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6 Family Farm Days Under One Hour From London

Back in the day, you would go to a farm and expect to see a couple of domestic animals roaming around, a few farm animals in the field, have a play on a rickety old climbing frame, eat a Mr Whippy and then head home. Oh no. Not nowadays. We expect a farm to entertain our poor little deprived children and not only give them a taste of the countryside but entertain, thrill and stimulate them like a theme park! Fun farms!

Here a few that you can reach in about an hour from London – so go for the day and still be back in time for tea – that definitely won’t disappoint!

Bocketts Farm

Leatherhead, Surrey

Nestled just off the A3, it’s very easy to get to Bocketts. There is lots to do – inside and outside play areas, animal feeling and some lovely lunch options – as well as Bocketts being a working family farm. The farm is home to hundreds of animals, including lambs, piglets, chicks and calves. For us, The Pig Racing was a real highlight. It’s actually a full-on marathon and the children went nuts for it. I didn’t know pigs could run that fast… Very fun.

Address: Young St, Fetcham, Leatherhead KT22 9BS, United Kingdom

Find out more on  BockettsFarm.co.uk

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Photo credit: @olliedixonphoto, Facebook

Bucklebury Farm Park

Reading, Berkshire

This is a delightful farm and we particularly enjoyed the go karts and play bus. The guys had fun careering down the assault course in the woods too! Bucklebury is very charming and the shabby-chic style cafe was lovely and also very helpful – warming baby food and helping prevent our errant 2 year old from wandering into the kitchen without losing their cool!

Address: Bucklebury, Reading RG7 6RR, United Kingdom

Find out more on  BuckleburyFarmPark.co.uk

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Credit: buckleburyfarmpark, Facebook

Looking for a short family break? Here are 12 luxury staycations the whole family will love… 

Godstone Farm

Godstone, Surrey

The soft play and vast adventure playground alone is worth the entry fee here. There is also a much appreciated section for the under 2’s. The dino trail and designated playground filled with ride on tractors and trucks was also a real hit. They are very generous with the time they allow for rabbit and chicken ‘cuddling’ although the chicks were out of bounds for the 1 year old. ‘They aren’t very good at releasing their grip at that age…’

Update July 2020: Animal holding and the playbarn are currently closed but hopefully we’ll see them opening very soon!

Address: Farm Limited, Tilburstow Hill Rd, Godstone RH9 8LX, United Kingdom

Find out more on  GodstoneFarm.co.uk

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Credit: Godstonefarm.co.uk

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Epsom, Surrey

Hobbledown is the ‘Harry Potter’ of all farms. It is like entering a different land and each area is crafted beautifully. Teepees and tents line the paths and there is something interesting going on at every turn. I could have perused the shop for longer than I did too. There were loads of cool books, games and toys – will definitely stock up on Christmas presents next time we head back!

Address: Horton Ln, Epsom KT19 8PT, United Kingdom

Find out more on  Hobbledown.com

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Credit: Hobbledown.com

Read also:  Al Fresco Inspiration: 10 Things Your Family Picnic Is Missing

Odds Park Farm

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

Odds Park is a huge farm with plenty to do including tractor rides, animal feeding, a wonderful sandpit and plentiful play areas. Everyone’s highlight was the sheep racing though, where you backed a sheep and if it came in, you won a medal. That made a few happy (and unhappy) faces! The staff are very friendly and the map is clear with an extensive plan of what’s on at what time.

Address: Wooburn Common, Wooburn Green, High Wycombe HP10 0LX, United Kingdom

Find out more on  OddsFarm.co.uk

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Credit: OddsFarm.co.uk

Wellington Country Park

Riseley, Berkshire

We always race straight to the train as soon as we arrive. Hughie, the train driver, always welcomes us aboard with a huge smile. Each time we visit they have added to the collection of little statues, gnomes and animals along the route. Don’t forget to scream when you go through the tunnel! If you manage to get beyond the three different outdoor play areas (they are brilliant – especially the zip wire), there is a sweet little farm area and a beautiful lake to walk around. A top day out.

Address: Odiham Rd, Riseley, Reading RG7 1SP, United Kingdom

Find out more on  Wellington-Country-Park.co.uk

field trip around london

Whichever one you choose, you will have a lovely day. They are all perfect destinations to meet friends, escape the grind and fill up one day of the holidays!

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The 28 best farms near London area

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1 Hackney City Farm

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2 Mudchute Park and Farm

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3 Spitalfields City Farm

4 deen city farm, 5 stepney city farm.

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6 Kentish Town City Farm

7 vauxhall city farm, 8 freightliners farm, 9 surrey docks farm, 10 london zoo, 11 battersea park children's zoo, 12 belmont farm, 13 the woodlands farm trust, 14 crystal palace park farm, 15 richmond park.

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26 Maryon Wilson Animal Park

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A Lady in London

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 7 Scenic Drives Near London with Maps

Today I want to bring you my guide to the best scenic drives near London. If you’re looking to get out of the UK capital and see some beautiful coast and countryside, these are just the drives for you.

Scenic Drives Near London

Scenic Drives Near London

Whether you’re interested in day trips from London by car or just want to get out on the open road in the English countryside, there’s a scenic drive near London you’ll love.

From coastal drives in Kent to mini road trips through the Cotswolds, this list will have you itching to get behind the wheel and out of the city.

You can spend the whole time in the car, or make stops at villages, towns, and landmarks along the way.

You can even make multi-day UK road trips out of them or build in country walks near London . Whatever way you choose to travel, I hope you enjoy these drives.

Vintage Car in Bath, England

1. Scenic Drive from London to the Cotswolds

Given how much I love the Cotswolds, I’ll start my list of scenic drives near London with this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Whether you cruise through Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, or Worcestershire, you can’t go wrong here.

Street in Kingham, Cotswolds

But if I had to choose a favorite route, it would be the one starting in London and going through the Chiltern Hills and Oxford en route to Burford. This pretty town is often referred to as the gateway to the Cotswolds.

Once in Burford, I’d make a big loop through the northern part of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stopping by some of my favorite Cotswolds villages and towns along the way.

I’d go through Kingham , Chipping Campden, Broadway (and Broadway Tower), Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter , Bibury, and Cirencester before driving back to London through the North Wessex Downs.

2. Scenic Drive from London to the Surrey Hills

Next on my list of the best scenic drives near London is the Surrey Hills. Like the Cotswolds, this is another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England. It’s also close to London, which makes it ideal for shorter drives.

Lamb in Surrey, England

There are lots of places to visit in Surrey , but my favorite scenic drive starts in London and goes to Shere via Newlands Corner, a nature reserve with great views from the trails.

Shere is one of the most beautiful villages in England . It’s been used as a filming location for everything from the Bridget Jones movies to The Holiday . It also has good local pubs, so it’s a great place to stop for a mid-drive meal.

Church in Shere, England

From Shere, this scenic drive near London goes to Peaslake, another beautiful village in Surrey. It then continues to Leith Hill Tower. Built in 1765, it was designed to be “a place for people to enjoy the glory of the English countryside”.

Climbing the 78 steps of the spiral staircase will reward you with views from the telescopes. The top of Leith Hill Tower is the highest point in southeast England, and you’ll be able to see all the way to the English Channel and Big Ben from it.

From Leith Hill Tower, this scenic drive near London will take you to Box Hill, a summit of the North Downs in Surrey. There are great walks and stunning views from the top of the hill, so it’s worth getting out of the car for a hike here.

From Box Hill, this drive will take you past Norbury Park nature reserve as you make your way back to London.

3. Scenic Drive from London to the South Coast

Next on my list of scenic drives near London is one that will take you from the UK capital to the south coast. From London, the route goes through the Surrey Hills, High Weald, and South Downs to get to the seaside in Brighton .

From Brighton, the drive goes back through the South Downs to get to Hastings , another coastal town on the English Channel. It’s famous for its castle, colorful streets, and beaches.

Hastings High Street on a Scenic Drive from London

From Hastings the drive will take you to Rye , one of my favorite towns in England. Rye and the Sussex countryside around it are some of the most beautiful places in England .

Houses in Rye, Sussex, England

Leaving Rye, this scenic drive will bring you to Battle , a historic town in East Sussex where the Battle of Hastings was fought in 1066. You can stop to tour the battlefield and adjacent abbey if you want to.

From Battle, you’ll drive through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to get to Sevenoaks , a pretty town in Kent.

It’s worth getting out of the car here to see Knole, a famous stately home near London with a pretty deer park surrounding it.

From Sevenoaks, it’s a short drive back to London, where this scenic drive ends.

4. Scenic Drive from London to Cambridge

Next on my list of the best scenic drives near London is a road trip to Cambridge .

This university city to the north of the capital is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK . There are a lot of pretty places to drive through on the way to and from it, too.

Starting in London, the scenic drive will take you through the beautiful woodland of Epping Forest in Essex. From there, the route continues north to some of the prettiest villages in England.

Cottage in Arkesden, Essex, England

From Wendens Ambo to Arkesden, they’re packed with thatched-roof cottages and idyllic pubs. If you feel like a leg stretch, there are great Essex walks around here.

From the villages, you’ll continue north to Cambridge, where it’s worth exploring the city and taking in the beautiful buildings of the University of Cambridge.

Vintage Car in Cambridge, England on a Scenic Drive Near London

Back in the car, this scenic drive near London heads south again. If it’s summer, it’s worth stopping in Hitchin to visit the beautiful lavender field there.

If not, you can continue driving to St Albans , one of the best cities in England . It’s home to a historic cathedral and lots of impressive Roman ruins.

After St Albans, this scenic drive will take you back into London.

5. Scenic Drive from London to Wiltshire

The next of my scenic drives near London is to Wiltshire. This one is great for history lovers, as it will take you to some of the best historic sites in England.

After departing London, this driving route will take you through the English countryside to Stonehenge . It’s worth getting out of the car to visit the famous prehistoric landmark on Salisbury Plain and learn about its mysterious origins.

Stonehenge

After Stonehenge, this scenic drive will take you to Salisbury. This medieval city in Wiltshire is a great place to stop and take in everything from the cathedral to Magna Carta (it’s one of the last four originals from 1215).

From Salisbury, this scenic drive goes to Winchester . Another famous cathedral city, it’s home to beautiful streets, secret gardens, and the Round Table of King Arthur fame.

If you’re in need of a leg stretch, you can even walk some of the South Downs Way from here. Either way, when you leave Winchester the route will take you back to central London.

6. Scenic Drive from London to Wiltshire and Somerest

Next on my list of scenic drives near London is one to Wiltshire and Somerest. This one covers some of the prettiest villages in Wilshire and some of the best cities in Somerset.

This scenic driving route starts by taking you through the North Wessex Downs to Avebury. It’s famous for its Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial sites. Avebury also has a pretty village to admire.

From Avebury, the drive will take you to Lacock. It’s worth getting out of the car to walk through the pretty streets of this village.

Lacock and its abbey have been used as filming locations for everything from Downton Abbey to the Harry Potter movies.

Bakery in the Village of Lacock, England

After exploring Lacock, this scenic drive will take you into the Cotswolds to the village of Castle Combe. It’s one of the prettiest towns and villages in Britain , and its chocolate-box beauty is sure to win you over.

From Castle Combe, it’s a short drive to Bath in Somerset. This city is famous for its beautiful historic architecture, ancient Roman baths, and Jane Austen sites .

Street in Castle Combe, England

From Bath, it’s not far to Wells. One of the smallest cities in the country, it’s also one of the most underrated UK cities .

Wells is known for its stunning cathedral. It’s also home to Vicars Close, a 14th-century street that’s said to be the oldest residential street with original surviving buildings in Europe.

After Wells, this driving route continues back through the English countryside to London.

7. Scenic Drive from London to Kent

Last on my list of scenic drives near London is one to the coast in Kent . This one covers some of the best places to go to the seaside near London .

From the UK capital, the driving route goes along the northern edge of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, past Faversham, and out to Whitstable.

Whitstable is a great place to stop for a seafood lunch or walk on the beach. There’s even an annual Whitstable Oyster Festival here in the summer.

From Whitstable, the drive continues to Margate , another popular coastal destination in Kent.

Often referred to as Shoreditch-on-Sea, Margate is a hipster paradise complete with vintage shops and an amusement park. There’s a great contemporary art gallery in town, too.

Dreamland Margate

After Margate, this driving route goes through Broadstairs to Ramsgate . This coastal town is home to the only royal harbor in the United Kingdom. It’s worth popping down to admire the boats.

After Ramsgate, this scenic drive from London will take you to Deal and Walmer Castle. The former is a historic smuggling town with pretty streets and a wide beach. The latter is a historic castle with beautiful gardens.

Street in Deal, England on a Scenic Drive near London

From Walmer Castle, you’ll continue along the coast to Dover , where it’s worth stopping to admire the famous white cliffs and hilltop castle.

From there you’ll drive to Folkestone, where there are great coastal views and pretty shopping streets. If you make a longer trip of it, you can even do a coastal walk from Folkestone to Dover .

After Folkestone, you’ll drive back through the Kent countryside to London.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the best scenic drives near London. They’re great ways to get out of the city and into the countryside, and fun excuses to explore England.

If you want more, my great British road trip itinerary will show you a longer trip you can take. Happy driving!

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6 Comments on Lady’s 7 Scenic Drives Near London with Maps

Just lovely. Someday!

Can`t wait for my next day trip xx

That’s great!

I’m going to try them all one each week end on my new convertible!

I’m glad to hear that! I hope you enjoy them.

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Full Suitcase Travel Blog

17 Absolute Best Day Trips from London (+ How to Visit, Top Tours & Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2024

17 Absolute Best Day Trips from London (+ How to Visit, Top Tours & Map)

London is an amazing city with so much to offer that you could spend weeks and still not see it all. But in addition to all the top sights and attractions in the city itself , there are also so many beautiful places near London, many of which can easily be visited as a day trip from London.

However, with such an array of possibilities, how do you choose the very best day trips from London that are worth your time the most?

In this article, we feature the absolute best places that you can visit as a one-day trip from London, England . This guide includes all the ‘musts’, the very best day trip destinations near London for first-time visitors, but also for local travelers who want to (re)discover some of the most popular sights near London.

In addition, for each place, we include recommendations on how to visit on your own and also the best day tours from London . Because even though you can visit many of these places by train, often, you will be able to see so much more if you go on an organized tour.

Many tours combine several major landmarks in one day, allowing you to make the most of your time and see a lot in a short time. Furthermore, going with a local guide is a great opportunity to explore deeper, scratch beneath the surface, and discover things you didn’t even know existed…

Good to know: At the bottom of this article, you can find a map indicating all the places that you can easily visit as a day trip from London mentioned in this guide. It will give you a better idea of where everything is.

Best London day trips and most popular day tours from London

TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the entire article and are looking for the best day trips from London, here are the 4 most popular day tours among our readers:

  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath (also in combination with Roman Baths that you can add when booking).
  • Cotswolds .
  • Harry Potter Studio (also in combination with Oxford).
  • Seven Sisters & South Downs .

Interesting to know: Overall, the most-visited day trip destinations from London are Windsor Castle and Harry Potter Studios.

These are the best & most popular day trips from London:

1. Windsor Castle

If you visit just one place outside of London city, make it Windsor Castle ! Located just 20 miles (32 km) from the city center, a day trip to Windsor is a must on any London bucket list!

The spectacular Windsor Castle is one of the queen’s official residences and has been home to the royal family for 900 years! Kings and queens have been buried here, including the infamous Henry VIII and Jayne Seymour, his third wife. Most recently, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is also buried at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

An excellent example of church architecture in medieval times, Windsor Castle is still used for royal receptions and state occasions. In recent years it has been the venue of the weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

Open all year round, Windsor Castle is a great way to explore royal history, from touring the Castle Precincts to viewing the lavish staterooms and apartments. The Castle Grounds are both beautiful and peaceful and from there you can observe the iconic Changing of the Guard, which normally happens at 11 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from April until the end of July.

Good to know. At the moment, Windsor Castle is open daily except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Because it’s a working royal palace, sometimes parts of the castle or even the entire castle can get closed on short notice. Below, you can find all the practical information for your visit. Read on!

Windsor Castle is one of the best places to visit as a day trip from London

How to visit. You can easily get to Windsor by train from London. There’s a direct train from London Waterloo Station and it takes about 1 hour. From Windsor & Eton Riverside station, it’s just a short walk to the castle. Be sure to book your Windsor Castle tickets online in advance ! This is the best option for those who prefer to take their time and explore the castle at their own pace.

If you come here for a day, be sure to check out Windsor and Eton towns as well! The best way to do this is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus in Windsor . Another nice thing to do is take a boat tour and enjoy different views of the castle from the river.

Good to know: Entry to Windsor Palace is also included with the London Pass , which offers good value if you spend more time in London and plan on visiting many popular tourist attractions and museums.

Best tours from London. Windsor Castle is the most popular day trip destination near London, so there are many tours that can bring you here as well. Most tours that visit the castle also include one or several other nice places nearby – perfect for those who are short on time and want to make the most of their day.

Here are the most popular day tours from London that visit Windsor Castle:

  • Windsor Castle only – this is a convenient bus transfer from/ to London that also includes the tickets to the castle. This tour takes about 4 hours in total – the fastest way to visit Windsor Castle from London.
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – the most popular full-day tour from London.
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – with an option to visit Roman Baths.

Inside the Royal Windsor Castle - London Day Trips UK

2. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and another extremely popular destination for London day trips. Built almost 5000 years ago by farmers in the Neolithic period, this is a spiritual and architectural wonder that many people consider an absolute must-see in the UK!

Historians still debate its original purpose, although most agree that it was probably built for spiritual reasons. Meanwhile, engineers marvel at the extraordinary skill and size of the construction project, which must have involved hundreds of workers given the very simple tools they had available at the time.

Whilst the main attraction at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the mystical Stone Circle itself, you can also view the 5 on-site Neolithic houses. Their design was based on the remains of houses from this period that were discovered during a nearby excavation in 2006.

You can step through the doors of these houses to see just how the builders of Stonehenge might have lived thousands of years ago, with each house equipped with replica axes, pottery, and artifacts.

Stonehenge is one of the most popular places to visit near London

How to visit . Stonehenge is located about 90 miles (145 km) from London. There are no direct trains to Stonehenge, but you can take a train to Salisbury train station and then take The Stonehenge Tour Bus service from there. The easiest way to get here from London is either by car or by tour. If you drive, prepare for very busy traffic and count at least 2 hours one way. If you go without a tour, be sure to book your admission tickets online in advance !

Best tours from London. Since Stonehenge is quite a drive from the city, but it doesn’t require that much time to visit, it’s usually included as one of the sights of some of the most popular day tours from London.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Stonehenge from London:

  • Stonehenge only – a very popular half-day tour (morning or afternoon) that includes transportation and entrance tickets. It takes about 6 hours and is the fastest way to visit Stonehenge from London.
  • Stonehenge & Bath – the most relaxing full-day tour.
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath – a very complete tour that also includes an entry to the Roman Baths.

Stonehenge - London day trips

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and the most popular town that you can easily visit as a day trip from London. This picturesque historic city is filled with stunning examples of honey-colored Georgian architecture and some of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Perhaps the most famous feature of this UNESCO World Heritage City is the ancient Roman Baths built around thermal springs and supplying water for over 2,000 years. Whilst the Baths are open for you to view, no bathing has been allowed there since 1978. Instead, the much more modern Thermae Bath Spa was opened in 2006, containing the only natural hot spring in England in which you are allowed to bathe.

In the city stands the magnificent Bath Abbey , with its unique ‘ladder of angels’ on the west front. This feature was inspired by Bath’s Bishop at that time, who saw angels ascending and descending in a dream. You will also see the iconic ‘Royal Crescent’ – 30 Grade I listed terraced houses built in the late 18th century, arranged in a crescent around a verdant lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park.

Another architectural gem is the Circus , also built in the latter half of the 18th century. This historic street of large townhouses forms a circle, which is how it got its name (Circus is Latin for a ring, circle, or oval).

And perhaps most beautiful of all is the romantic Pulteney Bridge , with its small, leaded domes, pilasters, and pediments. The bridge was named after the wife of William Johnstone Pulteney, an important figure in Bath at that time and owner of much of the surrounding land. A popular thing to do in Bath is to take a short boat trip on River Avon – it allows you to easily see some of the main sights of Bath in a short time.

Roman Baths in Bath UK

How to visit. Bath is about 120 miles (195 km), about 2.5 hours drive from London. If you drive, be sure to stop at Stonehenge along the way! The fastest way to get to Bath from London is by train – it takes less than 1.5 hours. And there are also many tours that visit Bath from London, usually in combination with other beautiful places nearby.

TIP. If you visit Bath on your own, you may want to take a walking tour of the city. It’s the best way to see a lot in a short time – you’ll be sure not to miss any important places, but it also gives you a better insight into the history and architecture of this unique town.

Best tours from London. Since Bath is so close to Stonehenge, most tours from London visit both of these places together. In addition, some tours also include one or several other places nearby.

Here are the most popular day tours from London to Bath:

  • Stonehenge & Bath .
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath .
  • Stonehenge and Bath Tour with Secret Site – a very highly rated small group tour.

Pulteney Bridge over River Avon in Bath UK

One of the UK’s most famous university towns, Oxford is also a place that you can easily visit as a day trip from London.

Oxford University was established in the 12th century and is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university is composed of 38 separate college buildings, whose architecture inspired the poet Matthew Arnold to name it the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ (see the picture of the All Souls College below, and you’ll understand where the name comes from).

Some scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Oxford, so it can be fun to try and spot them as you tour the city. Harry Potter fans can also opt for this popular walking tour of the filming locations .

In the heart of the city center is Christ Church College , home to the magnificent Hall and Christ Church Cathedral with its landmark spire and Tom Tower. The gardens of the 12th-century Cathedral inspired Lewis Carroll to write ‘Alice in Wonderland’. You can hunt for features of the story, such as the Alice in Wonderland motives in one of the large windows in the Great Dining Hall.

