15 Fun Day Trips From London by Car in Under 2 Hours

Last updated: 17 July 2023

If you’re looking for ideas on where to go for some day trips from London by car then you’ve come to the right place. We love taking a good weekend trip from London, it’s a great opportunity for some fresh air, get some perspective, and a change of scenery is great for the mind and the body. Don’t get us wrong, we love living in London because it’s fabulous, vibrant and oh-so exciting but one of life’s little joys is the ability to hop in the car and have a great day out on the road.

There’s so many reasons to organise some car day trips from London, such as being able to discover the English countryside; with quaint villages and dramatic coastlines that are within easy reach on a road trip from London.

Choosing a day trip can seem impossible when there are so many fabulous places to get out and explore. The UK is blessed with a great rail network but it can be expensive and takes away some of the spontaneity. With that in mind, I’ve compiled some suggestions from a few expert travel bloggers about their favourite same-day road trips from London.

In this post we’re here to give you a list of 15 easy hassle-free day trips from London by car accessible in under two hours.  

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Map – Day Trips from London by Car in Under 2 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:

• Day Trips from London (<90 Mins) – Blue pins
• Day Trips from London (90 Mins – <2 hours) – Red pins

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. 

1. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is one of Britain’s great stately homes.

A day trip from London by car to this UNESCO World Heritage Site can be done in a variety of ways. Explore the grounds and the house at your leisure, or join one of the free 45-minute guided tours which will lead you through the rooms adorned with tapestries, and into the Great Hall, a soaring space with a 20m-high ceiling. 

Suggested by: Roaming Required

Don’t miss the Blenheim Tapestries, a set of 10 large wall hangings; the State Dining Room, with an impressive trompe l’oeil ceiling; and the magnificent Long Library, which is overlooked by a statue of Queen Anne, who funded Blenheim’s conception by providing both funds and land.

Sir Winston Churchill, Britain’s famous war-time Prime Minister was born here in 1874. Fans or those curious to discover more about Britain’s most famous PM should look to the Churchill Exhibition, which is included in the ticket price. The exhibition details Churchill’s work and life including his much loved pastime of painting. Winston Churchill is buried in the local parish church in Bladon, 1.5 miles south, just outside the grounds.

Leave time to explore the vast, lavish gardens and parklands, parts of which were landscaped by England’s greatest gardener, ‘Capability’ Brown, who also landscaped Trentham Gardens in Stoke-on-Trent. 

A short stroll will take visitors around two large water terraces. On weekends, the mini-train (£0.50p) takes visitors between the Palace and the Pleasure Gardens, where there is a yew maze, adventure playground, and butterfly house.

Ramblers may enjoy one of many walks of up to 4.5 miles around the property where paths skirt an arboretum, the rose garden, and more.  Be sure to keep an eye out for the Temple of Diana where Winston proposed to his beloved Clemmie in the summer of 1908.

From London

• Distance from London: 65mi (105km)
• Drive time from London: 1 hour 25 minutes

2. Hampton Court Palace

Situated 12 miles south west and upstream of central London on the River Thames is Hampton Court Palace.

For centuries it was the site of spectacle, intrigue, and scandal. Construction began in 1515 before the Palace came into the possession of non-other than the infamous King Henry VIII. 

Suggested by: Roaming Required

You’ll need the entire day to discover the Palace so we suggest setting off early on this car day trip from London.  Save time to explore the world-famous gardens including 60 acres of spectacular formal gardens, the spectacular herbaceous border in the East Front Gardens, the Great Vine and the topiary of the Privy Garden. Don’t miss The Pond Gardens which are an absolute highlight of the Hampton Court Gardens, especially in spring and summer when vibrant displays of tulips and summer planting fill the space.

If you’re visiting in Summer, Luna Cinema returns to Hampton Court Palace for four evenings for the ultimate night of cinema under the stars. Feel free to bring a picnic with you to enjoy before the film. Classic films like Romeo + Juliet, & Grease make the line up alongside box office hits like Rocketman and Joker.

From London

• Distance from London: 16mi (26km)
• Drive time from London: 45 minutes

3. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Attention Potterheads! Just outside London lies the Warner Bros Studio, the home of Harry Potter. 

The story that captured our imaginations 20 years ago is no less magical today, especially when you get to peak behind the curtain and see how it all happened.  

