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East End Taste guide
Top 23 locations in United Kingdom for Day Trips
byEast End Taste and
Michal Ben-Ari
Live update: Updated October 19, 2021Copy link
Copy link1. Hever Castle & Gardens
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
East End TasteIf you want to experience a historical day trip from London, go to Hever Castle in Kent, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Hever Castle is a beautiful Tudor mansion, with some original wooden elements that date from the 13th century when Henry VIII was courting Anne.
Visiting Hever Castle is not just a relaxing day out but also an insightful history lesson. Whilst the castle has been renovated several times during the years, with new modern wings attached, the upper floor still tells the story of Anne, the queen Henry VIII wrongfully beheaded for treason.
Anne Boleyn wasn’t just the second wife of Henry VIII. She also played an important role in the breaking of the Anglican church from the Vatican. Anne was also the mother of Queen Elizabeth I, the last Tudor monarch who led England in a prosperous and peaceful way.
The estate at Hever Castle is massive and it will take the entire day to explore. The gardens are worth strolling around, at a relaxed paced, because they are some of the most beautifully landscaped in the South East of England. The estate has a lake and plenty of woodland, with trails for adults and children.
There are different events organized for children, such as butterfly lookouts or archery lessons. You can also rent a boat and row on the lake.
Visitors often bring picnics and enjoy them on the estate. The Tudor period fans can also spend the night at the castle, in the wing built by one of the previous owners, William Waldorf Astor, transformed into a luxury hotel.
Getting to Hever Castle from central London is pretty straight forward. There are many direct trains leaving London Bridge station towards Uckfield, arriving in Hever an hour later. The castle is located one mile away from the station.
To find more of the best day trip from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
2. Royal Observatory Greenwich
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteGreenwich, one of the best cities in UK with kids, is a borough in London to the south of River Thames is 20- 30 minutes from London and makes for a great day trip.
Known as the home of the Prime Meridian known as the famous GMT or the Greenwich Meridian Time. A trip to Greenwich is incomplete without a visit to the Royal Observatory, where the Prime Meridian passes through. It is common to take a pic by standing with one foot in the Western hemisphere and other in the eastern hemisphere across the Prime Meridian.
There is a huge telescope and many historic clocks that were used to clock the time that are an interesting watch.
To read more about a day trip to Greenwich, head our website :
https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
3. Cardiff Castle
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteCardiff, it’s the Capital of Wales, away just a few hours from London. Keep in mind that you are crossing a border when taking your day trip from London, however, it’s not a proper one, being in the United Kingdom.
It’s easy to reach Cardiff from London, by bus and train, in the best sustainable way. The city on the coast it’s often overshadowed by the UK cities, and so might be less touristy, which in some way it’s an advantage.
If somebody tells you that Cardiff doesn’t have much to offer a traveler, don’t care, go and explore yourself. Spend even just one day in Cardiff and you will change the idea. Cardiff has a beautiful city center, which it’s pretty small and will take you from the Castle to the seaside.
While in winter the city center and the narrow streets are the core of the local life, in Summer it’s the seaside that attracts tourists and locals enjoying the sunshine and the good vibes. Exploring both you will have a clear idea of what Cardiff is and it’s a style quite noir.
To read more about Cardiff and about the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
4. Stokes High Bridge Café
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteLincoln, one of the UK’s least-discovered cities, makes for an excellent alternative day trip from London. As the great travel writer Bill Bryson observed in his classic book Notes From A Small Island, there are few places that have played such an important role in history, yet remain so obscure.
During Roman times Lincoln was one of the country’s most populous cities, and in medieval times it flourished. Lincoln Cathedral was the world’s tallest building for over two centuries until the main spire collapsed in 1549, while Lincoln Castle was built in the 11th century by none other than William the Conqueror. Both buildings still stand today, and make up the defining features of the city’s skyline.
Among the many captivating things to do in Lincoln, you can see one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, browse characterful independent shops on the narrow cobbled Steep Hill, and hang out on the Brayford waterfront, the UK’s oldest inland harbor.
