5 Best Day Trips from London – Royal Palaces, Seaside Views & Historic Cities
Top Day Trips from London: Castles, Coasts & Charming Towns
London is packed with things to see—but sometimes, the best way to experience Britain is to venture just a little beyond the city. Luckily, the capital is perfectly placed for day trips that blend royal splendour, seaside charm, dramatic landscapes, and medieval streets—all within easy reach by train or boat. Whether you’re here for a week or a long weekend, these five destinations offer unforgettable escapes with zero overnight planning required.
Windsor: A Royal Day Trip Just 45 Minutes from London
Craving a day out with a touch of royal flair? Just 30–45 minutes by train from London, Windsor blends regal heritage, charming riverside strolls, and enough hidden gems to keep even seasoned travellers smiling.
At the heart of it all is Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle. Formerly Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite weekend retreat, it’s still very much a working royal residence. Inside, explore the lavish State Apartments and discover centuries of royal treasures. Don’t miss St George’s Chapel, where both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip now rest, and where Harry and Meghan famously tied the knot.
Time your visit for the Changing of the Guard—a proud and photogenic tradition. Then wander the Long Walk, a 2.6-mile tree-lined path stretching from the castle to the Copper Horse statue. The views? Simply majestic.
But Windsor is more than pageantry. Cross the pedestrian bridge to Eton, home of the prestigious Eton College—the school of kings, prime ministers, and the impeccably tailored. The high street is full of independent bookshops, antique dealers, and quaint tearooms that feel worlds away from London’s bustle.
Hidden Gems You’ll Love
- The Guildhall: Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and tucked away in the town centre, this underrated gem now houses a free museum and was the location of Prince Charles and Camilla’s civil ceremony.
- Windsor & Royal Borough Museum: A compact museum inside the Guildhall with quirky finds and local stories dating back to prehistoric times.
- Alexandra Gardens: Just behind the railway station, this peaceful park offers Thames views, picnic spots, and a vintage carousel during summer.
- The Boatman Pub: Skip the crowds and enjoy riverside dining just beneath the castle walls—locals swear by it for a late lunch with a view.
- Bachelors Acre: A lesser-known green square with sculptures and a peaceful vibe, ideal for a quiet break between sights.
Getting There
Hop on a train from London Paddington (via Slough) or London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside—both a short stroll from the castle. No car needed, just comfy shoes and maybe a royal wave or two.
Travel Tip
Book Windsor Castle tickets in advance—especially in peak season—and aim to arrive before 11am to beat the coach groups and catch the Guard ceremony.
Explore more royal favourites in our guide to spotting the Royals in London and beyond –
Where to Spot the Royals in London
Hampton Court Palace – Tudor Majesty by the Thames
Looking to time-travel without the jetlag? Hampton Court Palace is your golden ticket to the days of monarchs, mistresses and magnificent feasts. Just 35 minutes from central London, this riverside palace is where King Henry VIII lived large—marrying, scheming and dining in serious style. It’s grand, dramatic and surprisingly easy to reach.
Start your royal journey through the sprawling Tudor kitchens, stroll beneath timbered ceilings in the Great Hall, and get gloriously lost in the world-famous hedge maze. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a period drama—with no costume required.
Hidden Gems You’ll Love
Sure, the Great Hall and maze draw the crowds—but there’s more beneath the crown:
- The Chapel Royal: Still an active place of worship, this intimate chapel features a stunning Tudor ceiling and a sense of timeless calm.
- Cumberland Art Gallery: Often missed, this gallery houses treasures from the Royal Collection, including masterpieces by Holbein, Caravaggio and Van Dyck.
- The Magic Garden: A playful, fantasy-inspired garden complete with towers, slides, and mythical beasts—perfect for letting out your inner child (or actual children).
For a quieter moment, wander the Privy Garden, restored to its 1702 glory, or follow the riverside path for serene views and swan-spotting.
How to Get There
- By Train: Direct from London Waterloo to Hampton Court Station in around 35 minutes, then a scenic 5-minute walk across the bridge.
- By Boat: For a slow travel twist, hop on the Uber Boat to Kingston, then enjoy a riverside stroll or bus ride to the palace.
- By Car: Around 50 minutes from central London, with limited paid parking nearby.
Travel Tip
Make a day of it by having lunch at one of the charming riverside spots in East Molesey. The Mitre Hotel’s terrace is a favourite for champagne and people-watching, while Bridge Road is dotted with cafés, antiques, and boutiques.dresses and majestic sculptures, it’s a true celebration of the beauty humans have created throughout history.
Love royal history? Check our Hidden Gems walking tour of historic Greenwich.
Brighton & Seven Sisters – Seaside Fun Meets Natural Drama
Fancy a royal escape with a sea breeze? Just 40 minutes on the train from London, Brighton offers seaside charm, a touch of eccentricity, and one seriously fabulous palace — the Royal Pavilion, where King George IV went full Bollywood-meets-Regency chic!
Stroll the iconic Brighton Pier, munch on fish and chips, then set off on a coastal adventure to the stunning Seven Sisters Cliffs. Walk or bus it — either way, those dizzying white cliffs and crashing waves are pure drama.
Spend your morning exploring Brighton’s quirky lanes, pop into the exotic Royal Pavilion (yes, that’s an Indo-Chinese palace in England), and enjoy a beachside lunch. Then lace up your walking shoes and make your way to the South Downs coast for a proper dose of jaw-dropping nature.
Hidden Gems You’ll Love
Beyond the pebbly beach and funfair vibe, there’s a more relaxed side to Brighton and Seven Sisters:
- The Lanes: A maze of indie shops, antique jewellery, and artisan cafés—perfect for souvenir hunting.