Suggested by: Roaming Required

Leave your muggle friends behind, the real Hogwarts is for wizards, witches, and die-hard Potter fans who will rejoice at the chance to walk through Gringotts Wizarding Bank, come face to face with a Ukrainian Ironbelly, and see so many of the sets, costumes and props that made the iconic films one of the biggest movie series in history.

If you have your own wand, cape, or house scarf, now is the time to wear it, with all the zeal you can muster, for here, no one is ever going to judge you for it.

You can self-drive to the studio in Leavesden from London where free parking is available on site. You will need to book your Studio tickets well in advance, or if you’re stuck for tickets on a particular date try a tour.

For much more info about the Warner Bros Studio Tour and the making of Harry Potter, check out our video. 

From London

• Distance from London: 21mi (34km)
• Drive time from London: 53 minutes

4. Hever Castle

Suggested by: Fjords and Beaches

Hever Castle and Gardens makes for a great car day trip from London, where you will be able to spend all day exploring the gardens and the history of this place. 

The castle itself is famous for being the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. If you have visited the Tower of London (where she was beheaded) and Hampton Court Palace (where she reigned as Queen for 3 short years), you shouldn’t miss the place where she grew up, and where she was exiled during her time at King Henry VIII’s Court. Once inside you’ll get a sneak peek of Tudor life, and also learn more about Anne’s time at Hever.

Fun fact: Hever Castle was (naturally) given to the Crown after Anne’s beheading, and later gifted as a «settlement gift» to Henry’s fourth wife; Anne of Cleves. So more than one royal has roamed the halls at Hever.

When visiting Hever Castle by car, you’ll be happy to hear that there is free parking on site. During the high season, there are staff monitoring the car park and directing traffic so you will be shown to a designated parking space. 

Just across the road from the main entrance to the castle you’ll find the village church, inside which lies the Boleyn family burial, although Anne herself is buried at the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula at the Tower of London. By the church you will also find a pub, aptly named the King Henry VIII, which is a great spot to grab lunch if you don’t bring a picnic to eat in the vast gardens of the castle.

From London

• Distance from London: 30 miles (about 48 km)
• Drive time from London: 1 hr 10 minutes 

5. Leeds Castle

Just east of Maidstone in Kent lies Leeds Castle. The formidable fort is situated some 4 hours or 230 miles from the English city with the same name.  Despite the confusion over the name, Leeds Castle is most definitely possible as one of our day trips from London by car.

The castle and its vast estate provide a variety of attractions and entertainment by way of a hedge maze, an underground grotto, a quirky dog-collar museum, falconry demonstrations, peaceful walks with wildfowl wandering freely, and birding ops with an aviary. Activities for children include adventure golf, the Squires’ Court and Knights’ Stronghold Playgrounds. 

This romantic castle is one of the most visited in Britain with a history that spans more than 1000 years. It was home to a medieval queen, Catherine of Aragon, who happened to be the first wife of King Henry VIII. 

Did you know: Henry’s marriage to Catherine lasted nearly 24 years. His following five marriages lasted less than 10 years combined.

Fast forward a few centuries, In the post-war era of the late 1920’s and 30’s, the high-society hostess Lady Baillie became the new owner of Leeds Castle which she used primarily as a family home and party pad. She quickly became one of the most influential hostesses of her day, she entertained royalty, stars of the silver screen -the likes of Errol Flynn, Douglas Fairbanks and politicians like JFK, Churchill and Eden.

As you stroll around the stunning ‘ladies castle’, consider the names that could have roamed these halls at any one time in the past.  

You can travel by train from London Victoria to Bearsted, and catch a shuttle, but travelling by car is significantly easier and free parking is available onsite. 

From London

• Distance from London: 44mi (70km)
• Drive time from London: 1 hour 10 minutes

6. Dover

Suggested by: Illness to Ultra

Dover is a well-known port town located about 1 hr and 45 min away from the centre of London. Most people visiting Dover are either arriving from the continent via Calais, France, and continuing on, or specifically to see the incredible chalk White Cliffs of Dover.

While the latter is undoubtedly spectacular and well worth a visit, there are a few other things to do in Dover that make this overlooked port town a fantastic day trip from London – especially if you have a car.