The city also has a thriving food and drinks scene, with a mixture of traditional local eateries serving food sourced from Lincolnshire farms, and various international cuisine options that have burgeoned since the university opened in the 1990s. Make sure you try one of the famous tea shops – Stokes High Bridge Café is a lovely option, set in one of the city’s iconic medieval buildings.
You’ll need to make an early start for a day trip; the train journey from London to Lincoln takes around three hours. To make a weekend of it, you could stay at one of the city’s friendly independent guest houses. The Poplars is a conveniently located option in the city center, while Creston Villa Guest House is set in a beautifully decorated Victorian building about 20 minutes’ walk from the train station.
To find more of the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
5. Windsor Great Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteWindsor is located around 25 km from London towards the south of the River Thames and is one of London’s most popular day trips. The beautiful historic town is a must visit place for lovers of history and culture and is similar to Mysore, which is one of the most popular places to visit from Bangalore.
Tourists from all over the world flock to this town to tour Windsor Castle, built in the 11th century, and witness the ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony. Apart from this, there is a lot more to explore at Windsor. You can visit the St George’s Chapel, the entry to which is included with the Windsor Castle.
Popular activities to engage in while visiting Windsor include:
Walking through the 2.65-mile path of the Windsor Great Park
Watching musicals and plays at the Theatre Royal
Learning about the archaeological backgrounds of Berkshire at the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum
Visiting the 12th century St John the Baptist Church
Enjoying the walking trails of Runnymede through pastures and woodlands
Taking part in the Royal Windsor Horse Show at the Home Park
The Legoland theme park is a must-visit spot if traveling with children as there are various activities for children of all ages here. The Fudge Kitchen offering a variety of fudge flavors is another favorite among kids and adults alike. The Mill at Sonning, Bel, and the Dragon and Côte are some of the most loved restaurants to try some excellent home-cooked meals and British dishes in Windsor.
Windsor also has its share of pubs, with Two Brewers, The Boatman, and The George being some of the must-try ones. The Park Farm Bed & Breakfast, the George Inn, and the Goswell House Hotel are some comfortable and budget-friendly accommodations you can find in Windsor.
For more of the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
6. Norwich Cathedral
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteThe medieval city of Norwich is situated around 2 hours by train from London. It boasts incredible architecture and is small enough that it can be visited on a day trip and be explored largely on foot.
It is one of the only cities in the UK to be home to two cathedrals and there is plenty for history buffs to explore. If you are visiting, don’t miss an underground Norwich tour. This tour, run by local charity KindaKafe, takes you into one of the city’s undercrofts. This is a great way to get to know more about the history of Norwich and is also fun for children.
As well as exploring the city’s tunnels, make sure you cram in a visit to Norwich Castle, the main focal point of the city. If it is a nice day, there is also the option to hire a canoe and explore the waterways.
My favorite thing to do in Norwich is to explore the back streets. The city is home to a number of hidden gems and picturesque corners, making it a wonderful place to wander through.
An ideal place to stay is the Maid’s Head Hotel, located in Tombland. This hotel is situated in a picturesque part of the city, being close to all the main attractions whilst sitting a little outside of the main hustle.
Close to the hotel, there are some great eateries, including the Spice Lounge. Specializing in Bangladeshi cuisine, this is a restaurant which will definitely leave you feeling full!
To find more of the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
7. Durdle Door Nature Reserve
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteDurdle Door is an iconic British landmark on the Dorset coast, a short drive from the city of Weymouth and a two and a half hour drive from London.
An area of outstanding natural beauty, Durdle Door attracts visitors from around the UK and beyond with its crystal blue waters and charming beach that surround the natural rock arch. Perfect for a summer day trip to the seaside with friends or family.
To read more about Durdle Door and the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
8. White cliffs of Dover
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteWhite Cliffs of Dover are naturally formed high chalk cliffs that are located at the very end of southeast, overlooking the English Channel. On a clear day, it is possible to see the far-stretching views of the French coastline. The cliffs stretch 8 miles along the Kent coast, making it one of the ideal choices for coastal walks.