The Cathedral also contains the shrine and tomb of Saint Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford. Christ Church College – one of Oxford University’s largest colleges – has lots more for visitors to see, from the famous Bodley Tower to the stunning Meadow Building.

There are two main museums that are well worth seeing during a visit to Oxford. Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is Oxford University’s museum of art and archaeology. Free to enter, it’s a great place to learn all about human culture and societies across the world and throughout time, with its collections including everything from Egyptian mummies to contemporary works of art.

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History , meanwhile, houses a captivating collection of natural specimens, covering everything from Earth’s beginnings to a look inside an active beehive!

Connecting two parts of Hertford College is the Hertford Bridge , popularly known as the ‘Bridge of Sighs’. Named after its resemblance to Venice’s Bridge of Sighs , this particular bridge is a skyway that allows students to travel from one building to another. Designed by Sir Thomas Jackson and completed in 1914, this photo-worthy bridge is best viewed from the steps of the University’s Bodleian Library (another must-see in Oxford).

All Souls College in Oxford

How to visit. Oxford is just 60 miles (95 km), 1.5 hours drive from London. There are also direct trains from London and the journey takes about 1 hour – this is the best way to visit Oxford on your own. There are also organized tours that visit Oxford from London – usually in combination with one or two other places nearby.

TIP: If you visit Oxford for a day, consider this walking tour . It takes just 1.5 hours and is a great way to learn more about the city and the university. River cruises are also very popular and are a fun way to explore Oxford!

Best tours from London. While you could easily fill an entire day in Oxford, most one-day tours from London only spend a few hours here and combine a visit here with several other places.

Here are the most popular tours that visit Oxford from London:

  • Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford – a bucket list day trip for all Harry Potter fans!
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford – see three of the most popular locations in one day.
  • Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – this is a great tour for those who want to see the English countryside. It’s also a nice addition to the popular Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath tours mentioned above. If you do two of these tours, you get to see most of the nicest day trip destinations near London in just two days.

Hertford Bridge in Oxford UK

5. Cotswolds

The scenic traditional towns and stone villages of the Cotswolds is one of the most popular London day trips for those who want to experience the true English countryside. This area is so picturesque! Below, you can find an overview of the most beautiful places not to miss.

Minster Lovell village is the home of Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote, which sits on the banks of the River Windrush. This 15th-century Oxfordshire manor house was built by William, Baron of Lovell and Holand – one of England’s richest men at the time. The house was eventually abandoned and now only the substantial ruins remain, giving lots of wonderful photographic opportunities against their beautiful rural backdrop.

A Cotswold village of outstanding beauty is Bibury , with its gorgeous stone buildings that run along the banks of the River Coln. Here you can see the iconic Arlington Row – a series of buildings that were originally built as a monastic wool store but were later converted into cottages. Now owned by the National Trust, Arlington Row is considered to be so quintessentially English that its image appears on the inside cover of UK passports.

Another village well worth visiting is Buford , with its 3 arched medieval bridges across the River Windrush. Famous for its High Street which runs down toward the river, Buford is popular for antique shopping and boasts lots of good restaurants, pubs, and tea rooms. It’s also home to a hotel in which King Charles dined with his mistress, Nell Gwynne.

Whilst there are many contenders for the title, most people will agree that Bourton-on-the-Water is the prettiest village in England. Also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, this ‘must-see’ village is named for the many beautiful bridges that cross its river at the center. Located in a small valley, Bourton-on-the-Water has many charming tea rooms and restaurants, plus a range of eclectic shops including pottery and the Cotswold Perfumery. Don’t miss the popular model village, which is a 1/9th scale replica of the entire center of the village.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting on the afternoon of the August Bank Holiday Monday, you’ll witness one of the village’s more curious traditions, in which a local team plays a full game of football right in the River Windrush. This bizarre game of soccer has been filmed and reported all over the world!

If you have more time in this area, here are some more really nice villages to see in the Cotswolds: Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester, Chipping Campden, Blockley, and Stanton .

Arlington Row in Bibury Cotswolds UK

How to visit. The Cotswolds are about 30 minutes drive west of Oxford and about 2 hours drive from London. Since the main attractions of the Cotswolds are its various villages, the best way to visit here is either by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. The beautiful Cotswolds region is just a short drive from Oxford, so many tours combine the two places. There are also popular Downton Abbey filming location tours that combine a visit here to that of the Highclere Castle, but because of time restraints, you usually only see one village on these tours.

Here is an overview of the most popular Cotswolds tours from London:

  • Cotswolds only – this is the best tour for those who want to explore the Cotswolds deeper as it visits several of the nicest villages and allows you more time to experience this beautiful area.
  • Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds – the most popular day tour.
  • Oxford and Cotswolds Villages – the best small-group tour.
  • Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, and Cotswolds – this tour is packed, but well organized and you get to see some of the best places in a very short time.

Castle Combe village in Cotswolds UK - London day trips

6. Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small medieval market town and also a very popular place to see near London. The birthplace of William Shakespeare is probably at the top of most people’s must-see lists and the main reason to visit here.

The timber-framed house on Henley Street is where Shakespeare not only spent part of his childhood but also the first 5 years of his marriage after his father’s death in 1601. Live presentations from guides dressed in period costumes and the carefully restored Tudor rooms bring history to life.

In the many Tudor-style buildings of Stratford, you’ll also find 3 theatres owned by The Royal Shakespeare Company. They perform plays by Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and other, later writers. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is situated on the banks of the River Avon, panoramic views of which can be enjoyed from the theatre’s tower.

Also on the River Avon is the Swan Theatre , built on the side of the Royal Theatre and offering a more intimate atmosphere. The third theatre – the Other Place – is smaller and used as a center for performing arts.

For a taste of old-fashioned romance, pay a visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage a bit outside of town. This beautiful 500-year-old building was originally a farmhouse and was where William Shakespeare courted Anne, his future wife. Incredibly picturesque, the cottage still contains original features and furnishings and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Another must-see is the Hall’s Croft , the house of Shakespeare’s daughter, with stunning gardens. Inside, you can find original 16-17th-century furniture, paintings, and other items.

Hall's Croft in Stratford upon Avon

How to visit. Stratford-upon-Avon is about 100 miles (160 km), 2 hours drive from London. If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to visit here on a day trip from London is by joining a tour.

Best tours from London. Most tours visiting Stratford-upon-Avon from London combine it with other places nearby and only spend a few hours here. They usually include a guided walk in the town center and sometimes a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace.

Here is a small selection of the best day tours from London:

  • Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds – this is one of the few tours that spend more time in Stratford and also visits Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. It also brings you to three villages in the Cotswolds.
  • Oxford, Stratford, & Cotswolds – this popular tour spends about 2 hours in Stratford and covers more ground in a day.

Stratford-upon-Avon UK

7. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Fans of Harry Potter – and even those who have yet to experience the wizardly wonder of the movies – will enjoy a visit to the fascinating Warner Bros. studio near London . It’s one of the most popular day tours from London (after Windsor Castle), and a must if visiting London with kids .

Here, you can see firsthand some of the amazing sets used in the film’s production, including the Great Hall of Hogwarts (which went on to be used in 6 more films) and the Forbidden Forest filled with 19 trees, each with a diameter of over 12 feet. You can even see The Hogwarts Express locomotive at the elusive Platform 9¾.

There are prop rooms where you can take a close-up look at look at the elaborate props used in the Harry Potter movies. There are almost 2,000 potion jars and memory vials, all with labels hand-designed by the Graphics Department. You can also see Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, which took 3 months to build and was intended to look as much as possible as a real 18th-century storefront.

If you have an interest in the making of movies, you will enjoy other parts of the studio as well. The Special and Visual Effects section reveals how some of the more incredible scenes were created, including how Harry and his friends were made invisible by the Invisibility Cloak and how they appeared to fly! Even more captivating is the Creature Effects section, where you can learn how the magical creatures in the Harry Potter films were created and brought to life.

A visit to the Making of Harry Potter Studio provides a magical and educational experience for adults and children alike. If you are looking for a fun relaxing day trip near London, this is a great option for the whole family!

Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio near London

How to visit. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio is located in Leavesden, Watford, about 20 miles from London city center. But because of the busy traffic, it’s quite a long drive. There’s a train from London to Watford, from where you’ll have to take a bus to the studios – the journey will take you over 1 hour not counting the time to get to the station. There are also several companies offering bus transfers from London – see below.

Best tours from London. The easiest way to get to Harry Potter Studios is by booking a transfer or a tour from London. That way you don’t have to worry about the tickets either.

This highly-rated  Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour  departs from Victoria Station, close to Westminster Catedral in the city center. There is also a popular  tour that departs from King’s Cross . The prices are usually the same and include a bus transfer and tickets. You’ll need about 7-8 hours in total for this day trip.

PRO TIP: One of the most popular tours from London is this popular tour that includes a visit to the studios and also visits Oxford . It’s a truly magical day trip as Oxford is one of the places where Harry Potter movies were filmed.

Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour London

8. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace , one of the Tudor Palaces, was the former royal residence of King Henry VIII. In addition to Windsor, this is another really nice place to visit near London, especially if you are a fan of royal history.

Hampton Court is a huge, impressive baroque-style palace located at the River Thames and surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland . If you visit in spring, you can see the magnificent tulip festival. But the gardens have something nice to offer in every season, and there are various events at the Palace throughout the year.

The interior of the castle gives you a chance to take a glimpse into the daily life of royals in the 16-17th centuries. You can visit the impressive State Rooms and private apartments of William III . Also, don’t miss the kitchens of Henry VIII , where over 200 people worked in the past, cooking and serving more than 800 meals per day.

Another highlight is the magnificent Great Hall that was originally a dining room, but afterwards became a sort of theatre that was used for entertainment, plays, and dances. Back in the day, William Shakespeare performed his plays here. The highlights here include a series of tapestries showing scenes from the Book of Genesis and the impressive timber roof with Anne Bollaine’s coat-of-arms.

This is also a very nice place to visit for families, with a maze in the garden, fantastic play areas for children, and plenty of places for a picnic. When the weather is nice, you could easily spend an entire day just exploring the gardens.

Hampton Court Palace near London

How to visit. Hampton Court Palace is located on the outskirts of London, about 15 miles southwest of the city center. You can easily visit Hampton Court Palace from London by train. There is a train from London Waterloo Station to Surbiton Station, and from there to Hampton Court. It takes about 40 minutes.

In addition, there are also several tours – see below.

Good to know: Hampton Court Palace entry is included with the London Pass .

Tours from London. Because Hampton Court is quite easy to get to and explore on your own, there aren’t many organized tours. The best ones are private tours like this one ; it combines a visit to Hampton Court Palace with that of Windsor Castle. That way, you get to see two of the most impressive royal palaces near London in one day.

There are also some nice bike tours or boat tours that explore the surroundings of Hampton, starting from different locations nearby.

Hampton Court Palace (inside) - London day trips

9. Brighton & Seven Sisters

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London and see some of the stunning nature of England, then definitely consider a day trip to the white cliffs of Seven Sisters and South Downs . At the same time, you can also visit one of the UK’s nicest coastal cities – Brighton .

Brighton is worth a trip in its own right, with all the little pleasures that a lively seaside resort has to offer. If you have some time to spare, check out the Royal Pavilion , an Asian-style palace that looks like it belongs in an Indian fairytale…

But for a sightseeing day trip from London, you can also opt for something slightly different and explore some of the beautiful nature outside of town as well.

The rolling hills of the South Downs offer so much to explore and enjoy, with spectacular views and popular spots with their own unique legends. One of the most famous is that of the Devil’s Dyke , a v-shaped dry valley whose creation was attributed to the work of the devil himself (although, as you will see, it’s far too beautiful for that!). The South Downs is also home to the Long Man of Wilmington – a 235 ft tall chalk figure on the side of a grassy hill and one of only two human hill figures in England.

Be sure to check out Beachy Head , which – at 535 feet – is the highest chalk cliff on the southern coast of England. From the top, you can see miles of coastline in either direction, plus the candy-striped lighthouse that sits just out to sea. Nearby is the Birling Gap – one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. Here you can see coastal erosion firsthand, with the cliffs eroding up to a meter a year at certain points.

Another highlight of any visit to the South Downs is the Seven Sisters – an undulating line of white chalk cliffs, each hill with its own name. They are best viewed from Seaford Head , where you can see evidence of an 8th hill beginning to form from the erosion of the sea.

TIP: Any visit to the Downs must include a visit to the popular Middle Farm , which offers such delicacies as local cheese, sparkling wines, and traditional Sussex cider.

White cliffs of Seven Sisters in southern England

How to visit. South Downs and the Seven Sisters are located near Brighton in south England. While you can easily get to Brighton by train from London, you’ll need a car for the other places. The best way to visit is with a tour – see below.

Best tours from London. There are just a few tours from London that visit this area. The best option is this highly-rated tour that includes a train ticket from London to Brighton and a small-group minibus tour of the sights along the coast. If you prefer to make your own way to Brighton, you can also book the same tour starting in Brighton .

TIP: If you rather book a private tour, there is one tour that offers a pick-up in your hotel in London and covers all these sights in and around Brighton.

Seven Sisters white cliffs in Sussex UK

10. Cambridge

Less than an hour by train from London, Cambridge is another beautiful town to visit for a day. Just as Oxford, it’s probably best known for its centuries-old University, and this beautiful town has lots of well-preserved historic buildings. But this medieval city is also a student town and has a very nice, relaxed atmosphere.

Don’t miss the King’s College Chapel , Queen’s College , Trinity College, and Wren Library . You can also climb to the top of the tower of Great St Mary’s Church for nice views over the city.

In addition to exploring the many colleges in the city (there are 31! of them), be sure to walk along the River Cam ! Also Cambridge has its own Bridge of Sighs . This covered bridge at St John’s College spans over the river and is a favorite photo spot for weddings as well as tourists visiting the town.

Other nice bridges worth seeing in Cambridge are the Mathematical Bridge , Clare College Bridge , King’s College Bridge , and there are many others.

A great way to explore the beautiful river, see the bridges, the town, and the surroundings is a punt tour . This traditional boat ride is a very typical thing to do in Cambridge – don’t miss it!

Bridge of Sighs Cambridge

How to visit. Cambridge is just over 60 miles (95 km) north of London, and the easiest way to visit is by taking a direct train from King’s Cross Station in London. It takes less than 50 minutes, so you can easily visit Cambridge on your own, without a tour.

Once in Cambridge, you can take a walking tour with a local or explore on your own. The earlier mentioned punt tours on the river are also not to be missed.

Best tours from London. If you rather visit Cambridge with a tour from London, there are several options as well. We recommend this 2-in-1 tour that visits Cambridge and Oxford . That way, you get to see two university towns in one day.

King's College in Cambridge - London day trips

11. Canterbury Cathedral & Leeds Castle

While Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral are over 20 miles apart, these two landmarks don’t require that much time and so are usually visited on the same day. In fact, they are usually combined with a short visit to Dover too, but more about it further below.

After a visit to Leeds Castle , you will not be able to help but agree with Lord Conway, who described it as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. With a romantic, fairy-tale appearance, this 12th-century gem was built in the center of a natural lake, surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland.

Leeds Castle was once used as a palace by Henry VIII and the private property of six medieval queens. Its rooms have been beautifully restored and give you the opportunity to learn all about its long and fascinating history.

In addition to the Lady Baillie Garden, which gives stunning views across the lake, the grounds also hold one of Kent’s most popular mazes, with 2,400 yew trees. Once you reach the maze’s center, a fascinating underground grotto takes you back to the real world!

Leeds Castle is a popular day trip destination near London

One of the most famous and picturesque Christian buildings in England, Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597, then extensively rebuilt from 1070 to 1077. It is the Cathedral of the leader of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and is still used for active worship.

The Cathedral contains the shrine of Archbishop Thomas Becket and you can stand on the spot upon which he was murdered, as told in Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous ‘Canterbury Tales’.

Also the medieval town center of Canterbury, with its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses, is a nice place to see if you have more time. It’s a popular day trip from London for locals. Also here, you can take traditional boat tours on the river.

How to visit. Unless you have a car, the easiest way to visit Leeds Castle and Canterbury Cathedral is by taking a tour. If you just visit one of these places, you could also get there by public transport. For Leeds Castle, you have to take a train to Ashford, followed by a bus trip to the castle. For Canterbury, there’s a direct train from London, and you can make a nice relaxing day trip by visiting this picturesque town.

Best tours from London. There are several tours from London that visit these places. You can find them here and they are all quite similar in terms of itinerary.

Canterbury Cathedral and Canterbury town aerial view

12. White Cliffs of Dover & Dover Castle

“There’ll be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover” went the words to the popular wartime song – and if you’re familiar with the song then it’s quite incredible to see the inspiring white cliffs for yourself. If you are looking for something different to see near London than historic towns and villages, Dover is a wonderful place to visit!

Composed of chalk, Dover’s cliffs are 350 ft high and stretch for 8 miles. They were on the front line of both world wars and were a critical part of England’s defenses at that time. Now, they provide wonderful views across the surrounding countryside and the English Channel. On clear days you can even look across and see France!

The unique chalky grassland habitat of the cliffs means that they are abundant in wildlife and you can see all sorts of flowers, butterflies, and birds as you walk, including the rarely spotted peregrine falcon.

You can either spend your visit simply enjoying the cliff-top views, or take a short trip to see Dover Castle too. Dover Castle is one of England’s biggest castles and was built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Ironically, he built it to stop anyone from invading the country using the way in which he’d invaded it himself!

A visit to the Castle includes exploration of the tunnels that go deep into the cliffs, where you can learn all about the dramatic evacuation from Dunkirk and see the Underground Hospital that was used to treat injured soldiers in WWII.

White Cliffs of Dover UK

How to visit. Dover is about 80 miles southeast of London. You can take a direct train to Dover from London and visit the town and the castle, and take a walk along the shore from where you can admire the beautiful white cliffs. Alternatively, you can also visit here with some day tours from London – see below.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that visit Dover from London, usually in combination with a few other places and Dover is often not more than a short photo stop. Here are the most popular day tours:

  • Dover, Leeds Castle & Canterbury Cathedral – the most popular and best price/quality tour from London.
  • Dover, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Greenwich – quite a full day, but you get to see a lot in a short time.

Dover Castle, UK

13. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a very impressive country house in Woodstock, about 65 miles northwest of London. This is England’s only non-royal country house that actually holds the title of a palace.

The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill currently the home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is a stunning example of 18th-century Baroque architecture. During your visit, you will see the magnificent staterooms, which are filled with priceless works of art and beautiful tapestries. A grade I listed building and World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace also contains the finest collection of antiques to be found anywhere in Europe.

The gardens – set within over 754 hectares of land – are particularly wonderful to explore. Designed by the English landscape architect Capability Brown, there are several formal gardens to enjoy. Don’t miss the Rose Garden, the exquisite Water Terraces, the Secret Gardens, and the family-friendly Pleasure Gardens.

Historical monuments can be seen throughout, including the Column of Victory (built to commemorate the Duke of Marlborough’s military successes), the Grand Bridge which spans the two lakes and The Temple of Diana, where Sir Winston Churchill proposed to his future wife.

There are also a few recommended walks to take. Possibly the most beautiful is The Lake and Grand Cascade walk, which gives you breathtaking views of the countryside.

Blenheim Palace UK

Good to know: The Palace and the grounds are so big and have so much to offer that you can easily spend an entire day here. In fact, many people find that one day isn’t even enough and many locals get a yearly pass for the Palace. However, many tours only spend a few hours here and just cover the main highlights. So how to visit depends on what you want to see and do here.

How to visit. The easiest way to visit Blenheim Palace is by car or with a tour, but you can also get here by public transport. From London Paddington Station, take a train to Hanborough (a bit over 1 hour), and from there, take a bus to the palace (it takes 7-10 minutes). If you want to spend an entire day at the palace, this is the best way to visit on a day trip from London.

Best tours from London. There are several tours that shortly visit Blenheim Palace from London. The best tour that spends more time at Palace is this Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds tour. This tour also includes a few short photo stops at other popular locations nearby.

Blenheim Palace Gardens

14. Downton Abbey Filming Locations

Downton Abbey filming locations close to Oxford and the Cotswolds make another popular day trip destination from London. There are two main places that you’ll want to see here – Bampton village and Highclere Castle .

Highclere Castle is a beautiful building and another fine example of luxurious life in the English countryside. It has been used for various film sets but became hugely popular since the filming of the TV series Downton Abbey . It’s now a very popular place to visit from Oxford or from London. The castle belongs to the Carnarvon family and is kept as it is, without turning it into a ‘theme park’ like some other castles in the area.

Another must-see for Downton Abbey fans is the beautiful village of Bampton . You’ll recognize many of the buildings here from the series, and it’s great fun to try to spot them during your visit!

Be sure to locate the home of Isobel Crawley, the church (actually named St. Mary’s), two fictional pubs – the Grantham Arms and the Dog and Duck – plus the Downton Cottage Hospital. The building used for the hospital is, in reality, the Bampton Community Archive, which houses a collection of old photos of the village and its people.

Bampton is a lovely village to visit in its own right. It is mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 and was already a large settlement during the era of the Norman Conquest. On the other hand, it’s so small that you don’t need much time here.

Highclere Castle is a popular London day trip for Downtown Abbey fans

How to visit. Highclere Castle is located about 65 miles (105 km) west of London, whereas Bampton village is about 30-40 miles from here, very close to Oxford. The best way to visit these places is either by car or by taking a tour.

Best tours from London. There are several tours visiting Downton Abbey filming locations from London. Some of the tours also visit Oxford, some others pass several villages of Cotswolds as well. This tour has the most complete itinerary covering most of the Downton Abbey filming locations.

Bampton village in the UK (one of Downton Abbey filming locations)

The picturesque village of Lacock in rural Wiltshire near Bath is another place often visited on day tours from London. It’s a small village and you don’t need much time here, but it’s well worth a stop if touring the area.

