When you live or are visiting London, a city so vast and filled with history and culture, it is easy to get swept up in the city life, but just outside the city little gems are waiting to be enjoyed. Craving a visit to the coast or want a fairytale afternoon gallivanting in an English garden or possibly exploring a postcard-perfect town? We have, The 5 Best Day Trips To Take From London, that will have you out and back in London by the evening with minimal effort. 

For the Hikers - Seven Sisters Cliffs 

Possibly one of the most scenic walks on the coast of England is the Seven Sisters that will have your eyes feasting on glorious white cliffs, the sea, a lighthouse, woodlands, and so much more via foot trails and fun paths! 

How to get there: Take the train from London to Eastbourne, the train will take roughly 1 hr 30 minutes, and then walk from the Eastbourne train station straight down to the coast, which will take about 10-15 minutes. You will enjoy a roughly 6 hour hike/ walk along the English seaside and return to London from the Seaford train station to complete your loop. 

Where to eat: At your halfway point on your walk, you will reach Birling Gap, where a lovely cafe will welcome you with food and restrooms. Craving a brew towards the end of your day? Enjoy a cold one at The Old Boot, an authentic English pub known for their vast array of beers and delicious fish-n-chips. 

Tip: Pack a lunch or some snacks to enjoy as you never know where you might want to sit and enjoy a view while fueling up for the remainder of your day! 

For the Downton Abbey Lovers - Cliveden House 

While you can visit Highclere Castle, the backdrop to Downton Abbey, a more suitable option that is less ‘touristy’ and closer to London is Cliveden House, an estate built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham. Cliveden House is a hotel sat on National Trust land which means that the public can come and enjoy the 376 acre grounds (for a £16.00 entry fee per head). Explore the gardens, walk along or boat down the River Thames, get lost in a maze, and relish in a delicious afternoon tea experience and for a moment feel like you are living in another time. 

How to get there: Take the train from London to Taplow, which will take roughly 1 hour and then a 10 minute Uber or taxi to Cliveden House. 

Tip: There are several food options available at Cliveden House, but if you want to have afternoon tea, be sure to book ahead of time! 

For the Animal Admirers - New Forest 

Truly a safari done the English way! At New Forest National Park, you will be walking or biking alongside free roaming animals, such as wild horses (roughly 5,000 of them), cattle, deer, pigs, and so much more. Want to ride? There are an array of riding schools where you can book a trail ride and ride amongst the beautiful animals and see the park from a fun vantage point. 

How to get there: Take the train from London to Brockenhurst, which is roughly a 90 minute ride. 

Tip: If you want to enjoy a trail ride, be sure to book ahead!

For the Scholars and Harry Potter Lovers - Oxford or Cambridge 

Two of the world’s oldest educational institutions reside in England and both have flourishing, historic, and beautiful cities just waiting for you to explore! University of Oxford was founded in 1096 and the University of Cambridge was founded in 1209, and while when you visit you cannot exactly sit in on a class, you can explore their campuses and the picturesque places around them.

Things to do in Oxford: You can book a college tour to see the oldest English-speaking university in the world, the University of Oxford. The tour will give you access to some of the most spectacular buildings and rooms on campus and explore the halls that 29 prime ministers of the United Kingdom walked, 73 Nobel Prize winners, and so many other notable alumni.

You can also wander into Oxford’s Covered Market that has been bustling for over 240 years and also happens to have the most delicious milkshakes and other yummy bites.

If you love Harry Potter, this was used for the backdrop for many iconic scenes. If you are interested, you can find a Harry Potter tour that will take you around to see them and make you feel like you might just be at Hogwarts.

Where to eat: Dine like the locals have at Turf Tavern, a historic, 400-year-old pub!

Things to do in Cambridge: Book a punting tour down the River Cam to see the city from a unique vantage point. After that, visit King’s College Chapel to see the largest fan-vault ceiling in the world and then grab a drink and bite to eat.

Where to eat: If you are craving something special, pop into Trinity, a delicious restaurant where you can enjoy delicious oysters and champagne. Wanting something a little more low-key? The Geldart pub is quintessential and just a few minutes away from the train station, so you can scoot back to London easily.

How to get to Oxford or Cambridge: There are many trains that go to and from both cities every day making it a very easy day trip!