White Cliffs is one of the stunning National Trust attractions in England. They are also part of Kent Downs which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The geological importance of White Cliffs are that they were formed millions of years ago from the sediments of calcium carbonate. Owing to which, the colors of the cliff are white. Historically, the cliffs have been acting as a natural defense for centuries, right from Roman era to 20th-century wars. It is possible to explore the underground tunnels which were constructed during WWII.
To read more about the White Cliffs and the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
9. Longleat Safari & Adventure Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteIf you’re looking for something spectacular to fill a day in London, then you have to visit Longleat Safari Park. Only a 2-hour drive from London, this unique place has something for everyone, whether you’re a little kid or a big kid.
Longleat house was built in 1580 by Sir John Thynne, and to this day his descendants still call it home. This house is found in the main square of the grounds along with beautiful gardens, shops and restaurants. In this area, you can also find animal enclosures such as koala creek and family farmyard.
Although this area is packed with things to do, it isn’t what Longleat is best known for. Just across from here is its famous drive-through safari. This is where you will get to come up close and personal with exotic animals such as rhinos, lions, zebras and even monkeys (if you’re brave enough). The monkeys are notorious for jumping on your car and can sometimes damage it, so there is a bypass lane if you would like to steer clear. Don’t worry if you don’t have a suitable car for the park (soft-top or motorcycle) you can book tickets for the Safari Bus which will take you through the whole park. These tickets are an extra £5, and you can get them while in the Main Square.
To read more about the park and to find more of the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
10. York Shambles
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteIn just over two hours, you can whisk yourself all the way from London Kings Cross station to York in the north of England.
If you only have a day in this historic city, hop onto the city walls for an elevated tour of York. These medieval walls encircle the city and offer excellent views of some of the main highlights of the city: the River Ouse, the historic streets and the Minster – York’s Gothic cathedral.
After your walk, head to the Shambles, York’s atmospheric, medieval shopping lane which is packed with wizard-themed shops and gift stores.
If you’re unlucky with the weather when you visit York, fear not, there are some world class museums in which to shelter from the elements. York’s Viking past is explored at the Jorvik Centre while the National Railway Museum offers a complete history of everything train related. This museum is one of the best things to do in York with kids.
For traditional English refreshments, it’s worth seeking out Betty’s Tea Rooms. You’ll enjoy a proper cuppa and some seasonal cakes and biscuits. For something stronger, try one of the many pubs which can be found all over the city.
If you’re lucky enough to be staying overnight in York, the Guy Fawkes Inn offers a very historical experience – the hotel building is where the notorious plotter was born.
For more of the best day trips from London, head to our website:
https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
11. Mersea Island
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteOne of the best day trips from London is one to Mersea Island. Mersea Island is a small island that lies south-east of the city of Colchester. It is a very relaxing place to go as there is a very peaceful atmosphere. There are beautiful views everywhere, wonderful beaches, and Mersea Island is a great place for hiking. There are lots of hiking trails all around the island. This can be a great activity to do as a family. Also, Mersea Island has become very popular because of its colorful beach huts. You find these at West Mersea Beach.
Furthermore, there are some great restaurants on Mersea Island. The area is known for seafood. The Company Shed is the most well-known of these, and it is known for its oysters and other seafood. However, don’t expect a fancy place when you go to the Company Shed!
There are also lots of good places to stay. One of the best of these is the Mariners Suite in West Mersea. Mersea Island is also a great place for solo travel, but there are great activities to do alone in London too.
You can reach the island from London in about 1.5 hours. You can either go here by car or train. When you take the train, you first need to go to the railway station in Colchester and then take a taxi from there to the island. When you decide to go to Mersea Island with your own car it is important to check the tide times. The road leading to the island can get covered by water, which makes going to or leaving the island impossible.
To find more of the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
12. Bath Abbey
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteBath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an easy day trip from England by train. The city of Bath, England, gets its name from, ofcourse, the Roman Baths! A humongous Roman temple was built in Bath in 1st C CE and the city was further developed with the thermal baths, fortification walls etc in 3rd C CE. The Bath Abbey was built in 7th C CE. The entire city is very small and can be easily visited by a walking tour on a day trip from London.
To read more about Bath and the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
13. Tudor World
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteIn the heart of Warwickshire is Stratford-upon-Avon, a town most famous for its links to William Shakespeare, the famous playwright. Getting to Stratford-upon-Avon is possible by train, however, there are also frequent coaches from the capital.