The historic village of Lacock looks much as it did two centuries ago. Founded in the Saxon era, Lacock’s buildings originally made up part of a monastery complex (be sure to visit Lacock Abbey !). In the 19th century, it lost its main source of income from the wool industry, so very little development has taken place since then.

This means that this unspoiled little village gives an authentic look into days gone by. In fact, you can still see an old workhouse and medieval tithe barn in addition to the traditional stone cottages, with classic English pubs dotted throughout.

The village’s beauty makes it a popular choice as a TV and film location. Scenes from Pride and Prejudice were filmed here and Lacock Abbey was also used to film parts of Harry Potter.

Lacock was also used in Downtown Abbey, but because of its location, it’s usually a place you’d visit in combination with Bath and Stonehenge and not together with Highclere castle or Bampton. Unless you drive – in that case, you could make your own tour covering all three.

Lacock Abbey in the UK

How to visit. Because of its rural location, Lacock is best visited by car or with a tour.

Best tours from London. There are many tours that stop in Lacock, usually in combination with a visit to Bath, Stonehenge, sometimes also with Windsor Castle. This is the most popular tour that also brings you to Lacock (in addition to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath).

Lacock Abbey cloisters

16. Warwick Castle

If you want to visit a real medieval castle near London, consider a day trip to Warwick Castle . With a history that goes back over 1000 years, a visit here takes you on a journey back in time, to a world of historic myths and battles for the English throne, but also lavish banquets, and royal splendor.

The castle was originally built as a wooden fort in 1068 and was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. As you arrive, you enter over the footbridge and find an impressive medieval castle with ramparts and towers. You can climb the stairs of the castle walls and explore this impressive castle inside out.

A visit to Warwick Castle is very different than the others mentioned in this guide – it has something of a theme park feel if you like. There are various events, shows, attractions, archery and sword lessons, and lots of other fun experiences all year round.

This is one of those places where locals visit with their children during weekends and school holidays, but it’s also fun and entertaining for tourists. Even more so if you are traveling with a family.

Medieval knights jousting at Warwick Castle

How to visit. Warwick Castle is located about 100 miles (160km), 2 hours drive from London. If you want to spend more time at the castle, by far the easiest way to visit Warwick from London for a day is by train.

There are direct trains from London Marylebone Station to Warwick Railway Station, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. From the station, it’s about 20-30 minutes walk to the castle. Be sure to check the official website of the castle for more info and book your tickets in advance!

Best tours from London. Most tours from London that visit Warwick Castle do this in combination with Oxford and Stratford. Some also stop at one or two villages in the Cotswolds. Here you can find a selection of tours that include a visit to Warwick Castle .

Warwick Castle in the United Kingdom

17. Liverpool & The Beatles

While not exactly next door, we feel that Liverpool also deserves a mention as a place that you can visit on a day trip from London. If you are a fan of The Beatles , a visit here is a bucket-list experience and well worth the journey.

A visit to Liverpool gives a fascinating look into the lives and times of 4 local lads who formed what would become one of the most famous bands in the world. A good starting point from which to enjoy this vibrant Victorian city is the Royal Albert Dock, which is made up of refurbished dock warehouses and is now packed with restaurants, cafes, and many attractions.

The Beatles Story is an award-winning, permanent exhibition totally devoted to the Fab Four! Located on the Dock, it contains lots of authentic memorabilia and provides an immersive experience for visitors. Even children are catered for in the Exhibitions Discovery Zone. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance !

Another interesting part of the visit for die-hard Beatles fans is the Magical Mystery Tour , which you take via a colorful tour bus that sets off from the Royal Albert Dock. In addition to the birthplaces, homes, schools, and original workplaces of the Beatles, you will also see the places that inspired some of their greatest hits, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Liverpool

The Beatles Story Liverpool

How to visit. The best way to visit Liverpool as a day trip from London is by taking a train (going by car would be about 4 hours one way). The journey by train takes 2 – 2.5 hours and there are many trains throughout the day, but be sure to book in advance and start your day as early as possible!

Once in Liverpool, you can take the earlier-mentioned Magical Mystery bus tour. Definitely visit the Beatles Story exhibition as well!

TIP: If you find it overwhelming to arrange everything yourself, you can also book a day tour to Liverpool from London. Most of these ‘tours’ are actually individual trips where everything from train tickets to all activities is pre-arranged for you. See below.

Best tours from London. This Liverpool and The Beatles day tour is the most popular and probably the best option. It includes reserved train seats, an entry to the Beatles Story exhibition, and also a ticket to the 2-hour Magical Mystery Tour!

Good to know: The above-mentioned tour from London to Liverpool starts at Euston Station in London and is normally available every day except Sundays. You’ll have to meet their representative at the station at 6.30 AM, so prepare for this to be a long day!

LEARN MORE: How to Plan a Day Trip to Liverpool from London

Liverpool UK - London day trips

Map of the best places to visit as a day trip from London & practical info

To give you a better idea of where all these places are located, we created a map indicating all the best day trip destinations from London mentioned in this guide. You can click on the map below in order to see it on Google Maps.

Good to know: As already mentioned, many of the most popular day trip destinations from London can be visited with organized tours or by train .

We don’t recommend renting a car if you are staying in London – the traffic is so busy in and around the city that it would be a nightmare for someone who’s not used to it. Renting a car would only make sense if you are planning a longer road trip, outside of the cities.

For organized tours , we recommend booking via the GetYourGuide website . They have a great selection of tours at the most competitive rates and the best cancelation policy and customer service out there. We personally book all tickets and tours via this website when we travel anywhere in the world.

Map of best places to visit as day trip from London

So, this is our guide to some of the most popular day trips and tours from London. I hope that this helps you choose a few nice places to visit near London and make your trip even more memorable.

For more travel inspiration for London and the UK, please see our featured articles below. Check it out!

More travel tips and inspiration for London:

  • Must-see in London: Top London Attractions
  • Hidden Gems of London
  • Camden Market
  • What to See in Camden Town
  • Best Views in London
  • London Travel Tips
  • Where to Stay in London
  • 1 Day in London
  • 2-day London Itinerary
  • London with Kids
  • Family Afternoon Tea in London
  • Best Things to Do in Greenwich
  • Painted Hall
  • Queen’s House and Tulip Stairs

READ ALSO: Traditional British Food & Where to Try It in the UK

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Best UK day trips near London, tours, and info on how to visit

More travel tips and inspiration for all over the UK:

  • Cities: Best Cities to Visit in the UK
  • Cornwall: Best Places to Visit in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
  • Yorkshire: Yorkshire Day Trips
  • Liverpool: Best Things to Do in Liverpool & The Beatles in Liverpool
  • Manchester: Best Things to Do in Manchester & 1-day Manchester Itinerary
  • Scotland: Isle of Skye Itinerary & Scotland Whisky Tour
  • Edinburgh: Top Places to See in Edinburgh & One Day in Edinburgh & Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
  • Glasgow: One Day in Glasgow
  • Seaside: Best Things to Do in Blackpool & Blackpool Travel Tips & Places to See Near Blackpool
  • …for more destinations, check our UK travel guide .
  • Read also: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Lacinda Mena

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

I am traveling with a group of six. We would like to depart London on September 4 and view Stonehedge, Windsor, and Bath on our way to Southampton. Do you know of any tours that would offer this service?

Hi Lacinda, no, I don't personally know any tours that offer this kind of service. I found this private tour that visits all the places that you mentioned from London. It's one of the cheapest and best-rated tours in its kind. However, I'm not sure if they wouldn't mind dropping you off somewhere else. You could probably book it and then contact them and ask what is possible. If it's not what you are looking for, you can cancel it. I see that the tour has free cancelation, so that's how I would do it. Otherwise, try to search the internet for private drivers and ask for a quote. Good luck!

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

Amazing blog! Was looking for something like this for my trip to London in a few days, and this has been really useful information; the detail with which you describe are amazing. Plus the alternatives to get there and the map, loved it all! Thanks for taking the time.

Thursday 27th of April 2023

Glad to help and thanks a lot for taking the time to leave this kind feedback, Alex! Have a great trip!

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Awesome! Thanks for the info!

Saturday 4th of February 2023

This was great information. Thanks

Monday 6th of February 2023

Glad to help. Have a great time in the UK!

Thursday 15th of December 2022

Love this blog!!! I am planning a trip to London with my son in February! This is exactly the information we are looking for! Super helpful!!

Friday 16th of December 2022

Glad to help, Holley. Have a great time in London!

  • Food & Drink
  • Things To Do
  • Beyond London

Lavender Fields Near London: 6 Pretty Purple Days Out This Summer

Laura Reynolds

Lavender season in London. When cherry blossom posts and wisteria hysteria start to wither away, it means sweeping fields of lavender are nigh.

Here are some of our favourite lavender farms and fields to visit near London — all of them are welcoming visitors this year. Check websites for tickets and more details, and remember to make sure the lavender's in bloom before you make a special trip, as the season can vary by a couple of weeks.

1. Mayfield Lavender Farm, London

Just, *just* within the boundaries of London itself, Mayfield Lavender Farm is the closest lavender field to central London. It gained Instagram fame a few years ago, partly thanks to the red phone box plonked strategically in the middle of a field.

The 25-acre farm is a sea of purple, enticing visitors to glide through it, as if in a purple-tinged dream. It gets very busy at weekends, so visit on a weekday if possible. There's a cafe and shop on site too, selling lavender ice cream, cream teas, cider (!), toiletries and other lilac-tinged treats.

Tractor rides are available for an additional £2.50 per person, with a circuit of the farm taking about 20 minutes.

Photography among the lavender is encouraged (there's even an official competition every year), but if you're taking part in a professional or extensive photoshoot, you'll need to register and pay a fee . No drones are allowed, and neither are picnics.

Open to the public: Open 10 June-31 August 2023, with lavender expected to bloom towards the end of June. Entry is £5 per person age 14+, no advance booking required.

Mayfield Lavender Farm , 1 Carshalton Lane, Banstead, SM7 3JA.

The farm also has a nursery and farm shop based in Epsom and open year-round.

2. Castle Farm Lavender and The Hop Shop, Sevenoaks, Kent

If you've taken the train between Orpington and Sevenoaks during lavender season, you'll have seen the bright purple fields next to the railway. They're part of the extensive Castle Farm empire, which is the largest producer of lavender in the UK — so naturally, they have a LOT going on during lavender season. Think guided tours through the fields and lavender distillery, picnics among the lavender, and self-guided walks with plenty of photo opportunities. In previous years, they've even offered professional massages among the lavender.

The farm's 1,100 acres are spread all over this part of Kent, but the activity all takes place at The Hop Shop near Shoreham. If you visit, sample the lavender ice cream available in the farm shop — delish.

Open to the public: The Hop Shop farm shop is open all year, but access to other parts of the farm is only available in lavender season , late June-late July. Booking for the 2023 lavender season opens in June. Guided tours from £12 adult/£6 child, lavender picnics from £12 adult/£6 child, lavender walks from £4 adult/£2.50 child.

The Hop Shop at Castle Farm , Redmans Lane, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7UB. The village of Otford, with its own solar system , is under 10 minutes drive away if you want to make a day of it.

3. Hitchin Lavender, Hertfordshire

Lavender fields in and near London: People walking through rows of Lavender at Hitchin Lavender in Hertfordshire

If you want to know what 25 miles of lavender rows looks like, head to Hertfordshire and wander around in the Hitchin Lavender fields.

Entry includes access to the fields, and in previous years, you've been able to pick a bag of lavender to take home with you (extra charge, bring your own scissors). Once you've worked up a sweat, lunches, cakes and drinks are available to buy in the cafe in the 17th century barn. You're also welcome to bring your own picnic.

There's a small museum on site (free entry), with a replica of the Perks & Llewellyn pharmacy, well-known in the 19th century for its lavender products. Professional photography is permitted, at an extra cost.

If you can tear your eyes away from the lavender for a minute or two, the hillside location of the farm offers views all over the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire countryside.

Open to the public: Lavender fields open 2 July- 4 August 2023. Tickets from £6.50 adult/£5 child, can be booked in advance (which is cheaper) although advance booking isn't mandatory. The barn, play area and museum open from 5 June 2023 — free entry, no booking required.

Hitchin Lavender , Cadwell Farm, Ickleford, Hertfordshire, SG5 3UA.

4. Finchingfield Camping and Lavender, Essex

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Finchingfield Lavender&camping (@finchingfieldcamping)

Towards the north of Essex, Finchingfield is home to a camping and glamping site located in a wildflower meadow, with its own micro lavender farm on site.

Campers can visit the lavender field at any time during their stay — which means you can spend your evening, including sunset, immersed in the purple hues, before returning to your luxury tent for a lavender-induced snooze. Not much of a camper? No problem — a limited number of day visitor tickets are available for each day during the lavender season, and there's also a call-out for volunteers to help with the lavender harvest at the end of the season. There's a cafe on site selling snacks and drinks to visitors. No dogs allowed. The nearby village of Finchingfield is pretty darn picturesque too.

Finchingfield Camping and Lavender , Howe Street, Finchingfield, Essex, CM7 4JB. Details for 2023 season TBC — watch this space .

5. Lavender Fields at Hartley Park Farm, Alton, Hampshire

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Lavender Fields. Est. 1999 (@thelavenderfields)

For a grand day out in the opposite direction, head to the Lavender Fields at Hartley Park Farm. Visiting the lavender itself is usually restricted to certain open days, when you can stroll through the seven varieties being grown, as well as a wildflower field.

The rest of the time, the lavender shop is open to the public, and there's a coffee shop too, but there's no access to the fields.

Open to the public: 2023 details TBC , but usually late June-early August.

Lavender Fields at Hartley Park Farm , Selborne Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 3HP

6. Lordington Lavender, Chichester, West Sussex

Lavender fields in and near London: rows of Lavender on a hill side at Lordington Lavender near Chichester

10 acres of Mailette lavender are grown at Lordington Lavender in the South Downs each year, though open days to visit the field are restricted to just one week in July. On these days anyone (and their dog) is welcome to walk among the lavender and take photos, as well as enjoying tea and cake overlooking the fields.

There are also a couple of adults-only evening events , where you can enjoy food and drink among the lavender as the sun sets.

Lordington Lavender , Lordington, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 9DX. Open days 12-16 July 2023, no ticket required.

Within London, Kennington Park, Vauxhall Park and Kew Gardens are all home to pockets of lavender — ideal if you're looking to inhale the heady scent without making a full day trip.

Last Updated 26 June 2023

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5 Most Beautiful Flower Fields To Visit Near London

Since the sunshine is out, it’s time to make the most out of the warmer months ahead of us. To do exactly that, why not explore these stunning flower fields near London? From mood-boosting sunflower plots to fields of enchanting lavender, it’s the season to get outside and see these beautiful blooms up close. What’s more, most of these fields are accessible by train or car, so it’s a great excuse to plan out your next day trip. Keep on reading to find out about the prettiest flower fields near London to explore in 2023. Make sure to download the app to find more locations!

field trip around london

1. Mayfield Lavender ‍

In the Surrey Downs, this magnificent, family-run lavender field is a sight to behold in the summer months. Approximately 15 miles from London, visitors can come and see this purple paradise in full bloom. Wander through the sea of organic lavender to take in its mesmerising smell, and snap some fabulous photos for the gram. We recommend heading to their nursery & gift shop afterward to take home some scented goodies. Although currently closed, the farm will be back open for the season in June and will stay open for daily visits until 31st August.

‍ June - 31 August

‍ Location : Mayfield Lavender Farm, 1 Carshalton Rd, Banstead SM7 3JA

‍ If your perfect afternoon is one spent whiling away the afternoon amongst the greenery and serenity, then our Peaceful Corners of London guide will be of great use to you - you’ll find tons of calming spots away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

field trip around london

2. Castle Farm ‍

Known as the UK's largest producer of Lavender oil, Castle Farm in Kent holds guided lavender tours for their annual lavender season. At the farm, this season runs between late June; right before the flowers are harvested for aromatherapy oil in late July. To view the farm in a fun way, we definitely recommend hopping onto one of the farm’s tractor tours - guaranteed to delight adults and children alike!

‍ Late June - late July

‍ Location: Redmans Ln, Sevenoaks TN14 7UB

field trip around london

Enjoying reading about these flower fields? Download Bindy Street to find more locations!

3. writtle sunflowers.

‍ For Summer 2023, this delightful PYO flower patch in Chelmsford will be open to the public. At this breathtaking location, visitors can buy beautiful sunflowers or other mixed flowers directly from their fields. Although this may not be the largest flower field on our list, it’s definitely worth visiting for a wholesome day out. They’re yet to announce when exactly they’ll open, but stay tuned with us as we’ll be sure to update you when they do.

‍ Summer 2023

‍ Location: Pooty Pools Farm, Chelmsford CM1 4NW

field trip around london

4. Cotswold Farm Park

‍ From mid-August - when the sunflowers are in full bloom - Cotswold Farm Park typically opens up their flourishing sunflower field to the public. On top of that, sunflowers aren’t the only flowers on show. Visitors can enjoy a variety of flourishing flora, from calming cornflowers to vibrant red campion. Since this farm is a little further away from London than the others, we recommend driving there (but trust us, it’s so worth it!)

‍ Open in July for wildflowers and mid-August for sunflowers

‍ Location: Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5FL

field trip around london

5. Blooming Green

‍ To see a stunning array of seasonal flowers, Blooming Green in Kent is the place to visit. Run by two cousins who are passionate about floristry, the Green’s main attraction is the vibrant flower plot that is open currently for PYO season. On Saturdays until October, visitors can book a special session where they can pick their own pretty flowers to keep - we recommend you book a slot between 10 am and midday if you want the ‘pick of the bunch’. And, if all that flower picking has you feeling peckish you can pop by their café for some refreshments and take a seat on the picnic benches.

‍ If you’re a lover of scenic surroundings and picnic lunches then head over to our Top Picnic Spots Guide for all the best spots to clink your glasses and snack away on a warm day.June - October

‍ Location: Loddington Farm, Linton, Maidstone ME17 4AG

While you wait for all the wonderful flowers to start blooming, why not check out our What’s On This Week guide for tons of fun, wild, or chilled activities available to do in London right now - just download the Bindy Street App !

While away the afternoon flower picking at one of these stunning flower fields or… get lost in green spaces by spending the day wandering around London’s pockets of nature at some of the city’s Prettiest Parks .

For the best things to do in London:

field trip around london

Discover more about the city!

Whether it's enjoying London's Royal Parks or discovering a lovely city farm, head over to our Nature & Animals category for a taste of the great outdoors.

Mayfield Lavender Farm, 1 Carshalton Rd, Banstead SM7 3JA

field trip around london

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field trip around london

100 Damn Good Day Trips From London For A New Year’s Escape

Ever get the feeling you're wanting to get out of town but not sure where to go? Well, if you do, why not try going on one of these top-notch day trips from London?

Alex Landon

London has too much of a hold over us to leave for long, but these cracking day trips from London will give you a chance to see the English countryside and refresh your zest for our beloved capital. Whether you’re exploring windswept beaches or checking out some of the prettiest villages in the UK , there’s something for everyone to explore in 2024. Let’s dive in shall we?

Table Of Contents

City day trips from London

Historical places near london, nature day trips from london, foodie day trips from london, pretty places near london, day trips to castles near london, literary day trips from london, national trust properties near london, seaside day trips from london, more amazing day trips near london, theme parks near london, sporty day trips from london.

Did you know there are other cities apart from London ? Here are the ones you really should explore – just remember to come back to London once you’re done, yeah?

1. Admire the dreaming spires of Oxford .

2. explore cardiff , another top uk capital., 3. go punting in cambridge ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Scudamore's Punting Cambridge (@puntingcambridge)

4. Dip into the Roman baths  in Bath.

5. follow chaucer’s pilgrims to canterbury ., 6. visit cadbury world , the most delicious place in birmingham  (and maybe the world)., 7. catch some shakespeare  in stratford-upon-avon..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stacy Michelle Cartledge (@whatstacydid)

8. Have a right royal day out  in Windsor.

9. spend the day in the arcades and on the rides of brighton pier ., 10. hop a train to see the remarkable st albans cathedral ., 11. experience the urban cool of bristol ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Secret Bristol (@secret.bristol)

12. Marvel at King Arthur’s round table  in Winchester.

These day trips from London will give you a glimpse into England’s past, whether that be at ancient monuments or at the pub …

13. Delve into 300 years’ worth of history at the UNESCO-listed and thoroughly gorgeous Blenheim Palace .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Blenheim Palace (@blenheimpalace)

14. Crack codes at Bletchley Park .

15. divine the mysteries of stonehenge ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stonehenge (@stonehenge)

16. Wander around Avebury , the UK’s other famous stone circle.

17. enter the battle of hastings at battle abbey ., 18. drink at the royal standard of england , the oldest pub in britain ( see more of the uk’s oldest pubs here )..

Experience fresh air and stunning scenery on these day trips from London. You’ll even have time to explore some of the UK’s breathtaking national parks , some of which lie tantalisingly close to the capital! Who knows – you may even spot some wildlife .

19. Ramble your way through The Cotswolds .

20. cycle along the south downs way ., 21. take a peek at the north wessex downs ., 22. marvel at the majesty of the high weald ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by High Weald National Landscape (@highwealdnl)

23. Make friends with the butterflies at Holtspur Bottom Reserve .

24. check out chiltern hills ., 25. stride your way around swinley forest ., 26. catch an explosion of colour at rhs wisley ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by RHS Garden Wisley (@rhswisley)

27. Kick your way through the leaves at Kent Downs .

28. brave the weather to see the burnham beeches ., 29. try not to get lost in the magnificent chislehurst caves ., 30. amble your way through the new forest ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by brambleandbeach (@brambleandbeach)

31. Go for a stroll around Surrey Hills .

32. take an excursion to elmley national nature reserve ..