History lovers will enjoy a wide range of historical facts and legends. Head to the Dover Museum which houses an incredibly well-preserved Bronze Age ship, or explore one of the largest fortresses in England Dover Castle – here’s how we get in for free.

You can also discover the military history of England at the Western Heights fortress which is a network of forts, ramparts, and ditches that were built at the end of the 18th century and stayed in use until just after the Second World War. There is even the Roman Painted House available to visit if you’d like to see what a 3rd-century hostel looked like.

If you enjoy the beautiful scenery and a pleasant walk, there are about 16 miles of trails (8 on either side of Dover) that take you along the cliff edges.

The South Foreland Walk goes to St. Margaret’s Bay which is a quaint little seaside village that sits in the midst cove along the White Cliffs. Only 4 miles round trip, this walk serves up spectacular views of the English Channel, and possibly France on a clear day. Another great walking option is to head over to Samphire Hoe which provides a jaw-dropping viewing spot for both the White Cliffs and the local wildlife.

From London

• Distance from London: 76mi (122 km)
• Drive time from London: 1 hr 45 minutes 

7. Brighton

Suggested by: Stoked to Travel

The popular seaside town of Brighton is one of the best day trips from London. Offering the best of a vibrant beachfront city, with cultural and historical attractions to boot, Brighton has something for everyone.

The most obvious attraction is its lively (albeit pebbly) beach which draws huge crowds, particularly in the summer months. Whilst you can spend a day soaking up the sun (and dodging the cheeky seagulls coming after your chips), you could be a little active and take an SUP or kayak out on the water; both of which are easily hired on the beachfront. Culturally curious explorers can spend time perusing the tiny art galleries tucked away in the old arches behind the beach, once used by fisherman (and pirates!)

Away from the beach, ’The Lanes’ are the first set of laneways you’d come across, directly behind the beach. Start on East Street and meander away from the sea. Take the time to get lost in the tiny pathways which create a maze all the way towards the Royal Pavilion.

This is the iconic symbol of Brighton, based on an Indian Palace and built by the Prince of Wales. If you don’t go inside, then make sure to visit the Pavilion Gardens which often have delightful live music too. Adjacent to the Royal Pavilion is the ‘North Laine’. This is a hive of activity with an abundance of independent shops, boutique stores and all the quirky goods Brighton is known for – with stores selling things such as vegan leather shoes, crystals or locally handmade jewellery.

If you’ve been to Brighton a few times, then you could instead visit the magnificent Devil’s Dyke at the edge of the South Downs for a walk. This 100m deep, V-shaped valley offers incredible views in all directions. To the north you can see the tiny Sussex villages nestled in the Downs, and to the south across the whole of Brighton and the English Channel. You can easily drive and park here, but there’s also an epic open-top bus (the number 77) to take from the heart of town which adds to the adventure. 

Brighton is known for its food. Take a food tour, or take a local recommendation such as Food for Friends, a delicious vegetarian restaurant. A real culinary treat is 64 degrees in The Lanes known for their menu of delectable small plates serving British cuisine – but always book beforehand! 

From London

• Distance from London: 53mi (85km)
• Drive time from London: 1 hour 40 minutes

8. Milton Keynes

This commuter town was originally conceived as an over-spill zone for the ever expanding capital. In recent years Milton Keynes, or MK as it’s referred to by locals, is labelled bland and full of concrete cow pats (roundabouts) by it’s bigger cousins of Oxford and Birmingham. But if you scratch beneath the surface, it begins to come alive and makes a fabulous option for one of the day trips from London by car.

I’ll be honest with you, MK is very accessible by train. It’s actually quicker to reach Milton Keynes by train from London. For those travelling by car, Milton Keynes was built to be modern and efficient with a grid layout of distributor roads and plenty of parking.

For a day trip to Milton Keynes, divide your time based on your interests.  Thrill-seekers will love Milton Keynes for indoor skydiving, indoor skiing and snowboarding; while history-buffs should make a day of it and visit Bletchley Park. The top-secret home of Britain’s war-time codebreakers who cracked cyphers and codes of the Nazi enigma machines contributing to the Allied victory of WWII. 

Whether you go for learning or adrenaline-pumping activities, make time to eat.  Foodies will love dining at some fabulous independent restaurants in Milton Keynes, these are a great option and a way to support small business. 