- Royal Pavilion Gardens: A peaceful green space ideal for a coffee break or picnic with peacocks nearby.
- Brighton to Seven Sisters walk: A 40-minute bus ride takes you to Seaford or Eastbourne where you can begin a cliff-top trail across the breathtaking Seven Sisters. Expect sweeping views, sea breezes, and more photo ops than your camera can handle.
Want a gentler option? Visit the Birling Gap visitor centre for direct cliff access and a shorter, more relaxed stroll.
How to Get There
- By Train: Trains run frequently from London Victoria or London Bridge to Brighton (about 1 hour).
- To Seven Sisters: From Brighton, take Bus 12, 12X or 13X towards Eastbourne. Get off at Exceat for the Seven Sisters Country Park.
- By Car: Around 2 hours from London, but train + bus is easier and scenic.
Travel Tip
Bring layers—even in summer! The sea breeze on the cliffs can be surprisingly brisk. For the best photos, aim to reach the cliffs by early afternoon when the sun lights up the white chalk and the sea turns turquoise.
Tickets and Information for Royal Pavilion
Transport to see Seven Sisters White Cliffs
Canterbury – Medieval Charm & Cathedral Splendour
Step back in time in Canterbury, where cobbled lanes, ancient stories, and regal architecture await! At the heart of it all? The awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to centuries of royal drama and spiritual grandeur. Wander the medieval streets, glide along the river on a punting tour, and uncover ancient treasures at the Roman Museum—because who doesn’t love a good mosaic with their history?
Fun fact? Archbishop Thomas Becket’s murder in the Cathedral was the medieval scandal of the century… and sparked pilgrimages for generations.
Hidden Gems You’ll Love
There’s more to Canterbury than the cathedral spires. Explore these under-the-radar finds:
- Greyfriars Chapel & Franciscan Gardens: A tranquil oasis tucked just off the high street, this medieval chapel floats above a river and offers a rare moment of peace.
- The Crooked House Bookshop: This Instagram-worthy, wonky little building looks like it belongs in a fairy tale—and sells rare and second-hand books for a bit of literary browsing.
- Canterbury Roman Museum: Beneath the modern shopping centre lies a preserved Roman townhouse, with mosaic floors, ancient artefacts, and interactive exhibits for all ages.
For something quirky, don’t miss The Canterbury Tales Experience, where Chaucer’s characters come to life through storytelling and medieval sets.
How to Get There
- By Train: Direct trains from London St Pancras take just under 1 hour. Trains from Victoria or Charing Cross take 1.5 hours.
- By Car: Around 1 hour 45 minutes from London, though parking in the historic centre can be tricky—park and ride is available.
Once there, the city is best explored on foot, with all key sights within easy walking distance.
Travel Tip
Visit mid-week to avoid weekend crowds and make sure to pre-book your Cathedral entry, especially in summer. Hungry? Head to The Goods Shed, a farmers’ market and restaurant right by the station—perfect for lunch featuring Kentish produce and local wines.
Rochester – Dickensian Delights & Norman History
We love Rochester for her cobbled streets, castles, and a dash of literary magic! This charming riverside town boasts the mighty Rochester Castle, one of England’s best-preserved Norman fortresses, and the stunning Rochester Cathedral, where history whispers from every stone.
Literary lovers, rejoice! Charles Dickens lived nearby and set many of his tales here—wander through his world with quaint vintage bookshops, cozy tearooms, and buildings straight out of Great Expectations.
Fun fact? Dickens’ final unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, was inspired by Rochester’s shadowy corners… ooh, mysterious!
Hidden Gems You’ll Love
Once you’ve admired the castle’s panoramic views and cathedral’s soaring nave, seek out these tucked-away treasures:
- Six Poor Travellers House: A charming 16th-century almshouse with a courtyard garden and real Dickens connections—it inspired one of his short stories.
- Restoration House: A grand Elizabethan mansion believed to be the model for Miss Havisham’s Satis House. It’s open for tours in summer and full of faded splendour.
- Baggins Book Bazaar: Lose yourself in one of the UK’s largest second-hand bookshops—a maze of dusty tomes and antique treasures.
- The Vines Garden: A peaceful green space right behind the cathedral, perfect for a quiet moment away from the crowds.
Rochester also hosts two annual Dickens Festivals—one in June and a Christmas edition in December. Expect costumed characters, parades, street theatre, and mulled wine aplenty.
How to Get There
- By Train: Fast trains run from London St Pancras in just 35–45 minutes. You can also catch services from Victoria or London Bridge.
- By Car: It’s around a 1-hour drive from central London. Paid parking available near the high street and castle.
Once you arrive, everything’s an easy stroll—ideal for a leisurely day of sightseeing, shopping, and scone sampling.
Travel Tip
Arrive mid-morning to beat the crowds, and plan lunch at one of the town’s characterful pubs or cafés. Locals love The Cheese Room Deli and Tiny Tim’s Tearoom, which feels like stepping into a Victorian parlour. If you’re visiting during a festival, book early—accommodation and trains fill fast!
Other Useful Links for Best Day Trips from London
Here are more links to support your visit to London and beyond. These are services we have actually used with good reliable service. Some are our affiliate partners where we may receive commission but it will be at no extra cost to you.
- Planning short trips from London to the rest of the country: Book Your Train Tickets on Trainline.com
- Planning London Underground (Tube) journey: London Transport Route Planner
- Travel with Contactless (Credit Card) or Oyster card: Contactless or Oyster card
- Planning your travel options in London? Download our free Essential London Transport Guide.
- Best value budget hotel at great locations: Premier Inn for London and UK
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