The tastiest day trips around necessitate stuffing your face with high-quality cuisine, and then spending the rest of the day in a highly satisfactory food coma. Now that’s something we can definitely get on board with…

33. Eat your fill at The Fat Duck , Heston Blumenthal’s revered restaurant.

34. dine at le manoir aux quat’saisons , the idyllic hideaway of raymond blanc..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons (@belmondlemanoir)

35. Sample fine dining at The Latymer  in Pennyhill Park.

36. try the hand and flowers , a two-star michelin pub run by tom kerridge..

There’s nothing better than stumbling upon a picture-perfect vista that provides the perfect fodder for your Instagram feed. And let us tell you, there are some STUNNING spots around the UK.

37. Snap pictures of the medieval town of Lavenham , one of the prettiest villages near London . It’s also home to Harry Potter’s house, which is available on Airbnb !

38. amble through castle combe , star of many a film and tv show..

View of Castle Combe, a village and civil parish of gorgeous historic houses - on a sunny day

39. Wander through the charming village of Arundel – voted the most relaxing place in England!

40. have a gander at cookham , where wind in the willows was penned., 41. ramble through picturesque hambleden ., 42. visit chichester and head to the well-renowned theatre ., 43. explore shere , a favourite filming location. (in fact, it’s where the holiday classic, the holiday , was filmed ).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Surrey (@visitsurrey)

44. See East Bergholt , set amidst the landscape which inspired John Constable.

No need to storm the gates on day trips to these gorgeous castles, because they’re inviting you in. But will you be the king of the castle or just a dirty rascal with these London day trips listed below?

45. Step inside the real-life Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle .

An elevated view of Highclere Castle surrounded by trees and greenery

46. Follow in Anne Boleyn’s footsteps at Hever Castle .

47. framlingham castle  (of ed sheeran’s ‘ castle on the hill ‘ fame), 48. leeds castle , which confusingly is in kent, not leeds., 49. warwick castle , home to an awesome medieval trebuchet that they’re more than happy to use..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Warwick Castle (@warwickcastleofficial)

50. Hadleigh Castle .

51. see the former prison of charles i at carisbrooke castle ., 52. dive into the history of dover castle ..

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a literary day trip will refresh your love for London, so go forth and wander the hallowed halls where literature’s greatest works were penned.

53. Take a tour of Jane Austen’s house  in Chawton.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jane Austen's House (@janeaustenshouse)

54. Explore Bateman’s , the former home of Rudyard Kipling.

55. see roald dahl’s inspiration  in great missenden., 56. head on a dickensian tour of rochester., 57. follow the footsteps of virginia woolf around monk’s house ..

These ultra-luxe houses are just life goals, and if you’re a National Trust member, you’ll get in for free.

58. Explore Hughenden , the former home of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.

59. fall in love with the chateaurrific waddesdon manor ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elaine (@elaineblackall)

60. Check out the artwork at Petworth House .

61. meander round the botanical gardens at wakehurst ., 62. see chartwell , the family home of winston churchill., 63. get house envy at the stunning ightham mote ., 64. wander amongst the flowers of cliveden ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cliveden House (@clivedenhouse)

65. Spend the day at picturesque Mottisfont .

66. admire the amazing views from leith hill tower  (on clear days you can even see the london skyline)., 67. visit runnymede , the site where the magna carta was sealed., 68. walk amongst the bluebells of winkworth arboretum ., 69. be enchanted by sissinghurst castle garden ..

people strolling between the trees towards a looming castle building

There are some fantastic beaches near London , but if you don’t fancy sandy toes, you can still head to the coast to explore some beautiful seaside towns .

70. Gaze out to sea from Beachy Head , one of the UK’s most beautiful spots .

The sun setting over the waters of the English Channel by Beachy Head in Eastbourne

71. Walk the sandy beach of Great Yarmouth and go on the rides at Pleasure Beach.

72. feel the wind in your hair at broadstairs ., 73. eat seafood as fresh as you can get it in whitstable ., 74. get a taste of ‘shoreditch-on-sea’ in margate ., 75. ride the pier railway line  in southend., 76. watch the waves break on hastings  seafront..

The seafront to the East Sussex town of Hastings with its landmark castle visible on top of the hill.

77. Get away from the crowds on the Isle of Wight .

78. explore mersea island , but don’t get cut off by the tide.

Still looking for places to visit near London? Here’s the best of the rest, with something to suit all tastes on your next jaunt from the capital.

79. Feel like a giant in Bekonscot Model Village , the world’s oldest such place.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bekonscot Model Village (@bekonscotofficial)

80. Take to the skies in a microlight flight across Kent.

81. see lions, tigers, and cheetahs at the the big cat sanctuary ., 82. get high with a rope course challenge ., 83. witness an exhilarating race at the brands hatch circuit ., 84. hit the slopes at the snow centre in hemel hempstead..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Snow Centre (@thesnowcentre)

85. Row like an Olympian on Dorney Lake.

86. get up close to wild animals at woburn safari park ., 87. take the steam train along the watercress line ..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Watercress Line (@thewatercressline)

88. Explore the New Forest on horseback .

Life’s a rollercoaster on these action-packed day trips – don’t forget your souvenir photos!

89. Thorpe Park

90. legoland.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by LEGOLAND Windsor Resort (@legolandwindsor)

91. Paulton’s Park

92. chessington world of adventures, 93. drayton manor, 94. alton towers, 95. new forest water park.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by New Forest Water Park (@newforestwaterpark)

These day trips are sure to get your pulse racing, even if you’re not stepping onto the field of play…

96. Be bowled over by Wormsley , the most beautiful cricket ground in England. (April-September)

97. don your finest hat for ascot (june), 98. make a splash at henley’s royal regatta (july).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Henley Royal Regatta (@henleyroyalregatta)

99. Visit Cowdray Park to enjoy the highlight of the polo calendar, the Gold Cup . (July)

100. start your engines for the goodwood festival of speed (june/july).

So there you have it – 100 epic day trips from London that you can enjoy in 2024. All we can say is – what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy some more of Blighty! But don’t forget to return is all we ask of you… please.

Also published on Medium .

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A virtual field trip to London, England

June 22, 2015 //  by  Jamie C. Martin //   25 Comments

A virtual field trip to London, England ~ Written by Jamie Martin of Simple Homeschool

N early three weeks ago our family flew across the ocean to England. My husband Steve grew up in York, so much of our time has been spent up north visiting grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins as part of our itinerary.

But we first stopped in London, a city we had never before explored as an entire family. It’s definitely a busy, bustling place  (a bit much for the introverts among us after a couple of days!) , but we wouldn’t have missed this chance to take in the sites together.

Because I’m passionate about helping all of our kids (yours and mine!) fall in love with the world , I always get to thinking about my readers when we travel.

How can I offer you a snapshot of where we are without you having to board the next flight?  Another virtual field trip seemed like the best possibility, so gather your kids around the coffee table and come along!

A Virtual Field Trip to London, England

Stop 1. buckingham palace.

Head to Buckingham Palace on Google Maps

FACT: Buckingham Palace’s 700+ rooms make up the primary home and workplace for the British Monarchy.

Take a tour of Buckingham Palace:

(5 minute video – click photo below to watch)

Learn more about Buckingham Palace:

  • The official website of the British Monarchy
  • Buckingham Palace – Facts for Kids

Stop 2. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Head to Big Ben on Google Maps

FACT: When someone says “Big Ben,” they are usually referring to the entire clock tower, but originally the name was just given to the bell itself.

Take a tour of Big Ben:

(7 minute video – click photo below to watch)

  • Happy birthday, Big Ben!
  • Big Ben – UK Parliament

Stop 3. Tower of London

Head to the Tower of London on Google Maps

FACT: William the Conquerer first began construction on the Tower of London, his royal residence and defense system, in the early 1080s.

Take a tour of the Tower of London:

(4 minute video – click photo below to watch)

See the Crown Jewels:

Learn more about the Tower of London:

  • Official site
  • Historic Royal Palaces for Kids
  • Top 10 facts about the Tower of London

Stop 4. The British Museum

Head to the British Museum on Google Maps

FACT: The British Museum houses over 8 million(!) artifacts of history and culture from all continents.

Take a tour of the British Museum:

(22 minute video – click photo below to watch)

Learn more about the British Museum:

  • British Museum Online Tours
  • British Museum Young Explorers

Stop 5. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Head to the Globe Theatre on Google Maps

FACT: The current Globe Theatre on the bank of the Thames River is a replica of the original, first built in 1559.

Take a tour of the Globe Theatre:

(4 minute video – click photo below to watch)

  • Welcome to the Globe Playground
  • William Shakespeare @ BBC Primary History
  • Globe Theatre Facts

Stop 6. Westminster Abbey

Head to Westminster Abbey on Google Maps

FACT: Westminster Abbey has hosted British coronations, burials, and weddings for centuries.

Take a tour of Westminster Abbey:

(2 minute video – click photo below to watch)

Stop 7. Churchill War Rooms

Head to Churchill War Rooms on Google Maps

FACT: During World War II the British government commanded the war effort underground from the Churchill War Rooms.

Take a tour of the Churchill War Rooms:

(1 minute video – click photo below to watch)

Learn more about the Churchill War Rooms:

  • Winston Churchill @ BBC Primary History

Stop 8. The London Eye

Head to the London Eye on Google Maps

FACT: The London Eye was originally built just to celebrate the new millennium, but has been granted permission to stay up for at least 25 years.

Take a tour on the London Eye:

(3 minute video – click photo below to watch)

Learn more about the London Eye:

  • 10 London Eye Facts

Stop 9. The National Gallery

Head to the National Gallery on Google Maps

FACT: The National Gallery houses over 2,000 paintings and is the fourth most visited art museum in the world.

Take a tour of the National Gallery:

Learn more about the National Gallery:

  • Discover the collection online & take a virtual tour

Stop 10. The HMS Belfast

Head to the HMS Belfast on Google Maps

FACT: The HMS Belfast, now a museum open to the public, engaged in several campaigns during World War II.

Take a tour of the HMS Belfast:

Learn more about the HMS Belfast:

  • Pocket Britain

And to take your learning one step further, why not make the last stop on our trip your local library?!

Children’s Books Set in London:

In case the book images aren’t showing up for you, here’s the list:

  • Katie in London
  • A Walk in London
  • This is London
  • Madeline in London
  • The Inside-Outside Book of London
  • A Little Princess
  • Mary Poppins
  • Ballet Shoes
  • A Bear Called Paddington
  • The Cheshire Cheese Cat
  • Dodsworth in London
  • A Boy Called Dickens

The best part of virtual field trips? No jet lag! I hope you have enjoyed this virtual field trip to London–thanks for tagging along!

“The man who can dominate a London dinner-table can dominate the world.” ~ Oscar Wilde

What’s Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie’s quiz now  and receive a free personality report to help you organize your homeschool based on what your personality type needs most!

This post contains affiliate links.

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About Jamie C. Martin

Jamie is an introverted mom of three , who loves books, tea, and people (not always in that order), and avoids answering the phone when possible. She co-founded SimpleHomeschool.net in 2010 and began IntrovertedMoms.com in 2020.

Jamie is the author of four books, including Give Your Child the World (reached #9 on Amazon's Top 100 Best Sellers list), and her latest release, Introverted Mom (an ECPA bestseller). Her work has been featured by LeVar Burton of Reading Rainbow, the Washington Post, Parents, Today Parenting, and Psychology Today.

field trip around london

Reader Interactions

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June 22, 2015 at 9:09 am

Wow! Thanks! My family has enjoyed “traveling” on your Little House trip and now London!

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June 22, 2015 at 9:17 am

Yay, Amy. I had so much fun putting this together and hope you and yours enjoy it!

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June 22, 2015 at 9:58 am

I love this – thank you for putting it together. My kids will certainly enjoy a virtual tour of London. We actually live quite close to York, but have yet to venture to the capital city with our three boys! 🙂 I love reading your blog and want to say a big THANK YOU for sharing all of these wonderful resources!

June 22, 2015 at 12:25 pm

Wonderful, Jo – you’re so welcome!

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June 22, 2015 at 10:01 am

What a great resource!!! We’ve already enjoyed some of these and am looking forward to exploring the rest! We’re also headed to London as a family in the Fall so this will be great preparation! Thank you! Johanna’s latest post: March-April 2015 read-alouds

June 22, 2015 at 12:26 pm

Oh really, Johanna?! This will be great to build pre-trip anticipation even more – enjoy!

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June 22, 2015 at 10:14 am

Fantastic virtual field trip. Thanks. Will share.

Thanks, Tan!

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June 22, 2015 at 12:28 pm

AH! I’m totally geeking out over this! I have tried to do something similar with my own blog (a Visit to the Greek Museum in Chicago and then a post about my daughter’s favorite mythology books). I’m going to get my kids together and “take them” to London this week. This rocks! Maggie’s latest post: Lettering…

June 23, 2015 at 3:15 am

It’s amazing all that we have access to now, thanks to the Internet, isn’t it?! Hope you and the kids have fun with it, Maggie!

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June 22, 2015 at 3:51 pm

We’re also going to London fairly soon. This will be a great resource for me to prepare for the trip, and to show my grandsons where Mimi is going to be on her vacation. Nancy Taylor’s latest post: Learning at the Beach with Multiple Intelligences

June 23, 2015 at 3:16 am

Perfect, Nancy. Enjoy your trip!

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June 22, 2015 at 5:52 pm

Oh we totally love this post… love it, it brings back so many happy memories!!! We spent a couple of weeks in London a couple of years back we got into the rhythm of an museum in the morning, lunch and a rest in the one of the beautiful parks and then exploring different areas, doing neighborhood walks in the afternoons and finishing off with interesting street food before bed. So many wonderful museums that are free, hands on and child friendly we couldn’t believe it. Quite a few times I wished we had paper and crayons in our backpacks for making rubbings – but we have got much better at packing what we need for touring about!!! Anyway thanks for the fabulous trip… love it!!! se7en’s latest post: Se7en’s Fabulous Fun Post #280

June 23, 2015 at 3:17 am

That sounds fabulous, se7en. It’s always tricky to figure out how much to do (& to pack!) when you’re traveling with kids.

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June 23, 2015 at 8:44 am

Thank you so much for compiling this information. This is very useful resource!!

June 24, 2015 at 2:02 am

You’re welcome, Tracy. I’m quite proud of it, too!!

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June 23, 2015 at 5:53 pm

Thank you x1000! What a great resource for us, both for my youngest who I homeschool (and so always need interesting learning ideas) and my oldest who is obsessed with Sherlock (current version) and so has declared a trip to London as required.

That sounds perfect, Aubrey!

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June 24, 2015 at 11:26 am

This is just great! I just pinned your post to use this next year in homeschool, when we will be studying renaissance times and shakespeare. Thank so much for this resource!

June 25, 2015 at 2:07 am

You’re so welcome, Emily. This will fit in perfectly with your studies!

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June 26, 2015 at 7:50 am

My kids will really enjoy this. Thank you so much for putting it together. blessings, Dawn

June 26, 2015 at 11:56 am

You’re so welcome – glad it’s helpful!

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June 30, 2015 at 7:04 pm

Oh my goodness, Jamie – this is amazing!!! Thank you so much for all of your work, and your heart to share. I am posting this for my homeschool co-op group immediately and the boys and I have something to look forward to this week. 🙂 Shawna@nottheformerthings’s latest post: Autism: It is always here

July 1, 2015 at 7:44 am

Yay, thanks Shawna!

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July 2, 2015 at 12:08 pm

this is one of the best educational resources! I love the Virtual Field Trip Premise! Do you have others? Will you be doing more?

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Whitstable - day trips from London 2018

The best day trips from London

Whether you’re after a seaside jaunt or a country retreat, here are the best trips from London we’re planning right now

If you're fed up with city life, it's tempting to daydream about a leisurely fortnight somewhere deliciously hot and exotic. But your great escape doesn't have to be quite so involved, or spendy. You can microdose that holiday vibe by taking a day trip to one of the joy-inducing destinations just a few hours away from London: historic cities, cute villages, sandy beaches, we've got 'em all.

Planning a quick getaway? Here’s some fuel for your own day(trip)dreams. These are 17 of our favourite day-tripping spots, complete with cute pubs and ace restaurants – all close enough to London to get there and back in one glorious day. Or keep things even simpler with a trip to this city's best   beer gardens ,   green spaces   or   rooftop bars . 

RECOMMENDED: 101 incredible things to do in London instead RECOMMENDED: the best Airbnbs near London RECOMMENDED: Quirky Airbnbs in the UK

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17 dreamy day trips from London

The New Forest

1.  The New Forest

A trip to the New Forest is about as close as you can get to going on safari without buying a plane ticket. As you make your way down dappled lanes and across the heather-covered heath you’ll be watched the famous ponies, which have grazed there for thousands of years, plus free-ranging Highland cattle and pigs hoovering up fallen acorns. Don’t fancy being stuck in the car all day? Hire a two-seater electric Twizzy buggy to explore in, or book a beginners’ hack at one of the stables. Don’t forget to make time for a proper ploughman’s lunch at the Royal Oak in Fritham.

How far? 90 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Waterloo to Brockenhurst; around two hours by car. Just remember that animals, not drivers, have right of way here.

Deal

2.  Deal

Though it might not get shouted about the way Margate and Whitstable do, Deal ticks all the day-trip boxes with its quaint rows of Georgian houses, unique boutiques and well-loved Saturday market. Kick things off at Deal Castle (built by Henry VIII as part of an ambitious chain of coastal forts), then treat yourself to lunch at 81 Beach Street or Victuals & Co. Parisian-style bottle shop Le Pinardier is great for stocking up on gluggable goodies, and make sure you stop by gallery-cum-homewares boutique Taylor-Jones & Son, where Delilah the sheepdog will welcome you with open paws.

How far? Just over 80 miles

Get there One hour 20 minutes b y train from St Pancras International; around two hours by car. 

Box Hill

3.  Box Hill

Biking to green and pleasant Surrey is a wheely nice way to spend a Sunday (sorry) – plus, Box Hill was part of the 2012 Olympic road-cycling route. Start in Richmond Park and pedal down past Hampton Court – it should take you about two hours. After a 1.6 mile climb and some hairpin bends (easier than it sounds!), you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the North Downs from the top of Box Hill. Grab a slice of cake from the National Trust café, and save space for lunch at The Tree, which serves homemade pies and crumbles. Your last stop is Box Hill and Westhumble station, where you can load your bikes on to a train back to Waterloo. Whew!

How far? 30 miles

Get there  Two hours by bike (obviously). Plan the route carefully before you set out, and take a map and a puncture repair kit, plus water and snacks.

Dungeness

4.  Dungeness

Dungeness’s shingly, shipwreck-dotted beach is so spookily empty that it’s been described as Britain’s only desert (though the Met Office refuses to technically recognise it as such, the party-poopers). But look a little closer and there’s plenty going on. It’s a nature reserve, for one thing. Follow the two-mile trail around RSPB Dungeness for the chance to glimpse glossy ibises and marsh harriers. Come lunchtime, queue up at the famous Dungeness Snack Shack: they’ll serve you their catch of the day in a warm bun, plus lobster and crab rolls or smoked cod chowder. Finally, go in search of the huge concrete ‘sound mirrors’, which date from the First World War and were designed to listen out for planes.

How far? 86 miles

Get there O ne hour  by train from St Pancras International to Folkstone, with a one-hour 30-minute bus ride to Dungeness; around two hours by car. 

Hastings

5.  Hastings

From the battleground of William the Conqueror’s victory in 1066 to its role as an eighteenth-century smuggling hotspot, Hastings has a lot of colourful history. So it makes total sense that London’s sunseekers have been flocking like seagulls to this town for centuries.

Learn more about the town’s rich history by exploring the beautiful ruins of its Norman castle or paying a visit to Smugglers Adventure (a museum housed in former smugglers’ caves). Browse the independent shops in picturesque Old Town, stroll along the pier, and definitely just take some time to admire the views from the clifftop at the summit of Britain’s steepest funicular, the Hill Cliff Railway. 

How far? 54 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from London Bridge; around two hours by car.

Mersea Island

6.  Mersea Island

Attached to the mainland by a causeway that floods (and pub quizzers, take note: this is the UK’s most easterly inhabited island), Mersea feels properly remote at high tide. The big draw is The Company Shed, which serves seafood platters that pull in crowds from all over the country every weekend. It’s BYOB – bring your own bread – and they don’t take bookings, so get there before noon to make sure you can feast on prawns, smoked fish, oysters and dressed crab. Speaking of which, catch-and-release crabbing is encouraged – there are specially marked areas near the water, and shops selling the kit. Or you can book a boat trip around the bay.

How far? 69 miles

Get there  One hour by train from Liverpool Street to Colchester, then a 45-minute bus to Mersea Island; around two hours by car. D on’t forget to check the tide timetable before you set off...

Whitstable

7.  Whitstable

It’s hard to think of a lovelier seaside spot than Whitstable. Kick off a day there at Blueprint Coffee and Books with a pot of something strong and ethically sourced (and maybe a mini orange-and-rosemary bundt cake). Next, rent a bike from Whitstable Cycle Hire and pedal your way along the five-mile seafront Oyster Bay Trail. And for lunch? Oysters, of course – watch them being shucked in front of you at The Forge. Stay on the beach for a drink as the sun sets: Whitstable is one of the few in the UK with a pub, the Old Neptune, right on the shingle.

How far? 61 miles

Get there One hour 20 minutes by train from Victoria or one hour 10 minutes from St Pancras International to Whitstable; around one hour 40 minutes by car.

Rye

8.  Rye

The antique shops and higgledy-piggledy cobbled lanes of Rye make it feel like a little slice of the Cotswolds on the coast. After you’ve satisfactorily browsed around the accurately named Tiny Book Store, treat yourself to a seafood lunch surrounded by lobster pots at Globe Inn Marsh, followed by Sussex real ale or a glass of local wine at The George. The Chapel Down vineyard is just up the road and well worth a visit if you want to know the ins and outs of wine-making – or simply enjoy a tipple with their signature wine tasting. Ten minutes away are the pillowy dunes of Camber Sands: roll your trousers up and splash through the shallows, take a kite for a spin or just park your towel and stretch out.

