would be perfect for history and architecture related to universities, Windsor for royalty-related history, Bath is a combination of Roman history with beautiful Georgian style, and Brighton for entertainment by the sea. Another good destination would be Cambridge for history-related tours and the Cotswolds for more rural locations.

If this is your first visit to London, try to pick an attraction that fits well with what you have seen in the city before. Proper planning of the trip, scheduling the transport and pre-booking the attractions will definitely benefit you greatly.

Make Your London Adventure More Memorable

There is no need to stop your journey at the borders of London when traveling to London. You will be able to explore royal castles, ancient universities, Roman history, coastal towns, and picturesque villages of England within a fairly short journey from London. It means that you will have the chance to see another face of the country and come back to London for the night.

The streets of Oxford, the royal charm of Windsor, the cultural heritage of Bath, the seaside charm of Brighton, the academic charm of Cambridge, or the picturesque landscape of the Cotswolds – any one of them could become the best highlight of your vacation in the UK with the proper destination choice.