Last updated: 17 July 2023
If you’re looking for some day trips from London that are under 2.5 hours for a short break or weekend away then you’re in luck because we’re going to cover some of the very best places to explore from London.
We’ve curated suggestions from a few expert travel bloggers about their favourite same-day road trips from London. All of these destinations have a journey time of 2-2.5hrs each way so be sure to pack all your road trip essentials for a full day out.
If you’re short on time or want travel time under two hours, we have a similar post with 15 Day Trips From London by Car in Under 2 Hours.
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Map – Day Trips from London in Under 2.5 Hours
This interactive map is created using Google Maps. Click on this 
symbol on the map above to expand the map legend or click on any pin for more information:
How To Use This Guide
Conditions for driving in England can vary widely. Toll-free motorways (prefix of A or M i.e. A1 or M1) will help you get from A to B with ease, by way of a quality multi-lane roads.
Away from arterial roads, country roads (B roads) carry less traffic and usually run between smaller towns. These can be single lane and walled with high hedges. We recommend driving slowly and with your lights switched on to assist with visibility and safety. Distance alone cannot always indicate how long a journey will take so we’ve also included a conservative estimate of duration (each way) from central London.
Should you need to cross London to undertake these same-day road trips, you’ll need to factor in additional time to do so.
Oxford
Suggested by Roaming Required
Oxford is one of the most historic and beautiful cities in England and is a fantastic destination for a day trip from London. Oxford is easily accessible via a 1 train journey (on the fast train) or just under 2 hours by car.
Oxford is home to the oldest university in the UK, also the oldest English-speaking university the world. We highly suggest taking advantage of the many tours available in Oxford to explore the university grounds and the many incredibly beautiful and historic buildings throughout the city.
A really unique way to get to experience Oxford is from the river so if you have time for a river cruise it is well worth it. If you prefer a more hands-on approach with your river sightseeing then perhaps hiring a punt is more up your stream. Just a word of caution from the locals, don’t lose your setting pole!
There are so many things to see, places to go, and food to eat that you are almost guaranteed to have an amazing time when you choose to explore Oxford in a day.
From London
- Distance from London: 58mi (93km)
- Drive time from London: 2 hrs
Arundel
Suggested by: The World in my Pocket
A day trip from London to Arundel is a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital and relax in the English countryside in a small town with a beautiful castle.
Even if it’s tiny, there are plenty of things to do in one day in Arundel. Visiting the castle can take as long as half a day, if you choose to buy a ticket for all the rooms and explore the gardens as well. Sometimes, there are medieval festivals held in the castle’s courtyard, which are a fun way to experience “battles” between the English and the French troops, and taste delicious food cooked in giant cauldrons.
Another point of interest in Arundel is the cathedral, which is built in a French Gothic style and resembles Notre Dame, in Paris.
Arundel is a very quaint town, with many independent shops, cafes and restaurants. I recommend having breakfast at the Motte and Bailey Café and lunch at Waterside Café which has lovely views over the river. In summer, you can rent a boat from here and steer it down river Arun, all the way to the next pub.
For those driving from London, parking in Arundel is easy, with a large parking lot just outside of the castle gates and another large one, in front of the train station for £5. As is the case with many small but popular villages, free street parking is hard to find.
From London
- Distance from London: 64mi (102km)
- Drive time from London: 2 hrs
Castle Combe
Suggested by: Darek and Gosia
Located in the Cotswolds in the county of Wiltshire, Castle Combe is one of the most beautiful villages in this part of the UK. With its surrounding countryside, this village is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cotswolds – a perfect place to visit on a day trip from London.
In 2001, Pictures of England voted Castle Combe as the most picturesque village in Great Britain, so it’s not hard to see why this Cotswolds gem is known amongst many photographers. The bridge in the village along with many beautiful old houses are a magnet for amateur and professional photographers.
If you’re strolling the village and the streets feel oddly familiar it’s probably because you’ve seen them on TV. Castle Combe is a popular filming location and was used in the first episodes of 1960’s TV series ‘Dr Dolittle’, and more recently in ‘Stardust’ (2008), ‘The Wolfman’ (2009) and in 2010 Steven Spielberg shot scenes for the film adaptation of ‘War Horse’.
If you get a bit hungry while visiting the village, head out to the Old Stables and try the famous shortbread rolls.