Because of the town’s links to William Shakespeare, there are many attractions related to him to visit. There is the cottage where he lived in the town centre and a short walk away is All Saints’ Church, his last resting place. Everywhere visitors turn in Stratford there are links to the great playwright.
Besides Shakespearian attractions the town has many, this includes Tudor World. Tudor World is a museum focusing on the 16th-century history of the UK during the Tudor reign. In the evenings the museum does ghost tours in the timber-framed building it calls home.
The town has many theatres including the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, on the banks of the River Avon. The theatre does many productions of the great man’s works, this is a must-visit venue for theatre lovers.
For lunch, there are many options. One is No. 37 Café, a great place for a fresh healthy bite to eat. For a more formal sit down meal, El Greco, a Greek restaurant, serves fresh delicious food. They also have an outside seating area to enjoy alfresco dining on a sunny day.
The Mercure Stratford Shakespeare Hotel is a centrally located timber-framed hotel. It used to be a 17th century Inn that now offers four-star accommodation.
To find more of the best day trips from London, head to our website:
https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
14. Lulworth Cove
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteLulworth Cove is a fantastic place in its own right and has a few more accommodation options close to the sea, as well as a quaint little café where you can grab brunch by the tranquil waters of the cove. It is also an ideal place to start your day trip to Durdle Door. Close to the large carpark you will see signs to indicate the start of the coastal walk. From here you can follow a path along the stunning Jurassic coastline for around 30 minutes until you reach the unmissable Durdle Door and the two beaches either side. Please note, the initial climb can be quite tough so take some sturdy shoes as the climb might prove difficult in sandals.
The beaches here can be very crowded during the summer months especially so we recommend visiting during the later stages of the summer season.
To read more about Durdle Door, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
15. Brighton Pier
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteOne of the most popular day trips from London is the vibrant beach town, Brighton. The magnificent Brighton Pier overlooking the shores of the pebbled beach of the city is lined up with cute cafes, food stalls and cocktail bars. Get some fish and chips and relax at the Brighton beach.
To read more about Brighton and the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
16. Clifton Suspension Bridge
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteLocated less than a 2-hour train ride from London is the beautiful city of Bristol. Whilst the city is probably not on everyone’s radar, it’s one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations. It has a rich maritime history, amazing architecture, vibrant art and culture, but most importantly Bristol is a green city. It is the ONLY UK city that won the ‘European Green Capital’ for 2015. In addition, Bristol was one of the first cycling cities in the UK.
The best part about Bristol is that you can do and see plenty for free, making it ideal for budget travelers. You can just walk around the city and find stunning and colourful buildings and street art wherever you look. The most popular one is Cliftonwood Crescent. You can have a picnic at Brandon Hill Park and climb the Cabot Tower for a panoramic view of Bristol for free.
To read more about Clifton and the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
17. Bath
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteBath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an easy day trip from England by train. The city of Bath, England, gets its name from, ofcourse, the Roman Baths! A humongous Roman temple was built in Bath in 1st C CE and the city was further developed with the thermal baths, fortification walls etc in 3rd C CE. The Bath Abbey was built in 7th C CE. The entire city is very small and can be easily visited by a walking tour on a day trip from London.
To read more about Bath and the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
18. National Space Centre
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteLeicester lies in the east midlands, home to a little over 350,000 people. The city is 105 miles away from London and easily reached by car via the M1and public transport. Leicester was most well known in recent years for its football team the Foxes. The city pulled off a miracle when winning the Premier League title in 2016.
Today, Leicester draws tourists to multiple attraction in the city center. You can visit the National Space Museum which is full of rackets and spaceships. The former King of England Richard the 111 was discovered recently buried in Leicester. The lost king was found buried under a car park in Leicester city center. Leicester Cathedral today houses the remains of Richard.
Leicester has a long history dating back to Roman times. The remains of the baths of Roman Leicester can be seen at the Jewry Wall. Roman Leicester was an important point on the road north to Lincoln for the armies of Rome.