How far? 79 miles.

Get there  One hour 10 minutes by train from St Pancras International (with a change at Ashford); around two hours by car. 

Margate

9.  Margate

The Kent coastal town of Margate is awash with cold-brew coffee and craft beer, with enough salty charm to help you weather gusty sea winds. Start at the Turner Contemporary gallery, then mosey over to retro theme park and roller-disco Dreamland. Once the effects of the waltzer have worn off, head to Hantverk & Found for a lunch of fresh seafood and natural wines. Spend the rest of the afternoon shopping: snap up stunning vintage pieces in Breuer & Dawson, and seaweed-based skincare at Haeckels.

How far? 76 miles

Get there  One hour 25 minutes by train from St Pancras International; around two hours by car. 

Bath

10.  Bath

A glorious water-themed day awaits you in the city of Bath. Start as you mean to go on with a tour of the Romans baths (no paddling allowed, you’ve been warned), before making a splash in the Thermae Bath Spa – the rooftop pool has stunning views of the city. Once you’ve dried off, make like Jane Austen and stroll along the Royal Crescent. Peckish? Sally Lunn’s teahouse is home to the Sally Lunn Bun, a kind of sweet brioche bap – for a Bath take on the cream tea, order one toasted and spread with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

How far? 115 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Paddington; two hours 30 minutes by car. 

Brighton

11.  Brighton

With its pebble beach, wall-to-wall live music venues and buzzing LGBTQ+ scene, there’s nowhere better for topping up your Vitamin Sea levels than Brighton. Start your day by dodging seagulls on the Palace Pier, then shop up a storm in the Lanes, which are packed with independent boutiques, record stores and vegan eateries. Sit down with a couple of pints in the Brighton Beer Dispensary, which champions small Sussex breweries like the Hand Brew Co.

How far?  A little over 50 miles

Get there One hour by train from Victoria, Blackfriars or London Bridge; around two hours by car. 

Canterbury

12.  Canterbury

In Chaucer’s day, this was where people came for a big old religious knees-up. Today, Canterbury is a little more sedate, but its large student population means there’s still a pleasingly rowdy edge. Kick things off with a leisurely stroll down the King’s Mile, home to boutiques aplenty. Lunchwise you’re spoilt for choice, from gourmet scotch eggs with slaw and fries at Pork & Co, bento boxes at Tamago or pizza straight from the oven at indoor farmers’ market The Goods Shed. Round off your very own Canterbury tale with a visit to the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, which features one of the world’s most important collections of cow paintings and a mummified  Egyptian cat.

Get there  One hour by train from St Pancras International; around one hour 30 minutes by car.

Guildford

13.  Guildford

Heads up, horror fans: Guildford’s cathedral stars in cult bone-chiller ‘ The Omen’ . That said, everything else about Surrey’s county town is bucolic in the extreme: if it’s sunny you can lounge beside the water at pretty Dapdune Wharf, or actually get in it at the Guildford Lido. Lunch on locally sourced nacho boxes at Burrito Loco, before checking out the 400-year-old Star Inn. Still thirsty? Hop on a train to tour the nearby Hogs Back Brewery.

How far? 31 miles

Get there  30 minutes by train from Waterloo; around one hour by car.

Southend-on-Sea

14.  Southend-on-Sea

For nostalgic seaside fun, you could do much worse than Southend. From amusement parks, fairground rides and the world’s longest pier (it has a train running along it) to old-school chippies and retro ice-cream parlour Tomassi’s, the place has all the typical trappings of a vintage seaside town. On top of that it boasts some ambitious eateries , like fine-dining joint Aurum and gastropub The Pipe of Port, plus a burgeoning creative scene spearheaded by Focal Point Gallery and the annual Village Green music and arts festival. 

How far? 36 miles

Get there  One  hour 15 minutes by train from Fenchurch Street; two hours by car.

Cambridge

15.  Cambridge

Quieter, smaller and (whisper it) prettier than Oxford, Cambridge has plenty to keep you entertained. A visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum is a fine way to start your trip, followed by a bite at Fitzbillies. Make sure to buy a box of the sticky chelsea buns to take home. Spend a couple of hours wandering around the colleges and King’s Chapel before taking to the river for a spot of punting: behatted guides will do the hard work, or you can hire a boat of your own (it’s trickier than it looks: you’ve been warned). Come teatime, head for Grantchester and feast on scones in The Orchard Tea Gardens, just like poet Rupert Brooke.

How far? 64 miles

Get there  45 minutes by train from King’s Cross; one hour ten minutes from Liverpool Street; around two hours by car. 

Chichester

16.  Chichester

Dinky, pastel-coloured Chichester looks like it’s built of macarons – but it’s more than just a pretty face. Start at the Norman-meets-Gothic cathedral before moving on to the Pallant House Gallery, home to brilliantly curated exhibitions, a first-class bookshop and a courtyard café that gives Rochelle Canteen a run for its money. Some of the best bits of Sussex are an easy drive (or, if you’re feeling full of beans, a slightly less easy bike ride) away, from the Goodwood Estate to West Dean Gardens and the gorgeous sandy beach at West Wittering.

How far? 80 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes from Victoria; around two hours by car. Car is best, so you can really explore. 

Stratford-upon-Avon

17.  Stratford-upon-Avon

The Bard, of course, is the big draw here, and Shakespeare’s house, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage and the RSC’s famous theatre are all must-sees. But Stratford is more than just a Tudor Disneyland, we promise. Take a boat tour of the canal basin to find out more about the West Midlands waterways, refresh yourselves in the Grade II-listed Old Thatch Tavern and stop for a scoop of Eton mess ice cream at Hooray’s British Gelato Kitchen. 

How far? 104 miles

Get there T wo hours 15 minutes  by train from Marylebone; around two hours by car. 

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14 Best Day Trips From London — From Small Towns to Stunning Forests

Take a break from the big city.

field trip around london

joe daniel price/Getty Images

There’s no denying London is one of the greatest cities in the world for art, culture, history, and theater. "London has fantastic culture on every corner, with over 192 museums, three of which are among the top 10 in the world," Rose Wangen-Jones, the managing director of  Visit London , told  Travel + Leisure . "One of the best things about London is that returning visitors always uncover something new and different with each visit. London is constantly evolving."

After a week-long trip, you may want to escape its hustle and experience some of the U.K.'s best forests, country houses, seaside towns, and even other European neighbors. Thankfully, all of this and more lies within easy reach of the capital, thanks to its great big railways.

"London is often seen as the gateway to the rest of Europe and the United Kingdom, with six international airports and excellent rail connections to continue your onward journey," said Wangen-Jones. "You could even be at the Eiffel Tower taking snaps of the Paris skyline in just over two hours, thanks to the high-speed Eurostar train."

Complete with riverside walks, ancient towns, idyllic streets filled with indie shops, and amazing restaurants, here are our picks for the best day trips from London.

Whitstable, Kent

CBCK-Christine/Getty Images

Ask any Londoner and they’ll tell often tell you the charming seaside town of Whitstable is at the top of their city escape list. Quintessentially British, Whitstable is famed throughout England for its multicolored North Sea-facing beach huts and restaurants that plate up fresh lobsters. The town’s castle ruins are well worth exploring, too, and the hilly — and sometimes windy — coastal walks will help brush off those cerebral cobwebs.

Another major draw is the town’s oysters. Guzzling half a dozen of these must-try mollusks is almost a rite of passage in these parts, and one of the best times to try them is during the Whitstable Oyster Festival, which takes place every summer. Expect live music, markets selling local wares, and stellar wines.

Margate, Kent

Laurie Noble/Getty Images

Margate has had a major makeover over the years, thanks to an arty renaissance spearheaded by celebrities and artists such as Tracey Emin. The Kent coastal town is often compared to the cool grit and harbor glamour of Copenhagen, with all its independent shops, contemporary restaurants, and tidal pool made for a quick summer dip. Though Margate is on the gusty side, the Turner Contemporary gallery will keep you shielded from all the elements, and for those who like a quick and easy adrenaline rush, the retro theme park and roller-disco Dreamland is well worth the admission price.

Cliveden House, Berkshire

Andrew Holt/Getty Images

Over its long, illustrious history, Cliveden has been a retreat for royals (Meghan, Duchess of Sussex stayed here on the eve of her wedding, and it played host to the scandalous Profumo affair back in the 1960s). The former home of the Astor family, the house was originally built in 1666 by the Duke of Buckingham as a country pad to rival all others. Now, it’s a great place to get a taste for over-the-top English style (think winding oak staircases and hallways filled with paintings, chandeliers, and armor). Aside from it being a great spot for afternoon tea, Cliveden really is all about stunning riverside walks, park picnics, and if you’ve got the time, a river boat tour down the Thames.

Rye, Sussex

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Instagrammers from across the globe descend upon Rye to snap photos of its cutesy, cobbled lanes and mishmash of Diagon Alley wannabe antique shops and bookstores. Just under two hours from London, the small and hilly town is the perfect place to grab a local Sussex ale or English sparkling wine. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants serving top-notch seafood lunches and scrumptious lobster pots. Another bonus? It's close to one of the U.K.’s best beaches , the beautifully picturesque Camber Sands. Tip: Bring a fancy picnic basket.

Box Hill, Surrey 

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Green and pleasant pastures await in this dreamy part of the Surrey countryside. Less than an hour outside of London, Box Hill is a solid quick option for a day trip with fresh air. Most people cycle here from Richmond Park, but if you're short on time, you can take the train. The walk up takes roughly four hours, and those who reach the summit will be treated to sprawling views of the North Downs. The National Trust Cafe is a great spot for a slice of well-deserved cake, but if you fancy heading further out, the nearby Beaverbrook hotel dishes up one of the most celebrated afternoon teas in the area. 

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Despite being more than 200 miles from London, York is actually one of the easiest day trips from the capital. Trains take just under two hours and run frequently enough that you can easily decide the same day if you want to go. The ancient walled city is best known for its Gothic masterpiece York Minster, one of the U.K.’s oldest cathedrals, which dates back to the seventh century.

"York Minster is one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world, as well as one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe," Nicola Butler, a T+L A-List advisor and owner of Noteworthy , told T+L. "The first recorded church on the site was built in 627 AD, and it has had a colorful and varied history ever since. We then suggest our clients admire the timber-framed buildings of The Shambles, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086."

In addition to admiring this stunner, visitors can walk along the city walls before climbing up Clifford’s Tower for some awesome views of the city and beyond. Learn about 3,000 years of chocolate history at the city’s Chocolate Story museum, then hit up the Shambles for winding, Harry Potter -style streets packed with cool storefronts and tea shops.  

Lewes, Sussex

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Lewes often gets overlooked for its neighbor Brighton, but there's lots to explore in this quaint town. Lewes Castle, the remains of Lewes Priory, and the former home of Anne of Cleves will keep you busy for a few hours, as will the pubs and local handicraft shops. If you have a few more hours to spare, take a cab to the nearby village of Rodmell. Here, you’ll find Monk’s House , the former 16th-century country retreat of famous novelist Virginia Woolf and her husband, Leonard. The garden is pretty, and you’ll also get to go inside Woolf’s writing lodge where she sat and wrote her most famous novels and essays. And if you’ve got the stamina, the walk to Glynde is well worth the steep hills. Your reward? Spectacular views over the South Downs.

Paris, France

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The beauty of Europe is its excellent and efficient train network. The Eurostar , for example, takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach the French capital from London’s St. Pancras International station, and with little advance planning, you can easily visit some of Paris’s most famous sites if you book yourself on the earliest service out and the latest back. To make the most of your day here, focus on the heart of the city: the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Musée d'Orsay, plus the amazing stores, coffee shops, and restaurants of Saint-Germain-des-Prés are all within walking distance of each other. Round out the day at the Trocadéro to snap a selfie with the Eiffel Tower and relax on the banks of the Seine with a picnic, Emily in Paris style.

Brighton, Sussex

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The unofficial gay capital of the U.K. is the place to go if you're in search of wall-to-wall live music venues, classic seaside bed-and-breakfasts, buzzing clubs, and the members-only Soho House. The famed Palace Pier, pebble beach, and a shopping spree down The Lanes are musts. Visitors can expect narrow alleyways packed with independent boutiques, record stores, pizza shacks, vegan eats, and small pubs championing local ales sourced from all over the city’s home county, Sussex.

Hastings, Sussex

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Hastings has a long, colorful, and somewhat brutal history that’s kept tourists flocking to its gusty cliffs for centuries. The former battle ground of William the Conqueror offers all sorts of to-dos, from the ruins of its Norman castle (no dragons, sadly) to a strip of indie shops to great local restaurants. There's also a long pier stretching out into the English Channel that has sunset walk written all over it. The best views can be enjoyed from atop the cliff just off the summit of the U.K.'s steepest funicular, the East Hill Cliff Railway. It’s worth the short ride from the summit down to bustling George Street, a haven for continental-style cafes, art shops, and bookstores.

Stratford-upon-Avon, West Midlands

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Literature buffs will love this medieval town hidden away in England's West Midlands. Shakespeare’s former home, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage, and The Bard are the major draws here. A little more than two hours north of London, the town is also a great place to indulge in a boat tour along the plant-flecked canal basin, and if you’re a theater lover, catch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s playhouse (book well in advance). If you’re feeling extra spontaneous, reserve a spot on the Countess of Evesham, Stratford’s answer to the Orient Express, for a whistle-stop dining tour down the picturesque River Avon.

Canterbury, Kent

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If you dig a classic English-style cathedral coupled with a dash of Chaucer, head to Canterbury. Roughly a 45-minute train ride from London, the town is a great option for travelers who are pressed for time. Start off with a walk (or bike ride) down the wiggly King’s Lane to check out the city’s stellar indie shops. When it comes to fueling up, there's lots on offer, from farmers markets to more traditional classics like gourmet Scotch eggs. Walk it off in one of England’s oldest parks, Westgate Gardens, before hitting up the nearby Blean Woods Nature Reserve, an ancient woodland filled with rare flora and fauna. The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is also worth visiting for a glimpse at one of the world's most important collections of cow paintings.

Cambridge, Cambridge

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An easy, one-hour train journey from St. Pancras, this over 800-year-old university city is home to some of the world's most photogenic colleges and dorms. Begin your journey at King’s College and stroll through its 15th-century landmark Gothic chapel, home to the world’s largest fan vault and some impressive stained-glass windows.

Next, try your hand at punting. Aside from hopping on a bike, it’s the simplest (and most fun) way to explore the city on the cheap. Plus, you’ll see all the top attractions, from Trinity College to the Bridge of Sighs, along the way.

"NoteWorthy clients often visit The Wren Library in Trinity College Cambridge, designed by the renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren," said Butler. "It is one of Cambridge’s most famous and historic college libraries. This experience will take you behind the scenes to see some extraordinary and valuable literary works guided by a subject expert. Two of Shakespeare’s first folios and various letters of Sir Isaac Newton are just examples of what you could see on the tour."

When you get hungry, head to the Pint Shop for gourmet pub-style food served in a joint once loved by E.M. Forster. The Sunday roast is great, as are all the beers sourced from hops all over the country.

Bruton, Somerset

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Somerset is a long day trip from London, but it’s doable and worth the effort if you’re willing to wake up early. One of the most convenient ways to get a taste of it now is via the Great Garden Escape , courtesy of one of England's most celebrated hotels, The Newt in Somerset. The approximately two-hour journey sets off from London’s Paddington station, with breakfast served on board before the train rolls into the hills of the West Country. Next to the hotel’s Georgian façade, explore picturesque gardens and ancient woodlands, plus learn the art of cider making before digging into an afternoon tea overlooking the orchards. It’s basically England summed up in about eight hours.

Everywhere Ontario

35 Best Day Trips from London, Ontario 2023 (We’re Locals!)

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Are you looking for the best day trips from London, Ontario? As local Londoners, we’re here to help!

As locals of London for the last 15 years, we’ve honed our expertise in coming up the best places to visit around London, Ontario. And as avid explorers, we’ve managed to visit almost all of these day trip ideas on our list.

Let us take you around our backyard to the best tourist attractions, small towns, and other exciting places to day trip in Southwestern Ontario. Each place to visit is no more than 2 hours from London, and many are much closer.

Boler Mountain in London

Best Day Trips & Places to Visit Near London, Ontario

London is perfectly nestled between many of the best things to do in Southwestern Ontario. The area surrounding London is full of beautiful nature spots, historic sites, tourist attractions, and downright fun places to visit. Check out our top picks.

1. Guess Where Trips

Distance from London: Varies Price: $39 – $65 Location: View Trip Locations

Guess Where Trips offers incredible road trip ideas near London Ontario

If you’re looking for a spontaneous day trip near London, Ontario, you have got to check out Guess Where Trips . With an office located right in London, this local small-business is an expert on unique, one-day itineraries that blend mystery with exploration. 

When you buy a Guess Where Trips itinerary , you will pick an itinerary that hints to the type of journey you’ll embark on, and that gives you an approximate idea of the area you’ll be driving around.

Your itinerary comes equipped with envelopes that reveal each leg of the journey as you go, recommending stops and offering insider tips and discounts along the way. Think Amazing Race within your own backyard!

Because all of their itineraries are planned and ready to go, they make the perfect gift for someone who has it all or who loves adventure and spontaneity. We honestly think it’s the best new way to road trip around southwestern Ontario and see some of the best small towns and attractions in the area.

🗺️ Check out exciting Guess Where Trip itineraries close to you!

2. Clovermead Adventure Farm

Distance from London: 35 minutes Price: $20 (online rate), $27 (walk-in) Location: Google Maps Link

Clovemead Adventure Farm is a very fun thing to do near London Ontario!

Clovermead Adventure Farm is one of the best adventure farms in Southwestern Ontario, and it’s located in Aylmer, just half an hour outside of London. At Clovermead, you’ll get to explore to animals, rides, play equipment, splashpad, fun farm-inspired educational attractions, and so much more.

And of course, a trip to this farm wouldn’t be complete without watching the bees do their busy work of creating honey right in front of your eyes! Make sure you also walk through the gift shop and taste free samples of delicious honey, and pick up some to go as a perfect souvenir of your visit to the farm.

We visited Clovermead last year with some friends and had a blast. The kids had hours of fun exploring and connecting with nature. If you’ve been raised in the city, there’s nothing like a trip to the farm, and Clovermead is just the place to visit near London to accomplish just that.

3. Apple Land Station

Distance from London: 20 minutes Price: $6-9 (Kids 2 and under are free) + additional for Apple Picking Location: Google Maps Link

Apple Land Station is one of the best tourist attractions near London Ontario

One of our new favourite attractions near London, Ontario is Apple Land Station in Thames Centre. As parents of a busy toddler, we are always on the lookout for fun outdoor activities that are reasonably priced, educational and hands-on. If that’s you too, Apple Land Station does not disappoint! 

With a fun outdoor adventure area (with play equipment, a massive sand pile, petting zoo and more) and the chance to pick-your-own apples in their orchards, kids will easily be entertained for hours here. Our son particularly loved the “train” (wagon) ride to the orchards and the barn of animals to observe.

Even if you’re not coming with kids, Apple Land Station is a great place to visit near London for adults and older kids. It’s one of the only places to go apple picking close to the city, and has a seriously tempting indoor market with produce, freshly baked goods and tons more.

With affordable weekday discounts and reasonable prices all season long, Apple Land Station is one of our new go-to tourist attractions near London for the summer and fall seasons.

4. Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo

Distance from London: 1 hour Price: Adults – $17; Kids – $12.50 Location: Google Maps Link

Peacock in Zoo

Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo is an incredible local gem not only for its spectacular array of exotic birds and wildlife, but also for its park features that make it so much more than just a zoo. If you have kids around, this is one of the best places to visit near London, Ontario.

Greenview Aviaries has an extensive picnic and playground area, including a splash pad, jungle gym, mini zipline, and kids’ ball pit.

After visiting the animals and playing in the kids’ zone, don’t forget to walk through the miniature Shakespeareland before heading back home to London. This place can get very busy in the summer, but for good reason!

5. Treetop Trekking in Binbrook Conservation Area

Distance from London: 1 hour 25 minutes Price: Zipline + Aerial Game Trek – $47-$64; other activities – various Location: Google Maps Link

Treetop Trekking is an awesome activity in London Ontario!

Get ready to find your inner kid (and inner Tarzan) as you climb and swing across the canopy at Treetop Trekking !

This adventure park is located in Binbrook Conservation Area, just outside of Hamilton (in addition to other locations throughout Ontario).

Treetop Trekking is most well-known for its ziplines and aerial courses, consisting of suspended bridges, balance cables, netted walkways, Tarzan swings and more.

There are also courses geared towards younger kids, making this a fun place for all ages. Not for the faint of heart and definitely for those ready for a thrill!

6. African Lion Safari

Distance from London: 1 hour 15 minutes Price: Adults – $33.95 + tax; Kids – $18.95 + tax (discount if purchased online) Location: Google Maps Link

African Lion in Zoo

African Lion Safari is another top tourist attraction close to London, Ontario. For many of us, it’s the closest thing we will ever get to seeing exotic animals in the wild. There are over 1000 species of animals and birds on over 750 acres of land.

What makes the African Lion Safari so unique compared to other zoos is that there are seven game reserves, where the animals roam freely while you drive around in your vehicle or on the park safari bus! There is also a lake cruise to see monkeys, lemurs, water foul and more!

The African Lion Safari will definitely be a memory to remember. If you choose to bring your own vehicle through the reserves, beware of possible damage that may be done (especially by the monkeys).

7. Twin Valley Zoo Brantford

Distance from London: 1 hour Price: Adults – $20; Kids – $10.50 Location: Google Maps Link

Tiger in Zoo

Brantford’s Twin Valley Nature Park provides an excellent opportunity to see over 80 species of animals and birds up close and personal.