From London

• Distance from London: 54mi (86km)
• Drive time from London: 1 hour 30 minutes

9. Southend

Suggested by: Essex Explored

A great day trip from London by car is to Southend-On-Sea in Essex. 

Situated on the River Thames, the beaches are what make Southend a popular day trip destination from London providing visitors the choice of four blue flag beaches. 

There are plenty of things to do in Southend. The 19th century Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world at a length of 1.34 miles, you can either walk it or take the train to the end and back! 

A fun family day out would include a visit to the Adventure Island amusement park and a beachside lunch consisting of fish and chips. Aim for one along the Western Esplanade, opposite Adventure Island, whichever one you choose, you can’t really go wrong! A local recommendation is the Waterfront Cafe and Alfie’s Fish and Chips. Don’t miss out on Rossi ice cream, it’s been made in Southend since 1932!

The best place to park is either at the Seaway Car Park or along the Western Esplanade. On a busy day, if the Seaway Car Park is full, head away from Adventure Island and park closer to the Cliffs Pavilion where there are usually more spaces available, and you’ll be rewarded with a walk along the seafront. 

From London

• Distance from London: 42mi (67km)
• Drive time from London: 1 hour 15 minutes 

10. Mersea Island

Suggested by: A Social Nomad

Mersea Island in Essex is a delightful option for a weekend car trip from London. 

While less than 70 miles away, it’s essential you time your visit correctly as Mersea is an island in a river estuary off the coast of Essex and is reached only by a tidal causeway which is inaccessible at certain points of the tide!

The causeway was built by the Romans who occupied the area and built the walled town of Colchester nearby.  The Romans are also responsible for two of the culinary delights of Mersea Island which will make your weekend trip here all the more special.  Colchester Native Oysters are grown here and are an amazing treat – head to the famous Company Shed restaurant in West Mersea or the almost-next-door West Mersea Oyster Bar for a fabulous local seafood platter. 

The Romans also planted vines here and the Mersea Island vineyard and brewery is a fabulous spot for a wine tasting session or a lovely lunch within the vines.

Mersea Island is a fabulous place for an escape from London – there are romantic bed and breakfasts, hotels and cottages.  This is the quintessential English seaside break, so you’ll want to rent a beach hut for a day and enjoy the beach life, or even join the local families crabbing on the pontoon.

From London

• Distance from London: 68mi (110km) 
• Drive time from London: 1 ½ hrs 

11. Windsor

Suggested by: Travel Melodies

A great day trip from London is to the world famous fairy-tale Windsor Castle, one of the favourite homes of the Queen.

Windsor Castle was built in the 11th century and holds that old-world grandeur and persona to charm you from the second you walk in. 

The best way to explore the castle is by taking the audio tour that guides you through the important state-rooms, semi-state room and other important buildings in the castle. The state rooms have a grand décor with beautiful paintings and art work. The semi-state rooms are the private quarters that have richly decorated interiors.

Unless an event is planned, it is possible to visit the beautiful St. George’s Chapel, the venue for the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle in 2018.

Do check out the Queen Mary’s Doll House built way back in 1920. The details spent on the doll house – the bedrooms, the library with miniature books, garden etc. are worth appreciating. 

When the interiors and architecture of the buildings are so magnificent, how can the gardens and lawns be left behind. The perfectly manicured lawns and gardens with exotic flowers are pleasing to the eyes.

A visit to the castle is incomplete without watching the Change of Guard ceremony. Stand outside the castle well before 11am to catch a spot to watch the red colour dressed guards with their famous bearskin black hats march past you in perfect symphony. 

Tip: Book the tickets in advance to skip the lines of entry.

Note: Be mindful that taking photographs inside the castle buildings is strictly prohibited.

From London

• Distance from London: 22mi (35km)
• Drive time from London: 1 hour

12. Canterbury

Suggested by: The Diary of a Nomad

If you’re looking for a relaxing day trip from London to a quiet and beautiful place, look no further than Canterbury.

A part of the UNESCO World Heritage, this historical town has a unique charm to it — wandering around its quiet cobblestone streets, you’ll often come across charming views of River Stour, which cuts through the city in between the medieval townhouses, and it’s truly a pleasant sight.