To find more of the best day trip from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
19. Old Neptune
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteWhitstable is a very pretty fishing and harbour town located on the north coast of Kent. You can easily get there from London by train which makes it a perfect day trip. The journey takes around 1 hour, 30 minutes from either London Victoria, London Stratford or London Kings Cross station.
Whitstable is very famous for its rich maritime history and excellent seafood scene. The town is a great spot for food lovers with fresh fish markets and oyster shacks in the harbour, plus some gourmet beachfront restaurants which serve hot and cold seafood platters.
Other fun things to do in Whitstable include coastal walks where you can see the cute pastel-colored beach huts, or visit nearby Harbour Street which is lined with independent galleries, craft and antique shops and cafes. History lovers will enjoy Whitstable Castle or a visit to the Whitstable Community Museum & Gallery, which has interesting displays of the history of the local oyster trade.
End your day with a locally brewed beer at the Old Neptune, which is the most famous pub in town. It is located right on the beach, so you can enjoy a delicious pint of oyster stout beer or wine, and a plate of hearty fish and chips with a beautiful view of the sun setting over the ocean.
If you are looking for somewhere lovely to stay overnight in Whitstable then check out Whitstable Fisherman’s Huts. They are boutique 150-year-old converted Fisherman’s Huts, which are located directly on the beachfront.
To find more of the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
20. Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteIf you’re looking for a fun day trip from London, head to the historic city of Winchester.
This historic city is one of the oldest in the UK and has a lot to see: traditional houses, cobbled streets and one of the most famous cathedrals in the country.
You can get to Winchester easily by driving. From central London, it takes about 2 hours- although the roads are often congested. The distance is 70 miles (112km). There are several Park and Ride spots on the outskirts of the city- it’s definitely recommended to park there and get the bus in, instead of trying to park in the city center. If you’re on a motorhome holiday, DEFINITELY don’t try to drive into the city- some parts are pretty narrow.
Some of the best things to do in Winchester include:
Visiting Winchester Cathedral. This is where author Jane Austen is buried and is also home to one of the oldest bibles in the world
Winchester Planetarium– a great place to lie back and learn about the stars and planets. (Perfect for kids!)
Shopping. Winchester has some brilliant shops and unique boutiques. The high street isn’t large (although it is on a hill!) and you can happily pass several hours browsing around
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in November or December, you NEED to head to the Winchester Christmas Market– one of the best in the country.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink in the city. A great restaurant is ‘The Porterhouse’ which serves a range of foods, including award-winning steak. For a typical British pub experience, the Willow Tree is lovely, although there are plenty to choose from at both ends of the high street.
For more day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
21. Kings College
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteCambridge may be best known as the home to the second oldest university in the English-speaking world, but the city has much more to offer its visitors. You will just be able to scratch the surface in a short visit.
If it’s nice weather during your day trip to Cambridge, you must go punting on the Cam River. Punting uses a boat that is similar to a gondola which is steered using a pole instead of an oar. You can try to punt yourself or hire someone else to do the punting. It’s the best way to explore The Backs where you can see some of Cambridge’s most prestigious colleges.
To read more about Cambridge and the best day trip from London, head to our website:
https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
22. Victoria House
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteThe Cotswolds is one of the most (if not the most) picturesque areas in the United Kingdom and perhaps Europe.
From driving down old English lanes, snapping pictures in front of perfect stone houses, indulging in a clotted cream tea to visiting the spa in Bath there are more than enough things for you to choose from for your day trip.
The Cotswolds span over 2038km and several counties such as Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Due to this, it is best if you hire a car to make the most of your trip. You can either hire a car in London, or get the train to Oxford or Gloucester and hire a car from there.
There are also so many villages to visit that you might want to do some research to find the best villages to visit in the Cotswolds.
However, you don’t want to miss Arlington Row in Bibury, this has been named the prettiest street in England, Bourton on the Water has some beautiful cafés and restaurants and Stow on the Wold is gorgeous.
To find out more about the Cotswolds and more of the best day trips from London, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
23. The Greenwich
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:East End TasteTo read more about a day trip to Greenwich, head to our website: https://eastendtastemagazine.com/the-best-day-trips-from-london/
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