10 of the Best Day Trips from London

While the sun has been shining, I've been revisiting my favourite UK destinations; Margate was delightful yesterday! Today, I'm sharing ten of the best day trips from London, all of which you can reach by public transport in under two hours.

I love living in London and I also love how well connected the city is to pretty much everywhere else in the country. I drive but don't have a car so for me, the perfect day trip is to somewhere I can reach by train or bus in under two hours.

I've listed some of my favourite day trips below, including my tips for the best things to see and do and the best places to eat, drink and caffeinate. I've also added some hotel recommendations, in case you're tempted to make a weekend of it.

Whether you're hoping for history, seeking the seaside or going for gastronomy, read on for inspiration for your next adventure.

Last updated: June 2026

BATH

Go for: Georgian architecture, Roman history, thermal spas.

Top experiences: Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, Mayor's Guides tour.

Food & drink: OAK, Olive Tree, Sally Lunn’s, Landrace, The Dark Horse.

Coffee: Colonna & Small's, Society Café, Mokoko Bakery, Good Day Café.

Getting there: Train from Paddington (1h20).

Stay the night: Queensberry Hotel, No 15 by GuestHouse.

Read more: Bex's Bath guide. Bex's Bath specialty coffee guide.

BRIGHTON

Go for: Seaside strolls, unique shops, nightlife.

Top experiences: Get some beach time, shop the Lanes, Royal Pavilion.

Food & drink: Riddle & Finns, Embers, Flint House, Fatto a Mano, Plotting Parlour.

Coffee: Triple Point, LOAM, Dandy.

Getting there: Train from London Bridge or Victoria (1h).

Stay the night: Artist Residence, Hotel du Vin.

Read more: Bex's Brighton guide. Bex's Brighton specialty coffee guide.

BRISTOL

Go for: Harbour views, street art, food culture.

Top experiences: Banksy tour, Clifton Suspension Bridge, M Shed.

Food & drink: Little Hollows, Bulrush, Wilson’s, Burra, Harts Bakery.

Coffee: Full Court Press, Sweven Coffee, Small Goods, Little Victories.

Getting there: Train from Paddington (1h35).

Stay the night: Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel.

Read more: Bex's Bristol guide. Bex's Bristol specialty coffee guide.

CAMBRIDGE

Go for: Colleges, punting, history of science.

Top experiences: Punt tour, visit Cambridge colleges, Fitzwilliam Museum.

Food & drink: Vanderlyle, Fancett's, Mercado Central, The Eagle, The Lab.

Coffee: Hot Numbers, Bould Brothers, Stir.

Getting there: Train from King's Cross (50 mins) or Liverpool Street (1h20).

Stay the night: University Arms, The Varsity Hotel & Spa, The Graduate.

Read more: Bex's Cambridge guide.

CANTERBURY

Go for: Medieval history, heritage, riverside.

Top experiences: Canterbury Cathedral, river tour, Canterbury Tales Experience.

Food & drink: The Goods Shed, The Foundry Brewpub, Korean Cowgirl, Fordwich Arms.

Coffee: Lost Sheep, Garage Coffee.

Getting there: Train from St Pancras (55 mins), Victoria (1h30) or Charing Cross (1h45).

Stay the night: Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, Hampton by Hilton Canterbury.

Read more: Bex's Canterbury guide.

MARGATE

Go for: Beautiful beaches, creative scene, food & nightlife.

Top experiences: Viking Coastal Trail, Turner Contemporary, vintage and indie shops.

Food & drink: Angela's, Dive, Buoy and Oyster, Little Swift. 

Coffee: Curve Coffee, Forts Café.

Getting there: Train from St Pancras (1h30) or Victoria (1h40).

Stay the night: Margate House, Fort Road Hotel.

Read more: Bex's Margate guide. 10 Things I Love about Margate.

OXFORD

Go for: Colleges, museums, literary history.

Top experiences: University tour, Pitt Rivers & Natural History Museums, punting tour.

Food & drink: Arbequina, Oli's Thai, Pompette, The Chester Arms, Hamblin Bread.

Coffee: Missing Bean, Jericho Coffee Traders, Society Café, NewGround.

Getting there: Train from Paddington (50 mins) or Marylebone (1h20); coach from Victoria (2h).

Stay the night: The Randolph, Old Bank Hotel, The Old Parsonage, The Store.

Read more: Bex's Oxford guide. Bex's Oxford specialty coffee guide.

RYE

Go for: Cobbled streets, antiques shops, coastal walks.

Top experiences: Explore the historic streets, Rye Castle Museum, Camber Sands beach.

Food & drink: Landgate Bistro, The Fig, Hoof, Webbe's at the Fish Cafe.

Getting there: Train from St Pancras (1h10).

Stay the night: Haydens, Whitehouse.

Read more: Bex's Rye guide.

WINCHESTER

Go for: History, markets, medieval charm.

Top experiences: Winchester Cathedral, Great Hall, Christmas markets.

Food & drink: Chesil Rectory, Pi Pizza, Overdraft, The Wykeham Arms.

Coffee: Coffee Lab Academy, Kavi Coffee.

Getting there: Train from Waterloo (1h).

Stay the night: Wykeham Arms, The Black Hole.

Read more: Bex's Winchester guide.

WINDSOR

Go for: Royal history, river trips, pub walks.

Top experiences: Windsor Castle, Windsor Great Park, boat cruises.

Food & drink: The Loch and the Tyne, The Boatman, Two Brewers, The Greene Oak.

Getting there: Train from Paddington (40 mins, change at Slough) or Waterloo (55 mins).

Stay the night: Macdonald Windsor, Sir Christopher Wren Hotel, Oakley Court.

Read more: Bex's Windsor guide.

Planning a trip to London? Explore my other guides and resources: London specialty coffee guide; my favourite London restaurants; London brunch guide; London cocktail guide; London long weekend guide.

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