From London
- Distance from London: 100mi (160km)
- Drive time from London: 2 hours
Hastings
Suggested by: Hello Sussex
If you love quirky, artsy seaside towns with a bit of a vibe then Hastings Old Town has got your name on it. Just 74 miles (119 km) from London and a 2-hour drive, the former fisherman’s villages makes a fabulous day out from London by car.
Hastings Old Town is tucked between two steep cliffs and the sea and is easily walkable. There’s a lot to see and do and the Old Town will keep you busy for at least a day.
To start, head to the Stade and the distinctive towering black net huts. The Fishermen’s Museum and Sea Life Centre are worth a visit. Fishing boats are launched from the beach behind the huts. Nearby you’ll find seafood stalls selling prawns, cockles, whelks, and freshly caught fish. Beware the seagulls – they’ll have your pot of prawns from you in seconds. There are some good fish and chip shops near to the Stade. Hastings Contemporary, a modern gallery with café, is also nearby.
Explore the twittens – an old Sussex term for a narrow lane or passageway. You’ll find lots in Hastings Old Town between the cute fishermen’s cottages and crooked half-timbered buildings. The Old town also has more than its fair share of pubs. The FILO and The Crown are two favourites.
Find the East Hill funicular and make your way up to the top for views over the town and beach. The Smuggler’s Caves make a good visit for both kids and adults and the remains of a castle are on the West Hill opposite.
George Street is full of cafes, coffee shops and cool vintage shops. The Thai Bookshop is a good spot – bookshop by day, Thai restaurant in the evening. Another favourite is Isabella’s in George Street – fab if you like Turkish food. Hastings Old Town has some really cool shops. From cute home stores, to an old-school ironmongers, antique and vintage shops plus galleries and craft shops.
There’s a heap of cool things do in Hastings Old Town but to get the quirky, bohemian vibe you really need to head there yourself.
From London
- Distance from London: 74mi (119km)
- Drive time from London: 2 hrs
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Suggested by: Eat Cook Explore
A trip to England is not complete without a visit to William Shakespeare’s home town.
Stratford-Upon-Avon is an absolute gem. A beautiful old town with most of the old Elizabethan architecture still intact, meticulously maintained and almost all are available to visit as they are now museums.
Everyone who has studied English literature has had to read and decipher at least one of Shakespeare’s plays. To understand what inspired the greatest poet of our time, you should start your journey at Shakespeare’s schoolroom and Guildhall. Most of the school rooms are as they were in his time. A live actor plays the school master and you get to play a part of being a Tudor school boy. It’s interactive, fun and informative. Not to be missed.
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust looks after a number of Shakespeare’s family properties. These include his birthplace where can visit the room he was born, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, where his wife lived before marrying him, New Place, the mansion that he bought after he became a rich man, Mary Arden’s farm and Hall Croft, his daughter’s home. Make sure you find out where the phrase, “sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite” comes from. You can visit all these under one ticket.
A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon is not complete without a visit to the Royal Shakespeare Company, an imposing theatre complex along the river. Try and catch a performance there if you can.
From London
- Distance from London: 101mi (163km)
- Drive time from London: 2 hrs
Spend The Night in a Castle!
If you want to make a weekend out of it, you’ll be looking for accommodation nearby. Sleep in a castle at the stunning Grade II* listed Studley Castle in the village of Studley just 12 miles away.
Need Receipts? Read our review of Studley Castle or watch our video for more information.
Portsmouth
Suggested by: Hello Manpreet
The beautiful waterfront is what sets Portsmouth apart, making it one of the most popular destinations within the UK for a day trip from London.
In the heart of the city, the most visited attractions includes the famous dockyard, a popular Museum and Art Gallery, and the Spinnaker Tower where you will get an opportunity to walk over a glass floor and take some great pictures of the city down below. The Spinnaker Tower gets very busy on clear days so be sure to book your tickets for the tower well in advance.
Many visitors come to Portsmouth to shop at the famous Gunwharf Quays shopping outlets. The waterfront area became home to one the largest premium shopping outlets in the UK, featuring some of the world’s most famous luxury brands.
Whether you plan to shop till you drop, or take a stroll along the historical waterfront, you can expect to be in Portsmouth in under 2 hours from London. Portsmouth city provides plenty of parking so there is no need to worry about that front.