This town also has a really relaxing atmosphere and provides a great contrast to the bustling city life of London.

There are plenty of stunning and historical places to visit here, starting with the majestic Canterbury Cathedral, a large pilgrimage centre of medieval England. Completed in 1077, this cathedral is also one of the oldest Christian structures in the country, and walking inside, you’ll be amazed by its spectacular architecture, especially in the cloisters. 

Another unmissable place in Canterbury is Westgate Gardens, which offers beautiful views of River Stour. You can take a stroll or simply sit on the grass to relax and soak in the peaceful vibes of this place, which is also one of the oldest parks in England.

Don’t leave Canterbury without stopping by St John Boys House. Snap a photo of the peculiar design of this building and don’t forget to step inside — it houses an awesome bookshop!

From London

• Distance from London: 62mi (100km) 
• Drive time from London: 1 hr 40 minutes

13. Oxford

Suggested by: Raw Mal Roams

Oxford is probably the most famous city in the UK after London, and a must-see if you’re looking for a day trip from London.

Oxford is a home for one of the best universities in the world. The 38 independent colleges that make up Oxford dominate the city’s skyline.

Take a walking tour to find out about them and many other exciting places such as Oxford Castle and Prison to find out how life looked like over a 1,000 years ago.

If you’re a fan of outdoor activities, take a punt boat on the river, which is a big tradition in Oxford. It’s a lot of fun, and you can see the city from a different perspective.

If you’re in the need of a bit of retail therapy, you won’t be disappointed at the nearby designer outlet, Bicester Village, which is great for bargains and discounted world-famous brands.

Tip: If you’re travelling from London, consider leaving your car in one of the park & rides situated outside of the city.

14. Cambridge

Suggested by: What’s Hot?

Cambridge is a small, walking city making it the perfect location for a same-day trip from London.

This university town has many of the top things to do that revolve around the prestigious Cambridge University. It’s one of the oldest universities in the world, dating back to the early thirteenth century and much of this beautiful historic architecture has been preserved. As a result, walking around Cambridge can feel like you have stepped back in time!

The university is actually split up into 31 colleges, each of which is distinct. The top two colleges to visit on a day trip to Cambridge are King’s College and St John’s College. These are two of the biggest and richest colleges with absolutely magnificent grounds, buildings and chapels. Cambridge is also a very literary city as many authors and notable academics have lived here so book lovers should add G. David, one of the best Cambridge bookshops to their list. It’s right by King’s College so you’ve got no excuse not to poke your head in. 

One of the most popular activities in Cambridge is punting. You can choose to rent your own punt or be punted by a professional whilst you enjoy the view (the latter is recommended!). The river route will take you down the backs so you can see lots of Cambridge colleges from afar and enjoy the beautiful Cambridge scenery. 

For refreshments, there’s the University Arms hotel where you can indulge in the quintessentially British activity that is afternoon tea. The hotel is modelled on Cambridge colleges so you’ll feel like you’re dining like a Cambridge University student (but with much better food!).

For a mid-afternoon pick me up, Fitzbillie’s Chelsea buns are a must. These are infamous in Cambridge so if you don’t have time to sit and enjoy it in the cafe then make sure to take one to go. 

From London

• Distance from London: 64 miles (103km)
• Drive time from London: 1 hour 45 minutes 

15. Chislehurst Caves

Suggested by: My Travelogue

Quite amusingly, Chislehurst Caves in London, is not natural, but man-made. It was originally excavated for chalk that was used in brick making and lime burning.

Currently certain portions of the caves are open to the public, but it can be accessed only in a guided tour that happens every hour. The caves are a labyrinth of tunnels and it is easy to get lost if the tour-guide is not followed.

It was used during both the world wars, it served as a hide-out for the general public as well as for the storage of arms & ammunition.

There is a small gallery that has a life-size representation of how it would have looked, with bunker beds and people during the wars.

Being a historic cave, the only light inside is by a hurricane lamp that you’re given when the tour begins. With damp and uneven flooring this site isn’t accessible for some travellers although wheelchairs are permitted into the caves.

 From London

• Distance from London: 14mi (22km)
• Drive time from London: 1 hour

Staying in London?

Check out our other London articles:

• 13 of the Best Bookshops in London
• 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

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.

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