Regular admission or guided tour options are available during the spring-fall months. The Twin Valley Nature Park is a smaller, family run park that comes at an affordable price, making it a great place to visit near London.

Twin Valley Nature Park also offers summer Nature Camps for kids!

8. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Distance from London: 20-25 min Price: $240-$300 + tax per person Location: Sundance Balloons ; Cloud Chasers Balloon Rides

Hot Air Balloon Ride is one of the best day trips from London, Ontario

Nothing says thrill quite like floating through the sky in an open bucket at 2000 feet!

If that catches your attention then you may just find your next day trip being to Sundance Balloons in Belmont, or Cloud Chasers Balloon Rides in Thorndale. Skyward Balloons even features options to parachute from the balloon or flying in Cold War Jets!

Other options a bit further away from London include Skyward Balloons in Cambridge, or Air Display in Barrie.

9. Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake

Distance from London: 2 hours Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Niagara Falls is one of the best day trips from London, Ontario

Niagara Falls is easily one of Canada’s largest tourist attractions, and unofficially the 8th Wonder of the World for its truly unique geological features and colossal falls.

If you’ve never spent time at the falls, take heart in knowing there are a ton of free and affordable things to do, along with many well-loved tours for the best experience.

As a budget-friendly option, we recommend spending time at the top of the falls outside the Table Rock Welcome Centre, checking out the entertainment on Clifton Hill, and spending time in the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.

If you’re driving to the falls on your own, you’ll want to know that visiting the falls up close is free, other than paying for parking. Check out this Guide to Parking for all of the best spots (and even some free ones!).

Another popular way to see the Niagara region is to explore the scenic wine region of Niagara-on-the-Lake . You can easily visit multiple wineries and take a stroll through the picturesque downtown for a quaint day out.

✅ Check out our guide to the best hotels, inns and resorts in Niagara-on-the-Lake .

10. Toronto

Toronto Downtown is one of the best places to go near London, Ontario

Tourists rarely make it far in Ontario without paying a visit to Ontario’s capital city of Toronto. It’s only to be expected that downtown Toronto falls on our list of must-do day trips from London.

Toronto boasts many world-class tourists attractions, museums, educational centers, and parks. The CN Tower is often high on the list of things to see in Toronto, with many people enjoying a visit to the top and a walk on the famous glass floor.

You can also book admission tickets in advance to places like the Royal Ontario Museum , Hockey Hall of Fame and Art Gallery of Ontario , which are some of Toronto’s most popular destinations.

If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend spending time soaking in the busy city streets by walking through some of Toronto’s famous districts, like the Distillery District, Kensington Market, Chinatown, Cabbagetown, and the Waterfront District.

We also enjoy shopping at some of Toronto’s eclectic vintage and thrift stores or walking through the popular Eaton Centre mall.

A good compromise between budget travelling Toronto and seeing the most of the city is to book a walking tour. Because you’re cutting out the need for transportation, the cost goes way down, but you still get the benefit of a guide to show you some of the most interesting parts of the city.

Looking for the best Toronto tours? ✅ Best ‘Spirited’ Tour: Best Distillery District Walking Tour 🍜 Foodies’ Favourite: Kensington Market International Food Walking Tour 🚴‍♀️ Best Bike Tour: Downtown Toronto Bike Tour

If you have the time, we also recommend catching a roundtrip ferry ride ($8.50 per adult) to the Toronto Island for unique attractions and stellar views of the Toronto skyline!

Finally, if you are truly a thrill-seeker, you will want to make sure to check out Canada’s Wonderland for the best rollercoasters in Ontario!

Just be prepared that driving in Toronto can be hectic to say the least. Planning your trip around rush hour is definitely a wise idea, and if time allows, consider booking a hotel overnight so you can experience the best of Toronto at night .

Staying in Toronto overnight? Check out one of these top downtown hotels: ✅Best Luxury Hotel:  Ritz-Carlton Toronto ✅Best Budget Hotel:  Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown

11. St Jacob’s Farmer’s Market & Flea Market

Distance from London: 1 hour 15 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Farmers Market

St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market is Canada’s largest year-round farmer’s market and flea market ! There are hundreds of local food, craft and antique vendors here, many who come from Kitchener-Waterloo’s respected Old Order Mennonite communities.

Not only will you easily enjoy browsing many fresh, local and homemade foods and goods, you will also have the chance to step into a different culture as you see people arriving by horse and buggy. Enjoy diversity on many levels at St. Jacob’s for a truly unique shopping experience!

12. U-Pick Fruit Farms

Distance from London: Various Price: Pay for produce picked Location: Various

Picking Blueberries near London Ontario

Without a doubt, trips to local pick-your-own fruit (and vegetable) farms are always a highlight of our summers. Most offer free admission and often even cheaper prices than you will find in stores, making U-Pick experiences an easy win on a summer day out.

Many farms also sell other ready-picked produce and some even offer additional fun activities for kids!

Here are a few local pick-your-own fruit farms close to London for you to check out this year: Millar Berry Farm (U-Pick Strawberries, Raspberries, Apples) – London Heeman’s Berry Farm (U-Pick Strawberries) – London Talbotville Berry Farm (U-Pick Strawberries) – Talbotville Apple Land Station (Apple Picking) – Thorndale Gabriel Fresh Produce (U-Pick Vegetables) – Komoka Kustermans Family Farm (U-Pick Blueberries) – Mount Brydges Olde Drive Blueberry Farm (U-Pick Blueberries) – Mount Brydges *cash only Park’s Blueberries (U-Pick Blueberries) – Bothwell Blueberry Hill Estates (U-Pick Blueberries) – St. Williams Arrowwood Farm (U-Pick Blueberries) – Melbourne

13. St Mary’s Quarry

Distance from London: 35 minutes Price: $7 per adult; $4.50 per child/youth Location: Google Maps Link

Swimming

St Mary’s Quarry is Ontario’s largest freshwater outdoor swimming pool! Swimming here is truly an experience you will not forget. No sandy beaches to contend with, no fear of currents, just a wide open body of fresh water surrounded with beautiful rocky cliffs and fish swimming below you.

Swimmers can have fun cliff jumping, floating on rafts, and renting stand-up paddleboards ($10). Additional activities (water trampoline, beach volleyball and slides) are subject to restrictions applicable at the time of visiting.

Advanced reservations are required online. The Quarry is expected to be open each year from early July to Labour Day.

14. Erieau Beach

Distance from London: 1 hour 20 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Erieau Pier on Erieau Beach is one of the best day trips from London, Ontario

Erieau is one of Lake Erie’s hidden gems. Erieau is the perfect place to escape to the beach without having to contend with the large crowds and hiked prices that you will find at many beaches closer to Ontario’s larger cities. The village comes alive in the summers, as it is home to many cottagers.

The Erieau Public Beach has great swimming and good amenities for families, such as a pavilion, playground, skatepark and public washrooms.

We recommend enjoying some wood-fired pizza and local craft beer, or some fresh-caught perch or pickerel before making your way back to London. This little village really is the perfect place to retreat to the beach!

👉 Check out our Ultimate Vacation Guide to Erieau .

15. Long Point Provincial Park

Distance from London: 1 hour 20 minutes Price: Day use – $15.50 per vehicle Location: Google Maps Link

Sandy Beach

If you like long walks on the beach, then Long Point Provincial Park is for you. With 2 km of beautiful sandy beaches slowly leading out into shallow warm waters, Long Point is called by many the best beach in Ontario .

As you might expect, Long Point Provincial Park’s main attraction is its pristine sandy beaches leading out to a 40 km sand spit into Lake Erie. While it’s not possible for visitors to access the far tip of the park by foot, you can catch a boat tour that does just that.

The park also offers campgrounds, hiking trails, a bird observatory and many other activities to keep you busy.

We also recommend spending the day, or even booking an overnight glamping stay at Long Point Eco-Adventures .

This glamping and adventure resort gets our vote for one of the top family resorts in Ontario , as it’s filled with fun activities like ziplining, axe throwing, canoeing and kayaking, stargazing and touring the bee apiary and foraging for mushrooms.

Stop in nearby Port Rowan for beach town shopping or at Turkey Point for another fantastic sandy beach.

16. Goderich & Bayfield

Distance from London: 1 hour – 1 hour 20 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Bayfield Ontario

Goderich has been known for over 100 years as the “Prettiest Town in Canada.” The town butts up against the bluffs of Lake Huron, making for spectacular waterfront views, and of course, popular beaches. With well-kept historic buildings, cute boutique shopping, and local fine dining, a day out in Goderich is easily enjoyed.

Check out our full post on Goderich Beach activities so you can be convinced that this town is worth visiting!

Bayfield is another tourist town about 15 minutes south of Goderich, along the shores or Lake Huron. With popular beaches, shoreline walking trails and thriving local businesses, Bayfield makes for a perfect pair with Goderich for your next summer road trip.

17. Grand Bend

Distance from London: 1 hour Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Grand Bend Beach is one of the best day trips from London, Ontario

Grand Bend is one of Ontario’s most popular beach destinations. If you’re looking for a crowd, busy main street shopping, and no shortage of ways to have fun this summer, you’re likely due for a trip to Grand Bend.

Grand Bend definitely attracts a young crowd and has a reputation for its beach nightlife. Many have made this their go-to summer beach for good reason!

If you’re looking for camping near Grand Bend, consider booking a site at the Pinery Provincial Park , less than 10 minutes from town.

👉 Read more at in our full guide to what to do at Grand Bend Beach .

18. Port Stanley

Distance from London: 40 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

GT's on the Beach, Port Stanley Main Beach

Port Stanley is our go-to beach destination each summer. While there are many fantastic beaches close to London, we find the atmosphere here to be exactly what we crave.

For us, Port Stanley has the perfect mix of a bustling sandy beach, warm Lake Erie waters, and the fantastic GT’s on the Beach where you can enjoy a drink while you sink your toes in the sand.

Nothing comes closer to our memories of our travels to the Caribbean than spending an evening here, where some of the locals have even planted their own palm trees! 

Only a 40 minute drive from London, Port Stanley is the perfect place to relax on a weekday evening or for a full day out. 

👉 We’ve written a full guide to Port Stanley Beach and what to do nearby.

19. Underground Railroad Museums (Chatham-Kent & Essex)

Distance from London: Each approx. 1 hour 30 minutes Price: Various Location: Uncle Tom’s Cabin ; Buxton Museum ; John Freeman Walls Historic Site ; Amherstburg Freedom Museum

Painting of African Slaves

Grow in your understanding of the great freedom movement that has forever shaped North America by visiting some of Ontario’s well-preserved Underground Railroad Sites and Museums.

Hear the stories of the notable Josiah Henson ( Uncle Tom’s Cabin ) and other Black refugees from the American slave trade who bravely escaped into Upper Canada through the Underground Railroad.

View 1800s artifacts and historic buildings at the Elgin (Buxton) Settlement ( Buxton National Historic Site & Museum ), and walk through the old log cabin built and lived in by the fugitive slave John Freeman Walls ( John Freeman Walls Historic Site ).

Learn about Black history in one of the key entry points, Amherstburg, into Canada for fleeing slaves ( Amherstburg Freedom Museum ).

Visit one or many of these incredibly sites to gain an appreciation of the tremendous journeys braved by many Black slaves in our recent past.

20. Stratford

Distance from London: 50 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Actors in Theatre

Stratford is another one of Southwestern Ontario’s charming small-town destinations, and for good reason.

Most known for its live performance Avon Theatre and Stratford Festival, this town, which shares a name with Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, understandably has a fascination with the great Elizabethan writer. 

Whether you choose to enjoy a live theatre show or simply walk the picturesque streets of this historic town, we think you will find your trip to Stratford relaxing and enjoyable. 

Oh yes, and if you happen to be a foodie, we recommend catching a food tour and definitely making a stop at Rheo Thompson Candies for their famous gourmet chocolates.

Tip: If you’re ever on the lookout for great Canadian gifts to send overseas , Rheo Thompson chocolates are a uniquely local, Canadian option!

Paris, Ontario is one of the best day trips from London

Paris, Ontario (not to be confused with the one in France!) is the epitome of historic, picturesque town. While this town is quaint, it does not lack allure for visiting tourists.

From local food tours , to historic cobblestone tours, to viewing the “Lighting of the Paris Falls” of Penman’s Dam, to whitewater rafting on the Grand River, this little town knows the value of keeping its visitors wined, dined, relaxed and ready to return next time.

22. Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Distance from London: 1 hour Price: Adults (13+) – $20; Kids – $8 Location: Google Maps Link

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is one of the best places to go near London, Ontario

Walk through a majestic tropical garden filled with over 2000 exotic butterflies and moths inside the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory . With over 40 different species, originating mostly from Costa Rica or the Philippines, you will rarely come across an opportunity like this to be so up close with these charming creatures. 

Kids will not only love seeing real butterflies in each stage of metamorphosis, they will also have the chance to learn about other insects and arthropods, spot exotic birds flying through the gardens, and of course hope for a butterfly to land on them!

If spending the day in an enchanted tropical garden sounds like the perfect way to spend the day out, you will not be disappointed at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory.

Just remember to wear bright colours so the butterflies will want to come close!

23. Dorchester Mill Pond

Distance from London: 20 minutes Price: Free Location: Google Maps Link

Dorchester Mill Pond

The Dorchester Mill Pond is a perfect place for a half-day nature adventure just outside of London. The Mill Pond Trail is a 3.3 km loop around, you guessed it, Mill Pond. 

Admission and parking are free. There’s also a picnic and playground area just beside the parking lot, so pack a lunch and set out on this nature adventure! While you’re at it, why not have some fun with a nature scavenger hunt for the kids!

24. Wildwood Conservation Area

Distance from London: 40 minutes Price: In season – $15 per car (off season – free during daytime open hours) Location: Google Maps Link

Canoeing

Wildwood Conservation Area is located between the quaint towns of St. Mary’s and Stratford. Wildwood is another fantastic option for getting out on the water and soaking in Ontario’s fabulous nature. 

Like Fanshawe Conservation Area, Wildwood offers water sports, camping (even back country camping!), and a hiking and biking trail (Lake Trail) for 25 km around the perimeter of Wildwood Reservoir. 

25. Rock Glen Conservation Area

Distance from London: 45 minutes Price: $4 per person (kids 5 and under free) Location: Google Maps Link

Rock Glen Falls, Arkona

Rock Glen Conservation Area is a unique and exhilarating choice for a day trip close to London. This site is home to a picturesque 10.7 m tall waterfall, and happens to be a hot spot for prehistoric Devonian era fossils! 

It’s charming, romantic, adventurous, and not far from the beaches of Lake Huron. We think Rock Glen Falls is perfect to pair with an afternoon on the beach at Pinery Provincial Park, Ipperwash Beach , or Grand Bend . 

 👉 Read more from our day trip to Rock Glen Conservation Area .

26. Cheltenham Badlands

Distance from London: 1 hour 50 minutes Price: $10 reservation fee + $10-$15 parking fee Location: Google Maps Link

The badlands? You’re not the only one who thought this was only a thing of the mid-west. Located just outside the town of Caledon, it’s these unique red clay hills that make the Cheltenham Badlands worth the drive.

Although taking in the sight from the viewing platform is the main attraction here, there are also some hiking trails that to make your visit more complete: the Badlands Trail (0.3 km) and the Bruce Trail (1.3 km). 

We recommend pairing up a trip to the badlands with some unique shopping or fine dining in Caledon, or even more hiking at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park . Consider adding on something fun to do in Brampton if you’re looking for just a little more to round out your day!

27. Hamilton Waterfalls

Distance from London: Various (approx 1 hour 20 minutes) Price: various

Webster Falls

Not only is Hamilton home to many of Ontario’s most beautiful waterfalls , it’s is known as the “Waterfall Capital of the World!”

There are over 100 waterfalls in and around the city of Hamilton, and many of them are in very well maintained conservation areas. For nature lovers, Hamilton is one of the best places to go near London for endless opportunities to explore the outdoors.

Many of the waterfalls easily accessible and close to parking, and others will require a bit of a hike to reach. Of course, because the falls are fueled by rainwater, we recommend visiting in spring and fall! 

Here are 9 of the best-rated waterfalls in the Hamilton area: Sherman Falls Borer’s Falls Buttermilk Falls Chedoke Falls Tiffany Falls Albion Falls Webster Falls Tew Falls Devil’s Punchbowl

Hamilton definitely has all of the best waterfalls near London and is worth a day trip for the adventurous soul!

 👉 See our complete guide to Dundas Peak, Tew Falls and Webster Falls .

28. Rondeau Provincial Park

Distance from London: 1 hour 10 minutes Price: April-October – $18 per car; October-March – $11.25 per car Location: Google Maps Link

Hiking trail

Rondeau Provincial Park makes for an excellent day trip, especially if you are an avid birder or have kids who are eager to get their hands dirty exploring nature. 

Rondeau is a peninsula jutting into Lake Erie (and Rondeau Bay) and for that reason its marshy wetland is an important spot for many species of birds during their migration. In fact, over 330 species of birds have been spotted here! Rondeau is also home to Canada’s largest remnant Carolinian forest. 

The park Visitor Centre runs a Discovery Program for kids from spring to fall, with hands-on activities and hikes with naturalists. Rondeau has 6 hiking trails ranging from 1.2 km to 8 km, and 11 km of sandy beach. Rondeau Bay is also a popular spot for fishing. 

Whether you come for the day, or choose to camp here overnight, we highly recommend a trip to Rondeau Provincial Park this summer!

29. Point Pelee National Park

Distance from London: 1 hour 50 minutes Price: April-October – $7.90 per adult (0-17 are free); November-March – $6.10 per adult Location: Google Maps Link

Monarch Butterfly

Ever wanted to go to the southernmost tip of Canada? No problem! Point Pelee National Park is less than 2 hours from London, and is totally worth the drive! 

Point Pelee is Canada’s most ecologically diverse national park, with marshy wetlands, cedar savannah, and drylands, and home to over 390 species of birds! Plan your visit during the fall monarch butterfly migration for a spectacular experience you will never forget. 

We highly recommend a long, slow stroll along Marsh Boardwalk and Tower, canoeing or kayaking the marshes, hiking some of the 12 km of trails, and of course, taking the shuttle to the tip of the peninsula.

Enjoy swimming along the 20 km of sandy beaches, and maybe camp the night in one of the park’s unique oTENTik structures!

If you’ve got a real sense of adventure, consider planning your trip to be on one of the designated stargazing nights when the park is open until midnight. Point Pelee is, after all, a Dark Sky Preserve and offers incredibly opportunity to view the starry skies above.

If you’re up a 2-day trip from London to go a little bit further south, consider heading to Pelee Island ! Pelee Island is officially Canada’s southernmost inhabited area, and the birthplace of winemaking in Canada.

👉 We visited Pelee Island and wrote all about it on our guide to touring Pelee Island .

30. Town of Elora & Elora Gorge

Distance from London: 1 hour 30 minutes Price: Elora Gorge – $7.50 per adult; $3 per child 6+ Location: Quarry Location ; Elora Gorge Location

Elora Mill Hotel & Spa is one of the top places to go in Southern Ontario.

One of the most beautiful natural areas in Southwestern Ontario is without a doubt the Elora Gorge and the town of Elora. This conservation area is a great place to enjoy the wonder of the Grand River and its gorge that sits surrounded by steep rock cliffs and forests. 

The Grand River includes some intense rapids, and in case you haven’t heard, tubing or white water kayaking is a big thing here! We also recommend a hike at the Elora Gorge (3 km of trails).

If you prefer to keep both feet on dry ground, consider exploring the quaint town of Elora, topped off with dinner in the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa , or even booking an overnight package.

The Elora Quarry , just minutes away from the Elora Gorge, is another attraction of the town. The quarry is a large swim hole surrounded by the area’s steep cliffs.

Day Trips in London, Ontario (Without Leaving the City)

Does just thinking of packing up the car and hitting the road have you tired and worn out? 

There are a lot of awesome attractions and activities in London, Ontario that don’t require leaving the city!

Shop at one of the exciting farmer’s markets or visit a new coffee shop you’ve never been to. Head to some of London’s many thrift stores , plan a romantic date on the town , or spend the day shopping at Masonville Mall .

Here’s our pick for the top things to do in London, Ontario that you could make a full or half day trip out of.

31. Boler Mountain

Distance from London: 15 minutes Price: Ski Day Pass – $34-$71 + tax; Treetop Adventure Park – $35-$53 + tax Location: Google Maps Link

Boler Mountain in London is one of the best day trips from London, Ontario

Boler Mountain is London’s very own solution for fun for both winter and summer thrill-seekers. With skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the winter months, to the Treetop Adventure Park, mountain bike trails, and beach volleyball in the green months, Boler Mountain easily one of the top tourist attractions in Southwestern Ontario.

While you may have no trouble remembering Boler for its ski hills, keep this local gem in mind throughout the spring-fall for an aerial course and zipline that come at a reasonable price, so close to home.

32. East Park London

Distance from London: In London Price: Various (depending on activity); Waterpark only – $6-$28, age dependent Location: Google Maps Link

East Park is your perfect choice for something to do in London that is super fun for kids and adults. The popular waterpark includes large slides, splashpad and a wave pool.

Visitors can choose to only pay for admission to the waterpark, or to purchase access to specific indoor and outdoor activities such as Go Karts, rock climbing, mini golf, batting cages, bumper cars, arcade, and jungle gym.

If you’re looking for a full day of fun, this day trip option has enough to keep everyone well entertained.

33. Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Distance from London: In London Price: $10 Adults; $7 Kids Location: Google Maps Link

Fanshawe Pioneer Village is one of the best day trips from London, Ontario

Fanshawe Pioneer Village is a delightful step back in time! In a truly unique way, visitors will be immersed in the stories of locals who lived in London and its surrounding rural communities during the period of 1820-1920. 