From London
- Distance from London: 75mi (120km)
- Drive time from London: 2 hours
Winchester
Suggested by: Wandering Bird
If you’re looking for a good day trip from London, look no further than the historic city of Winchester.
Winchester is one of the oldest cities in England and has everything you’d expect- quaint old streets, beautiful buildings and one of the prettiest cathedrals in the country.
Some of the best things to do in Winchester include:
- Winchester Cathedral – Jane Austen is buried here and it’s home to one of the oldest bibles in the world
- Shopping – Winchester has some amazing shops, all close together on the high street, and you can happily pass several hours simply browsing
- Winchester Planetarium – a wonderful place to lie back and enjoy learning about the stars and planets. (Perfect for kids!)
- Visit the famous Christmas market. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in November or December, you should to head to the Winchester Christmas Market, it’s one of the best in the country.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink. Enjoying the many award-winning pubs, bars and restaurants in the city. Winchester is a University town and has a great social scene. A local recommendation is ‘The Porterhouse’ which serves a range of foods, including award-winning steak. For a typical British pub experience, the Willow Tree is lovely
Winchester is a wonderful city, showcasing some of the history and character of England. You won’t be disappointed with your day trip choice.
From London
- Distance from London: 70mi (112km)
- Drive time from London: 2 hrs
Avebury
Suggested by: The Silver Nomad
Avebury Heritage Site is part of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.
While Stonehenge is better known, Avebury is less touristy and more intimate and certainly worthy of a day trip from London.
Unlike it’s bigger brother, Avebury is so intimate that you can get up and personal to touch many of the Neolithic stones. Soak in the history that goes back over 4,000 years to when they were built between 2850 BC and 2200 BC.
The stones were built on top of a henge, which is an earth mound with a top which is surrounded by a ditch and banking. Sheep have been grazing the site for over 6,000 years, so keep any dogs on a lead as you might see sheep wandering in between the stones.
Avebury village has built up around the stones. Visit the Barn Museum in the Old Farmyard to discover the Avebury’s history and see some of the artefacts that have been discovered over the years.
Next door to the museum is Circles Café where you can stop for a bite to eat and pop into the shop for souvenirs. If you fancy some delicious food try the Red Lion pub in the village.
From the centre of London, Avebury is about 84 miles or 137 kilometres down the M4 and then join the A361 at with Marlborough or Swindon. The journey takes just over 2 hours depending on the traffic. There is plenty of parking in the car park just past the village (postcode for satnav: SN8 1RD). Parking charges (correct at 2020) are £7 per day or £4 after 3pm, free if you are a National Trust or English Heritage member.
Take time to drive along West Kennet Avenue to the other Neolithic sites that make up the Heritage Site, Silbury Hill, West Kennet Long Barrow and The Sanctuary. On the way home, look out for the chalk horse carved into Hackpen Hill.
From London
- Distance from London: 84mi (137km)
- Drive time from London: 2 hours
Broadway
Suggested by: Champagne on Arrival
Taking a day trip to the countryside is a great way to get a change of scenery if you live in London (or anywhere for that matter) and luckily you don’t have to go too far to get it.
The Cotswolds village of Broadway, often referred to as the “Jewel of The Cotswolds.” Go there and you will know why, this village is truly the place to get a bit of Great British countryside.
Among some of the best things to do in Broadway is to walk up to the Broadway Tower, the second highest point in The Cotswolds with sweeping countryside views, which on a clear day, spans 16 counties. A couple of miles down the road is the National Trust property Snowshill Manor and Gardens, a historic Manor House complete with English country garden and in the summer, a model village on display.
One of the best ways to pass a few hours here though is just to stroll along the high street, it really is very picturesque and there are lots of interesting, independent shops selling everything from antique furniture, clothes and hand made chocolates.
Interspersed between the shops there are numerous cafés serving breakfast, lunch and light bites, with the most eye catching being the Broadway Deli with a small café and garden out the back. For some wine and tapas, head to the Lygon Wine Bar or if you fancy a bit of fine dining in a relaxed setting, Tattershall’s Brasserie in the Broadway Hotel is a great choice.
If at all possible, try not to visit in June, July and August as it can get very busy. It is a great location to visit around Christmas as the village does a superb job of getting in the festive spirit, including fairy lights all the way along the high street.