Kids will especially enjoy the hands-on experience of trying out old-fashioned games and chores as they walk through old-time homes and farm yards.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village is also a beautiful place to host events such as weddings. We’ve had the chance to experience this ourselves, and the entire experience was truly incredible!

34. Fanshawe Conservation Area

Distance from London: In London Price: In Season – $15 per car (off season – free during daytime open hours) Location: Google Maps Link

Fanshawe Conservation Area

Fanshawe Conservation Area is one of London’s best places to get out and explore nature. So much can be done here even without having to leave the city! 

Fanshawe Conservation Area offers camp sites (for both tent and trailer camping), canoe/kayak rentals, fishing, boat launch docks, a large day use picnic/BBQ area with pavilion rentals, and over 20 km of gorgeous hiking and biking trails that run the perimeter of Fanshawe Lake. Perfect for adults, kids, groups in all seasons!

👉 Check out our review of London’s best trails , including at Fanshawe Conservation Area.

35. Museum of Ontario Archaeology

Distance from London: In London Price: Adults – $5; Children – $3 Location: Google Maps Link

Dream Catcher

The Museum of Ontario Archaeology is educational for visitors of all ages, as it steps you back in time to learn about human history within Ontario for the last 13,000 years.

With the permanent on-site exhibit of a 500-year old village and a reconstructed longhouse, visitors can grow in their understanding of and appreciation for the way of life for some of Canada’s early indigenous peoples. 

Combined with other permanent and featured exhibits, the Museum of Ontario Archaeology is a highly valuable experience for learners of all ages.

Best Hotels in London, Ontario

Whether you’re visiting London or just thinking of booking a staycation in the city, here’s our top recommendations for hotels that will get you feeling like you’re on a getaway while still being close to home.

Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre ($$)

Best Western Lamplighter Inn in London is one of the best places to stay in London, Ontario

⭐Rated: 8.5/10 Stars (Booking.com)

This family-friendly hotel in London is beautiful furnished and well-maintained and features an amazing indoor pool and waterslide. The pool is set in a tropical atrium, which adds to the feeling of a real vacation without leaving London.

We’ve stayed here for a wedding and had an awesome experience. The rooms were comfortable and clean, and the indoor atrium was a welcomed bright spot in the dead of winter.

✔️ Book Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn

The Idlewyld Inn & Spa ($$$)

⭐Rated: 9.1/10 Stars (Booking.com)

This Victorian era Inn is set in London’s picturesque Old South neighbourhood, just minutes from downtown. Featuring beautiful decored rooms, each with a private bath, your stay at the Idlewyld Inn will be luxurious, cozy and comfortable.

With an alluring spa and intimate restaurant onsite, you won’t even need to leave the Inn grounds to make the most of your stay.

✔️ Book Idlewyld Inn & Spa

👉 For more hotels, check out our full review of the best places to stay in London, Ontario .

Wrap Up: 35 Best Day Trips from London, Ontario

There are truly so many amazing places to see and things to do in Southwestern Ontario, that it is hard to narrow down a list.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our full list of posts on Ontario beaches , or check our all of the posts we’ve written from our travels around Ontario .

We hope that you will find inspiration from our list of favourites and wish you many fun-filled road trips ahead!

Erie

Erie is the owner and author of Everywhere Ontario. She’s lived and traveled around Ontario for over 30 years, visiting small towns and big cities from the shores of Lake Erie to the crisp northern air of Hearst along the Trans-Canada Highway. She is passionate about maximizing fun and supporting local tourist businesses and is always looking to provide the best recommendations to her fellow Ontario travelers. Read more about Erie here .

The History Chicks

A Field Trip to London!

We’re taking a field trip to London in June of 2020 and would love for you to join us! For eight days we’re going to see places we’ve only talked about since 2011, focusing on former subjects and women’s history. Click the link below to get more information!

field trip around london

Click to get more information on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

The History Chicks Podcast

Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider: Two women. Half the population. Several thousand years of history. About an hour.

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Find Us Here

  • Apple Podcasts

Episode Lists

  • Episode 01: Marie Antoinette
  • Episode 2 – Laura Ingalls Wilder
  • Episode 3: Cinderella
  • Episode 4: Abigail Adams
  • Shownotes Episode 5: Dolley Payne Madison
  • Episode 6 – Lizzie Borden (Audio)
  • Episode 7: Helen Adams Keller
  • Episode 8 “The Mrs. Astor”
  • Episode 9: Gilded Age Heiresses
  • Episode 9A: Gilded Age Servants
  • Episode 10: Jennie Jerome Churchill
  • Episode 11: Queen Victoria, Part One
  • Episode 12: Queen Victoria Part Two
  • Episode 13: Princess Charlotte
  • Episode 14: Clara Barton
  • Episode 15: The 1950’s Housewife
  • Episode 15A: Betty Crocker and our first Giveaway!
  • Episode 16: Mary Wollstonecraft
  • Episode 16A: Mary Shelley
  • Episode 17: Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire
  • Episode 18: Ella Fitzgerald
  • Episode 19: Madame de Pompadour
  • Episode 19A: Annie Chambers
  • Episode 20: Nellie Bly
  • Episode 20A: Sophie Blanchard
  • Episode 21A: Teeny Tiny Tudor Tutorial
  • Episode 21:Tudor Grandmothers, Margaret Beaufort and Elizabeth Woodville
  • Episode 22: Katherine of Aragon
  • Episode 22A: Anne Boleyn
  • Episode 23A: Titanic Field Trip
  • Episode 24: Last Four Wives of Henry VIII
  • Episode 25: Ida B. Wells-Barnett
  • Episode 26: Rosa Parks
  • Episode 27: Clara Bow
  • Episode 28: Alice in Wonderland
  • Episode 23A: Beckett and Susan’s Adventures in Wonderland and What They Found There
  • Episode 29: Julia Child
  • Shownotes: Episode 30 – Queen Mary I
  • Episode 31:Lady Jane Grey
  • Episode 32: The Romanovs Part One
  • Episode 33: The Romanovs, Part Two
  • Episode 34: Josephine Baker,Part One
  • Shownotes Episode 35: Josephine Baker, Part Two
  • Episode 36: Elizabeth Cady Stanton
  • Episode 37: The Wizard of Oz
  • Episode 37A Minicast: The Women of Oz
  • Episode 38: Jane Austen
  • Episode 39: Amelia Earhart
  • Episode 44A:Tudor Grandmothers Revisited
  • Episode 41: Bessie Coleman
  • Episode 42: Frida Kahlo
  • Episode 43: Elizabeth I, Part One
  • Episode 44: Queen Elizabeth 1, Part Two
  • Episode 44B: Elizabethan Life
  • Episode 45: Hatshepsut
  • Episode 46: Cleopatra
  • Episode 46A: The Music Show #2
  • Episode 47: Carry ( Carrie ) Nation
  • Episode 48A: Sybil Ludington
  • Episode 48: Agatha Christie
  • Episode 48B: The Wizard of OZ revisited
  • Episode 49: The Women of Gone With The Wind
  • Episode 50: Hattie McDaniel
  • Episode 51: Joan of Arc
  • Episode 51A: Mrs. Claus
  • A quick status update!
  • Episode 52: Lydia Pinkham
  • Episode 53: Marie Antoinette Reboot, Part One
  • Episode 54: Marie Antoinette Reboot, Part Two
  • Episode 55: Dorothy Parker, Part One
  • Episode 56: Dorothy Parker, Part Two
  • Episode 57: Q & A and Random Bits Show
  • Episode 58: Mary, Queen of Scots
  • Episode 59: Lillian Gilbreth
  • Episode 60: Josephine Cochrane, Hedy Lamarr, Melitta Bentz, Mary Phelps Jacobs
  • Episode 61: Catherine the Great, Part One
  • Episode 62: A Conversation with Carol Wallace
  • Episode 63: Catherine the Great Part Two
  • Episode 64: Beatrix Potter
  • Episode 65: Miss Potter Moviecast
  • Episode 66: Zelda Fitzgerald
  • Episode 67: Q&A Number Two
  • Episode 68: Madam C.J. Walker
  • Episode 69: Mary Todd Lincoln, Part One
  • Episode 70: Mary Todd Lincoln Part Two
  • Episode 71: Schuyler Sisters with Amanda Vaill
  • Episode 72: Elizabeth Keckly
  • Episode 73: Agrippina the Younger
  • Episode 74: Marie Curie Part One
  • Episode 75: Marie Curie Part Two
  • Episode 76: Victoria Woodhull
  • Episode 77: Belva Lockwood
  • Episode 78 : Shirley Chisholm
  • Episode 79: Lizzie Borden Revisted
  • Episode 80: Queen Nzinga
  • Episode 81: Mulan
  • Episode 82: Lucille Ball, Part One
  • Episode 83: Lucille Ball, Part Two
  • Episode 84: Ida B. Wells
  • Episode 85: Artemisia Gentileschi
  • Episode 86: Eleanor of Aquitaine Part One
  • Episode 87: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Part Two
  • Episode 88: Lucy Maud Montgomery
  • Episode 89: Marie Laveau
  • Episode 90: Q &A 2017
  • Episode 91: Emily Post
  • Episode 92 : Annie Oakley
  • Episode 93: Wallis Simpson, Part One
  • Episode 94: Wallis Simpson, Part Two
  • Episode 95: Hypatia of Alexandria
  • Episode 96: Sojourner Truth
  • Episode 97: Queen Lili’uokalani
  • Episode 98: Coco Chanel
  • Episode 99: Pocahontas
  • Episode 100: A Celebration!
  • Episode 101: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Part One
  • Episode 102: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Part Two
  • Episode 103: Ada Lovelace
  • Episode 104: Louisa May Alcott
  • Episode 105: Dowager Empress Cixi of China
  • Episode 106: Beatrix Potter Revisited and Refreshed
  • Episode 107: Mary Pickford
  • Episode 108: The Statue of Liberty
  • Episode 109: Grace O’Malley
  • Episode 110: Georgia O’Keeffe
  • Episode 111: Clara Barton Revisited and Refreshed
  • Episode 112: Jane Addams Part 1
  • Episode 113: Jane Addams Part 2
  • Episode 114: Anne Frank
  • Episode 115: Belle Starr and Calamity Jane
  • Episode 116: Ruth Handler and Barbie
  • Episode 117: Harriet Tubman
  • Episode 118: Elizabeth Báthory
  • Episode 119: Phillis Wheatley
  • Episode 120: Audrey Hepburn, Part One
  • Episode 121: Audrey Hepburn Part Two
  • Episode 122: Ching Shih
  • Episode 123: Annie Londonderry (Kopchovsky)
  • Episode 124: Mary Anning
  • Episode 125: Babe Didrikson Zaharias
  • Episode 126: Lydia Pinkham 2019
  • Episode 127: Not-Quite-Live from PodX Show
  • Episode 128: Charlotte Brontë
  • Episode 129: Elizebeth Smith Friedman
  • Episode 130: Revisiting Joan of Arc
  • Episode 131: Seven Women Revisited
  • Episode 132: Isabella of Castile, Part One
  • Episode 133: Isabella of Castile, Part Two
  • Episode 134: Gilded Age Servants and Heiresses
  • Episode 135: Louise Brooks
  • Episode 136: Mary Seacole
  • Episode 137: Florence Nightingale
  • Episode 138: Sarah Winchester and the Mystery House
  • Episode 139: Pocahontas Revisited
  • Episode 140: Wilma Mankiller
  • Episode 141: Rosa Parks Revisited
  • Episode 142: Louisa May Alcott, Revisited
  • Episode 143: Maria Montessori
  • Episode 144: Mary Church Terrell Part One
  • Episode 145: Not Mary Church Terrell, but Ida B. Wells-Barnett
  • Episode 146: Mary Church Terrell, Part Two
  • Episode 147: Isadora Duncan
  • Episode 148: Annie Malone and Madam C.J. Walker
  • Episode 149: “Typhoid” Mary Mallon
  • Episode 150: Margaret Brown and the Titanic Revisited, Anniversary Edition
  • Episode 151: Zephyr Wright
  • Episode 152: Catherine the Great *An entirely true story
  • Episode 153: Catherine the Great, *Part Two of an entirely true story
  • Episode 154: Fannie Lou Hamer
  • Episode 155: Aunt Jemima
  • Episode 156: The Statue of Liberty, Revisited
  • Episode 157: Lady Bird Johnson
  • Episode 159: Empress Sisi of Austria, Part One
  • Episode 160: Empress Elisabeth, “Sisi,” of Austria Part Two
  • Episode 161: Q&A Three
  • Episode 162: Victoria Woodhull, Revisted
  • Episode 163: Belva Lockwood and Shirley Chisholm, Revisited
  • Episode 164: Wonder Woman, Part One
  • Episode 165: Wonder Woman, Part Two
  • Episode 166: Pocahontas, Revisited
  • Episode 167: Charlotte Brontë, Revisted
  • Mrs. Claus: A biography revisited
  • Episode 168: Shirley Temple Black
  • Episode 169: 10th Birthday Love Letter
  • Episode 170: Ella Fitzgerald, Revisit (and a request)
  • Episode 172: The Harvey Girls
  • Episode 173: Women of the Wild West, Revisted
  • Episode 174: The Bowery Boys and the Shirtwaist Strike of 1909
  • Episode 175: Maya Angelou, Part One
  • Episode 176: Maya Angelou, Part Two
  • Episode 177: Maya Angelou, Part Three
  • Episode 179: Mary Seacole, Revisited
  • Episode 180: Loïe Fuller
  • Episode 181: Marjorie Merriweather Post, Part One
  • Episode 182: Marjorie Merriweather Post, Part Two
  • Episode 183: Statue of Liberty, Revisited
  • Episode 184: Olympias
  • Episode 185: Typhoid Mary, Revisited
  • Episode 186: Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, Part One
  • Episode 187: Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, Part Two
  • Episode 188: Sarah Bernhardt
  • Episode 189: Happy I Love Lucy Day!
  • Episode 190: Elizabeth Báthory, Revisited
  • Episode 191: Fannie Merritt Farmer
  • Episode 192: The Music Show #3
  • Episode 193: Tattooed Ladies
  • Episode 194: Mrs. Claus: A Biography, Revisited 2021
  • Episode 195: Emily Dickinson, Part One
  • Episode 196: Emily Dickinson, Part Two
  • Episode 197: Elizabeth Keckley, Revisited
  • Episode: 198: Edmonia Lewis
  • Jane Addams, Revisit
  • Episode 200: Hurrem Sultan (Empress Roxelana )
  • Episode 201: Julia Child
  • Episode 202: Elizabeth Taylor, Part One
  • Episode 203: Elizabeth Taylor, Part Two
  • Episode 204: Elizabeth Taylor, Part Three (FIN)
  • Episode 205: Queen Lili’oukalani, Revisited
  • Episode 206: The Gilded Gentleman, Invisible Magicians, and Golden Plates
  • Episode 207: The Wives of Henry VIII
  • Episode 208: London Field Trip Report
  • Episode 209: Elizabeth Chudleigh
  • Episode 210: Elizabeth Van Lew and Belle Boyd
  • Episode 211: Mary Edwards Walker
  • BONUS! A Conversation with Liza Powel O’Brien
  • Episode 214: Nell Gwynn
  • Episode 215: New England Field Trip Travelogue
  • Episode 216: Ida Lewis
  • Episode 217: Pocahontas, Revisited
  • Episode 218: Frances Perkins, Part One
  • Episode 221: Frances Perkins, Part Two
  • Episode 222: Frances Perkins, Part Three
  • Episode 223: Mary McLeod Bethune, Part One
  • Episode 224: Mary McCleod Bethune, Part Two
  • Episode 225: Martha Washington
  • Episode 226: Ona Judge
  • Episode 227: Washington D.C. Field Trip Audio Postcard
  • Episode 231: Dido Elizabeth Belle and Sarah Forbes Bonetta
  • Episode 232: Barbie and Ruth Handler
  • Episode 233: Lillian Moller Gilbreth
  • Episode 235: Barbe-Nicole Clicquot
  • Episode 236: Absinthe: The Gilded Gentleman (and Roosters)
  • Episode 237: London Field Trip Travelogue, 2023
  • Episode 238: Frances Glessner Lee
  • Episode 239: Field Trip Travelogue, France
  • Episode 240: La Malinche
  • Episode 241: Alice Roosevelt Longworth, Part One
  • Episode 242: Alice Roosevelt Longworth, Part Two
  • Episode 244: Althea Gibson, Part One
  • Episode 245: Jessie Tarbox Beals
  • Minicast – Annie Chambers
  • Anne With An “E” Recap: Episode 1
  • Anne with an “E” Recap: Episode 2
  • Anne With An “E” Recap: Episode 3
  • Anne with an “E” Recap: Episode 4
  • Anne with an E Recap, Episode 5
  • Anne with an E Recap: Episode 6
  • Anne with an E Recap: Episode 7, Season One Finale
  • Age of Innocence “Moviecast”
  • Minicast Shownotes: Abigail Adams-Feminist?
  • The Music Show – Shownotes
  • Bookcast: Jane Austen Book Club

Alphabetical

  • "The" Mrs. Astor
  • 1950's Housewives
  • Abigail Adams
  • Ada Lovelace
  • Agatha Christie
  • Agrippina the Younger
  • Alice in Wonderland
  • Amelia Earhart
  • Anne Boleyn
  • Anne Sullivan Macy
  • Annie Oakley
  • Artemisia Gentileschi
  • Beatrix Potter
  • Beatrix Potter (Revisited)
  • Belle Starr
  • Belva Lockwood
  • Bessie Coleman
  • Betty Crocker
  • Calamity Jane
  • Carry (Carrie) Nation
  • Catherine the Great (Part 1)
  • Catherine the Great (Part 2)
  • Clara Barton
  • Clara Barton (Revisited)
  • Cleopatra VII
  • Coco Chanel
  • Dido Elizabeth Belle
  • Dolley Madison
  • Dorothy Parker Part One
  • Dorothy Parker Part Two
  • Dowager Empress Cixi of China
  • Duchess of Devonshire
  • Eleanor of Aquitaine (Part 1)
  • Eleanor of Aquitaine (Part 2)
  • Elizabeth Bathory
  • Elizabeth Cady Stanton
  • Elizabeth I (Part 1)
  • Elizabeth I (Part 2)
  • Elizabeth Keckley
  • Ella Fitzgerald
  • Four Inventors
  • Frances Perkins
  • Frida Kahlo
  • Georgia O’Keeffe
  • Gilded Age Heiresses
  • Gilded Age Servants
  • Grace O’Malley
  • Harriet Tubman
  • Hattie McDaniel
  • Helen Keller
  • Hypatia of Alexandra
  • Ida B. Wells
  • Ida B. Wells (Revisited)
  • Isabella of Castile
  • Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (Part 1)
  • Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (Part 2)
  • Jane Addams (Part 1)
  • Jane Addams (Part 2)
  • Jane Austen
  • Jennie Jerome Churchill
  • Joan of Arc
  • Josephine Baker (Part 1)
  • Josephine Baker (part 2)
  • Julia Child
  • Katherine of Aragon
  • Lady Jane Grey
  • Last Four Wives of Henry VIII
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder
  • Lillian Gilbreth
  • Lizzie Borden
  • Lizzie Borden (Revisited)
  • Loie Fuller
  • Louisa May Alcott
  • Lucille Ball Part 1
  • Lucille Ball Part 2
  • Lucy Maud Montgomery
  • Lydia Pinkham
  • Madam C.J. Walker
  • Madame de Pompadour
  • Margaret "Molly" Brown
  • Marie Antoinette (original, 2011)
  • Marie Antoinette (Reboot, Part One)
  • Marie Antoinette (Reboot, Part Two)
  • Marie Curie (Part 1)
  • Marie Curie (Part 2)
  • Marie Laveau
  • Martha Washington
  • Mary McLeod Bethune
  • Mary Pickford
  • Mary Shelley
  • Mary Todd Lincoln (Part One)
  • Mary Todd Lincoln (Part Two)
  • Mary Wollstonecraft
  • Mary, Queen of Scots
  • Phillis Wheatley
  • Princess Charlotte
  • Queen Lili’uokalani
  • Queen Mary I
  • Queen Nzinga
  • Queen Victoria (Part 1)
  • Queen Victoria (Part 2)
  • Red Riding Hood
  • Romanovs (Part 1)
  • Romanovs (Part 2)
  • Sarah Bernhardt
  • Sarah Forbes Bonetta
  • Schuyler Sisters with Amanda Vaill (interview)
  • Shirley Chisholm
  • Sojourner Truth
  • Sophie Blanchard
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Sybil Ludington
  • The Women of Gone With The Wind
  • The Women Of Oz
  • Tudor Grandmothers
  • Tudor Grandmothers (Revisited)
  • Victoria Woodhull
  • Wallis Simpson (Part 1)
  • Wallis Simpson (Part 2)
  • Wizard of Oz
  • Zelda Fitzgerald

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field trip around london

Field Trips

September 2023 – August 2023

Birding At The Coves, SLOW, EASY, and SHORT

NATURE LONDON MEMBERS ONLY. A SLOW, EASY and SHORT walk around the one pond off the German Canadian Club parking lot. We will only be going around this pond. The aim is for an inclusive hike open to those who want to go at a slower than average pace and to take our time. Binoculars or camera is recommended.

Leisurely Walk at Cedarcroft, SLOW, EASY and SHORT

NATURE LONDON MEMBERS ONLY. Enjoy an easy walk on the Beech Point Trail and the Pine Trail. We will see what Fall birds are migrating through and identify some wildflowers.

Port Stanley Area Birding

NATURE LONDON MEMBERS ONLY.

We will bird several areas near Port Stanley, including Hawk Cliff.

Hike Weldon Park, Arva

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. A leisurely walk through Weldon Park, Arva, we will be looking for fall migrants, interesting plants, animals and features of the park.

Birding at The Coves

NATURE LONDON MEMBERS ONLY. Birds typically found here include, Robins, Sparrows, Goldfinches, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Great Blue Herons, Mallards and Wood Ducks, Chickadees, Cardinals, Red-tailed Hawks and Turkey Vultures. Usually turtles sunning themselves on logs.

Fall Birding at Westminster Ponds ESA

We will walk around Saunders Pond looking for fall migrants. Be prepared for the possibility of muddy conditions.

Fall Hike to Witness Wildlife Preparation for Migration and Hibernation

NATURE LONDON MEMBERS ONLY. Explore relatively level trails through open fields, forest and along the Thames River in search of signs that fall is in the air. Wearing hiking boots and bringing binoculars will be an asset. Dress for the weather. Directions: Park in the lot at the east end Windermere, east of Adelaide Street and The Tin Cup. We will meet at the trail entrance for Kilally Meadows Trail. Additional Comments: To see some of the trails we’ll be hiking, you may view this video from “Hiking With Kathleen” where the Kilally Meadows Trail is shown in the first 5 minutes of the video.

Hike MacNaughton Trail, Exeter

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – REGISTRATION REQUIRED Join us on a hike along the Ausable River in Exeter. We will be looking for the Exeter white squirrel, late migrants, fall colours and other interesting plants and features.

Fall Birds at Komoka PP

We will hike through varied habitats looking for fall birds. The terrain will be hilly in spots. NATURE LONDON MEMBERS ONLY.

Hike at Coldstream C.A. (East Side)

NATURE LONDON MEMBERS ONLY. This is an easy walk on a level well maintained trail. We will pass a mill pond and take a stroll through a mature open forest. We will be looking for late migrants, plants, animals and features.

Sewage Lagoon Fall Birding

We will visit Strathroy and Forest Sewage Lagoons, as well as other sites as time permits. NATURE LONDON MEMBERS ONLY.

Late Fall Hike in Medway Heritage Forest

NATURE LONDON MEMBERS ONLY. The beautiful setting of Medway Heritage Forest is home is a great many wildlife species, some of which have migrated or hibernated by this time. However, the various settings of open fields and forest that follow the meandering Medway Creek provide what it takes for a rich variety of overwintering birds and mammals.

Stroll with Science Students

Join 3 Western Integrated Science students on a walk through Kilally Meadows.

Clandeboye – Hodgins Trail

Hike through a private property opened up to the public. Evergreen trail to open field trail to mixed forest. Looking for late departing birds or those just arriving in the area, as well as other creatures. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – MEMBERS ONLY

Late Fall at Fanshawe CA

We will look for late fall birds along the north side of Fanshawe Lake. NATURE LONDON MEMBERS ONLY.

Christmas Bird Count for Kids

We will once again run our annual bird count for students in Grades 3 to 8. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

New Year’s Day Bird Walk

Start 2024 by enjoying our feathered friends in Greenway Park. Dress warmly. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – MEMBERS ONLY

Medway Heritage Trail: night walk

Explore a trail in different light, get out to enjoy the winter season, listen to the winter sounds at night, help to learn about bark, maybe we can id some trees. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – MEMBERS ONLY

Winter Birding in Lambton County

Check for Snowy owls around Strathroy. Look at winter waterfowl along the St. Clair River. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – MEMBERS ONLY

Fanshawe CA in Winter

We will check for waterfowl from the dam and walk some trails on the south side of the river. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – MEMBERS ONLY

Cedarcroft Family Day

Walk the trails and participate in a Treasure Hunt. Enjoy a mug of hot chocolate, or Jim’s famous hot apple cider. MEMBERS ONLY – REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Night Walk at Cedarcroft

Hopefully the skies will be clear to observe the stars, listen for owls, walk the Beech trail, enjoy a warming fire and experience the woods at night. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – MEMBERS ONLY

Winter Wildlife on The Thames River in Springbank Park

The open water of The Thames River is the perfect habitat for many permanent animal species, even in the winter. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – MEMBERS ONLY

RESCHEDULED: Gibbons Park Stroll

Along trails and grassy areas to look for late winter birds and wildlife. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – MEMBERS ONLY

Birding Walk at Greenway Park

We will look for various waterfowl and raptors. MEMBERS ONLY – REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Aylmer Waterfowl Migration

Tundra Swans and other migrating waterfowl REGISTRATION REQUIRED – MEMBERS ONLY

NST

  • 0330 333 6090
  • Request quote

london geography day trip header nst

Geography School Day Trips & Tours to London

Geography day trips to London are a great option for groups on a budget. We can arrange your visits, transportation, meals, travel insurance and free places. London's role in the 2012 Olympic Games has truly changed the face of this global city, making it an ideal geography school tour destination in which to see the impact of hosting such a worldwide event.

A geography visit to England’s capital city offers a great opportunity to study urban regeneration, cost/benefit issues, infrastructure and networks, whilst Olympics sites enable pupils to cover several study themes too. 

Prices start from £79 pp

Price Shown includes

  • Return executive coach transportation
  • Group travel insurance
  • 1 in 8 free place ratio

Price shown is based on 40 paying passengers from selected departure points in February 2023 and is subject to availability.

On-tour support

On-tour support includes...

  • Pre-booked meals at great group prices
  • Pre-booked and pre-paid London Underground tickets
  • A choice of packed lunches for your group

Top visits for geography day trips in London

The Legacy of London 2012 – Guided Olympic Site Tour

HALF & FULL DAY OPTION AVAILABLE

Come and witness the legacy of London 2012 and see the Olympic Park area following the exciting urban regeneration programme which transformed the face of East London. Your Blue Badge Guide can take you even closer to the venues, driving right next to the Velodrome, the BMX track, and the Olympic and the Paralympic Villages. The coach will travel around the edge of the Olympic Park before making a stop at the Olympic Stadium, the Aquatics Centre and the Orbit. The tour also affords fantastic views of the International Broadcast Centre and the Copper Box venue. Weather permitting, there are opportunities to get off the coach and explore.

You’ll then head to the Royal Docks to view ExCel, which hosted seven Olympic sports and five Paralympic sports. Then to Woolwich to see the magnificent facade of the Royal Artillery Barracks, the venue for shooting and for the Paralympic archery. The tour ends at Greenwich with a walk in the Park where the Equestrian events and the Modern Pentathlon had such a spectacular setting.

Tours can be tailored to a group’s specific requirements.

WWT Wetland Centre

London Wetland Centre is unique in being the first created wetland habitat to have been developed in any capital city in the world. Over five years the area has been transformed by WWT from 43 hectares of concrete reservoirs into an impressively diverse wetland reserve and visitor attraction.

Royal Observatory Greenwich

The exhibition includes time pieces, a history of the building as a working observatory, the Greenwich Meridian line, the history of time and astronomy and the giant refracting telescope.

Thames Barrier Visits & Talks

The Thames Barrier is one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world. The barrier spans 520 metres across the River Thames near Woolwich, and it protects 125 square kilometres of central London from flooding caused by tidal surges. An Information Assistant will give your group a guided tour of the Information Centre and deliver a talk covering topics such as the history of the River Thames and the risk of flooding in London, as well as describing the environment and wildlife of the river. The talk lasts approximately an hour and a half. When visiting on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday (when the centre is closed to the public) exclusive use of the conference room with refreshments and cakes is also provided.

LondonWaste EcoPark

Students coming on a tour can see first-hand how waste and recyclables are managed at the 40 acre LondonWaste EcoPark site. Groups studying geography can incorporate what they have learnt into their study/course work. EcoPark tours are held every Wednesday and they accept students from 14 years and upwards and tours are free to students in the UK. Students are able to visit the following areas:

The Compost Centre – makes compost from food and garden waste collected from the seven north London boroughs. Once EcoPark compost is matured it is used by farmers, allotment holders, community growing projects, schools and for compost giveaways.

The Energy Centre – produces energy from black bagged waste. Around 20% of the energy is used to power the LondonWaste EcoPark and the remaining electricity is transferred to the National Grid.

Control Room – a chance to talk to engineers about the Energy Centre.

The Crystal – A Sustainable World

This new exhibition showcases global trends, challenges, and existing technological solutions to build environmentally sustainable, prosperous cities. Across ten zones, your group will be encouraged to change the way they think about our cities, now and for future generations through exploring a range of issues including city trends, urban planning, smart buildings, energy and many more. The ‘Future Life’ theatre, invites students to imagine how London might look in 2050. Guided tours are also available.

The lastminute.com London Eye

A classroom with a moving view! Standing 135m tall on the South Bank of the River Thames, nothing says iconic like The lastminute.com London Eye.

Since 2000, this world-famous structure has taken over 75 million people on a journey into London’s skyline. Be inspired with our Skyline Workshops. At an additional cost, these enhanced in-pod experiences are delivered by our education hosts and include interactive activities and interesting facts on London's iconic skyline.

Developed in collaboration with education specialists, teachers can book either a KS2/KS3 version.

Madame Tussauds

The world of the Media is a creative and inspiring one, where ideas combine with drama, excitement and humour to keep us entertained and engaged. A fully interactive experience, Madame Tussauds will inspire, enthuse and immerse pupils in celebrity culture and modern media as they walk among the stars!

Kew Gardens - 90 minute workshop

Discover the world of wonder behind the botanical collections at Kew, with over 50,000 living plants to be found across the UNESCO World Heritage site. Groups can take part in a hands on, 90 min workshop which links directly to the curriculum. Workshops are available from KS3-KS5 and include topics such as: ecosystems: deserts and rainforests, evolution and adaptation, natural resources, nutrient cycles and decomposition.

Battersea Power Station

At its peak, Battersea Power Station was supplying a fifth of London's electricity. After decades of sitting derelict, it is now being redeveloped into a new destination for London. Groups will receive a presentation from a dedicated Sustainability employee who will talk about how the development is using resources responsibly and minimising our impact on climate change. Educational workshops from KS2 - A Level are available. Workshops can be tailored to the group's requirements and topics include the history of the site; it's development to what it has become today, and the plans for the future, moving from fossil fuels to renewable energy, understanding electricity, urban redevelopment and community issues.

Elysia Sustainable Catering

Elysia Catering are an innovative new catering project. Creating breakfasts and canapes from food waste, they have served over 28,000 people around London and to date have saved more than 9 tonnes of food waste.  

Your visit will include a 1 hour presentation and a 30 minute food tasting and demonstration. 

Natural History Museum

On a Natural History Museum school trip , your students can explore the natural world and discover the amazing diversity of life that has evolved on our planet. Study a range of themes including climate change, evolution and the natural environment, helping to give your students an understanding of the impact that science has on their lives.

Exploring the human biology gallery, which covers memory and how our memory functions and an insight into the human body.

Science Museum

The Science Museum is packed with awe-inspiring galleries, interactive resources and inspirational exhibitions. Your students can explore the hands-on galleries which cover a wide range of subject areas.

The museum also offers a great selection of curriculum-linked schools events and shows, and stunning 3D films in their IMAX Cinema.

Science Museum resources are also available and free to download.

New in 2022 - Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery:

Aimed at KS3 & KS4 levels, students will get to explore this gallery and get hands on with interactive exhibits which simulate job-related tasks. Students can experience what it's like to create visual effects on a film set, analyse blood samples in a lab, fix a fault on a wind turbine and plenty more.

The View from The Shard

The View from The Shard offers a unique education experience – it is the only place where students can see the entire city at once; both old and new! Two high speed kaleidoscopic lifts will transport your group to the viewing platforms on Level 69 and Level 72 where you can encourage your student’s fascination with the history of London and enjoy the unparalleled 360 degree views.

Educational visits can support learning across both the National and London Curriculum, including History, English, Maths, Geography, and Art and Design.

Thames River Cruise

Take in London’s best-loved sights on this enjoyable cruise. Your students will gain an insight into the many layers of history that have built up along the river, from the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge to the 'lastminute.com' London Eye.

London Aquarium

This is the place to see sea life! With over 500 species, 14 themed zones and more than 2 million litres of water, London Aquarium plays host to one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life. Dare your pupils to do the ‘shark walk’, take part in interactive feeding sessions, watch diving displays and enjoy the touch pools.

Workshops themed round conservation are also available to really make the most of your visit.

ZSL London Zoo

Spend time with over 750 species at London Zoo! 

The ZSL aims to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct, to tackle the threat to wild animals and help people achieve this positive change.

Spitalfields & East London Migration Guided Walking Tour

Exclusive to NST

Perfect for GCSE and A level Geography groups, wishing to complement their study of place and space, processes and relationships or migration, NST are offering an exclusive guided walking tour of Spitalfields, East London with our own NST educationalist guide. The tour can also be tailored to introduce younger pupils to these themes.  

This walking tour will allow students to trace the development of the Spitalfields area as Huguenot, Irish, Jewish, Bangladeshi and Somali communities have, at different times, made this area their home. Groups will be able to see the Sandy Row Synagogue, the Jewish Soup Kitchen and a short distance away, the Cable Street Mural.  Students will also use residential, recreational, industrial and religious buildings in the area to help them build their knowledge of life for migrants in the area. 

The famous Brick Lane, lined with long established curry houses and bagel bakeries, provide the opportunity for food tastings and relaxation as the tour reaches its conclusion.  

BBC Earth Experience

Experience an unforgettable journey through the natural world and explore the extraordinary diversity of our seven unique continents on the most epic scale. This immersive journey, with bespoke narration from David Attenborough,  features breath-taking footage from Seven Worlds, One Planet, projected on multiple multi-angle screens using the very latest digital screen technology. School visits available from May 2023.

Study themes

  • Regeneration
  • Tourism Impact  
  • Sport as a Catalyst for Urban Development

Study levels

Available from any location in the UK, our executive coaches are fitted with seatbelts, toilet facilities, air conditioning, DVD and reclining seats.

Rail is a convenient travel option for small groups.

Giving you full support throughout

Before your tour

  • Your own dedicated NST contact
  • Bespoke tour itineraries
  • Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
  • Curriculum linked visit programmes
  • Great value for money - no hidden costs
  • Free group leader inspection visits
  • Risk assessment guidance
  • Safety assured, transport, accommodation and visits

Whilst you're away

  • Free educational resources
  • Group-friendly accommodation
  • Exceptional standards of coaching
  • On-tour support from our reps on the ground
  • Support & assistance from our specialists throughout your tour
  • 24/7 support just a call away
  • Extensive group travel insurance

On your return

  • Priority rebooking services
  • Rewarding your loyalty with our reward scheme
  • You say, we listen - we're committed to continuously improving our tours
  • School travel company of choice since 1967
“An excellent location for a geography study of urban regeneration.... all on one doorstep!” Anthony Cheetham, Codsall Community High School

field trip around london

IMAGES

  1. 25 Inspiring Day Trips From London

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  2. The Ultimate 4-Day London Itinerary (2021 City Guide + Tips + Food)

    field trip around london

  3. The Best Way To Travel Around London

    field trip around london

  4. 3 Days in London Itinerary

    field trip around london

  5. Getting around in London

    field trip around london

  6. Two Days in London: The Perfect Travel Itinerary

    field trip around london

VIDEO

  1. Relaxing Stroll in Wanstead Park

  2. trains around London

COMMENTS

  1. Top 10 Best Field Trips Near London, London

    Top 10 Best Field Trips in London, United Kingdom - February 2024 - Yelp - IWM London, London Transport Museum, The British Museum, The Natural History Museum, Royal Academy of Arts, The Wallace Collection, Hunterian Museum, The National Gallery, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum

  2. 6 Family Farm Days Under One Hour From London

    Address: Odiham Rd, Riseley, Reading RG7 1SP, United Kingdom. Whichever one you choose, you will have a lovely day. They are all perfect destinations to meet friends, escape the grind and fill up one day of the holidays! Hop on the train and escape the city for by visiting one of these fun farms that are under an hour from London.

  3. 30+ Epic London Weekend Trips: Places to Visit Near London

    21. Margate. 🏖 Why you should visit: The seaside town of Margate along the Kent Coast is one of the best weekend retreats near London. Home to a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, plenty of hip cafés, and lots of unique cultural attractions, this creative town has been nicknamed 'Shoreditch-on-Sea'.

  4. The 28 best farms near London area

    Battersea Park Children's Zoo is a smaller zoo located in London, England. It features smaller animals such as otters, capuchins and chinchillas in an interactive play area. Kids of all ages can enjoy this zoo, and admission tickets start at 8.95 for kids, 10.95 for adults and 35.50 for a family of four.

  5. Lady's 7 Scenic Drives Near London with Maps

    I'd go through Kingham, Chipping Campden, Broadway (and Broadway Tower), Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter, Bibury, and Cirencester before driving back to London through the North Wessex Downs. 2. Scenic Drive from London to the Surrey Hills. Next on my list of the best scenic drives near London is the Surrey Hills.

  6. 17 Absolute Best Day Trips from London (+ How to Visit, Top Tours & Map)

    Here are the most popular day tours: Dover, Leeds Castle & Canterbury Cathedral - the most popular and best price/quality tour from London. Dover, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Greenwich - quite a full day, but you get to see a lot in a short time. Dover Castle. 13.

  7. 21 best day trips from London

    Short day trips from London. 1. Stonehenge. The ancient monument of Stonehenge. Image courtesy of Shutterstock. Travel from London to Stonehenge on a day out and see other sites along the way, such as Bath, Oxford and Windsor. Or opt for the Simply Stonehenge tour, focusing entirely on the prehistoric monument.

  8. Lavender Fields To Visit Near London: Summer 2023

    Open to the public: Lavender fields open 2 July- 4 August 2023. Tickets from £6.50 adult/£5 child, can be booked in advance (which is cheaper) although advance booking isn't mandatory. The barn ...

  9. 5 Most Beautiful Flower Fields To Visit Near London

    Keep on reading to find out about the prettiest flower fields near London to explore in 2023. Make sure to download the app to find more locations! 1. Mayfield Lavender ‍. In the Surrey Downs, this magnificent, family-run lavender field is a sight to behold in the summer months. Approximately 15 miles from London, visitors can come and see ...

  10. Tulley's Farm: A Huge Tulip Field Less Than An Hour From London

    A tulip field near London. Tulley's Farm is located between London and Brighton, in Crawley. First and foremost, Tulley's Tulip Fest will boast a ton of tulips, ranging in colour, shape, and size. In fact, there'll be over 100 varieties of tulip. With that, a plethora of photo ops come hand in hand: get that 'gram ready for photos in ...

  11. 12 flower-filled day trips from London

    They'll even wrap up your field-fresh flowers so they'll last the journey home. Dreams do come true. Getting here: 1hr 30min drive from London, or 1hr 35min train to Marden then 27 bus ...

  12. Day Trips From London: 100 Places To Explore In 2024

    Dip into the Roman baths in Bath. 5. Follow Chaucer's pilgrims to Canterbury. 6. Visit Cadbury World, the most delicious place in Birmingham (and maybe the world). 7. Catch some Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon.

  13. VisitLondon virtual tour

    Welcome to the Visit London virtual tour. These are all 360 degree images so click and drag them with your mouse or finger and explore some of London's most stunning sites. Start. Share this view. Take a virtual tour of London with this incredible 360-degree interactive map.

  14. A virtual field trip to London, England

    Another virtual field trip seemed like the best possibility, so gather your kids around the coffee table and come along! A Virtual Field Trip to London, England Stop 1. Buckingham Palace. Photo by shining.darkness. Head to Buckingham Palace on Google Maps.

  15. 17 Best Day Trips From London

    17 dreamy day trips from London. 1. The New Forest. A trip to the New Forest is about as close as you can get to going on safari without buying a plane ticket. As you make your way down dappled ...

  16. 10 Lovely Lavender Fields in London for Your Summer Trip

    Looking for a moment of calm during a summer trip to London? Check out these lavender fields in London and the surrounding area. ... Vauxhall Park opened its lavender field in 2004. At first, bees and butterflies were the main visitors enjoying the bright purple flowers. ... It's no wonder Mayfield Lavender Farm has become one of the most ...

  17. 20 Excellent Day Trips From London

    20 - PARIS. Paris deserves more than a day, but at 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Eurostar, it's a feasible day trip from London. For a great overview of the city, follow day 1 of our 3-day Paris Itinerary. This covers the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.

  18. 14 Best Day Trips From London

    Luke Abrahams is a London-based freelance journalist specializing in news, luxury lifestyle, and travel features. Luke's work has appeared in over 25 U.K. and U.S. publications including British ...

  19. 35 Best Day Trips from London, Ontario 2023 (We're Locals!)

    1. Guess Where Trips. Distance from London: Varies Price: $39 - $65 Location: View Trip Locations. If you're looking for a spontaneous day trip near London, Ontario, you have got to check out Guess Where Trips. With an office located right in London, this local small-business is an expert on unique, one-day itineraries that blend mystery ...

  20. A Field Trip to London!

    A Field Trip to London! We're taking a field trip to London in June of 2020 and would love for you to join us! For eight days we're going to see places we've only talked about since 2011, focusing on former subjects and women's history. Click the link below to get more information! Click to get more information on this once-in-a ...

  21. First Time in London: 12 Important Things to Know Before You Go

    SUMMER: Summer is the warmest, driest time of the year to visit London. The average high temperature is 23°C (73°F), but during heat waves it can get much warmer than this. In recent years, London has seen temperatures reach 38°C (100°F). FALL: Fall is the reverse of spring.

  22. Field Trips

    Field Trips. September 2023 - August 2023. Birding At The Coves, SLOW, EASY, and SHORT. NATURE LONDON MEMBERS ONLY. A SLOW, EASY and SHORT walk around the one pond off the German Canadian Club parking lot. We will only be going around this pond. The aim is for an inclusive hike open to those who want to go at a slower than average pace and to ...

  23. Geography School Day Trips and Tours To London

    Top visits for geography day trips in London. ZSL London Zoo. Spitalfields & East London Migration Guided Walking Tour. Exclusive to NST. BBC Earth Experience. The Legacy of London 2012 - Guided Olympic Site Tour. WWT Wetland Centre. Royal Observatory Greenwich. Thames Barrier Visits & Talks.