From London
- Distance from London: 95mi (153km)
- Drive time from London: 2 hr 10 minutes
Seven Sisters
Suggested by: The Travel Bunny
If you love the outdoors, epic views, and coastal trails then the Seven Sisters Country Park and cliffs in East Sussex is a must-do day trip from London by car or train.
Escape the urban sprawl for one of the best hikes in the south east and one of the most iconic views in the UK.
Park up at Exceat by Seven Sisters Country Park. Find the nearby sign for the South Downs Way and follow your nose. Walk alongside the snaking Cuckmere River for a while before heading up the hill towards the first cliff, Haven Brow. From here follow the undulating cliff walk cliff until you get to Birling Gap, taking in the amazing views as you go. One of the cliffs is where Harry Potter climbed up to find the boots that transported him to the Quidditch World Cup in The Goblet of Fire. At Birling Gap head down the steps to the beach to grasp the full scale of the cliffs.
Local Tip: Be sure to stay at least 4 metres from the edge when walking the cliffs and at the beach stay back from the base of the cliffs. The chalk cliffs are crumbling and there are often rockfalls.
Stop for a picnic on the cliffs at Birling Gap, have a drink at the cafe or head back to Exceat for lunch at the Cuckmere Inn. In the afternoon hire a kayak or SUP and have some time on the water (you’ll need to book in advance at Buzz Active) or you could walk down the right hand side of the river to Cuckmere Haven and the beach spotting wildlife in the nature reserve. If you want to find the iconic view of the coastguard cottages, you’ll find more info in this guide to visiting Seven Sisters Country Park.
From London
- Distance from London: 70mi 113 km)
- Drive time from London: 2 hr 15 minutes
Bristol
Suggested by: Meet Me in Departures
Bristol has many claims to fame and they all start with the letter B; Blackbeard, Brunel, Balloons, and Banksy. The city makes for a great day trip from London. It’s located 118 miles (189km) from the centre of London. Traffic dependant, the journey should take just under 2.5 hours.
One thing Bristol doesn’t hide is its rich maritime history. The dockside has played an important role in the city for hundreds of years. Part of the history revolves around Edward Teach, also known as the notorious pirate Blackbeard. Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of ‘Treasure Island’ was inspired by one of the dockside pubs The Hole In The Wall. His character, Long John Silver, drank at a pub called the Spyglass and there’s a tribute to this – including the famous ‘’spy hole’’ which still stands today.
Bristol’s top attraction is The SS Great Britain, built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. This is the same engineer who designed two of Bristol’s other iconic landmarks, Temple Meads Station and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Wherever you wander about in Bristol, you will notice how vibrant the city’s street art scene is. As well as being the home of Banksy, Bristol also boasts an autonomous area called Stokes Croft where you’ll find the hub of everything street art. It’s certainly worth a couple of hours exploring this underbelly of the city.
Finally, Bristol is also home to several hot air balloon manufacturers, on calm evenings you will often see balloons floating over the city. Bristol also hosts the International Balloon Fiesta every August at Ashton Court. Over the duration of the fiesta, hundreds of balloons are launched filling the skies with every shape and colour imaginable.
From London
- Distance from London: 118mi (189km)
- Drive time from London: 2 ½ hrs
Norwich
Suggested by: Roaming Required
Suggested by: Roaming Required
Norwich in Norfolk is a pretty and creative place, drawing on a rich history as being the most complete medieval city in the UK.
You could easily spend a weekend in Norwich, but if you only have one day then consider a visit to the Norwich Cathedral, an ancient beauty of stained glass, and cream-coloured Caen limestone. The domineering Norwich castle sits on a tall mound overlooking the Old Town is worth some of your time, as is the Market.
Norwich is home to a 900-year old market. Situated in the heart of the city, it operates most of the week. Merchants sell everything from spices to organic fruit and veg, flowers, clothing. If you’re feeling peckish there are plenty of food stalls selling everything from chips to pies to everything in between.
If you’re craving green space, Norfolk happens to be the only English city situated in a National Park, the Norfolk Broads, a beautiful countryside setting with charming and picturesque towns and villages with over 125 miles of navigable waterways.
From London
- Distance from London: 118mi (190km)
- Drive time from London: 2 ½ hours
Lulworth Cove
Suggested by: The Gap Decaders
Lulworth Cove is a stunning and unique horseshoe cove in the popular holiday county of East Dorset. A part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to dramatic rock formations, cliffs and dinosaur fossils as well as pretty villages and traditional sea-side resorts and is a favourite of day trippers and those taking a longer UK holiday.
Lulworth Cove is perfect for swimming and water sports on a hot summer’s day, with a sloping beach and clear turquoise waters. Hire a kayak and head for deeper water or embrace your childhood and try a bit or rock-pooling at either end of the bay.
For more spectacular scenery, head west on foot from Lulworth Cove to the dramatic sea arch of Durdle Door and it’s beautiful beach or walk on the south west coastal path to the fascinating fossil forest, formed millions of years ago. Further along the cliff path is Worbarrow Bay, a beautiful, secluded and much less visited cove, only accessible by walking from Lulworth or the tiny abandoned village of Tyneham.
Once you’ve done with swimming and walking, head to East Lulworth and the charming thatched Weld Arms, for a warm welcome and delicious local food. You’ll arrive home relaxed and tired after a day of sea air and amazing natural wonders.
From London
- Distance from London: 127mi (205km)
- Drive time from London: 2 ½ hours
North Norfolk Coast
Suggested by: Two Plus Dogs
The North Norfolk coast is perfect for a day trip from London to escape the pace of city life.
Pack your walking shoes and enjoy the complete contrast of miles of golden beaches, sea air, peace and quiet, wildlife and nature, and open spaces.
As you drive towards the Norfolk coast, relax by taking in the views of the marshlands and quaint country villages.
Start your day at the beautiful Wells-by-the-sea, where you can grab brunch at one of the many cafes and hotels offering quality, local produce. The Crown Hotel is a local favourite, serving homemade granola, locally smoked salmon, or a really good full English breakfast. Walk off your breakfast with a stroll around the pretty, independent shops on your way down to the beach.
At the beach head left and enjoy the beautiful sandy expanse which stretches to Holkham. Holkham beach is simply stunning and was voted UK Beach of the Year 2018. Time it right and you may be lucky enough to see the pounding of hooves on this beach as the riders exercise their horses. In addition to the unspoiled sand, you will find a bordering forest and sand dunes so take your pick of backdrops. Holkham itself also boasts an estate and nature reserve; 18th century country house Holkham Hall is also a great choice if you fancy taking in some history and natural beauty.
Back in Wells-by-the-sea, head back along the coastal road, where you will pass both Titchwell Manor and Eric’s Fish and Chips. Both are popular, family-owned businesses and a must visit when at the coast. The afternoon tea at Titchwell Manor is top notch, as are the fish and chips at Eric’s. Go traditional or try the delicious spinach and halloumi arancini. You will see a fishmonger, fresh produce shop, and other small independent shops here so bring a cooler bag, and stock up with Norfolk’s fresh finest to take home.
From London
- Distance from London: 132mi (212 km)
- Drive time from London: 2 ½ hours
Pin It for Later
Staying in London?
Check out our other London articles:
- Conquering the Bermondsey Beer Mile
- 37 Unusual Things To Do in London for Couples
- Romantic things to do in London under £10
- 18 Iconic London Landmarks You Cannot Miss
Exploring the UK?
Check out these posts:
- Can I Use ePassport Gates in the UK?
- 11 of the Best Castles Near London
- 9 Awesome UK Breaks in England
- Discovering The Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent
- Weekend in Norwich – What to See, Eat, Do
- 21 Same-day Road Trips from Glasgow
Train or Drive?
Day Trips from London are easiest by car. Many cities are easy by train from London, but getting out to the rural, quaint country villages is much much easier with a car. That’s why we recommend hiring a car for independent travel.
Need a Hotel?
Sometimes plans change. Perhaps you love your day trip so much that you want to stay the night and see more the next day. Book a hotel nearby to extend your trip.
Do You Have Travel Insurance?
Accidents happen and travel insurance is something you should always have before setting off on an adventure. It’s almost always cheaper to buy a prepaid annual policy than trip by trip. If you’re hiring a car as mentioned in this post, be sure to check that you’re covered for damages no matter who’s at fault. Should something happen, you want to know you’ll be taken care of and not a burden physically or financially to your family and friends.
Travel Smart. Travel Safe.
Need a SIM Card?
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If you’re needing a SIM card, there are Prepaid or Pay As You Go (PAYG) options.
Order a Prepaid SIM Card for the UK online and have it shipped to you.
